Ride Lust - Motion + Mobility

World's Fastest Cars

David — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Stub article for future use.

Car Logos

David — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Stub Pages: History Gallery

Corvette Models

David — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Here is where we profile Corvette Models year by year. http://www.ridelust.com/corvettes/1953_corvette/ http://www.ridelust.com/corvettes/1957_corvette/ http://www.ridelust.com/corvettes/1958_corvette/

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Ryan — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

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Fisker is going to Teach Tesla and the World about the Karma... in 2009

will bee — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/fisker-still-on-track-to-deliver-karma-by-end-of-2009/

What Makes the Nissan GT-R the Ultimate Supercar?

will bee — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

What was surely one of the most hyped concept cars of 2007, the Nissan GT-R is now the most interesting car of 2008. As a supercar, as defined in a recent article here in Ridelust, the Nissan GT-R is one of the most technologically advanced, multi-purpose, and affordable performance cars on the road today. With its polished steel appearance and masculine, edgey design the GT-R is the natural result when form follows a well-focused philosophy of purpose. Philosophy Nissan approached their GT-R concept with the intended purpose of producing a performance driven vehicle that could be driven nearly anywhere and in a miriade of conditions. While the GT-R follows in the footsteps first layed out by the 1969 PGC10 GT-R and the designs to followed, the latest GT-R is the first model not to be derived off another Nissan model. It is not a dressed up, high-octane Skyline, like the tuner-cult favorite the R34, but a purpose driven coupe. The 2008 GT-R may carry some of the styling cues of its predicessors, but it truly is a one-off design focused on reaching exclusive status in levels of technology and performance. Nissan's Product Chief Designer for the GT-R, Hiroshi Hasegawa, described the vehicles philosophy best: What makes a Nissan GT-R boils down to two ideas: "design backed by function to realize exceptional performance," and "continuation of the original design heritage." A piece of that heritage can be seen here in this 1998 Skyline GT-R. Some supercar builders may look to mimic the designs of other cars in the market, but Nissan recognized their very own niche in the early development of the new GT-R. As they put it, the Nissan GT-R is very Japanese and would not be mistaken for the finessed lines of an Italian sports car or the muscular purpose of an American sports car.

Will the Make Hemp Legal Cause be Fueled by its Biodiesel Potential?

will bee — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Hemp has been around for ages and can be used to make a great many things. A simple rundown of products made form hemp are oils, lotions, rope, clothing, yarn, jewelry, and so forth. The misconception that hemp IS marijuana is still prevalent today and the average persons inability to distinguish the two plants led to its becoming illegal in the US. However, a number of factions are trying to change that legislation and to legalize hemp. Despite all the uses of hemp there is one use that may finally give hemp the surge it needs to become legal. The use of hemp for the production of biodiesel THE MAKE HEMP BIODIESEL LEGAL CROWD Unfortunately the proponents of Hemp Fuel do not have an appealing spokesperson to go with the cause, and for some strange and purely unrelated reason the advocates for Hemp Biodiesel sound like stoners. If you can make it through the Hemp for Peace song that Willie Nelson must have donated to the cause in exchange for weed check out the speaker that follows. He is a true believer. The use of Hempseed for biodiesel is not a new science as the HempCar sought to educate the general public during its national tour in 2001. As long as the growing of Hemp is illegal in the United States Hemp biodiesel is unlikely, but the philosophy that drives it has a lot of appeal. Another wise alternative to Big Oil that is only briefly touched on is the regionalization of biofuels as opposed the the large refinaries in isolated areas that we see today. By making biodiesel regionally the fuel stocks and the resulting diesel do not have to be trucked all over the country, thus adding more fuel savings to the process.

Saab Uses Human Cadavers in Crash Testing

will bee — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

test

Ryan — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

test

7 Car Gadgets To Pimp Your Ride

David — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Car Sandwich Maker

I know I've always wanted a Car Sandwich Maker handy so when I'm on a long trip I can make an amazing grilled cheese and tomato sandwich as the wind blows past me in my convertible. So this gadget sure hits the spot.

Flying Taxis to become reality in 2010?

David — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

The concept of flying cars is one that has enamored me since I was a kid. I believe the movie I saw that sparked this was

The Avcen Jetpod T-100 is a proposed flying taxi, a VQSTOL (Very Quiet Short Take-Off and Landing) vehicle that, if you believe the company that wants to produce it, could be airborne by 2010. It would be used as a transporter for groups of people between city centers and outlying areas such as airports rather than as a replacement for regular cars. That's a good thing, as I wouldn't trust most people behind the wheel of a small plane. But with a certified pilot, this could reduce congestion and make getting out of town a much easier affair. I'm skeptical, but we'll see how this pans out.

Source: Dvice

Sanyo and Volksawagon hookup for Hybrid Technology

David — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Sanyo and Volkswagen announced an agreement on Wednesday to make lithium-ion batteries for hybrid electric vehicles, turning up the competition in the field for energy-efficient cars. Sanyo intends to open a factory to make the batteries in 2010 and Volkswagen plans to introduce a car with them the same year, according to a Bloomberg report. The first car to get the batteries will be an Audi AG, Reuters reported.

Guys who drive 'Green Cars' get all the girls

David — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

According to a recent study

I was going to start my 5 part series on lunatic hypermiliers and the decline of western civilization today, but I got pulled over on my way to work, and now I’m writing about the poor state of our highway system

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Luxury Sedan for th

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

The Neoteric Hovercraft...

will bee — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

http://www.neoterichovercraft.com/products/priceList.php?assemblyClass=fully&action=assemblyClass&model=general&seatClass=sxs http://www.neoterichovercraft.com/general_info/questions_and_answers.htm Source[IGN]

10 Pages of Sizzling Hawt Corvette Girls

David — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

My recent appointment as resident ~~car buff~~ Corvette Girl expert here at Ridelust got me thinking. Ok, it got me looking. So without further ado I bring you after hours of intense research. 10 pages of Sizzling Hawt Corvette Girls.

The Diesel's are Coming! The Diesel's are Coming! ..But Where are They?

will bee — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Auto manufacturers have been saying for some time that diesels were on their way to the USA. American's have watched with curiousity why Europeans are so diesel friendly while we shutter at the memory of our own choking, sooted diesel past. However, now we are on the forefront of a new diesel age... a cleaner diesel age, and what do we have to show for it? ...Concepts and Promises. Back in my High School Days in the late 80's early 90's a friend of mine drove a hand-me-down VW Rabbit Diesel. As he was often my ride to places before I had my own license I would giggle, half in mockery and half in embarrassment, as we gagged, sputtered, clattered and shook our way down the road leaving plumes of exhaust at every traffic stop. For many living and driving during those times that is probably the shared image of diesels that has persisted for decades now. The times are changing though and diesels have changed right along with them... right under our noses too. Todays diesel fuel and diesel engines are cleaner than the past and they have done so without many of us noticing. By 2006 the US had sought to further clean up its diesel act by reducing the toxic sulfur levels that are emitted from the fuel after burning to 15ppm (parts per million). With a cleaner burning diesel you should see a peaking of interest in the fuel, but like most things diesel the change went unnoticed by most. Instead, just as the diesel discussion was ramping up again what most American's are seeing is a large price difference at the pump between diesel and gasoline. Looking at the fuel pumps in the South-Atlantic area where there is a price of $3.10/gallon for gasoline there is a competing price of $3.69/gallon for diesel. That is a considerable mark-up for fuel; especially in a nation where drivers are known for passing up multiple stations to find that one fuel stop that is selling gas at 2 cents cheaper per gallon than its competitors. A considerable reason for the increase in the price difference is the refining cost. Those refiners that we have producing diesel in this country require a longer refining time to produce the cleaner, low-sulfer diesel mandated by law. A longer refining time will slow the production levels and undoubtedly raise the cost of refining. One comparison of the price breakdown of fuels in 2005 showed it this way: "Helpfully, the EIA offers a breakdown of that $3.10-a-gallon diesel from October: 16 percent of the $3.10 goes to taxes, 10 percent to distribution and marketing, 29 percent for refining, 45 percent for crude oil."Compare that to the breakdown on a gallon of regular gas from October, which cost $2.72. Of that, 16 percent went to taxes, 18 percent to distribution and marketing, 15 percent to refining, 51 percent to crude oil." (Edmunds)Refining costs at that time were 29% for diesel while gasoline was at 15% of the price of fuel. One could speculate that the refining percentage of a gallon of diesel may have gone up a few percentage points in recent years. But do higher diesel prices mitigate the economic advantages of going diesel? With higher miles-per-gallon ratings on the projected diesel cars targeted for the US in the future will higher fuel prices cancel out the advantages of going diesel? And what about BioDiesel?If you are strictly speaking cars in the US there is one diesel listed as currently available and that is the Mercedez E320 Blutec Sedan. Looking at its highway comparison of its comperable gasoline variant you see a highway rating of 32mpg for diesel and 23mpg for gasoline. This is how a comparison of the two engine variants breaks down at the pump and in the cost of driving.

Diesel

Gasoline

While your travel distance is greater with the diesel engine of the Mercedes the cost of the diesel fuel in comarison to the gasoline only yields a .014 cent savings. And that fuel comparison does not take into account any cost difference between buying the car with the diesel engine compared to the gasoline. The Mercedes-Benz E320 ratings and cost savings may not be the rule, but as one of, if not the only, diesel car on the market it must be setting some standard that others are watching (Diesel Forum). My favorite comparison of diesel to gasoline ratings is the BMW 1-Series. An unfair comparison of the BMW 123d versus the sporty 135i brings about a completely different result when comparing the two engine costs of fueling:

123d M Sport

135i M Sport

Now these are purely our numbers with slightly fudged accuracy. The tank size is an estimate for the 1-Series, but that would not throw off our Cents per Mile results. Also, the US rating for the 135i is set at 25mpg, but generosity and probability bumped that up to a 28mpg rating (nit-pick all you wish). At the above ratings though you can see the BMW diesel, while less sporty by 100-hp than the 135i, arrives at a much more appealing fuel savings than the above Mercedes comparison (.051 cents). According to some diesel ,and inparticularly Biodiesel, is a viable means to combat the high fuel costs and our dependency on foreign oil. However, car companies are not embracing the biodiesel for use in their diesel engines part because there is little regulation on biodiesel at this time. A study performed on various distributers of B20 BioDiesel (20% bio/80% diesel) showed that there is a varying degree of biodiesel in the blend; ranging from 15% all the way up to 30%.

2005 Corvettte

David — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

About The 2005 Corvette Don’t worry there’s more Find out more information about Corvettes in our Corvette Resource Guide

will bee — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Has anyone else seen the new BP Commercials on tv lately?

Coal-to-Liquid Fuel Still on the Plate?

will bee — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

It was reported in China over the weekend that theÂ ChineseÂ governmentÂ would not be allotting any further funds to advance the research into turning coal into liquid gasoline or diesel. Noting that theÂ conversion of coal-to-liquid, and its use as a fuel, merely adds to the carbon and sulfur emissions that the exploration into alternative fuels should be seeking to remedy. So if a nation starving for energy and still producing Coal Power plants such as China has accepted the weakness of coal-to-liquid exploration, why is it still a topic in the United States Senate? Â

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MrAngry — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

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Arizona Dealerships Swindling Soldiers, Uncle Sam Not Happy With

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

According to reports from

Scion Tuner Cars: "United By

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In fanny-to-the-flame news, Toyota has announced plans to begin producing the Toyota Highlander six months earlier than originally planned. According to Steve St. Angelo, president of

The 2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

10 Cars Guranteed To Get You Laid...On A Budget

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Guranteed to get you laid for under $40,000. 1. Ford F-150 It's not a myth, big trucks with growling engines are a turn on. That having been said, they do NOT work if you're below 5'7" or attach truck nuts to the tow hitch. Then women will just peg you as a douchebag. 2. Hyundai Gensis 4.6 [$ Purposely styled to be resemble an ambiguous luxury sedan, the Hyundai Genesis is the car that was specifically engineered to deliever a full-size luxury sedan on an economy sedan budget. In the right light, the front grill could be mistaken for that of an S-class. Plus, the deathly quiet interior seems tailor-made for keeping an ear tuned for that slight increase in heartbeat and subtle panting that indicates arousal.

Today In History: Taxicabs Invade New York

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

On August 13, 1907, the first taxicabs rolled out onto the streets of New York City [Motto: "Hey Pal, Up Yours"]. The fleet, which numbered 600 strong and featured unique red and green paneling, was the product of an 8 million dollar leap of faith taken by New York Taxicab Company owner Henry N. Allen. Unaffiliated with the business until 1907, Allen founded the New York Taxicab Company after becoming enraged over a five dollar hansom cab fare for a three-quarter mile trip. According to Allen, "I got to brooding over this nighthawk. I made up my mind to start a service in New York and charge so-much per mile." And that's exactly what he did. After securing financial backing from numerous investors, Allen imported 600 gasoline-powered cars from France and began fitting drivers with their West Point-styled uniforms.

Today In History:

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Voted the Number 1 Worst Looking Vehicle for 2008 by MotorTrend, the Honda Ridgeline

Chrysler Financing Department: Screws You Without Even A Kiss First

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Planning on throwing t

The 2009 BMW Series-7

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

test

Alan Harten — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

T

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Maserati GT: End of an era?

Terry Parkhurst — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

There are two ways to look at the Maserati Gran Turismo: the best car Maserati has ever made and an extremely bit of bad timing. Both are perhaps correct.

Of course, with the Gran Turismo, you are buying more than a car itself; you’re buying a legacy. Its heritage stretches back 60 years ago, when the Modena manufacturer launched 58 models of the A6 Gran Turismo styled by Pininfarina. Ten years later, it was the turn of the first standard GranTurismo, the 3500 GT, a car which marked a turning point for the company as it shifted its attention from racing cars to road going production, turning out 1983 models of the 3500 GT in seven years.

Then, the Maserati Biturbo of the Eighties, which had a propensity for self-immolation, sullied the Maserati legacy. Additionally, its styling was reminiscent of a highly evolved Honda. Happily, those days are a distant memory.

The engine compartment houses the same 4.2-liter V8 engine (405 horsepower at 7100 rpm), capable of a top speed of over 175 mph, you’d find in the middle of a Ferrari F430. The cylinder head features chain-driven, double-overhead camshafts. And with acceleration of 0-62 in 5.2 seconds, an exciting drive and thrilling performance are guaranteed.

It is mated up to a ZF six-speed automatic that seems positively telepathic about the driver’s intentions, most especially using the paddle shifts, available for shifting on the steering wheel column. There is also the option of shifting via a center console; or if you simply want to worry about where you’re pointing this car, you can of course simply put it is “Drive” and go.

That wonderful engine is why the second way of looking at this car is perhaps accurate: mileage is just 13 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the open road. Of course, if you can afford to pay $118,525 for a car, maybe mileage doesn’t matter. Admittedly, this car would likely be a third, fourth or even fifth car in the right household.

The dash and the instrument panel are well laid out and user friendly. Like the salesman who gave a brief walk-around when we picked up this car from the service department of Ferrari/Maserati of Seattle said, “Italian cars tend to be pretty straight-forward on controls.”

The interior is not only slathered with all manner of well-tanned and colored leather, it is big: 51 cubic feet up front and 32 cubic feet in the rear. The back seat reminded one rear-seat passenger of mid-Sixties Thunderbirds, the ones that had a rear seat that looked like a sofa. That’s not a bad thing.

On the road, the only drawback seemed to be the steering, which is heavy on center. Perhaps much of that comes from the fact that this car weighs in at 4,374 pounds, which equates to 10.8 pounds per horsepower generated. However, there’s enough boost in the variable power assist that goes along with the rack-and-pinion, so it’s not much of a problem, even at the higher reaches of speed.

Which brings us to speed. Considering that we were responsible for providing $1 million of liability insurance for two-and-a-half days with this car, the fastest we got it was 80 mph. (Take note of someone else’s post here about how Porsche drivers can avoid prison to understand why.) Not only did it show that the sound of the engine at speed, with windows down, provides a better tune than anything on the radio, it also showed the grip on this car, and its ability to track, indicates that its nickname should be “Tenacious-M.”

For the record, the suspension, which allows such performance, consists of unequal control arms up front, coupled with coil springs and an anti-roll bar. In the rear, you’d also find coil springs and an anti-roll bar; however, the unequal length control arms are this time coupled with a toe-in control link. That latter item gives the Maserati an unnerving ability to recover from a power-on oversteer situation.

The exterior of this car looks good in side view and from the rear. The front end, with the large chrome trident that is the long-time symbol of Maserati – found also on the sides of the roof – rest inside a front air intake that seems better suited to a vintage vacuum cleaner. But given the air needs of the engine, form probably follows function here.

What of the future for this car? Well, consider this. The success of the Maserati GranTurismo is now well established. The high-performance sports car from the House of Trident continues to amaze and captivate the international market. Its world début in Geneva nine months ago has been followed by launches in each of the 59 countries in the Maserati network. The launch program was completed at the end of the year with the introduction of right-hand drive. The end of 2007 found the GranTurismo parked in the garages of no fewer than 1326 customers, with orders totaling 2333.

“The sign of a first rate intelligence,” F Scott Fitzgerald once said, “Is the ability to hold two conflicting thoughts, at the same time.”

Maybe the same things apply to cars, and if so, consider the Maserati GT the ultimate paradox, as well as one grand performer. – Terry Parkhurst

There are two ways to look at the Maserati Gran Turismo: the best car Maserati has ever made and an extremely bit of bad timing. Both are perhaps correct.

“The sign of a first rate intelligence,” F Scott Fitzgerald once said, “Is the ability to hold two conflicting thoughts, at the same time.”

Maybe the same things apply to cars, and if so, consider the Maserati GT the ultimate paradox, as well as one grand performer. – Terry Parkhurst

Maserati GT: End of an era or start of a new one?

Terry Parkhurst — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

There are two ways to look at the Maserati Gran Turismo: the best car Maserati has ever made and an extremely bit of bad timing. Both are perhaps correct.

“The sign of a first rate intelligence,” F Scott Fitzgerald once said, “Is the ability to hold two conflicting thoughts, at the same time.”

Maybe the same things apply to cars, and if so, consider the Maserati GT the ultimate paradox, as well as one grand performer. – Terry Parkhurst

Maserati GT: benchwater mark of a marque

Terry Parkhurst — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

There are two ways to look at the Maserati Gran Turismo: the best car Maserati has ever made and an extreme bit of bad timing. Both are perhaps correct.

“The sign of a first rate intelligence,” F Scott Fitzgerald once said, “Is the ability to hold two conflicting thoughts, at the same time.”

Maybe the same things apply to cars, and if so, consider the Maserati GT the ultimate paradox, as well as one grand performer. – Terry Parkhurst

Maserati GT:running fast, while the world runs on empty

Terry Parkhurst — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

There are two ways to look at the Maserati Gran Turismo: the best car Maserati has ever made and an extremely bad bit of timing. Both are perhaps correct.

The Maserati Biturbo of the Eighties, which had a propensity for self-immolation, sullied the Maserati legacy. Additionally, its styling was reminiscent of a highly evolved Honda. Happily, those days are a distant memory.

That engine is why the second way of looking at this car is perhaps accurate: mileage is just 13 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the open road. Of course, if you can afford to pay $118,525 for a car, maybe mileage doesn’t matter. Admittedly, this car would likely be a third, fourth or even fifth car in the right household.

Considering that we were responsible for providing $1 million of liability insurance for two-and-a-half days with this car, the fastest we got it was 80 mph. Not only did it show that the sound of the engine at speed, with windows down, provides a better tune than anything on the radio, it also showed the grip on this car, and its ability to track, indicates that its nickname should be “Tenacious-M.”

What of the future for this car? Well, consider this. The success of the Maserati GranTurismo is now well established. The high-performance sports car from the House of Trident continues to amaze and captivate the international market. Its world début in Geneva almost a year ago has been followed by launches in each of the 59 countries in the Maserati network. The launch program was completed at the end of the year with the introduction of right-hand drive. The end of 2007 found the GranTurismo parked in the garages of no fewer than 1326 customers, with orders totaling 2333.

“The sign of a first rate intelligence,” F Scott Fitzgerald once said, “Is the ability to hold two conflicting thoughts, at the same time.”

Maybe the same things apply to cars, and if so, consider the Maserati GT the ultimate paradox: a first rate car with a prodigious capacity for fuel, in a world thirsty for petroleum. - Terry Parkhurst

Maserati GT: Running fast, while the world runs on empty

Terry Parkhurst — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

There are two ways to look at the Maserati Gran Turismo: the best car Maserati has ever made and an extremely bad bit of timing. Both are perhaps correct.

The engine is why the second way of looking at this car is perhaps accurate: mileage is just 13 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the open road. Of course, if you can afford to pay $118,525 for a car, maybe mileage doesn’t matter. Admittedly, this car would likely be a third, fourth or even fifth car in the right household.

What of the future for this car? Well, consider this. The success of the Maserati GranTurismo is now well established. The high-performance sports car from the House of Trident continues to amaze and captivate the international market. Its world début in Geneva almost a year ago has been followed by launches in each of the 59 countries in the Maserati network. The launch program was completed at the end of the year with the introduction of right-hand drive. The end of 2007 found the GranTurismo parked in the garages of no fewer than 1326 customers, with orders totaling 2333.

Maserati is reportedly working on cars designed to run on bio-fuels. It likely won't come a moment too soon. - Terry Parkhurst

A Marraige Over Before It Began

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In a contest hosted by Law & Order magazine, a Newport News police car took first place for best visual design. The squad car, a 2008 Dodge Magnum (or, "Man Wagon"), is used by

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Daniel Simon is an automotive futurist. He's interned with Lamborghini and worked on concept cars for VW. But the auto industry -- indeed, the galaxy -- could not contain his imagination. In a time of all talk and no action by car companies promising us the car of the future, Simon's new book Cosmic Motors: Spaceships, Cars and Pilots of Another Galaxy satisfies our future-lust with hyper-real fetish vehicles. Most artist renderings of futuristic vehicles are so outlandish they verge on cartoonish. Simon avoids that trap by incorporating automotive and industrial touchstones -- steering wheels, rivets, turbines -- everyone can recognize. It feels like you could reach out and touch them. Click through the gallery to check out these amazing vehicles and the stories behind them. Left: Simon hasn't just created cool vehicles, he's created an elaborate back story for them. Most are built by Cosmic Motors, which could be called the General Motors of Nembi, a planet in the distant galaxy Galaxion. The Camarudo is CoMo's first vehicle, built from parts salvaged from wrecked cargo ships. Its small size and nimble handling made it the perfect vehicle for hunting, and CoMo adapted them to racing. Many famous pilots started their careers flying them on Oosfera.

Wentz Falls Out Range Rover HSE

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Ashlee Simpson's baby daddy Pete Wentz has been spotted recently cruising to lamaze classes in a murdered out Ranger Rover HSE. Besides knocking up Simpson duckling Ashlee, we had to take a quick Google refresher course on why anybody cares what he's driving. What we found: Wentz plays like 6th back-up guitar for Chicago-based band, Fall Out Boy [whose song "Sugar We're Going Down" one staffer -cough - guilty admits to loving the hell out of]. He's also managed to land a gig as host for MTV's spartan attempt at getting back to the "music" part of "music televsion", FNMTV.

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I'm generally not a big fan of drifting. The race track is hallowed ground, not a silly slip and slide. I prefer high speed, but the guys at iMotor may be on to something. They took a Maybach 62 S, not exactly the car you think of when you picture drifting, sat in the backseat, drank some champagne, and had their driver drift them around. That’s living. The 612 hp the Maybach puts out should really be used to go fast, but the novelty of seeing a 6,000 pound car sliding sideways around curves while a tuxedoed man smokes a fine cuban cigar in the backseat is just too fantastic to pass up.

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

September marks the begining of a new school year

Disney's Lolita Du Jour Miley Cyrus Drops

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Reader Ride Lust: Dan's Cherry '73 Corvette

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Ford Flex Ad Campaign Gets Down And Dirty With DJ Sqeek E. Clean

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Top 10 Conversation Starters

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

A few months back, I penned two lists intended to serve as a guidebook for every misguided Lothario I've seen executing the gangster lean in a car ill-suited for his lady-killing intent. The first was entitled "10 Cars That Are Guranteed To Get You Laid" and, I admit, read pretty much like Forbes' list of the world's most expensive cars. Wishing to include the average guy in the pussy party [yeah I know, it was late, the alliteration sounded good, jump off my back], I then created "10 Cars That Are Guranteed To Get You Laid [On A Budget]." The overwhelming response from auto blogs and social media sites for both lists heavily suggested that were this Salem, MA circa 1690, I'd have been politely escorted to the smoking section. Although the original list managed to snag the attention of the gear gods at Jalopnik [a big honor given my private worship at the feet of their collective hiliarousness], the experience as a whole led me to conclude that 1.) blogging is not for pussies and 2.) dry sarcasm is immediately mistaken for vapidness unless you're a militant feminist [and then your content is just ignored altogether because no one really gives a shit about your daddy issues]. Anyway, the other day I was stopped at a stoplight and when my gaze casually wandered to my immediate left, I found myself recieving a heated come hither look from an admittedly damn good looking guy in a huge white Escalade. Returning the gaze, I checked out his ride and as much of him as I could and found myself thinking, "The only thing he's missing is a pair of Dolce & Gabanna shades. What a douchebag." Then I remembered the list I'd written, and how the Cadillac Escalade had made the number 10 spot, and I realized that both of those lists were true - I personally know girls that would have jumped the bones of Smoke ManMuscle in his 'Lade. There are some girls, however, that look at a yellow Ferrari or chromed out Escalade and are completely unimpressed with it as a status symbol. Girls like that have a little more substance to them and are generally a little harder to impress. To catch their eye, you have to be a little intriging, thought-provoking, but the payoff will be worth it if you score. You don't have to hold a masters in French Literature, but you will have With these 10 rides, I can't gurantee you that you'll get laid, but I can gurantee that you'll at least have a good conversation starter and, more than likely, a solid foot in the door. So I can't gurantee you that any of these rides will get you laid, as a matter of fact, a lot of these rides might even wind up getting you the appreciative attention of a few dudes But I can gurantee that, at the very least, Toyota Prius Purposely saved for last so I can immediately shower in scalding hot water after writing this, number 10 on my list - I begrudingly admit- is the Toyota Prius. If you're single, under 35, and reasonably attractive, driving a Prius will turn a few heads. Although the unsuccesful first generation Honda Insight deserves earns credit as the first hybrid trailblazer, the Toyota Prius is an innovation in its own right. Unfortunately, the tendency of Prius owners to openly scorn drivers of traditional gasoline-powered vehicles as earned the Prius an elitist stigma. If you play your cards right, you might manage to coax that skittish girl brunette at the library out for a soy-based dinner.

Minor Car Repair On The Cheap, A Jury-Rigging Tutorial

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I would imagine that Goofus drives something similiar to the Mirth Mobile whereas Gallant lives with his brunette wife and two children in a co-op in Seattle. I personally woud date neither of them, opting instead for the guy who penned Highlight Magazine's "Riddle Page", but that's neither here nor there. Most cars manufactured prior to around 1997 have gunmetal gray or black rubber bumpers and weather stripping as opposed to the monotone trim level seen on cars today. Over the years, the black will fade to gray, and the gray will discolor to the point where it looks white washed in places. Gallant would hit up Home Depot and buy a waterproof rubberized spray paint, painter's tape, and a pack of 500 grade wet sandpaper. Then he'd find a shaded area and devot 6-8 hours meticuously repainting the rubber trim. Goofus would buy a 4 dollar bottle of Armor All Tire Wet Shine, spend about 20 minutes coating the bumpers and weather stripping with it, and then smoke some dope. Sometimes, minor things break that cost major money to repair. Fluid leakage, for example, can be a nightmare to fix. If you notice stains on the pavement beneath your car, your first order of business is to determine what the fluid is that's leaking before you can determine whether or not you should begin to panic. To begin troubleshooting, park your car on a completely flat surface directly above a white sheet [or essentially anything white in color]. If you aren't sure where the leak is, make sure the sheet is large enough to span the full perimeter of the car's front underbelly. If you aren't sure how rapid or serious the leak is, leave your car parked above the sheet overnight or for at least 4 hours. Then, back you car off the sheet, careful to leave the sheet in place, and inspect the stains. The most common fluid leaks are usually either engine oil or transmission fluid, and those can be the most costly to repair too. Engine oil should be anywhere from light tan to dark coffee in color whereas transaxle fluid will be a deep, raspberry red. Engine oil can easily be blown by air flow to the transaxle, so unless there's a consistant, concentrated deposit of it in one place, a few oil flecks here and there aren't anything to lose sleep over. A transaxle fluid leak, on the other hand, could be a problem. If you have a manual transaxle, a leak could just mean there's an excessive amount of lubricant in the transaxle, which is easy enough to drain by yourself. For both automatic and manual transaxles, however, a fluid leak could also mean a worn rubber sealant or faulty speed sensor connection. Neither of those are difficult to repair, but unless you have the equipment to lift your transmission out of your car by yourself, you're going to have to send it to the shop. Now herein lies the problem: let's say you drive, oh, I don't know, a 1996 Volvo 850. In excellent condition [which yours is], the Kelley Blue Book value of your car is about 4k. You will find, however, that even something as simple as replacing a $20 rubber sealant will rack up about a $5k repair bill, and you know why? You're paying for labor. Like I said, fixing a cracked sealant or tightening a mount bolt isn't diffuclt, but if you want to do anything other than fondly admire a car's transmission, i thas to be hauled out of the car - and that's labor intensive. So that 5k bill is mostly for labor, and you'll find that even the cheapest estimate will still run in the 4k range. So what do you do? Well, Gallant would either pay to have the car fixed or junk it and buy a new one because Gallant has a steady job with good benefits that keep his bank account heavily padded. Goofus, on the other hand, is still working his way through college and can't afford to repair it, so he would shift it into neutral and coast into the nearest delaership, offering it as a trade-in. Unfortunately, Goofus is a broke college student with minimal credit history, and can't qualify for an auto loan with a monthly rate he can afford. So Goofus then rolls downhill to his nearest Auto Zone and buys a case of transmission fluid [which will cost aboout $40-$50], a transmission funnel, and a drip pan. Goofus then tops of the transmission fluid and each night after he arrives home for the eveneing, he places the drip pan underneath the transmission to catch the runoff. In the morning, Goofus funnels the runoff back into the transmission, recycling the same fluid for about a month before opening a new bottle. Goofus continues to do this over the next six months while he saves up money for a down payment, working odd jobs as a promotional model for auto shows and car magazines. Then, a few months before Goofus finally has enough money to buy the Volvo S80 of his dreams, his transmission finally throws in the towel and stalls in the middle of Broad Street in downtown Philadelphia. While waiting for the police to arrive, three very kind men who were on their way to work stop and help Goofus push his dead ride into a parking space and out of the flow of traffic. No longer stuck in the middle of the street, Goofus has a chance to gather his bearings and realizes that he is now alone in an unsavory part of town, wearing high heels and a cleavage-bearing dress [Goofus is in to that kind of thing]. Having seen one too many Death Wish movies in his youth, Goofus procedes to lose all sembelance of grace under pressure and, by the time he is connected with an operator at Triple A, can barely give them an understandable address so jagged are his sobs. After hanging up with the operator, Goofus nervously checks his watch and realizes that approximately 30 minutes have passed and the police have still not arrived, and now, thanks to his hysterical crying, he has managed to snag the unwelcome attention of what appears to be a group of inner-city substance abusers. Utterly at a loss as to what to do and the most terrified he has ever been in all his 20-something years on this earth, Goofus begins assesing various items in his car for their usefulness as possible assault weapons. After ultimately deciding that if it came down to it, he'd have to pretty much rely on hand to hand combat, Goofus hears the growling of a deisel engine and turns to see the towtruck guy from AAA chugging down the street. So grateful was he that the man showed up so quickly, he very seriously considered jumping into the man's arms and hugging him, but ulimtately thouht better of it. So Goofus has his car towed to the local garage and spends the money he had been saving for a new car on the repairs for his old one. The condition of the car had worsened since Goofus had gotten his first estimate, and the cost of repairs were now almost double what they had been originally. So Goofus empties his savings and does what Gallant did months ago. Two weeks later, as Goofus drives his Volvo home from the shop, he hears a clunking in the right front wheel that wasn't there before. Hanging a U-y and heading straight back to the shop, he tells the chief mechanic that his car wasn't making that sound before and he'd like to know what, pardon his french, the fuck is going on? Looking him dead in the eye, the same man who just got finished taking close to 10 grand from him said, "Well, it's probably a loose front strut, if you want to leave it with us we can take a look at it and see how much it'll cost to repair it." Before Goofus did something stupid like attempt to commit vehicular manslaughter, he politely declined the offer, and, after leaving the shop, vowed he would never bring his car back to that shop, even under threat of torture...Which brings me to my third troubleshotting tip: Knocking or clunking in the wheel well.

Ride Law #1: Thou Shalt Not Drive Matching Rides

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

A few months ago, a friend [whom, in acquiescence to his request for anonymity, I'll refer to simply as "Michael Allen Caruthers"] of mine traded in his decrepit Toyota pick-up for a brand new, bright red 2008 Toyota Tundra. He's so proud of that truck, he's volunteered to help move 6 different people [one across two state lines] just so all and sundry could bask in the power that is his [towing] package. Everyone humors Mike because in my circle of friends, the creed we tend to live by is "Whatever it takes, to have pride in your ride." Unfortunately, Mike's thunder has been sufficiently stolen by his girlfriend, who has not only broken Ride Law #1, but also largely inspired it's creation. You see, Michael's girlfriend bought a new car the other day, a 2008 Toyota Matrix. A brand new one. A bright red one. "Now we match!" She giggled at the bar last night, "It's so cute." It took 4 grown men to wrestle the muzzle of the gun from Mike's mouth. So without further ado, on behalf of RideLust et al, I the undersigned, heretofore known as Suzanne Denbow, on August the twenty-eighth day in the year our Lord A.D. 2008, do hereby declare the passage of the first Ride Law: Under no circumstances should any able-bodied, right-minded male ever purposefully drive, purchase, or own a vehicle bearing any similiary in year, make, model, or color to that of the vehicle driven, purchased, or owned by his spouse, partner, or lover. Should any citizen find himself in violation of Ride Law #1, he must immediately rid himself of either the wheels or the woman. Failure to immediately comply could result in an eternity of matching polo shirts and/or couples' yoga classes. So it is written, so shall it be done.

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Last week, we wrote about the internal power shift at Chrsyler LLC and how Ralph Gilles, the new design cheif, was planning to turn the Chrsyler image on its ear. We briefly mentioned the redesigned interior of the new Dodge Ram 1500 its representation of the changes that are to come. We felt it deserved another look, however, because the 2009 Ram 1500 recieved more than an internal flushing - it got a whole new, 21st century makeover. Obviously, the first change that has been noticed the most relates to the interior. Chrysler has an unforunate history of internal designs that are just plain ugly, but the Ram 1500 breaks completely free from that.

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Earlier today, we posted about Hennessey Performance's Dodge Challenger SRT600 and its superior HPE600 Turbo performance package. Well, we were so amazed with what those guys over at HP have done with sports cars, that we decided to highlight a few other of their downright sick creations.

Ferrari F430 Berlinetta Spotted In Parking Lot

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Intent on taking advantage of Labor Day blowout sales, I hit up Dick's [sport goods store, guys, sporting goods store] yesterday and found this little beauty in the parking lot. A Ferrari F430 Berlinetta.

Volvo's C30 updates heritage with a twist

Terry Parkhurst — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Way back in 1970, now defunct American Motors lopped 18 inches off a car they sold called the Hornet, fitted the end result with a rear end that included a hatch-back lifting rear window and door and called the result the Gremlin. It was their way of rushing to the fore and beating the then Big Three with a domestic produced compact. It sold well initially and soldiered on for 9 years, before succumbing to a lack of product upgrades and changing market.

That bit of automotive history recalls the more recent entry of Volvo into competition with the likes of the Volkswagen GTI and the Dodge Caliber with a much more modern hatchback, its C30. If you take the Volvo S40 sedan, lop off about 8.5 inches from the rear and put a hatchback at the rear, you’d have the basic idea behind the S30. But when you see it in person, it’s much more eloquent than that.

Probably the most accurate historic precedent is Volvo’s own venerable 1800ES, produced circa 1972-‘73. At the time, it was considered a mini-station wagon; but in truth, it was a hatchback, with an all glass rear hatch with a handle to open it, stuck right on the glass. Elegant it was but it sold poorly then, although now it is amongst the most collectible of Volvos, with the high value of a 1972 or ’73 1800ES set at $18,100, according to the NADA Classic, Collectible and Special Interest Appraisal Guide and Directory.

The C30 has an almost identical all glass hatch lid at the back. It not only looks timeless, but you can lift or lower it with the touch of just two fingers.

The interior of the C30 has a center console that is reminiscent of modern Swedish furniture design. There a space behind the expanse of brushed aluminum that sweeps down, houses the sound system and HVAC controls, and finally goes up and over the transmission tunnel. Certainly, Charles Eames could not have done better.

What differentiates the interior’s modernity from the pack of confusing HVAC controls that seem standard on most Japanese and German cars these days, is the simplicity of that old standard, the control knob. Fan speed and temperature, along with sound sytem volume and tuning, are four major knobs, with a grid of small buttons occupying the space in between.

The rear deck has “T5” emblazoned upon it. It stands for the turbocharged DOHC (double-overhead camshafts, belt driven) 2.4-liter five-cylinder engine whiuch powers the C30; producing 227 horsepower and 236lb.-ft. of torque. Five-cylinder engines can sometimes be rough at idle and sounding peculiar at speed, the result of the uneven cylinder count, hard to counterbalance with even the best crankshaft; however, the engine in the C30 T-5 seemed generally smooth on the uptake and at idle. For that, Volvo deserves kudos.

The Borg-Warner KO4 turbocharger is a light pressure unit, producing just 0.53 atmosphere at full boost. The result is that you feel it coming on in a very linear and full way, in the lower gears; in fact, wheel spin is pretty easily induced, coming off the line. However, things seem to peter out when you row the gearbox into the higher gears, at legal speeds.

The C30 is available only as a front-wheel drive car; and in that sense, it is the perfect counterpoint to the VW GTI. (The GTI’s silbing, the R32, is all-wheel-drive.) It’s hauling 3,201 pounds versus 3,155 pounds of the GTI.

The C30 will ratchet up from a standing start to 60 miles-per-hour in about 6 seconds – Volvo says 6.2 seconds, to be exact. That’s not bad but certainly tuners would want more. In fact, the tuner market is exactly the one Volvo would like to explore with this car; however, only Volvo aftermarket parts supplier IPD has explored that with the C30 (see www.ipdusa.com)

The close-ratio, six-speed manual transmission has a decidely mechanistic feel to it. This after, all is a Volvo and they still seem to be built in a more sturdy manner than most cars. But the clutch has lmited travel and feels overmechanized. If you are not used to a manual transmission, you might feel a bit challenged; if that’s the case for $1,250 you can get a five-speed automatic transmission instead.

The suspension consists of independent struts, located by control arms, coupled with coil springs and an anti-roll bars, up front; followed by independent suspension in the rear, consisting of one trailing link and two lateral links, per side, coupled with coil springs and an anti-roll bars.

The damping on the shocks is set up for a bit better straightahead cruising, than the GTI. Driving over expansion joints is less jarring, and yet, handling is still pretty good. The Volvo feels more substantial and bigger than it is (103. 9 inches, wheelbase; 70.2 inches wide; and 57 inches of height).

Volvo has struggled in North America of late, since the cars are built in a country using a currency that is much stronger than our dollar; but the cars are sold and paid for, using that dollar. In fact, Volvo announced, a few weeks back, that it plans to close as much as 30 percent of its dealerships. Long time dealerships, such as one in Baltimore, Maryland, have already been shuttered.

The C30 we drove listed at $25,700; but that included options such as: metallic paint at $475; front fog lights at $295; sport gear shift knob at $100; sport steering wheel at $150; cruise control at $185; and a set of body modifications costing $300. You might want to consider buying a C30 sans all the add-ons – do you really need cruise control on a sport hatch? – and adding your own body modifications kit, as time and money allow.

The C30 coupe is hoped to achieve sales of just 8,000 cars, which comes out to one of every 10 Volvos sold. Of course, if you’re a collector, the fewer sold the better, eh? - Terry Parkhurst

[caption id="attachment_4206" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="The rear hatch of the C30 features window with no faming - just as was done in 1972-'73 with the Volvo 1800ES. (Photo by Terry Parkhurst) "][/caption]

50 Most Reliable & Dependable Cars of All Time

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

1. Acura Integra 2. Acura Legend 3. Acura MDX 4. Acura RL 5. Acura TSX 6. BMW M3 7. BMW 5-series 8. Chevrolet Silverado 9. Chevrolet Suburban 10. Ford Escort 11. Ford Fiesta 12. Honda Accord 13. Honda Civic 14. Honda CR-V 15. Honda Odyssey 16. Honda S2000 17. Hyundai Sonata 18. Infiniti G35 19. Infiniti I30 20. Infiniti I35 21. Isuzu Trooper 22. Jaguar X-Type 23. Lexus ES 24. Lexus LS 25. Lexus SC 26. Lincoln Town Car 27. Mazda Miata 28. Mazda3 29. Mercedes-Benz E-Class 30. Nissan Maxima 31. Porsche 911 32. Porsche Boxster 33. Saab 900-series 34. Scion tC 35. Subaru Forester 36. Subaru Outback 37. Subaru Legacy 38. Toyota Camry 39. Toyota Celica 40. Toyota Corolla 41. Toyota Land Cruiser 42. Toyota RAV-4 43. Toyota Tundra 44. Toyota 4Runner 45. Volkswagen Beetle/Bug 46. Volvo 240 Introduced by Volvo in 1975, the Volvo 240's were so renowned for the safety and durability that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of the U.S. Government purchased a fleet of them for use as the safety standard against which all new cars in the U.S. market where compared. In 1982, the 200 series Volvo's were replaced by the 700 series, bringing us the next vehicle on our list: 47. Volvo 700-series 48. Volvo 850 Introduced in 1991, the Volvo 850 4-dr sedan and the Volvo 960 were the two safety kings that ruled the 90's. The Volvo 850 was the first car in the world to be outfitted with a side airbag that served to supplement the side-impact protections system [SIPS], which, like its brother the 960, earned the 850 the Prince Michael Road Safety Award. In 1994, the Volvo 850 was again given the spotlight when it was awarded one of the most coveted prizes in the industry by the Ministry of Trade and Industry in Japan, the Good Design Grand Prize. Also in 1994, as well as in 1995, the Volvo 850 4-dr sedan was voted by two seperate American safety institutions, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the Highway Loss Data Institute as the safest car on the market. It's crowning achievement however, and what ultimately earned both the Volvo 960 and 850 premium spots on our list, was the offer put forth by Volvo for the 1996 model year. So confident was Volvo in the safey and security of both the 850 and 960, in 1996, Volvo offered a $250,000 Accidental Loss of Life insurance policy on all 1996 Volvo 850 and 960 models. The policy, which was valid up to 48 months after the original purchase, guranteed that Volvo would pay anywhere from $250,000 up to $1,000,000 to the estate of any occupant who lost his or her life during an accident while riding in any '96 model. There were no collectors. If you ask us, that's pretty badass. 49. Volvo 960 The Volvo 960 wagon was introduced by Volvo in 1990 and was the first vehicle an integrated child booster cushion, a safety feature which earned the 960 the Prince Michael Road Safety Award as well as the Auto Car & Motor Award for most innovative safety feature. 50. Volvo S60

Today In History: Six Cylnder Love

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

The article we shared earlier about resourceful residents in Arizona manufacturing their own homemade brand of alternative fuel go us thinking: exactly how easy is it to brew your own biodiesel? If done correctly, it's actually relatively simple. 1. What Biodiesel Is Before you begin, you need at least a rudimentary understanding the chemical process and technical terms used when creating biodiesel. To manufacture biodiesel, the three primary ingredients you will need are vegetable oil, alcohol, and a lye catalyst. For alcohol, either Ethanol [EtOH] or Methanol [MeOH] can be used. Ethanol is plant-based and in theory, the distillation is do-it-yourself. However, the distillation of Ethanol is not an easy process and if you're a beginner, it leaves a rather large margin of error. Methanol, on the other hand, is much easier to use and is widely recommended for first-timers. Since pure Methanol is created via an industrial process, it is virtually impossible to distill it by yourself - but it's very inexpensive and relatively easy to obtain in bulk. For a lye catalyst, there are two options: KOH [potassium hydroxide] or NaOH [sodium hydroxide]. Several sources that we checked out recommended NaOH primarily because it was incredibly easy to find in pure form by purchasing Red Devil-brand drain cleaner. Unforuntely, Red Devil is no longer sold in the United States and similiar brands like Drano and ZEP only contain about 50% NaOH. More current sources now recommend the use of KOH; it's easier to obtain and is even used by commercial biodiesel manufacturers for the higher-quality product it yeilds. Biodiesel itself is composed of triglcerides, three chains of fatty acids joined by a glycerine molecule. During the process of creating biofuel, using lye as catalyst, the glycerine molecule is replaced by methanol, forming fatty acid methyl esters [FAME, also the technical name which biodiesel is referred to]. When the chemicals react, the glyercine sinks to the bottom of the mixture while the alcohol [or biodiesel] rises to the top, allowing it to be syphoned off. The entire process is known as transesterification. 2. Potential HAZARDS HAZARDS to YOU:

"Biggest little city in the world" hosts ultimate street rod auction

Terry Parkhurst — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id="attachment_3673" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="A bid of $36,000 took this little '58 BMW Isetta home to Florida; it stood out amidst the sreet rods and muscle cars at Hot August Nights. (Photo courtesy of Goldenberg Enterprises.) "][/caption]

Hot August Nights (HAN) just held its 22^nd celebration of automobiles and rock-and-roll music – a complete week of cruises up-and-down Virginia Street, a swap meet at the old cattle stall on the out-skirts of town, a car show across from the Atlantis Casino and a collector car auction, across the street from the casino.

Since the audience for this major money maker for the self-advertised “biggest little city in the world,” Reno, is aging Baby Boomers, the musical acts last week included one of those groups perhaps best left in the Sixties, Herman’s Hermits, and what’s left of the Beach Boys (Mike Love, Bruce Johnston and some studio musicians; it seems.)

But for those of us caught sweating both the heat of summer and the price of gas, around the country, the real news was what occurred within the Reno-Sparks Convention Center. It was there that Silver Auctions, headed by Mitch Silver based in Spokane, Washington, staged a four day collector car auction; that has become the benchmark auction for street rod and muscle car values.

Certainly, there are those who might debate that, given the fame garnered Barrett-Jackson on SPEED. However, those in the know understand that Barrett-Jackson is really an anomaly fuelled by foreign money for the most part. Silver’s auctions pulls the real car guys (and gals), living across the U.S. of A, who grew up with street rods, maybe made their money in construction and what to add to their rolling stock, or get back into the vintage car or street rod hobby.

Moreover, this isn’t an auction such as those being held during the Monterey Historic Weekend, on the Monterey peninsula in California. There isn’t a small fleet of business jets coming in, bearing people trading in Euros. The folks at Hot August Nights probably either drove here in a piece of vintage American iron, or piloted an RV to the RV park on the outskirts of Reno; or failing all that, flew in on Southwest Airlines (the auctioneers’ airline of choice).

Within the market for street rods, there’s a range of prices here. The 1932 Chevrolet five-window coupe which sold for $51,000 (plus an 8 percent buyer’s fee) on Friday night represents the higher end; but then, this wasn’t just a randomly thrown together car.

Ron Attebury of Attebury Street Rods in Morgan Hill, CA. Custom paint and upholstery built the Chevrolet. Real steel counts a lot in the street rod world and this car had a lot of that. The main body was original metal, albeit with a top lowered two inches. The frame was original steel; however, the fenders were fiberglass with stainless steel fasteners. The hood was aluminum, fitted with removable side panels. Back in the rear, the taillights were both recessed and molded into the body. The fenders were “bobbed and tubbed,” street rod-speak for shortened and rolled into the underbody.

The engine was the ubiquitous (in street rod circles) 350 cubic-inch Chevrolet V8, a recent variant of ZZ4 code, set up to run with an aftermarket fuel injection system; backing it up was an “350” General Motors automatic transmission.

The front end consisted of a Mustang II front end – probably the only part of that car that survives for the most part – and an independent rear suspension, consisting of a Corvette third member with inboard disc brakes. Coil-over shock absorbers were fitted at all four corners. And while with muscle cars, documentation helps, in the street rod world awards garnered shows the work involved is worth bidding on. In this case, the car had garnered a second place win at the 2000 Grand National Roadster Show in the Full Fender category.

While this was a little less than you might have seen similar cars in years past at HAN, it was much more than a kit car T-bucket street rod, sporting an in-line four cylinder engine of indeterminate manufacture yielded. The T-bucket rolled onto the docket on Saturday evening and sold for just $8,100, plus buyer’s fee.

But this auction also gets a fair amount of distinctly non-American iron. David Goldenberg, a collector car dealer from West Linn, Oregon brought a 1958 BMW Isetta and a 1963 Triumph TR4 to this auction. Two years ago, he sold a very similar car, a 1957 BMW Isetta, at Hot August Nights, for a commanding price of $38,500 (plus a buyer’s fee, which was 6 percent, at that time).

This year, Goldenberg sold the Isetta he brought to a man from Florida, who’d actually been bidding on the car Isetta, brought to Reno, two years ago.

Goldenberg, who like the sellers most involved in the bidding process, stays close to his cars and lets the auctioneer know how he feels about the bids being offered; as well as whether or not he wants to drop his reserve (a set price which the auctioneer must meet to ensure a sale), on cars where he has established a reserve.

“He would have (likely) paid more, but we didn’t know how far he’d to push him.”

The Triumph TR4 roadster was a two-owner car, painted red with a black interior; and most importantly, it had just 86,000 (actual) miles of use, since new. Documentation established that the car was bought new in Van Nuys, California; and somehow, it made its way up to its second owner in Oregon, a few years later.

The Triumph brought $20,750 (plus 8 percent buyer’s fee) and Goldenberg said he felt it could have brought more. Consider this: the average value for a 1964 Triumph TR4 roadster, according to the current edition of the NADA (National Auto Dealers Association) Classic, Collectible and Special Interest Appraisal Guide is $14,150; and the high value is $25,700. So he might have a point.

But the bids that took cars home seemed a bit lower than in years past at this auction – good news for those wanting to get in a vintage muscle car or street rod, not such for those selling.

Friday afternoon – the same time and day, Goldenberg offered his cars – saw a 1969 Plymouth GTX two door hardtop, in condition two (combination of good original pieces and some restorative work) sell for $32,000. That was followed, two cars later, by a 1956 Chevrolet series 210 sedan, with just 17,000 original miles, and sporting modifications such as a later vintage 350 cubic inch, code ZZ4, V8, selling for a $30,000 bid. Around the same time, a 1961 Chevrolet Impala two-door “bubble-top” (thin rear pillar hardtop) fitted with a legendary 409 cubic-inch V8 engine and retrofitted with dual, four-barrel carburetors, backed by a four-speed manual transmission, bid to $31,500; but didn’t sell at that.

As if to prove that this auction had something for everyone, lot #508 about an hour before the auction shut down on Friday, was a 1942 Jeep CJ5, in average condition, which sold for a bid of $6,000.

Saturday saw some of the old Hot August Nights heavy bidding on Tri-Five Chevrolets with a 1957 Chevrolet Nomad station wagon being bid to $42,000; but with no sale made.

The market may be going towards a new generation of collector cars, if you consider the fact that a 1972 Buick Riviera “boat-tail” two door, offered just 30 cars later than that Nomad sold for a bid of $15,500.

But, since it always takes more than one auction to establish a trend, while this might be the time to invest in a vintage Isetta you might want to wait on purchasing a boat-tail Riviera. – Terry Parkhurst

Complete results will be posted at www.silverauctions.com, later in the week of August 17-23.

Today In History: Andrew McNally III Is Born, Puts The Automobile On The Map

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

On August 17, 1909, Andrew McNally III, one-half of future map publisher Rand McNally & Co., was born to an Irish-immigrant family in Chicago.

Jeep

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Took My Chances On A Big Jet Plane, Never Let Them Tell You That They're All The Same

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Obviously under the impression I'm a lot more important than I actually am, Chevron Energy Corporation invited me [along with a handful of other auto bloggers] to participate in the first public tour of the Chevron Richmond Technology Center in Richmond, California. According to Chevron, this is the first public tour they've ever given of they're facility, and they wanted to fly me out to participate in it. For those of you whose background in geography is a little weak, Richmond, California is about a 30 minute ride from San Franciso International Airport, and San Franciso International Airport is about a six hour plane ride away from Philadelphia International Airport. Having never ventured of the East Coast, I jumped at the chance like it was the last chopper out of 'Nam, and a few weeks ago I recieved my flight itineray

Sebastian Vettel At Monza: Youngest F1 Driver Ever to Win Pole Position

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Speed Camara Tracks Drivers For Up To 6 Miles,

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In Britian, new speed-sensing traffic cameras are currently being considered for enforcing speed limits over long stretches of roadway.

The Thick Blue Line: 3,000 Riders Suit Up For Slain Officer

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In Cleveland, Ohio, a total of 2,000 motorcyclitsts and 3,000 riders [passengers included] took the streets in a memorial ride for Ofc. Josh Miktarian, an Twinsburg, Ohio police officer killed in the line of duty during a traffic stop.

Offi

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

$5 Billion Dollar Solution For Global Warming: The Large Hadron Collider

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

My favorite Playboy girlfriend, self-proclaimed tomboy Kendra Wilkinson, is ditching the Playboy mansion for her own crib and reality show.

Pictures of an American Junkyard

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Top 5 Reasons to Buy a Used Car Instead of a New Car

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Top 5 Reasons to Buy a Used Car It pains me to write this. - 30% or more, on average. Combine that with the additional hit you'll take if you trade it in rather than sell it yourself, and you could be losing almost half of what you paid for that beast just two years ago. If, on the other hand, you can live without the robust fragrance of alkanes, benzenes, and aldehydes during your morning commute, then you're in luck. A well-chosen used car can be a reliable, fun, and Foolish purchase that can give you years of (relatively) low-cost service. Let's look at five reasons why it's worth thinking about buying used the next time around. Cars are more reliable than ever. Survey after survey shows that the best current cars provide longer, more dependable service than ever before. Consumer Reports regularly publishes lists of the best used-car bets, based on its own extensive survey database. Get a copy of Consumer Reports' most recent annual auto issue; you'll find great choices in most price ranges. Avoid the worst of the depreciation hit. Cars depreciate every year, but the biggest slices of value come off in the first two to three years of its life. A two-year-old car that's been well treated will still give you years of service -- and some of that new-car feel -- for thousands less. More car for less money. Want a BMW for Honda money? Or maybe just an Accord for Civic money? Buying used lets you take advantage of someone else's depreciation hit. (But research your maintenance and insurance costs first. BMWs are solid and durable cars, but their parts cost more than Honda's. Buy that dream car carefully.) The Internet helps you find what you want. Got your heart set on a red Toyota Prius with a navigation system? Before you start calling dealers looking for a new one, check out the used listings on sites such as AutoTrader.com and Cars.com. You may be able to find the car of your dreams: lightly used, close to home, and at a substantial discount from new. Dealer "certification" programs. Nearly every automaker now offers a used-car "certification" program, under which the manufacturer inspects, repairs, and "certifies" recent used cars that then get sold with a warranty. These programs are a notable compromise between buying new and buying used; they give used-car buyers a relationship with a dealer, a factory-backed warranty, and assurance that they're not buying major hidden problems. You'll generally pay a bit more for a "certified" used car versus one bought from a private seller, but the benefits can be substantial. Some last thoughts: If the car you're considering isn't "certified," run its VIN through CARFAX to check for past insurance claims, and have a local mechanic inspect it before you decide to buy. If the seller won't let you have it inspected by an independent mechanic, don't even bother arguing -- move on to the next candidate. And finally, although cars from Toyota, Honda, and Nissan have topped the reliability lists for years, don't rule out the domestics. The best products from General Motors and Ford have held their own in recent reliability comparisons, and the higher initial depreciation hit on domestic cars versus imports might lead you to an excellent value purchase. Keep these tips in mind before you get behind the wheel of your next vehicle. You'll be happy you did.

Winner of the RideLust Caption Contest

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Report Confirms

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Tommy Davidson

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Last night, Tommy Davidson was caught by celebrity stalker rag TMZ attempting to leave a resturant behind the wheel

Florida Man

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Winter will be coming soon

Ex-Formula One Racer Takes Wife For A Spin In Honda Civic R, Hilarity, Divorce Papers, Ensues

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Although it's entirely http://www.liveleak.com/e/5b3_1221613779"> name="wmode" value="transparent">http://www.liveleak.com/e/5b3_1221613779" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="450" height="370">

Atlanta Thumbs Nose At Environment, Looks To Slap Carpoolers With Fees

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

The Georgia Department of Transportation has announced plans to convert 44 miles of HOV lanes into toll lanes. Although larger carpools buses will probably ride for free, smaller, single vehicle carpools wil

The Single Woman's Guide To Car Shopping

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I'll begin by saying this: yes, I know this is the 21st century and yes, I know women have the same rights as men, and yes, I also know that, sometimes, I have a tendancy to be a misogynist. So save the angry, liberated comments - it's nothing I haven't heard before. If you're the sort of woman who this is directed towards, you've already done your homework and know exactly what you want to buy, how much you want to pay, etc. The problem is, the immediate thought that will pop into most dealers when they see you walk onto their lot alone is: "Should I get the time share in Malibu or Maui?" Mechanics and car dealers alike see single women as goldmines, and there's nothing you can do to combat that unless you bring an actual male with you. The problem with actual males, however, is decent ones are hard to find, and you really don't want to take the time to find a decent man and build a stable relationship just so you'll have someone to accompany you to buy a car. Additionally, men have the tendency to turn negotiations into a pissing contest, so if you cave in and bring your brother or your father, be prepared for the distinct possibility that things will end with police escorting you off the premise. The most ideal companion for the actual purchasing process is a passive male friend. Note, I stress "passive"; that friend of yours who drives a HUMMER H1 and owns the auto body shop down the street is not ideally suited for your purposes. What you want is a guy who is more laid back, a guy who can be bribed into holding his tounge in front of the dealership with the simple promise of a free lunch. By that some token, a simple homeless vagrant will not do either, you need someone who can look convincing in a pair of khakis and wire-framed glasses. None of your friends fit the bill? That's ok too, because there's always the Invisible Man Now some may ask, why go through all this difficulty at all? Why is it the dealer's business if I'm married or not? Well it isn't, but extracting information and using it to make a sale are what car dealers do. Make no mistake: there is no such thing as idle chit chat when you're on a dealer lot. Everything you say, every small bit of information that you give, even the most insignificant, is rememberd, analyzed, and used. Couple that with the fact that car dealers and mechanics alike see single women as goldmines, and you'll realize that regardless of how liberated you are, there are some things you need a man for. Notice, however, that I didn't say "actual" man. Ladies, allow me to introduce you to the Invisible Man, the portable, flexible, instant husband. I've had mine for about 6 months and he's served me so well, I thought I'd share my secret with you. To make the Invisible Man, all you need is a decent cubic zirconia wedding band/engagement ring combination and several convincing, well prepared, fabricated stories. Although each woman's Invisible Man should be unique, for illustrative purposes, I'll describe the reciepe that has served me well. Although it's up to you, I reccommned purchasing a wedding band/engagement combination, for more versatility. As long as your planning your dream man, the temptation will be there to go over the top and buy a rock worthy of a Trump bride but remember, this is the only visual evidence you will be able to give of your Invisible Man, I cannot stress enough how important it is that it remain realsitic. You want to hit that sweet spot between "rap mogul's wife" and "McDonald's employee's wife, so to give you an idea of what size you should be looking for, here's the ring my Invisible Man gave me: Although the photo qualitiy is poor, it's only important that you note the proportions of the ring. I'm 5'10", so because I have a larger frame, I can get away with wearing a bigger rock without it seeming ostentatious. For smaller bone structures, a good general rule of thumb is to choose a ring with a stone setting that is no bigger than the nailbed on your pinkie finger. When choosing a ring, avoid canary or rose diamonds and stick to traditional white ones: remember, realistic. Now of course, cubic zirconia has a tendency to cloud over time, and the cheaper the fake, the quicker it will detoriate. Depending on how much use you plan to get out if, look to spend between $20-$40 on qualitiy piece. Personally, I highly reccommend the accessory department at JC Penny. I purchased my Invisible Man band at JC Penny 6 months ago for about $20, and is still in excellent condition. Now that you have your ring, it's time to invent your Invisible Man. Again, there will be a strong tendency to get carried away inventing your dream man, but no car dealer is going to believe a Formula 1 race car driver or an NBA star sent his wife to go car shopping alone. I will break down in detail the key elements your Invisible Man should have, but to give you a general idea of what you should create, I'll introduce my Invisible Man. My husband's name is Michael Allen Denbow, he's 36 years old, 5'10", 170lbs, with brown hair and brown eyes. He graduated from the same college I did, but several years ahead of me. He was an engineering major, and now works with Lockheed Martin. He drives a black 2004 Toyota 4Runner. We also have a dog, a Siberian Huskey named Cody. Alright, now let me break down each aspect of the Invisible Man: My husband's name is Michael Allen Denbow. This might seem like an obvious one, but always use your last name. I realize it might be tempting to use the last name of a local newscaster or well known businessman, but at some point in the car buying process you will have to show some sort of indentificaiton, and the dealer will notice that your last name isn't "Rockefeller." When choosing surnames, just use common sense and keep it relevant to your culture. For obvious reasons, my Invisible Man is not named Kareem Abdul Jabaar. He's 36 years old, 5'10", 160 lbs, with brown hair and brown eyes It's highly unlikely that anyone is going to suddenly demand that you recite your fabricated husband's measurements, but think in terms of reality. If you were really married and went car shopping by yourself, might you be inclined to mention to the dealer that the 2-seater roadster he's trying to sell you simply won't do because your husband is 6'3"? See, it's all about the details, and it's very important that your Invisible Man appear as real as possible. For example, you'll notice that my Invisible Man is 5'10", which means we are inch-for-inch, exactly the same heigth. In my fantasy world my dream man is at least 6'4", tall enough so that I can wear my favorite heels without towering over him. In reality, he will probably wind up being somewhere between 5'11" - 6'0". He graduated from the same college I did, but several years ahead of me. He was an engineering major, and now works with Lockheed Martin. Your Invisible Man's imaginary job is very important, because any exerpienced salesman will be working overtime to discreetly gauge what your gross annual income is. Since I usually test drive cars for fun, I felt comfortable indulging my fantasy a little and I'll admit that my Invisible Man's career isn't quite in keeping with the realistic principles I've been stressing. However, if I were looking to actually buy a car, my Invisible Man would instantly transform into a high school algebra teacher. He drives a black 2004 Toyota 4Runner. We also have a dog, a Siberian Huskey named Cody As I said before, details are very important to your story. Like your Invsisble Man's job, I can almost gurantee the salesman will casually ask, "So what kind of car does Mike/Mr.Denbow drive?" If you aren't prepared you might blurt out something like, "Oh, a brand new Porsche," at which point in time your salesman will experiance such pleasure potentiall, he might achieve an orgasm on the spot. So it's a good idea to have a year,make, and model already fabricated and ready for immediate use. I personally chose a black 2004 Toyota 4Runner because it's demonstrates that my husband is a practical [he chose the Toyota for it's longevity] family man [we might have children in the future, and a Toyota 4Runner would provide the perfect amount of room], yet unafraid to indulge in a few luxuries [it's a late model, 2004, with leather seats]. As far as the dog is concerned, I really have one, and he spends a lot of the time in the car with me. As a result, the back of my car is covered in dog hair, which most salesman ask about immediately when the sneak a peak into the backseat. There's no reason to withhold that kind of information, so I'm pretty forthcoming when it comes to Cody. otice I don't say "gay", this is because since moving north of the Mason Dixon line I have learned that not all heterosexual men oppressively assert their masculinity, so instead

Oprah

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Galveston Car Dealer "Wasn't Prepared" For Hurricane Ike,

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Peugeot has been going crazy with the concept cars lately. They recently had thier The design was inspired by a boat and it’s very aerodynamic thanks to this fluid shape. The Shoo concept will feature a roof entirely made of solar panels which will harness energy and then send it to the electrical engine. Probably the most important thing of this car will be the pendular system as you can see from the pictures, it’s very likely that you will feel butterflies in the stomach. It seems like Peugeot is thinking about the future and their designers are creating many great concept cars which will be also environmentally-friendly. After the Wheel-less Peugeot 360, another green car of the future is the Peugeot Shoo which has a shape like a triangle. It is the age of the concept cars and while they have taken over minds and imagination, they still have a long way to go before they take over the roads. Some say that it is inevitable and the others tell you that it is impossible and yet they go on merrily coming out more and more in number. The good thing about these concept cars is that they are also incorporating green gadgets and technologies more and more in them. ‘Peugeot Shoo’ is something that is all about solar glow. The car is designed in a stable triangle shape to give it plenty of design and a lot of space as well. It has a solar roof enabling energy of the sun to be capture and transformed to run its electrical engine. The car is not only a zero-emission vehicle but even the power for its electric engine is from alternate sources making it truly and completely eco-friendly. While the car can tango on its pretty awesome suspension, it amalgamates the features of ergonomic design with clean power to deliver big time. Now just don’t hold your breath on this one coming to the roads!

How Does a Supercharger Work? - Turbocharger vs Supercharger

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Video: Truth In Automobile Advertising

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

We need men who can dream of things that never were. John F. Kennedy (1917 - 1963), speech in Dublin, Ireland, June 28, 1963 I read no newspaper now but Ritchie's, and in that chiefly the advertisements, for they contain the only truths to be relied on in a newspaper. Thomas Jefferson (1743 - 1826), Letter to Nathaniel Macon, January 12, 1819 Order is the shape upon which beauty depends. Pearl Buck (1892 - 1973)

Most Legendary Cars

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Volvo 240 Series Of course this wouldn't be a RideLust list without the proverbial homage to the Volvo, but the Volvo 240 actually earns its spot on the list not because of blatant editorial bias, but rather for its groundbreaking engineering. First introduced as a test mule in 1972, the 240 initially began life as a Volvo Experimental Safety Car concept [VESC]. In 1975, the production 240 series was released with six different models, the 242L, 242DL, 244DL, 244GL, 245L, and 245DL. Despite a boxy structure that was certainly an acquired taste, the Volvo 240 was met with incredible success. In addition to sales figures that caused Volvo to extend the 240's production run a solid three years past the intended cut off date, the Volvo 240 proved able to do one hell of a safety dance too. So impressive were the 240's pioneering safety features, which included exterior crumple zones, 3-point seat belts and later, the first child booster seat, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA] took notice. In 1976, the NHTSA purchased a fleet of 240's and utilized them as the safety standard by which all new cars on the market were evaluated. In 1993, after production of the 240 was officially discontinued, the Insurance Institute For Highway Safety published an official report ranking the Volvo 240 as the safest car on the road, with an average of 0.1 driver fatalities per 10,000 vehicles registered. After the culmination of the 240's successful run, Volvo continued to set precedents in the industry [most notably in 1995 when they became the first to introduce the side-impact airbag, which later became a government-mandated safety feature], but the Volvo 240 continues to dominate as one of the most incredibly progressive automobiles ever engineered. Playboy Motor Car The Buffalo, NY-basaed Playboy Motor Car Company is a rare example of a company whose name has become internationally famous almost completely independent of the actual product. Established during the post-war automotive boom in 1947, the Playboy Motor Car Company was founded by Louis Horwitz, Charles Thomas, and Norman Richardson - three men who were already well-versed in the auto industry, but knew nothing about running a company. The only model Playboy Motors ever managed to produce was front-engine, RWD, two-seater Roadster, dubbed the "Thomas" after founding member and chief engineer, Charles Thomas. Despite an aggressive advertising campaign and initial support from credible investors, Playboy Motors only managed to produce 97 automobiles before filing for bankruptcy in 1951. Of those 97 cars, 41 of them can still be accounted for thanks to Ed Howard and his official website PlayboyMotorCars.com. In addition to fully restored Playboy models, Howard also managed to locate the lesser known and half-assembled 98th vehicle, which was undergoing construction when Playboy Motors' auctioned its assets and thus never reached completion. So why do both Playboy Motor Cars and the ultimately unsuccessful Thomas roadster earn a spot on our list as one of the most influential cars of the 20 century? According to Hugh Hefner, his multi-millionaire empire owes the ill-fated auto company its namesake. Said Hefner, "The Playboy name was suggested by a friend whose mother had worked at the then defunct Playboy Motor Car Company..." The infamous bunny logo was chosen to replace the hat and gloves later, as Hefner believe the rabbit to be the "playboy" of the animal kingdom. Volkswagen Beetle First developed in 1931 by Ferdinand Porsche and German motorcycle company, Zündapp, the first Beetle prototype was dubbed the "Type 1" but was privately referred to by Porsche as the "Porsche 60." Limited to military production only throughout the course of WWII, the first civilian, production-ready Volkswagen Beetle debuted as the "Type 60" at the Berlin motor show in 1939. Almost overnight, the Volkswagen Beetle became tremendously popular with consumers. Unlike anything the industry and ever seen before, the small, rounded car was extremely efficient, easy to handle, and, most importantly, inexpensive to maintain. It's air-cooled rear engine was a 36hp speed demon, reaching top speeds at around 70mph and accelerating from 0-60 in 27.6 seconds - specs that might seem laughable now, but were frankly unbeatable then. In 1949, U.S. export of the Beetle began. Initially, American consumers didn't know quite what to make of the oddly-shaped vehicle, European and American design aesthetics has different as they were. Throughout the 50's, the Beetle went under countless subtle revisions in order to adapt to the market, the most noticeable change coming in 1957 with the replacement of the Beetle's dual rear windows with one, single oval. In the 60's, Volkswagen began to aggressively market their successful little bug and in 1967, VW began to officially refer to the car as the "Beetle" for the first time. The campaign was ultimately successful, so much so in fact that in 1972, the 15,007, 034 Volkswagen Beetle was produced, shattering the previous record held by the Ford Model T. In 1973, VW hit the 16 million mark and by 1992 had again reached another milestone when the 21 millionth Beetle was produced. By the time dwindling popularity forced the termination of production of the Classic Beetle in 2003, exactly 21,529,464 Volkswagen Beetles had been produced, earning it the distinction as the single best-selling car model in the world. Besides outstanding market success, the Volkswagen Beetle was also considered to be the inspiration behind other successful small cars like the Chevy Vega and Ford Pinto. The Beetle's unique rear-mounted engine also served as the inspiration for distinctive automobiles, and it's most notable influence is still evident today in the Porsche 911 RWD roadster. Ford Mustang Although the Oldsmobile Rocket 88 is generally credited by motorheads as the very first muscle car, the Ford Mustang is the first vehicle that made the muscle car popular and inspired a whole new class of automobiles, "pony" cars. Introduced on April 17, 1964, the Ford Mustang made its first official debut at the New York World's Fair. The prototype was a two-seat mid engine roadster, with design cues that borrowed heavily from the Ford Fairlane. Initially, sales figures were predicted to total a modest 100,000 units for the first model year, but by April 17, 1965, a total of 418,812 Ford Mustangs had been sold. Although the Ford Mustang was the first, it did not remain the only pony car, and was quickly joined in ranks by other legendary muscle cars like the Chevrolet Camaro. Despite heavy competition, however, the Ford Mustang remains the most successful car of its class, the only pony car, in fact, that has remaind in constant production since its inital inception.

How To Cope With A Hangover At Work, Or, RideLust Wishes You A Happy, HAPPY Monday!

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

The Hangover Pictorial

2010 Camaro Revealed, RideLust Has Video Footage

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

But it isn't of the 2010 Camaro, because quite honestly, barring any as-yet-undisclosed features like a stripper & accompanying pole as SOP, there isn't anything they could show us at this point that we haven't seen before. Also, it's Monday morning. We are not burning on all cyclinders. So rather than stare at the same photos we've been looking at for going on a year now, we went off in search of cooler Camaro's. What we found were these. Please do enjoy footage we found of several Camaro's whose utter lack of taste is rivaled only by Don Magic Juan. Wife beater and extensive arrest record sold seperately.

2009 Kia

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Toyota iQ

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Paul Newman, Gone At Age 83

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

It was 1972 when 47-year-old Paul Newman — adopting the shorthand P. L. Newman — strapped into a Lotus Elan at Connecticut's Thompson International Speedway. History remembers little else about the ice-blue-eyed actor's first time performing behind the wheel of a sports car except this: It was the seed moment of a second career for a guy whose first career was nothing to sneeze at. Newman had picked up the racing bug filming the 1969 Indy 500 drama "Winning." Two decades later, P.L. became the oldest driver to compete on a winning team in a major sanctioned race, the 24 Hours of Daytona, at the age of 70. His life was a race well-run in multiple stages, one whose checkered flag came today as Newman lost a battle with cancer at the age of 83. It was method actors like Newman and fellow racer Steve McQueen who recast Hollywood movies from detached, escapist stories to gritty, character-driven narratives that connected with the struggles of their time. Newman brought the same depth to racing, as his methodic skills of knowing and feeling taught by Stanislavski and Strasberg made him ruthless behind the wheel. In "Winning," Newman played a hungry Indy 500 competitor sidestepping marital troubles (with real-life wife Joanne Woodward) and barely managing a detached relationship with a stepson (Richard Thomas). To hardcore racing fans, "Winning" wasn't quite "Grand Prix" or Steve McQueen's "Le Mans." It had too much personal drama and not enough action, despite some spectacular on-location scenes at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and cameos by Bobby Unser, Dan Gurney and other Indy legends. But like McQueen, Newman was an actor, a real actor, for whom his role in "Winning" was the show; the racing was just scene-setting. Soon enough, he would reverse that equation. During the 1970s Newman earned four SCCA national titles. In 1976 he took the D-Production class championship in a Triumph TR-6 once owned by racer Bob Tullius. In 1979 he took the C-Production class in a Bob Sharp Datsun 280ZX, and in 1985 and 1986 he won the GT-1 in a Sharp Nissan 300ZX. In 1979 Newman co-drove a Porsche 935 with team owner Dick Barbour and Rolf Stommelen to second place in the 24 Hours of LeMans. Most recently he was the co-owner of IndyCar team Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing (NHLR). Drivers for NHLR have included Mario Andretti, Michael Andretti, Nigel Mansell, Paul Tracy, Cristiano da Matta, and Sébastien Bourdais. Late this past summer Newman's de facto home track of Lime Rock Park in Connecticut closed for an afternoon to let the gravely ill actor-driver make a few last turns around the newly repaved course. P.L. took out his Corvette GT car — number 81 — which his friends say he'd still been flogging at 9/10ths into his early 80s, along with his beloved Buick V8 powered Volvo station wagon.

Pick Your Perfect Post-Apocolyptic Ride

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Over at Jalopnik, Matt Hardigree has responded to the worsening economic crisis in the U.S. by asking readers to respond with their ideal vehicle for whethering through the "Financiapocalypse". I personally would choose a Volvo, but I'd definetly want to make some after market gun-storage mods to it. Off in search of the perfect under-seat storage container for a .12 gauge shotgun, I stumbled

Volvo 7700 Hybrid Bus

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

http://www.volvo.com/bus/global/en-gb/volvogroup/Environment/going+greener/hybrid/hybrid.htm The bus of the future was unveiled in Germany at the IAA Bus and Truck Show, with the hybrid Volvo 7700 being presented to the general public. The 12-meter low-floor city bus will be 30% more fuel-efficient than non-hybrid models. With a smaller 5.0L diesel engine compared to a regular diesel Volvo 7700, but built off the same platform as the current diesel bus, the hybrid 7700 will have better weight distribution and will be able to fit more passengers onboard. Volvo 7700 Hybrid Bus Front View On top of saving on fuel costs, bus operators will lower their exhaust emissions and vehicle noise compared to normal diesel buses.

Jury Finds Mom/Lingerie Model Guilty Of Bribery

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Attempted bribery, at any rate. According

2008 Paris Auto Show Vehicle Coverage

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Perhaps it eez because vee are not zhere, because vee just can't seem to drum up zee, how you say, "enthousiasme", for zee 2008 Salon de l'auto de Paris. Nevertheless, zee spectacle must go on, so RideLust will continue to diligently bring you live updates. And by "live", we mean as "live" as it gets, sitting here in our underwear in front of our laptop. At any rate, to date, we've posted on the Pininfarina B0 [B Zero] , VW GTI, Lamborghini Estoque, Ferrari California, MINI Crossman, Honda Insight, and the Citroën Concept GT.

Top 10 Things People Do To Ruin Their Cars

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Two thirds of all Americans aged 18-24 cannot find Iraq on a map; 33% couldn't identify Louisiana; 47% couldn't find India; 75% think English was the most widely spoken language in the world. People are idiots, and this isn't a uniquely American phenomenon, it's worldwide. The majority of human beings on Earth are stone dumb.

1. Not Using The Parking Brake

It's a little pedal near your left leg, or a lever on your right. Yes, that mysterious device that you've never used is actually valuable. When you park on an incline, or even on fairly steady ground, without using the parking brake, you're putting all of the stress of the car on your transmission. The only thing inside that transmission holding your car steady is a little pin called a parking pawl. By using the parking brake, you lock up the non-drive wheels as well as the drive wheels and take the stress off of the transmission. It'll add years of life to your cars transmission.

2. Not Coming To A Complete Stop Before Shifting

So you're in a rush, and you pull out of a parking space and shift into drive while the car is still coasting backwards. You've just added months of wear to your transmission in seconds. Inside your transmission is a complex set of gears, when you shift without stopping like that, you're asking those gears to work as your brakes, which puts an amazing amount of stress on such a small area. You can also damage your drive shafts, the things that send power to the wheels, by shifting that way. After a while, it'll lead to sloppy suspension handling, and a worn out transmission.

3. Riding The Brakes Down A Hill

If you have a long incline

4. Forget To Change The Oil

You need to change your oil every 3,000 miles. That's really all there is to it pressure wash the engine A grimy engine that runs properly is much better than a clean engine that won't -- which is what you risk if you force jets of water past rubber seals and into the sensitive electronics that are fitted to all modern, computer-controlled engines. There's a reason for the hood (and all those protective coverings). They're there to prevent moisture and contaminants from wreaking havoc with the sensors, wiring harnesses, sending units and other components that like to be sprayed with water about as much as your typical house cat. Excess moisture can short-out electrical parts, cause intermittent malfunctions (including stalling for no reason, hard-starting, rough-running) and make dashboard "check engine" light flash (or stay on) for no apparent reason. It's OK to degrease your engine with a garden hose if you like to keep it clean; just don't use high-pressure sprayers like you find in self-serve car washes as they can force water past rubber seals and weather stripping into places it isn't supposed to go. AOL Autos: Cars with best and worst resale value "Most of the wear on an engine happens when you start the car," says Edmunds.com's automotive expert Karl Brauer. "If you can get the starter stuff down, you'll find cars will wear much less over time." How do you do that? Make sure any extra accessories, such as headlights or climate control, aren't on when you turn the ignition. If you do, you're asking the engine to work harder than necessary right off the bat. An even more destructive habit: revving the engine. Believe it or not, this won't help warm up the car. In fact, revving can do serious damage to the engine and significantly shorten its life. Engines need oil to run smoothly. But right after you turn over the ignition, the oil is still sitting in the pan. When you floor the gas pedal, you're asking the engine to work overtime without lubricant — putting metal to metal. Wear out this most important drive train component and you can expect to pay $3,000 to $5,000 for a new one. letting the insides go wash your car on a hot sunny day Forget to change the oil Run your car down to E There's actually a bit of a debate about this one. The old wisdom says if your car gets down to E, the sediment in your tank will get sucked into the system and foul your fuel injectors. The thing is, the fuel pump is at the bottom of the tank anyway, it'll suck sediment in no matter how much gas there is in the tank. Still, running down to E does pose certain problems. You cut the life of the fuelpump considerably. The fuel actually cools the pump. Depending on the vehicle, it can be quiet expensive. Also you pick up alot of junk from the bottom of the tank. The filter "should" catch it but not all the time. That leads to injector problems. We've all done it but try not to, it will cost you more in the long run. An interesting note: Most cars can drive another 60 miles+ after they hit Empty, automakers call this extra gas the "buffer zone". US cars have the largest "buffer zone" of any vehicles. German drivers, for instance, like to know exactly how much gas in is the car, so they're "buffer zone" between the gauge's E and the actual empty tank is much smaller.

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

No one has been pleased to see the price point of the Chevrolet Volt continue to rise. Initially engineers were pleased to hear that I'd pay as much as $30,000 for the car. But now, with Honda on the scene with an $18k hybrid, GM has been project a cost closer to $40k than $30k. Well, that might all change thanks to a bill passed today (amidst a bunch of other good news for car companies.) The Bill gives a tax credit to buyers of plug-in vehicles. Each plug-in automatically gets a $2,500 cut, then you get an additional $417 per kwh for batteries greater than 4 kwh. That works out to $7500 per Volt, which could push the base price below $30k. The tax credit will only apply to the first 250,000 plug-ins sold, and will be phased out over the course of the following fiscal year. In the end, it will cost the federal government about $750 M. So get ready to buy your plug-ins folks! The price just dropped more than the cost of my current car!

Buy A Chevy Volt - The U.S. Government Will Give You $7,500

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

The Price point of the Chevy Volt has been increasing since before it was even made in clay. Insiders were predicting it'd be at least under $20k initially, and as it got closer to reality, the price kept going up. As recently as the beginning of this year, $30,000 was the number, but they upped it even further and said the real price will be closer to $35,000 dollars. The $30k mark is traditionally the threshhold for high volume electric car sales, anything above that generally won't be a hit. No one has been pleased to see the price point of the Chevrolet Volt continue to rise. Initially engineers were pleased to hear that I'd pay as much as $30,000 for the car. But now, with Honda on the scene with an $18k hybrid, GM has been project a cost closer to $40k than $30k. Well, that might all change thanks to a bill passed today (amidst a bunch of other good news for car companies.) The Bill gives a tax credit to buyers of plug-in vehicles. Each plug-in automatically gets a $2,500 cut, then you get an additional $417 per kwh for batteries greater than 4 kwh. That works out to $7500 per Volt, which could push the base price below $30k. The tax credit will only apply to the first 250,000 plug-ins sold, and will be phased out over the course of the following fiscal year. In the end, it will cost the federal government about $750 M. So get ready to buy your plug-ins folks! The price just dropped more than the cost of my current car! Instead of addressing the real problem, which is overregulation: you have union workers at GM artificially inflating prices to insane levels, you have

2010 Ford Mustang Interior Teaser Shots Released

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Adding to its portolio of exterior sneak peeks released in

Video: Man Begs Girlfriend To Return Stolen Truck

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Staff and students at the University of South Australia have designed and built a prototype of what they reckon might be the future commuter car for Australian cities. Trev sounds rather impressive. He goes from 0 to 100kph in 10 secs, has a top speed of 120 km/h, with a travel range of 150+km between charges of his 7kWh 44kg lithium ion polymer battery. When charged from mains power he costs you $1 AUD per 100km to run, using what is said to be 1/5th of the energy of conventional car. Not that there is anything conventional about Trev. His three low-mass alloy wheels with low rolling resistance tyres are attached to an aluminium honeycomb chassis, a foam and fibreglass body with acrylic canopy. He’s the process of being registered as a roadworthy vehicle on SA roads. He has room for driver, one passenger and two overnight bags. (The single door opens toward the footpath, not the road.) And he is not hard on the eye either. Oh, yeh, if you buy your electricity as 100% solar or wind GreenPower from your energy provider, then Trev truly does become a renewable energy vehicle. At least, that’s the aim of the project. Suppose you decided that you weren't going to use fossil fuels anymore. How would you get around? Solar racing cars are able to travel 750 km per day, at highway speeds, powered only by sunlight. Surely it is possible to use similar technologies to build a car in which you could do your daily commuting, but without the noise and pollution of a petrol engine. Staff and students at the University of South Australia have designed and built such a car—Trev. Its features include: * two comfortable seats, since more than 90% of urban trips have only one or two people in the car; * enough luggage space for at least two overnight bags; * 300 kg mass—because using a 2.5 tonne vehicle for commuting is ridiculous; * energy-efficient tyres, brakes and suspension; * a clean, quiet and efficient electric drive system; * compliance with road safety and worthiness regulations; * good performance, with a top speed of 120 km/h; and * 150 km of city driving before the car must be recharged. Most importantly, it uses less than 1/5 of the energy required by a conventional car, and can be recharged using electricity from clean, renewable sources such as solar and wind. And it doesn't look too bad... Features * The tandem seating layout gives good aerodynamics, good balance, and good vision. * The acrylic canopy gives the driver an unimpeded view of the road. * The canopy and door open on the kerb side of the car. * The electric motor gives smooth, quiet acceleration from 0–100 km/h in under 10 seconds. * A composite tub chassis, with foam and plastic body panels, gives a total car mass of 300 kg. * A 45 kg lithium ion polymer battery gives over 150km of city driving. * Low-energy tyres on low-mass alloy wheels give low rolling resistance. * The single rear drive wheel simplifies the suspension, and allows a simple, efficient transmission. Performance In October 2007 we drove Trev from Darwin to Adelaide in the Greenfleet Technology Class of the World Solar Challenge. For most of the journey, we drove 80 - 120 km at speeds of 80 - 90 km/h before stopping to recharge from a generator. We completed the 3020 km trip in just over 6 days. Our energy consumption was 6.2 kWh/100 km. Recharged from solar, wind or hydro, there are no emissions. Electricity costs about $0.18 per kWh. The cost of recharging Trev is 1.1 cents per kilometre, so the entire journey cost us $33 of electricity It makes petrol look silly.

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

A lot of companies are building smaller cars to try to woo customers into buying with the idea that they'll save money in the long run on gas. Hymotion3 Official Press Release:

The missing link Occupying a half-way house between the world of the scooter and the car, the HYmotion3 compressor is a highly original proposal designed to facilitate urban mobility. Attractive thanks to its dynamic, streamlined and futuristic style; it is an interesting concept combining numerous benefits (size, safety and comfort) with "HYmotion" hybrid/petrol technology. This new generation technology creates a three wheel drive vehicle, benefiting safety and driveability and combining economy with an environmentally-friendly specification (CO2 emissions of only 47 g/km in the combined cycle, zero in electric only mode). The HYmotion3 compressor concept is a means of transport with no affiliation to a particular type of vehicle. With its three wheels and its streamlined body, it is something of a missing link between two worlds which to date are quite distinct: that of the scooter and that of the car. With an electric motor in each of its two front wheels, coupled at the rear with a petrol engine, it brings into play very innovative hybrid technologies allowing each of its wheels to provide motive power. In a world of intensifying urban traffic where everyone is trying to save time, where oil prices are skyrocketing and the environment is more than ever a priority, design departments are vying in ingenuity to develop solutions for the future. Giving full rein to their creativity and expertise, two separate Peugeot teams converged on a similar idea and finally worked in tandem to develop a particularly original project: the HYmotion3 compressor. This "concept car", or rather "concept scooter", is based on the extensive experience of Peugeot Motorcycles, specialists in the scooter field, as well as the creativity and innovative capabilities of stylists and engineers working for Automobiles Peugeot. To create this concept, Peugeot was able to draw on its extensive experience in the world of transportation enabling each individual, according to their age or their needs, to choose from among the Marque's cycles, motorcycles and cars. This vehicle offers an ideal mix of the benefits of a scooter and particular characteristics of a car. Its design is based on three wheels for maximum stability, safety and driveability. Its width of 82 cm enables it to thread a path through urban traffic with all the efficiency of a two-wheeler. The front windscreen extends to the rear of the vehicle to form a highly effective shield against bad weather for the rider and passenger. In addition, regulations in France allow the vehicle to be driven with a B licence only, giving it a wide range of potential customers. Finally, this vehicle incorporates HYmotion technology, also featured on other concept-cars in the Peugeot exhibition space at the Paris Motor Show. This new generation hybrid technology incorporates the supercharged petrol engine already featured in the Peugeot Satelis scooter. With a power of 15 kW (20 bhp) driving the rear wheel, it is combined with two electric motors, each with an output of 3 kW, located in the front wheels. This configuration develops a maximum power of 21 kW (29 bhp) for a particularly low fuel consumption of 2.0 litres/100 km and CO2 emissions of 47 g/km in the combined cycle, or 0 in electric only mode. The design of the HYmotion3 compressor, with its three wheel drive, provides positive benefits for both safety and drivability. Thanks to its extreme hybridisation, the HYmotion3 compressor concept creates a new benchmark in terms of safety (improved traction and braking), practicality and environmental-friendliness, offering original versatility at one with its environment.

France Jumps On The Bandwagon, Approves $549M Bailout

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Ford Rejects

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Video:

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Video: Employment Crunch Means Free Gas For Ne'er Dowells

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Indian Canadian hatchback

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

http://www.ecogeek.org/content/view/2209/

More News From The Tesla

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Lotus 7 Replica Wins Escape From Berkeley Race

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

http://www.escapefromberkeley.com/ Escape from Berkeley is a 600 mile A veggie-oil-burning Lotus clone from Oregon beat a wood-burning pickup from Alabama in a madcap alt-fuel race to Las Vegas that included a 200-mile detour and saw three of the five teams drop out before reaching the finish line. Jack McCornack and Sharon Westcott rolled across the finish line at the Sahara Hotel-Casino 1,418 minutes after leaving Berkeley, California, having driven their topless Lotus 7 replica more than 800 miles to collect the $5,000 first-place prize in Escape from Berkeley. "We signed up to do this before we even knew there was money involved," McCornack, who sells the biodiesel-burning cars through his company, Kinetic Vehicles, told The New York Times. "It just seems like great fun." The race mashed up Mad Max and Cannonball Run and threw in a touch of the Darpa Grand Challenge and Burning Man. The only rules were you couldn't use petroleum and you had to scavenge your fuel along the way. Even the race organizers are amazed anyone finished at all. "The basic premise is build a vehicle out of junk, we'll give you the equivalent of one gallon of gas and you have to drive 600 miles to Las Vegas. Oh, and you can't buy any fuel along the way," says Jim Mason, the artist and inventor behind the race. "That's a pretty heavy stone to carry." The stone proved too heavy for most of the teams to carry. Ten were expected to participate, but only five made it to the starting line when the race started Saturday. Three more dropped out along the way, leaving only McCornack and Wayne Keith, an Alabama rancher who hasn't bought gasoline in five years. He was favored to win the race in his wood-gas-burning Dodge Dakota, but a flat tire and a load of wood that didn't burn properly cost him some time Sunday. He finished about three hours behind McCornack when the race ended Monday night. "Normally we can get 60 or 70 mph on this," he told the Times, "but we had so many hills and such headwinds we spent a lot of time in the 40s." The route took the vehicles over the highest mountain range in California — where a snowstorm at the 9,943-foot Tioga Pass forced everyone to take a 200-mile detour — and through Death Valley National Park. It proved to be too much for the veggie-oil-burning Mercedes Benz, the human-electric tandem bicycle and the steam-powered trike with wooden wheels. But then, a challenging route was the entire point. "We want to show it's a viable solution, and show you can travel vast distances on anything," says Jake Haskell, another race organizer. Mason is already planning next year's race, which is slated for Memorial Day Weekend and will end somewhere in Mexico. Be sure to check out our first post, "Mad Max Meets Cannonball Run in Alt-Fuel Race to Vegas," for more info about the race, the teams and why anyone would want to Escape from Berkeley.

Video: Last Titanic Survivor Puts Your Travel Phobias To Shame

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Harley-Davidson Launches "Build It and Win It" Contest

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

The Drive-In Movie Turns 75, Yawns, Stretches Arms Casually

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

RANKED BY TOTAL U.S. ADVERTISING SPENDING IN 2007. Dollars in millions. 3 Toyota Motor Corp. $45.5 2.2% $1,758 $79,909 23 Honda Motor Co. 40.1 2.5 1,326.5 53,128.9 4 General Motors Corp. 33.4 3.0 3,010.1 100,545.0 6 Ford Motor Co. 32.0 3.1 2,525.2 80,874.0 20 Nissan Motor Co.

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

To solidify the almost overnight success of the Honda Civic as well as keep the competitive edge over the likes of both the Toyota Corolla and the Mazda3, Honda has revealed plans to introduce a mid-cycle upgrade for the Honda Civic in 2009. While the subtle revisions might not seem like much, apprently even the most imperceptible changes matter in the cutthroat hybrid market, and even the most seeminly mundane additions have auto gurus foaming at the mouth. 2009 Honda Civic Coupe Gallery [gallery]

Walter Chrysler's Great-Grandson Sends Letter Of Advice To Nardelli

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Last week, Frank Rhodes, the great-grandson of Chrysler LLC founder William P. Chrysler, sent a letter to

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Clint Eastwood is the only human being alive who has actually become more of an asskicker with age.

Spy Shots Of The BMW S1000RR Production Model

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Everyone was shocked that the production version of the BMW S1000RR wasn't unveiled at Intermot two weeks ago. Now, it looks like an EICMA release could be on the cards; the road-going version of the S1000RR SBK World Championship contender has been spied undergoing final shakedown testing at Circuito Alabacete in Southern Spain. You can tell it's the production version from the turn signals, mirros, exhaust, etc. Evident for the first time are the production versions of the turn signals, clocks, exhaust, headstock and other details. According to the photographer, BMW was testing the S1000RR alongside a CBR1000RR, which it was visibly out performing while accelerating out of corners. This confirms the performance advantage we predicted in our 2009 Superbike Showdown. Photos: Manuel Serrano for Solo Moto Treinta

Spy Shots Of The BMW S1000RR Production Model

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Truck, SUV Sales Experience Positive Growth For 2nd Straight Month

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

While foreign and domestic automakers alike sit neck-deep in a barrage of hasitly slapped together compact cars, full-size trucks and SUVs reported a positive surge in market shares for the second month in a row.

2009 Ford Fusion Comprehensive Review Summary

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

[gallery]

Buckypaper

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Buckypaper has been in the news a lot recently. It's a thin sheet of "paper" made up of a form of carbon called carbon nanotubes. The thing about Buckypaper is that it has all sorts of really interesting properties. First of all, it's about 500 times stronger than steel, yet it's 10 times lighter. It has a very high But that's boring compared to the sci-fi stuff it may be able to do one day. Since it's made up of nanotubes, and nanotubes have the ability to stretch

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Now for those of you with fancy-schmancy things like "warranties" and "comprehensive insurance", perhaps you aren't as concerned about Halloween mischief as others. Tip#1: If you have a garage, use it. If you don't have a garage, park your vehicle as close to your house as you can actually get it without causing any structural damage (regardless of what your community management office might have to say, tonight it is perfectly acceptable to park on the grass).

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Sure, you could dress up like a car, but where's the excitement? Where's the panache? If you really want to get into the spirit of Halloween, but aren't completely sold on the idea of drinking animal blood,

Car Skills Every Man (And Woman) Should Know

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

There is nothing cooler than a guy that gets shit done. That guy that always handles the situation is the guy men want to be like and women want to be with. Why do you think James Bond gets laid all the time? Because he knows how to do everything; he speaks 7 languages, has an intimate knowledge of high technology and human physiology, and he can recite obscure Icelandic poetry while dancing very very well. Also: License to kill. One caveat: he's doesn't actually exist. Not only that, he can't exist. For one man to build up the level of skill and knowledge James Bond has on every conceivable subject would take many lifetimes. Nevertheless, you can try. Here's a start: To get your start on being a well-rounded cooldude, you're going to want to learn a few auto related skills, including how to...

Drive a stick shift

The day may come that you and your beautiful sidekick girlpal being chased by the corrput authorities in some distant Eastern European country. You find an unlocked car with the keys in it, and you're ready to roll. Only one problem - it's a manual transmission and you don't know how to drive one. Life or death situations are not the best time to learn either, the pressure will lead to lots of stalling, and your eventual killers will laugh at you. Also, you won't look too cool in the eyes of your hottie girlpal either, so get with it. Describing how to drive a stick shift is difficult, so here's a video. The main thing is, after you've watched it, go out and practice, that's the only way you can really learn to drive a stick.

Change a tire

If you haven't already, you probably will have to change a tire at some point in your lifetime. Hopefully it won't be during a life or death car chase across Estonia like the stick shift example, because it takes a bit of time to get it done. First off, pull your car over to a safe spot, away from traffic as best you can. You don't want cars and trucks whizzing past you while you're crouched down barely visible next to your car. Make sure the car is in park and the emergency brake is on. In your trunk, you should have a jack, tire iron, and the spare tire. Before you start jacking up the car, take off any hub cap or trim the wheel might have. Place the jack under the car near the tire and start to jack it up. There should be a notch in the metal under your car where the jack seems like it should go, by the time the jack is high enough to actually touches the car, make sure you have the notch on the jack lined up with the notch under the car. I always carry WD-40 in my car, it's invaluable.

Deal with the police

give driving directions parallel park use mirrors read a map jump-start a car Handle a car in a skid Get a car unstuck

2010 Camaro Chatter

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Also, I would like to apologize for immediately assuming that all Camaro enthusaists were hillbilly skidmarks in the underwear of humanity. Well, except for the one particular commenter, Nelson, who suggested that I was a supporter of a certain presidential canidate whom, as a point of fact, I wouldn't even allow to wash my windsheild let alone run my country. So you Nelson, you're still a shit stain - but the rest of you Camaro5 fanboys, well you're just a ok. I will admit, they're in a healthy denial over the Ford Mustang's superiority (c'mon, 40 years of continous production guys...you can't make up for that with one piddly supercharged engine), but hey, let he among us gearheads who is without an unhealthy, illogical love for a certain car cast the first stone... There's also a kid who goes by the name headpunter with an avatar of Robert Downy Jr. a la Tropic Thunder, who signature features a cropped photo of the rear-end of a 2010 Camaro and the inafmaous quote "I like big butts and I cannot lie, you other brothers can't deny." He has earned my unwavering loyalty. Originally Posted by SSOOCH Chevrolet can't afford not to capatalize on this one. They have to get this one right. It just doen't make sense to not have enough SS' to go around and piss off us enthusiasts who are not only going to buy these vehicles but basically be advertising for GM. Us Enthusiasts will promote them and spread the word...they gotta know this! Don't piss us off, I'm a fanboy just like everybody else on this board but you can only get slapped around so much before you bail...just ask Tina about Ike! Originally Posted by fbodfather OK..once again - calm down. (and I NEED TO CALM down because I want to wring the person's neck that put this message out to dealers -- and the person within the dealership that put the message out to YOU.......) FIRST -- the number of units mentioned that we will produce is WRONG........we'll build more units than that barring any unforseen circumstances or work stoppages. (and I put that last line in there because NO ONE knows what will happen tomorrow.......) SECOND -- we want each of you behind the steering wheel of your new Camaro........MAKE NO MISTAKE ABOUT IT..........LET ME SAY THAT AGAIN -- MAKE --- NO -- MISTAKE -- ABOUT -- IT............... (...now go read it again!) THIRD-- anyone who has any production planning management experience will understand that you do NOT tool to build 100 percent of anything when you offer choices -- NO ONE DOES . Let me say that again NO -- ONE -- DOES............. The hardest thing (In my opinion) that we have to do is to forecast option load.........and I dare anyone on here to predict what the car will sell in terms of option load in the 2011 model year - We are in FINE SHAPE right now. IF -- and that's a HUGE 'IF" the orders HAD come in at 100% SS -- and EVERY allocation had been spoken for (and that has not happened....) then we'd have some concern.......... So -- calm down. Not everyone at GM is a walking moron. Don't believe everything you read --esp. when you have no idea of the source. REPEAT AFTER ME: WE WANT YOU BEHIND THE STEERING WHEELS OF YOUR NEW CAMAROS............... Now -- one more favor: DURING THE NEXT 'PANIC DU JOUR' -- (which, I'm confident will happen within the next few minutes........) ..........would you PLEASE just STOP for a minute and think: "........Perhaps -- just perhaps -- GM has done this for many years -- and perhaps - just perhaps -- they know what they're doing -- and perhaps --just perhaps they DO care about us as evidenced by Fbodfather coming out here and calming us down every other day............." and then think: " I'd better be careful or Fbodfather just MAY have a stroke and die and IF he DIES he's gonna come back to haunt me with an entire fleet of black Suburbans...........and my life will be 'kaakaa'......" So......let's PLEASE -- (I'm begging you......) STOP with the "Panic Du Jours"..........please????? Thank you! Now -- back to our regularly scheduled programming..........

Honda Begins Building Ride

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

2010 BMW Active Hybrid 6

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Pee Power: The Batteries Of The Future

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

GM-Chrysler Merger Denied Part Two

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

While both Chrysler and GM are certainly embroiled in a significant financial crisis, there quiest-as-of-late Detroit brethren, Ford, has not been immune to the cash crunch either. In addition to a sharp decline in sales and a steady plummet in stock value, Ford has also suffered the loss of its lagest private shareholder. This week Kirk Kerokorian, former holder of more than 6% stake in the company as well as a very public supporter of Ford's ability to turn their ship around, abruptly sold over 110 million shares of Ford stock at an estimated $133 million dollar loss. Despite this, Ford has been noticably absent from the crowd three-piece-suited panhandlers on Capitol Hill. Reading Comprehension Activity: After you have finished reading the material, please quietly discuss your opinions with your classmates. When you feel as though you have a thorough understanding of the facts, please divide into 4 groups of 5 and create a short skit illustrating the qualities of "grace under pressure" as well as which of the Detroit 3 you feel most strongly identify with the term.

GM-Chrysler Merger Denied Part Two

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Do you find yourself largely uneffected by the current economic conditions because all of your business transactions are conducted largely in cash? Are you finding it increasingly difficult to find secure places to hide your Louis Vuitton briefcases

Top 10 Old Man Cars

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

The models are ranked based on the percentage of buyers age 65 or older, using data from the market research firm J.D. Power and Associates. With most consumers running for American cars and the US auto industry seemingly headed for the toilet, there is still one demographic that Detroit has a a hold on... Retirees. Buyers over 65 are the last bastion of fans for the traditional American vehicle. This age group, which precedes the Baby Boomer generation, also views vehicles from Buick, Cadillac, Lincoln and Mercury as status symbols. "The folks in this demographic feel that 'I worked hard and I deserve to be treated well,'" Passikoff says. "All of these cars are luxurious, fully loaded and comfortable." "OnStar makes them feel safe, which is particularly important for that age group," Field says, adding that 85 percent of Buick buyers in his dealership are 55 and older. "These buyers can afford whatever they want, but at the same time, most are retired and live on fixed incomes. They still want value for their purchase." Old people like familiarity. "The next generation gravitates more toward sportier, performance-oriented vehicles that seem more youthful as opposed to traditional, large luxury American brands," says KBB's Nerab. As a result, domestic automakers may have a tougher time attracting Baby Boomers, the next generation to turn 65. "American automakers have been worried about that for the last decade, and they still have reason to worry," he says. Tom Libby, senior director of industry analysis for J.D. Power in Troy, Mich., says the brands near the top of our list will have a tough time reaching younger consumers. "These are brands that have a widespread reputation as appealing to older buyers, and that's a hard thing to change," he says. Domestic automakers are already adapting their marketing approach to attract younger buyers. Cadillac is running celebrity-laden commercials aimed at younger viewers and Lincoln is positioning its MKZ, which came in ninth, to a younger audience. Models with the lowest percentage of buyers of retirement age (below 3 percent) include the Audi A3, BMW M3, Honda S2000, Infiniti QX56, Land Rover LR3, Land Rover Range Rover Sport, Nissan Armada, Volkswagen GTI, Volkswagen R32 and Volkswagen Touareg. "It's not really a surprise. The Land Rover has a younger average age and Volkswagen has also appealed to younger buyers," Libby says, adding that most of the models in the bottom 10 are sporty and definitively marketed toward younger drivers. People of retirement age (65 years) and older overwhelmingly favor large American luxury cars, as this list shows. Comfort, ease of entry and exit and, oddly enough, a gear shift on the steering-wheel column, are key traits these drivers look for. The demographic data in this list comes from a J.D. Power and Associates survey of about 7,000 auto dealerships nationwide conducted between Jan. 1 and April 27. Pricing information is from the manufacturers and mileage estimates are from the Environmental Protection Agency, based on 2008 models, except for the Buick Terraza, which was discontinued after 2007. -- Many drivers retiring from the workforce reward themselves with large, plush cars. But experts recommend careful consideration when choosing the ideal vehicle to drive into retirement. Big cars have advantages like a comfortable ride and roomy interior. But their long hoods and large trunks can be difficult to see over. "When you look at the data, older Americans of course like big cars," says Dave Melton, director of transportation and technical consulting for Liberty Mutual Insurance in Hopkinton, Mass. "They're smooth, they have a long wheelbase, they drive nicely, have lots of room for grandchildren, and carry the look of affluence. But my question is, 'Does the older driver fit with these cars?'" A top consideration, experts say, should be how easy it is to see out of the car. In this regard, the large vehicles retirees favor have a disadvantage. Still, many of the most popular cars for retirement make up for this problem with back-up cameras and sensors to help drivers gauge the distance to surrounding objects. Often they also have controls mounted on the steering wheel for quick and easy access to complicated functions. Such features are among those recommended by the AARP, an organization for people of retirement age. "You need to be able to know where the front and the back of the car is," Melton says. "If you can't see that, you will find it hard to maneuver into a tight spot. I'm always concerned that older drivers aren't looking carefully at sight lines." A dozen of the 20 vehicles on our list of retirement favorites are among the largest sedans available in the United States. The models are ranked based on the percentage of buyers age 65 or older, using data from the market research firm J.D. Power and Associates. Topping the list is the Lincoln Town Car, with 75.9 percent of its buyers in that age group. Not too far behind are the Cadillac DTS, Mercury Grand Marquis, Buick Lucerne and Buick LaCrosse. All five are large sedans, so their sight lines — how well drivers can see their surroundings from behind the wheel — tend to be more constricted than those of smaller sedans. Go to the accompanying slideshow to see the full list of top 20 vehicles with the highest percentage of buyers in retirement.

10. Ford Taurus

Ahh yes, the King of the American Roads Buyers 65 and up: 35 percent MSRP: $23,635 Mileage: 18 mpg city/28 mpg hwy One of the top-selling models in Ford’s history — America’s best-selling car during the 1990s — the Taurus is back after a short hiatus, just like the Sable. Ford experimented with the moniker "Five Hundred" for a couple of years, but it didn’t take and the company brought back the well-known Taurus name for its largest sedan. The Taurus and Sable are so roomy, we think they’re a good alternative to buyers looking to get out of gas-guzzling SUVs. Like the Sable, it gets a five-star crash rating from the NHTSA and is an IIHS top safety pick.

9. Lincoln MKZ

Buyers 65 and up: 35.3 percent MSRP: $30,980 Mileage: 18 mpg city/28 mpg hwy While the Lincoln MKZ is positioned for a crowd that’s a bit younger than the Lincoln Town Car, it still has a high percentage of buyers of retirement. The MKZ is one of the smaller sedans on this list, but it’s by no means small. Its interior controls are simple and straightforward, which Elinor Ginzler, senior vice president for livable communities at AARP, Washington, D.C., says should be a key consideration for drivers ages 65 and older.

8. Cadillac STS

Buyers 65 and up: 38.8 percent MSRP:: $43,775 Mileage: 17 mpg city/26 mpg hwy The STS is slightly smaller and sportier than the DTS higher up on this list. But it’s still a hit with folks in retirement. Joe Coughlin, director of the MIT age lab in Cambridge, Mass., says folks in this age group regard Cadillacs as iconic cars that represent success. "‘Cadillac’ means you’ve made it to the next level," he says. "When you saw a Cadillac in the movies or on the street, it was something to aspire to." The STS isn’t quite as spacious as the larger DTS, but it’s still roomy inside. It offers many of the comfort and luxury amenities folks of retirement age look for and some new ones they might not seek out, but which definitely are a boon. These include next-gen safety features like lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, multiple airbags and stability control.

7. Toyota Avalon

Buyers 65 and up: 39 percent MSRP: $27,325 Mileage: 19 mpg city/28 mpg hwy The highest-ranking foreign car on the list is Toyota’s largest and most expensive sedan. And the Avalon isn’t here by accident: It’s designed specifically to compete with large, plush American sedans favored by mature drivers. "The Avalon has been referred to as the Japanese Buick," J.D. Power’s Libby says. "The middle-of-the-road Toyota customer is going to get a Camry, so it makes perfect sense for Toyota to go after older buyers with the Avalon."

6. Mercury Sable

Buyers 65 and up: 48.6 percent MSRP: $22,096 Mileage: 18 mpg city/28 mpg hwy The 2008 model year marks the return of the Sable after a brief hiatus starting in 2005. Mercury tried using a new moniker, Montego, but it didn’t catch on, so the company reverted back to the name familiar to a generation of retirees. The 2008 Sable is basically an updated 2007 Montego with some new accents on the inside and LED taillights on the outside, among other tweaks. Unlike the Grand Marquis, it comes with either front- or all-wheel drive. It is a top safety pick of the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety and receives a five-star rating for front and side crash-test performance from the National Transportation Safety Institute.

5. Buick LaCrosse

Buyers 65 and up: 63.7 percent MSRP: $24,250 Mileage: 17 mpg city/28 mpg hwy The Buick LaCrosse is a little smaller than the Lucerne, though still a large sedan. It gest decent gas mileage for its size. The LaCrosse comes with a number of perks particularly attractive to drivers of retirement age, including OnStar and personalized settings for the power-adjustable front seats. It also has buttons on the steering wheel for functions like the cruise control and stereo, features found on many vehicles on this list, which can help ease the tech overload of today’s cars.

4. Buick Lucerne

Buyers 65 and up: 66.9 percent MSRP: $27,275 Mileage: 16 mpg city/25 mpg hwy The upper body twisting required to park a car gets more difficult as drivers get older, and the latest Lucerne is one of the many models in the top 20 that include options like rear-parking assist, which alerts the driver with beeps when there’s an object within three feet of the vehicle. The new Lucerne also includes a lane-departure warning system, and 2009 models will include traffic information in the navigation system and Bluetooth phone connectivity.

3. Mercury Grand Marquis

Buyers 65 and up: 69.2 percent MSRP: $23,980 Mileage: 15 mpg city/23 mpg hwy Typically sold in the same showroom as the Lincoln Town Car, the Grand Marquis is a lower-cost alternative. It’s still plenty spacious, comfortable and marketed toward people who are retired or near retirement. The Grand Marquis can seat six adults comfortably and has a trunk large enough to hold six golf bags. "Mercury is sold in the same showroom with Lincoln, so the brands are not really separate," says Tom Libby, an analyst with J.D. Power and Associates. "The two brands get some of the same image and status."

2. Cadillac DTS

Buyers 65 and up: 69.9 percent MSRP: $43,175 Mileage: 15 mpg city/23 mpg hwy The DTS is a direct competitor to the Lincoln Town car and so appeals to retirees for all the same reasons. A couple of high-tech features make it even more attractive to this set: automated lane-departure warnings and blind-spot alerts. Honestly, there is about a RCH of difference between the Caddy DTS and the STS. The STS is a bit bigger and costs a little more, but that's about where the differences end. But more than that, the Cadillac has clout for a generation that identifies its name with success and status. "Cadillacs are particularly popular with the Silent Generation, or the older component of the 65-and-older set, generally people over 75," said Brent Green, president of Brent Green & Associates, a Denver-based consulting firm specializing in consumers 55 and older.

1. Lincoln Town Car

Buyers 65 and up: 75.9 percent MSRP: $45,295 Mileage: 15 mpg city/23 mpg hwy Who else but the Town CarThe granddaddy of granddaddy cars, the Town Car is one of the roomiest luxury sedans available for less than $200,000. It has more interior space than the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Features that appeal to drivers of retirement age include large doors for easy entry and exit, plush, comfortable seats, a smooth ride and a strong V8.

2009 Dodge Caliber

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

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2009 Ford Ranger

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

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SEMA 2008: Sony's Ghostbusters Ecto-1 Revival

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Everybody's a critic, and we here in the auto media are no exception. We love to dish it out, and we can sometimes prove to be rather fair weather friends if a particular automaker takes a turn for the worse (for further reference, see both: GM and Tesla). Occasionally, the fact that we actually really and truly love cars is forgotten

2009 Nissan 370Z Shows A Little A-Pillar In New Teaser Shots

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Salesman Totals Tesla Roadster During Test Drive

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Last Wednesday, a product demonstration went horribly wrong when a sales director lost control of the Tesla Roadster he was driving, resulting in a very serious crash. The accident occurred somewhere in southern France, and while the Roadster itself was totaled, the driver and his passenger - a potential customer - only suffered relatively mild injuries. According to reports, the vehicle had been traveling at 100 mph on slightly wet roads,

What's Your Favorite Car Over 4,000 Pounds?

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Most Ridelust readers are car enthusiasts, and most car enthusiasts like fast cars, obviously. The thing about fast cars is that they tend to be light, and this leads to a situation where a whole automotive niche gets kind of ignored by auto enthusiasts: heavy cars. Most enthusiast vehicles have certain traits that set them apart from their heavier cousins; like more responsive steering and a suspension that allows the driver to feel the road. Meanwhile, heavier cars usually have a more "comfortable" ride and often steer like an ocean liner. Each type of car appeals to a different type of driver, but every so often there is a heavy car with qualities that the enthusiast can appreciate. I want to hear what your My favorite is the Mercury Marauder, without a doubt. Even the GMC Syclone only weighed about 3,500 pounds. In my opinion, the Marauder is the most badass car in the history of bad asses. It's intimidating, it's sinister, it has the air of authority about it. It's just a powerful machine, and yet, it's sad, because every year that goes by is one more year To deal with the greater grunt, the four-speed automatic is beefed up, and the rear axle is lowered to 3.55:1 from the Grand Marquis's 3.27:1 for faster takeoffs. Still, the big Merc doesn't exactly lunge away from a stop, and anyone expecting a muscle-car-style tire smoke display will be disappointed. Once it's rolling, though, the Marauder gets up and moves, scrambling to 60 mph in just over seven seconds. We recorded a quarter-mile time of 15.6 seconds at 94 mph, which is respectable but not intimidating. Put it this way: If some Honolulu miscreant were fleeing in a mid-'90s Chevy Impala SS, our man McGarrett would have to rely on his driving skill and his iron will to catch him, as the performance of the two cars is virtually identical. On the other hand, it would take only one tire-squealing corner for the Five-O chief to realize that this new Mercury is a whole different kettle of poi from the hubcap-shedding understeerers he drove for a dozen years. The Marauder is also vastly improved versus the Grand Marquis we're familiar with, mostly because of the extensive chassis makeover that Ford lavished upon all its big rear-wheel-drive sedans for 2003, and partly because of some special tweaks for the Marauder alone. Like its siblings, the big Merc benefits from a stiffened frame, with hydroformed front rails; variable-ratio, speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering in place of recirculating-ball; a redesigned control-arm front suspension; a beefier front anti-roll bar; and monotube dampers all around, with the rears relocated outside the frame rails. Compared with the Grand Marquis, the Marauder sits a few millimeters lower in front on shortened police-spec springs but rides a bit higher at the rear with its taller-sidewalled rear tires. The Marauder's rear air springs (taken from the Lincoln Town Car) feature load leveling, which should keep the car from dragging its butt even with a trunk full of shotguns, bullhorns, and hair spray. The Marauder arrived too late. This American generation doesn't have the testicular fortitude of generations past. Sure, there are automotive enthusiasts and lovers and nice cars and but there are no gentlemen, Paul Newman is dead. There are no more

One Man's

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

OGAKI, Gifu -- A 9-year-old boy is in police custody after he took his family's car on a drive to visit his grandmother. Police received a call at around 7:30 a.m. on Monday from a passerby saying there was a car driving along a prefectural road without anyone at the wheel. An officer subsequently found the boy sitting in the driver's seat of an automatic small car in a nearby convenience store parking lot. "It's my first time driving, but I learned from watching dad and playing at the video arcade," he told police. The boy told police that he'd taken the car from the family home at around 6 a.m. He was planning to visit his grandmother in nearby Sekigahara, but had got lost. The boy is around 135 cm in height, and managed to control the car by sitting at the front of the seat and clinging to wheel, allowing him to reach the pedals. Police warned the boy's parents to look after their car more carefully in the future.

The Blue Oval Walks The Green Mile, Gives Itself 7 Months

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

The Economics Of Another GM Bailout

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

"Saving labor, producing more goods with fewer man-hours, is widely perceived not as progress but as a danger. I call this the make-work bias, a tendency to underestimate the economic benefits of conserving labor. Where non-economists see the destruction of jobs, economists see the essence of economic growth: the production of more with less." –Bryan Caplan

GM and Ford are once again begging at the door of the federal government. Just two months ago, Congress gave the Detroit three $25 billion dollars worth of bailout money, and now they want more. They say this time it's different; this time, with only $50 billion, they can become profitable. The worst part is GM's argument for the bailout: they say if the taxpayers don't bail them out, it'll spell horrible doom for the economy. Now, I could go off on an economics lesson about how moving workers and resources from a less productive activity to various other more productive activities is a very good thing, and has great benefits for society. I could explain how preserving jobs that are not productive is actually a bad thing and hurts the economy. But people aren't generally interested in stuff like that. So I'll take it in another direction. First off, this isn't an industry-wide problem. Other auto makers are having difficulties, but they're not asking for a handout of taxpayer's money. For years, GM and Ford have been lagging behind their competitors. From an economic point of view: they've been making cars that consumers don't value as much as the cars made by their competitors. But instead of changing their cars or their way of doing business, they just spent their money on lobbyists. They tried to work the system to stay afloat. Companies like Honda and Toyota kept improving, making cars that consumers wanted, anticipating demand, while GM and Ford just... didn't. Secondly, 266,000 people is a lot of people. That's a massive work force, but there are 9 other US companies that are have a bigger workforce than GM, and one of them is Wal-Mart. What if Wal-Mart asked for a handout from the US taxpayers? I doubt they would get the same amount of sympathy. The question must be posed: Should the government bail out all 12 of these companies and, if so, at what cost? I doubt that if Wal-Mart, with their 2.1 million employees, went to the government or the American people and demanded a bailout that they would receive much sympathy, let alone money. But if we are going to base worthiness of bailout on number of employees alone, then Wal-Mart is almost 7 times more worthy than GM. So what do we do? If you're not part of the solution you're part of the problem, right? Well, GM needs to file for bankruptcy. That's all there is to it. Bankruptcy protection will get them out from under the thumb of the UAW, giving them a chance to really be competitive. GM could strip down and become a lean, mean, automaking machine, freed from all the red tape and bureaucratic nonsense that bogs it down now. But even if they don't, even if GM fades into nothingness, that's still a good thing. Those 266,000 GM workers and all the resources currently being used by GM in unproductive ways would be freed up. The workers would be a pool of employees for productive businesses, the resources and buildings could be bought up and used by productive businesses. It

10 Things Overheard in Detroit Recently

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

"Well we've done all we can Rick, why don't you try showing them a little leg?" -Anonymous advisor to GM CEO Rick Wagoner on the current lobby to push a $50 billion bailout for the auto industry through Congress. "Don't tase me, bro." Local Dodge dealer to police Sargeant who recently sustained significnat rear end damage to his Charger police cruiser when he inadvertently engaged the incorrect gear

UPDATE: Congress Officially Approves Auto Bailout

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Motorcyclists And Safety Advocates Disagree On New SC Red Light Law

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Billy "Reb" Richardson of Sumter grew tired of having to repeatedly break the law, so he decided to work to have the law changed in his favor. Richardson, a member of ABATE of South Carolina, a motorcycle rights organization, was the man behind the movement that led to the introduction in the South Carolina Legislature of bill S-0111. The legislation, which has become law, permits drivers of motorcyclists, mopeds and bicycles to drive through red lights after first stopping for a self-monitored two minutes. Richardson, 63, rides his Harley Davidson a few times a week, he said. Richardson would enjoy every minute of the rides, until the end, when he had the challenge of returning home. Richardson said the traffic light standing between him and his residence was not able to detect his motorcycle. "I'd come to the main intersection, and the light would never change,” he said. “The only way of getting past this red light would be to run the light and take a chance of getting a four-count infraction on my license, or making a right turn and U-turn to come around the other way—and hope I didn't get caught making an illegal U-turn." But not everyone is excited about the new law. Doug Degambrell of Honea Path, a fuel transport driver, said he thinks it's not safe. “Motorcycles always have the option to turn right, make a U-turn if legal, if the light does not switch. There are devices that can be placed on motorcycles to trip the light.” Crosby said he thinks people will take advantage of the new law. “When they're approaching an intersection and the light is red, and they don't see anybody coming, I don't think motorcyclists are going to stop, they're not going to wait two minutes,” he said. Crosby said that motorcycles, representing about 4 percent of registered vehicles in South Carolina, are involved in about 11 percent of highway fatalities in the state. According to the South Carolina's Department of Transportation Web site, actuated traffic signals maintain a green signal on the busiest street until a vehicle on the less-traveled side approaches the intersection. The Web site acknowledges that loop detectors easily detect larger vehicles, and do not easily detect the presence of motorcyclists, bicyclists and even motorists in small cars. South Carolina is the site of 3,600 intersections that are governed by traffic signals, according to Pete Poore, communications director for the South Carolina Department of Transportation. Among those, 1,600, or 44 percent, do not have sensors or have not been adjusted in such a manner that would accommodate a motorcyclist. Poore said transportation department officials are available to address any particular traffic lights that citizens have issues with. Richardson said the transportation department did its best in assisting him and other motorcyclists with traffic light issues, but it wasn't quite enough.

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

The best auto insurance company? USAA, hands down. But USAA only offers coverage to members of the military and the

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Automakers November Sales Numbers

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced November 2008 sales of 14,295 units, a 19.2 percent decrease over the November 2007 sales of 17,689 vehicles. On a year-to-date basis, 2008 Volkswagen sales are 2.1 percent behind 2007 sales through November. “This is the toughest economic environment we’ve seen in a long time and it presents a significant challenge” said Mark Barnes, Chief Operating Officer, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “Nevertheless, our clean diesel TDI’s continued to sell very well even in this tough economy and represented 17 percent of our monthly sales. This is very promising for the Volkswagen Brand as we strive to continue to be the market leader in affordable clean diesel technology. We’re also pleased that our all-new seven passenger minivan, Routan, has posted its best month ever with sales of 1,324 units.” added Barnes.

Road Rage 201: Advanced Tactics For Pissing People Off

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

When attempting to make a left hand turn at a green light, remain stopped solidly behind the white line. Although common sense and efficiency would both dictate that you should inch slowly into the intersection, taking advantage of any gap in oncoming traffic that you can, this would be simply too convenient to the four blocks of cars stopped behind you. So to do your part in easing along the flow of rush hour traffic, you just remained parked behind that thick white line, and don't even think about creeping your foot towards that accelerator until the nearest oncoming car is at least one square mile away. After you successfully execute the aforementioned lefthand turn, you cruise along for a mile or two until you come upon on intersection. Although your light is clearly green, you can see some heavy congestion up ahead and a solid block of cars begining to creep towards to intersection. The guy in front of you slows down to a crawl, most likely to gauge whether he should wait or not, and apparently deciding in the affirmative, darts across the road and just barely squeezes in, his rear fender hanging slightly in the crosswalk. Share you music with others Do you enjoy unwinding in your car to the refreshing musical talent (or lack thereof) of men with names like Ice-T and 50-Cent? Remember: if the vibrations from the bass note on Track 6 can't be felt clear through to the Mohorovic Discontinuity, you just aren't trying hard enough. Think: Ididorod. Sure, you don't have anywhere you need to be, and sure, the Wal-Mart in question is only about a mile or two from your house, but you've got 340-hp under your hood! What better place to really open 'er up then on the short bursts of tarmac between 4 traffic lights?

The 6 Detroit Auto Brands We'd Miss The Least

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

We can toss the Euro brands off the list first. I don't know if that'd be the most financially savvy move, but as for the brands we'd miss... they * Buick * Cadillac * Chevrolet * Daewoo * GMC * Holden * Hummer * Opel * Pontiac * Saab * Saturn * Vauxhall * Ford, * Lincoln, * Mazda, * Mercury, * Volvo Cars. * Chrysler * Dodge * Jeep Vauxhall Don't you miss Oldsmobile? Yeah, me either. Opel could be spun off and sold. They're a huge name in Europe Just lat month, SolarWorld offered to buy Opel from GM, but, of course, the cash strapped GM said Opel isn't for sale. Hummer needs to go. GM can wrap Hummer up in a nice package and sell them off to a more dedicated company that can focus entierly on the Hummer line. I'm sure Hummer will sell. Ford isn't in nearly as much financial trouble as GM, but that's not really saying much since GM is flat out doomed. As far as I'm concerned, Mercury is the most pointless auto brand on Earth. Ford tried to sell the Mercury brand as "near luxury" cars, halfway between Ford and Lincoln. That's a load of crap, Mercury has no identity of it's own, it's a money wasting enterprise with zero reason for existing. Mercury needs to go, now. The thing is, if Ford chops off Lincoln and Mercury, and re-focuses on the strong cars in the Ford line and the quality cars in the Mazda line, it can rebound, it can return to profitability one day. I love Mazda, primarily because they're the only company with the stones to keep developing a rotary engine. With the recent Ford has already shown signs that it want's to get rid of Volvo and possibly Mazda as well.will most likely sell Volvo in the future, they already have plans There are rumors flying around that Gm is going to kill off Saturn Saab has become irrelevant. These are tough decisions, I actually really like Saabs, but come on... high cost/low margins plus one of GM's smallest sales volumes. Saab is a pointless brand for GM right now. Another company could make it work, but GM is poised on the brink of eternal financial damnation, hard choices must be made. One of the biggest problems with GM is the huge number of nameplates it has. GM argues that there is value in their brands, since customers want a wide selection. The thing is, they're half the size they were 50 years ago So GM should adopt a template similar to Toyota's. Keep Chevrolet where it is - the volume brand that is the heartbeat of America. Maintain Cadillac at the top of the market and expand its product offerings with derivatives of the popular CTS. And continue to use Saturn, with its dedicated dealer channel and loyal buyers, as the brand for import intenders. Bye Bye Buick GM has a unique oppourtunity here... Buick is loved in China, sales there are huge, GM would have no problem selling off the Buick brand to a Chinese manufacturer, make a little money, unload an unprofitable sack of dead weight. Same with Pontiac. I was excited for a minute when they came out with the G8, but the fact is, it's over. The excitement is gone from the Pontic line, and it's never coming back. That's just how it is people, deal with it. Pontiac offers ZERO value right now, they're not quality, they're not small, and they're not eco; they're just the typical hunk of metal American car, and that needs to go. Hummer must go. GMC - this is a tough one for me, since I like GMC trucks, but the market isn't big enough anymore for Chevy and GMC. There are a few oppourtunities, GM could sell GMC outright to a commercial truck manufacturer, or they could just keep GMC on, but get rid of the regular productione line and just sell commercial trucks in the biz-2-biz market. Saab, little unloved Saab. With a combination of Who buys Saab cars anymore?

The 9 Detroit Auto Brands We'd Miss The Least

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Don't you miss Oldsmobile? Yeah, me either. One of the main problems GM has is it's huge number of brands, and the fact that they've spread themselves so thin across those brands. They argue that there's value in those nameplates, since customers want a wide selection. The thing is, they're half the size they were in their prime, and they have more brands. It's tough to get rid of one brand without having it affect another, but it has to be done. That's why we've put together this list of the 9 Detroit Automotive Brands We'd Miss The Least, to help the execs in Detroit make the tough choices they know they need to make. Check it out:

1. Opel & 2. Vauxhall

We're here at the drastic times, and if GM wants to survive the winter, they have to take some drastic measures. Just last month, the German company SolarWorld offered to buy Opel from GM. What did the cash strapped GM say? "No way, we'll just get more money from US taxpayers." People are suggesting that GM Europe is the only profitable part of the company, and that may be so right now, but it's showing signs of decay, just like the US counterpart. Why not just sell off the resource you can get the most money for, and use that money to restructure here on home ground? Opel is huge, they're like the Chevrolet of Europe and the rest of the World. And if GM gets rid of Opel, they most likely need to lose Vauxhall as well, since they're basically just right-hand drive Opel cars for the UK. It's a bold move, but the money GM gets from a sale of Opel and Vauxhall will give them the breathing room they need to and make their other brands profitable.

3. Buick

GM has a unique opportunity here: Buick is loved in China, sales there are huge and GM would have no problem selling Buick off to a Chinese manufacturer like the Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp (SAIC). Add that money to the $15 or so billion they would collect from an Opel and Vauxhall sale, and things are starting to look less grim for GM. Buick is dead weight anyway. GM has to look at this as a life or death situation. They don't have the money to bring Buick back to life or to restart the brand, so sell it off. Can you name a modern Buick model you really liked?

4. Pontiac

This one hurts me. I always held out hope that Pontiac would return with some kick ass new asskicker, and when the G8 was launched, I thought that was it. But when you step back and look at things objectively, you realize, it's too little too late. Pontiac is screwed, the excitement is gone and it's never coming back. That's just how it is. Pontiac offers zero value to GM, they're not quality, they're not small and they're not green; they're just another pointless brand hanging on to a dying company. Let it go.

5. Hummer

This one should be obvious. No matter what you say about the brand, the fact is that Hummer has been tarnished permanently because of all the enviro-mania. Plus, they don't sell well; they're essentially obsolete at this point. GM can wrap Hummer up in a nice package and sell them off to a more dedicated company that can focus entirely on the Hummer line. I'm sure a smaller, more vital company can turn the Hummer brand around by shrinking the size and adding an alt-fuel or eco twist, but GM can't. They need to unload Hummer as quickly as possible.

6. Saab

Saab has become even more irrelevant than Hummer. I don't think I've seen a Saab on the roads for weeks. They're just poor sellers. They suffer from a bad combination of high cost/low margins plus one of GM's smallest sales volumes. Plus the high-end Japanese brands have just outgunned Saab - they're finished. Although, just like with Hummer, another company could make it work, but not GM, they're too big and too sickly right now to make Saab profitable.

7. GMC

This one hurts me even more than Pontiac, since GMC trucks are actually good sellers and quality vehicles. The problem is, the market for personal trucks isn't big enough anymore for both Chevy and GMC. So they need to sell-off or restructure now. GM could sell GMC outright to a commercial truck manufacturer, or they could keep GMC on, and limit manufacturing to the large, business-to-business. That about does it for GM. A snip here and a slice there, and GM could well be on the path to prosperity. They just need the balls to carry out a bold plan like that. Grow a set, GM, and stop asking for handouts. As for Ford...

8. Mercury

Ford isn't in nearly as much financial trouble as GM, but that's not really saying much, they're still in financial crisis mode. They need to take some action equally as drastic as GMs. Ford has been showing signs that they want to unload Volvo and maybe even Mazda, but they need to focus a little more close to home: the Mercury brand. As far as I'm concerned, Mercury is the most pointless auto brand on Earth. It has no identity of it's own, and just pumps out mirror images of the Ford line with some silly outdated "almost luxury" option added to boost the price up a bit. That's all Mercury is, and it's all they have been for the past two decades. Mercury adds no value to Ford, and in fact, it's a money wasting enterprise. Mercury needs to go, now.

9. Volvo

I like Volvo, maybe not as much as Suzanne does, but I like them. But Ford is already in talks to sell the company, so it's probably going to happen no matter what any of us want. If Volvo ends up in the hands of BMW, everyone will be better off. Volvo will be better run, and Ford will get some badly needed capital to rejuvenate it's business. Ford is really the only one of the Detroit Three that really has a fighting change to make it out of this mess alive, so they need to just go ahead and do what needs to be done. As for Chrysler, I don't have a clue what's going to happen to them. They can't drop Dodge, and they shouldn't drop Jeep, so they're fine the way they are. They just need to do it better, that is, if they don't get bought out by a super-slim GM that just sold half it's brands.

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I had $30 extra bucks laying around, so I rang up my broker and told him to buy me 20 shares of Ford stock, on the double. After he was resucutated, he explained to me in a patient and somewhat strained voice that he strongley reccommended I not invest in Ford, and that it could prove to very damaging to my portfolio. After I politely reminded my broker that my portfolio consists primarily of my paycheck and whatever I can make at the track, he agreed to acquiesce to my requests. So I bought 20 shares of Ford stock at $2.60 a pop, which (including brokerage commission) cost me precisely $64.99. To date, my portfolio is worth a whopping $90.57

Classic Adelaide Rally

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

It hasn't even been two months since Microsoft loosed its Surface SDK, and already we're seeing new and improved (or is it just one or the other?) uses of the giant multitouch display. In a presumed attempt to keep savvy shoppers off of those message boards and in the dealership, BMW has developed a promotional video showcasing the so-called Product Navigator. Said device reminds us an awful lot of that fictional computer seen the recent "Twins" Volkswagen commercial, though it actually enables prospective customers to develop their next whip rather than taking their John Hancock and doing the hard work itself. Personally, we'd rather spend our time on the track in Spartanburg deciding which model suits us best, but to each his / her own, we guess. Vid's after the break.

RideLust Daily Fail:

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

ImagineA D.C. family is saying there is a good reason why their vandalized car shouldn't have been towed. The dilemma for Chris Thompson and her husband Mike started on Thanksgiving morning when they noticed the wheels and tires on their Audi had been stolen and the car was sitting on cinder blocks. Five days later, after filing a police report and while waiting for the new parts to come in, the city took matters into its own hands. Earlier this week, a tow truck contracted by the Department of Public Works (DPW) dragged a $70,000 dollar car to an impound lot. "They dragged the car with a cinder block underneath it," said Thompson. "It made me sick." Now, Thompson is outraged, claiming the damage is estimated at $20,000. "They couldn't of run our tags, they couldn't of found us," said Thompson. "They didn't try anything." Neighbor Melvin Peterson initially reported the car to police last week. "I was concerned that maybe it was a stolen vehicle being stripped," Peterson said. Days later, Peterson watched as it was taken away. "When the vehicle pulled out I said, they just did a serious amount of damage to this man's car." An official with DPW said the car was given a $250 ticket and towed because it was deemed "too dangerous to be on public space". The Capitol Hill couple, however, said no one ever notified them they were in violation. They claim they still haven't been able to talk to anyone other then a receptionist at the office. "I was practically in tears when I got handed $250 ticket, I had to pay $120 at the impound for a car that was already vandalized," said Thompson.

Congress Orders Ford To Sell Volvo Or Forfeit Federal Aid

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

What began as a casual inquiry in search of any potential buyers has now become a federal stipulation Ford must adhere to in order to recieve any monetary aid.

Formula 1

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=50515517089 167 members It's a bad bad time for the most expensive sport in the world. It costs upwards of $500 million dollars a year for some of the big names to participate, and with this economic 'perfect storm' coming together over the heads of all humanity, the money just isn't there anymore. Sponsors and advertisers are disappearing, despite the fact that Formula 1 is one of the most watched events in the world, with 55 million people all over the world tuning in to watch the average Grand Prix event. Honda's decision is shocking because after a disastrous 2008 season, when it finished ninth out of 11 constructors, there were high hopes of a strong performance this year. Honda had a new car and new team leader in Ross Brawn, credited for much of Ferrari's recent F1 success. Honda's U-turn is sure to raise questions about the commitment of other manufacturers -- such as Toyota, BMW and Mercedes. A mass exodus seems unlikely. F1 is still one of the few high-profile ways for auto makers to differentiate themselves and showcase their engineering skills -- particularly in developing countries. Renault has no plans to quit the sport, despite the pressure on its sales, because it says F1 is so important for building its brand in markets such as Latin America and Russia, vital for the French company's future growth. Besides, Honda's withdrawal is likely to add extra urgency to discussions between the remaining manufacturers and the FIA, F1's governing body. They are trying to thrash out new rules to sharply lower the sport's costs while ensuring each F1 team's cars remain distinct from one another's. A leaner sport, with fewer teams, more overtly focused on emerging markets may what makes it back to the F1 track. That is a future likely to be shared with other high-cost sports that boomed during the credit bubble -- above all soccer, particularly in the U.K. where several top clubs acquired in leveraged deals shortly before the credit crisis struck have started to come unstuck Honda on Friday announced its shock withdrawal from Formula One raising fresh fears over the future of the multi-million dollar sport struggling to keep afloat in the current economic downturn. Honda Motor president Takeo Fukui made the announcement at an emotional press conference in Tokyo, apologising to fans, staff, drivers and F1 authorities. "This is a complete withdrawal. The future is a blank sheet," he said. "Five years from now, I think history will show we made the right decision." The decision shocked the sport which had already seen backmarkers, and fellow Japanese team, Super Aguri go the wall earlier this year. It also sparked new calls for the glamour sport to slash its mind-boggling budgets while the remaining Japanese team, Toyota, hurried out a statement pledging their future to the championship. "This difficult decision has been made in light of the quickly deteriorating operating environment facing the global auto industry, brought on by the subprime problem in the United States," Fukui added. Honda Racing CEO Nick Fry , however, said he was hopeful that new owners would be found in time for the team to be on the grid for the start of next season in Australia on March 29. "In the last 12 hours we've had three serious people come to us and suggest they would like to buy the team, so we're still hoping to be there in Melbourne," Fry told the BBC. Drivers Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello were out of contract at the end of the season, but Honda, whose annual F1 budget was believed to be in the region of 400 million dollars, had been expected to retain them both for 2009. However, Friday's announcement means they are without a team which could spell the end of the road for Barrichello, the most experienced driver in Formula One history having raced in 271 Grand Prix, winning nine. "It's just as much of a shock for me as it is for everyone else," said 28-year-old Button, who claimed Honda's only grand prix win at Hungary in 2006 and visited the team's HQ at Brackley in England where around 500 people are employed. "We need to stay positive and as one team because if we are not, no one will be interested in taking it over." Honda first competed in F1 in 1964 and has since clocked up three Grand Prix wins as a full works team. Its engines have also been behind dozens of victories by stars such as world champions Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost. The team finished ninth in the constructors championship this season with 14 points. Barrichello achieved the team's best result with a third-place finish at Silverstone. F1 is generally feeling the pinch with this year's Australian Grand Prix going 27 million dollars into the red and France axing its race over money worries. Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone, asked whether F1 was in crisis, replied: "Formula One is in no bigger a crisis than any other company throughout the world -- the world is in crisis at the moment. "But the world won't stop, that's for sure." However, Max Mosley , the head of the sport's ruling body, the FIA, insisted Honda's withdrawal dramatically illustrated the need for changes, including the introduction of a cheaper, standardised engine. "If the teams don't notice now what's happened, you have to abandon all hope for them," said Mosley who dismissed the Formula One Teams Association (FOTA) efforts to cut costs. "The moment where we can make really massive reductions is from 2010, but we have to get through 2009 first," Mosley told the respected autosport website. "We have got to get the costs down not by 10 or 20 per cent, but down to 10 or 20 per cent of what they are now. I would expect a team to be able to run in the 30-40 million pound bracket." Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo said he was saddened by developments. "Unfortunately these things can happen in difficult times like these," said di Montezemolo. "Over the years, we have seen several constructors coming and going in Formula One." Meanwhile, Toyota, who haven't won a Grand Prix since joining the sport in 2002, insisted that they are fully committed to the sport. "Toyota is currently committed to succeeding in Formula One and to reducing our costs," said a statement. "We are contributing to the FOTA activities which will achieve significant cost reductions whilst maintaining the spirit of the sport." It is not the first time Honda has quit F1. It withdrew in 1968 to focus on developing compact passenger vehicles. The Japanese firm returned to the F1 stage as an engine supplier from 1983 until 1992, when race regulation changes and a ban on the use of turbo systems prompted Honda to withdraw again from the competition. In 2000, Honda made yet another comeback by partnering with BAR, supplying engines and jointly developing the vehicle body. The company took full control of the team from the 2006 season.

Volvo Plans New Hybrid For 2011, Carves "FoNoGo" Into Schooldesk

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Spy Shots: BMW X6 Caught Cross[Over] Dressing On The Track

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Top Gear Pops The Top Off The Tesla - Gives It A Proper Review

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I just love the way they say "naught" and "petrol" and pronounce every single letter in the word "aluminum". It give their opinions a level a substance that

Top Ten

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

RORMaxx Formula AE Poised To Become First Wind-Powered Racer

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Rory Handel and Max Bricklin, California high school students and founders of imaginary Formula One racing outfit, RORMaxx,

ProTip: Patrol Car NOT A Good Place To Hide Kiddie Porn Stash

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Deputy (well that explains it) Stephen Guy Thomas Jr. of the Indian River County Sherriff's Office has been suspended without pay and charged with the possession of child pornography after a laptop found in Thomas' patrol car was found to contain several sexually explicit videos of children. Apparently, Thomas' extracurricular activities first caught the attention of his law enforcement fellows when local detectives who routinely investigate child pornography stumbled across a screenname that linked back to Thomas. After determining that Thomas was in no way involved with any sort of internal investigation, detectives recieved permission to sieze Thomas' laptop. An initial search of Thomas house

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

It's a truism that big power requires lots of fuel. There's simply no way around it. So it's not surprising that a newly compiled top 10 list of the world's most polluting passenger cars is composed primarily of supercars. Leading the way is the Bugatti Veyron, rated at a whopping 571g/km CO2. That's 15% higher than number two on the list, the Lamborghini Murcielago, ticking over at 495g/km CO2 in coupe form, or 500g/km as a roadster. Third through sixth place are much more closely grouped, spanning two Ferraris and the Dodge Viper in addition to one of the only non-supercars on the list: the Bentley Arnage/Azure/Brooklands, rated at 465g/km. Ferrari's 430 Scuderia and California are downright green by comparison, emitting just 360g/km and 310g/km respectively. Some cars that might make the list - such as SSC's Ultimate Aero - aren't included due to their very small volume production and somewhat lower profiles. Near misses to the list include the Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG (392g/km) and Rolls-Royce Phantom (377g/km). By way of comparison to some more 'normal' cars, the Nissan 350Z emits 280g/km, BMW's M3 Coupe puts out 285g/km and the Chevrolet Corvette is rated at 316g/km. Top Ten Most Polluting Cars: 1. Bugatti Veyron: 571g/km 2. Lamborghini Murcielago LP640: 495g/km (500g/km in Roadster form) 3. Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano: 490g/km 4. Ferrari 612 Scaglietti: 475g/km 5. Bentley Arnage/Azure/Brooklands: 465g/km 6. Dodge Viper SRT-10: 463g/km 7. Ferrari F430 (Coupe & Spider): 420g/km 8. Hummer H2: 412g/km 9. Mercedes G500: 400g/km 10. Bentley Continental GT/GTC/Flying Spur: 396g/km

Wired's Autopia Is A Socialist Rag

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Wired's Autopia Is A Socialist Rag

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

London's Double-Decker Red Buses Go Hydrogen-Powered Green

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

The classic big red double-decker buses that As part of his election campaign earlier this year, new London Mayor Boris Johnson promised to bring back the Routemaster in some form. The new Routemaster buses could also feature the sleek lines of an Aston Martin, after the sports car maker jointly won a competition to design them along with top architecture firm Foster and Partners. The Aston Martin-Fosters proposal will go forward with a design by a British bus maker, Capoco, as the basis for the final shape of the new generation of the world-famous bus. Routemasters, featuring open rear platforms and a spiral staircase, were taken out of service at the end of 2005, replaced by elongated "bendy buses" as well as a new generation of driver-only double-deckers. Routemasters are still in operation, albeit only on popular tourist routes in London city centre. As part of his election campaign earlier this year, new London Mayor Boris Johnson promised to bring back the Routemaster in some form. The Aston Martin-Foster design features a zero-emissions double-decker that remains highly manoeuvrable, with solar panels built into the glass roof, warm lighting and wooden floors while remaining accessible for disable passengers. Capoco's proposed bus has a low flat floor to allow passengers to get on and off easily, with a Routemaster-esque front engine, an open rear platform and will also be low emission. Transport for London said it expected to award a contract for the development and manufacture of the first new bus by the end of 2009, with the vehicles expected to hit the British capital's streets by 2011. Overall, more than 700 entries were submitted for the competition, with children actively encouraged to take part and given special prizes for the best entries in various age groups. "When I launched the competition, I asked for stylish and imaginative designs which would resonate with Londoners," Johnson said. "We have had a phenomenal response, with ideas submitted from around the globe, and we now have, in our joint winners, two stunning designs that allow us to go forward and produce a truly iconic bus fit for 21st century London. "I know that, like me, Londoners will be waiting eagerly to see how these ideas evolve into the final design that will appear on our roads."

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

More Than Meets The Eye: The Chevy Jolt - Complete With Lashing Whips

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Head To Walmart For Your Next Used Car

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

The world's largest retailer is leasing space in two suburban Phoenix stores to Live X Auto Exchange, an online used-vehicle buying company, Automotive News reports today. Walmart shoppers use Live X computers at the stores to check out more than 1,000 used cars and trucks for sale, Live X founder Patrick Dial said. Mr. Dial declined to say how many vehicles it has helped sell since it was launched last month or what Walmart is charging his company. He said about 35 local dealerships, along with rental-car companies, banks and private sellers, are listing used vehicles. Live X refers buyers to dealerships. But it also holds a broker's license that allows it to buy used vehicles from dealers and sell them directly to customers, Mr. Dial said. "Here's the secret sauce," Mr. Dial said. "We're in a nontraditional location but one where there is a promise of value. And customers frequent it over and over." Next year, Mr. Dial said, Live X plans to expand to as many as 13 other Walmart stores in the Phoenix market. He said he would like to roll out the program nationally but has no timetable. Other than being a landlord, Walmart does not have a business relationship with Live X. Spokeswoman Christi Davis Gallagher said the used-vehicle venture reflects Walmart's mission to provide one-stop convenience and value to save our customers money so they can live better." Live X does not display vehicles or offer test drives at the two Walmart stores, in Chandler and Mesa, Ariz. Dealers pay Live X $995 a month to list an unlimited number of used cars and trucks. Mr. Dial, a former promoter for country music singer Garth Brooks, said his company's strategy enables dealers to retail aging inventory before they send the used cars and trucks to auction. At the Walmart stores, Live X employees help customers open free accounts that give them access to the used-vehicle listings. Customers must go to the stores to establish accounts. Live X also works with buyers to help them get credit from lenders. Customers can search the Live X database by vehicle type and price. When a customer buys a car or truck and is approved for financing, a service technician inspects the vehicle before it is sent to the Live X delivery center. The inspectors work at two local dealerships, Mr. Dial said. At the delivery center, the customer can test-drive the vehicle. At that point, he or she can cancel the deal without penalty. Some participating dealerships also allow customers to return the vehicle within three days and exchange it for another used vehicle in the store's inventory. Live X does not offer warranties on the vehicles it sells, but individual dealerships do, Mr. Dial said. Larry Miller Mazda, in the Phoenix suburb of Avondale, lists about 28 used vehicles with Live X. As of mid-December, the dealership had not sold any through Live X. But General Manager Terry Ferrante likes the Live X business model. "You're always looking for new customers," he said. "There's an old saying that you fish where the fish are. Obviously, Walmart has proven to the rest of us that there are a lot of fish there." Live X is not the first auto retailer to try to ride Walmart's coattails. Asbury Automotive Group experimented with selling used vehicles in Walmart parking lots in Houston in 2002 and 2003. Asbury abandoned the venture after it said it lost almost $6 million.

Biggest Car Fails Of 2008

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Toyota iQ

Mitsubishi i-MiEV

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

The first proper-performance, four-seater electric car from Mitsubishi, a major car manufacturer, which is eco friendly and has zero tailpipe emissions, is all set to be launched on the UK market. According to a report in The Independent, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV (Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle) could herald a new dawn for electric motoring. Offering zero emissions from its tailpipe, it is the first crash-tested all-electric four-seat vehicle from a mainstream carmaker that will be available in the UK. The i-MiEV can fit four 6ft adults plus 246 litres of luggage, and reach a top speed of 87mph. The battery pack, which makes the car 200 kg heavier than its conventional petrol version, sits under the floor and the 47kW (63bhp) electric motor occupies the space near the rear wheels It will be available in the UK, initially for leasing, from the middle of 2009 and can travel up to 100 miles without charging. The i-MiEV marks a dramatic leap forward in quality from the vehicles which have so far dominated the electric car market in the UK. Developed from Mitsubishi’’s petrol-driven i-minicar, the i-MiEV is fully crash-tested, and offers double the speed of its predecessors. Mitsubishi is convinced there is a serious market for the i-MiEV, in spite of the hefty price tag of 35,000 pounds. Expensive though it is, there seems little doubt the i-MiEV is showing the way to the future of motoring, as the threat of climate change grows and transport policy increasingly bears down on vehicle emissions of carbon dioxide, the principal greenhouse gas. About 200 cars will be available for leasing from selected UK dealers next summer, for about 750 pounds per month. (ANI)

Biggest Auto FAILs Of 2008

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

1. Nissan GT-R

Rivaled only the 2010 Camaro as the most highly anticipated sports car launches of the year, the super performance Nissan GT-R suffered a major blow when news broke that using the GT-R's famed launch control could void your warranty. The scandal first erupted when a man in St. Petersburg, Florida, received a nasty shock from the dealership when he was told the $20,000 worth of repairs required to fix the severely damaged transmission in his GT-R would not be covered by his warranty. Apparently, the GT-R's transmission was destroyed after the man repeatedly engaged the GT-R's LC function with the VDC turned off, and although Nissan claimed that neither the excessive use of launch control nor disabling the VDC will void the GT-R's warranty, they did maintain that any "abuse" of those features would. Unfortunately, Nissan's definition of "abuse" was vague, and the St. Petersburg problem grew in controversy after many other GT-R owners received similar rejections for their transmission repair claims. Nissan has yet to admit fault for the miscommunication and we haven't heard whether any sort of compromise was reached, but we do know that "Launch Control" is noticeably absent from the 2010 Nissan GT-R's spec sheet. At the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2007, Bejing-based automaker Shuanghaun lifted the sheet on their newest SUV, the Shuanghaun CEO. Classified as a 4WD, 5-passenger, 5-door hatchback/SUV, the Shuanghuan CEO did such an impressive job of mimicking the superior design of the BMW X5, BMW sat up and took notice. In September 2007, Bovorain Motor Werks filed a lawsuit against Hebei, Shuanghuan's parent company, claiming the Shuanghaun CEO was blatant design/copyright infringement, ultimately seeking to remove the CEO from the German market altogether. In June 2008, German courts handed down a ruling in favor of BMW, ordering Shuanghaun to immediately halt all production and distribution of the CEO and destroy or otherwise remove all current models from German roads.

3. Porsche Panamera

Porsche's first foray into the 4-door performance car segment, the Porsche Panamera made its first horrifying debut in spy shots captured earlier this year, and we were hoping the design aesthetic would grow less offensive as the year progressed. Unfortunately, even official images leaked a few months ago still feature a vehicle drawing rather heavy architectural cues from the Ambiguously Gay Duo's DuoCar. Either completely unaware of or totally comfortable with the Panamera's overt phallic symbolism, Porsche is forging full-speed ahead with the Panamera's future launch, even going so far as to engage the Mercedes-Benz CLS in a pissing contest. While we're always in favor of a little auto-a-auto action at the 'Ring, Porsche's confidence in the Panamera makes us feel a slightly uncomfortable type of embarrassment not completely unlike the kind we felt in junior high when we watched the nerdy kid who used to eat his nasal discharge swagger over to the captain of the varisity cheerleading squad and ask her to the Valentine's Day dance.

4. smart ForTwo

The Daimler-Chrysler-birthed smart ForTwo took the U.S. market by storm this year, it's tiny 106 in. wheelbase proving surprisingly capable of completely dominating the micro car segment. While 2008 saw the posting of many record-breaking profit losses for other automakers, smart was able to ride the wave of the economic/fuel crisis. Terrified by the rising fuel prices and romanticized by the idea of owning a car small enough to chain to a bike rack, scores of Americans ditched their mid-size sedans in favor of the ridiculously tiny smart ForTwo and began reaping the benefits of the ForTwo's 33 mpg city/41 mpg hwy/36 mpg combined EPA fuel-efficiency estimate. Confused, you ask: "So who FAIL'd?" In short: the consumer. Since 2008 was the smart ForTwo's inaugural year in the U.S. market, any prospective buyer had to pay the full, $11590 - $16590 mark-up in order to get their hands on one. While that hefty price might have seemed worth it at the time given the ForTwo's famed fuel-efficiency, gas prices have now floated back down to around a steady $1.50 a gallon and the average ForTwo owner no longer has much of an advantage than the guy who held onto his '98 Toyota Camry. What the ForTwo owner does have that the Camry driver lacks, however, is a 1.0L 3-banger that sputters out a laughable 70-horsepower as well as approximately $10,000 left on their 36-month loan agreement. Fuel-efficient compact, FTLoss.

5. Cadillac Escalade Hybrid

As if belonging to the diseased harem of the struggling General Motors Corporation was not enough of a burden itself, Cadillac was dealt a further blow in 2008 with multiple failures of one of its most popular vehicles: the Cadillac Escalade. After attempting to extiniguish the maelstrom of negative publicity that ignited when the Escalade became one of the media's favorite scapegoats for global warming, Cadillac unveiled the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid. Intended to hit dealer showrooms in 2009 as the American one-two punch in the face of the forgien automaker's domination of the market, the Escalade's heavily touted "hybrid" tag temporarily distracted us from its actual EPA ratings. Eventually, the Escalade Hybrid's 20 mpg city/21 mpg hwy fuel-efficieny average caught up to it, however, and rumors have already begun to circulate that the Escladade Hybrid might be heading to the scrap heap before it's even laid one piece of rubber on the dealer lot.

6. 2010 Chevy Camaro

To be blunt, the 2010 Camaro made the FAIL list for being an attention whore. If we had a dime for every image leak/press release/major reveal for the 2010 Camaro we reported on in 2008, we'd have enough money to bail out GM personally. It started with Transformers and then quickly progressed into an endless barrage of official images and spec sheets nefariously obtained from apparently very inattentive Chevy dealers. By the time the 2010 Camaro made its Michael Bay/Awesome debut at the 2008 Indy Bash, we had little else to offer aside from a weary, somewhat irritated, "Seen it."

7. 2010 Ford Mustang

We could not, in good concious, accuse the 2010 Camaro of being a shameless media hog without holding the 2010 Ford Mustang accountable for the same offense. While we like to think that Ford PR was demonstrating an impressive mastery of dry wit by mocking the advertising techniqiues used by Chevy, the fact remains that the excruciatingly slow striptease of the 2010 Mustang ultimately unveiled perhaps one of the least altered mid-cycle refreshes.

8. Honda Insight

When spy shots of the new Honda Insight were first leaked to the press, we dismissed the Insight's downright uncanny resemblence to the Prius as merely a shell of cleverly-engineered camoflauge. After official production photos were released, however, we released that the spy shots were truer to form than we had originally anticipated - the Honda Insight's rear fascia is nearly indistinguishable from the Toyota Prius'. Obviously, Honda is still a little miffed over the flop of the first generation Insight and Toyota's subsequent capitalization on their failure, but by blatantly mimicking the exterior design of the Toyota Prius, Honda doesn't inspire intimidation so much as it does pity. Ok, so maybe Toyota didn't do it first, but they did do it better. Get over it.

9. Toyota iQ

Although Toyota has since taken the iQ back to the drawing board for some serious revisions to its rear-passenger safety features, the iQ still serves as the perfect example of what is wrong with the micro-car movement (besides the hideous design aesthetic). Yes, "small" = "fuel efficient", but "small" also equals "less material," and while less actual car body might not pose any immediate threat to the front passengers, any sort of rear-end collision means backseat passengers are afforded about as much protection as they would in a rickshaw.

10. BMW X3

To put it simply, the BMW X5 made the lineup for being a taint upon the Ultimate Driving Machine. While BMWs do carry the unfortaunte stigma as being the car of choice for over-gelled, body-waxed douchenozzles, they are still prime examples of the most superior engineering in automotive history. Given their rich history for superb craftsmanship and downright beautiful vehicles, something as mundane and unexciting as an XUV is simply unworthy of wearing the BMW badge. A BMW is meant to be valued for its prowess on winding roads, not how many snot-nosed first graders it can carry, and as much as we hate pretty boys with popped collars, we hate spoiled housewives too preoccupied with opening Lil' Mikey's juice box to pay attention to the road even more.

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Retail gasoline prices tumbled Friday to the lowest level in nearly four years. And while crude futures rose, analysts believed it was a temporary pause in an extended, downward arc as the recession spreads. "We're paying about a billion dollars per day less than we were in July" for gasoline, said Tom Kloza, publisher and chief oil analyst at Oil Price Information Service. "We could probably bail out some banks and maybe even some of the auto companies with the savings." But cheap gas is bittersweet news for an economy that shed millions of jobs this year. Pump prices were driven down mostly because Americans are staying home more. Transportation Secretary Mary Peters said the travel habits of Americans are "fundamentally changing" as drivers clocked 9 billion fewer miles in October, even as gas prices plunged. Awful holiday retail sales, job uncertainty and shrinking global trade all suggest that demand for energy from both businesses and consumers will continue to fall into next year. "By Tuesday or Wednesday, we could easily see crude oil roughly $3 below what it is right now," said Jim Ritterbusch, president of energy consultancy Ritterbusch and Associates. New evidence that OPEC members had cut production and a weaker dollar boosted crude prices Friday in light trading. Light, sweet crude for February delivery rose $2.36, more than 6 percent, to close at $37.71 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Trading was closed Thursday for Christmas. In London, February Brent crude rose $1.76 to settle at $38.45 a barrel on the ICE Futures exchange. Tumbling crude prices have led to enormous declines in the price of retail gasoline. At the pump, retail gas prices fell six-tenths of a penny overnight to a new national average of $1.642 a gallon Friday, well below the year-ago average of $2.981 a gallon, according to AAA and the Oil Price Information Service. The last time retail prices dipped this low was in February 2004, Kloza said. The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, which accounts for about 40 percent of global supply, has announced crude production cuts totaling more than 4 million barrels per day as it tries to stop the decline in prices. OPEC members, however, have a history of ignoring announced quotas and crude traders waited for concrete evidence that the 13-nation group was tightening the spigot. Analysts pointed to a release from the United Arab Emirates advising clients that it would reduce supply almost immediately. The state-owned Abu Dhabi National Oil Company said it would cut production of some grades of crude by as much as 15 percent next month. "For now, at least Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates seem to be fully complying with the cuts," said analyst Olivier Jakob of Petromatrix in Switzerland. OPEC may meet again in Kuwait City on Jan. 19 to discuss further production cuts. The group's next official meeting is March 15 in Vienna. Investors in recent months have ignored supply cuts from OPEC, with demand issues clearly driving the market. What's kept crude prices at four-year lows is the steady drumbeat of gloomy economic news that shows consumers aren't spending like they used to. The latest comes from a preliminary report by MasterCard SpendingPulse, which said retail sales fell between 5.5 percent and 8 percent during the holiday season, compared with last year. Excluding auto and gas sales, they fell 2 percent to 4 percent, according to SpendingPulse. SpendingPulse is a division of MasterCard Advisors that tracks total sales paid for by credit card, checks and cash. Crude has given up 70 percent of its value since July, and this month alone it has fallen by more than $17 per barrel, a 30 percent decline. Tom Kloza said he'll know that crude prices are poised for a sustained rebound when global demand matches last year's levels for several weeks in a row. "Before you turn the corner, you need to get to the corner," Kloza said. "And right now we're seeing gasoline demand running about 3 to 5 percent behind year-ago levels. Investors eyed more evidence that plummeting consumer demand from the U.S. and Europe is undermining growth in export-dependent Asia, as production at major Japanese manufacturers fell by its largest margin ever in November. Japanese industrial production fell 8.1 percent in November from a month earlier, the largest drop since the government began measuring such data in 1953, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry said Friday. The decline followed a 3.1 percent drop in October, and the government expects another 8 percent plunge in December. "These are pretty ugly figures that show the recession deepened in Japan," said Christoffer Moltke-Leth, head of sales trading for Saxo Capital Markets in Singapore. "I don't see any catalyst to bring crude higher. We'll likely test $30." Many companies will likely report dismal earnings for the fourth quarter and may use the lowered expectations to include massive writedowns or one-time charges, Moltke-Leth said. "I think a lot of CEOs want to put everything bad into the fourth quarter because the market expects it to be bad so why not put everything you can in there," he said. "There's going to be a lot of bad corporate news during the next few weeks, and that's going to reinforce the demand destruction theme for crude." In other Nymex trading, gasoline futures rose 5.17 cents to settle at 88.4 cents a gallon. Heating oil gained 4.67 cents to settle at $1.245 a gallon while natural gas for January delivery fell 8.4 cents to settle at $5.826 per 1,000 cubic feet.

Congressional Motors

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Oettinger A

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Honda Cancels

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Burger King is all about the viral kookiness these days, and their latest advertising enterprise is actually pure genius. They've created the "Whopper Sacrifice," Facebook application, which will give you a coupon for a free Whopper if you delete 10 people from your Facebook friends list. Burger King got me interested with their Whopper Virgins ads, and initially I loved this campaign because of how it seemingly makes fun of all the Facebook obsessed freaks out there. The website says: "Now is the time to put your fair-weather Web friendships to the test. Install Whopper Sacrifice on your Facebook profile, and we'll reward you with a free flame-broiled Whopper when you sacrifice ten of your friends." And the app actually makes each "sacrifice" show up in your activity feed for everyone to see. It says something like "Vito sacrificed Jimmy James for a free Whopper." But I thought about it, and wondered what BK could possibly gain from this. And then it came to me:

The Kicker: The Foot-in-the-Door

In Social Psychology, there's a tactic called the Foot-in-the-Door (FITD) technique which involves getting a person to agree to a relatively small request first, after which they're more likely to agree to a larger request. Basically you ask for a small yes, then you can get a bigger yes, and so on. There have been a number of studies into the effect. For example, back in the 60s, some scientists asked people to either sign a petition or place a small card in a window in their home or car about keeping California beautiful or supporting safe driving. About two weeks later, the same people were asked by a second person to put a large sign advocating safe driving in their front yard. The people who agreed to the first request were far more likely to agree to the second. This tactic works because the human brain wants to be consistent, we always strive to align our opinions with what we know we have said in the past. That's why "flip-flopping" is looked down on, even though, if you think about it... changing your opinion in the face of new evidence is actually a good thing. So what Burger King is doing here is quite genius. Even though people think it's no big deal to drop 10 "useless" friends to pick up a 2 dollar coupon, it may actually be having an effect on them. I wouldn't be surprised if, after this campaign comes and goes, the customers who dropped friends for the coupon were actually more likely to frequent Burger King than those who didn't engage in the friend dropping. Psychology plays a big part in advertising, now you know.

DIY Gasification: Run Your Car On Trash

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

That said, the latest generation of bio-fuel generating “gasifiers” is being highlighted over at the DIY site Instructables, which features a working unit installed in a late-80’s Honda Accord. Despite NOT producing the 1.21 gigawatts of power needed to take you back to the days of Max Headroom and fresh episodes of the Golden Girls, these gasifiers have a huge advantage over the fictional movie version being, you know - REAL!

DIY Gasification: Run Your Car On Trash

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

DIY Gasification: Run Your Car On Trash

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

2009 NAIAS: Chrysler Unveils 200C EV Concept Vehicle

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

THE NEW MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS 01/10/09 Detroit – Mercedes-Benz is once again setting the standard with the new 2010MY E-Class in terms of safety, comfort and advanced technology in its market segment. The sedan further emphasizes the leading position held by Mercedes-Benz in the luxury class, with a unique combination of driver assistance systems. These include ATTENTION ASSIST, Adaptive High Beam Assist and automatic emergency braking, which is activated under immediate threat of a collision. Mercedes-Benz has improved the already exemplary long-distance comfort of the E-Class even further in the new sedan. Advances include intelligent bodyshell technology with up to 30 percent greater stiffness, further improved seats and a newly developed suspension system with shock absorbers that automatically adjust to the driving situation. The available AIRMATIC suspension now works together with a continuously variable electronic damping system. The outstanding safety and comfort of the E-Class are matched by its environmental compatibility and economy. The E-Class comes to the U.S. market with V6 and V8 gasoline engines, as well as the groundbreaking 50-state 3.0 liter BlueTEC diesel (launching in CY 2010) – the world’s cleanest diesel engine, compliant with ULEV and Bin 5 standards. The power plants of the new E-Class offer an outstanding combination of performance and efficiency. Engineers from every development department have worked together to optimize assemblies and components, saving fuel through reduced weight, new design, improved function or efficient energy management. The work done in the wind tunnel was particularly successful. With a drag coefficient of only 0.25, the new E-Class is the world’s most aerodynamically efficient luxury sedan. It betters its predecessor’s already excellent Cd figure by another four percent. Other measures include energy-saving control of the alternator, fuel pump, air conditioning pump and power steering. Displays in the speedometer inform the driver how much fuel is being consumed (miles per gallon), and advise when to shift up a gear to maintain a more efficient driving style. Engines – outstanding performance The engines available for the new E-Class at U.S. market introduction include a 268 hp V6 in the E350 and a 382 hp V8 in the top-of-the-line E550. Late 2009 will see the arrival in the U.S. of the E63 AMG, generating an impressive 507 hp; followed in 2010 by the V6 turbodiesel in the E350 BlueTEC, which will meet ULEV and BIN 5 standards. All models are equipped with a seven-speed automatic transmission and a column-mounted shift lever as standard. At market introduction, both the E350 and E550 will be available in rear-wheel drive format, with the latest generation 4MATIC all-wheel drive arriving as an option in fall 2009. Now mated to the seven-speed automatic transmission, this system further distinguishes itself from previous all-wheel drive technology with greater efficiency, lower weight and more compact construction. These advantages produce noticeably better traction and fuel consumption. Safety - "Intelligent” partner with unique combination of assistance and protection systems For more than 50 years, E-Class sedans and their predecessors have been acknowledged as trendsetters in safety. The new sedan continues this tradition with an unrivalled combination of the very latest assistance and protection systems conceived and developed on the basis of real-life accident scenarios. These technologies make the E-Class an "intelligent partner" that can see, feel, react instinctively and function independently in critical situations to prevent accidents or mitigate their consequences. With this concept, the new Mercedes not only protects its own occupants, but also contributes significantly to the improved safety of others. The new E-Class is the first automobile in the world with headlamps that adapt to the traffic situation and respond automatically to avoid dazzling other drivers. The optional Adaptive High Beam Assist uses a camera on the windshield to recognize oncoming traffic and vehicles driving in front, and adjusts the headlamps so that their beams stop short of the other vehicle. The range of the low headlamp beams can thus be extended from their current 220 feet to up to 984 feet. If the road ahead is clear, the system performs a gentle transition to high beam. Mercedes-Benz offers this new system within its Premium 2 package that includes bi-xenon headlamps and LED daytime running lights. The Driver Assistance package for the new E-Class includes among other features Blind Spot Assist familiar from the S-Class and, as a new development, Lane Departure Warning, aimed at preventing accidents caused by drifting across lanes. When the system recognizes that the car is leaving its lane unintentionally, the driver is prompted to counter steer through brief but noticeable vibrations of the steering wheel. Night View Assist from the S-Class has been improved to create Night View Assist PLUS, which is now also available as an option in the new E-Class. Mercedes-Benz has enhanced this system with a special pedestrian detection function - as soon as Night View Assist PLUS detects pedestrians ahead of the car, they are highlighted in the onboard display, thus significantly improving the warning effect. Drowsiness detection based on 70 parameters as standard Thanks to innovative technology, the new E-Class has a highly sensitive feel for its driver’s attentiveness, and warns him of drowsiness ahead of time. This new, production standard ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection system is equipped with highly sensitive sensors that continuously monitor more than 70 different parameters. Observing the driver’s steering behavior has proven to be a particularly strong indicator. Several years of research in the field by Mercedes engineers demonstrate that drowsy drivers make minor steering errors that can often be rapidly corrected in characteristic ways. When these corrections are recognized by a highly sensitive steering angle sensor, ATENTTION ASSIST emits an audible warning accompanied by a visual warning in the instrument cluster. Automatic emergency braking when a collision is imminent The well-proven, radar-based assistance systems from the S-Class are now also available as options to E-Class customers. A further development of the long-range radar sensor now has a range of 656 feet (previously 492 feet), and is able to monitor the mid-distance so that dynamic events such as a vehicle ahead suddenly pulling out to overtake can be detected even more effectively. The two wide-angle, short-range radar sensors, with a range of approximately 100 feet, remain part of the system. The radar systems are able to assist the driver with emergency braking. Their sensors are linked to the Brake Assist PLUS system, which automatically calculates the braking pressure to prevent a collision in critical situations. The driver is given a simultaneous acoustic and visual warning. When the brake pedal is depressed, the system immediately activates the calculated level of braking assistance. If the driver fails to respond to the warnings, the radar system first initiates partial braking action. As a second stage, if there is still no driver response and a collision is unavoidable, emergency braking is initiated. This can considerably lessen the severity of an accident, i.e. the system acts something like an "electronic crumple zone". Eleven airbags and PRE-SAFE® as standard During the course of its development, the new E-Class was subjected to more than 150 high-speed crash tests. The crumple zone principle invented by the Mercedes safety pioneer Béla Barényi has been continuously improved by engineers in Sindelfingen. The E-Class’ front-end deformation zone acts on four independent levels, and is even more effective than before. The increased use of highest-strength steel alloys also helps to ensure that the bodyshell is able to withstand high impact forces. Approximately 72 percent of all the body panels are made from these hi-tech steels – yet another unrivalled figure in passenger car development. The new E-Class has even more extensive safety features than the outgoing model, with eleven airbags as standard - two rear side impact, two front side impact, two front airbags, two pelvic airbags (new), curtain airbags and a driver knee airbag. These are in addition to belt tensioners, belt force limiters, crash-responsive head restraints and LATCH child seat attachments. Another standard feature is the preventive occupant protection system PRE-SAFE®. In potentially hazardous situations this reflexively activates precautionary protective measures for the vehicle occupants, enabling the seat belts and airbags to maximize their protective function during an impact. Comfort - further progress with adaptive shock absorbers and improved AIRMATIC suspension As in the field of safety, the E-Class has been setting the benchmark for long-distance comfort in this vehicle class for decades. Mercedes engineers have achieved further advances with the new sedan to better the already high level of the previous model – particularly in respect of ride and seating. Standard equipment includes a further-improved suspension with adaptive shock absorbers. These automatically adapt to the current driving situation by reducing the damping forces when driving normally, thereby noticeably improving ride comfort. With a more sporty driving style or during rapid evasive action, the system applies maximum damping forces to provide the best possible stability. Alongside the comfortable set-up of the production standard 4-wheel independent suspension with coil springs and stabilizer bars, there is also an optional version with dynamic damping characteristics and a lowered ride height. The AIRMATIC suspension system comes as standard in the E550/E550 4MATIC. For the first time, it has been combined with an electronically controlled damping system that processes various sensor signals and controls each wheel independently. Thus, Mercedes customers experience significantly improved ride comfort, while gaining benefits in safety and agility at the same time. The driver is able to select either comfort or sport mode at the touch of a button. Well-proven seat technology with a new design In terms of seat development, Mercedes-Benz has added a new quality to a well established Mercedes concept, namely padded seat piping – a complex manual upholstery technique employed only by Mercedes-Benz. This involves the insertion of an additional foam filling directly beneath the fabric or leather upholstery to provide a soft and pleasant seating sensation immediately upon entering the car. There are different versions of this padded seat piping - in the Sport model, the upholstery is transversely contoured, while the Luxury model has longitudinal piping and is reminiscent of the familiar and well-proven Mercedes seat design from the 1960s and 70s. Active multi-contour seats with massage function from the S-Class The active multi-contour seats (optional) include newly developed comfort head restraints and a two-stage massage function in the backrest that has proven highly successful in the S-Class. High-speed piezo-electric valves on the air chambers in the backrests vary their pressure and volume in accordance with steering angle, lateral acceleration and vehicle speed, to give the driver and front passenger even better lateral support. Design - Distinctive lines express refinement and status In 1995, the E-Class was the first Mercedes model to appear with the much-acclaimed twin-headlamp face – a highly symbolic design feature that still characterizes the identity of the E-Class. Nevertheless, the design language remains evolutionary even for this hallmark styling feature, and has been adapted to suit the self-assured, masculine overall appearance of the sedan. The designers have now completely reinterpreted these four "eyes", turning for their inspiration to the intriguing geometric forms of cubism. These new lights resemble precious gem stones that have been precision cut from the fenders. Likewise, the radiator grille, with its three-dimensional chromed surround, dynamic arrow-shape and steeper angle, underlines the car’s premium luxury positioning. The sophisticated interplay between lines and surfaces is one of the hallmarks of today’s Mercedes design. Large concave or convex surface areas structured by taut, clearly defined lines. This design concept has been perfected down to the last detail in the new E-Class. The contours along the flanks become connecting elements that influence the entire body design, i.e. not just the side view but also the front and rear-end styling. At the rear, this harmonious flow culminates in a new feature - a sweeping line that stretches over the rear wheel arches and lends a clear contour to the imposing, muscular form of the rear fenders. Mercedes aficionados will recognize styling features reminiscent of the famous 1953 "Ponton Mercedes", which conveyed its refined character with these striking contours -- a symbolic feature and, at the same time, a hallmark of the E-Class that underscores how the traditional and the futuristic harmonize in this model line. Designers have also created the interior of the new E-Class with the attention to detail that is characteristic of Mercedes, ensuring that the form, color and material of every single element combine to inspire on both an emotional and functional level. The result is an harmonious overall composition – an atmosphere in which the car’s occupants immediately feel safe and protected, and able to drive long distances without feeling stressed. Model range - High level of standard equipment and individual variants Individuality and variety have always been two of the outstanding attributes of the E-Class. The new sedan not only provides Mercedes customers with a choice of four engines and three suspension variants, but also Sport and Luxury model lines, ten exterior paint finishes and eight different seat upholstery color combinations to suit their individual preferences. The choice of interior trim includes Burl Walnut or Black Ash, complimented by standard ambient lighting. Standard equipment for Luxury models includes 17-inch 5-twin-spoke wheels, along with the COMAND controller, ambient lighting and a unique instrument cluster. Oval exhaust pipes are standard fit on the E350 Luxury, while those on the E550 Luxury are trapezoidal. In contrast, the Sport models come with larger 18-inch 5-spoke wheels, a tubular-design instrument cluster and trapezoidal exhaust pipes on both the V6 and V8 variants. Equipment packages - extras for the discerning customer In addition to the design and equipment lines, US customers can choose from a range of packages that provide more scope for equipping the new E-Class to suit personal tastes. The Premium 1 Package includes the navigation system with voice control, 4 GB music register, SIRIUS real-time traffic information, iPOD/MP3 media interface, SIRIUS satellite radio/HD radio, rear-view camera, rear sun shade and heated seats (standard on V8). In addition to the features of the Premium 1 Package, the Premium 2 Package includes an electronic trunk closer, Intelligent Headlamp Control, Adaptive High Beam Assist, bi-xenon headlamps, LED daytime running lights and Keyless Go. With the Driver Assistance Package, customers also receive DISTRONIC PLUS cruise control, Blind Spot Assist and Lane Departure Warning, while the Sport Package comes with 18-inch AMG alloy wheels and an AMG sport steering wheel. Stand-alone options include PARKTRONIC with Parking Guidance, Night View Assist PLUS, panorama sunroof, split folding seats, wood-leather steering wheel, Drive-Dynamic multi-contour driver’s seat with massage function, rear-seat entertainment system and full leather interior. Market position - with ten million units in 60 years, the world’s most successful luxury sedan The new E-Class sedan is the successor to a Mercedes model that has been successful throughout the world, and of which more than 1.3 million examples have been sold since 2002. In Germany, more than 40 percent of all sedans in the market segment bear the "E" in their model name, and in many western European countries this Mercedes model series is the number one in the luxury class. Since 1947, when the 170 V founded the E-Class bloodline, Mercedes-Benz has produced more than ten million sedans belonging to this series. This makes the E-Class by far the world’s most successful luxury sedan. The new 2010MY E-Class will appear in U.S. showrooms in the summer of 2009.

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

2009 NAIAS: Audi Sportback Concept Unveiled

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

PRESS RELEASE

Audi Sportback Concept DETROIT, Mich., Jan 11, 2009 - Debut in Detroit: Audi is unveiling the Sportback concept show car at the 2009 North American International Automobile Show. With systematic refinements to the brand’s characteristic design elements, the five-door model offers a glimpse at the Audi's future design vocabulary. With its pronounced coupé-like silhouette and large rear hatch, the 4.95 m long (16.24 ft), 1.93 m wide (6.33 ft) and only 1.40 m high (4.59 ft) vehicle is boldly progressive for the luxury class. The technology of the Audi Sportback concept is markedly futuristic. Power is provided by the world’s cleanest diesel technology: the 3.0-liter V6 TDI clean diesel almost completely eliminates nitrogen oxides. This engine already meets the emissions limits of all 50 U.S. states and the EU6 standard scheduled to take effect in 2014. And numerous measures to ensure top efficiency mean that the Audi Sportback concept is expected to achieve impressive fuel consumption figures of 5.9 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers (39.87 US mpg). Driving dynamics in a new guise – the idea Since its introduction in 2004, the concept of the Sportback has established itself in the compact class. The success of the A3 Sportback has exceeded even the expectations of its makers – far more customers choose the four-door model with the large rear hatch than its three-door sibling. But it is far more than two additional doors that sets the A3 Sportback apart from the base model. It is characterized by the sporting elegance of a coupe, the versatility of a five-door model, sophisticated technology and pronounced sportiness – driving dynamics in a new guise. It also offers even more space and variability thanks to a tail end that is a total of 54 millimeters (2.13 in) longer that of the three-door model. The launch of the first production Sportback marked the second time that Audi started a new trend in the automobile market. The development of the first Avant models in the seventies laid the foundation for a new class of automobiles far beyond the matter-of-fact utility of the classic station wagon. The marked accentuation of a futuristic and dynamic design, high-quality equipment and extreme variability have been the distinguishing features of every Audi Avant from the very beginning. The Audi Sportback concept show car is now rolling up to the starting line with a dual mission: As suggested by the name, it symbolizes the Sportback principle in its purest form in the combination of elegance, sportiness and variability. And the show car also signals the company's determination not to limit Sportback versions to the compact segment. As previously indicated by the Audi A1 Sportback concept – the star of the 2008 Paris Motor Show – the brand with the four rings is going to dramatically expand the number of Sportback models on the market. Design The design of the Audi Sportback concept is characterized by an almost monolithic clarity and a vast reduction of the number of lines. The roof, shoulder and sill lines appear to have been drawn with a single stroke. The window strip of the coupé with its four frameless doors was kept pronouncedly flat. Viewed from the side, the softly contoured wheel wells over the 10-spoke, 21-inch wheels reinforce the impression of the precisely defined surfaces of the body. One feature familiar from the two-door Audi A5 coupé is even more boldly accentuated here: The markedly horizontal shoulder area emphasizes the orientation of the vehicle body to the road. This effect is further reinforced at the front and rear by the broad, flat LED light units. The shape of the almost fragile-looking side mirrors is inspired by the upturned tips – the “winglets” – of modern jet wings. The show car also offers a new interpretation of the single-frame grille. The decision not to use vertical struts and the low overall height emphasize the sporty basic proportions of the vehicle front. Also particularly striking is the modified outer contour of the single-frame grille as also featured on the A1 Sportback show car. The flattened top edges lower the visual center of gravity and provide a striking look for the front end. The aerodynamically designed air intakes under the headlights function as air deflectors which guide the required cooling air precisely into an intake duct. They have the stylistic effect of accentuating the impression of width. The tail of the show car is also evidently related to the A5 coupé. The high top edge of the rear hatch gives rise to a strikingly clear surface below the rear lights. The low separating edge and the horizontal lines – another characteristic feature – underscore the width and therefore the sporty nature of the Audi Sportback concept. The four tailpipes integrated into the body and an air deflector in the diffuser insert are cues borrowed from the sportscar sector. The interior design is tidy and downright purist yet elegant at the same time. The large glass roof underscores the width and feeling of spaciousness. In the driver-oriented cockpit, the air vents, instrument cluster and retracting MMI monitor are outlined by a filigree aluminum border. As with the exterior, the interior is characterized by the emphasis on horizontal lines and large surfaces. Especially the wide center console – stretching from the dashboard to the back – seems to be a pure expression of function. The flat display of the MMI system is realized as a retractable system in the show car. When the ignition is activated, it extends horizontally from a slot above the central air register before moving in an elegant arc into a vertical, easy-to-read position. The high quality of the materials and manufacturing-level fit and finish are obvious when looking around the interior of the Audi Sportback concept and when touching the surfaces. The interior trim is almost completely in leather: from the headlining, dashboard, doors and the entire seat upholstery all the way through to the trunk, with the leather stitching underscoring the vehicle’s design language. The large wood trim strips on the instrument panel, center console and doors are machined from oak blockboard and sport a delicate horizontal pattern of light and dark lines. With its surfaces of piano lacquer and brushed aluminum, the MMI control unit also adds to the exceptional exclusivity of the interior. The attention to detail even extends to the door opener: Its shape is a nearly perfect reflection of the distinctive lines of the small rear side window – giving the interior and exterior formal unity. Four sporty seats await the driver and passengers. The diamond-shaped stitching of the leather surface is reminiscent of a classic GT tradition. Shoulder, head and leg room are reminiscent of a premium-class touring car. With a volume of 500 liters (17.66 cubic feet), the trunk is generously sized and is also appointed with high-quality materials. Drivetrain The developers at Audi chose the world’s cleanest diesel technology as the unit best befitting the Audi Sportback concept show car. The six-cylinder 3.0 TDI clean diesel is equipped with a system for the effective reduction of nitrogen oxides. The diesel engine development engineers at Audi have combined an entire package of innovative measures for this latest TDI generation: The piezo common rail system with an injection pressure of 2,000 bar, highly efficient exhaust gas recirculation and optimized turbocharging result in significantly reduced raw engine emissions. One of the highlights are the combustion chamber sensors that enable even more precise regulation of the combustion processes in the engine – this is the first time that such sensors have been installed on any engine in the world, marking yet another Audi innovation. The status of the new-generation TDI as the definitive clean-running, high-tech diesel is sealed by the downstream exhaust emission control system, which reduces emissions by up to 90 percent. The system uses AdBlue, a biologically degradable, waterborne additive that is injected in small amounts upstream of the DeNOx catalytic converter. In addition to the catalytic converter, the exhaust emission control system comprises the metering module, the AdBlue tank and heated lines, as well as an extensive system of sensors. The additional oxidizing catalytic converter and the highly efficient, regulated diesel particulate filter round off the comprehensive emission control system. Thanks to their extremely low emission levels, these modern direct-injection diesel engines can be put into service anywhere in the world, even in the U.S. state of California, which has the world’s most stringent emissions limits. Compared with the fleet average of the gasoline engines typically found in the U.S., the TDI boasts a fuel-efficiency advantage of up to 40 percent. The diesel technology thus makes a greater contribution than any other type of engine to reducing the consumption of fossil fuels. Audi will offer this engine in the U.S. and Europe beginning in 2009. As in the U.S. version of the Audi Q7 3.0 TDI, the V6 also produces 165 kW (225 hp) and 550 Nm (405.66 lb-ft) of torque in the Audi Sportback concept. Power is transferred to the wheels via Audi’s most modern transmission: the new 7-speed tiptronic. The quattro permanent all-wheel-drive system ensures that the torque generated by the powerful TDI is also converted effectively into propulsion and dynamism under any conditions. Weighing just 1,800 kilograms (3,968.32 lb) and with a drag coefficient of 0.30, the coupe will accelerate from 0 – 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in less than seven seconds and reach a top speed of 245 km/h (152.24 mph). The Audi Sportback concept’s average fuel economy according to the European ECE standard is only 5.9 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers (39.87 US mpg), and its CO2 emissions no more than 156 g/km (251.06 g/mile). These sensationally low figures for a large model have been achieved by extensive efficiency-optimizing measures. For example, this model’s electromechanical power steering only consumes energy when the steering is turned, not when driving in a straight line. The TDI engine features an innovative temperature management system. When the engine is warming up, part of the coolant flow is diverted – another way to improve efficiency, since it helps the engine to warm up quicker. This means significant practical savings, because many journeys are fairly short. The fuel pump also runs only when there is a demand for fuel, and therefore uses less energy. The 7-speed S tronic transmission is a very efficient unit with a wide spread of gear ratios. For the first time, it has been equipped with transmission oil heating, so that it reaches its intended operating temperature much earlier and therefore has a lower level of internal friction. When coasting, the Audi Sportback concept – like the Audi A4 and Audi Q5 production models – recuperates energy. This boosts the output of the alternator and is used to charge the battery. This energy, which in effect costs nothing to recover, is fed back into the vehicle’s electrical system when needed. An automatic start-stop system shuts the TDI engine down to save energy, for instance when waiting at a traffic signal. And when it is on the move, tires optimized for low roll resistance cut fuel consumption significantly without incurring any disadvantages in the performance area. Driving dynamics The Audi Sportback concept show car took the basic architecture and many components of its suspension from the brand’s latest and most successful model family: the very dynamic A4/A5 model series. The dynamic suspension sets standards here, as well, combining precision and dynamism with high stability and superior poise. The suspension mountings, steering, wheels and brakes have been developed for top performance and numerous aluminum components are used to keep unsprung masses to a minimum. The new five-link front suspension makes a major contribution to the car’s dynamic character. By moving the differential further forward and the clutch further back, the design engineers were able to reposition the front axle 154 millimeters (6.06 inches) further forward. The result is an optimal distribution of weight between the front and rear axles. The front suspension is made up of five links per wheel – a support link and a control arm at the bottom and two control arms at the top. The fifth link – the track rod – connects the steering box and the pivot bearing. All these links are made of forged aluminum, ensuring low unsprung masses, ultra-precise wheel control and a high level of crash safety. The anti-roll bar fabricated from a high-strength tube saves additional weight. The backbone of the rear axle is a subframe with high flexural and torsional rigidity. If sporty handling is to be combined with a high standard of ride comfort, the unsprung masses must be kept as low as possible. Audi has pursued this approach for all the rear-axle components. The upper control arms and the track rods are of forged aluminum. Their high rigidity ensures that toe and camber angles change very little when dynamic forces act on the wheels. The CDC (continuous damping control) shock absorbers, similar to those that Audi already uses on the luxury Q7 SUV with air suspension, are twin-tube, gas-filled hydraulic units with an additional external valve and connecting pipe. Their operation can be continuously varied. An electromagnetically energized, proportional-action valve regulates the flow of hydraulic fluid between the inner and outer damper tubes. A smaller flow cross-section makes the damping characteristic firmer, a larger one makes it softer. The control unit applies adaptive operating characteristics within the mode the driver has chosen via Audi drive select. It adapts to match the driver’s driving style and the road conditions. Even from the comfort mode, the shock absorbers can be switched in an instant to a firm setting if desired, though not to the absolute limit. They are fitted in conjunction with sports suspension springs, which still provide a good level of ride comfort, even off-road. The control unit selects the optimum damping force for the current driving situation, for instance firmer damping to prevent body roll and pitch when cornering fast or braking, or lower damping force where the surface under the wheels is hard and uneven. The show car marks the first time that Audi has used electromechanical steering in a car with a longitudinal engine. Its primary advantage is that, unlike conventional power steering systems, it only consumes energy when actually steering. On average, this means a fuel saving of 0.2 liters per 100 kilometers, depending on driving conditions. The electromechanical steering of the Audi Sportback concept also enables the coupling with the parking steering assistant for fully automatic steering when parallel parking. The Audi Sportback concept is equipped with ceramic brakes on all four wheels for effective deceleration even under the most demanding conditions. Compared with conventional steel disks, ceramic brakes not only last four times longer, up to 300,000 kilometers (186,411 miles), but also offer high resistance to fading. The significant reduction in weight also leads to advantages in terms of comfort and handling, thanks to reduced unsprung masses. On the front axle, 380-millimeter (14.96-inch) ceramic disks are fitted in combination with 21-inch wheels. The rear disks have a diameter of 356 millimeters (14.02 inches). The elaborate cooling duct geometry of the ventilated brake disks ensures optimal cooling of the brake disks. Firm grip on the brake disk is guaranteed at the front by 6-piston monobloc aluminum brake calipers, and at the rear by floating-caliper brakes.

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

The top U.S. ethanol producer Poet said on Monday it has opened an $8 million pilot plant to produce an alternative low-carbon motor fuel made from corn cobs and other crop residue. The 20,000 gallon (77,800 liters) per year plant, which was built in Poet's home state South Dakota, is planned as a forerunner to the company's $200 million commercial-scale cellulosic plant, called Project Liberty. The company hopes to open that plant in Emmetsburg, Iowa in 2011. Politicians and companies alike hope cellulosic will be a viable fuel that emits less greenhouse gas than gasoline or conventional ethanol made from corn starch. Since it's expected to be made from fast-growing grasses and trees -- or in Poet's case crop wastes -- it should not be blamed for helping to boost food prices, which has been one of the criticisms of ethanol made from corn starch. U.S. mandates require blenders to mix 16 billion gallons of cellulosic into gasoline by 2022 along with 15 billion gallons of ethanol made from traditional sources like corn starch. Jeff Broin, the chief executive of privately-held Poet told reporters in a teleconference on Monday that the fuel made at the pilot plant costs about $1 more than ethanol made from corn starch. "That may sound like a lot but just a year and a half ago it was several dollars a gallon, so we have made strides in reducing the cost," he said. Cellulosic should cost about the same as grain-based ethanol in about five to seven years, he added. Poet hopes to eventually make cellulosic at all 26 of its starch ethanol plants, which have a capacity to make 1.5 billion gallons per year. Outgoing U.S. Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer said last week that cellulosic ethanol output could "explode" by 2012 if a commercial plant to produce the fuel works out.

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

The Audi R8 Blackbird has been hovering around the autoblogosphere for a few months now. It's a damn impressive supercar built for a specific purpose: Cross Country Speed. Every single gadget and whizbang in and on this vehicle is there to help it stay on the road at high speed and avoid getting pulled over (and all the bits and pieces are put together beautifully, it's a real work of art). And on top of it's inventory of extreme gadgetry, the guy giving the video tour is the winner of the Spirit of Gumball trophy and holder of the transcontinental driving speed record, Alex Roy - so you know the company it's owner keeps. Roy made it across the United States in 31 hours, 4 minutes in his highly modified BMW M5. But according to the video, the owner of the car isn't Roy, but some mystery man. In fact, there's a air of mystery about the whole video. Let's clear up some of that mystery. There is a strong subculture of transcontinental speed freaks who participate in various rallies and races like the Bullrun, Gumball, and Fireball Run. The people who participate in these races usually form teams so they can scout out the road ahead and coordinate to really do it right. Alex Roy, for instance, runs with his team: Team Polizei. The R8 Blackbird, on the other hand, runs with to Team Angry, and it's already participated in the Bullrun 2008. As for the mystery man who owns the car, according to various sources, that's Andre Betz. The part I'm still curious about, though, is the creepy box on the front of the R8 Blackbird: The Liquid Cooled Infrasonic Wave Pulse Generator. Nobody knows much about it, but I do have some theories. Check them out, along with a few pictures and a complete list of the car's inventory: The Audi R8 Blackbird is an amazing car, built for a singular purpose and with a fanatical single-mindedness. The car is made and modified to go very fast and to avoid police. And judging from that extreme hardcore nature, I'd say that it'll be the one that sets the next transcontinental speed record... if it hasn't already. Yeah, it's entirely possible that Andre Betz may have already broken the record with this car and is just waiting a year until the statute of limitations is up on the traffic violations. That's the most likely scenario, in my opinion. Take a look at what this car has:

Inventory

Uniden BCD-396T Trunk Tracker Scanner Uniden BCD-996T GPS Scanner Cobra 75 WX-ST CB Radio GRadio 5watt VHF Radios with Iasus NT-3 Evolution Throat Mics WAAV AirBox X2 EVDO Rev A Dual Cellular Broadband Router with WIFI Escort 9500ci Radar Detector with AI Design Custom Mirror Mounted Display Valentine V1 with POP Detection Escort Laser Shifters Front and Rear (2) Garmin Nuvi 760 Units with FM traffic (2) Hirshmann GPS 918 5V Flex Cellular GPS antennas Antennex 4 Foot CB antenna Antennex 2 Foot Tuned Scanner antenna (2) Safecraft PC2 2.5 lb Dry Fire Extinguishers with Billet Quick Release Mounts Whelen HHS2100 PA System with 100watt Amplifier and Loudspeaker Gloss Black Powder-coated SDS 20-inch Forged Wheels Flat Black Ceramic Coated Brake Hats and Rotors Flat Black Ceramic Coated Exhaust Tips Capristo Sports Exhaust with Computer Controlled Valves Custom AI Design Roof Console (2) Dension ICE iPhone stations Touchscreen Tablet PC Running Google Earth/Delorme Road Atlas/Google Maps/Njection/Trapster And of course, the Proprietary Liquid Cooled INFRA-SONIC Field Wave Generator

So What Exactly Does An Infrasonic Field Wave Pulse Generator Do?

Infrasound is just sound with a frequency too low to be heard by humans. The lowest frequency a human can hear is 20 hertz, so anything below that is infrasound. There are a ton of hypothesis and random guesses as to what this thing does, so I'll run down each of the major ones and then give my opinion. Possibility #1 - Super-Powered Deer Whistle Some people think the Blackbird can turn on the device when it hits a dark, wooded area and the powerful infrasound wave will keep deer and other critters from running in front of the car. That way they can travel on woodland roads at high speeds without worry. Possibility #2 - Some Type of NightVision Some forum folks say that the infrasound acts like sonar and can give the driver an image of the road ahead when all the lights are off. I think that's silly. Possibility #3 - Laser/Radar Jammer It could be the mystery box is a high tech super jammer that works by cloacking the car in a field of infrasound. Sounds unlikely. Possibility #4 - Glorified Rumbler Siren

2010 Peugeot 3008 XUV Revealed

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

LG Chem Named Chief Battery Supplier For Chevy Volt

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

General Motors has officially announced that they've tapped Michigan-based technology company LG Chem to supply the lithium-ion battery cells for the upcoming electric plug-in hybrid Chevy Volt. Heralded as a major break-through in the field of advanced battery technology, the GM will begin construction in summer 2009 of a new Michigan-based production facility devoted exclusively to building the lithium-ion battery packs required to power the Volt. During the interim, LG Chem Subsidary, Compact Power Inc., will build battery packs for the Chevy Volt prototypes.

PA Courts Announce Class Action Lawsuit Involving GM's Marketing Program

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

According to an alert released today by the Court of Common Pleas of Lancaster County, a class action lawsuit has been filed against General Motors Corp. accusing The General of unlawfully advertisign the MSRP of new GM models at a price inflated by a full 1%. The lawsuit allegeds at GM added the 1% increase in price on certain new vehicles sold to its dealers under the "Marketing Iniative Program."

2009 Harley-Davidson Iron 883

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

With a defiant attitude embracing the pure essence of riding, the new Iron 883 model is the latest Harley-Davidson Dark Custom Harley-Davidson Sportster motorcycles like the Iron 883 have stood against the grain since their introduction in 1957, when the modern rebel culture was being bred from restless veterans and hot rod pioneers. Sportster motorcycles became the starting point for many legendary choppers of the 1960s, while also getting pumped up for championship dirt racing and dare devil stunt riding in the 1970s. The Iron 883 model continues that rebellious tradition with responsive handling, smooth clutch effort and durable carbon reinforced drive belt while pushing the styling of motorcycling minimalism to the edge. Decked in black from fender-to-fender, the new Harley-Davidson Iron 883 motorcycle brings the beat of an 883 Evolution® engine backed up by a Harley-Davidson 883 Iron-right rearcombo of gritty, old-school garage features like front fork gaiters, drag style handlebar and side-mount license plate holder. A ticket to ride the Iron 883 starts at just $7,899 MSRP, leaving plenty of freedom for customization. “The Iron 883 defies the plastic conventions of other motorcycles at this price,” said Mark-Hans Richer, Harley-Davidson Chief Marketing Officer. “It’s got old school style, a new school ride and gives the owner a platform for creative customization.” The black powder-coated 883cc Evolution powertrain with black covers takes the Iron 883 deep into the heart of darkness. With Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) and performance tuning with a broad torque curve, the Iron 883 delivers plenty of power for the city scene. The pipes on the straight cut shorty dual exhaust flow the distinctive Harley-Davidson V-Twin sound. Harley-Davidson 883 Iron-right frontThe black chopped rear fender with its combination stop/turn/tail lights shows more of the 150 mm rear tire and black, 13-spoke cast aluminum wheel, while the front tire also rides on a black wheel. The rest of the Iron 883 gets a darker-suited presence with black front forks and fender supports, fuel tank, oil tank cover, belt guard, drag style handlebar and mid mount foot controls. A one-piece, solo classic seat with a height of 25.3 inches fits the lone rider, while a passenger seat and a backrest in complementing black finishes can be added as accessories. As the latest of the Harley-Davidson Dark Custom motorcycles, the Iron 883 is stripped down and ripe for custom creativity. Dark Custom motorcycle riders have the youngest average age for Harley-Davidson buyers. Soul mates of the Iron 883 include the Nightster®, Night Train®, Cross Bones®, Fat Bob® and Street Bob® motorcycles. Check out more on Dark Custom motorcycles at www.harley-davidson.com/darkcustom. if you buy it before March 31st 2009, there’s guaranteed trade-in value toward a Harley-Davidson Big Twin or VRSC for one year. Riders purchasing 2008 or 2009 model year Sportster 883 or 1200 motorcycles (excluding XR1200) at a participating Harley-Davidson dealership between Dec. 26, 2008 and Mar. 31, 2009 can trade that Sportster in within one year to receive original MSRP on trade-in for qualifying Harley-Davidson Big Twin or VRSC motorcycles.

Official Press Release: HARLEY-DAVIDSON IRON 883™ IS DRESSED FOR A DARK RIDE New Sportster® Motorcycle Takes the Stage with Aggressive Attitude MILWAUKEE (January 26, 2009) – MILWAUKEE (January 26, 2009) - With a defiant attitude embracing the pure essence of riding, the new Iron 883 model is the latest Harley-Davidson® Dark Custom™ motorcycle. Harley-Davidson Sportster motorcycles like the Iron 883 have stood against the grain since their introduction in 1957, when the modern rebel culture was being bred from restless veterans and hot rod pioneers. Sportster motorcycles became the starting point for many legendary choppers of the 1960s, while also getting pumped up for championship dirt racing and dare devil stunt riding in the 1970s. The Iron 883 model continues that rebellious tradition with responsive handling, smooth clutch effort and durable carbon reinforced drive belt while pushing the styling of motorcycling minimalism to the edge. Decked in black from fender-to-fender, the new Harley-Davidson Iron 883 motorcycle brings the beat of an 883 Evolution® engine backed up by a combo of gritty, old-school garage features like front fork gaiters, drag style handlebar and side-mount license plate holder. A ticket to ride the Iron 883 starts at just $7,899 MSRP, leaving plenty of freedom for customization. "The Iron 883 defies the plastic conventions of other motorcycles at this price," said Mark-Hans Richer, Harley-Davidson Chief Marketing Officer. "It's got old school style, a new school ride and gives the owner a platform for creative customization." The black powder-coated 883cc Evolution powertrain with black covers takes the Iron 883 deep into the heart of darkness. With Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) and performance tuning with a broad torque curve, the Iron 883 delivers plenty of power for the city scene. The pipes on the straight cut shorty dual exhaust flow the distinctive Harley-Davidson V-Twin sound. The black chopped rear fender with its combination stop/turn/tail lights shows more of the 150 mm rear tire and black, 13-spoke cast aluminum wheel, while the front tire also rides on a black wheel. The rest of the Iron 883 gets a darker-suited presence with black front forks and fender supports, fuel tank, oil tank cover, belt guard, drag style handlebar and mid mount foot controls. A one-piece, solo classic seat with a height of 25.3 inches fits the lone rider, while a passenger seat and a backrest in complementing black finishes can be added as accessories. As the latest of the Harley-Davidson Dark Custom motorcycles, the Iron 883 is stripped down and ripe for custom creativity. Dark Custom motorcycle riders have the youngest average age for Harley-Davidson buyers. Soul mates of the Iron 883 include the Nightster®, Night Train®, Cross Bones®, Fat Bob® and Street Bob® motorcycles. Check out more on Dark Custom motorcycles at www.harley-davidson.com/darkcustom. The Iron 883 is available in Black Denim and Brilliant Silver Denim colors. Iron 883 features and highlights: * Rubber-mounted Evolution 883 cc V-Twin black powder-coated engine * Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) * Black fuel tank with unique graphics * Black front forks with gaiters * Black belt guard and front fender supports * Black, 13-spoke cast aluminum wheels, 19-inch front / 16-inch rear * Black low rise drag style handlebar * Black mid-mount foot controls * Black low profile front fender * Black chopped rear fender with combination rear stop/tail/turn lights * Chrome staggered shorty exhaust with dual mufflers * Side-mounted license plate holder * One-piece, solo Sportster classic seat * 25.3-inch seat height * Optional Harley-Davidson Smart Security System * Classic 3.3-gallon fuel tank Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the only major U.S.-based motorcycle manufacturer, produces heavyweight motorcycles and a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories and general merchandise. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson's Web site at www.harley-davidson.com.

2009 Harley-Davidson Iron 883

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Official Press Release: HARLEY-DAVIDSON IRON 883™ IS DRESSED FOR A DARK RIDE New Sportster® Motorcycle Takes the Stage with Aggressive Attitude MILWAUKEE (January 26, 2009) – MILWAUKEE (January 26, 2009) - With a defiant attitude embracing the pure essence of riding, the new Iron 883 model is the latest Harley-Davidson® Dark Custom™ motorcycle. Harley-Davidson Sportster motorcycles like the Iron 883 have stood against the grain since their introduction in 1957, when the modern rebel culture was being bred from restless veterans and hot rod pioneers. Sportster motorcycles became the starting point for many legendary choppers of the 1960s, while also getting pumped up for championship dirt racing and dare devil stunt riding in the 1970s. The Iron 883 model continues that rebellious tradition with responsive handling, smooth clutch effort and durable carbon reinforced drive belt while pushing the styling of motorcycling minimalism to the edge. Decked in black from fender-to-fender, the new Harley-Davidson Iron 883 motorcycle brings the beat of an 883 Evolution® engine backed up by a combo of gritty, old-school garage features like front fork gaiters, drag style handlebar and side-mount license plate holder. A ticket to ride the Iron 883 starts at just $7,899 MSRP, leaving plenty of freedom for customization. "The Iron 883 defies the plastic conventions of other motorcycles at this price," said Mark-Hans Richer, Harley-Davidson Chief Marketing Officer. "It's got old school style, a new school ride and gives the owner a platform for creative customization." The black powder-coated 883cc Evolution powertrain with black covers takes the Iron 883 deep into the heart of darkness. With Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) and performance tuning with a broad torque curve, the Iron 883 delivers plenty of power for the city scene. The pipes on the straight cut shorty dual exhaust flow the distinctive Harley-Davidson V-Twin sound. The black chopped rear fender with its combination stop/turn/tail lights shows more of the 150 mm rear tire and black, 13-spoke cast aluminum wheel, while the front tire also rides on a black wheel. The rest of the Iron 883 gets a darker-suited presence with black front forks and fender supports, fuel tank, oil tank cover, belt guard, drag style handlebar and mid mount foot controls. A one-piece, solo classic seat with a height of 25.3 inches fits the lone rider, while a passenger seat and a backrest in complementing black finishes can be added as accessories. As the latest of the Harley-Davidson Dark Custom motorcycles, the Iron 883 is stripped down and ripe for custom creativity. Dark Custom motorcycle riders have the youngest average age for Harley-Davidson buyers. Soul mates of the Iron 883 include the Nightster®, Night Train®, Cross Bones®, Fat Bob® and Street Bob® motorcycles. Check out more on Dark Custom motorcycles at www.harley-davidson.com/darkcustom. The Iron 883 is available in Black Denim and Brilliant Silver Denim colors. Iron 883 features and highlights: * Rubber-mounted Evolution 883 cc V-Twin black powder-coated engine * Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) * Black fuel tank with unique graphics * Black front forks with gaiters * Black belt guard and front fender supports * Black, 13-spoke cast aluminum wheels, 19-inch front / 16-inch rear * Black low rise drag style handlebar * Black mid-mount foot controls * Black low profile front fender * Black chopped rear fender with combination rear stop/tail/turn lights * Chrome staggered shorty exhaust with dual mufflers * Side-mounted license plate holder * One-piece, solo Sportster classic seat * 25.3-inch seat height * Optional Harley-Davidson Smart Security System * Classic 3.3-gallon fuel tank Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the only major U.S.-based motorcycle manufacturer, produces heavyweight motorcycles and a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories and general merchandise. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson's Web site at www.harley-davidson.com.

The Matte Black 2009 Harley-Davidson Iron 883

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

http://www.ridelust.com/harley-davidson-xr1200-finally-for-sale-in-the-us/ Harley-Davidson sales have dropped off a cliff lately, and even that's an understatement. Shares in the company are the lowest they've been in 12 years and they're cutting jobs everywhere, it's just a bad, bad time in Milwaukee right now. Of course, motorcycles generally don't sell well in a recession, but changing consumer demand has something to do with it too. HD's classic chopper style of bike just isn't that desirable anymore. So in addition to the more performance-oriented XR1200, they're With a defiant attitude embracing the pure essence of riding, the new Iron 883 model is the latest Harley-Davidson Dark Custom Harley-Davidson Sportster motorcycles like the Iron 883 have stood against the grain since their introduction in 1957, when the modern rebel culture was being bred from restless veterans and hot rod pioneers. Sportster motorcycles became the starting point for many legendary choppers of the 1960s, while also getting pumped up for championship dirt racing and dare devil stunt riding in the 1970s. The Iron 883 model continues that rebellious tradition with responsive handling, smooth clutch effort and durable carbon reinforced drive belt while pushing the styling of motorcycling minimalism to the edge. Decked in black from fender-to-fender, the new Harley-Davidson Iron 883 motorcycle brings the beat of an 883 Evolution® engine backed up by a Harley-Davidson 883 Iron-right rearcombo of gritty, old-school garage features like front fork gaiters, drag style handlebar and side-mount license plate holder. A ticket to ride the Iron 883 starts at just $7,899 MSRP, leaving plenty of freedom for customization. “The Iron 883 defies the plastic conventions of other motorcycles at this price,” said Mark-Hans Richer, Harley-Davidson Chief Marketing Officer. “It’s got old school style, a new school ride and gives the owner a platform for creative customization.” The black powder-coated 883cc Evolution powertrain with black covers takes the Iron 883 deep into the heart of darkness. With Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) and performance tuning with a broad torque curve, the Iron 883 delivers plenty of power for the city scene. The pipes on the straight cut shorty dual exhaust flow the distinctive Harley-Davidson V-Twin sound. Harley-Davidson 883 Iron-right frontThe black chopped rear fender with its combination stop/turn/tail lights shows more of the 150 mm rear tire and black, 13-spoke cast aluminum wheel, while the front tire also rides on a black wheel. The rest of the Iron 883 gets a darker-suited presence with black front forks and fender supports, fuel tank, oil tank cover, belt guard, drag style handlebar and mid mount foot controls. A one-piece, solo classic seat with a height of 25.3 inches fits the lone rider, while a passenger seat and a backrest in complementing black finishes can be added as accessories. As the latest of the Harley-Davidson Dark Custom motorcycles, the Iron 883 is stripped down and ripe for custom creativity. Dark Custom motorcycle riders have the youngest average age for Harley-Davidson buyers. Soul mates of the Iron 883 include the Nightster®, Night Train®, Cross Bones®, Fat Bob® and Street Bob® motorcycles. Check out more on Dark Custom motorcycles at www.harley-davidson.com/darkcustom. if you buy it before March 31st 2009, there’s guaranteed trade-in value toward a Harley-Davidson Big Twin or VRSC for one year. Riders purchasing 2008 or 2009 model year Sportster 883 or 1200 motorcycles (excluding XR1200) at a participating Harley-Davidson dealership between Dec. 26, 2008 and Mar. 31, 2009 can trade that Sportster in within one year to receive original MSRP on trade-in for qualifying Harley-Davidson Big Twin or VRSC motorcycles.

Official Press Release: HARLEY-DAVIDSON IRON 883™ IS DRESSED FOR A DARK RIDE New Sportster® Motorcycle Takes the Stage with Aggressive Attitude MILWAUKEE (January 26, 2009) – MILWAUKEE (January 26, 2009) - With a defiant attitude embracing the pure essence of riding, the new Iron 883 model is the latest Harley-Davidson® Dark Custom™ motorcycle. Harley-Davidson Sportster motorcycles like the Iron 883 have stood against the grain since their introduction in 1957, when the modern rebel culture was being bred from restless veterans and hot rod pioneers. Sportster motorcycles became the starting point for many legendary choppers of the 1960s, while also getting pumped up for championship dirt racing and dare devil stunt riding in the 1970s. The Iron 883 model continues that rebellious tradition with responsive handling, smooth clutch effort and durable carbon reinforced drive belt while pushing the styling of motorcycling minimalism to the edge. Decked in black from fender-to-fender, the new Harley-Davidson Iron 883 motorcycle brings the beat of an 883 Evolution® engine backed up by a combo of gritty, old-school garage features like front fork gaiters, drag style handlebar and side-mount license plate holder. A ticket to ride the Iron 883 starts at just $7,899 MSRP, leaving plenty of freedom for customization. "The Iron 883 defies the plastic conventions of other motorcycles at this price," said Mark-Hans Richer, Harley-Davidson Chief Marketing Officer. "It's got old school style, a new school ride and gives the owner a platform for creative customization." The black powder-coated 883cc Evolution powertrain with black covers takes the Iron 883 deep into the heart of darkness. With Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) and performance tuning with a broad torque curve, the Iron 883 delivers plenty of power for the city scene. The pipes on the straight cut shorty dual exhaust flow the distinctive Harley-Davidson V-Twin sound. The black chopped rear fender with its combination stop/turn/tail lights shows more of the 150 mm rear tire and black, 13-spoke cast aluminum wheel, while the front tire also rides on a black wheel. The rest of the Iron 883 gets a darker-suited presence with black front forks and fender supports, fuel tank, oil tank cover, belt guard, drag style handlebar and mid mount foot controls. A one-piece, solo classic seat with a height of 25.3 inches fits the lone rider, while a passenger seat and a backrest in complementing black finishes can be added as accessories. As the latest of the Harley-Davidson Dark Custom motorcycles, the Iron 883 is stripped down and ripe for custom creativity. Dark Custom motorcycle riders have the youngest average age for Harley-Davidson buyers. Soul mates of the Iron 883 include the Nightster®, Night Train®, Cross Bones®, Fat Bob® and Street Bob® motorcycles. Check out more on Dark Custom motorcycles at www.harley-davidson.com/darkcustom. The Iron 883 is available in Black Denim and Brilliant Silver Denim colors. Iron 883 features and highlights: * Rubber-mounted Evolution 883 cc V-Twin black powder-coated engine * Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) * Black fuel tank with unique graphics * Black front forks with gaiters * Black belt guard and front fender supports * Black, 13-spoke cast aluminum wheels, 19-inch front / 16-inch rear * Black low rise drag style handlebar * Black mid-mount foot controls * Black low profile front fender * Black chopped rear fender with combination rear stop/tail/turn lights * Chrome staggered shorty exhaust with dual mufflers * Side-mounted license plate holder * One-piece, solo Sportster classic seat * 25.3-inch seat height * Optional Harley-Davidson Smart Security System * Classic 3.3-gallon fuel tank Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the only major U.S.-based motorcycle manufacturer, produces heavyweight motorcycles and a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories and general merchandise. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson's Web site at www.harley-davidson.com.

Audi R8 V10 Eye Candy

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

[gallery]

2009 Volvo C30 Racer

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

GM Brings "Transformers" Robots To 2009 Chicago Auto Show

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

PRESS RELEASE

AUTOBOTS® WITH BOW TIES: CHEVROLET-BASED CHARACTERS STARRING IN ‘TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN’ AT THE CHICAGO AUTO SHOW Giant movie robot also on display with vehicles used in the upcoming blockbuster summer film CHICAGO – Visitors to the Chevrolet display at this year’s Chicago Auto Show (Friday through Feb. 22) will be treated to an out-of-this-world vehicle display – the automotive stars from the upcoming DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures release, “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.” Five Chevrolet-based characters – including four all-new characters – are featured in the new film set to open in the United States on June 26. All of them are at the Chevrolet display. The four new movie characters include: • SIDESWIPE – a stylized Corvette vision concept vehicle • SKIDS and MUDFLAP – twin AUTOBOTS® based on Chevy’s Beat (a concept that will go into production as the Chevy Spark in 2011) and Trax concepts • JOLT – an AUTOBOT-based on Chevy’s upcoming Volt extended-range electric vehicle BUMBLEBEE™, the heroic AUTOBOT based on Chevrolet’s Camaro concept from the first “Transformers” movie, returns with a high-performance attitude. Joining the vehicles on stage will be BUMBLEBEE in his AUTOBOT form, standing almost 17 feet (5.2 meters) tall and 13 feet (4 meters) wide. “Chevrolet is thrilled to again be part of one of the most anticipated movies in years,” said Ed Peper, GM North America vice president, Chevrolet. “‘Transformers’ gives us a great opportunity to connect with young people on their terms, with a dynamic, environmentally friendly image. The new characters represent the change going on in Chevy showrooms. From the exciting Camaro, the 21st century sports car, to the game-changing Volt, there’s more than meets the eye at Chevrolet today.” Directed by Michael Bay, “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” sees the AUTOBOTS confront a new threat from DECEPTICONS® bent on avenging their earlier defeat on Earth. The new AUTOBOT characters in their current Chevy-based form square off against new, tougher foes determined to rule the universe. “‘Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen’ goes way beyond the first film in terms of robot action and excitement,” said LeeAnne Stables, executive vice president of worldwide marketing partnerships at Paramount Pictures, the distributor of the film. “The new AUTOBOTS add to the storytelling, and these Chevy vehicles went with our filmmakers to locations all around the world. GM has again provided incredible support to the production team working on the movie.” Along with the Camaro that’s reprising its role in the new film, the other Chevy models to be seen on the big screen are new to movie-goers. SIDESWIPE takes the form of a sleek, vision concept dreamed up by the Corvette designers at GM. The design is influenced by the original Stingray race car, introduced in 1959, but also draws on Corvette heritage cues from other generations. It brings them together in a futuristic shape that seems to be equal parts racecar and space ship. “SIDESWIPE represents an exercise in exploration for the Corvette,” said Ed Welburn, vice president of GM Global Design. “By giving my creative team the freedom to design no-holds-barred vision concepts, it helps them push boundaries and look at projects from different perspectives.” The Beat and Trax-based characters, SKIDS and MUDFLAP, remain faithful to their concept designs introduced at the 2007 New York Auto Show – although each wears new paint and other exterior accessories. And while they may be small cars, when they turn into fighting AUTOBOTS®, they pack a big punch. The other new AUTOBOT, JOLT, appears in the production form of Chevy’s 2011 Volt extended-range electric vehicle. With the capability of up to 40 miles (64 km) of pure electric propulsion, plus hundreds of more miles with the assistance from its Voltec powertrain system, the real-life Volt will change driving in America. Of course, the AUTOBOT team isn’t complete without BUMBLEBEE, the yellow Camaro based on the new, 2010 production model. Sporting new wheels and SS-model performance cues, BUMBLEBEE is more stylish and powerful than ever – and enthusiasts will be able to drive their own new Camaro when it goes on sale this spring. For more exclusive AUTOBOT movie information relating to Chevrolet, please visit www.autobotsrollout.com. Chevrolet is one of America’s best-known and best-selling automotive brands. With the largest dealer network in the United States, Chevy is the leader in full-size trucks and the leader in sales of vehicles priced $35,000 and above. Chevrolet delivers more-than-expected value in every vehicle category, offering cars and trucks priced from $12,120 to $103,300. Chevy delivers expressive design, spirited performance and great value with standard features usually found only on more expensive vehicles. More information on Chevrolet can be found at www.chevrolet.com. DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures present, in association with Hasbro, a di Bonaventura Pictures production, a Tom DeSanto/Don Murphy Production, a Michael Bay film, “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen,” starring Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, Kevin Dunn, Julie White, John Benjamin Hickey, Ramon Rodriguez, Isabel Lucas, Glenn Morshower and John Turturro. The film is directed by Michael Bay and written by Ehren Kruger, Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman. It is based on Hasbro’s TRANSFORMERS™ action figures and is produced by Don Murphy, Tom DeSanto, Lorenzo di Bonaventura and Ian Bryce. Executive producers are Steven Spielberg, Michael Bay, Brian Goldner and Mark Vahradian. This film has not yet been rated. TRANSFORMERS is a brand of Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE:HAS). Hasbro is a worldwide leader in children’s and family leisure time products and services with a rich portfolio of brands and entertainment properties that provides some of the highest quality and most recognizable play and recreational experiences in the world. As a brand-driven, consumer-focused global company, Hasbro brings to market a range of toys, games and licensed products, from traditional to high-tech and digital, under such powerful brand names as TRANSFORMERS, PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, TIGER, CRANIUM and WIZARDS OF THE COAST. Come see how we inspire play through our brands at http://www.hasbro.com. # # #

Chevy Corvette Centennial Concept Debuts At 2009 Chicago Auto Show

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

[gallery]

GM's Physiological Tester

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

This CAPTCHA-ish device is deemed redundant these days with the Ignition Interlock breathalyzers they have installed in the vehicles of DWI offenders. Still, it's cool.

GM's Physiological Tester

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

This CAPTCHA-ish device is deemed redundant these days with the Ignition Interlock breathalyzers they have installed in the vehicles of DWI offenders. Still, it's cool.

GM's Physiological Tester

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

The above is an advertisement for GM's failed Physiological TesterThis CAPTCHA-ish device is deemed redundant these days with the Ignition Interlock breathalyzers they have installed in the vehicles of DWI offenders. Still, it's cool.

Test Polls

Ryan — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Hemi-Powered Rat Rod Makes Us Weak In The Knees

Butch Deadlift — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Oh. My. God. Just... turn up your speakers and enjoy. Let your neighbours hear it. The sound alone may be almost as good as finding a VIP pass to the Playboy Mansion in your chocolate bar. (Which would be pretty awesome because, really, you get the VIP pass, and you still get the chocolate bar! Double the awesome!)

You're welcome.

Courtesy of Jalopnik.

GM To Appear Before Treasury, Ask For Raise In Allowance

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

General Motors CEO Rick Wagoner will hold a press conference this evening to discuss the restructiong plan for future viability that he will be submitting to the U.S. Treasury as per the terms of the federal auto bailout.

2010 Ford Mustang Officially Drops On Dealer Lots

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Weismann Roadster MF4

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Bumper Stickers

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

We had "10 Cars Guruanteed To Get You Laid," and for the common man we even had "10 Cars Guaranteed To Get You Laid, On A Budget," but now that the economy is in a Lou Ferrigno headlock, buying a new car, or even a slightly used car, is compeltely out of the question for most. It's hard out there for a player right now, but it's not impossible. You might think your game is totally crimped now that your Pontiac G8 has been repossesed and you're rolling around in your mom's 1993 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera, but despair ye not - for there is hope. Enter: the awe-inspiring communication powers of the traditional bumper sticker. Street Racing For Anyone Driving A: Honda Civic, Toyota Celica, Nissan Z Models, Mitsubishi True, your hoodscoop isn't functional and the adhesive backing on your press-on side intakes is begining to detoriate Motorcycle Safety, Share The Road "My other ride is a..." stickers are totally passé, and often lead passerbys to think, "Oh yeah, than why is he driving that fartcan?" With a motorcycle safety sticker, you get to kill two birds with one stone: you get to brag about your bike, and demonstrate how responsible and mature you are.

Jean Todt Resigns As Ferrari Chief Executive Officer

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Kleeman Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, Subtle Performance Enhancer

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

As anyone whose ever put on their one dressy outfit and visited a Mercedes dealership pretending to be interested in buying an AMG well know, a C63 AMG left completely stock will peel the skin off your face when if you mash the accelerator into the floor. The tuning experts over that Keelman decided that 0-60mph in 4.3 seconds and 451-horsepower just wasn't cutting it though, and decided to give the C63 a few subtle tweaks. Thanks to Mercedes' superior engineering, dramatic modifcations to the C63 AMG were unnecessary, and Kleeman's only noticable additions were a pair of Keelman-exclusive 20" alloy wheels. The bulk of their attention was devoted to where it matters - under the hood. [gallery] Source: 4WheelsNews

Unemployed Autoworkers to Build

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Laid Off Autoworkers to Build Windspires in Michigan

Terrafugia

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

It was one short flight for a car, one significant step for a Boston-area start up developing what may be the ultimate hybrid. Terrafugia's Transition is part-car, part-airplane and as of this month, a flight-worthy creation. The vehicle successfully completed its first test flight earlier this month, the company announced on Wednesday. The flight was short -- just 37 seconds -- and right over the runway, but as Anna Mracek Dietrich, a Terrafugia co-founder and its chief operating officer, pointed out, flying wasn't the key goal. "The first flight is great, but first landing is what matters," she told Discovery News. That apparently went well too, according to Phil Mateer, a retired Air Force test pilot who took the wheel for Transition's debut flight on March 5 at Plattsburgh International Airport in Plattsburgh, N.Y. "The flight was remarkably unremarkable," Mateer said. Transition's aerial debut followed six months of road tests and years of design. The goal is to create an airplane that can be driven to and from a runway and parked in the family garage at night. Transition runs on regular unleaded gasoline and can travel up to 500 miles on a single tank of gas. It takes less than 30 seconds for the vehicle's wings to fold up or extend to transform from plane to car or vice-versa. "The point of the test was to prove that this could both fly and drive," Deitrich said. Information from the test flight will be used to tweak the Transition's design for a second prototype. The company plans to begin selling the vehicles, which cost $194,000, in 2010, said Richard Gersh, Terrafugia's vice president of business development. The company has taken deposits for 40 vehicles already, Deitrich said.

Blood From A Stone: Using Red-Light Cameras To Track Uninsured Motorists

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Instead of just decreasing spending - officials are turning to the age old government solution to all things financial, finding new and ever more creative ways of taking money from the general populace. http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2009/03/traffic-cameras-billed-as-answer-to-chicagos-budget-deficit.ars http://www.suntimes.com/news/cityhall/1479275,red-light-camera-uninsured-031609.article http://www.ubergizmo.com/15/archives/2009/03/chicago_traffic_camera_might_track_and_send_citations_to_uninsured_drivers.html http://blog.wired.com/cars/2009/03/the-uninsured-m.html#comments http://www.motorists.org/ http://www.andrewbush.net/vectors%202-10-08/

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Manuel Uribe's fatmobile. It has an open air bed in the back so his wife can cart him around like a giant latex bag of jelly with a head. I'm sorry, that was totally inappropriate.

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Manuel Uribe's fatmobile. It has an open air bed in the back so his wife can cart him around like a giant latex bag of jelly with a head. I'm sorry, that was totally inappropriate.

Novitec Rosso Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

[gallery]

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

How To Maintaince Your Car During A Recession If the problem is even to big for the miraculous healing powers of duct tape or Bondo, it might be time to look for a mechanic. If your car is still under warranty, you may stop reading now and resume whatever financially-stable and/or gainfully-employed acitivties you were previously engaged in. In general, there are really only 2 things that you need to be seriously concered with if they start to malfunction: the engine and the brakes. Everything else is relatively inconsequential and can probably be repaired with some duct tape and a little WD-40. So if you start to notice a funny noise or a weird smell, the first and most important thing you need to do is figure out what's wrong. As long as you've got at least an elementary understanding of how cars work and access to a Chilton's and a flashlight, you can probably knock this step out by yourself. If you don't even know where to begin looking, start with the Internet. Surf some porn for a little bit and when you're done, Google the make and model If your wife/girlfriend is peering expectantly over your shoulder, feel free to save face and pop the hood to stare pointedly at the engine. If she asks whats wrong, reach deep enough into the car so she can't see exactly what your hand is doing and issue a few frustrated grunts. Muttering a few explicitves under your breath might be a good touch too. Once you've fiddled around long enough to look like you've got a firm grasp on the situation, tell her you think you're going to have your friend look at it, see what he thinks. If she asks what's wrong, feel free to throw out the name of any complicated-sounding part you can think of; actuator, tensioner, crankshaft, etc. Then, take it to a garage. If you seem clueless enough and totally ripe for a rip-off, most dramatically announce that you think the problem might be bigger than your modest tool set can handle, and you're going to have to take it to a mechanic.

2010 Chevy Corvette Grand Sport Poised For A Comeback

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Riding the coattails of the apparently successful special edition Corvette Competition Sport and the GT1 Championship Edition,

Nissan GT1 GT-R

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

[gallery]

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

The only pony car in history to have remained in continuous production since its inception, the iconic Ford Mustang will celebrate its 45th birthday this April with a four-day celebration in Birmingham, Alabama. Hosted by the Mustang Club of America, the event will kick-off on Friday, April 17, 2009, exactly 45 years to the date since the Mustang's first official unveiling at the New York World's Fair on April 17, 1964. On hand at the birthday celebration will be Joe Oros, chief designer of the original pony car, as well as Don Frey, chief product planning manager who helped ensure Oros' product was a smashing success. "We built the first prototype in an experimental garage, and employees flooded the place to see it," recalls Frey. "Their reaction was spectacular, and it was very revealing to us. We knew the car was going to be roaring success from the start." Perhaps an exercise in humility, Frey's claim of the Mustang's "roaring success" is nevertheless quite an understatement. Referred to as the "1964½" due to its uncommon introduction during the mid-point of the model year, Ford originally expected to sell a modest 100,000 units annually, but by the end of the Mustang's first 12-year run, the final sales tally stood at 417,000. By the two year mark, sales had surpassed 1 million. Incredibly, despite many fluctuations within the industry and the death of nearly all its pony car competitors, the Mustang remains as popular with the American public as it was more than four decades ago. Remarked a rightfully proud Frey, "We created an icon, and I had a hand in it."

Ford Mustang Turns 45, Celebrates 4-1/2 Decades As King Of The Road

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Pontiac

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

We were a little slow breaking this newest bit of information since we've been busy drinking away our pain in the front seat of our G8XP out back behind the building. Today, however, we were able to stymie the uncontrollable sobbing, squirt some Visine into our bloodshot eyes and pop

2010 Ford Focus RS spotted in Michigan

Adam — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Satan's car for sale on EBay

Adam — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Volkswagen Welcomes Back the Scirocco

Sean — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id="attachment_20692" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Diesel Scirocco"][/caption] The Scirocco, not in production since 1992, is back in its 3rd generation form, packing a new diesel engine, new body design, and looking pretty good. Sporting 168 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, the Scirocco GT TDI is able to go from 0 to 60 in about 8 seconds and can reach top speeds of about138 mph, all while getting an average of 44 mpg. The new Scirocco will not, as it stands right now, be available in the United States. It's probably just too fuel efficient. (Yeah, there is definitely some sarcasm there, but when did it become a no-no for the most fuel efficient cars, either American or foreign, to not be able to be sold in this country? Case in point, Ford's most fuel efficient vehicle, the Fiesta is not sold in this country...how does that make any sense?) Anyway, I digress. Seeing the Scirocco (or rather hearing the name, as it looks nothing like it did back in the day) brings back some memories... I just wonder when the Karmann Ghia is going to get an overhaul and make a comeback? [caption id="attachment_20693" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Volkswagen GT TDI Scirocco"][/caption]

RoboScooter: Winner of the Buckminster Fuller Challenge

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Want to cry? Top Gear U.S. Promo Surfaces on Vimeo

Adam — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Showreel '08 from AdvanTech on Vimeo. Yeah, it's old news. The ill fated U.S. version of Top Gear was aborted months ago. This previously unreleased promo video for the series recently appeared on Vimeo

Program could turn clunkers into cash

Patrick McNally — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

The Department of Energy and Commerce and key Congressional leaders have come to an agreement with the Obama administration on the “Cash for Clunkers” program. By giving incentives to consumers to trade in old gas-guzzling vehicles or newer models, it is hoped that the program will help to revive the sagging automotive industry, while promoting energy efficient vehicles. The agreement was based on House resolutions sponsored by U.S. Reps. Betty Sutton (D-OH) and Jay Inslee (D-WA). “It will save consumers money at the pump and at the dealership, and will cut down on carbon pollution going into our air and water,” said Inslee of the agreement. “President Obama said that once in a while when you're in Congress, you do things that really matter in a historic sense. This energy legislation is one of those chances.” The Cash for Clunkers program will be authorized for up to one year, and should provide vouchers for up to a million car and truck purchases. For passenger cars, the old vehicle must have a “window sticker” miles per gallon value of 18 mpg or less. If the mileage of the new vehicle is at least 4 mpg higher than the old vehicle, the vouches will be worth $3,500. If the mileage is at least 10 mpg higher, the voucher will be worth $4,500. The program has been successful in many European countries. The entire voucher summary can be found at http://energycommerce.house.gov/Press_111/20090505/cashforclunkers.pdf

2010 Lamborghini Murcielago LP670-4 Super Veloce - Review

Chris — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

2010 Aston Martin V12 Vanquish, Fueled By Baby Panda Bears

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Despite the fact that Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Maybach/Mercedes-Benz, and Rolls-Royce/BMW all deemed me worthy of media accredidation, Aston Martin did not, which means I am forced to rely on various secondhand sources for my information. Unfortunately, although said sources are most certainly of dubious accuracy, my personal commitment to ensuring RideLust readers are served with the most up-the-minute news precludes any reserve I may have had concerning a given source's factual integrity. Thus, should any of the information containered herein be incorrect, I apologize to both our readers and Aston Martin and regret only that I was not able to authenticate the facts with any Aston Martin-sanctioned press release. Scheduled to make its inagural debut in production form at the Geneva Motor Show, the 2010 Aston Martin V12 Vanquish has been heralded the world over as the next big favorite for rouge international operatives, affluent investment bankers, and high-profile cocaine dealers. Boasting a befier powerplant than its predecessor, the V8 Vanquish, the 6.0L V12 produces a whopping 510-horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque, and posesses the impressive ability to make the sprint from 0-60 mph in a healthy 4.2s. Only 300-500 models will be produced, and for every model sold, Aston Martin has purportedly pledged to punch a kitten in the face. [gallery]

2010 Volkswagen Golf Wagon

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

The Top 10 Bikes Guaranteed

Chris — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

There are just some bikes that awaken our inner Freudians. You know. The bikes that move us down below. Bikes that exude, just as Kramer did in Seinfeld, the Kavorka--the lure of the animal. I'm talking about sexy bikes. When it comes to attracting chicas, we all know, it's what's between your legs that really counts. Don't let this new trend toward the metrosexualized sensitive male fool you. Women always have, and always will, want men with leather sleeves, tattoos, and pot-marked behinds from years of rough-and-tough living. Guys who prefer to bite the twist-off caps off their beers. Guys who smoke the entire cigar, dammit, and don't know the meaning of mixed drinks. You know, guys like us here at Ridelust. (And Suzanne. Suzanne is included in this, too. Really, don't piss her off. Tito Ortiz almost hired her to kill Chuck Liddell for him, but he couldn't afford her.) In the bike world, these sacred fertility rites involve the presentation of your motorized phallus. Outright size may not matter, but looks certainly do. And if you don't have that, you better have speed. Lots and lots of speed. Want all the ladies to stare at your crotch as you rocket by? Then make sure you've got the goods. For your convenience, we've got the bikes that, like tequila, makes girls' clothes fall off.* 1.Ducati 1198 S - laid up from busted stones 2. MV Agusta F4CC -women who think the Ducati is just too cheap and common 3. Ducati Desmodicci RR -women who love Tom Cruise, but like you, couldn't get hold of the original 4. KTM Superduke - laid up from least comfortable seat in history 5. Tesi Carbonio -tech freaks 6. Ransom Cycles' The Serpent - NA 7. Aprilia RSV 1000 R 8. Kaneda's bike from Akira -powered by a scooter engine, you're dead meat when inner-city biker gangs come for revenge 9. Ducati Streetfighter S - those who like true streeters 10. Dodge Tomahawk (Boss Hoss SRT-10) - anyone who's wanted to hump a V-10 without the conspicuousness of mounting a Murcielago *If that doesn't work, well, that's okay. These bikes will be sexier to men more often than not, and these are certainly the finest candidates of mechaphilia on two wheels we could find.

S.Q.U.I.D. 101

Chris — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

As a resident of the human cesspool located directly outside of Philadelphia known as "South Jersey," I rarely bat an eyelash at the bizarre shenanigans Florida frequently finds itself mired in. Most likely because Jersey invtented the term "Shenanigans"...but that's neither here nor there... ...Today's vicious capitilaist pig/parking violation scandal comes to us courtesy of Tarpon Springs, Florida. Apparently, local developer Mike Bronson, grew tired of the constant congestion caused by the customers of a nearby restuarant and decided to take matters into his own hands by erecting 22 "No Parking" signs. Despite the fact that Bronson's signs were not installed on city-sanctioned poles and did not bear the official city sticker, the signs were authentic enough to prompt officers from the Tarpon Springs PD to issue a whopping 233 parking tickets. If this were New Jersey, Bronson would have promptly shot each individual patron, execution style, before meeting the police commisioner for their weekly round of golf -

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Late yesterday, Visteon Corp officially filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, shocking approximately no one who has tracked their progress since their split from Ford in 2000. Despite the fact that Visteon is a major supplier for several major auto manufacturers, including both Ford and Hyundai, and boasts a status as one of the largest suppliers in the country, they have not posted a single profit on the books in nearly a decade. CEO Donald Stebbins explained the filing as a tactical maunever aimed at ensuring the company's long term viability. taking down with it an estimated 11,000 white collar and 22,500 blue collar employees.

BMW Roadster Celebrates 75 Years

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Introduced for the first time at the Berlin Motor Show in 1934, the BMW Sports Roadster was destined from birth to be the ride of choice for celebrity hairdressers the world over.

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

It's easy to be an overtly aggressive driver, evidence of which probably followed you home and is cruising up and down your street as you read this. What takes significantly more skill and, some may reasonably argue, a lot more balls, is the art of passive aggressive driving. *All information contained herein is void in the state of New Jersey, where drivers will not only intentionally cut you off, but double back to carve their initials on your bumper too.

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Early Friday morning, Terra Haute-resident Kevin Michael Whitesell irefutably proved that the only way to top a drunk driving accident, is to chase it with a drunk rescue attempt. Around 5am Friday morning after either a.) kicking his weekend off early or b.) preparing for a routine day at work, an extremely intoxicated Whitesell lost control of his vehicle.

Ryan — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Hardee's (or Carl's Jr. for those of you holding down the West Coast) "Taste For Speed" gift pack

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Most famous for his brilliant work with the industrial strength miracle product, OxiClean, 50-year-old poet laureate Billy Mays was found dead in his Florida home this weekend. A true American hero, Mays ruled the netherworld of late-night and early morning TV ads, shouting his message of good tidings and great joy to gullible TV watchers everywhere. Rivaled in his over-the-top-delivery only by the Orange Overlord, Sheriff John Buenell (Ret.'d), Mays' passing is one of the biggest tragedies to hit the automotive industry since the appointment of Chris Bangle as BMW's design director. To honor the late, great, Mays, we have assemled a collection of his best work for your viewing pleasure. This wipe is for you, Mays.

Cars vs Bikes: The Gallery

Chris — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

CATEGORIES: 1. At the Track Gallardo vs 999: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EeP0_aLvc0I Superleggera vs 1098: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZKRphfVHqI GTR vs 1098s: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Man0X0bf8vk 300zx vs honda sabre vs 500cc race bike: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Di2MvjGQA10 Jet Fighter vs Porsche 911 turbo vs Yamaha R1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WA2y_lrGj6A&feature=related Conclusion: Bike in a straight line under 200 mph / Car on a track with a lot of corners -- DRAW 2. On the Street -illegal drag racing Conclusion: Bike 3. Running from the Cops - The Infamous Ghost Rider Conclusion: Bike 4. Collisions Conclusion: Car 5. Stunt Potential Conclusion: Bike 6. Power 7.

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

10 Most Unfortunate Car Names

Chris — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

It's no secret that we Americans are kinda uninterested in other people's

2010 Cadillac SRX to 2010 Lexus RX350: "You're Doing It Wrong"

Nathan Redden — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

The Lexus RX is a luxury SUV juggernaut. Introduced in 1998, it single-handedly defined the segment and provided a perfect solution in one fell swoop. Before the downturn last year, 2007 sales crested 100,000 units. Many have tried to dethrone the RX, and all have failed. Now, a redesigned version for MY 2010 is bigger and better than ever. That's exactly why the following statement may shock you a bit. Cadillac's new 2010 SRX absolutely spanks the 2010 Lexus RX350. Here's why...

Design

Lexus has never been a leader in design, and they are completely unapologetic about it. The ichiban approach has one target: to sell more cars than anyone else. And to do it, you can't have a styling that is polarizing. To achieve maximum market penetration, you must appeal to the largest number of customers. Ergo, a non-threatening, some would say bland, approach is best. Once again, they've hit the nail right on the head. Not to say that the RX looks bad, the smooth lines convey elegance unlike any other brand. I just can't imagine a single part of its gentle surface being stamped out of aluminum or forcefully created in any way. The overall feeling is very taught and precise. The most aggressive features are the pointed headlamps similar to the IS sedan. The front fascia looks a little unfinished. Perhaps it was specially designed for a low coefficient of drag and not a 30 degree entry angle, but the lack of a lower clip of any sort leaves the car with a pout of sorts. 18" wheels are standard, but optional 19's are as gangster as Lexus gets. For the most part, the exterior styling of the RX350 doesn't disappoint, but you can fully expect to get lost in a crowd of generic crossovers. Cadillac has taken an entirely different approach. Though the new SRX was aimed squarely at the RX, the last thing Cadillac wants to become is Lexus. They would rather compete with the likes of BMW and Mercedes-Benz, creating stylish and well-handling cars for people that are (gasp!) passionate about automobiles.

Technology

Utility

Performance

Value

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Best Ad Campaigns Of The Decade

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

1.Volkswagen Bus Advertising Agency: DDB, Paris, France Creative Directors: Alexandre Hervé, Sylvain Thirache Copywriter: Patrice Dumas Art Director: Aurélie Scalabre 2.Renault Logan, Internal Space Advertising Agency: Exclam Comunicação, Curitiba, Brazil Creative Director: Lipsio Carvalho Copywriter: Peterson Klug Art Director: Alexandre Miyaki Published: September 2008 3. Harley Davidson, Stop Dreaming Advertising Agency: FNL Communications Sydney, Australia Creative Director: Mike Miller Art Director: Kieran Antill Copywriter: Will Edwards Photographer: Andreas Bommert Published: 2006

Ryan — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Replica of Jacko's Lancia Stratos For Sale

Chris — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Little Tip: CARS.gov Will Give You AIDS or Something... Right?

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Answer: Wrong There are plenty of reasons to hate/fear/be disgusted by the Cash-4-Clunkers program... but this isn't one of them.

BMW Resurects Isetta as Smart Competitor

Adam — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

2010 Mustang Queen Latifah

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

2011 Chevy Volt To Average 230 MPG, Still No Word On Raw Power

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

During a webcast this morning, GM CEO Fritz Henderson revealed The General's newest plans for future viability, beginning with upcoming Chevy Volt. According to Henderson, when the Volt hits the production line in late 2010 (and dealer lots shortly thereafter), it will effectively become the first mass-produced automobile in the world to achieve an MPG rating in the triple digits. Although the final numbers are subject to slight tweaking, Henderson claims the 2011 Chevy Volt will average a staggering 230 mpg in city driving (or 25 kilowatt hours per 100 miles). What's more, GM also projects that the Volt will be capable of traveling up to 40 miles using electricity from a single battery charge which, if U.S. Department of Transportation data is correct, will exceed the distance traveled by 8 out of 10 Americans on a daily basis. For drivers who exceed the extrapolated 40 miles a day, the Volt's flex-fuel engine will extend the vehicle's range by more than 300 miles. Tentative verdict: the raw stats are impressive if for no other reason than sheer innovation, but we're still reserving our final judgment until we can get it on a track. [gallery] Source: GM

Cadillac

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

2011 Ford Mustang Will Best the BMW M3?

Chris — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Convert Your Car To Run On Trash

Chris — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Koenigsegg

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

General Motors and Koenigsegg Group Sign Stock Purchase Agreement for the Sale of Saab Automobile AB # The deal is expected to close by year’s end and will secure Saab’s future # The closing will be subject to funding agreements and other closing conditions # Saab Automobile plans to exit reorganization shortly Zurich. General Motors Co. today confirmed it has signed a stock purchase agreement with Koenigsegg Group AB regarding the sale of 100% of the shares of Saab Automobile AB. The deal is expected to conclude in the next months and will then secure Saab’s future. Saab Automobile plans to exit legal reorganization shortly. The stock purchase agreement will be subject to agreed closing conditions. Conditions to close the sale include expected funding commitments with Swedish government support and guarantees, as well as transitional assistance from GM, as Saab becomes independent. Saab is about to launch several new cars, developed with General Motors, that are in the final stages of development. As part of the proposed transaction, GM and Saab will continue to share technology and services during a defined time period. This will be managed through licenses and service agreements. "This contract is an important step in the journey to a potential deal, said Carl-Peter Forster, president of GM Europe. “Saab's great cars, its unique design, safety- and engine-technology, as well as its excellent brand image, combined with Koenigsegg Group's unique combination of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, bode well for a successful future for the brand. We will continue to work with all parties to define the final details and ensure a fast closure of the deal, which we expect to take place in the next few months. The closure of the deal is contingent on the funding commitment from the European Investment Bank (EIB), guaranteed by the Swedish government,” Forster added. "We have now concluded another important step in realizing the great potential of Saab,” said Christian von Koenigsegg, CEO of Koenigsegg Group. “Our plan is to transform Saab into a stand-alone vibrant entrepreneurial company and make it ‘sustainable’ by making it profitable. We will revive Saab’s Swedish heritage of ecological sensitivity, safety, design innovation and ‘fun to drive’ experience!" Jan Åke Jonssson, Managing Director of Saab, said: “This is excellent news for everyone connected to Saab around the globe. This is an important step to secure jobs and our long-term future as a Swedish carmaker. In the short-term, it will enable us to move forward with exciting new cars starting this month with the all new Saab 9-3X.”

NOBLE Unveils 225mph M600

Chris — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

There was a time when darting through traffic in a wagon meant you were late for either soccer practice or Lilith Fair, but times have changed. Today, your hot hatch options are no longer limited to a Vista Cruiser or a Forester, and the term "sport wagon" has come to represent a fairly large segment of consumers. It may be said that no one does the sport wagon like Vee Dub, but no one does the wagon period like Volvo.

2010 MazdaSPEED3

Click here for photos and specs

2009 Subaru Impreza WRX STi

Click here for photos and specs

2010 Volkswagen GTI

Click here for photos and specs

2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart

Click here for photos and specs

2010 Audi A3

Click here for photos and specs

2009 Volvo V50 T5 AWD R Design

Click here for photos and specs

2010 Cadillac CTS Sports Wagon

Click here for photos and specs

2009 Saab 9-3 Aero SportCombi

Click here for photos and specs

Sell the Streets Part II: Let Toyota Fix the Freeways

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

* north side of the Santa Monica (10) Freeway, east of Lincoln Blvd. exit; * east side of San Diego (405) Freeway at Orange Street; * north side of the Ventura (101) Freeway, west of Balboa Blvd.; * south side of the Santa Monica (10) Freeway, east of Overland Drive exit; * north side of the Pomona (60) Freeway at Lorena Street exit; * south side of the Foothill (210) Freeway, at the Los Robles Ave. on ramp. * The San Francisco-area Floralscapes will be located on the south side of the Redwood (101) Freeway at Novato Blvd. in Marin County, and the other will be on the north side of the Junipero Serra (280) Freeway at the Winchester Ave. exit in Santa Clara County. PRESS RELEASE: Toyota Prius 'Harmony Floralscapes' Blooming Along Los Angeles Freeways New Marketing Concept Creates Unique Public-Private Partnership LOS ANGELES, Aug. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- A first-of-its-kind "Harmony Floralscape," a vivid roadside display made up of more than 20,000 live flowers, was unveiled today along the Pasadena Freeway (SR-110) in downtown Los Angeles by Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa, officials from Caltrans, Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., and Greenroad Media, Inc. The Floralscape is one of nine oversized floral designs that will appear alongside California freeways in support of the ongoing launch of the 2010 Toyota Prius hybrid vehicle. Seven of the Floralscapes will be in the Los Angeles area and two in the San Francisco area. Developed by Greenroad Media, Inc., using the company's patent-pending "Living Pixel" technology, design images are replicated using flowers of differing varieties and colors. "We are proud to be the inaugural City to unveil the first of seven Floralscapes along one of our busiest highways. The commute for Angelenos will now be brightened by floral murals that embody the City's progressive approach to solving environmental issues by merging beautification, sustainable design and reducing our carbon footprint," Mayor Villaraigosa said. "From the construction workers to the business team, this public-private partnership with Toyota and Greenroad Media has spurred local job creation across the board." Unlike Rose Parade floats, which are made with cut flowers, the 30'x60' Toyota Prius "Harmony Floralscapes" are comprised entirely of living seasonal flowers. The flowers used in each Floralscape - about 20,000 blooms in total - are grown by local businesses in special modular "Eco-crates" made from recycled plastic. Several different designs have been developed, and the displays will be changed and updated several times during the next four months. "The Floralscapes represent a unique public-private cooperative effort," said Tim Morrison, TMS marketing corporate manager. "Not only will the Floralscapes be seen by several hundred thousand motorists every day, permanent upgrades are also being made to the surrounding area, including landscape and irrigation improvements." The Floralscapes are created from organic and reusable materials and are maintained using ecologically friendly techniques, including the utilization of non-potable water, solar electricity and ecologically responsible insect and fungi control. California-based businesses are contracted to install and maintain the Floralscapes. The non-profit Los Angeles Conservation Corps, which provides training, education and work experience to at-risk young adults and school-aged youth, will maintain the areas surrounding the Floralscapes. "The Floralscapes are an ideal communications concept for these economically challenging and environmentally conscious times," said Edward St. Clair, president and founder of Greenroad Media. "Toyota is able to demonstrate its commitment to the environment to the benefit of state and local governments, local businesses and the entire community." Since federal regulations require that the Floralscapes be non-commercial in nature, abstract images of the new Prius will appear in different settings, capturing the essence of its marketing campaign developed by Saatchi & Saatchi LA - "Harmony Between Man, Nature and Machine." All of the images have been approved by California's department of transportation, Caltrans. "Through this innovative partnership with Toyota, we are able to improve the look of freeway landscape, make necessary upgrades to aging or damaged irrigation systems, and save tax dollars," said Raja Mitwasi, Caltrans Chief Deputy District Director. The downtown Floralscape will be located on the west side of the Pasadena (110) Freeway, just north of the 101 Freeway. Other Los Angeles-area Floralscapes locations include: north side of the Santa Monica (10) Freeway, east of Lincoln Blvd. exit; east side of San Diego (405) Freeway at Orange Street; north side of the Ventura (101) Freeway, west of Balboa Blvd.; south side of the Santa Monica (10) Freeway, east of Overland Drive exit; north side of the Pomona (60) Freeway at Lorena Street exit; south side of the Foothill (210) Freeway, at the Los Robles Ave. on ramp. The San Francisco-area Floralscapes will be located on the south side of the Redwood (101) Freeway at Novato Blvd. in Marin County, and the other will be on the north side of the Junipero Serra (280) Freeway at the Winchester Ave. exit in Santa Clara County. About Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. is the marketing, sales, distribution and customer service arm of Toyota, Lexus and Scion. Established in 1957, TMS markets products and services through a network of more than 1,400 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealers. Toyota directly employs more than 35,000 people in the U.S. and sold more than 2.2 million vehicles in 2008. For more information about Toyota, visit www.toyota.com, www.lexus.com, www.scion.com or www.toyotanewsroom.com. About Greenroad Media Greenroad Media, Inc., with its office in Manhattan Beach, Calif., has developed unique, patent-pending technology which allows companies to make ecologically-friendly, living corporate statements that enhance the roadways of North America. Greenroad Media is the only media company that brings together businesses and governments to beautify highways and public spaces through corporate sponsorships. More than a positioning statement, sponsoring a site with Greenroad Media allows a corporation to make a commitment to a healthier planet. For more information, please visit www.greenroadmedia.com. About Saatchi & Saatchi LA Saatchi & Saatchi LA is a full-service agency with both traditional and non-traditional capabilities, including media, creative, strategic planning, 3D asset creation, design and event marketing. The agency was awarded a prestigious Gold Effie for its highly effective launch of the Toyota Tundra full-size truck. Saatchi LA is agency of record for Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., and it also serves Toyota Dealer Associations and Toyota Financial Services. The LA office is the third largest in the global network of ideas company Saatchi & Saatchi, part of Publicis Groupe. For more information, go to www.saatchila.com.

2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

MSRP: N/A Engine: 3.0L Direct Injection V6, 3.6L Direct Injection V6 Power: 3.0L: 270 hp @ 7000 rpm, 223 lb-ft of torque @ 5700 rpm; 3.6L: 304 hp @ 6400 rpm, 273 lb-ft of torque @ 5200 rpm Drivetrain: RWD or optional AWD, 6-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission with Driver Shift Control EPA Rating city/highway: 18/27 mpg (estimates based on GM Testing. Official EPA estimates not yet available) Return to list

2010 Ford Mustang Provides 9,224 Ways To Waste Time At Work

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Out: Talking fantasy football at the water cooler. In: Building your fantasy Mustang. Ok, so your rust bucket didn't qualify for the Cash For Clunkers program but hey, a fanboy can still dream and now, thanks to a handful of genuis web developers and a PR department that's really bringing their a A-game, a guy can dream in

2010 Camaro Aftermarket Smorgasbord: Turbos, Blowers, Body Kits, And A Whole Lot More!

Chris — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Ultimate Performance Turbo Single Turbo Kit STS Turbo Remote Mounted Twin Turbo Kit Nickey Chicago Twin Turbo Variant Hennessey HP Series? Vortech Supercharger for L99 ATI Procharger Kit Camaro5 Exhaust Compilation Revolution Supersport Parts Preview Fesler Moss Carbon Fiber preview? Geiger Cars :http://www.fastestcar.com/chevrolet-camaro-ss-compressor-by-geiger-cars/#more-2753

Don't Let This Happen To You: Car to Bike Annilingus

Chris — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

This is what happens when you bring your bike around a lot of frisky cars: They get their ass sniffed. Introductory rites aside, using rudimentary induction skills, we can assume that, in regards to the rider of the victimized motorcycle, either 1) the rider's pelvis was instantly crushed on impact, rendering them forever impotent, or, more favorably 2) they were launched to safety into oncoming traffic. Wait. That's bad, too. All joking aside, this is truly a motorcyclists worst nightmare. There weren't any (decipherable) details attached to this photo. We can only hope that the rider, and the bike, lived to ride another day. But the car can become a proverbial C.A.R.S. participent for all we care. Speed may kill, but evidently, so can stillness. So remember: If you choose to ride, you're screwed either way. SOURCE: babodream.co.kr

VIDEO OF THE DAY: Korean Spirra Supercar Dances With Ponies and Bulls

Chris — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/24/video-korean-spirra-supercar-runs-with-the-big-dogs/

The Worst:

Alex Kierstein — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

2010 Toyota Land Cruiser

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Despite the worldwide downturn in SUV sales, the Toyota Land Cruiser is soldiering on and arrives for the 2010 MY [gallery] Source: Toyota

The Evil That Men Do: Kit Cars

Geoff — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

We tend to leave the majority of kit cars out of the fray here at Ridelust, if only because with so many new and soon-to-be new cars and concepts rolling around it is hard to keep up with them all. But given the choice between a knockoff AC Cobra and nothing at all, we can understand the allure of putting your own fun roadster or coupe together piece by piece. However, if a Lotus Seven replica is acceptable and a Fiero-based Ferrari is pushing it, the crack-inspired, dry heave inducing kit cars listed below are surely well beyond all logic and reason.

Modified Cars part 2: The Evil That Men Do

Geoff — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

15 Most Badass Car Logos

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

A badge has to have a three-dimensional presence, and the reputation of the car can only carry it so far. Case in point: Rolls-Royce. One of the must stunning examples of automotive engineering, and the badge itself inspires about as much awe as the Fischer-Price logo, and The Spirit of Ecstasy is likely the only reason lukewarm public interest hasn't forced a redesign. Beyond aesthetic appeal, however, a badge also has to have a history. A company's entire history must be encompassed into a sculpted piece of metal only a few inches high, and it is imperative that every crest, groove, and arch count. Alfa Romeo: http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/forum/general-automotive/31520-history-car-logos.html http://www.purplehell.com/riddletools/carlogos.htm Spyker: http://www.cartype.com/pages/1664/spyker Rover: http://www.cartype.com/pages/1611/rover Buick: http://www.cartype.com/pages/2614/buick http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=de&u=http://de.geocities.com/elmar_hilbring/borgward.htm&ei=FZiySuvmLdTDlAeQz535Dg&sa=X&oi=translate&resnum=3&ct=result&prev=/search%3Fq%3DBorgward%2Blogo%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26hs%3DRRi

Chrysler CEO Jim Press

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Cash For Clunkers Update

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Chris — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Water flows through Eliot's The Waste Land. Spring rains of April stir the dead lands from their sleep, functioning as an incessant instigator of life, of "memory and desire," and as an agent of an immortality which prolongs life year after year, summons life from the "forgetful snow" of winter, reminding the Eliotic narrator of his own physical mortality, as well as the mortality of his poetry which will in time fade from memory. Yet, water is present as a negation as well. The waste land, the dead lands, are choked in drought about the "stony rubbish". The "dry stone" gives "no sound of water". Water functions as a symbol of life, as a necessary component of health and vitality missing from this barren expanse we find ourselves in. There is a futility and a bitter desperation in the narrator, relating his position to water--on the one hand thirsting for water to quench the dry land, pleading for even the "sound of water only", as the agent for his own vitality, yet on the other hand the presence of water, of life and growth and movement, only reminds him of his own impotency and the (premature) imminency of his own artistic sterility. This is the "fear in a handful of dust." It is the fear of his own demise, physically and otherwise, sucked dry of all moisture, mixed among the dust of others long dead, and the land, and the inanimate, and the lifeless, and almost insultingly held in the hand of his successor, another who may shape the Eliotic narrator's own work and life and memory in a new image. Dust is impersonal and universal, and the thought of such a destination is hell itself. And so he is caught between the drought of the anesthetic waste land of forgetfulness (accomplished both in drought as well as the snows of winter) which numbs his pain, and the despair of inhabiting a world so devoid of emotion and life for the sake of escaping pain. He longs for relief. But he longs for feeling as well. And water is the agent of both.

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Manufacturer on left, listed under ASC, then model is GNX, year 1987. Pretty interesting info about ASC and it's founder (who was bipolar and commited suicide) http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/ASC-Inc-Company-History.html link to a pretty cool site that can give you some details about a Grand National GHX. http://www.buickgnx.com/ I can tell you with absolute certainty that at least one of these cars was wrecked (or more likely stolen and sold for parts) because years ago, probably 88-89-90ish we had a sale for a regular Grand National front end, we ordered one on the line from a yard and we got a GNX front end. We actually had to knock money off the sale b/c a GNX had fender louvers cut into the top rear that wasn't on the factory Grand National. Those turbo GN's and also the Regal T-Types (of 84-87 vintage) were some of the fastest, nicest production speed cars of their time. You did not play games w a turbo Regal regardless of what you were driving back in the day. you could probably do a whole (or several) posts on these cars, but quick summary for you, a regal T-Type was basically a turbo regal. They first started them in 79 I believe, they did have some differences from standard regals aside from the motors/turbos. The rears were bigger than a stock GM-Intermediate (Monte Carlo, Grand Prix, Cutlass and Regal), they used the same rear as the more sluggish V8 powered Cutlass-442 (also a very interresting car!), the transmissions had later shifts points to allow more tourque, larger factory wheels. Specifically the 84-87 Regal GN/T-Types; I believe these cars were identical mechanically. The GN's were only black with all blacked out trim and bumpers. The only chrome that I remember appeared on the factory 15" steel/chrome wheels. The T-types were avail in colors, definitely white, blue and grey, possibly black--but I think that was reserved for the Grand Nationals. THe T-types had blacked trim on the taillights, headlights and grille but had chrome bumpers and I believe the stock wheels for TTypes were 15" aluminum. Dbl check the computer for that info. If they offer a stock 15" alum then that should be the ttype wheel. anyway--- it's disgusting that someone at a new car dealer wouldn't step up and offer the 4500 or 5000 to make that a tradein instead of a crush only clunker. It's not quite, but almost like ripping the corner off a picasso or other artist's work to scrawl someone's phone number down on the back side (you can use that if you want, I like that one)

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Say what you will about their questionable corporate ethics, but there's no denying Toyota knows how to market their brand.

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Earlier this year, Toyota unseated General Motors as the largest automaker in the world and proceeded to watch as the once formidable General crumbled to its knees at the feet of bankruptcy. Now, Toyota Motor Corp. President Akio Toyoda suspects his own company is heading down a similar path. Citing the four stages of corporate failure as outlined by renowned business journalist Jim Collins, Toyoda says his company is on the brink of "capitulation to irrelevance or death." Seemingly unsolicited, Toyoda's predictions come two days after the close of the fiscal year and the second consecutive year Toyota has posted a sizeable loss.

Alex Kierstein — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

http://www.worldcarfans.com/109100222182/chinese-automaker-to-buy-outgoing-saab-9-5-rights A SAAB 9-5 clone could be on the roads within the next year. That is if the Beijing Automotive Industry Corporation (BAIC) goes ahead and buys all the tooling and design rights to the outgoing 9-5. Reports say the plan is in its final stages of execution but nothing is being said about whether production would resume under the BAIC badge or not. SAAB recently unveiled its latest 9-5 range-topper which is produced at its Trollhatten factory in Sweden. The BAIC deal would mean the Chinese company could conceivably resurrect the old 9-5 and sell it while the new true 9-5 as it were, is also on the market. BAIC is a minority shareholder in Koenigsegg which is buying SAAB from General Motors. The agreement exists but the contract is not yet final. Fans of the big Swede can take small comfort in the fact that while the possibility of a Chinese copy exists, it would at least be legit.

Stock Factory Stereos That Rock

Geoff — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Admittedly, a car's factory stereo has become progressively less important through the years as aftermarket systems and add-ons have evolved into the huge industry that they are today. Still, judging by the names (Bose, Mark Levinson) involved in providing high quality systems to car manufacturers, automakers clearly place a great deal of importance on the stereo to enhance the overall driving experience. So while no one would expect a car purchase to be based on which models under consideration have the best factory stereo, here are a few new cars that provide exceptional sound systems that might at least break a potential tie. Of course, great stereos come at a great cost, which means you are not going to be able to check the Bose box when optioning out your Versa. Nothing used to say luxury like Jaguar. Pronounced with three syllables of course. The shine has dulled on the snarling cat as of late, but don't rule out the British/Indian-owned luxury brand from scratching their way back from oblivion.Jaguar XF: Bowers & Wilkins Bless the Jaguar XF: it showed up just in time to clinch the sale from Ford to Tata. As great as the car is, we're inclined to love on its upgrade audio system even more. For a mere $1800 or so, the 440-watt Bowers & Wilkins system offers up a bounty of Dolby 7.1 surround, 14 speakers, and the cleanest sound this side of a Magic Eraser on Michael Chiklis' scalp. There's perfect MP3 integration, a touchscreen for audio settings, incredible punch even from compressed music files--everything a discriminating music lover looks for other than a place to burn their "really? seriously?" Norah Jones CD, bought in a low-blood-sugar Starbucks moment.You already know which new car's your favorite, and here at TheCarConnection.com, we have some favorites, too. But when it comes to entertaining us at the wheel with great music and excellent music interfaces, which cars truly rock? Spending $30,000 on a new car is easy to do--and yet, some luxury cars do a terrible job of bringing star-quality audio to their owners. On the flip side, some cheapo compacts have excellent stereo options, and the aftermarket offers a myriad of ways to upgrade your sound. TheCarConnection.com's editors think it's easier to find a great car with a great sound system straight from the factory. Just by ticking an option box (usually to the tune of $1000 or more), home-theater-style sound is yours for the asking in most of today's new cars. Some cars eliminate even that step, installing world-class music machines as standard features. What's the sound of success? After hearing from all of the 2009 new cars, trucks and crossovers, we like these seven factory-installed audio systems best: Don't forget to enter our Infinity speaker giveaway! 2009 Lexus LS 600h L Enlarge Photo Lexus LS 600h, among others: Mark Levinson The entire Lexus range gets Mark Levinson love, but it's the glassy-smooth sounds emanating from 19 speakers in the big LS 600h sedan that will lull you into loving even Miley Cyrus. And what better place to hear it all, than the rear seats of the LS, cruising smugly in traffic while Driver points out your hybrid street cred through clever hand gestures? 2009 BMW 7-Series Enlarge Photo BMW 7-Series: harman/kardon Logic 7 The newest 7-Series has some marvelous room to spread out--and few cars indulge audiophilia so purely. BMW matches the 7-Series' lounge-like atmosphere with the Logic 7 surround sound system and a state of the art list of ways to pipe in the music of your choice. There's a hard drive for music storage, an iPod connectivity interface, a six-disc DVD changer, and premium sound with Sirius Satellite Radio and HD Radio. BMW also fits the 7er with a rear-seat entertainment system, so the kids or passengers can get in on the top-notch sound. 2009 Infinit G37 Convertible Enlarge Photo Infiniti G37 Coupe and Convertible Infiniti's premium-sound package for cars like the scrumptious G37 lineup not only has the aural goods--it has one of the best user interfaces for iPods, iPhones and other inferior MP3 players (Zune, it's you, babe) as well as radio and satellite-radio bands. Teamed up with an optional 11-speaker Bose Studio on Wheels premium audio system and a Music Box 9.3-gigabyte hard drive, it's difficult to top--unless you go topless with the G37 Convertible, which programs in a top-down stereo mode that shifts audio signals to the driver's seat. Nifty. 2009 Hyundai Genesis Enlarge Photo Hyundai Genesis It's the same system as in the Rolls-Royce Phantom--the same brand, at least. The paradigm-shifting Genesis sports an available Lexicon surround-sound audio system with 500 watts, 12 channels, and 17 speakers, plus an HD radio tuner. There's also an iDrive-ish controller to manipulate it all, and it works surprisingly well, so keep your smart mouth to yourself. All Genesis sound systems come with XM Satellite Radio and inputs for USB and iPod attachments, too. Lacking? That big Rolls-style radiator grille. We'll let you be the judge, positive or negative on that. Enlarge Photo 2010 Ford Mustang Ford's Shaker 1000-watt system is just that--the best, easiest way to make the Mustang's natural good vibrations go to eleven. The Shaker setup is available across the V-8 lineup, from GT to Shelby GT500--and its 1000 watts of power plug-and-play nicely with Ford's Bluetooth-enabled SYNC controller and available Sirius satellite radio. (A "Shaker 500" will have to do for V-6 'Stangs.) Bring your own Beach Boys MP3s--or AAC files, if you're one of those hardcore Apple-blinded loyalists. 2009 Chevrolet Malibu Enlarge Photo Chevrolet Malibu, and most of the GM lineup It's not luxuriant sound that makes the Malibu's stereo--and most GM stereos--good enough to make this list. It's their utterly logical preset setup. You can use a single set of preset keys to program in stations on AM, FM and XM. For those of us who still use all three bands, it's a godsend. Steering-wheel audio controls and USB links for MP3 players are good, too--they scroll through all presets and seek as well--but GM's USB port integration has taken some hits for its, uh, knockoff look. Like seek buttons on the steering wheel, this whole preset thing has us asking: do automakers do any benchmarking anymore, and why isn't this the new normal? Runners-Up: Acura's DVD-driven audio systems. Yep, they sound awesome--but DVD-Audio is the Blu-Ray of its kind. Ahead of its time, and quite possibly overkill. Audi's Bose speakers sound great, and their roller-controllers on the wheel feel great--but faceplate buttons and MMI controls are a learning hurdle here. Have a favorite of your own? Let us know what it is in the comment section below--and don't miss our fantastic Infinity speaker giveaway. 2009 Jaguar XFEnlarge Photo You already know which new car's your favorite, and here at TheCarConnection.com, we have some favorites, too. But when it comes to entertaining us at the wheel with great music and excellent music interfaces, which cars truly rock? Spending $30,000 on a new car is easy to do--and yet, some luxury cars do a terrible job of bringing star-quality audio to their owners. On the flip side, some cheapo compacts have excellent stereo options, and the aftermarket offers a myriad of ways to upgrade your sound. TheCarConnection.com's editors think it's easier to find a great car with a great sound system straight from the factory. Just by ticking an option box (usually to the tune of $1000 or more), home-theater-style sound is yours for the asking in most of today's new cars. Some cars eliminate even that step, installing world-class music machines as standard features. What's the sound of success? After hearing from all of the 2009 new cars, trucks and crossovers, we like these seven factory-installed audio systems best: Don't forget to enter our Infinity speaker giveaway! Jaguar XF: Bowers & Wilkins Bless the Jaguar XF: it showed up just in time to clinch the sale from Ford to Tata. As great as the car is, we're inclined to love on its upgrade audio system even more. For a mere $1800 or so, the 440-watt Bowers & Wilkins system offers up a bounty of Dolby 7.1 surround, 14 speakers, and the cleanest sound this side of a Magic Eraser on Michael Chiklis' scalp. There's perfect MP3 integration, a touchscreen for audio settings, incredible punch even from compressed music files--everything a discriminating music lover looks for other than a place to burn their "really? seriously?" Norah Jones CD, bought in a low-blood-sugar Starbucks moment. 2009 Lexus LS 600h LEnlarge Photo Lexus LS 600h, among others: Mark Levinson The entire Lexus range gets Mark Levinson love, but it's the glassy-smooth sounds emanating from 19 speakers in the big LS 600h sedan that will lull you into loving even Miley Cyrus. And what better place to hear it all, than the rear seats of the LS, cruising smugly in traffic while Driver points out your hybrid street cred through clever hand gestures? 2009 BMW 7-SeriesEnlarge Photo BMW 7-Series: harman/kardon Logic 7 The newest 7-Series has some marvelous room to spread out--and few cars indulge audiophilia so purely. BMW matches the 7-Series' lounge-like atmosphere with the Logic 7 surround sound system and a state of the art list of ways to pipe in the music of your choice. There's a hard drive for music storage, an iPod connectivity interface, a six-disc DVD changer, and premium sound with Sirius Satellite Radio and HD Radio. BMW also fits the 7er with a rear-seat entertainment system, so the kids or passengers can get in on the top-notch sound. 2009 Infinit G37 ConvertibleEnlarge Photo Infiniti G37 Coupe and Convertible Infiniti's premium-sound package for cars like the scrumptious G37 lineup not only has the aural goods--it has one of the best user interfaces for iPods, iPhones and other inferior MP3 players (Zune, it's you, babe) as well as radio and satellite-radio bands. Teamed up with an optional 11-speaker Bose Studio on Wheels premium audio system and a Music Box 9.3-gigabyte hard drive, it's difficult to top--unless you go topless with the G37 Convertible, which programs in a top-down stereo mode that shifts audio signals to the driver's seat. Nifty. 2009 Hyundai GenesisEnlarge Photo Hyundai Genesis It's the same system as in the Rolls-Royce Phantom--the same brand, at least. The paradigm-shifting Genesis sports an available Lexicon surround-sound audio system with 500 watts, 12 channels, and 17 speakers, plus an HD radio tuner. There's also an iDrive-ish controller to manipulate it all, and it works surprisingly well, so keep your smart mouth to yourself. All Genesis sound systems come with XM Satellite Radio and inputs for USB and iPod attachments, too. Lacking? That big Rolls-style radiator grille. We'll let you be the judge, positive or negative on that. Enlarge Photo 2010 Ford Mustang Ford's Shaker 1000-watt system is just that--the best, easiest way to make the Mustang's natural good vibrations go to eleven. The Shaker setup is available across the V-8 lineup, from GT to Shelby GT500--and its 1000 watts of power plug-and-play nicely with Ford's Bluetooth-enabled SYNC controller and available Sirius satellite radio. (A "Shaker 500" will have to do for V-6 'Stangs.) Bring your own Beach Boys MP3s--or AAC files, if you're one of those hardcore Apple-blinded loyalists. 2009 Chevrolet MalibuEnlarge Photo Chevrolet Malibu, and most of the GM lineup It's not luxuriant sound that makes the Malibu's stereo--and most GM stereos--good enough to make this list. It's their utterly logical preset setup. You can use a single set of preset keys to program in stations on AM, FM and XM. For those of us who still use all three bands, it's a godsend. Steering-wheel audio controls and USB links for MP3 players are good, too--they scroll through all presets and seek as well--but GM's USB port integration has taken some hits for its, uh, knockoff look. Like seek buttons on the steering wheel, this whole preset thing has us asking: do automakers do any benchmarking anymore, and why isn't this the new normal? Runners-Up: Acura's DVD-driven audio systems. Yep, they sound awesome--but DVD-Audio is the Blu-Ray of its kind. Ahead of its time, and quite possibly overkill. Audi's Bose speakers sound great, and their roller-controllers on the wheel feel great--but faceplate buttons and MMI controls are a learning hurdle here. Have a favorite of your own? Let us know what it is in the comment section below--and don't miss our fantastic Infinity speaker giveaway.

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

To my knowledge, there are no police scanner codes for "extremely effeminiate vehicle," otherwise they would have been used in some manner here.

Halloween

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

A hybrid mash-up of our drivers to avoid and the 15 ugliest cars of all time comes 10 cars you should be most afraid of this Halloween. Forget razor blades in your apples (you could probably use one of those anyway, have you seen how much a new pack of Gillette Fusion's cost?) Here we'll tell you which houses to avoid based on what cars they've got parked in the driveway, on the street. Most Frightening Cars Unmarked panel van. Obvious reasons. 6th gen Ford Focus: Community college freshman, can't have been licensed for more than three years, probably texting while cutting across six lanes of traffic. - this is an example of a car that you could actually be afraid of (as opposed to a driver) inasmuch frequent electrical failure was common. White/Navy blue/Black Dodge Charger w/ center locking hubcaps, suspiciously deep tinted windows, dorsal fin. Why: It's a cop, and he knows good and well you're not heading home to make a monster omlette with that new carton of eggs you just bought. Plus, he was supposed to this shift off but his Sargeant ordered all patrol units on duty because those hoodlums from the next town over always cause problems on Halloween. He's not in a good mood, you'll probably get tazed. Old Man Tan 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme with sagging burgundy headliner Almost as ubqutious as the panel van, but far more sinsiter. 7th gen Camaro The driver has a makeshift shank in his sock and a rap sheet as long as his tattoo sleeve. Probably best not to honk while he's making that illegal U-Turn.

Veteran's Day

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Nov. 11 So in honor of Veteran's Day, RideLust offers a heartfelt salute to the men and women who served and the vehicles that served them. M1-A1 Abrams Amphibious Assault Vehicle Adam HUMVEE Original Willys-Jeep

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Rides To Watch

1. 2010 Kia Forte

2. 2010 Volvo XC60

3. 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

4. 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart

When an artist falls prey to the curse of one hit wonderdom, they can either a.) embrace it and ride the cresting wave of fame until it eventually peters out and ebbs into steady gigs at bar mitzvahs and weddings at the Mason Lodge, or b.) try in vain to recapture their fleeting success with a string of failed solo projects that ultimately culminate in a career-ending appearance on a VH1 celebrity dating show. Mitsubishi, apparently aware that their only real market pull comes courtesy of the Lancer, has wisely elected the former. In 2010, the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart will join Mitsubishi's quite extensive Lancer family as the first 5-door variant of the wildly popular STi-fighter.

5. 2010 Aston Martin Rapide

The Rapide is not the first 4-door saloon to come from an established performance house, but it does appear to be the most successful in its interpretation.

6. 2010 Audi A3 TDI

7. 2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Wagon

8. 2010 Buick LaCrosse

9. 2010 Suzuki Kizashi

"Kia and Suzuki in the same list? Really?" Rest assured we had a similar reaction upon reviewing the contenders, but the facts don't lie. Kia, Suzuki and their ilk may have been the punchline to a bad Tier 2 joke, changes within the industry have been quick and surprising. Whereas once any Suzuki product featuring more than 2 wheels would have been regarded as ill-advised at best, the Japanese motorcycle specialists seem to have finally mastered the art of cramming the two-wheeled hoonery they're revered for into an enticing 4-wheel package.

10. 2010-11 Nissan Leaf EV

If you thought the battle between the Nissan GT-R folks and the Porsche 911 camp was intense, you ain't seen nothing yet. When the Nissan Leaf EV broke cover a few months ago, it stuck its flag firmly on the 2011 Chevy Volt's anticipated market share and proclaimed itself the first "EV for the masses." Within weeks, Chevy fired back with the sensational announcement that the upcoming Volt would achieve an astounding 230 mpg, and the race was one. Unperturbed, Nissan continued to move forward with their surprise attack and announced they expected to receive upwards of 20,000 pre-orders before the Leaf officially dropped in mid-2010. Since then, Chevy has remained suspiciously mum on the matter and has presumably continued working towards the Volt's tentative production debut. Given the fact that the automotive industry's love for histrionics is eclipsed only by Degrassi, however, we expect the war of the words to commence soon, and we're waiting with bated breath.

eBay Motors Find of the Day: 1994 Mercedes-Benz G-Class G36 AMG

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Heene Boy Demonstrates The Dangers Of Backyard Ballooning

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

All across the U.S., 6-year-old Falcon Heene has made headlines for an incident involving his parents' 20' x 5' experimental balloon aircraft. According to reports, Heene was with his brother in the backyard where the tinfoil craft was tethered when Keene crawled inside a compartment at the base of the balloon and was carried away. Thanks to efforts from both Colorado law enforcement officials and the Federal Aviation Administration, the balloon was located and tracked until it made an uneventful landing in Larimer County - sans Falcon. After examining the basket authorities doubt Falcon fell from the basket and instead believe that he is hiding out of fear somewhere in the Fort Collins area. As of right now, the boy has not been located, but the Heen's

eBay Motors

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

While you were busy binge drinking pumpkin-flavored schnapps and hiding razor blades in bite-size Snickers bars this weekend, we were busy hunched over our laptop in a pitch black house, earnestly throw the hoards of candy-grubbing mouth breathers off our scent. Since one of our primary objectives was to remain completely motionless and make as little sound as possible, we had plenty of time to peruse one of our favorite conduits to personal bankruptcy, eBay Motors. This morning, you might be nursing a wicked hangover and facing charges of vandalism and indecent public exposure but never fear, we don't judge here at RideLust. Even if you're staring down the barrel of 500 hours of community service just relax, hunker down in your cubicle, and check out our sweet compilation of totally attainable car pr0on. You're totally welcome.

Acura Sets The Bar A Little Lower

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Chevy Camaro Synergy SEMA 2009

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Wait! Take the barrel out of your mouth! This is the last SEMA Camaro, we promise! Granted, it's by far the most excrut Camaro Synergy The Camaro Synergy concept previews a new Synergy Green production exterior color that will be offered on a special-edition Camaro in the first half of 2010. It also features a host of the latest Camaro accessories offered through Chevy dealers. They dramatically enhance the performance appearance of the car, demonstrating the personalization possibilities open to Camaro owners. Designers took liberties with the accessories, creating a totally unique package. Details include: * 21-inch wheels, with a black center finish and polished rim * Ground effects kit * Cyber Grey Rally hood stripes * High wing rear spoiler (future accessory) * Performance air intake The ground effects include pronounced rocker moldings, a rear diffuser-type styling piece and a front spoiler. They, along with the rear wing spoiler and rally stripes, are finished in the production Cyber Grey color, although the ground effects and spoiler can be painted to match the exterior of the car. The Rally stripes are adhesive-backed and are offered in grey, black or white. They’re part of a broader range of heritage-inspired graphics that also include “hockey stick” stripes for the front fenders. Chevy designers further enhanced the concept with a Pedders coil-over lowering kit and a set of large, Brembo brakes, as well as color-coordinating the Jet Black interior with Synergy Green accent stitching, piping and other accents. The lowering kit, brakes and interior accents are not among the accessories offered for the Camaro, but represent common and popular aftermarket upgrades. Chevrolet will gauge public interest in the features for possible inclusion in future accessory offerings. [gallery] Source: GM

Chevy Corvette Grand Sport Heritage Package SEMA 2009

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Accessorized Corvette Grand Sport with Heritage Package Earlier this year, Chevrolet announced the return of the Corvette Grand Sport model. It’s a track-oriented Corvette with wider wheels and tires, special suspension tuning and unique exterior details. The Corvette Grand Sport achieves a 0-60 time of less than four seconds, pulls 1.0 g on the skid pad and still boasts an EPA-rated highway fuel economy 26 mpg. The version displayed at SEMA introduces a host of Grand Sport accessories that will be offered in 2010. It is a standard Grand Sport convertible equipped with the Heritage Package, but in a new Cyber Grey exterior color, with forthcoming accessories that include: * Mesh inserts for the front fender vents * ZR1-style front splitter and rear spoiler (painted satin black) * ZR1-style rocker extensions and wheel spats (painted satin black) * Body-color door handles and license plate frame * Tinted dark chrome fender badges * “Tech” pattern engine cover with red lettering inserts * Grand Sport-logo hood blanket * Grand Sport-logo floor mats and leather console cover * Red stitched shifter knob/boot and red parking brake boot * “Tech” pattern interior trim kit * PAL iPod connector * Convertible wind screen * Racing-style pedal covers * Interior storage pouches The Grand Sport accessories are expected to go on sale in early 2010. They’re available through any Chevrolet or other authorized GM dealer. [gallery] Source: GM

Toyota Tundra Hot Rod SEMA 2009

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Okay, so your company wasn't even manufacturing cars when the original hot rods were birthed, whose to say you can't still cash in on the nostalgia? Historical accuracy be damned. Nominated for WORST of SEMA. [gallery] Source: Toyota

Toyota Billabong Ultimate Venza SEMA 2009

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

[gallery] Source: Toyota

Chrysler Conference Part 2

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Part deux of today's earlier recap of the collosal Chrysler breifing is significantly less interesting thanks to the two-hour presentation geared towards the supplier industry. New Ram slogan "My Name is Ram." Mike Manley of Jeep unveils new Jeep's tagline, "I Live. I Ride. I am Jeep," hopes slogan will help "take Jeep back to its rightful place of being the global SUV brand." Jeep Patriot and Jeep Compass dead by 2012, will be replaced with a C-segment Fiat. New B-segment SUV planned for 2013 will be underpinned by Fiat platform, as will 2013 Liberty. Fiat 500 will be sold exclusively in urban areas, which means hipsters in Boise, Idaho are shit-outta-luck.

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Twizy Z.E. concept

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Twizy Z.E. concept

eBay Motors Find of the Day: 1961 Land Rover II 109 Wagon

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

eBay Motors Find of the Day: 1990 Lamborghini LM002

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I'm currently on an old school truck kick and against my better judgement and literally every reliability report printed within the next decade, I want a [gallery] Source: eBay Motors

eBay Motors Find of the Day: 1990 Lamborghini LM002

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I'm currently on an old school truck kick and against my better judgement and literally every reliability report printed within the next decade, I want a [gallery] Source: eBay Motors

Infiniti Celebrates 20th Annv. Of

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

For the Snap-On with more disposable income, there was the

Happy Veteran's Day

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

M1A1 Abrams, the original Willys Jeep, and the original HMMVEE, M270 Multi Lauch Rocket System M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle M4 Sherman (won WWII) M1A2 System Enhanced Package Abrams Main Battle Tank with Tank Urban Survival Kit (TUSK) Package M1114 Up armored HUMVEE, M1128 Mobile Gun System Stryker, M88 Hercules Tracked Recover Vehicle, M104 Wolverine (M1 Abrams tank, but fitted with a bridge crossing mechanism and last but not least....M113 Armored Personnel Carrier. The M113 was the iconic armored vehicle in the Vietnam War. It saved countless lives and came at a perfect time. M1A2 SEP w/TUSK is my favorite.

Twitter Tips For The Automotive Industry

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

1. Stay on topic

There's no

2011 Buick Regal

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

When GM first announced their intention to place the burden of carrying Buick's new, younger image on the arthritic shoulders of the Regal sedan, I was skeptical to say the least. Their future plan to target the younger, upwardly mobile Generation Y may be a cogent one on paper, but it's difficult to completely disregard their storied reputation of massive land yachts and Buick's apparent popularity with the knitting circle crowd. [gallery] Source: GM

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Although the storied tradition of meth cooking is usually relegated to the spacious interior of a mobile home, the global cash crunch means not everyone can afford the luxury of a trailer. To circumvent this considerable problem, 31-year-old Indiana resident James Hunter tweaked (no awful pun intended) his business plan a tad and

Ford Plans 2011 Crown Vic Police Interceptor Replacement

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Regardless of how evil you think oil company exectuives may or may not be, bear in mind that regardless of how our vehicles are eventually powered, someone is going to be making money. Today it might be a wealthy, cigar-smoking Texan with his rolling hills of black gold, tomorrow it's the CEO of Duracell. Business is business regardless of the industry, and just as sure as the price of gasoline was intentionally manipulated to drive profit, so will the electric infrastructure, mark my words.

EcoBoost Explored: Ford's New Engine Line Up Promises To Amaze

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

As demonstrated by Ford's truly 21st century hot rod displayed at SEMA this year, the future is in green technology and despite what the overwhelming majority of the concept EVs may suggest, there's no reason to be depressed about it. With their new line of EcoBoost engines, Ford has managed to achieve the seemingly impossible by cramming more power into less space while still maintaining reasonable gas mileage.

Super Green Car Blowout Extravaganza

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

under $5000 $5000 - $15,000 $15,000 - $20,000 $20,000 - $30,000 $30,000 - $40,000 If this is your price range you can actually afford to spring for whatever the hell you want and just buy a few carbon offsets to absolve the guilt.

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

The National Taxpayers Union is apparently unimpressed by GM's recent earnest promise to begin paying back their sizeable federal debt

Mahindra Truck Still Scheduled For North American Introduction

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Some reports have suggested the new pickup truck from relatively obscure (Indian company Mahindra & Mahindra will be delayed until 2010, but official Mahindra spokespeople stepped forward today to confirm otherwise. Although the global recession forced the company to push their North American launch back by a few months, the company is adamantly maintains that Mahindra trucks will touch down in U.S. dealerships sometime in 2009. So, who the hell is Mahindra and why on Earth should you be interested in their product? When it hits U.S. soil next year it will be offered in two body styles including a 2-door regular cab and 4-door crew cab dubbed TR20 and TR40, respectively. The lone engine option will purportedly be a 4-cylinder common rail diesel. Why you should care: According to speculation, Mahindra's primary target will be the legitimate Land Rover crowd (ie: hardcore off-road enthusiasts) and both the TR20 and the TR40 will be geared towards only the most utilitarian functions. Interior amenities are expected to be relatively spartan and all preliminary indicators suggest Mahindra will be providing the modern day equivalent of a W460 (read: all the capability, plus a warranty) - priced at thousands less. Source: Mahindra

10 Best Family Vehicles

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

With the holiday season upon is the great family roadtrip is inevitable, and if your daily driver is ill-suited for making the 400+ mile trek to Grandma's house you may find yourself in the market for a new car sooner than you thought.

10 Best Family Vehicles

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

RideLust Recalls: Curb Feelers

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

RideLust Recalls: Curb Feelers

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

2011 Chevy Cruze Breaks At LA Auto Show

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

AMC chose to air back-to-back viewings of Rambo: First Blood this evening, hence the reason I'm still up at this late hour and able to report on the newest media whore to hit the circuit: the 2011 Mustang. If the hype that surrounded the virtually unchanged 2010 model is any indication, the seven press releases sent literally within seconds of each other at precisely 12 o'clock AM are but a gentle precursor to the storm that is to come. In an attempt to heal the wounds suffered from the vicious spanking delivered by the Camaro's 300-horsepower V6, the 2011 Mustang V6 will no longer be miraculously transformed from the poseur special to a snarling, 305-hp, 280 ft.-lb. machine. The boost in power comes courtesy a new all-aluminum Duratec® 3.7-liter DOHC Ti-VCT

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

With RideLust's illustrious staff MIA

Mazda Mazda2 LA Auto Show 2009

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Tenativly scheduled to hit the U.S. in Q4 of 2010, the über compact, equally as fun 2011 Mazda2 was by far the most interesting reveal at this year's LA Auto Show. As a matter of fact, despite Ford's best efforts otherwise the Mazda2's comparatively quiet debut overshadowed the overhyped appearance of its cousin, the 2011 Ford Fiesta. With both vehicles set to compete side-by-side [gallery]

Volkswagen New Beetle Final, Extremely Optimistic Edition(s)

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

[gallery]

2011 Ford Fiesta

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

As the whiny hipster social scene is already well aware, the 2011 Ford Fiesta has been the center of a 6-month long social media movement that's resulted in a maelstrom of media hype. On the positive side, this facilitated such things like a trendy Hollywood launch party replete with D-list musical guests and free drinks for the press. On the negative side, this facilitated things like a trendy Hollywood launch party attended by people wearing things that left me scared and confused. Regardless of what kind of faith it caused some gearheads to lose in the car culture, however, the Fiesta Movement was an overwhelming successful PR event that earned the Fiesta more public recognition than most vehicles on the market and set a record for world's largest Tweetup at the Fiesta Movement Awards ceremony in West Hollywood on Tuesday. [gallery]

2011 Chevy Caprice PPV

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Blame it on the lack of law enforcement professionals in attendance at the LA Auto Show's press days if you like, but the fact remains that the Caprice PPV's corner of the convention center was even more desolate and depressing than a boy band reunion tour. Apparently, only a very small group of people are interested in bland, ambiguously styled law enforcement vehicles and that group consists primarily of me and three police departments in the Midwest. [gallery]

Audi e-Tron LA Auto Show 2009

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

[gallery]

General Motors Shake-up

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Since Fritz Henderson's abrupt resignation from his post as GM CEO on Tuesday of last week, few have been able to keep pace with the rapid shifts occurring within The General's white collar ranks. Even fewer actually care. For the few of you playing along at home, or at least trying to when not fretting over where to get your on-warranty Vue serviced So where does it stand as we speak?

Ferrari P540 Superfast Aperta

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

There are usually only two places this particular shade of gold appears in nature: a bottle of Grey Poupon and an infant's diaper. Today, Ferrari and Edward Walson have added a third place with the unveiling of the one-off Ferrari P540 Superfast Aperta. When your most noteworthy achievement is your biological relation to someone who accomplished/invented/married something great. [gallery]

Ryan — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

RideLust Reflects: 2009 Winners & Losers

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Winners: Suzuki Kizashi Despite the fact that their motorcycles enjoy a sterling reputation amongst the two-wheeled enthusiast crowd, Suzuki's automotive division has struggled in recent years to gain any sort of presence outside of the first car/broke college grad market. If someone you knew bought a Grand Vitara, you could rest assured it was probably only a matter of time before they started bumming you for cover charges and skipping out on the lunch tab. With the Suzuki Kizashi, all that changed. Ford F-150 Raptor SVT When the Raptor was initially unveiled at a private, dealers-only event in Vegas back in 2008, one enthusiastic, anonymous attendee was quoted as saying, "We're going to drive this right up Toyota's ass" - and that they did. Not only has the Raptor trounced the similarly off-road oriented FJ Cruiser, it's dominated every would-be competitor in its segment as the only Baja 1000-ready trophy truck currently available on dealer lots. Ford Fusion Hybrid Volvo XC60 City Stop, pedestrian safety - sales numbers are still below average compared to its competitors, but it's still the best seller on the lot. 2010 Chevy Camaro Say what you will about the I'm-aging-and-impotent vibe it may project, but all sources indicate the 2010 Camaro experienced an overwhelming success in 2009. Hyundai Genesis There are many things that the Asian market does well, and at the top of that list is ~~copyright infringement~~ imitating luxury (Geely GE, anyone?). During this year's Super Bowl, Hyundai made ripples in the traditional luxury circles with a series of ad spots purporting to put "old luxury on notice" with the new, fully loaded Genesis. Surprisingly, engineering what is basically the Canal Street version of the S-Class proved to be a smarter move than some (me) initially gave Hyundai credit for and many (I) feel slightly sheepish for the dour predictions they initially (I) made. Thus, the Genesis' inclusion on this list was reluctantly made and largely guilt based. Subaru Thanks to the generous ad dollars funneled into Motor Trend, Subaru managed to snag MT's SUV of the Year award for the second year in row, beating out the far more deserving XC60. Thanks to the highly questionable methods by which MT makes their selections, however, it's unclear whether the winner is the Outback itself or Subie's PR department. 2010 Kia Forte Coupe Voted best in OC Auto Show by NADA guides, surprising new competitor. BMW X5 Many Bimmerphiles were quick to reject the X5 using the same intrinsic design principles Porsche fanboys used to rail against the Cayenne. Unlike the Cayenne, however, the X5 doesn't righteously suck. Aston Martin Rapide Losers: Dodge Viper Phased out in favor of a new, probably unrecognizable Fiat-bred model. Saab 9-5 Pick a Chrysler, any Chrysler. Pick a Toyota, any Toyota (recalls) Pontiac G8 Thanks to years of mismanagement and a new corporate authority that is demonstrating a comical inability to accurately gauge what consumer's want, the fabled G8 GXP as well as the entire Pontiac line itself, was sentenced to obscurity in 2009. Chevy Volt As the old saying goes, you can fool some of the people some of the time, but you can't fool all of the people all of the time. Since the Volt prototype's intial launch at the [FIND LAUNCH], Chevy has issued an unnecessarily wordy press release about twice a month. From factory restructuing to a corporate partnership with [BATTERY DEVELOPER], the constant stream of updates generated an initial enthusiasm that Chevy ultimately could not maintain. Despite a string of empty promises to the contrary, the Volt trotted out at every auto show is the same prototype that made it's debut thousands of pressers ago back in [LOCATION] and at its last debut in LA, many members of the working automotive media (read: me) had to forcibly fight back jeers. smart ForTwo When gas prices spiked, the lemmings got spooked and began rushing to smart dealerships in droves. When gas prices declined - as analysts predicted they would - the ultra compact fever subsided and by the time their ForTwo's were ready for delivery, customers had ~~come to their sense~~ lost interest. Dealers across the U.S. saw a large spike in unsold inventory and despite Mercedes' obvious hope otherwise, the MINI Cooper regained its title as the fruitiest car on the road. Aston Martin Cygnet It is literally nothing more than a rebadged, re-upholstered Toyota iQ - priced at $20,000 more. Apparently, Aston Martin was scraping the bottom of the strategy barrel. Nissan 370Z The fabled Fairlady Z of legends told is not the Z that currently graces Nissan's line-up and it's proven a monumental disappointment for many diehard fans. Most notable among them - the Z's original designer [INSERT NAME] himself. In an official interview at his [CELEBRATION], [NAME] said he felt the ultra-compact Versa payed better homage to this sports car of old then the chunky 370Z. Aston Martin Lagonda One would think given the Lagonda's colossal failure the first time around, Aston Martin would be loathe the duplicate the results. One would be wrong. Apparently after experimenting with a potent mix of vodka and LSD, AM designer engineers designed, built, and debuted a 21st century reinvention of the Lagonda at the [INSERT AUTO SHOW]. The response was so viciously negative, rumor has it that AM CEO chewed out the engineers responsible in a scathing inter-office memo. Porsche Panamera Regardless of whatever Peter Pan hopes you may have harbored as twenty-something fanboy, eventually some trust fund baby steals your heart and before you know it you're a married man. After she throws out your Animal House poster and that tattered La-Z-Boy with the stains you try to pass off as queso dip, she'll start whining that your Carrera isn't a practical family car. She insists she wants an Odyssey, chiefly because all the other moms have one, but you'd rather slow roast over an open flame than put a Honda in your name. You briefly consider a Cayenne but after a brief test drive a little piece of your Porsche loyalty dies inside and you reluctantly admit that the Panamera is your only option. This is the only reason why anyone, ever, would buy a Panamera. This is why it's a loser.

Best Blogs

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Hooniverse CarGuyDad Asian Martin/Martin Gearhead Speed:Sport:Life Carchat Sam Burnett Maybe: AutoBlog Jalopnik

Ford Confirms Sale of Volvo to Geely

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

eBay Find of the Day: 2005 Chevy Impala, Soil Your Pants Edition

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

The RideLust editorial staff (read: me) is back from our seasonal sabbatical and ready to spend the thousands of dollars we saved by not participating in the traditional holiday gift exchange this year. Unfortunately, since it is a meager journalists' salary from whence the royal we are operating, the budget increase has been nominal (like, $200, if that). Today's FotD is inspired by the speeding ticket I received courtesy of one very vigilant member of the Maryland State Police

2009 Automotive Year In Review

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

The government bailed out both General Motors and Chrysler so as not to interrupt their steady production of poorly built, aesthetically unappealing vehicles. As per GM's plan to cut costs and pretend to pay back taxpayers, they made to logical decision to kill off one of the only remaining brands that consumers still cared about, Pontiac. Fritz Henderson's daughter lost her mind in an unwise display of paternal loyalty when Henderson was muscled out of his position as CEO of GM. Only his mother went through the motions of mourning the loss.

2010 Predictions

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

With the new year less than a week old, countless blogs and self-proclaimed social media gurus alike have taken it upon themselves to vomit out a list of predictions for the coming year. No one really pays much attention to them , but they're a great way to combat a slow news day. The 2011 Ford Fiesta will successfully replace the MINI Cooper as the ride-of-choice for hipsters and fruits.

Buick Regal GS Show Car Debuts Ahead of Detroit

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

With the grim news surrounding Saab hogging most of the spotlight, GM's scheduled line-up at the 2010 North American International Auto Show this year has received little of its just attention. [gallery] Source: GM

Cali. Girl Building Custom Ram Truck, Puts Our Half-Assed Projects To Shame

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

RideLust Heads To

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Tomorrow at noon, I, on behalf of RideLust and as the singular individual represented by RL's liberal use of the royal we, will be traveling 600 miles West to great Motor City to attend the 2010 North American International Auto Show. As was the case with my trek to the LA Auto Show last month, I will be providing brief, up-to-the-minute updates via my person Twitter account as well as live coverage throughout the day via RideLust. For those of you content enough to wait a few hours between titillating reviews, check back periodically for new articles or follow @RideLust. For those of you less patient readers, you may also follow me @SuzanneDenbow

Terry Parkhurst — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

When is a Volvo not quite a Volvo? Maybe, when it's called the XC60. The XC60 is a vehicle that really establishes a new benchmark for Volvo, while keeping the expected attributes of the marque. Which is, of course, safety in spades. While there are those who consider the XC60 a truck, it decidedly is not. The elements that make up the underpinnings of this Volvo are shared with the V70/XC70 and S80. So if you don't want to call it a car, at least call it by that newest moniker in the vehicular world for those suffering SUV deprivation: crossover. In fact, the exterior design of the XC60 belies that fact. Unlike its sibling the XC90, which sets higher and as a higher belt line and more aggressive rear quarter panel treatment, the XC60 sets lower. Its stance – just the stance – is more akin to a sports coupe. Moreover, it's all done without one square line; unlike the car that most folks associate with Volvo, the 240 series. Indeed, several people who saw the XC60 asked, “What is it?” about its lineage. That was despite the over-sized Volvo emblem in the front grille. Power for the tested XC60 was supplied by a three-liter, double-overhead camshaft, in-line six cylinder engine, fitted with a single turbocharger. The engine block is entirely composed of an aluminum alloy. The overhead cams are chain-driven for easier maintenance; theoretically, they never need adjustment as do belt-driven overhead camshafts. Additionally, the alternator is located towards the center of the engine. That frees up wheel travel and allows for a better turning radius than the XC90. Fitted with a turbocharger, the engine's output is 281 horsepower at 5,600 rpm; but the strong pulling feeling the driver experiences is because the 295 lbs./ft of torque comes on low, at just 1,500 rpm. Thinking there might be some turbo lag? Forget abut it. The transmission backing up this engine is a Geartronic six-speed automatic transmission that allows for a manual shift mode. Coupled with Haldex all-wheel drive and Pirelli all-season tires, grip is considerable. While not as athletic as say, the Mazda CX-7 or CX-9, the XC60 evidences handling towards a controllable middle. What lies underneath is a combination of independent struts up-front, with anti-roll bar and anti-drive geometry, up front; coupled to a sophisticated fully-independent rear multi-link rear suspension, mounted on an aluminum sub-frame. The interior has a similar feel to other Volvo vehicles. There's the free-floating center console that can be found on the S40. The optional Nordic Light Oak center console gives the XC60 a feeling reminiscent of a vintage Jaguar. The seats maintain the Volvo standard for lower lumbar support and safety. The Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS) headrests literally cradle the heads of front seat occupants in the event of a frontal collision. This system was first seen on SAAB automobiles and will remain that Swedish company's lasting heritage; if it goes away (as it seems it might, at this writing.) The biggest innovation features on the XC60 is a system that helps prevent rear-end collisions called City Safety. With City Safety, a laser sensor mounted at the top of the XC60s windshield detects other vehicles and objects up to 13 feet ahead of the front bumper. If it determines that a collision is likely, the system applies the brakes automatically – not full on, mind you, but about 50 percent of force. Is this the completely computer-driven cars we've been fearing? Well, let's just say that you shouldn't expect HAL 9000 to tell you “this mission is too important” for you to screw up. At a speed of 19 mph, the XC60's front bumper will barely touch an obstacle that it would otherwise have wiped out. There's something else to consider. While the City Safety setup works well, but it does have its limitations. The laser sensor can be limited by weather conditions, such as fog, snow, or heavy rain, and the windshield needs to be kept free of snow, ice, and dirt so that the laser is unimpeded. Also, the sensor detects objects through reflections, so we don't suggest testing City Safety by barreling up to your garage door. We were going to try it out by going towards a dumpster at 20 mph; but decided that since this was a valuable press fleet car, we'd take Volvo's word on its capabilities. The XC60 possesses Hill Descent Control sourced from Land Rover. Couple that with 9.1 inches of ground clearance, and you have a credible off-road touring machine. Unfortunately, the XC60 weighs 4,200 pounds. That results in the mileage being just 15 in the city and 22 on the open road. Additionally, off-road luxury doesn't come cheap. The tested vehicle price was $44,240.00 with a plethora of options such as Dolby Pro Logic sound system and a navigation system with real-time traffic updates, remote control and DVD mapping data. It's the reason that Volvo has now come out with a lesser priced sibling to the T-6 powered XC60. That normally aspirated 3.2 liter six-cylinder powered XC60 starts at just $32,995 and reportedly achieves 27 miles-per-gallon. While it might not get the 15 second quarter mile elapsed times of the T-6, nor the top end (governor limited) of 130 miles-per-hour, in this vehicle category does that really matter? You be the judge of that. [gallery]

Corner Carvers: Ron Schwarz 1966 Ford “Budget” Mustang.

MrAngry — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

The World's Most Extravagant Car Collections

Steve — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Automobile enthusiasts have a maddening obsession with the exotic, the rare, the unique, the expensive, the head turning, the fast and the powerful. Some also actually have the financial means to collect the industry's finest examples, going from the legendary classics to the breathtaking custom commissioned supercars that set a man apart from his fellow car nuts.

Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren has become the epitome of classic fashion. He is well-known for his Polo label, a brand that coveys the inner American Dream of money, acceptance, and an overall opulent way of life.

What many don't know about Ralph Lauren is that he possesses one of the most remarkable car collections in the world, including the 1929 Blower Bentley, 1930 Mercedes-Benz "Count Trossi" SSK, 1938 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic Coupe, 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 Mille Miglia, 1958 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa, 1961 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa 61 Spyder Fantuzzi, and the 2005 McLaren F1.

1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 Mille Miglia. Photo by Martyn Goddard - Discovery

The last time this exquisite roadster was auctioned, in August 1999, by Christie's at Pebble Beach, it brought a little over 4 million USD making it one of the most expensive cars ever auctioned. Pictured above is Ralph Lauren's very own, one of only four ever made.

1929 Blower Bentley. Photo by Michael Furman - Discovery

The automobile of choice for James Bond in Ian Fleming's early novels, the brutish Blower Bentley, is one of the most thrilling Bentleys ever built. With its heavy body and British flag decoration, the Bentley Blower was created for one purpose – to win races.

1930 Mercedes-Benz “Count Trossi” SSK. Photo Source

This Art Nouveau style Mercedes-Benz was designed by its flamboyant owner, the aristocratic Italian racecar driver Count Carlo Felice Trossi and it's one of the most spectacular pieces in Lauren's collection.

1938 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic Coupe. Photo Source

Unpredictable handling, an enormously loud engine and zero side visibility make this unique beauty a drag to drive. But the Ralph Lauren collection poster child is one of the most beautiful pieces ever built, with only three ever manufactured and only two still in existence.

Ralph Lauren's keen business sense, ability to stand by his product at all costs and his talent to prevail despite several business failures are what makes him a man whose net worth is around $1 billion, including his truly spectacular car collection, which is valued at close to $100 million.

Jay Leno

Like most young American comedians of the 1960s and 1970s, Jay Leno dreamed of being the host of The Tonight Show. The difference between him and them is that he made his dream a reality and despite recent increasingly bad publicity, he remains a model of professional, business and personal consistency.

Jay Leno has also enjoyed a life-time love affair with cars. Being one of the wealthiest personalities on the tube has given him the opportunity to gather a fabulous collection of automobiles and motorcycles, both classic and modern, going from a McLaren F1 to a custom designed and built EcoJet Car.

1931 Model J Duesenberg. Photo Source

Clark Gable and Greta Garbo, Howard Hughes and Jay Paul Getty - how's that for a list of customers? From the roaring twenties through most of the thirties, the Duesenberg Model J was the choice of movie stars, millionaires and royalty. Huge and elegant, this rare and beautiful vehicle retailed for a whopping $9,000 back in the days when a Model T Ford would only set you back $300. Jay Leno's model comes with a lawsuit story, but in the end the court decided that it was his to own and it's now valued at more than $1.5 million.

1939 Lagonda V-12. Photo Source

Only about 190 Lagondas were hand built before the outbreak of the Second World War, which sadly cut short the development and production of this 4480cc V-12 engine car. After the war, Lagonda was taken over by David Brown, and folded into his Aston Martin.

EcoJet. Photo Source

Part of this distinctive vehicle's fame comes from its ability to run on biodiesel fuel, putting out an impressive 750 horsepower and 700 ft-lb of torque at 48,000 rpm from its Honeywell LT101 jet turbine engine. In a garage of wonders, it still manages to look cool and sound amazing.

Tank Car. Photo Source

Originally a 1953 Chrysler, The Terminator Car, as this monster was dubbed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, is not something one can drive every day. Powered by the 1792 cid V-12 Continental-designed, Chrysler-built tank engine that in turbocharged form puts out nearly 1,600 hp and 3,000 ft-lbs. of torque and weighs close to 5 tons, this is not a car you wanna make a U-turn with.

These outstanding vehicles and 70 more other fabulous automobilia items make Jay Leno's Big Dog Garage any guy's Wonderland – a world of movies, magic, and make believe.

Jerry Seinfeld

After he made his mark as a stand-up comedian, Jerry Seinfeld went on to create, write and star in one of the most successful television programs of all time, practically reinventing the television entertainment industry with his cult show Seinfeld.

His success has made him one of the wealthiest TV stars ever, allowing him to pursue his passion for vintage cars, especially Porsches. Currently the owner of no less than 50 rare and expensive Porsche cars, he was quoted saying I'm buying so many cars I'm getting stuck in my own traffic. Don't we all...

Porsche 959. Photo Source

With 330 units built from 1986 to 1988, the 959 was widely recognized as the ultimate supercar in terms of technical innovations and performance. One of the centerpieces in Jerry Seinfeld's collection, this mechanical masterpiece can also be found in the garages of other wealthy people such as Bill Gates and Paul Allen, but it's unfortunately not street legal in the United States.

1955 Porsche 550 RS Spyder. Photo Source

Just 70 examples were produced, making the sublime 550 RS Spyder one of the most valuable Porsches ever made. Seinfeld's unit is especially rare because most of the 550 Spyders sported a silver finishing, while Jerry's light blue painted example stands out even more.

Porsche 917. Photo Source

The 917 currently owned by Jerry Seinfeld is the very same car that Steve McQueen drove in the 1970 movie Le Mans. For the enthusiasts

1949 Porsche 356/2 Gmund. Photo Source

This one of the fifty units that came out of the very first Porsche plant. It was purchased by Jerry Seinfeld in 2003 and it was previously owned by none other than Ferdinand Porsche's daughter. Although it may not be much of a looker, this silver bug is actually the oldest original condition Porsche in the world.

Jerry Seinfeld's garage is the proud host of what many experts call the largest and most valuable single-maker car collection in the world and the man himself is now considered somewhat of an authority in the German brand.

Sultan of Brunei

His real name is Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, and he is the Sultan of Brunei. The Sultan is the owner of the world's largest, most expensive, most extravagant and exciting car collection. With over 3,000 pieces (some say it's actually close to 5,000) stored in five airplane hangars, we could say that the ruler of the wealthy country of Brunei has made the best out of his oil money.

Touted by reputable publications such as theGuinness World Records as the world's largest Rolls Royce collector, the Sultan and his family currently own around 500 models of this marque alone, Brunei representing half of the total market the British maker had over the course of the past couple decades.

His other top favorite manufacturers include Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari, Bentley, BMW, Jaguar and Porsche and yes, the legendary car nut does have a somewhat strange preference for station wagon models.

Dauer 962 Le Mans. Photo Source

With a mind blowing 2.4 seconds 0-60 mph sprint and a 250+ mph top speed this yellow beast was dubbed as the fastest street legal car in the world for a respectable period of time. The Dauer 962 LM is an extremely limited edition of Porsche's dominant circuit car and at one point the royal collection included five of the thirteen examples ever built.

Ferrari 456 Venice Station Wagon. Photo Source

For a long time many people believed that the legend of the station wagon Ferrari was no more than one of the many stories people invented around the Sultan, but this is as real as they get. Starting out as a 456 GT equipped with a V12 442 HP engine, the Sultan commissioned Pininfarina to add 2 more doors and a hatchback to make a truly unique Ferrari you could pick your kids up from school in. Seven produced, six still in His Majesty's service.

Lamborghini LM002 Wagon. Photo Source

Known as the Rambo Lambo, this rare cross between Lamborghini's tractors and supercars divisions has paved the way for later exotic experiments such as the Cayenne. Running on a V12 Countach engine, the Sultan's model seats seven and benefits of all possible luxury equipments modern technology can muster. It's currently up for sale too!

Mercedes CLK GTR. Photo Source

The Sultan also owns the only right-hand-drive CLK-GTR in the world, a 630 HP beast that was built to make the McLaren F1 GTR look a little too slow.

Harold E. LeMay

The late Harold E. LeMay was an ambitious and prosper business man from the Tacoma, Washington area. He died a wealthy man at the age of 81 at the dawn of the 21st century, leaving behind the world's largest classic car collection and the only one that could rival the Brunei royal family's collection in numbers and value.

The LeMay collection is currently housed in a museum, soon to open, dubbed as America's Car Museum and of the 1000 vehicles shown at the Tacoma location, almost 85% are domestic made, making it into a showcase of the cultural impact that the automotive industry had on the American way of life throughout the years.

1924 Lincoln L Town Car. Photo Source

Lincoln was the epitome of luxury vehicles in the 1920's America. Invited to the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance this model has paved the road for what we commonly know today as a limousine and was the automobile of choice for the rich and famous.

1916 Pierce-Arrow Brougham. Photo Source

Equipped with luxury features such as an electric clock, an intercom from the rear seat and a flower vase, the Pierce-Arrows were America's Rolls-Royce. Only 2004 units assembled before the small factory was acquired by the more mass production-oriented Studebaker.

1946 Ford 1/2 Ton. Photo Source

This All-American half a ton truck was released soon after WWII right after automobile makers returned to civilian production. It was only available in village green and the buyer could upgrade from the standard 90 HP V-6 to the V-8 and 100 HP engine for $15

1931 Chevrolet Independence. Photo Source

The beautiful Cabriolet version featured in the LeMay collection sold a total of 23,077 units, which was quite an impressive number for the times of the Depression. Retailing for about $615, it included such options as cigarette lighter and interior heating and was powered by a 50 HP six-cylinder engine.

With nearly 3,500 cars, the LeMay collection is an impressive example of visual educational and historical tool that everyone can enjoy.

The Sultan of Michigan

For a long time, the Sultan of Michigan wished to remain anonymous, but with all the buzz created around his incredible car collection, people have figured him out as Ken Lingenfelter, a rich business owner from Michigan. With a little over 150 cars in his garage, the down-to-earth Mr. Lingenfelter currently possesses a very extravagant collection, probably very close to that of Jay Leno's in terms of financial value and quality of the models, with a clear focus on vintage and present-day muscle and eighties-and-up supercars.

Lamborghini Reventón. Photo Source

With only 20 units available for purchase at a hefty price tag of one and a half million dollars, the Reventón is probably the most exquisite and impressive Lambo ever built. In reality, although the looks of this 630 HP machine are stunning, we can't help but think that it uses the same chassis and engine as the much more affordable Murcielago.

LPE 455 TA. Photo Source

Essentially a brand new Camaro with a heavily modified body work, the original Lingenfelter Performance Engineering is a concept who's design has sparked controversy amongst enthusiasts. However, there's no debate over the radical 655 HP and 610 pound-feet of torque engine.

Ferrari Enzo. Photo Source

The ultimate modern day Ferrari, one of the top 10 fastest street legal cars in the world and one of the most expensive models ever built by the scuderia. Mr. Lingenfelter's car is one of only 399 ever made and it was sold to him by invitation, as a current owner of the F40 and the F50 models.

Saleen S7 Twin Turbo. Photo Source

This hand-built, limited edition, high-performance vehicle is legendary in the automotive world. Mr. Lingenfelter's is the ultimate Twin Turbo version, with no less than 750 HP available and a very honorable third place in the top 10 fastest cars in the world. The $555,000 price tag seems just.

Unlike Jay Leno, the Sultan of Michigan doesn't drive his collectibles on daily basis. In fact, his vehicle of choice is a Cayenne Turbo, for the extra room for his family. Ken Lingenfelter's car collection is one of the most famous in North America, although some might say the absence of a Ford GT or a Bugatti EB 110 make this collection somewhat incomplete. For a full mind blowing video tour, go here.

What is a Super Car?

MrAngry — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Super cars today are tend to be more like video games than actual automobiles. They have virtual gauges A super car should do things do a driver that ordinary cars do not. They should excite you every time that garage door opens, they should make you feel like you driving a true performance machine, not playing a video game and at the very end they should scare you a little bit. Super cars about driving, they're about the personal interaction between your right foot, your hands on the wheel and the corners that laid out in front of you. They are about power slides, tire smoke and adrenelin.

10 Best Driving Video Games

MrAngry — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

1. Forza Motorsports Series 2. Gran Turismo Series 3. Need for Speed Series 4. Burnout Series 5. Grand Theft Auto Series 6. Grid 7. Dirt 1 & 2 8. Just Cause 9. Blur 10. Test Drive Unlimited

2010 Mazda RX-8: Ridelust Review

MrAngry — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Have you ever had mixed feelings on a car before? It's actually quite a weird feeling and one that I am not accustomed to. Generally when I road test a car the results are cut and dry with very little in the way middle ground to play with. Most cars, like people have very distinct personalities and the more you get know them the more they tell you about themselves. There are some cars however that like to throw a monkey wrench into the works to keep you guessing, which is exactly the case with the 2010 Mazda RX-8.

2010 MazdaSPEED3

Suzanne Denbow — Sat, 20 Aug 2005 16:33:21 +0000

[gallery] MSRP: $23,945 Engine: 2.3L DOHC DISI turbo 4-cylinder with VVT Power: 263 hp @ 5500 rpm, 280 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (FWD), 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission EPA Rating city/highway: 18/25mpg Return to list

2009 Subaru Impreza WRX STi

Suzanne Denbow — Sat, 20 Aug 2005 17:12:27 +0000

[gallery] MSRP: $34, 995 Engine: 2.5-liter DOHC intercooled, turbocharged aluminum-alloy 16-valve 4-cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer engine. Power: 305 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 290 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm Drivetrain: Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) All-Wheel Drive, fully synchronized close-ratio 6-speed manual with Incline Start Assist EPA Rating city/highway: 17/23mpg Return to list

2010 Volkswagen GTI

Suzanne Denbow — Sat, 20 Aug 2005 17:42:10 +0000

[gallery] MSRP: $23,230 (2dr), $23,830 (4dr) Engine: 2.0L TSI, 16-valve, DOHC, in-line 4-cylinder turbocharged engine with intercooler and direct fuel injection (FSI) Power: 200 hp @ 5,100-6,000 rpm, 207 lb-ft @ 1,800-5,000rpm Drivetrain: Front wheel drive, 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic DSG w/ Tiptronic EPA Rating city/highway: 21/31mpg (manual), 22/29 (auto) Return to list

2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart

Suzanne Denbow — Sat, 20 Aug 2005 18:11:45 +0000

[gallery] MSRP: N/A Engine: turbocharged 2.0-liter MIVEC Power: 237 horsepower, 253 lb-ft of torque Drivetrain: All-Wheel Control (AWC) with Active Center Differential (ACD), 6-speed Twin Clutch-Sportronic® Shift Transmission (TC-SST) EPA Rating city/highway: N/A Return to list

2010 Audi A3

Suzanne Denbow — Sun, 21 Aug 2005 14:49:43 +0000

[gallery] MSRP: $27,270 Engine: DOHC in-line 2.0 liter four-cylinder with FSI® Direct Injection, variable valve timing, intake manifold and exhaust turbocharger with intercooler Power: 200-hp @ 5100-6000 rpm, 207 lb-ft @ 1800-5000 rpm Drivetrain: FWD or quattro AWD, 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic DSG with electro-hydraulic control EPA Rating city/highway: 22/28mpg (auto), 21/30 (man), 21/28 (quattro) Return to list

2009 Volvo V50 T5 AWD R Design

Suzanne Denbow — Sun, 21 Aug 2005 15:07:25 +0000

[gallery] MSRP: $35,500 Engine: Turbocharged 5-Cylinder, 2.5-Liter Engine Power: 227hp @ 5,000 rpm, 236 lb-ft @ 1,500-5,000 rpm Drivetrain: AWD, 5-Speed "Geartronic" Automatic Transmission with "Auto-Stick" Function EPA Rating city/highway: 18/26 mpg Return to list

2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon

Suzanne Denbow — Sun, 21 Aug 2005 15:48:15 +0000

[gallery] MSRP: N/A Engine: 3.0L Direct Injection V6, 3.6L Direct Injection V6 Power: 3.0L: 270 hp @ 7000 rpm, 223 lb-ft of torque @ 5700 rpm; 3.6L: 304 hp @ 6400 rpm, 273 lb-ft of torque @ 5200 rpm Drivetrain: RWD or optional AWD, 6-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission with Driver Shift Control EPA Rating city/highway: 18/27 mpg (estimates based on GM Testing. Official EPA estimates not yet available) Return to list

Saab 9-3 Aero SportCombi

Suzanne Denbow — Sun, 21 Aug 2005 16:49:02 +0000

[gallery] MSRP: $44,885 Engine: 2.8 liter Water-cooled turbocharged engine with APC charge pressure control with intercooler Power: 280 hp @ 5,000 rpm, 295 lb-ft @ 1,900 rpm Drivetrain: Cross-wheel drive (XWD) with standard electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD); Fully synchronized 6-speed manual with dry-plate clutch or electronically controlled 6-speed automatic with Saab Sentronic manual selection and steering-wheel-mounted controls EPA Rating city/highway: 15/24mpg Return to list

BMW 328i Sports Wagon

Suzanne Denbow — Sun, 21 Aug 2005 17:35:21 +0000

MSRP: $35,400 Engine: 3.0-liter, dual overhead cam (DOHC), inline 24-valve 6-cylinder engine with composite magnesium/aluminum engine block, Valvetronic, and Double-VANOS steplessly variable valve timing Power: 230-hp @ 6500 rpm, 200 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm Drivetrain: RWD, 6-speed manual or 6-speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmission EPA Rating city/highway:17/27 mpg (manual), 18/27 mpg (auto) Return to list

Cars and the Wanderlust

Ryan — Sat, 02 Dec 2006 06:00:00 +0000

This blog is to satisfy my love of cool cars and other consumer vehicles, including motorcycles, scooters, jeeps, trucks, and whatever motorized item that gives you mobility. And to talk about the consumer experience of vehicles and even urban and country driving, how to avoid traffic jams and road rage, how to subsidize your car habit, and anything else relating to the "wanderlust" of vehicles and motorized travel. I've had the wanderlust since I was a kid, growing up seeing the older kids with their decade old Mustangs and El Caminos (my two dream cars - Red 1969 Mustang, and any El Camino). We spent a lot of time driving - something my father loved to do. We did a lot of visiting, across the US but not so much across Canada, despite being citizens. (Although I made many a trip to Montreal in my then new green Subaru GT, which resembled a BMW so much.) Over the years, dad bought several cars, including two Chevy Caprices, an Audi, two Porsches, and now at 76, he has a slick black Mercedes. But he wants a sportier model. At 76, if you can believe it. (He still wants to ride a motorcycle. My mother, who turned 61 two days ago, wants to hang glide.) My brother is on his fifth, or is it sixth, Subaru. I've had two, my mother 3. About 10-11 in our family. And these are all the cars I can remember. Oh yeah, a few Mazdas, at least 4 - 3 of which were my brothers, as winter alternates to his Mazda RX7. My mother's Mazda 323? Well, I crashed that in an unfortunate situation, on a downtown road undergoing construction. As a result, I didn't know there were two lanes, including the left turn lane. In retrospect, because I was blocked by perpendicular drivers, there's nothing I could have done. Que sera sera. We've run part of the spectrum of brand models and originating countries. Despite all that, I've only actual had two cars, both Subarus. And I haven't driven for 2-3 years now. I still have my license, and didn't do anything. I simply went through a period where I couldn't afford the insurance, let alone the license renewal. And I still haven't bothered because I haven't needed to drive. Though I'm missing my Subaru GT badly lately, with it's incredible AWD and amazing traction, even on wet roads and snow. The wanderlust is upon me again. (c) Copyright 2006-present, Raj Kumar Dash, http://www.ridelust.com/.

Smart Keys For Your Car

Ryan — Mon, 04 Dec 2006 06:31:03 +0000

If someone told you that you could start your car without inserting a key in the ignition, what would you think? The Toyota Avalon uses an RFID (radio frequency identification) technology called NFC (near field communication) to send a signal from a so called smart key to an onboard sensor. Once the sensor picks up the radio signal, pushing an ignition switch gets the vehicle started. The smart key also unlocks the car or the trunk. The same NFC technology is used for the Corvette and Cadillac XLR. Other automobile manufacturers including Renault, Mercedes and BMW are offering keyless cards to identify authorized drivers. It's not quick as slick technology as that used for letting a Lexus park itself between two towers of delicate champagne glasses, but interesting nonetheless. [sources: Contactless News] (c) Copyright 2006-present, Raj Kumar Dash, http://www.ridelust.com.

About

Ryan — Mon, 04 Dec 2006 06:32:11 +0000

RideLust is all about the jones for cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, and any form of mobility presented in a factually accurate, politically incorrect forum. We strive to represent ourselves and the automotive industry in the most unerring, entertaining way possible but although our dedication is serious, our attitude is not. We're just as obscene as our name implies, which we only admit in accordance with the policy of full disclosure our lawyers enforce. Questions? Comments? Death threats? The RideLust team wants to hear from you, and we're 95% sure we're not the father. Editor-in-Chief, aka: MR. ANGRY Mike Musto mike@ridelust.com Review Editor, Head Conductor of the White Knuckle Express Geoff Scheusner New additions to the team, currently awaiting the paddle marks to heal: Alex Kierstein Nathan Redden Adam Hurlburt Christopher Nelson Last, but certainly not least, our extremely valued whipping boys freelancers: Dustin May Butch Deadlift

Razor To Radio-Tag Electric Mini Scooters

Ryan — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 03:00:24 +0000

Those enormously popular foot scooters that kids everywhere (and some young adults) are riding come from several suppliers. Razor is one of the companies - some would say the originals. Razor also makes a miniature electric ride scooter called the Pocket Mod. As Razor is a supplier to retail giant Wal-Mart, part of their task is to tag their products with RFID (radio frequency identification technology) so that Wal-Mart can track their products in their stores, easily determine when stock is low, and make re-ordering easier. Razor USA has plans to tag Pocket Mod scooters with RFID technology from ODIN Technologies. They are specifically using EPCglobal's EPC Gen 2 RFID tags. Razor's plant will also use technology from Alien Technology, Zebra Technologies, and Symbol.

Nissan Real-Time Location System

Ryan — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 14:00:30 +0000

RTLS, or Real-Time Location System, is a relatively new technology used to track assets, even parts. Such systems do not use GPS. Rather, they use RF (Radio Frequency) transmitters and fall into the category of RFID (radio frequency identification) technology. Nissan North America is now using RTLS technology from WhereNet to track auto parts that are delivered to their assembly line in Canton, Mississippi. WhereNet RFID WhereTags are temporarily attached to vehicles coming off the assembly line. Wireless access points are located strategically around the plant to help locate a specific vehicle. (Each WhereTag has a unique identifier code that it transmits.) Employees will also use handscanners to check the production status of each vehicle, as the tag will store VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and information about which process in the assembly has been completed. RFID Journal has more details.

How Green Your Automobile?

Ryan — Thu, 07 Dec 2006 03:00:46 +0000

Red Herring has an article on the LA Auto Show's Design Challenge looking for "green" automobile designs. General Motors won the challenge with "Hummer 02", seen on the main page. This design emits not carbon dioxide but carbon. Other designs include the BMW self-composting car, Kia's Eco-Fashionista model, a very bizarre-looking Volkswagen Nanospyder, the Mercedes RECY, Honda's Roll Your Own Car (which grows with the owner), the Acura NHR-1 (nano-hydrogen) aka FCX 2020 Le Mans (made of 100% recyclable materials), the Audi Recyclable Car, and the Toyota RLV (Renewable Lifestyle Vehicle) pedal-powered car with aluminum body. (Futuristic-car buffs should check out the illustrations.) These designs are exciting to hear about, making me think of the possibilities. While some of the materials used in the designs do not sound like they could hold up in a serious collision, maybe if they were reinforced with artificial spider silk or carbon nanotubes, they may have something that could actually be used by consumers.

Car Design: What's Old Is New

Ryan — Thu, 07 Dec 2006 06:00:55 +0000

I've been browsing through various car blogs the past year, as well as seeing TV ads for the past 2 years, noticing that many of the current designs are chunkier variations of classic muscle and sports cars. I mean, look at the Mustang for example. I love it, but it's just a beefier nod to original designs from the late 60s/ early 70s. Then there's the Accord Coupe Concept that looks like a cross between an Audi TT and a Porsche - at least from the angle the illustation shows. And there's the sexy GM Pontiac designs Bob Lutz came up with for a roadster and coupe model and Winding Road thinks might be used for a Solstice Coupe. The concept design looks highly reminiscent of my all-time fave car, the Jaguar E-Type, with a bit of classic Datsun thrown in (which itself resembled a more affordable E-Type). Now I'm not complaining. And in fact, it makes a lot of sense why this is happening. Were I a car designer at this time, I'd be of an age where I'd grown up seeing some of the originals for real, either in the year of their release or shortly after. I'm speculating that if current designers are plus 10 years or minus 7 years of my age, they'd be doing the same thing. Well I love it, but I have no plans to buy a car any time soon, as I'm planning to move back to Toronto, Canada, late next year. And that's for the very reason that I don't have a car and want to try to keep living without one. (I've lived in Toronto with a car, a Subaru wagon, and I have no plans to repeat that.) I might have the wanderlust, but there are other ways to satisfy it, including simply salivating over the alluring pics and illustrations.

Mitsubishi Lancer 2008

Somu Muthuswamy — Wed, 13 Dec 2006 20:01:54 +0000

Mitsubishi Lancer 2008 is the exciting latest model introduced by Mitsubishi Motors, North America. In early 2008, Mitsubishi Lancer will be ready for sale. This new model is extremely attractive with its charming but sporty look and impressive features. Lancer is available in 3 trim levels. First is the base DE, the second is the mid level ES, the third is the sport tuned top level GTS. The highlighting features of Mitsubishi Lancer 2008 are:

2 liter aluminium four cylinder engine
magnetic steering wheel paddle shifters
5-speed manual or 6-speed sportronic paddles
152 horse power

Lancer looks very pretty with its shark nosed front end, long wheelbase and wider track. Mitsubishi is releasing Lancer in Detroit at a North American International Auto Show in January. There is no doubt that the new Lancer 2008 is a boon for the new generation.

Mitsubishi Lancer 2008

Ryan — Wed, 13 Dec 2006 20:05:02 +0000

New Mitsubishi car

Volvo XC60: Launching Soon

Somu Muthuswamy — Thu, 14 Dec 2006 17:54:09 +0000

Volvo XC60 is all set to hit the market next month. It is to be displayed in the North American international auto show in Detroit. Much before it could make a debut, the photos of the compact SUV have been leaked in the Internet. It has incredible interior with upgraded technology. It looks like the miniature of XC90 and has both diesel and petrol versions with 158bhp 2.2litre diesel and 230bhp Volvo’s latest six-cylinder petrol. Designed with traditional Volvo grille at the front borrowed from its big brother Volvo XC90. It has small projector style headlamps, which improves the elegance of the car. The running gears are highly efficient with the spectacular chassis design. Sure it’s aspiring to be a first of its kind, creating a tough challenge for other manufacturers to re-work on their SUV's. It’s worth waiting till next year January, just few weeks away from now. Start the New Year with all new Volvo XC 60 with pride.

volvo-xc60.jpg

Ryan — Thu, 14 Dec 2006 18:17:08 +0000

Google Earth: Great Tool To Spy On Cars + Stuff

Somu Muthuswamy — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 21:36:30 +0000

What can you do with Google Earth (GE)? Well, for me the question should be "What you cannot do with Google Earth". Its one of my favorite time wasters. You can spend all day long finding out all those favorite locations on your computer. You get to see those satellite pictures for FREE. Do you have the coordinates of your favorite location? Just punch them in GE, and you get to see all of them. AutoExpress has an innovative idea to use GE to their advantage. They have uncovered some of the most closely guarded tracks of top car manufacturers; the tracks these companies use to test their new born babies. Its awesome. They even have all the coordinates mentioned. Use them to get the latest pics. I think its really a cool idea to put GE to good use. Not just for tracks, you can have all your favorite locations on your computer. What's your idea to use GE?

Ariel Atom Is About To Hike Its Price

Somu Muthuswamy — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 22:05:34 +0000

Ariel Atom, the sports car manufactured by Brammo Motorsports is a two-seat cockpit. You got to get closer and take a look at this super car, one of the best racing car manufactured in the recent history. Standing by its name, its a true minimal sports car with innovative engine, high speed rider. No wonder its attracting celebrities like Jay Leno. Just take a look and decide for yourself. But if you think you want to buy it, do it fast. The word on the street is, the price is to be hiked to as high as $4500. As of now, you can get the company's promise of keeping up with the current price on all orders received till the end of the year. Its not far away and you need to act fast.

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Somu Muthuswamy — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 22:10:31 +0000

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Somu Muthuswamy — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 22:19:29 +0000

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Somu Muthuswamy — Sat, 16 Dec 2006 19:00:30 +0000

Jeep Wrangler 2007: The Ultimate choice

Somu Muthuswamy — Sat, 16 Dec 2006 19:02:16 +0000

Wow! Everyone will be surprised to see this new kid on the block, the exciting 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. A four door version jeep with power windows, extended rear seat leg room and lengthier than traditional SUV’s. Comes with 3 panel hard top and soft top with sunroof features. It’s more than a jeep and what amazes is the space you get for a cargo. It doesn’t cost you anything to improve your cargo space. Just fold the seats and get a whopping 83 cubic feet cargo space, if the seats are unfolded still provides the space. The keyless entry, satellite radio and navigation systems are incredible. This jeep sahara is better than the SUV’s and cargo carriers. This all in one new wrangler will be out in 3 models with unlimited features. The ultimate choice for unlimited pleasure of driving. If you are as much of a fan of Jeeps, go check one out soon at your Jeep Wrangler dealership.

navsys.jpg

Somu Muthuswamy — Sat, 16 Dec 2006 19:27:57 +0000

Portable Navigation Units are in high demand

Somu Muthuswamy — Sat, 16 Dec 2006 19:28:54 +0000

Europe is flooded with large number of Portable Navigation Units and still the demand doesn't seem to be consolidating anytime soon. Recent report published by Research & Markets shows that there is a huge potential for the European navigation market to exploit this opportunity for improved business success. There is a sustained growth for both portable and embedded navigation systems in medium and upper vehicle market segments. It is reflected in reports that large number of suppliers are competing to take a share of this market. Reports gives great areas of opportunities for the businesses to tackle upon:

Detailed mapping
Points of Information (POI) for select locations
Advanced Driver Assist (ADAS) functions like high risk areas for accidents
Intelligent Speed Adaptation (ISA)

New avenues like smartphone navigation can also be considered for the new growth areas, the report says.

ford-gt.jpg

Somu Muthuswamy — Sat, 16 Dec 2006 22:01:54 +0000

Ford GT: Final car to go out of Assembly line

Somu Muthuswamy — Sat, 16 Dec 2006 22:03:00 +0000

The concept car which is first exposed in the Detroit Auto Show 2002, is seeing its final day today. Ford GT has started production over 2 years ago in Michigan. Till now, more than 4038 GTs have been sold, primarily to the US market, and Canada has its part of the share as well. According to Ford, its one of the fastest projects that has been completed in the Ford company. To develop this model from Concept to Production, it took them less than an year. Not much demand for Ford GT has been cited for the reason for stopping the production of this car. The company says that it has really enjoyed making this model, but wanted to concentrate their energies on much more prioritized requirements. Lets bid adieu to this high speed car which clocked around 210 mph in Italy.

Lincoln RWD: The Concept car to show up in Detroit auto show

Somu Muthuswamy — Sun, 17 Dec 2006 17:06:38 +0000

Ford is expected to reveal Lincoln RWD concept in auto show at Detroit this time. This news has drawn the attention of car enthusiasts and the manufacturers. When Ford GT was revealed a couple of years ago, car lovers are eagerly waiting for the auto show to begin, just to see another masterpiece from Ford, hope Ford lives up to the expectation of its fans. Earlier this year the car enthusiast had to bid a bye to Ford GT, and this Lincoln revelation will definitely come as a consolation for them from Ford. Lincoln is also surrounded by some rumors before it could actually be unveiled at Detroit and creates hype among people. There were some rumors that Lincoln was based on a same platform of Ford Australia’s next generation Falcon. However the Australian sources have denied these rumors, other than confirmation of making debut at Detroit nothing has been revealed such as technical specs, car styling or even price. Lets wait for a few more weeks to have a look at the LINCOLN RWD.

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Somu Muthuswamy — Sun, 17 Dec 2006 21:04:01 +0000

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Somu Muthuswamy — Sun, 17 Dec 2006 21:13:05 +0000

Audi RS 4: High Performance is the name of the game

Somu Muthuswamy — Sun, 17 Dec 2006 21:14:34 +0000

Audi RS 4 is unanimous choice of every car lover in the sedan segment of car. Not only that its hard see a sedan being stylish, powerful and with high performance, the RS 4 is first of its kind offers lovely style, high speed engine, and good performance. You will be struck with wonder to see this well balanced super luxury sedan. Whats more in it? It offers room for four, a full –size trunk ,specially bolstered Konig seats(its saves life better than the conventional air bags during accident), lightning speed, averages 18mpg in different condition, 6-speed manual transmission, all wheel drive and much more. Audi RS 4 is best sedan which beats the likes of Porsche Carrera 4S, Chevrolet Corvette or Mercedes 500SL. Outstanding look, astonishing performance, durability, lavish design and interiors adds feather to the cap of manufacturer.

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Somu Muthuswamy — Sun, 17 Dec 2006 21:22:27 +0000

JR Hokkaido’s rail-cum-road car

Somu Muthuswamy — Sun, 17 Dec 2006 21:24:35 +0000

The dual mode rail-cum-road car is the latest model designed by JR Hokkaido Railway Company of Japan. This car can be used to ride on roads and on rail tracks. It is a micro bus with rubber tyres and steel wheels. So it automatically changes itself from road mode to rail mode at stations. The advantages of using rail-cum-road car are

Easy to use
Cost is $150,000 which is one seventh of diesel rail car
Fuel cost is quarter of diesel rail car
Maintenance cost is one eighth of diesel rail car

The vehicle is pulling the attention of small rail operators in Japan. Because the dual mode vehicle’s main motto is to reduce the operating cost of local railway lines. Semmo Line near Shiretoko is eagerly waiting for the first commercial ride of the dual mode car. Let’s hope the rail-cum-road car will bring a new dimension in traveling in the 21^st century.

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Somu Muthuswamy — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 16:03:03 +0000

Volkswagen introduces Tiguan, the compact diesel SUV

Somu Muthuswamy — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 16:04:55 +0000

Volkswagen Tiguan, the compact SUV in diesel version was unveiled last week in LA auto show and took everyone by surprise. Even their competitors have pulled out a compact SUV diesel version out of race due to emission reasons, but Tiguan stands out and announces its arrival loud and clear, raring to go with excellent features. It has advanced Blue Tec technology in some emission components, complies strictly with emission standards. It has High pressure fuel-injection system and doesn’t use the urea injection. Instead uses Nox storage catalytic converter to reduce emission. It also helps to gain 30 percent economy over gasoline engine. Tiguan well built 173.2 inches long, 72.8 inches wide 66.5 inches resembles Touran compact minivan, but gives better space than a mini van. It has panoramic sunroof and immaculate interior makes it a best compact SUV. This economical, sturdy and environmental friendly SUV will hit the market next year end in all states of US. Sure its going to rock, join the party.

NAIAS Auto Show 2007 in Detroit

Somu Muthuswamy — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 16:18:37 +0000

It’s a festive season all over the world. With Christmas and New Year just around the corner, what excites more than this is the NAIAS auto show in Detroit coming January 2007. It’s a world premier auto show showcasing automotive over the years. It’s a special one this time with centenary year to NAIAS Auto Show. Hope this should be a most successful show ever happened in the history creating a new land mark since from the inception in 1907. The show already have confirmation of 66 exhibitors as of mid November 2006 from worldwide and it is expected to go up surpassing the previous participation record. It’s a 15 days mega event and will have 11 worldwide concepts, 15 worldwide productions and 2 North American productions as major exhibitors. The itinerary includes Media, Charity, Public shows and not to forget the most interesting racing day. You can’t get better chance than this to see your entire favorite machines all together at one place. Hope to see you all there.

Cars + Mobility Flickr+Splashr Slideshow

Ryan — Sun, 24 Dec 2006 22:45:50 +0000

Splashr.com has a neat little tool which lets you specify some topic tags and it then grabs suitable photos from Flickr.com and presents them in whatever way you want. There are actually a lot of choices. You can then view presentation in a popout window or embed into your web page. Of course, you can pick any topic under the sun. As long as there are some photos with the tags you pick, you'll get results. You can choose 25, 50, or 100 images for a given presentation (if there are that manny with those tags). Here's an example of photos tagged with "car", "cars", "automotive", "mobile", "travel". It takes a bit of time for the presentation to be set up, but once it has been, it's relatively fast.

intercept.jpg

Somu Muthuswamy — Tue, 02 Jan 2007 11:58:55 +0000

Ford Interceptor - The concept car to be introduced in Detroit Auto Show 2007

Somu Muthuswamy — Tue, 02 Jan 2007 12:03:14 +0000

Ford has done it again. Ford Interceptor is the new concept car designed by Ford and it is to be displayed in the upcoming 2007 Detroit Auto Show. With all powerful Mustang in its brandline, it is tempting to release concept cars based on its model. But Ford has restrained from it and introduced a great design that I am sure is going to attract lot of customers. While some may say that there exists a similarity with Super Chief truck, I feel that the model is definitively different, new and innovative. Interceptor has impressive set of features in its pipeline. With 400 HP 5 liter V8 engine, the car is assured to fly like a champ. Safety features include 4 point seatbelts and inflatable rear belts. The car is absolutely awesome and has a great potential to come out as one of the best cars of 2007.

Fiat Punto Abarth to enter the market in late 2007

Somu Muthuswamy — Tue, 02 Jan 2007 21:07:20 +0000

Fiat is making a comeback with its hatchback Punto Abarth. As we know, Abarth is a separate car maker which was acquired by Fiat long back, and turned it into inhouse tuning department. Its been a long time since Fiat is making use of its Abarth wing. The Specs really looks awesome. With 0 to 60 seconds pickup in just under 7 seconds, its gonna compete against all its present rivals. With 190bhp being the standard for all the cars in this segment, its gonna enter the market with more than 200 BHP with a twin turbo engine. Other than that, it has all the competition style features like Smart alloys wheels, the body is wider for better handling, roof mounted air intake among others. The sources say that it might enter the market around the price range of GBP 15,000. Lets wait and see!

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Somu Muthuswamy — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 11:08:22 +0000

CNBC To Cover Detroit Car Show

Ryan — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 19:22:08 +0000

CNBC TV announced today that their website will be covering the Detroit Auto Show 2007 all day on Sunday. So if you can't make it to the show or don't have a television channel you can access, you might want to check out CNBC. You can also check out Phil LeBeau's Behind the Wheel auto blog for general car stuff. It looks as if the 2007 Auto Show will have a lot of concept cars and vehicles running on alternative fuels. In all, it sounds like an exciting show that I wish I could be at. If you're in Canada, you may want to check out the 2007 Canadian International Autoshow scheduled for Feb 16-25 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (downtown on Front St.). You can see pics from the 2006 show.

Chevy Volt - Concept Car From GM

Somu Muthuswamy — Sun, 07 Jan 2007 17:36:15 +0000

GM is introducing its latest hybrid in Detroit. Its the Chevrolet Volt, which is a C- class sized, 4 door sedan. This is an electric car with lithium ion battery pack. The vehicle has good set of capabilities. The turbo charged engine of 1.0 liter, 3 cylinder with 71 horse power. Besides from that, the car is powered by lithium ion battery. There is an electric motor with 161hp power. This is connected to the front wheels to make the ride smooth and easy. On the two sides of the car, there are plugs for home charging. The battery gets full charge in nearly 6.5 hours. Using the battery alone it has a range of 40 miles. With full fuel tank, it has a range of 640 miles. The outer look is very impressive with short windows. You can view the outside scenes better because the upper part of the door is also glass. The Chevy Volt can run in any combination of gasoline or ethanol. The car is good for environment as the CO2 emission is very less.

The unsafe child car seats

Somu Muthuswamy — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 15:53:07 +0000

Recently, many car companies are providing special car seats for babies, which undoubtfully attracted the clients. But the recent tests conducted by the Consumer Reports are against these baby seats. Tests are conducted on some of the most popular cars in the market. Guess what's the result. 10 out of 12 cars have totally failed in them. What a bummer. It was found that the seat faced a very bad damage even after having the LATCH belts. Only the Baby Trend Flex-Loc and the Graco SnugRide with EPS performed well in the magazine's tests. The big question is after passing the crash tests of the federal government the cars have faced a big failure. The Customer Reports suggests having the child seat at the center rear position of the vehicles back seat. The parents who were attracted by the child seats are now in a big confusion about the unsafe infant seats.

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Somu Muthuswamy — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 14:18:11 +0000

Jaguar XKR GT3 Revealed

Somu Muthuswamy — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 14:19:55 +0000

After a long wait and seeing all those digital images of Jaguar XKR GT3, finally the Coupé is revealed to the public today. With a large gathering in the NEC Birmingham, the Autosport International Show has attracted some of the top line cars in the Industry. This is definitively one of the most successful show for Motorsports. This monster is powered with 4.2 liter V8 supercharged engine with a 475 bhp. It has full aluminium body which has some modifications from the older versions. Richard Lloyd is one of the brain behind the design of this car. Along with him, a team of experienced squad had worked on the XKR model. Richard along with Apex Motorsports has revealed the first set of images of this car. Even though its in pretty early stage, the first car built is already sold. That's right. It is sold to Stuart Scott, MD of East Anglia's Cambridge Business Travel. It is later announced that Scott along with an un-named co-driver with be giving it a round in a programme of six events.

Ferrari F2007 - Similar To Its Predecessor

Somu Muthuswamy — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 01:02:49 +0000

Ferrari has unveiled its new model F2007 in a press conference in Maranello, Italy. Its the 53rd F1 car designed and built in Italy. Don't expect that you will see lot of changes because its pretty much similar to the previous model (248) with only slight changes in the configuration. Baselined on 2006's 248, this model has similar design philosophies of the previous model. There are some changes in the front. The Single keel which is normally present will be replaced for a zero keel setup. That means, the lower wishbones will be elevated upwards which results in a cushion aerodynamic effect. As awesome as it may sound, its actually increases the risk of the one who is driving. Overall, the suspension is primarily redone to improve the aerodynamic efficiency. The next is the intake of the air at the top of the car. It is now totally changed. The sidepods are redone to include the new bigger cooling system; the entire car is stretched a little bit on a longer wheelbase. With its weight increasing by 10kgs when compared to its predecessor, you can say that its designed to accommodate the safety regulation.

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Somu Muthuswamy — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 05:05:19 +0000

Official: BMW 1-Series 3 Door Unveiled

Somu Muthuswamy — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 01:35:10 +0000

For all those who have been waiting to get their hands on the least expensive car of BMW, here's good news. The Bavarian Motorworks company is planning to release all new 3 Door 1-series sometime before the end of the year. Previous Official statement from the company said that it will take 2 years to release this new baby but now the gestation period has been reduced. This new series comes in 5 different models.

130i - 265 BHP, 0 - 62 mph in 6.0 seconds
120i - 170 BHP, 0 - 62 mph in 7.7 seconds
118i - 143 BHP, 0 - 62 mph in 8.7 seconds
120d - 177 BHP diesel engine, 0 - 62 mph in 7.5 seconds
118d - 143 BHP diesel engine, 0 - 62 mph in 8.9 seconds

Advanced technologies such as regenerative brake energy is being used, along with variable valve technology. The fuel consumption will be efficient thanks to High-Precision direct injection of fuel. BMW says that this technology will increase the fuel economy of upto 3%.

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Somu Muthuswamy — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 03:37:07 +0000

Toyota Highlander and its Hybrid to Debut in Chicago

Somu Muthuswamy — Sat, 20 Jan 2007 01:01:48 +0000

Toyota Motor Corporation, the world's second largest Automaker has announced today that they will be debuting Highlander versions soon. Highlander is one of the popular vehicles of Toyota is making considerable revenue for Toyota. Even though their turnaround is less in 2006 when compared to its previous year, they do make a good chunk of revenue to the company. Both Highlander and Highlander Hybrid are debuting in the first week of Feb, 2007 in Chicago Auto Show which is to be held in the Toyota Press Conference in Grand Ballroom in McCormick Place. The surprising part to this is that there were no spyshots or any other additional details to it till now. This Highlander is expected to the first of its kind in the major overhaul of the Unit both design wise and performance. There are rumors that the Hybrid version is expected to have better mileage when compared to its current version. And another one states that 2008 version will be based on Avalon platform to have better room space for the 3rd row of seats.

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Somu Muthuswamy — Sat, 20 Jan 2007 04:49:20 +0000

Hammer and Coop

davidallen — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 09:32:22 +0000

Hammer and Coop the new mini advert

Mini gets the Hollywood treatment

davidallen — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 09:35:09 +0000

The humble mini over the years must have been the star car in many movies, the most popular of which of course is the Italian job, which had three Mini’s in the starring roles. So it should not be a massive surprise to find that the Mini owned by German car giants BMW have now produced their own Mini Movie, pardon the pun! However this is a fact essentially an advert that will be played at cinema’s before the main feature. This looks like it is going to be part of a series of advert films, that star a Mini Cooper and the a look a like of the Hollywood actor Ben Stiller, or maybe it really is Ben Stiller, in situation that looks unashamedly like a take on the “Starsky and Hutch” film and classic television series of the 1970’s. The adverts are titled Hammer and Coop, and play on the adverts that where made to promote the New Mini when it was first developed and marketed in the UK, initially these adverts are going to be for the US market to coincide with the launch of the New Mini in the states, hopefully they will make their way elsewhere, as it would be a shame for everyone else to miss out on such an imaginative a funny series of car ads. More [Hammer and Coop] Product Page [Mini]

RoadBox

davidallen — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 08:00:59 +0000

The black box for cars

RoadBox

davidallen — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 08:02:20 +0000

The black box for cars

Now there is a real black box for cars

davidallen — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 08:05:15 +0000

If you have ever been in a situation where you have had an accident, nobody claims responsibility and there are no witness’s, then you would know exactly how brilliant this product from PLK, Road box is essentially a black box for cars, but instead of just recording data such as speed and distances etc, this black box comes with a camera. So there will be a record of an incident, on video and there will also be a data recording of how you were driving at the time. The product built by PLK under the supervision of Hyundai Motors, records your cars data, like speed, acceleration and braking, but there is also a visual record via the wide screen 120 degree video camera. Giving the driver a permanent record of an accident, that can be used for insurance or legal purposes instead of a claim by phone or by filling in a form etc. The Road box records all data up to and accident and after, basically you will get twenty seconds of video, fourteen seconds before and six seconds after the accident, this may not sound like a lot, but this is twenty seconds of crucial information, that no form or statement can provide or explain in such detail, imagine having this to back up your insurance claim for damages, loss of income and even serious or fatal injury. From the images you can clearly see how effective this would be in a claim, however there are some considerations to be looked into, like is this admissible in a court? Would all insurance companies accept this evidence? Obviously there is the evidence and no one could deny it, but it does look like a cool product that maybe in the future all cars may have to have something like this by law, this could be used in accidents, speeding or any other road incident, but maybe that is taking I just too far! Product Page [Road Box] Product Page [Hyundai Motors]

F1

davidallen — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 08:30:20 +0000

Will it go green

F1

davidallen — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 08:30:58 +0000

Will it go green

F1 to go Green!

davidallen — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 08:33:32 +0000

Yes it is true, Formula one the gas burning high performance sport is looking to bring in some measures that will make the sport green or greener depending from which perspective you are looking at it from. Clearly the sport cannot really ever be classed as a green sport, you only have to be at a race and smell the fumes to know that, yet going green does it really go against the whole concept of Formula One racing? In actual fact we have heard this before, the sports governing body the FIA have been trying to slow the sport down for years, only to see the brilliant designers improve the performance of their cars despite how many restrictions are applied to the rules. The changes will probably come in force for the 2009 season and will include the re-use of engines, the revs being limited and even the engine size itself being reduced, yet we have seen these rules being brought in before, sometimes they slow the cars down but only for a while, the people who work in this industry are the top of the league and are capable of creating more power and speed virtually out of thin air, not matter what changes and restriction are placed on them.

Team Peugeot Total

davidallen — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 08:45:54 +0000

Team Peugeot Total announce Le Man line up

Team Peugeot Total

davidallen — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 08:46:54 +0000

Team Peugeot Total announce Le Man line up

Team Peugeot Total

davidallen — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 08:47:34 +0000

Team Peugeot Total announce Le Man line up

davidallen — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 09:01:57 +0000

After three intensive test sessions, the management of Team Peugeot have announced their driver line up for the 2007 Le Mans series and of course the jewel in the crown, the 2007 Le Mans 24 hours race. The crew line up for the two cars are; Pedro Lamy (Portugal) - Stephane Sarrazin (France) - Sebastien Bourdais (France) And Marc Gene (Spain) - Nicolas Minassian (France) - Jacques Villeneuve (Canada) As normal there is a good F1 presence within the Le Man series paddock, which just goes to show how competitive it is to get into a team and stay there. But there are only four places up for grabs, the drivers will need to show the team managers, Serge Saulnier (Team Manager) and Michel Barge (Peugeot Sport Director) who will be the best choice for the places, this does not necessarily mean who is the fastest, this sector of motor sport relies more on team work than in single seater racing, so there are many factors in decided the final selection. The car that the team will be using is the Peugeot 908 Hdi FAP, which is a completely new car, engine, gearbox, and chassis. The engine is a V12 and initially was supposed to deliver around 700 BHP, reading between to lines, it appears that the Peugeot engineers have yet to achieve this. Product Page [Peugeot Sport]

Mondeo

davidallen — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 08:15:41 +0000

New 2008 Ford Mondeo.

Mondeo

davidallen — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 08:16:48 +0000

New 2008 Ford Mondeo.

davidallen — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 08:17:45 +0000

The fabulous Mondeo has been given yet another face and body lift, and it has to be said that this car looks even better that ever. The new car will be going on sale throughout Europe in June, and will have the normal body styles of saloon, hatchback and estate (station wagon) an as before there will also be four levels of trim to choose from, Edge, Zetec, Ghia and Titanium X, which is of course the top of the range model. The car has been totally re modeled and is almost a new car in its own right, if they changed the name (they may bring this car out in the states under a different name) then we would assume that it was a new model, the Fords of today are so far removed from the Ford or the 80’s and 90’s, the top of the Mondeo is a real competitor in the medium luxury car market, not only that the quality can be seen throughout the range. The car has a few new gadgets like the invaluable keyless entry system and that all new must have start button. The cars are powered by a mere seven choices of engine, however the top of the engine tree has to be the 2.5 litre five cylinder Duratec engine, which will deliver up to 220 BHP, when you add the six speed gear box to this set up, then you are really talking. This car will be launched at the Geneva Motor Show next month, so you can expect many write up about this all new 2008 Mondeo over the next couple weeks. Product Page [New 2008 Mondeo]

chrysler

davidallen — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 08:49:54 +0000

may become part of GM

GM

davidallen — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 08:51:04 +0000

Chrysler may become part of GM

Could this be the end of Chrysler?

davidallen — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 08:52:10 +0000

Like many American products Chrysler stands out as one of the big ones, even here in the UK, we all know the Chrysler name, yet is this name to disappear along with all the others that we have lost over the years? There was a time when the car manufacturers were many, with lots of models and they all seemed to have had their own distinct branding, which in turn would mean their customer base was loyal to the brand.

It appears now that all the leading brands are blending, it is sometimes hard to keep up with who is who as either whole companies or just part companies (Sometimes just the name) are traded off by the car manufacturing super giants, they are the top of the tree and like children in a school playground swap or car brands to suit whatever their current needs are or what they are looking for in the long term. This is actually bad for the whole auto industry, not just in the states but thought the world. General Motors may be planning to take on the Chrysler part of the Daimler Chrysler business, but where would that leave the company? They must be dependent on the combined resources so if they were to break the company then that would leave a vacuum which would mean the company being broken up and all the good parts snapped up and the rest discarded.

Of course we will never know what the long term plans are, but General Motors being one of the car giants, need to expand to survive, these companies are like the business Borg, they must assimilate, which is what all big companies do, otherwise it will be them who are being assimilated by a larger and more powerful collective. Product Page [Chrysler] Product Page [General Motors]

Schumacher

davidallen — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 06:46:58 +0000

Michael Schumacher to lead Ferrari?

Schumacher

davidallen — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 06:47:30 +0000

Michael Schumacher to lead Ferrari?

Schumacher

davidallen — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 06:48:23 +0000

Michael Schumacher to lead Ferrari?

Michael Schumacher - Future Ferrari Team Boss

davidallen — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 06:49:20 +0000

Well it is that time of year again, the F1 season is about to start and already there are rumors of who is going where and who is going to be doing what and when.

The latest story going around the F1 rumor mill is that former driver and seven time world champion Michael Schumacher is being groomed to take over the running of the Ferrari F1 team from Jean Todt, which would seem to be a sensible progression anyhow, considering that Michael Schumacher is now Jean Todt’s assistant and all the experience that he has etc etc, but would that make him a great F1 team manager? Possibly not, we have seen drivers before take the helm, but none have really ever made a complete success of it. So would Michael Schumacher want to put himself in such a position?

It will all soon become more apparent once the F1 seasons starts in less than a month in Melbourne, Australia, when we see exactly what Michael Schumacher is doing for the team, will we see him there or not? Will the urge for him to turn up as a non driver be too much or will he not want to be there in background while the drivers take all the limelight? We shall have to wait and see. Product Page [Ferrari F1] Product Page [F1]

pm

davidallen — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 07:45:20 +0000

petition and the pm

pm

davidallen — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 07:46:50 +0000

petition and the pm

The Petition and the PM's Response

davidallen — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 07:47:47 +0000

The petition for started by Peter Roberts ended at midnight, and predictability there was a response from the Prime Minister Tony Blair immediately, this will be sent to all of the petitioners, over 1.7 million people, so while they patiently wait for the email to pop into their in box, you can read the full reply below.

Needless to say the response is predictable and of course is only the beginning of the process, and no decisions have been made yet, as if 1.7 million people against these plans was not an indication enough, there has been a recent ICM survey commissioned by the BBC, the question was; “Do you think the government should or should not introduce a system for charging motorists by the mile, during busy periods, to cut congestion?” The response was as follows; Should Not – 74 %. Should – 23 %. Don't Know – 3 %.

What more can the politicians want? Granted that the survey is only made up of a random 1006 people, but the figures are always high and always against. One thing is for sure, the cause must not be just left now, it needs to continue now the momentum has begun, more petitions and more questions need to be addressed to the government, otherwise who knows what will happen in the future. Tony Blair's, email response to the Petition regarding road charging. “Thank you for taking the time to register your views about road pricing on the Downing Street website. This petition was posted shortly before we published the Eddington Study, an independent review of Britain's transport network. This study set out long-term challenges and options for our transport network. It made clear that congestion is a major problem to which there is no easy answer. One aspect of the study was highlighting how road pricing could provide a solution to these problems and that advances in technology put these plans within our reach. Of course it would be 10 years or more before any national scheme was technologically, never mind politically, feasible. That is the backdrop to this issue. As my response makes clear, this is not about imposing "stealth taxes" or introducing "Big Brother" surveillance. This is a complex subject, which cannot be resolved without a thorough investigation of all the options, combined with a full and frank debate about the choices we face at a local and national level. That's why I hope this detailed response will address your concerns and set out how we intend to take this issue forward. I see this e-mail as the beginning, not the end of the debate, and the links below provide an opportunity for you to take it further. But let me be clear straight away: we have not made any decision about national road pricing. Indeed we are simply not yet in a position to do so. We are, for now, working with some local authorities that are interested in establishing local schemes to help address local congestion problems. Pricing is not being forced on any area, but any schemes would teach us more about how road pricing would work and inform decisions on a national scheme. And funds raised from these local schemes will be used to improve transport in those areas. One thing I suspect we can all agree is that congestion is bad. It's bad for business because it disrupts the delivery of goods and services. It affects people's quality of life. And it is bad for the environment. That is why tackling congestion is a key priority for any government. Congestion is predicted to increase by 25% by 2015. This is being driven by economic prosperity. There are six million more vehicles on the road now than in 1997, and predictions are that this trend will continue. Part of the solution is to improve public transport, and to make the most of the existing road network. We have more than doubled investment since 1997, spending £2.5bn this year on buses and over £4bn on trains - helping to explain why more people are using them than for decades. And we're committed to sustaining this investment, with over £140bn of investment planned between now and 2015. We're also putting a great deal of effort into improving traffic flows - for example, over 1,000 Highways Agency traffic officers now help to keep motorway traffic moving. But all the evidence shows that improving public transport and tackling traffic bottlenecks will not by themselves prevent congestion getting worse. So we have a difficult choice to make about how we tackle the expected increase in congestion. This is a challenge that all political leaders have to face up to, and not just in the UK. For example, road-pricing schemes are already in operation in Italy, Norway and Singapore, and others, such as the Netherlands, are developing schemes. Towns and cities across the world are looking at road pricing as a means of addressing congestion. One option would be to allow congestion to grow unchecked. Given the forecast growth in traffic, doing nothing would mean that journeys within and between cities would take longer, and be less reliable. I think that would be bad for businesses, individuals and the environment. And the costs on us all will be real - congestion could cost an extra £22bn in wasted time in England by 2025, of which £10bn to £12bn would be the direct cost on businesses. A second option would be to try to build our way out of congestion. We could, of course, add new lanes to our motorways, widen roads in our congested city centres, and build new routes across the countryside. Certainly in some places new capacity will be part of the story. That is why we are widening the M25, M1 and M62. But I think people agree that we cannot simply build more and more roads, particularly when the evidence suggests that traffic quickly grows to fill any new capacity. Tackling congestion in this way would also be extremely costly, requiring substantial sums to be diverted from other services such as education and health, or increases in taxes. If I tell you that one mile of new motorway costs as much as £30m, you'll have an idea of the sums this approach would entail. That is why I believe that at least we need to explore the contribution road pricing can make to tackling congestion. It would not be in anyone's interests, especially those of motorists, to slam the door shut on road pricing without exploring it further. It has been calculated that a national scheme - as part of a wider package of measures - could cut congestion significantly through small changes in our overall travel patterns. But any technology used would have to give definite guarantees about privacy being protected - as it should be. Existing technologies, such as mobile phones and pay-as-you-drive insurance schemes, may well be able to play a role here, by ensuring that the government doesn't hold information about where vehicles have been. But there may also be opportunities presented by developments in new technology. Just as new medical technology is changing the NHS, so there will be changes in the transport sector. Our aim is to relieve traffic jams, not create a "Big Brother" society. I know many people's biggest worry about road pricing is that it will be a "stealth tax" on motorists. It won't. Road pricing is about tackling congestion. Clearly if we decided to move towards a system of national road pricing, there could be a case for moving away from the current system of motoring taxation. This could mean that those who use their car less, or can travel at less congested times, in less congested areas, for example in rural areas, would benefit from lower motoring costs overall. Those who travel longer distances at peak times and in more congested areas would pay more. But those are decisions for the future. At this stage, when no firm decision has been taken as to whether we will move towards a national scheme, stories about possible costs are simply not credible, since they depend on so many variables yet to be investigated, never mind decided. Before we take any decisions about a national pricing scheme, we know that we have to have a system that works. A system that respects our privacy as individuals. A system that is fair. I fully accept that we don't have all the answers yet. That is why we are not rushing headlong into a national road-pricing scheme. Before we take any decisions there would be further consultations. The public will, of course, have their say, as will Parliament. We want to continue this debate, so that we can build a consensus around the best way to reduce congestion, protect the environment and support our businesses. If you want to find out more, please visit the attached links to more detailed information, and which also give opportunities to engage in further debate. Yours sincerely, Tony Blair.”

fortwo

davidallen — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 09:19:16 +0000

smart and brabus

fortwo

davidallen — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 09:20:29 +0000

smart and brabus

Smart gets the Brabus treatment

davidallen — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 09:21:25 +0000

Smart the car that you either love or hate, has had quite a few face lifts since its conception, but the latest has to be the ultimate face lift by the ultimate car face lift company Brabus.

Expected at the forth coming Geneva Motor Show, Brabus will be taking along the two versions of the Smart Fortwo, the Fortwo Brabus and Fortwo Brabus Xclusive. As you would expect this is not just a cosmetic upgrade when Brabus work on a car they really go to town. The engine will deliver 98 brake horse power from the three cylinders, which is 103 ft-lbs of torque, this is the absolute maximum for the engine, so with the accelerator down the floor, the engine will be revving at 5500 rpm, these figures do not sound that impressive, but when you consider that this is a small car which weighs in at only 1700 lbs, then the figures take on a whole new perspective. To complete the sports package the exhaust has been upgraded to a sports system, along with the suspension, front spoiler, side skirts, tinted headlights, wheels and fog lights which completes the package for mechanical and exterior work.

Inside the cars are getting the Brabus treatment too, with gear knob, pedals, hand brake handle, heated seats, and new design three spoke steering wheel that comes with gear changing paddle shifters, and one major change, the Smart Fortwos as with the other cars in the range are always two tone, but with the Brabus special editions come in just two colors, all black or all silver. Product Page [Brabus Smart Fortwo]

MasMC12

davidallen — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 07:09:51 +0000

GT Champs

MasMC12

davidallen — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 07:14:32 +0000

GT Champs

MasMC12

davidallen — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 07:15:24 +0000

GT Champs

fia

davidallen — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 07:16:25 +0000

fia

Six cars for Maserati in the FIA GT World Championship

davidallen — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 07:18:51 +0000

Reigning world champions will boost their chances of retaining the 2007 title by entering a massive six cars in this years FIA GT World Championship, the first race will be held in China at the Zuhai circuit which is the only purpose built track in China, and the season starts on the 25^th March.

The six cars will be divided between three teams, Vitaphone racing team is the team who will need to defend their the drivers crown and manufacturers title, but with two other teams competing with the same equipment the results will be down to team work, which will open up the possibilities of an exciting season. The teams Playteam Sara Free The Playteam Sara Free team has been the ultimate team in the last two seasons of the GT championships in Italy, Spain and Europe. In the Italian GT Championship, the MC12, driven by Giannoccaro/Vilander, was awarded the drivers' title thanks to twelve successes and two second positions in eight seasonal rounds. The team, has hired the official Maserati test driver, Andrea Bertolini, and uses Pirelli tyres and Shell lubricants. Vitaphone Racing Team After its debut in 2004 in the FIAT GT Series, the German team won its first two team titles thanks to the performance of the MC12 in 2005 and thanks to perfect organisation in the pit lane. After two consecutive triumphs in the 24 Hours of Spa (2005 and 2006), the Vitaphone Racing Team saw Andrea Bertolini and Michael Bartels as winners of the drivers' title in 2006. This also contributed to Maserati's success in the GT1 Constructors Cup in 2005. JMB Racing Team This team from the Principality of Monaco has been taking part in the FIA GT from 1997. In 2005, when JMB participated in the championship with the MC12, the team registered their first record in terms of points, 114, and that won them second place in the team classification and tt contributed to Maserati's success in the GT1 Constructors Cup in 2005. The Maserati MC12. Chassis: Carbon fibre Length: 4995 mm Width: 2096 mm Height: 1167 mmV Gauge Front wheel rings: 12J/12.5J/13.J - 18"V Rear wheel rings: 13J/13.5J - 18" Tyres: Pirelli Pzero Front: 14" X 18" max Rear: 14" X 18" max Tank: Rubber Capacity: 99 litres Weight in movement: 1100 kg Engine Compression ratio: Not available Suction: Limited, by cable, 12 throttles Maximum power: Not available Maximum torque: Not available Injection: Marelli MR 5 Engine weight: 205 kg Lubricants: Shell Gearbox: Manual sequential 6 gears + reverse Gearbox and differential weight: 70 kg Differential: Self-blocking with clutches Clutch Type: Push - Carbon Diameter: 140 mm (5,5 inch) Weight: 5 kg Brakes Type: Brembo callipers Messier Bugatti carbon disks Diameter: 380/330 Thickness: 28 mm Brake callipers: Brembo with 6 pistons Brake pads: Various kinds Suspension: Triangular arms superimposed with sprag Steering box: Servo assisted 2007 Season Schedule 25/03/2007 Zhuhai 06/05/2007 Silverstone 20/05/2007 Bucharest 24/06/2007 Monza 08/07/2007 Oschersleben 29/07/2007 Spa-Francorchamps 08/09/2007 Adria 23/09/2007 Brno 30/09/2007 Nogaro 21/10/2007 Zolder

buyout

davidallen — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 08:27:27 +0000

management

buyout

davidallen — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 08:28:22 +0000

management

$100K for Chrysler Workers

davidallen — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 08:30:14 +0000

Workers at Daimler Chrysler AG’s Chrysler Group have been offered up to $100K by the company as it tries to shed nearly 9000 jobs in the USA, the jobs to go are those who are paid hourly, the management of Chrysler have offered a $70K early retirement package, but clearly there are certain requirements that the employees have to meet in order to qualify for this payout, there is a buyout package being put onto the table for those who do not qualify for the early retirement which is the $100K that is being spoken about.

It will be difficult for Chrysler to reach their goal of 9000 job cuts within the parameters that have given, so it is believed that should they take up figures be below the said amount, then the offer may be offered to all of the company’s 50,000 hourly paid employees. However there has already been some disconcerted employees who feel that the offers are not equal across the board, in some cases there has been offers of car vouchers to some salaried and some Canadian based employees, this is causing some questions of equality that cannot be helping the matter I any way.

The employees have some very hard choices to make, on the one hand they have the opportunity to retire early which for some people would be good news, but for those who do not qualify for the early retirement packages, they can take the money and run, but then they may not be able to find any more work, so in the long term the money will not make up the difference, it is not an enviable position to be in at all. The offer will go out in March and will stay active from April through to December.

carsales

davidallen — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 09:37:05 +0000

avoid buying mistakes

carsales

davidallen — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 09:38:02 +0000

avoid buying mistakes

How to avoid making mistakes when buying a car

davidallen — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 09:38:42 +0000

There is formula around that governs sales, it determines how we will buy, what we will buy, and most crucially how much we will be paying for it, unfortunately it appears that nearly always the only person who knows this is the salesperson, why? Well it is simple really, anybody who has contemplated a career in sales would know that before a salesperson is allowed to get within a mile of a customer, they need to undergo sales training, this involves manipulating potential customers into customers who have bought the complete package, like car, insurance, finance, number plates and warranty etc., in most cases the customer would have spent twice as much as they expected to, so what are the eight most common mistakes, that car buyers make?

Well according to Marshall Loeb, former editor of Fortune, Money, and The Columbia Journalism Review, writes "Your Dollars" exclusively for Market Watch.

The eight biggest mistakes that car buyers make are;

Being pressured to act. It's OK to move at your own pace -- don't let yourself get bullied into buying before you're ready. When you do put down a deposit, use a credit card instead of writing a check. You'll have more protection if there is something fishy with the dealer.

Taking dealers at their word. Are you offered free oil changes or other perks? Get them in writing. Don't settle on just a verbal agreement -- have it written into the contract.

Financing for longer than 48 months. If you settle for a long-term loan, you're likely going to pay a higher interest rate. And if the car is stolen, wrecked or you just want to trade it in early, you'll probably owe more than it's worth.

Buying unnecessary extras. You'll be offered all sorts of "important" extras such as VIN glass etching, fabric protection or extended service. They can get expensive and you probably won't even need or use them.

Opting for dealer financing without shopping around. Don't just go for the dealer's rate. Do some research on the current loan rates and look for good offers from banks, on-line sources or credit unions.

Not negotiating a lease price. You can bargain for a lease price just as you would if you were buying the car.

Leasing because you can't afford to buy. It's true that you'll have a lower monthly payment, but you'll probably pay a much higher finance charge. At the end of the lease period, you won't even own the car. If you are strapped for cash, consider buying a used car instead.

Talking about trade-ins early in the process. Wait to mention your old car trade-in until after you've completed your negotiations on the new one.

Read [Market Watch]

fiat abarth

davidallen — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 06:32:48 +0000

fiat looking to launch abarth brand

fiat abarth

davidallen — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 06:33:53 +0000

fiat looking to launch abarth brand

fiat abarth

davidallen — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 06:34:37 +0000

fiat looking to launch abarth brand

Fiat to re launch the Abarth Brand.

davidallen — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 06:37:25 +0000

The world famous Abarth company which was formed by Carlo Abarth way back in 1949, developed sports classics from the Fiat range and ran highly successful race teams that competed both in track and rally events around the world, famous for its scorpion logo the team became legendary and were faithful to the logo, small and deadly fast. The Abarth name had disappeared for a while, like many brands the company faded away. But now Italy’s most famous small car company has decided that the is right to bring the marque back out of retirement and let them do their stuff on the new Fiat Grande Punto Abarth, which will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show this week.

Not only that it would appear that Abarth will be running its own racing teams once again, competing in both track and rally events, and will be preparing racing and rally cars for customer teams to use in the many different racing series, one make series and rally events worldwide. Plus there is the potential for the merchandising operation to begin with a wide range of products as the other teams do, so this is not just a revamp for the sake of it, this is a major marketing push, backed by Fiat who know a thing or two about motor sport and marketing.

The Fiat Grande Punto Abarth, will be powered by a 1.4 ltr Turbo charged engine, which will give up to 150 bhp, however there is the potential for more power with the addition of a booster kit which will increase the power output to around 180 bhp, for comparison the an early version of the car, was the Fiat 500 which in its time, 1957, would offer just a mere 13 bhp at nearly 4000 rpm, with a top speed of 53 mph, yet after the Abarth treatment the car had a massive 20 bhp at 5000 rpm and reached the dizzy heights of almost 73 mph, so it is very clear to see the difference that the Abarth treatment can have on a car, we can only wait and see what the final specifications will be and how many races the teams will be entering in 2007/2008. Source [Auto Express]

bugatti

davidallen — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 07:37:03 +0000

bugatti crash

bugatti

davidallen — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 07:37:42 +0000

bugatti crash

The most expensive crash ever? Maybe!

davidallen — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 07:41:29 +0000

There have been many pictures of totalled high performance cars, but they were only of Lambos, Ferraris and Porsches, so it comes as no big surprise that when a £850K about ($1.5M) car has an accident on a nice quiet country road in England, that it becomes a national news headline.

The car a Bugatti Veyron is reputably the fastest and of course most expensive production car on the roads today, it has a top speed of around 225 mph (James May on Top Gear proved that one) and has a price tag which starts at around £850,000 or $1,500,000 depending on where your bank account is located.

This particular Bugatti was actually hired, just to make it even more interesting, and despite what the initial stories said, the car was being driven by a woman. She had hired it for the day at a cost of around £20,000 nearly $40,000, the car was being driven at about 100 mph, when it hit a Vauxhall Astra, a pregnant woman who was in the Astra, was admitted to hospital for tests but has been allowed home.

The Bugatti Veyron is named after the French racing driver Pierre Veyron, who won the Le Mans 24 Hours in 1939 for the original Bugatti company. The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 specification. Manufacturer Bugatti Automobiles SAS Production 2006 – 300 cars Predecessor Bugatti EB110 Class Supercar Body style 2-door Mid-4WD coupé Engine 8.0 L quad-turbo W16 Transmission 7-speed dual clutch sequential manual Wheelbase 2710 mm (106.3 in) Length 4462 mm (175.8 in) Width 1998 mm (78.7 in) Height 1206 mm (47.5 in) Curb weight 1888 kg (4162 lb) Similar Koenigsegg CCX, Pagani Zonda, Enzo Ferrari, Saleen S7, Edonis Top Speed 253.2 mph. Product Page [Bugatti Cars] Source [United Press]

aston

davidallen — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 07:53:12 +0000

aston martin

daverichards

davidallen — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 07:59:35 +0000

David Richards - ProDrive

Big names decide the fate of Aston Martin

davidallen — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 08:00:27 +0000

Aston Martin has over the years been on a roller coaster, there were times when it was feared that the high performance luxury car would not survive, especially in the bad times when they were only producing forty odd cars in a year, yet since American car giant ford bought the majority holding in the company twenty years ago, there has been a remarkable turnaround and now from its ultra hi tech plant based at a former airbase in Warwickshire, where the production has increased to around seven thousand cars a year.

Ford who have to be credited with the turn around have been looking to sell their stake in Aston Martin for a while now, and as to be expected there have been many suggestions of who may be in the frame for buying the company and what it would mean for the company, the car and the employees. Ford appear to be looking towards their home market, especially after suffering a huge $12 bn loss last year, which is the largest in the companies history.

The main contender that has emerged is Pro-Drive a company created around twenty years ago by motor sport entrepreneur David Richards, who just happens to run the Aston Martin racing team and who is due to enter a team into Formula One for the season of 2008. David Richards is heading up a consortium of investors from around the world, so with the right financial backing and the knowledge and experience of David Richards and his team, the future for Aston Martin would look very secure indeed.

Although there has been no formal acknowledgement that there is a deal in the pipeline, it is believed that there have been several meetings and that there will be an announcement any time soon, meaning either today or sometime over the weekend. This would be a great time to make the announcement for Pro-Drive as the following weekend is the start of the 2007 Formula One season in Melbourne, Australia. So there will be plenty of talk around the paddock as to the make up of the new team that Pro-Drive will be putting together for next season. Product Page [Ford] Product Page [Aston Martin] Product Page [Pro-Drive]

carpark

davidallen — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 08:19:00 +0000

carpark

davidallen — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 08:19:35 +0000

carpark

100K GBP Worth of Cars Go Missing at Gatwick Airport, UK

davidallen — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 08:20:42 +0000

The unofficial Gatwick airport car parking firm Pink, Greet and Meet, have lost three of their clients cars a £50,000 Range Rover, a £30,000 Mercedes and a £25,000 Alfa Romeo, the vehicle owners who are believed to be still abroad are expecting upon their return to pick up their keys and drive off home, unfortunately this will not be the case and they have no idea. This matter has only come to light simply because the car parking company, Pink, Meet and Greet have actually gone out of business and the first thing that anyone knew of this was when a box containing all the keys to their customers cars was dumped at the offices of BAA the airports owners, who are in the process of tracking down the owners of the vehicles and reuniting them with their keys and cars. However there have been problems, because people have been contacting the car parking firm brought in by BAA to sort the mess out, only to find that there are no records of their car ever being with Pink, Meet and Greet.

Further to this, there are some other serious concerns, many people leave their home keys on the same key ring as their cars, so there is an added worry for people who return from being away, and who feel that they have left their cars in safe hands, only to return to find that their car is missing and that their home may have been at risk too. The Police are now involved in the case of the three missing vehicles and they are being treated as being stolen, however this just goes to show that by shopping around to save a few pounds is a great thing but people need to weigh up the pros and cons of the deal that they are getting, Pink, Greet and Meet were an unofficial airport car parking service, the company which has now ceased trading, recently featured on the BBC's Watchdog program where the car that they handed over to them was tracked and driven around at high speeds and parked in the street, so it does pay to research thoroughly, as there are always signs to look for.

Source [LSE]

carphone

davidallen — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 08:23:53 +0000

carphone

davidallen — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 08:24:22 +0000

carphone

You can now speak to the car in front

davidallen — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 08:25:05 +0000

As if there are not enough distractions when driving, a company called Same Lane have developed a system that will enable people to talk to each other while out driving, nothing new in that! No there isn't but imagine being able to pick up the phone and call up anyone that you want to, maybe the is a nice looking blonde in the Porsche in front, or perhaps there is an elderly chap driving at 20 mph, you could in theory call him up and tell him to get a move on or pull over. This may seem to be extreme or even a bit over the top, maybe it is but as the social disease known as road rage is on the increase this may be just another tool to the road ragers armoury.

Same Lane, has developed this software for what they call “Casual Socialising” which is the same sort of thing as talking to a stranger while sitting on a train, bus or plane, which is fine, but begin in a car on your own and getting a phone call from a perfect stranger is slightly different and can be threatening.

What happens is a user signs up for the service, they get a sticker that has the Same Lane phone number on it, this can then be placed some where prominent like the back window, another driver can then call the number, give Same Lane the number plate of the car being driven by the person that you would to speak to and then you get through to the driver of the car in front, it is that simple, no sign up is necessary, you only need to register with Same Lane if you wish to receive calls, not to make them. The company insist that the phone numbers are kept private, because they user pseudo phone numbers for the connection. Calls are free to receive and are charged at $1.99 per minute to make a call to a Same Lane member. Product Page [Same Lane]

bh

davidallen — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 11:28:59 +0000

bh

davidallen — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 11:29:51 +0000

bh

davidallen — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 11:30:44 +0000

Hyundai to introduce new top of the range model

davidallen — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 11:32:13 +0000

Hyundai have for a long time been moving along the outside edges of the prestige car market, with the Equus they have some measured success, but nothing much to shout out about. After going back to the drawing board those clever designers in Korea have been working hard and they have come up with the BH, this is going to be Hyundai answer to Lexus.

The company are going to have a seriously hard time trying to convince die hard Mercedes, Lexus and BMW fans to not only switch over to driving a Hyundai, but to also pay out the estimated $30,000+ for the trouble. The guys at Hyundai find themselves in a very similar situation to Toyota and Nissan (Datsun) found themselves in the 1970’s and 1980’s but now the companies and their products are well established within the automotive industry.

The BH is expected to be officially launched in April at the New York Motor Show, and will sport two types of engine, the entry level is a 3.8 Liter V6, this is expected to be around the price of $30K and the 4.6 liter V8, which will have the price tag of around $40K, forgetting the European cars for the moment, the main target for the BH has to be the Lexus, which is still a lot more expensive, but the Lexus has the added benefit of being around for a while, people have got used to the name and in some cases probably do not even associate it with Toyota any more, Hyundai on the other hand have a ground to make up and a lot of convincing to do, it is going to be extremely hard to establish the BH into the marketplace which is dominated by Mercedes, BMW, Lexus and other popular makes. Source [GM Inside News]

vw

davidallen — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 08:00:37 +0000

vw

davidallen — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 08:02:19 +0000

New VW Golf for 2008

davidallen — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 08:07:02 +0000

Having just got used to the Mark V VW Golf, which has been around for some months in Europe, but has only recently begun to arrive in the US, VW are already planning the Mark VI which it is thought to be a substantially different to the current model and in fact the whole Golf ideal, but is this a good thing? VW had virtually created the “hot hatch” marketplace when they introduced the VW Golf GTI Mark One, so is it wise to mess with something that has really established the Golf as a mid sized car that appeals to so many different car buyers simply because of the range of choice, at the moment there are seven models starting with the “S” (£12K or $23K) and leading up to the top of the range “R32” (£26K or $50K) which gives the Golf a range of customers that come from across the board.

In an attempt the cut production costs, VW will probably reduce the amount of choice in models and in engines, this will help production and save money at the save time as they will not need to develop to many new systems and lose out on production simply because they are making to many different models which in turn will reduce the amount of cars in each category they can make. The new designs will mainly focus on slight body modifications, and the integration of more technology into the car dashboard, like the possibility of an iPod jack and communications such as Bluetooth and Satellite Navigations systems, these are the most desirable extras now days, so it is only practical to include them into the buying package.

It is believed that the new VW Golf Mark VI will be designed, built and ready for the open road by the third quarter of 2008, which in car terms is well ahead of the schedule expected considering that they have only just started arriving in the states, it would appear that VW have been forced to move their plans forward maybe by a couple of years, for some reason or other, but there has been much speculation about the future of VW over the past year or so, which would account for them bringing forward this model in order to save money and therefore make the whole company stronger for years to come. Source [Automobile Mag]

fiat500

davidallen — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 10:18:30 +0000

fiat500

davidallen — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 10:19:22 +0000

fiat500

davidallen — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 10:20:05 +0000

fiat500

The all new Fiat 500 finally re-launched

davidallen — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 10:21:09 +0000

The most impressive small car to ever hit the streets is due to return later on in the year, the Fiat 500 ridiculed by some and loved by others has been given the Fiat treatment, and it has to said is looking good.

Way back in the fifties the very first Fiat 500 was produced, this little Italian became an icon for style, chic and most importantly fun, designed by the mighty FIAT at their centre in Turin, the original Fiat 500 was first put on show on the 4^th July 1957, the all new Fiat 500 will also be put on show for the first in Turin on the 4^th July 2007, exactly fifty years to the day, what a way to celebrate an anniversary.

The new Fiat 500 will of course be slightly different to its predecessor, the car will be powered by three different engines, the 1.3-litre Multi jet turbo diesel engine with 75 ps, the 1.2 8v engine with 69 ps and the 1.4 16v engine with 100 ps. All will be coupled with 5 or 6-speed manual gearboxes. But being Fiat they just could not produce a new car without the addition of a sporty Abarth version, and true to form there will be an Abarth version of the Fiat 500, but there is no news of what will power it, however by looking at the current range of Fiat model it is not hard to see which engine would be the favourite, the Bravo 1.4 engine which once been given the Abarth treatment would produce some pretty impressive power results.

Once this car has been shown at the motor shows and there are a few on the road, I think it fair to say that the new Fiat 500 is going to take some beating, it is fun and it is very stylish typically Fiat which will probably secure the company's domination of the small car market for some time to come. Source [Fiat 500]

Road Tripping Guide

Ryan — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 16:07:47 +0000

I'm truckin'... like the doodah man. You may recall David Allen's earlier coverage of Same Lane, the company that allows you to make live phone calls from one car to the another vehicle in front of you. A recent article by VroomVroomVroom introduces a related technology called PL8SCAN which allows you to text-message registered users by calling their license plate number as they drive past. I’m not exactly sure of the logistics of the technology, as I imagine that texting while driving isn't the safest way to go. (Even where justified, when someone who just cut you off and "needs a lesson" in manners). But if you have passsengers, they could be the ones to text message. (Also check out the website Platewire, which lets you report the license plates of bad/rude drivers.) In addition to PL8SCAN, the geek's driving logistics article covers another 25 resources and applications, some web 2.0, all of which contribute to planning a great road trip. Vroom’s article will provide those of you with a lust for the road with a lot of new planning tools to help you shave time off your trip and enjoy yourself to the fullest.

vw

davidallen — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 07:06:35 +0000

herbie

vw

davidallen — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 07:07:15 +0000

herbie

Its good to see “Herbie” back on the track

davidallen — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 07:08:09 +0000

Today at Oulton Park race track in Cheshire, UK, spectators will be able to see the return of probably the most famous VW beetle in the history of motor sport, Herbie.

The car has been painted white, has the famous red and blue stripe running along the bodywork and of course in keeping with the tradition that is Herbie, sports the number 53, which the car from the films has always had. The does have a slightly more powerful engine though, a 2.8 litre V6, it amazing that it actually fits into the car! The car will be competing in the VW Racing Cup, but unlike the car in the film, this Herbie actually requires a driver, so who better than former motorcycle racer, 42 year old Steve Chaplin to take control of the wheel. Who upon deciding to enter into the VW racing cup realised that there would only be one choice of livery for the car and it had to be Herbie, and it is surprising that nobody has done it before, the car which is really a great updated version of the original car, is really stunning to look at, and for the spectator point of view to have a car that is so famous driving around the circuit has to be good for the sport and of course for the team itself, what ever the outcome the car is bound to get some great publicity.

The VW racing cup starts at Oulton Park today with rounds one and two being contested this will be followed by five other race days, all will be holding two rounds of the competition which will finish up at the Rockingham Race Track in Northamptonshire, with a total of twelve rounds in all. Source [Crash] More Information [VW Racing Cup]

topgear

davidallen — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 09:05:06 +0000

us to get topgear

topgear

davidallen — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 09:05:46 +0000

us to get topgear

topgear

davidallen — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 09:06:19 +0000

us to get topgear

BBC may take “Top Gear” to the USA

davidallen — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 09:09:54 +0000

The premier car show Top Show may shortly have a sister show that is made especially for for the US market, currently viewers in the states can see the UK version of the show, but because the show is mainly directed at the UK market, it really has little interest to the Americans unless there is a feature that involve the US, American cars or cars that sell in the US.

The sister show will still be hosted by the UK shows current presenters Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May, which is fantastic because unlike the US viewers, fans from the UK will love to see the show, especially if it is as good as the episode when the guys travelled from Florida to New Orleans in the last series, the Americans will not know what's hit them and it will be so funny when the guys get deported.

The plans are in the early stages yet, but one thing has come out, where there will be a race between some US stars and the shows test driver “The Stig” not that we will know if it is the real Stig or not! Like many other UK shows that venture across the Atlantic, the will most defiantly be some language problems, especially the way Jeremy Clarkson has with speaking his mind, the very thought of it is making me laugh!

Top Gear first hit the screens way back in 1978, the show was slightly different then to the way it is presented now, with the last episode of the last series having an audience of around eight million, for us in the UK, we only have to wait until the Autumn (That's the “Fall”) until the new series comes out, maybe by then there will be some more information on the US series. Source [BBC News]

tata

davidallen — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 08:33:17 +0000

tatacar

tata

davidallen — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 08:33:48 +0000

tatacar

A new car for under $3,000, is this possible?

davidallen — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 08:34:45 +0000

There is a real effort going on to design, build and bring to the marketplace a car that will cost less than $3,000, this is no joke or marketing scam to get potential buyers interested who later find out that their $3,000 only pays for the body and the rest are optional extras, this is the real deal.

The car giant Renault-Nissan is taking this very seriously as they opened a new plant in India they announced that there would be a future model that touched the $2,500 figure, this free fall to the bottom end of the car market has begun because of the Indian auto maker TATA have for some time been working on a sub $3,000 car and if all accounts are correct this car will be ready to go on sale as early as next year and will have a starting price tag of $2,500, unbelievably as it may seem.

The move by just two large auto manufacturers could actually change the whole car marketplace, this is very similar to the ideas of both Ford with the Model T and VW with the peoples cars the Beetle, should a car become available for a mere £2,500 there will be a massive increase in vehicle ownership, obviously these cars are not going to compete with the other cars in that market segment but there will be people willing to sacrifice something in order to buy a brand new car for such a low price, it will be very interesting to see how this develops and most of all how the car stands up to the critical eye of the public. I'll have four please! Source [Business Week]

pope

davidallen — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 07:51:05 +0000

popecar

pope

davidallen — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 07:51:45 +0000

popecar

pope

davidallen — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 07:52:21 +0000

popecar

The Popes car was for sale on eBay!

davidallen — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 07:54:12 +0000

Ordinarily the sale of a car through auction site eBay would not really warrant the attention, yet here we are talking about an old VW Golf that has been on sale for a couple of weeks, the car is a 1999 VW Golf there is no indication as to what model or to what it uses as fuel, I could hazard a guess but that would just be in bad taste.

The car is a UK registered vehicle and is still in the country, originally the car is said to have been owned by a person named Joseph Ratzinger who at the time was a cardinal, he of course is better known these days as Pope Benedict XVI, and there is documentation to support this. The car was obtained by a Benjamin Halbe who upon receiving the document realised that the former keeper was his holiness, so naturally he put it onto the eBay and promptly sold it for $216,000 back in May 2005, there is no word on how much he paid for it, but I am suspecting that he made a fair profit out of the deal.

New owners the casino group Golden Palace put the car back up for sale on eBay a couple weeks ago and on Saturday the auctioned ended, over the period that the car was on sale for the pages had over 195,000 hits, yet the bidding it is believed, did not reach the reserve price with the highest bid being only a mere $200,000, well guys you have to allow for some depreciation!

As the car is located in the UK, the sellers had announced that 40% of the proceeds from the sale, would go to a charity called Habitat for Humanity of Great Britain, we will have to wait and see if there is a winning bid and what will be planned next for the VW Golf, that was once driven by the Pope, Oh! If only cars could talk! Source [North County Times]

vw285

davidallen — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 07:40:03 +0000

vw285mpg

vw285

davidallen — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 07:40:29 +0000

vw285mpg

VW may be bringing back the 285 mpg car

davidallen — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 07:41:28 +0000

It was a few years going when VW presented the world with the concept car that would be able to get 285 miles to a single gallon of fuel, amazingly as it may seem! Back a few years when this car came out, everything appeared to be visionary, and as we all know the cars that appear as a concept very rarely appear as a regular car, this is normally down to the viability of the design and of course the cost.

Now it appears that the costs of building the car has come down to a reasonable figure which in turn means that building the car is now a real possibility, so will we all be driving around in cars that would only need a gallon of fuel of so for the whole week, possibly but by then the price of the fuel would probably be twenty times the cost that it is now days. The concept car which has a one cylinder 299 cc diesel engine and weighs in at under 300 kilos, was tested when it was driven from the VW plant in Wolfsburg to a shareholders meeting in Hanover, it was during this journey that the fantastic figure of 285 mile to a gallon of fuel was actually achieved.

Of course should this car go into production it is very unlikely to look like the original car, for one thing there are many changes to the law regarding safety features etc, but there is a growing interest in cars and other vehicles that can run on little amounts fuel, alternative fuels or a combination of the two, so we can expect to be seeing a lot more concept cars being shown at car shows that can offer a high mpg and are made from recycled light weight materials. Source [Channel Four News]

china show

davidallen — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 07:31:40 +0000

shanghai auto show

z9

davidallen — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 07:33:12 +0000

Top brands flock to the Shanghai Auto Show

davidallen — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 07:34:20 +0000

It seems that the popularity of the Chinese auto market just gets bigger by the day, for the top car manufacturers china is the growth market and perhaps that is why they are all taking no chances at this years Shanghai Auto Show which opens on Sunday (22^nd April).

Among the home grown cars to be shown are that of the Nanjing Automobile Group who bought the Rover and MG motor companies and Shanghai Automotive Industries Corp, who plan to show off a new sedan style car which is powered by fuel cell technology and is said to be able to reach a top speed of almost 93 mph. There will be news coming out before the show actually opens, because there are “Press Days” on Friday and Saturday, this will enable all the new and concept models to get an extra bit of pre show publicity, like the BMW Z9 a concept version of the companies sports car, although this is a concept car it is believed that the Z9 is not too far away from the car that will become the competitor for Mercedes and Audi market.

Why is this event so important to the major brands? Well it is simple, china is now the second largest vehicle market in the world, the number one being the US, with around 7.2 million vehicles being sold last year, which is a rise of around 25% on the previous year, quite an incredible turnaround considering that is was not that long ago when china was considered to be the bicycle capital of the world. Source [The Age] More Details PDF [Auto Shanghai] Show Details [Auto Shanghai]

audi

davidallen — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 06:33:48 +0000

audi cross coupe

audi

davidallen — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 06:34:27 +0000

audi cross coupe

audi

davidallen — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 06:34:53 +0000

audi cross coupe

Audi to show new crossover at Shanghai

davidallen — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 06:36:08 +0000

The era of the crossover is nowhere near over, and to see the new Audi Cross Coupe Quattro you would have to believe that they are here for good. A blend of sports, four wheel drive and a versatile family vehicle, this car is a true Audi the engineering stands out as you would expect from this company, and it appears that they have paid attention to every single detail, which is why this car just oozes class.

Being an Audi naturally this car is a high gloss silver, the colour that is to Audi as red is to Ferrari. But unlike the Ferrari the Quattro is the sort of car that car and should be used every day, it is built for all road conditions and with those massive 20” wheels it would neither snow or thick mud would give this car any resistance, this is the beauty of the crossover, not the best of both worlds, it is the best of all worlds, being at home on a school run or following a cross country run, the Audi would make easy work of either.

The power comes from a four cylinder in-line 2.0 TDI engine, this is fitted in the transverse manner, which gives more leg room for less body, and although the power plant can deliver over 200 bhp, it is believed that a mere six litres of diesel fuel will power this car for over 100 km's, which will please those who want a fuel efficient high end car.

Basically what Audi have done is built a beautiful car that has everything that anyone is ever going to need, sport mode, family comfort and off road usability, or it could just be called a jack of all trades. Will we ever see this car on the road? I doubt if we will see this exact car, though there will no doubt be a toned down version offered probably offered as the long awaited Q5! Source [Kicking Tires]

mini

davidallen — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 07:40:50 +0000

mini2

mini

davidallen — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 07:41:19 +0000

mini2

New Mini gets highest score in Euro crash test

davidallen — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 07:42:12 +0000

The new mini 2 from luxury German car giant BMW has been awarded the highest score possible in the Euro NCAP crash test, the five star award was given for the excellent safety measures that the BMW design team have built into the car.

The tests consist of head on and side on impact crashes, yet considering the size of the car the results have been very favourable, meaning that in an pact the occupants of the mini have little or no risk of injury, this is a fantastic result for the car makers. The main tests were, front impact deformation of which the car received 13 out of 16 points, side impact deformation,considered as the most serious for injury, the car was given 16 out of the 18 points available and the one that we always seem to see on the news, the offset frontal crash test, where the car is driven into a solid object, but the impact is only at one of the front corners, this test found that the passenger compartment was maintained.

For families who want to drive a small car the safety aspect is very impressive too, after the test the child safety result was above average, all in all the overall result was a resounding success for BMW and the new Mini 2. First deliveries of the Mini 2 started in the UK in October 2006. The mini had launch engines which included the 1.6-litre petrol Cooper and the turbocharged 1.6-litre Cooper S. However there are plans to introduce a 1.4-litre Mini One will sometime in 2007. All minis except for the convertible come with six air bags. Prices will start around £11,595 for the One, £12,995 for the Cooper and £15,995 for the range-topping Cooper S. Source [Auto Web]

RR

davidallen — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 07:49:03 +0000

Roll Royce Small Car

RR

davidallen — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 07:49:25 +0000

Roll Royce Small Car

Rolls Royce set to build small car

davidallen — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 07:54:24 +0000

Amongst all the hype and very large Yen price tags in Shanghai, the management of Rolls Royce Motors have hinted at the possibility of the company producing a small car, probably even before the end of the decade. However, to a manufacturer like Rolls Royce small may have a slightly different meaning than the rest of us have, I would suspect that their idea of small is probably creating a car to enter the market that is populated by the likes of the Jaguar, Mercedes and BMW top of the range models.

This is a sensible move by a company who pride themselves on luxury and craftsmanship, because this is the same move that Mercedes made when they launched the 190 series of cars, everyone believed that it would never sell, yet now by entering that market actually changed Mercedes for the better.

The company at the moment only builds around 800 cars per year, but with an average price of around £250,000 ($500,000) it is not hard to see how the figures stack up, so if they were to produce a car that was around the price of £70,000 ($140,000) would there be a market for this car? I think so, though of course this is all conjecture at the moment, but never the less is very exciting to think of all those mini Rolls Royce's driving around town. According to sources, the design stages have already finished, so the concept is there and once the space has been made in the factory then we could be seeing the first Rolls Royce concept car for the market very soon, maybe even within a year or so. Source [Reuters]

fiat500

davidallen — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 07:19:47 +0000

fiat500

davidallen — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 07:20:38 +0000

fiat500

davidallen — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 07:21:23 +0000

fiat500

The all new Fiat 500 coming to the states

davidallen — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 07:22:52 +0000

Fiat will be sending to the states the newly designed Fiat 500. The car which is due to be launched some time in July this year is really considered as an iconic Italian small car but in its original form never really managed to crack other markets, but now is the era of the small car and therefore the time is now right for worldwide marketing.

The company are not looking to send the little cars over to the states right away, as they probably need to fill orders for the European market first, so it is believed that the estimated time of arrival for the Fiat 500 will be early 2010 sounds a long way off, but in that time the desire too own the latest little car will grow.

The cars will be built in Poland, where Fiat has had a base for some time. Details of the cars are still in the early stages, but it is believed that one of the models will include a special Arbath version, which will be producing a massive 150 bhp, for such a small car that is something very special indeed.

For Fiat there are exciting times ahead with the launch of the 500, we can expect some exciting media coverage when the car finally hit’s the road. Source [Top Speed]

toyota no1

davidallen — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 06:58:49 +0000

toyota no1

davidallen — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 06:59:19 +0000

toyota no1

Toyota takes the number one spot

davidallen — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 07:00:07 +0000

This has been coming for a while now, but figures for the first quarter of the year confirm Toyota as the number one car company in the world today. Previously the spot had been held by US car giant General Motors, but as we have seen in the past few years the main car manufacturers GM, Ford and Daimler Chrysler have been hit by many factors which are outside of the industry as such and could be said to beyond their direct control.

Toyota have been steadily building towards the top spot and with their decision to go with the green car (Prius) which has proved to be a absolute winner, yet there are those who say that it is not totally the car sales that have helped the company reach this accolade. Many industry insiders believe that because of the Japanese culture, the company has been able to exploit certain areas.

We have seen that benefits to staff in the US have been major headache for the big three, these being mainly health care and pension liabilities, which as whole amounts to a lot of money and thus has an effect on investment in new plants, design and so on, is this true or just an excuse, well it is true that we have heard how expensive employing people in the west is, and in Japan it is different, but we are talking about a global market, the big three do have plants in other countries as do virtually all vehicle makers, the costs and working conditions are favourable and therefore most of the manufacturers are playing on a level playing field. The fact that Toyota have the number one spot does not necessarily mean that they will be holding on to it, in fact the number one spot will probably be seeing many different names over the years to come as the car companies develop a worldwide foothold, and in particular the Chinese market, where we have seen that the luxury end have been showing their cars, yet this market has an even bigger market for small to mid sized cars, this where the sales are going to change the status of all car manufacturers. Source [Business Week]

sat nav

davidallen — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 07:50:49 +0000

sat nav hacked

sat nav

davidallen — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 07:51:27 +0000

sat nav hacked

Can you trust your Sat Nav?

davidallen — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 07:54:34 +0000

Well we have all heard the stories of people being sent the wrong way down one way streets and there are those who have ended up in the middle of nowhere, but just imagine for a minute what would relying on your sat nav would be like if somehow a hacker has managed to get into the system that you are using and change it! Could not happen, well you maybe be surprised.

For some people using sat nav has become a way of life, some people use it virtually all the time no matter where they are going, it may even be just a trip down the road to the shops. This may at first appear to be over the top, but the sat nav is updated to warn users of traffic and road works etc, so by using it would appear to be a sensible move, after all nobody wants to be caught up in long traffic jams etc. Yet it appears that two security experts, Andrea Barisani, chief security engineer for Inverse Path Ltd. and Daniele Bianco, a hardware hacker at Inverse Pathhave, proved that it is most defiantly possible to get into the sat nav system and change the information being shown, now it seems that they have used some very standard equipment that anyone can buy from their local computer store to enter the system and change the data that is on the sat nav system sitting on your dash board.

This frightening revelation will be announced at the CanSecWest a security conference taking place this week in Vancouver this Friday. They will present evidence of a test hack that they managed to breach a system and where able to send messages through the system which would eventually end up being shown on the sat nav in users vehicles, now do you believe what you sat nav is telling you? Source [Top Speed]

McQ's car

davidallen — Tue, 01 May 2007 11:36:09 +0000

Steve McQueens car

McQ's car

davidallen — Tue, 01 May 2007 11:37:49 +0000

Steve McQueens car

250 berlinetta

davidallen — Tue, 01 May 2007 11:51:26 +0000

ferrari 250 berlinetta

250 berlinetta

davidallen — Tue, 01 May 2007 11:51:50 +0000

ferrari 250 berlinetta

Steve McQueen’s Ferrari to be auctioned

davidallen — Tue, 01 May 2007 11:55:03 +0000

Best known for his tough image, actor Steve McQueen was also a collector of rare cars. The car in question is a Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso, which has to said, is one of the Italian sports manufacturer classic cars, and it is said that this is the car that he used on a daily basis.

Steve McQueen had an habit of collecting the cars that were starring in his films, the two most popular being one of the Mustangs for the film Bullit and two of the Porsches from the car racing film LeMans, these were a 917and a 911s, but it is the Ferrari that is the most desirable car, probably because it was his own personal drive and as with many of these cars is believed to have been a personal build, it is this that makes this car so interesting.

The auction is due to take place in August this year, but the car will be on show at various locations across the US before then, the price is expected to reach around $1,000,000, but with an auction it depends on who is there and how much they want the car, so this will be interesting to watch.

The “Lusso” is the luxury car, which really set a precedent for sports cars, leading up to the type high end luxury cars we see now. This particular model has been totally restored to very high standards; in fact some believe that this could actually be the best example of this car in the world today. The auction is being organized by Christies and will be held in Monterey in August. Source [Auto Blog]

porsche

davidallen — Wed, 02 May 2007 11:24:11 +0000

porsche experience

porsche

davidallen — Wed, 02 May 2007 11:24:48 +0000

porsche experience

porsche

davidallen — Wed, 02 May 2007 11:25:22 +0000

porsche experience

Porsche to open UK customer driving experience.

davidallen — Wed, 02 May 2007 11:28:11 +0000

Porsche Cars UK, have been given planning permission to develop a piece of land next to the Silverstone Grand Prix circuit in Northamptonshire.

The centre will be open to customers of the sports car company who wish to gain performance driving experience from instructors on how to handle a high performance car and to cover the safety aspects of driving such an expensive car in many varying conditions. Drivers will also be given help and advice on fitness, stamina and reaction, all qualities needed to be able to drive an high performance car to the max, without the fear of accidents etc. According to Porsche Cars UK, the centre will cover an area of just over 10 hectares and will be situated just outside of the area known as Becket's Corner on the race circuit. Building work is set to begin sometime in the summer of this year and is expected to be fully operational by the same time in 2008!

The plans are to build a spectacular complex of buildings, which will include restaurants, fitness centre and of course the training facilities. The top floor of the main building will have panoramic views of the training centres circuit and of course the Grand Prix circuit itself. The test track will offer the drivers an experience of driving in varying conditions, and can be split into four separate driving areas, depending on what training is taking place at the time or for a longer and more intense driving experience the circuit can be opened up into a 3.1 km track.

Andy Goss, Managing Director, Porsche Cars Great Britain commented: ï¿½The facility at Silverstone is a major investment for Porsche GB and it will allow us to create a unique experience for customers that cannot be bettered in the UK market. It makes perfect sense for us to combine our driving experience activity into one venue and this location is perfect with over 70% of our UK customers being within a two hour drive of the Silverstone area.ï¿½ This is not a totally new innovation, because Porsche Cars UK, have been giving expert driving tuition to over 7,500 of its customers over the past seven years, but the concept of having a purpose built centre is totally new and will give the new car owners and experience to remember. Source [Car Pages]

ferrari passport

davidallen — Thu, 03 May 2007 08:32:20 +0000

ferrari passport

davidallen — Thu, 03 May 2007 08:32:49 +0000

ferrari passport

VIP at Ferrari

davidallen — Thu, 03 May 2007 08:34:03 +0000

Imagine being able to travel to the Ferrari base in Maranello, Italy, walking up to gates and being waved through, check out the cars and drive off in one, no questions asked! Sounds to good to be true? Well you may be pleasantly surprised.

It has come to light that there is such a thing as a Ferrari Passport, yes that is what it is called and means the what it is says. Yet unlike your average passport that has its own value, depending on where it is issued, like the US passport, the must be one of the most desirable in the world for an ordinary person, but should you be a super rich high flyer then Switzerland may be your choice of domicile. But regardless of wealth or fame the Ferrari passport is not given out to just anyone, in fact you really have to be somebody quite special to be even considered for one.

What are benefits of having one? This is obvious, the passport gives the holder complete and total access to anywhere within the Ferrari complex which includes all the restricted places too, imagine being able to walk around there, but even more so you could go up to the car park where the new cars are waiting to be delivered and ask to borrow one, with no questions asked you will be given the keys and off you go. My application has just gone off to the Ferrari Embassy, so hopefully I will be a citizen of Ferrari very soon, what do you think? Source [Auto Blog]

mini

davidallen — Mon, 07 May 2007 07:43:13 +0000

mini2

mini

davidallen — Mon, 07 May 2007 07:43:42 +0000

mini2

Mini Cooper gets the Swarvoski treatment

davidallen — Mon, 07 May 2007 07:44:27 +0000

Just when you thought that there was nothing left to completely cover with the now legendary Swarvoski Crystals, US based company Crystal Art Inc has taken the BMW owned British marque the Mini Cooper and produced a spectacular design named the American Icon. The design which has a symbol of all of the fifty states is made up from over million of the tiny crystals, which from a distance are not really noticeable, but only on closer inspection can the individual crystals be seen.

The project has taken four people nearly six months to complete, and the design has some famous landmarks work into it, they include the Statue of Liberty, The White House, Mount Rushmore, The Hollywood sign, the Space Shuttle and of course naturally the US flag and the symbol of America the Eagle, this a totally innovated piece of work combing art and design.

Anyone wishing to see the car close up can see it at the Jacob Javits Center at the 2007 New York City Auto Show, which is really the only place that this should be shown, as it displays the unique way that cars can be transformed by art, the car will be there on Saturday, April 7th 2007 at 0930 hrs. Should there someone who feels that they would just love to be seen driving this car around their neighborhood, then they would have to pay the price, which is estimated at over a massive one million dollars! Source [Just Elite] http://justelite.blogspot.com/2007/05/mini-features-over-one-million.html

alfa romeo

davidallen — Tue, 08 May 2007 09:33:28 +0000

alfa romeo to the states

alfa romeo

davidallen — Tue, 08 May 2007 09:34:13 +0000

alfa romeo to the states

Alfa Romeo set for return to the states

davidallen — Tue, 08 May 2007 09:34:40 +0000

FIAT the Italian car giant has for a while been looking for a suitable way of getting their sister brand Alfa Romeo into the new car market in the United States. Alfa Romeo has seen a great improvement in the design and style of the cars being produced, especially when compared to those of the 1980’s which see the company plummet to an all time low, those thankfully are long gone and the future is looking much more brighter now.

The vehicle that is to be used for the US launch of the Alfa Romeo brand is that Maserati dealership, the are said to complement themselves, the high end Masarati and small to mid sized Alfa Romeo will be competing for different buyers from different markets, so the competition element is non existent, which makes the partnership very viable indeed, and should prove to be a successful assault on the small sports car market, where there are some very wide spaces left open by the other manufacturers that are just waiting to be filled, can Alfa Romeo do this? It is too early to say, but no doubt they will be giving all they can and with the might of FIAT behind them, there would need to be some drastic problems for this foray to fail.

The problem for a company like FIAT is that they have a wide spread of vehicle, they are about to launch the much talked about FIAT 500, this will take a lot of the shine off of any deal for Alfa Romeo, yet they cannot really go it alone, it is possible that FIAT can over do it all, by bringing out too brands and models within a short time period, can the market sustain this? Only time will tell. Source [Left Lane News]

ferrari

davidallen — Wed, 09 May 2007 08:02:18 +0000

2 year waiting list

Ferrari keeps customers waiting

davidallen — Wed, 09 May 2007 08:04:27 +0000

It has been a long tradition of what is probably the most famous and desirable sports car brand Ferrari to have a waiting list for customers; it is how the business of brand creation started. First you need a high end product, then create desirability by using motor sport and glamorous locations and then offer the product for sale, but with a catch, the price is high so only an elite can afford it, but there is a problem, to the so called elite money is no object, so this creates another problem for the likes of Ferrari how to limit the amount of people driving their exclusive product, the only way is the have a waiting list, this creates the desire within the elite group, and in some cases they are willing to pay a premium in order to get onto the list. But that way of doing business is so yesterday, well in fact it is so last century, today’s elite does not care for waiting lists, they have the money and want the product, like yesterday. For Ferrari this creates a serious dilemma, how to provide their product to the people who want it, without damaging their exclusivity, well this does not matter anymore, Ferrari is desirable brand the work has been done and they are the brand that is wanted. Yet in the US it appears that prospective buyers of new cars are being asked to wait up to two years for delivery which is very dangerous in a marketplace that is moving on so fast, take the Chinese market there are many more super rich people there who have the cash and want the goods now, but with Ferrari only producing around 6,000 cars a year, this is not enough and sooner or later there will be problems for the company if they do not change with the times. It would be a shame to see Ferrari begin to fade, especially after all the good work that they have been doing after the years, but you only need to look at the other super sports car companies like Aston and other top brands, they have found out the hard way about supply and demand. Source [AutoBlog]

gap

davidallen — Thu, 10 May 2007 10:39:21 +0000

gap insurance

gap

davidallen — Thu, 10 May 2007 10:39:44 +0000

gap insurance

Gap insurance helps with car loans after an accident

davidallen — Thu, 10 May 2007 10:40:48 +0000

We all know how easy it is to buy a car on finance these days, in fact it is totally possible to walk into a dealership and drive out in a brand new car without having to part with any cash at all. It is this very fact that increasingly is becoming a serious problem for some drivers.

For example you pick up your brand new car and drive it out of the dealership straight away the value of the car has now dropped by thousands of dollars, so what happens if you get around the corner and have an accident, the car is totaled and after an inspected is written off as the damage is far to great to even consider getting it repaired. The insurance valuation is not going to be anywhere near the price that you have paid for the car, and to make it worse you had taken out finance, so with this all taken into consideration the insurance will make an offer, but this is not gong to clear the finance and as in many cases now days there is going to be a shortfall of several thousand dollars, of which you will need to pay.

However thankfully there is a solution to this headache, Gap insurance is product that will cover the difference between what the loan company want as a settlement and what the insurers are willing to pay up for the car. The price of this gap insurance varies as you would expect, but it can start at around $150 and rise up around $500, but whatever the price, for the first year it is worth paying for Gap insurance. The only other alternative is to pay a decent sized deposit on the car. Source [CBS]

chrysler

davidallen — Mon, 14 May 2007 16:34:21 +0000

daimler chrysler

jeep

davidallen — Mon, 14 May 2007 16:36:04 +0000

jeep

Daimler split from Chrysler

davidallen — Mon, 14 May 2007 16:36:53 +0000

One of least best kept secrets came into fruition today, with the German car giant Daimler walking away from the US brand Chrysler that they paid a massive $37 Billion for around nine years ago. It appear that the German car company will not be getting much of the $7.4 Billion that the private equity investment firm, Cerberus Capital Management have paid for the 80% stake. Most of the money will be reinvested into the Chrysler operations and finance arms.

The name Daimler will be transferred back over to Germany, while Chrysler will remain a US auto maker, but they are facing some very significant problems ahead, the amount of cash may seem to be a lot, but in the auto industry that amount can quickly disappear into the company and out the side.

Chrysler has found problems with the amount of gas that their cars drink, while on the other hand cars from Japan more in particular the Toyota Prius are making it harder for car companies like Chrysler to make any headway into the marketplace. This would be one area where a company like Chrysler could actually find a niche and take the battle to Toyota, it would mean smaller and light models but it could work. The auto industry is seeing a major change what with the Chinese market opening up the way it has done, who could have predicted that, and what happens when they start exporting to the states? Source [CNN]

audi tv

davidallen — Wed, 16 May 2007 19:06:47 +0000

audi tv

Audi launch their own TV channel

davidallen — Wed, 16 May 2007 19:07:40 +0000

If you cannot get enough of Audi, then the Audi TV channel will be right up your street, it is available in both German and English, which is handy. The overall design is very similar to what you get on a magazine; it has all the usual features, such as the technology of Audi, sport, lifestyle and the culture of Audi the cars and the people who love to drive them.

This is not a new direction for Audi because they have in the past dabbled in the digital TV arena with show that was shown in the UK, The Audi Channel, this went out in 2005 and reached around 7.5 million households, so they have gained some valuable experience through those times, which has given a base to build on. The channels are live from immediate effect and from the first look it appears to be a very interesting, the dark colors give the pages a sophisticated look and feel while using it, the best way to see all that is on the channel is to simply explore, by visiting the Bode Museum in Berlin, profiles of the Audi DTM racing team drivers as they prepare for the LeMans 24 Hours and maybe just watch the Audi S4 Cabriolet in Florida. Source [Auto Blog]

porsche

davidallen — Thu, 17 May 2007 05:44:30 +0000

porsche price rise

porsche

davidallen — Thu, 17 May 2007 05:45:41 +0000

porsche price rise

Porsche set to raise prices

davidallen — Thu, 17 May 2007 05:46:19 +0000

If you are thinking of buying a brand new Porsche then you need to hurry up and get down to the dealership, because as from 1st August 2007, the price of a new Porsche is set to rise.

An increase of between 1.4% and 5% will be added across the whole range, but whatâ€™s 1.4%? Well when you are spending thousands of dollars it does actually all add up, especially when you have to put on the taxes and other charges too. The details of the price increases will affect the Boxter S which is going up by a massive 5%, the Caymen S Porsche's sports utility vehicle will cost 4% more, although the base model will remain the same, you pay your money and take your choice with that one! The legendary Porsche 911 models which include the Carrerra, GT3, GT3 RS will see a price rise of just 1.5%, but those wishing to cruise around in a 911 convertible will only see a rise of mere 1.4%, perhaps that because they save on not having a roof!! But if your are looking for the fantastic 911 Turbo then should be delay your purchase from today to the 1st August then that would cost you around $5,700 extra, thatâ€™s with just an increase of only 2.3%.

There is no mention as to want has brought on these price increases, but it is safe to say that the people who can afford to go out and buy a brand new Porsche in the first place, may not be put off by the increases at all. Source [Auto Blog]

vw passat

davidallen — Fri, 18 May 2007 06:03:57 +0000

vw passat

davidallen — Fri, 18 May 2007 06:05:37 +0000

vw passat

Passat on fire

davidallen — Fri, 18 May 2007 06:07:31 +0000

It is no joke, to be driving around in a car that is a potential fire hazard; it is in fact every driver's fear the dangers are just too much to contemplate.

However there is every possibility this is the case with the VW Passat, as there have been at least 19 cases of the Passat having a fault that can actually cause a fire in the engine compartment. There problem lies with the ignition coil pack, these can overheat and when something keeps overheating eventually there may be the occasion when the heat is just too intense which can then lead to a fire in the engine compartment, the instrument panel, or even possibly underneath the car, it may depend on the condition of the car, if it has oil leaks etc, then it is more likely to be dangerous.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are said to be currently looking into this situation following the 19 incidents which only affect the cars built in 2000 to 2003, but do not affect the Tdi or the W8 models. It is early days so there is no plans to recall any cars, but giving the amount of Passats that were sold in that period, VW could be looking to fix around 350,000 cars, not the sort of thing that any car company would like to have to sort out. Source [Auto Blog]

prius

davidallen — Mon, 21 May 2007 06:31:15 +0000

prius

The search is on for fuel efficient cars

davidallen — Mon, 21 May 2007 06:34:24 +0000

There are many factors that we accept for the popularity of certain cars, like how many we see, what models, and who is buying what car and why, but since the internet has been with this has made the search for information on vehicles completely different and yet at the same time, we are able to get more information for ourselves on what everyone else is looking at and for what reasons.

Online car and vehicle sites such as Cars.com can show potential car buyers and sellers what the growing trends are simply because of the volume of business that goes through the site; this may be from sellers, buyers and even research being done by users of the site. The top search terms for New Cars with largest increase in searches for April 2007 are. Rank Vehicle Percentage 1. Honda Civic Hybrid 15% 2. Volkswagen Jetta 9% 3. Toyota Yaris 9% 4. Jeep Patriot 8% 5. Mercedes C-Class 7% 6. Toyota Prius 7% 7. BMW 335 7% 8. Ford Mustang 7% 9. Toyota Corolla 5% 10. Chevrolet Cobalt 4% This is only one resource, clearly if someone is researching for data like this, then it should be done over more than just one site, by rather three or more, this would give a better average and allow the user to gain a far greater wide ranging result. It is a bit of a surprise to find that the Prius is way down in sixth place; maybe they just go direct to the dealer as they already know what they are looking for! Source [Automotive Blogger]

Ferrari

davidallen — Tue, 22 May 2007 07:29:44 +0000

Testa at auction

Ferrari

davidallen — Tue, 22 May 2007 07:30:53 +0000

Ferrari auction car

A Ferrari is sold for $9.3 million

davidallen — Tue, 22 May 2007 07:34:20 +0000

An auction of Ferrari memorabilia held at the Ferrari headquarters has seen a massive $50 million worth of Ferrari cars sold, one car a 1962 Ferrari 330 TRI LM Testa Rosa Spyder was sold to anonymous telephone (Hopefully not the same one who won the bidding for the â€œGeneral Leeâ€) paid â‚¬6,250,000 the final price being â‚¬6,875,000 ($9,252,375) after the auctioneers added their commissions. This make this car the most expensive Ferrari ever auctioned, but not the most expensive car, as that still belongs to the Bugatti 41 Royal Sports Coupe, which was sold way back in 1987 for $11 million!

There was of course many other products available some even had prices that us mere mortals could afford, well nearly! One lucky buyer had the good fortune to win the bidding for a set of ex F1 World Champion and Ferrari ace Michael Schumacher's fire proof underwear, the price â‚¬551 ($742), I wonder if that was one the current F1 drivers hoping to buy some lucky fire proofs! In contrast the same item but those of Felipe Massa was sold for â‚¬575 ($774).

Of all the items that are on the list, my favourite has to be the Lot 205, The 2006 Ferrari 248 Forumla One Grand Prix Racing Car, this sold for â‚¬1,650,000 ($2,221,795), it just seems incredible that someone can buy an ex F1 racing car, I mean what do you actually do with it? Source [Auto Blog] Auction [RM Auctions]

VW Golf

davidallen — Wed, 23 May 2007 06:55:36 +0000

W12-650

VW Golf

davidallen — Wed, 23 May 2007 06:56:36 +0000

W12-650

A faster Golf GTI

davidallen — Wed, 23 May 2007 06:58:09 +0000

The VW Golf has seen many changes over the years since it first hit the roads, the GTI version has always been the benchmark for all â€œHot Hatchesâ€ yet recently the designers appear to have been doing a of genetics engineering with the car, for the now is so far removed from the original that natural evolution just could not produce this car, there must have been some intervention somewhere along the line, but whatever the background to this miracle of automotive engineering, I love it!

This particular model, the VW Golf W12-650 is a one off concept car, so not surprisingly they have thrown everything that they can get into the design. Put your foot down and it will take you from 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, and just keep going until you reach 202 mph, how? This two seater car has the 6.0 liter engine directly out of the Phaeton, but because of the size, the rear seats needed to be removed and so the engine is in the rear.

The bodywork on this car is tailor made, and really does look like a Golf that has been on steroids or something, but whatever it looks like or whatever the emissions and so on, this car is just quite simply a fantastic machine that would be at home literally anywhere on any road, though it must be driven with care, one slim on the gas pedal and you could find yourself quickly shooting down the road, and no doubt being chased by the cops. Source [Auto Car]

speeding ticket

davidallen — Thu, 24 May 2007 06:33:33 +0000

top ten speed traps

speeding ticket

davidallen — Thu, 24 May 2007 06:34:37 +0000

top ten speed traps

Holiday weekend speed traps

davidallen — Thu, 24 May 2007 06:35:56 +0000

The National Motorist Associations (NMA), have announced the top ten speed trap locations for this weekend holiday period.

The list has been compiled by the pro safe speeding group Speed Trap, which has gathered the in data provided by its members, who send in details of tickets etc, that they have had or know someone else who has been ticketed for speeding. Speeding is not condoned, but the issuing of tickets at such high rates is, so I believe that the theory of informing drivers that there are speed traps at certain locations, is not to help them avoid being caught, the idea is that if driver know that they are entering an area where they are likely to get a speeding ticket, even if they carelessly go just a couple of miles over the limit, they will drive more carefully and thus make the roads safer, without the issuing of tickets etc.

All motorists would be well advised to keep these locations in mind while driving this holiday. 1. Detroit, Michigan suburbs 2. Colorado Springs, Colorado 3. Houston, Texas 4. Orlando, Florida 5. Nashville, Tennessee 6. Ann Arbor, Michigan 7. Albuquerque, New Mexico 8. Washington, D.C. 9. Denver, Colorado 10. Virginia Beach, Virginia This weekend is one of the busiest for people to take the road, therefore there will be more traffic on the roads and so it follows that there will be more traffic police looking for bad and speeding drivers, donâ€™t spoil your weekend by getting a speeding ticket, you have been warned! Source [The Car Connection]

porsche

davidallen — Fri, 25 May 2007 07:44:43 +0000

porsche

vw

davidallen — Fri, 25 May 2007 07:48:02 +0000

Porsche in control of VW

davidallen — Fri, 25 May 2007 07:51:42 +0000

This has been coming for a ling time now, the most famous sports car company in Germany taking over the one of the most famous car makers in the world, VW.

Yet things have not always been that way for Porsche, way back in the 80â€™s and 90â€™s they were struggling to survive, the cars were not that popular and they made some bad choices in design, but that all now appears to be behind them, their range is now probably the best sports car range available from any car maker, and they have managed to secure a significant market share. Yet they only produce 100,000 cars per year, which is not a lot at all, if go on the other global brands, but still they have managed to buy their way into the massive VW company whose sales are around $200 billion compared to Porsches $8 billion, by anyoneâ€™s standards an incredible achievement.

So what next? The problem with massive organizations is that they tend to become decadent, with the influence of Porsche I suspect that there will be some changes, but not straight away, but the main concern would be for the other brands such as Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini and Bugatti, these brand compete with Porsche directly and it has to stand to reason that will not continue, so who will be the first victim? My tip would have to be Buggati, but lets wait and see what happens. Source [EVO]

mini

davidallen — Mon, 28 May 2007 05:53:37 +0000

mini

davidallen — Mon, 28 May 2007 05:55:38 +0000

mini

Mini to become more eco friendly

davidallen — Mon, 28 May 2007 05:57:08 +0000

BMW the Minis owner, are to implement the changes that have be applied to the BMW 118d, which includes the automatic stop start future, where if the car is at a standstill for a period of time it will automatically stop the engine and then as the driver goes to pull off again, it will automatically start up.

The ideas behind this are to show that the mini can be a very economical vehicle, they even intend to change the diesel engine into something that will rival any eco friendly car, idling the those that use hybrid technology, the Mini Cooper D, will become the ranges flagship for green driving, as they propose to develop this into a 72.4 mile per gallon car, and with co2 emissions of a mere 104g/km, but that is not all, they have also introduced a new regenerative braking system, which utilizes some the wasted power that is used when braking, there is also an indicator now, that displays to the driver which gear to select, combined these features are the reason behind the impressive figures for mpg etc.

These figures show that BMW are committed not only to developing green and clean cars, but also their commitment to the mini car itself, however there are no plans at the moment for the Mini Cooper D to be available in the US, yet! Source [Autocar]

ford

davidallen — Tue, 29 May 2007 06:44:39 +0000

ford

bmw

davidallen — Tue, 29 May 2007 06:46:06 +0000

bmw

volvo

davidallen — Tue, 29 May 2007 06:47:09 +0000

volvo

ford

davidallen — Tue, 29 May 2007 06:48:55 +0000

ford

volvo

davidallen — Tue, 29 May 2007 06:50:36 +0000

volvo

Will Ford sell Volvo?

davidallen — Tue, 29 May 2007 06:51:04 +0000

Now this story has been in and out for sometime, but selling a company like Volvo is not something that can be done overnight, after all in order to sell something there is a need for someone who wants to buy it, an really there are not many other auto manufacturers who have the ability or the will to take on a car giant like Volvo, that is until now.

BMW are rumored to be interested in having a look at the Swedish auto maker, they have a need what with the goings on over at VW, BMW will need to secure their own standing otherwise they could actually become a target from one of their competitors.

For Ford it appears that they are in the process of continuing the garage sale by offloading some or maybe all of the acquisitions such as Jaguar and Land Rover, we have already seen the high end brand Aston Martin leave the Ford stable when it was purchased by UK company Pro Drive.

These are trying times for Ford, who lost $12.7 billion last year, as they need to consolidate their situation and concentrate on the Ford brand and particularly in its home market, the US where they are expected to return to profitability by the year 2009, by selling these other brands would this help achieve this goal? Well Volvo are doing very well in Russia and China, which as an emerging market could only get better, which still leaves two questions. Do they sell now, because they are doing well? Do hold on and see what happens in those markets? Source [Auto Prophet]

ford rs

davidallen — Wed, 30 May 2007 07:36:26 +0000

ford focus rs

ford rs

davidallen — Wed, 30 May 2007 07:37:19 +0000

ford rs focus

Ford axes the Focus RS MkII

davidallen — Wed, 30 May 2007 07:37:57 +0000

It was not that long when Ford Europe announced that it would be building a new RS model, to the fans of RS this was a dream come true, ever sine the 70â€™s when the first RS models came online with the RS Mexico and the RS 2000 there has been a fan base that has waited to see and buy the latest model, despite the Escort being replaced in name by the Focus the spirit of RS has always been alive.

But now the dream appears to be over, Ford have decided that now is not the time to bring out a 300 bhp car, maybe it has something to do with the emissions thing that is grabbing the headlines or maybe there is something else that is holding them back, but whatever the reason, it is a very sad day for the fan of the RS. The only thing that can offer a glimmer of hope is the fact that there is a Focus Mk III due to come out in 2010, could they be holding off until then? Maybe they feel that by bringing a RS version of the Focus Mk II is pointless for only a couple of years, could it be that we will be seeing the RS badge on the bodywork of the Focus Mk III?

Whatever the case, there are growing concerns regarding cars that have a large bhp, some people want to see limitations to the amount of bhp available to a car, the point being that there is not much point in having a car with all that bhp, if you cannot use it, it is just a waste of fuel. Source [Car Blog]

LeMans

davidallen — Thu, 31 May 2007 08:26:27 +0000

LeMans

Live LeMans 24 hours race stats

davidallen — Thu, 31 May 2007 08:27:31 +0000

Sounds good? Well it should do, because this application has everything that a race fan would want to see at a glance all on one page:

Live News The exact Le Mans time Lap times Lap position Race events Picture, web cams Background information The developer Thomas Baekdal, who apparently is not much of a sports fan, but is very keen on the LeMans 24 Hours and who could blame him for that! So what we have here is an application that could threaten to outdo any TV coverage for this and any other sport like this, so why are we jumping with joy? The simple fact is that due to licensing and copyright laws this application cannot be allowed to be aired to the public, because the governing bodies of the LeMans race have their own deals with advertisers and the media. Thomas Baekdal is believed to have offered LeMans.org and Club24 the opportunity to incorporate it into the whole LeMans race experience, which we will have to wait to hear the outcome of this, but naturally there will be a cost attached to access it, so whatever happens, this application will disappear from the eyes of the non paying public. Source [Autoblog]

bmw x5 m

davidallen — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 07:54:30 +0000

bmw x5 m

davidallen — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 07:55:20 +0000

bmw x5 m

The BMW X5 M package launched

davidallen — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 07:56:18 +0000

After all the stories of will they or wont they, it has finally happened, German car firm BMW have launched the fabulous â€œMâ€ sport package for the even more fabulous BMW X5, the luxury SUV that is arguably the best SUV on the market at the moment.

One thing that potential new owners may find a bit of a let down will be the fact unlike previous incarnations of the â€œMâ€ power on the 3 and 5 series, there will not be many changes to the exterior of the car, most changes will be to bolster the already luxurious interior. So what can a potential new customer expect from the â€œMâ€ sports package?

The 2008 BMW X5 M Sport Package is as it states a sports package, there will be some body changes like the introduction of body moldings, these will be finished in the same color as the body, as not to totally show them off, subtle is the key here. Wheel will be either the 19 inch or 20 inch style, and finally there will be some minor changes to the lights, so this is it for the exterior. Inside there is going to be the M steering wheel in leather, the gear shift, sports seats in fitting with the style of M sport, and there is the possibility of there being some aluminum splashed around the interior to finish it off. Finally the suspension will be changed to a more sporty set up. Source [Zero Customs]

Demon on Wheels

will bee — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 13:52:06 +0000

The USA Today recently released the first glimpse photo of the famous Mach 5 for the Speed Racer: Demon on Wheels movie. The car will be the corner stone for the latest Wachowski brothers (movie credits include: The Matrix, V for Vendetta) movie that will begin filming this summer. The Mach 5 may be pure fiction to some, but to many it represents the first object of Automotive Lust to thrill the imagination and drive the pursuit for speed. Â Â Although the Mach 5 will never be available for purchase in any showrooms, and will see more CGI work in the movie production than it will asphalt or concrete, the performance of this car in the movie will leave a seed planted deep in the child's mind of everyone who see's it. And it is there that the future of automotive design and engineering will sprout and flourish. Who knows? There are a number of small companies out there building street versions of the EleanorÂ modelÂ of theÂ '67 Shelby Mustang used in the Gone in 60 Seconds movie starring Nick Cage. Maybe a new market of niche builders will come out with a street version of the Mach 5. ...minus the dual circular saws emerging from underneath the nose of the car at the press ofÂ a button, of course.

All too Subaru

will bee — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 17:20:52 +0000

As the 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX reaches the showroom this summer the excitement of the sporty, all-wheel drive sedan (Subaru prefers we not refer to the car as a wagon anymore) continues to be subdued. From the onset in 2001 the WRX brand brought to market a mixture of a functioning wagon with sport-tuned acceleration and athletic handling. The 2008 version of the WRX does nothing but improve upon those intentions and that performance, yet still fails to improve upon the one overshadowing deficiency that has plagued the WRX line all these years: It is still a Subaru. Innovative or expressive styling has never been a trademark of the Subaru brand. They seem to have a notion of what their cars are and what they want them to be and that is what they stick to. But even with the groundwork of the Impreza residing beneath it the WRX could still do more to provide an aggressive or exciting facade to match the exilirating 244 hp engine that beats within. With zero to 60 times around 5.3 seconds, the impressive performance of this sleeper sedan may continue to go unnoticed by many still as it parks rather indistinguishably among its Impreza brethren.

Alternative Fuels in Demand; E85 Where are You?

will bee — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 16:31:59 +0000

With the demand of alternative fuels on the rise and a national desire to reduce our dependence on foreign oil why is the market still limping forward in making the available alternatives accessible? The flex fuel mixture of E85 has been around for over a decade and yet few states outside of the mid-west have more than 20 stations that carry it. On the West Coast that number drops down to fewer than 10 stations that sell E85. Those numbers are provided by fueleconomy.com where you can find local filling stations in each state that provide the E85 ethanol fuel option at the pump. As more Flex Fuel vehicles are built in the next year the number of filling stations that carry E85 should increase, assuming that the supply remains available. In the meantime though the only two states that are showing a readily available supply are Illinois and Minnesota. And for both states that supply alternative received state and local government support. As more ethanol refinaries begin production in the coming years and more farms turn to growing the crops necessary to produce ethanol Flex Fuels like E85 should become more readily available. In the meantime, if you have a Flex Fuel vehicle or are contemplating the purchase of one, go to www.fueleconomy.com and search for the E85 station nearest you.

Audi Races into the 2008 Model Year: the TT Coupe

will bee — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 16:39:31 +0000

Audi continues to impress with their remodel of the TT coupe and roadster, and the introduction of the S5 and R8in 2008. After proving their commitment to performance in the Le Mans racing circuit the past number of years Audi is continuing to press their successes forward on the street. The 2008 TT Coupe retains much of its characteristic shape and compact status while increasing its overall size. The baseline turbocharged 2.0 liter engine provides plenty of go at 2oo horsepower, but the 3.2 liter V-6, 250 horsepower engine when paired with the S tronic 6-speed transmission will propel this compact speedster in a zero to 60 in the mid 5 second range. With a sleeker aerodynamic design that is strategically designed to decrease the wind resistence ratio from the previous model the 2008 TT gives you the impression of high speed whether it is on the move or parked in your driveway. The interior of the 2008 TT is available with various cloth and leather packages, yet still maintains distinctive refinements expected in an Audi. With metal trim surrounds on the gauges, gear selector and air ports and the flat bottomed steering wheel that is a signature piece for Audi in 2008, the feeling of motion inspired by the TT's exterior extends deep into its well appointed cockpit. With their 2008 line-up Audi continues to surge forward. In the next post the newly added S5 model will take its place among Audi's elite.

The Future of Performance: Toyota's FT-HS Concept

will bee — Sun, 03 Jun 2007 15:14:11 +0000

When Toyota came out to the 2007 NAIAS in Detroit with their High Performance hybrid concept, the auspiciously dubbed FT-HS, the mouths of the environmentally concious horsepower junkies must have started to salivate. With some brave and aggressive styling the FT-HS immediately imbodies speed, but with the promise of a hybrid 400-hp engine Toyota is promising some real punch to make it fast. That acceleration of zero-to-60 in the 4 seconds range is supposed to be matched with the protential of 28 mpg. Unlike some of Toyota's high speed concepts of the past (1967's 2000GT and the 1990's 4500GT), The FT-HS has received the green-light for prodcution. The car is reported to be targeted for the 2009 model year. The question then is will the final production model fulfill the promise of the concept? At the International Auto Show in Detroit in January Toyota associated their hybrid concept with the $30,000 auot bracket. Is that a price package Toyota can truly deliver? Until the Toyota FT-HS becomes a reality the car and its hybrid engine are going to see a lot of coverage and conversation all over the in print and online. Can Toyota deliver? Time will tell. But until that time, let the speculation begin.

What Do You Think Of The Jaguar C-XF Concept Car?

Ryan — Sun, 03 Jun 2007 21:09:27 +0000

This Jag concept car was unveiled in January. At the time, I wasn't sure what I thought about it. But I think I'm mostly underwhelmed. Some of the interior features are nice, but in my opinion, the exterior is too derivative. A little too bulky too. It's good too see Jaguar moving forward with their designs, but I'm honestly not lusting after this sucker. What do you think?

Video of the Toyota FT-HS Hybrid Sports Concept Car

Ryan — Sun, 03 Jun 2007 21:15:34 +0000

In contrast to the Jag below, I'm pretty stoked about Toyota FT-HS that Brian discussed below. A performance hybrid? And check out the video! This is tactful, but original exterior design. Nice job. Can't wait to see her on the road. Here's a Toyota FT-HS on the show floor: And here's the stylized promo video that Toyota put out:

Video of Toyota Hybrid X Concept Car

Ryan — Sun, 03 Jun 2007 21:18:45 +0000

Here's the Toyota Hybrid X shown at this year's Geneva Car Show in March. It's a little too weird looking for my tastes, but this sucker's supposed to get up to 110 miles to the gallon.

Ford Reflex Hybrid Concept

Ryan — Sun, 03 Jun 2007 21:28:48 +0000

I'm a huge fan of the potential of performance hybrid cars. One of my favorites so far is the Ford Reflex that debuted as a concept car in 2006. Ford says that it will be able to get up to 65mph and, check this out, the Reflex is going to have solar panels!!!! Just don't let your Reflex get stuck outside in a hail storm trying to suck up as much sun as possible;-) From the side, it looks like a miniature Mustang. From the back it looks like a Porsche. And coolest of all, check out the rear-hinged doors that open up. Video below the fold...

chitty chitty bang bang

davidallen — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 07:01:59 +0000

chitty chitty bang bang

davidallen — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 07:03:02 +0000

chitty chitty bang bang

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang sold at auction

davidallen — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 07:05:50 +0000

Probably one of the most famous cars in the world has been sold at an auction at the 16th annual Spring Motor Fair at Kruse Auction Park. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang the car that can fly, travel on water and use the roads too has always been a favorite with the kids and adults alike, the film that starred Dick van Dyke was made in the late sixties and more recently has become a stage musical launched the car into the unsuspecting world and ever since has been up there with all the top film characters.

The car was sold for $505,000 to Ralph Spencer of Jasksonville, Florida, bought the car for his collection, he already owns a 1966 model Bat mobile and has been keen on buying the famous flying car for some time as he is a fan of the film, he wasted no time in making sure that his bid was the highest.

Jim Rich, owner of the Chicago restaurant, sold JRâ€™s Retreat, the car where the car has been on display, the sale was made in order for him to pay off a bankruptcy debt. The price must have been a bit of a disappointment though, because back in 1998, Dean Kruse, President of Kruse Auction Park actually appraised the car at around $980,000, so some slight depreciation there then! Source [Mercury News]

The Lotus 2-eleven: Roadster or Go-Kart?

will bee — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 11:16:46 +0000

Lotus recently lent out their new 2-eleven roadster to MotorTrend magazine for a test drive. But just from a first impression of this car on the track begs the question: did they build a new roadster or the worlds fasted Go-kart? With a zero-to-60 time of 3.8 seconds and 252-horses galloping behind you in this rear-engine car you will be sure to turn heads. Just pack a cushion for your bum because it is going to be a bumpy ride. Not that i wouldn't mind a few laps in this lean machine myself. This is as close to a two-seater motorcycle as you might get. It is unlikely you will ever see this car on your commute to work, and there are few James Deans out there that would drive their race car to the track these days. However, with a full helmet so you are not eating bugs, this might be the ultimate road course car.

Roadster Aplenty: Dodge Demon Concept

will bee — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 14:10:52 +0000

At the Geneva Auto Show in March Dodge unveiled their Demon Roadster concept. Yet another two-seat roadster to possible consider in the coming year. Dodge has not announced any plans to put the Demon into production, but it certainly would be a nice lite addition to their beefier car lineup. In a recent test drive of the Dodge Demon Car and Driver gave the car very favorable marks in comparison to the Saturn Sky and the newly redesigned Mazda Miata.Â Both in style and in comfort the Demon may position itself in a closer competition with the Nissan 350Z; baseline engine ofcourse. Since this car is based off of the Crysler Crossfire's frame and with the recent sale of Crysler, we'll just have to wait and see what theÂ future holds for the mini-Demon on Wheels.

Shanghai Suprise: China's Glimpse at the Buick Riviera Concept

will bee — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 17:00:13 +0000

It would seem that it would take a cold day in Hates for a Buick to grace the digital domain of RideLust. In the past 20 years there has been only one Buick any style whatsoever to invoke some curiosity: the Buick Riviera.Â The last Riviera model to be released by Buick was no show stopper or red-light stalker, but it did possess some intriguing design in its shape. However, with Buick's recent reveal of the new Riviera concept car at the 2007 Shanghai Auto Show in China, there is more innovation on display than on all other current model Buick's combined. The Chinese market has become a real boon for the struggling Buick brand, while the average American buyer opts for brands with more pazazz (yep, I said "pazazz".). That could change if Buick finds a way to span that design crevasse they have found themselves on the wrong side of with the innovative Riviera. Space Age autos were at one time the norm at auto shows, and have in the past few decades become an often unapplicable description. The Buick Riviera concept seems to redefine if not reassert the term. Even the doors give me an odd Buck Rogers feeling, but in a good way. Even if the Buick Riviera is a long way from production (if it even gets that far), I hope to see a lot more news about this car in the coming months. If for no other reason than to believe that this aged Auto maker truly has a future. The Buick Riviera might certainly be the right platform upon which to focus that future.

Volkswagen gives its own R32 some Competition; the R36

will bee — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 00:55:20 +0000

As VW sends its 5,000 2008 R32's across the pond to the United States, Volkswagen has decided to one-up themselves by producing a faster R36. The R32 is essentially a GTI/Rabbit built on an All-Wheel drive platform with a reported 250-hp. This is the first return of the R32 with the redesigned GTI. The last model was released in 2004 and has appreciated nicely in the used auotmobile market. A low-mileage 2004 R32 can still fetch as much as $24-to-26,000. While the new VW R32 in will start around $32,500. Then comes the 2008 R36, which is similar to the R32 but with a stronger engine and upgraded brakes and suspension. Where the R32 is criticized by someÂ for being too civil, the R36 is engineered to thrust thru that civility while still giving the appearance of being just another GTI (yet anything but). Â However, before you get too excited. Chances are the R36 will not find its way across the Atlantic and into the USA for at least a year. With the rate at which the R32 is selling on the US market without any national marketing, an R36 may yet find its way on our freeways.

May Sets Records in Hybrid Searches

will bee — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 04:31:30 +0000

It was reported on Autobloggreen.com that hybrid auto searches reached record numbers in May on Cars.com. Surely the peak in gas prices that occurred in May had little to do with this, right? With three new Hybrids fresh on the market and high fuel prices souring the driving season a new hybrid would be a wonderful addition. There are tricks to seeking out the right hybrid for you and more research needs to be performed. Before you make your choice on a new hybrid research your choice on fueleconomy.com to determine the cars long term value, fuel economy and federal tax deduction. To read the complete article and to see the rankings by search click below: Searches for Hybrid Cars Skyrocket on Cars.com in May

cobalt SS

davidallen — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 07:14:17 +0000

cobalt SS Supercharged

cobalt SS

davidallen — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 07:15:10 +0000

cobalt SS Supercharged

Supercharged Cobalt cancelled by Chevy

davidallen — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 07:15:37 +0000

The Cobalt stable has been shaken up slightly with most of the changes effecting the sports versions of this little powerhouse.

The company has decided quietly to leave the supercharger off the Cobalt menu, meaning that for someone who wishes to drive a super fast small car will have to be happy with the Cobalt SS or as will be known as the Cobalt Sport.

However all is not lost for in 2008 there will be the all new Cobalt HHR SS, the natural replacement for the Cobalt SS Supercharged, there are quite a few changes to the range, so it is probably best to simply list them. Deletions * (21U) Laser Blue Metallic exterior color * (56U) Sunburst Orange Metallic exterior color * LTZ Sedan model * SS Supercharged Coupe model New Features * (37U) Imperial Blue Metallic exterior color * (39U) Blue Flash Metallic exterior color * (87U) Slate Metallic exterior color * (JL4) StabiliTrak stability control system * (NW9) Traction control * (ASD) Head-curtain side-impact air bag delete for Fleet and Government order types * (UE0) OnStar delete for Fleet and Government order types Changes * 1AM37 is now called Sport Coupe and the equipment group code is now 1SP * 1AM69 is now called Sport Sedan and the equipment group code is now 1SP * (TV5) Sport Package is now called Performance Appearance Package and is an available option on 2LT Coupe and 2LT Sedan. The 3LT Coupe and 3LT Sedan equipment groups are deleted. * (ASF) Head-curtain side-impact air bags are now standard on all models * (US8) AM/FM stereo with CD player and MP3 playback is now standard on all models * (U2K) XM Satellite Radio is now standard on all models * Instrument panel uppers are now Ebony on all models * LT Sedan with neutral interior now has wood grain trim Source [Auto Blog]

The Concours d'Elegance Rolls out the Phantom

will bee — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 11:23:07 +0000

At the Concours d'Elegance at Pebble Beach in California the Peterson Museum shared its 1925 Rolls-Royce Phantom I with the crowd of car affecianado's. The Phantom I is widely recognized for its innovative aerodynamics for its day and serves as inspiration still today. With its long teardrop fenders and port hole door the Phantom I holds its own even today against modern styling. Originally a convertible this Phantom was sent over to Belgium a few years after it was built where its current body was created by Jonckheere. Of all the cars that come and go this legend can never be forgotten. And with a mulit-million dollar price tag and remarkable shape, it can never be replaced.

Honda Pays Tribute to One if its Own with the S2000 CR

will bee — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 14:30:24 +0000

Despite Honda's popularity, owner loyalty, reliability, and tuner fame, it is a rare rare occasion for me dole any kind words about the Japanese auto maker. It is not that hold any grudge against them, but more an apathy with their design and utility. Growing up on Horsepower and American Muscle Cars an Asian Rice Burner is just a bitter bowl of Sake to swallow. However, when you read about a company paying tribute to one of their best R&D Engineers by producing his last labor of love with the company; you just have to respect that. The 2000 Honda S2000 CR is a clean track car that can also pull off the track and onto the street. It was designed by R&D Chief Engineer Shigeru Uehara, who gave Honda its start in performance design with the Acura NSX, Integra-R and the original S2000. The S2000 CR version of this Honda retains the basic shape and powerplant of the baseline S2000. The changes to the CR version are in the ground effects and in the suspension. Changes whose net results when tested proved to be a 2 second decrease in track lap times. Though a stiffer suspension on the street might be a dreaded miscalculation for the S2000, it is a welcomed component to a finely tuned track car. With its bold wing and agile reflexes the S2000 CR is a fine tribute to an honorable career. Although Honda will only produce 2000 of these they have already divulged that at a sale price of around $40,000 the company will be eating a loss on the car. Can anyone else name a major automaker that would willing take a loss to honor a most respected contributor? Source[CarandDriver]

Heelys Associated with Injuries in Pre-Teens

will bee — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 21:31:07 +0000

A recentÂ article on MSNBC.COMdiscussed the hazards to childrenÂ of shoes with the wheels in the heel. The most recognized brand of these shoes, Heelys, Inc.,Â have been linked to numerous injuries in young people around the world. Those injuries have ranged from the usual scrapes and bruisesÂ to broken bones and head contusions. To Heelys defense there is a warning sticker on their shoes that proper protection is encouraged, butÂ who heeds those things. Here are some questions to ponder: Are Heelys really any more dangerous than a bicycle or skateboard or trampoline? How many yearsÂ did it takeÂ from the invention of the bicycle for helmets to be a standard piece of equipment when riding? What would the impact be of applying those same safety precautions to Heelys? How many pre-teens are willing to be caught heelingÂ through the Mall with a Heeling Helmet and wrist and knee pads? Â As a mode of transportation the use of a Heely is right up there with the Razor Scooter. They are novel ideas that will come and goÂ just as other gimmicks and fashions. In the meantime parents need to educate themselves on what Heelys really are and the inherent hazards associated with them.Â Then maybe they shouldÂ contemplateÂ whether they want their child to be one of these Heelers running down innocent shoppersÂ at theÂ Target or Wal-MartÂ in their home town. Â Source[msnbc.com]

Saleen Supercharges the Ford F-150

will bee — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 03:00:18 +0000

Saleen resets the bar for super trucks with the supercharged Ford F-150 S331.Â Referred to by some within the company as Thunder, in contrast to the Ford Lightening, the S331's side port exhaust provides the "Wagnerian"melody whose crescendo is driven at the pedals. After the Saleen garage strips down to the rails the F-150 they receive from Ford, the S331 is rebuilt bigger, faster and nastier than any Ford production truck has ever been. In doing Saleen made sure to still leave room for plenty of the truck utility functions Ford guys have come to expect. Except now that 9500lb tow capacityÂ and 1350lbs of payload comes with a zero to 60 of 6.1 seconds. At a market price of $61k this may not be the pick-up you use to haul a load of gravel or manure to a job site. The fuel mileage for this super truck is not something that would make Al Gore proud. There is the chance however that the rumble surging through that side exhaust will provide you with enough of a grin to offset that fuel guilt for just a little while. Â Source[The truth about cars]

super snake

davidallen — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 08:06:49 +0000

super snake

Shelby Super Snake for Mustang

davidallen — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 08:07:56 +0000

Shelby is slightly changing its image, from a classic sports tuner to a modern day performance tuner and the introduction of the Super Snake GT500. Naturally you will have to already own or plan to buy a Ford Shelby GT500, if bought new then the price is going to be around $40,000 plus extras and you know that you always need extras, now you are ready for the Super Snake treatment the full list is available below.

But basically you are going to be getting an extra 125 bhp on top of the existing 600 bhp, thatâ€™s a Shelby supercharger working for you, which means you need the all important air intake vent, the Super Snake package is going to cost you an extra $28,000, so what do you get for your money? 2008 Shelby GT500 Super Snake Package Parts Performance Shelby Supercharger Upgrade 600- 725+ Cold Air intake Shelby/Baer 6 piston caliper bake system Shelby short throw shifter Shelby/Eibach coil over suspension Shelby/Eibach sway bars Borla cat-back exhaust system Exterior Shelby Super Snake Hood Carbon fiber front fascia splitter Carbon fiber mirror covers Carbon fiber rocker panels Shelby deck lid letter kit Super Snake badging on front grille and front fenders Sequential tail lights Super Snake striping Front brake duct kit Rear brake duct kit Interior CSM consecutively numbered dash plaque CSM consecutively numbered plaque in engine compartment Super Snake door sill plates with CSM number Light bar with solenoid activated brake light (Convertible) Shelby floor mats Aesthetic engine kit with billet fluid caps and dip stick handle Center gauge cluster with Auto meter Carroll Shelby Signature Carbon Fiber faced gauges (boost, fuel pressure, oil pressure) Aluminum Shelby map light accent Satin door lock knobs Tires and Wheels 20â€³ Shelby Alcoa wheels (bright silver finish 20X9 front 20X10 rear) Pirelli P-Zero Nero 255/35ZR20 front 275/35ZR20 rear So do you think that you can handle the Shelby Super Snake? Source [Auto Blog]

Aston Martin DBRS9 Wins Race on Bio-Fuel

will bee — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 13:06:24 +0000

For the first time in British racing history a bio-fueled race car runs away with the checkered flag. The Aston Martin DBRS9 driven by Lord Drayson and Johnny Cocker is the first bold statement to stab back at those critics of bio-fuels who claim a large loss in a cars performance with alternative fuels. If memory serves me correct the first fuel-injected cars in the US were available in the 1950's, and yet they did not see market wide useage until the 1980's. Is that to say that automotive technologies take time to develope? ..Crazy talk! So why do the critics of todays bio-fuels attempt to automatically condemn the use and research those bio-fuels are receiving today? The automotive market could absolutely stand a shake-up in the way cars are being produced today as bigger, faster and hungrier. And it is not as though the internal-combustion engine will be scrapped in the next 10 years when Hydrogen might be more prevelant beneath the hood of new cars. Lord Drayson may have summed it up best: â€œThis is not a one off, the car has been competitive all season, taking two pole positions and it now leads the championship. It goes to prove that running a car on bio-fuel doesnâ€™t mean any compromise in performance. I hope we can get this message across to motorists everywhere.â€ Source[newspress.co.uk]

2009 Cadillac CTS-V to receive a 600-horsepower transplant

will bee — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 15:26:57 +0000

With the looming 2009 model year GM plans to stay ahead of the curve (if not muscle right through it) with their 600-horsepower Cadillac CTS-V. In the 2007 CTS-V resides a very respectable 400-horsepower power-plant based on the current Corvette platform. So since GM has developed their new 7.0 liter LS7 Corvette engine it seems to make perfect sense to continue sharing the benefits with their Cadillac cousins. Cadillac may not share the sameÂ accouterments attributed to the BMW M3 and the Mercedez-Benz C63 AMG, so GMÂ may have decided to go another route.Â The CTS-V's mantra must be, "if youÂ can't join them, beat them to the finish and steal their cake." And who knows, maybe in 2009 the new Cadillac's will finally escape the abundance of plastics thatÂ rob the luxurious feel from most GM interior spaces. Thus allowing theÂ CTS-V to sit comfortably amongst their European classmates. Â But don't feel bad for the CTS-V. With 600-horses under the bonnet and upgrades to its suspension and brakes, the CTS-V will not suffer from any playground bullying.

The High Speed Rail Alternative Could Compliment Alternative Fuels

will bee — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 01:33:23 +0000

The discussion about alternative fuels has reached all corners of the globeÂ as all nations and the global economy are effected by the costs and means of transporting people and goods. In many facets of our lives we are new and retooled technologies are starting to reach the market place. These technologies areÂ intended toÂ assist us in lowering our individual environmental impact.Â WithÂ innovations in hybrid vehicles, continued research into alternative fuels, windmills and solar panels that harness natures energies into efficient electricity, to passive heating designs in Architecture; the discussions are definitely growing. So when and how will those discussions gel into a comprehensive strategy and plan toward action? Who will lead the way? For the United States of America the attention has danced around our thirst for oil and the effects of the global oil markets. In order to lessen our dependency on oil the proposal of fuel alternatives has picked up steam and seems to be making a slow and necessary crawl toward fruition. A number of ethanol refineries are in the works and a lot of research is being conducted on ways of improving ethanol's efficiency in our combustion engines. Bio-Diesel is another alternative fuel that is very slowly beginning to find its way to more filling stations across the country. Both Bio-Diesel and ethenol, when blended at some percentage with refined oil, reduce the emissions of a regular car or SUV and give the average driver some sense of doing something for the environment or against dangerous oil barrons or fundamentalist religions or whoever your target of frustration. However, the United States has failed to pursue any of the other familiar alternatives that some other nations have adopted: High Speed Rail. When the railroad first stretched from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific CoastÂ it was the elite means, and most efficient means, to transport people and goods across an ever expanding nation. But as automobiles and roads grew more readily available more people opted for the personal freedom of their car than to the steady clackity-clack of the rails. In those days fuel was cheap and the open road lie ahead. Now that cars are the rule of transportation rather than the alternative, and fuel is far from cheap and the roads are littered with SUV's and large trucks, maybe it is time again for the United States to unify for a more massive means of travel. High Speed Trains have been utilized in Japan and parts of Europe for decades now. Some of their first High Speed Trains are already in museums while newer, more efficient models zip their cargo along the country side. Today, as Turkey, Taiwan, Argentina and Mexico, are all moving forward with their plans for High Speed Rail lines. What is it about Americans and the American Government that stops us short of discussion the High Speed Alternative? Those states, such as Florida and California, who have dared to begin the research to begin the hopeful planning of a High Speed Rail system have all been mired by political bureaucracy, small budgets and a lack of voter urgency to demand progress. This is not a discussion of disbanding our Highways and eliminating cars from our lives (even I love my car too much to want that).Â It is merely about providing a logical, efficient and practical alternative to the transportation necessity thatÂ defines this vast nation. Sure the price to start from our current Railroad situation to where we would need to be is steep, but (as I have heard mentioned by others to rally support for other causes) so is the price of doing nothing. ...Something to think about. ...Something to talk about. Â Source[California Progress Report] Source[Florida High Speed Rail Overview]

segway

davidallen — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 06:46:32 +0000

police segway

segway

davidallen — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 06:47:28 +0000

police segway

Car thief caught by police on Segway

davidallen — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 06:48:48 +0000

Naturally when a car thief steals a Mercedes car you would expect if the alarm was raised early that there would be a police car chasing after them, but in Long Beach, the police have a weapon against these car thieves, the two wheeled battery powered Segway personal transporter, which has a top speed of just over 12 mph!

The Mercedes Benz car was stolen by three juveniles and was observed by Officer Jose Miguez as it left the car park of a Burger King restaurant, he then went into hot pursuit mode, following the car as it drove down the road, however the police was able to still keep them in sight as it accelerated away, but they decided that the best thing to do would be to leap out of the car and make their escape, the car left the road and ended up hitting a utility pole, which was probably a stroke of luck for the people walking on the sidewalk.

However Officer Miguez kept up his pursuit of the driver finally catching up with him a few minutes later, it turned out the driver was only thirteen years old, he later identified his partners in crime, who were also young teenagers, they have all been charged with juvenile delinquency. Could this be a classic example of the hare and tortoise? Source [Officer]

The Honda Accord Shakes the Hybrid, While Prius Sales Leap Ahead

will bee — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 11:40:48 +0000

With the rest of the automotive world talking hybrids, Honda is now saying what is old is new again. After some quiet time in R&D Honda is coming out with a new diesel engine for their Honda Accord in 2008. That diesel will be supplanting the Accord hybrid. With projected fuel consumption estimated to reach 50-60mpg it might seem a legitimate option as Americans seek out ways to decrease their carbon output and decrease their gas expense, but it does fly against the popular trend of hybrids in the market place. A pretty bold move by Honda as the Toyota Prius moved up to being the 6th most sold passenger car in the US for the month of May. This year the Toyota Prius hit 10 years old, and to celebrate its birthday Toyota has record numbers of them hitting the dealerships. It used to be you had to pre-order your Prius sight unseen and hope for an early delivery. Today you can actually head to a dealership and put your hands on one. And as the tax incentive on the Prius dwindles Toyota has started to chip in some of their own marketing money with a $2000 rebate. Â It will take a few years yet to see which company is betting on the right technology, if there is a right or wrong here. Maybe the most important thing is that the major automakers of the world are finally putting some real money into fuel efficient vehicles instead of engineered behemoths. Now if only one of these major corporations would put out a supercharged diesel sports car with 400-hp that gets 40mpg. ...Ahhh. Dream a little dream. Â Source[hybrid cars] Source[AutoBlog]

Will the Safe 2008 Ford Taurus Save Ford?

will bee — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 16:09:43 +0000

Ford is celebrating the return of the Taurus and Mercury SableÂ nameplates with record-setting scores in government crash safety tests. So now Ford will seek to capitalize on that moniker by marketing the TaurasÂ as the "Safest Car in America." Am I the only one here who recalls Fords results in making similar claims back in the 1950's? In another similarity to the "Safety" aspect of their marketing strategy is the complaints by some that the design of the Ford Taurus/Sable (which replaces in name more than design the Ford Five-Hundred) is too bland and indistinct. Back in the mid to late '50's Ford opted for safety and practicality in their cars versus the performance and attitude marketed by Chevy. The 2008 market is not necessarily being dazzled by the design of too many of either Ford or Chevy's automobiles, so maybe the Safety aspect will win them back some of the sedan sales they gave up in retiring the Taurus a couple years ago. However, I wouldn't be expecting a sudden boon in those sales as they face up against the stylish, redesigned Toyota Camry and the ever popular Honda Accord. Along with the Taurus and Sable release comes the new Taurus X; formerly known as the Freestyle. While some Ford fans may beÂ celebrating the return of these familiar Ford names, and may even be calling for the return of the FordÂ Galaxy (Henry, help us!), some warning signs should be flashing. WhenÂ an automaker has more in common with Sean, P-Diddy,Diddy, SeanJean, Combs than with the rest of the auto industry...Â well that can't be a good thing. Only the free market will tell us if the return of the Taurus and Sable will make all the difference for Ford in the years to come. Between the lackluster styling, the familiar names and the marketing strategy of Safety, what is old is truly new again for the Ford Motor Company. For the sake of all those employed by Ford and its subsidiaries, I truly hope there is Safety in the Taurus. Source[theTorqueReport] Source[AutoBlog]

carbon fiber

davidallen — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 06:49:59 +0000

carbon fiber shortage

carbon fiber

davidallen — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 06:51:43 +0000

carbon fiber shortage

Carbon Fiber price goes through the roof

davidallen — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 06:52:27 +0000

Strange as it may sound there is an apparent shortage of the spectacular product that is both strong and very light, carbon fiber!

We see that this product is used for the bodywork of many cars involved in motor sport due to is versatile nature, as it starts off like a fabric which can be cut and then molded into more or less whatever shape the designers need, this can be the parts of the body work that you can see and other parts like suspensions arms etc, but this has now moved on and can be found in road cars too, this has created a demand for the product but not enough to create a shortage.

The main culprits for the shortage is the aero industry, with two major players Boeing and Airbus who are both trying to compete for the large airliner market with their new planes the Boeing 787 and the Airbus A350, both these aircraft require a significant amount of carbon fiber, thus have created the shortage and subsequent price rise from $5 per pound up to $20 per pound, this price increase is going to effect prices across the board, with some auto makers having to increase their prices in order to make the price adjustment.

But there is one group within the auto industry who will be hit very hard, the car owners who love to modify their cars with spoilers, hoods and other performance parts, these will be in short supply and therefore it will naturally follow that prices will increase further. Source [Auto Blog]

The Mazda 2 may lead to an all new Fiesta

will bee — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 13:49:38 +0000

On the Auto Show circuit this year Mazda unveiled their Mazda 2. While the term sub-compact seems to be auspiciously absent in any press releases or coverage on the Mazda 2 its size and shape seems to harken back to some cars that were at one time the darlings of fuel efficiency. Instead of being calledÂ a sub-compact marketing strategists are prefering to call them B-cars. Where those cars left off the new Mazda 2 begins anew and with more style than any of the cars from yester-year. If any comparison could be applied to the Mazda 2 it would be to refer to it as a shrunken CX-7 or a shortened Mazda 3; which by some views would be a respectible comparison. As the Mazda 2 looks to face up against the Toyota Yaris and the Honda Fit another in-house competitor is expected to reach the market in 2009 with an all too familiar name. Ford is working on producing a new Fiesta that will share the same platform as the Mazda 2. Automakers obviously see a market for these B-cars as the same fuel efficiency concerns that ushered in the sub-compact market return as a driving force. But it might require some very interesting retooling for the Fiesta to fight its way amongst the competition. As the photo of a concept Ford Fiesta shows above, they just Â might just have something to work with here. It might not be your dads old Fiesta, but wouldn't that be a good thing?

Plants Growing Green

will bee — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 16:34:20 +0000

To the many out there who may not have a Green Thump but do have a Green Conscience there resides a glimmer of hope in the automotive manufacturing process where Green is Growing. There are companies like Ford and Nissan that are making strides in cleaning up the processes by which and the locations in which they work. They may not be at the point of zero impact (is that really a viable notion?) but they do have their sights set on Greener pastures. Ford has been hard at work in utilizing cleaner resources than have traditionally been associated with manufacturing. Those cleaner resources extend from solar power at their Dearborn plant, to passive cooling and natural grass roof tops at their Rouge plant. And now their latest plant to receive Green recognition is the Ford Dagenham's plant East of London. The Dagenham plant is the home of the new European diesel engines and they have gone beyond the cosmetics of Green in their production. The oils used in production at the plant are Bio-based as opposed to mineral, metal wastes are cleaned and sold for recycling and the Dagenham plant is the first Ford plant to be wind-powered. NissanÂ is taking stepsÂ in reducing its carbon emissions in Spain with the installation of solar panels on a couple ofÂ its manufacturingÂ plants. The Barcelona plant will be sportingÂ 606 solar panels across its surface. Electricity will come from the majority of those panels, while the remaining will be thermal panels used to heat water.Â Nissan will also be placing solar panels on their Avila,Â SpainÂ plant in the coming year. Going Green is going GlobalÂ as these manufacturers areÂ demonstrative evidence.Â Â Source[AutoBlogGreen] Source[EnvironmentalLeader]

The 2005 Holden Efijy Revisited

will bee — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 17:12:26 +0000

In 2005 the Holden Company out of Australia shared its Efijy concept car with the attendants of the NAIAS in Detroit. While the car was never meant to reach the production stage its classic cues and sleek physique sure makes you wish it was. With a 6.0 Corvette V8 under the hood and modern amenities in the cabin, the Efijy is one retro beast with present day charisma. The only regret in allowing this car to pass you on the highway would be that you might lose sight of it as it cruises down the road. However, that is oneÂ back-end you would not forget as it pulled away. Despite the unwillingness of any major automaker to produce a car with such exquisite lines, or their inability to imagine a profit from its production, these are the carsÂ from which dreams are made. Source[TechBlog]

Transformers Unleashed on the Big Screen and Gaming World

will bee — Sun, 10 Jun 2007 22:36:33 +0000

As if the movie trailors have not done enough to excite anyone who grew up with the Transformers in the 80's they are now reaching out to a new market: the Gamer. This summer a Transformers video game will be released for most game consoles. Here is a look at the latest trailor for the game: There may still not be too any cars on the road that transform into robots (that we KNOW of), but this game may provide for those who wish there were a taste of what it might be like. Ofcourse, if there are ever Transforming cars on the road I sure hope they are a little less violent. For those who have not seen any yet, here is a trailor for the Transformers movie set for release on July 3rd:

landspeeder

davidallen — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 06:39:33 +0000

Landspeeder from Star Wars

Luke's land speeder found in car pound

davidallen — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 06:40:19 +0000

Yes it is totally true; a land speeder has been spotted in a police car pound in Cedar Grove, Florida. The high performance vehicle whose owners have included Coca Cola and one Luke Skywalker, which is a strange combination but you know how it goes.

The vehicle dates back to the 1980â€™s (Earth Time) and was originally built for the famous soft drink firm Coca Cola as a promotional vehicle for the product. It is built onto a VW chassis and engine, when the vehicle was being used it was called Coke One! It is believed that during the 1980â€™s the vehicle disappeared from public view, which must have been when Luke Skywalker was using it! But suddenly reappeared during 1995, it was at that time when it was actually donated to the Cedar Grove Police Dept, where it has remained ever since. The local Police Chief Guy Turcotte is planning on getting the land speeder to work again, the body is an ok condition and the engine needs a little work on it to get it working again. Once the car is fully operational it will be put up for auction, and seeing how other famous movie vehicles are doing at auction, there probably will not be a better time to get a great price for this famous vehicle. Source [Auto Blog]

honda

davidallen — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 07:13:05 +0000

honda civic

ikea

davidallen — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 07:14:29 +0000

ikea

Chrysler's Confessions of Flops Not Meant for Public Consumption

will bee — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 11:30:51 +0000

On Friday, June 6th, The Detroit News printed a story concerning an internal Question and Answer session between a small group within theÂ Chrysler CorporationÂ and the Corporate Chiefs. The Q&A session was intended to respond to the disquiet among employees overÂ Chrysler's current products and their harsh reviews by Consumer Reports and other auto professionals. The results of the session were some strong criticisms and confessions from the top and a plan for some vital changes. When questioned directly about the poor performance of the new 2007 models, particularly the Sebring and Dodge Nitro, Bob Lee, head of power train engineering, wrote that they had "missed where the market was to end up versus our projections."Â Â Lee also noted that the CEO's of Chrysler were "quite upset" with performance and miscalculations of their new cars. Jose Valcourt of The Detroit NewsÂ summedÂ it up this way: "Chrysler underestimated competitors, set standards too low in some areas and was not where it needed to be in areas such as fuel economy, interior quality, and limiting noise and vibration." In response to all the unflattering critiques of the new cars for 2007 Chrysler has devised a plan of action. One of the actions to take place will be the hiring of ASI Consulting Group to work with them on improving their design in regards to the customers needs. Chrysler also vowed to alter the strategies by which they gauge the market and their competitors plans for the coming years. Their concern is how much the missed the mark in their expectations for the other auto makers releases of this year. In terms of fuel efficiency, interior quality and their response to customer complaints Chrysler has lagged behind their automotive counterparts. If it were not for a few redesigns that hit-the-mark, like the new Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler were be heading for another rocky year. Â It seems the traditional Big Three of the Automotive Industry have been playing follow the leader in a pitch dark warehouse for so long they may have forgotten they were designing cars for the Consumer. How they have remained ignorant of the needs of improved fuel efficiency or what those needs areÂ is beyond comprehension. Only time will tell if their renewed Commitment to Excellence brings Chrysler back from the brink as Lee Iacocca did decades ago. Â Source[TheDetroitNews]

BP looks to soften their Big Oil image with new commercials

will bee — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 13:51:38 +0000

Has anyone else seen the new BP Commercials on tv lately? Nothing rebuilds a questionable image like cartoons and a catchy jingle. Advertising agencies and major corporations have been using cute animation and a catchy toon to hook the buying populace on their products since television began. Before television there was Radio. Before radio there was... well let's stick with the History from the past 100 years for now. Let us take a look at some other tasty cartoon pitchmen. While some plugs are quite frowned upon in todays culture... Others cartoon pitchmen still have a favorable connotation associated to them... The Cartoon pitchman and the use of Jingles are storied and very rememberable, which is why they are so often used. When in times of trouble (like a federal audit, being pulled over for speeding, caught cheating on a spouse) just try a catchy jingle and make a cartoon face and watch as they melt into an adoring consumer to what you are selling.

Porche says No Thanks to the Detroit Auto Show

will bee — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 19:05:35 +0000

The North American branch of Porsche announced today that they would be skipping the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan in 2009. Vice President of Marketing, David Pryor, explained that Porsche would instead be focusing their marketing on areas in which they recorded the majority of their sales in the past year. So by refocusing their attention on their current customer base Porsche North American, Inc will only be taking their displays to the major auto shows in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami and Toronto. Thus, Porsche will be attending all the major shows in the USA except Detroit. In making this decision to sit out the 2008 NAIAS in Detroit Porsche has given up their prime space in the Cobo Arena and thus opted to sit-out the season opener of the Auto Show season. Source[PureGreenCars]

hybrid

davidallen — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 06:35:35 +0000

mercedes hybrid

hybrid

davidallen — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 06:36:49 +0000

mercedes hybrid

Frankfurt to see Bluetec Mercedes

davidallen — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 06:38:18 +0000

With an increase in hybrid technology being introduced into the luxury car market, it seems that everyone wants to get onto the band wagon. Following in the footsteps of Lexus, and Honda, German luxury car maker Mercedes Benz has now decided to create their first hybrid vehicle, now you would assume that this would be in the lower models such as the A class, but no, Mercedes Benz has pulled out all the stops and are poised to launch the Mercedes S Class Diesel Hybrid.

Built in partnership with GM, BMW and Daimler Chrysler, the new Hybrid will be ready for the Frankfurt Auto Show later on in the year. Of course the details are at best a bit sketchy, but they did have the Bluetec hybrid on show a while ago, which was powered by the 3.2 liter turbo diesel V6 engine, this is an obvious choice for the power plant, but you can never tell.

This is a very bold move for Mercedes but one that could pay off very well for them, as the market for hybrid luxury performance cars is growing as there is an image of being eco friendly while driving around in such a high end car. The Frankfurt Auto Show will be the first that we will officially see the new car, but no doubt the spy cameras will be camped out around the Nurburgring waiting to get the shots. Source [Cars]

The IIHS Releases Convertible Crash Ratings for 2007

will bee — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 11:45:05 +0000

The Insurance InstituteÂ for Highway Safety released its results from testing it did on America's 10 top selling convertibles. While a history of safety may make the top picks on the list appear obvious it was the poor crash testÂ performanceÂ of a couple of the intrants that is alarming. The Volvo C70 and the Saab 9-3 Convertibles tied for the highest ratings in the IIHS crash results. They both received the Good ratings in front and side crash results, but really stood out from the rest of the field in rear crash protection. Out of the 10 car line-up the Volvo and Saab convertibles were the only cars whose seats were properly designed to lessen the effects of whiplash in an accident. The other 8 cars received marginal test results in rear crash largely because of potential neck injuries. The biggest losers in the pack were the BMW 3-series and the Pontiac G6 convertibles. The G6 was the only car in the field to receive a marginal score in both side and rear impact testing. In both frontal and side crash testing the driver-dummy suffered serious head injuries that could prove fatal in an actual crash. Both the G6 and the BMW 3-series convertibles were disappointments to the IIHS because both cars are new models. Of all the cars on the list the BMW comes in with the highest sticker price. To cost so much while providing such marginal protection seems to steal away the old adage, "you get what you pay for." Click hereto view the IIHS summary for their Convertible Crash Testing. While you are there you can go on to search for your car to see how it fairs in IIHS Crash Tests.

Diesel Cars Returning to the US Market

will bee — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 14:31:50 +0000

Just as "video killed the radio star," cheap gasoline in the 1980's and 90's killed diesel engines in the cars of the American market. While emissions limitations still made headlines in the larger cities, fuel efficiency and the economy of size took a back seat to horsepower and cup holder/occupancy capacity. Gone were the Fiesta's and in were the Excursions. As fuel prices are now reaching all new highs so are the interests in gas mileage and emissions. Which makes it an ideal market place for the return of a highly efficient, low emissions diesel engine.

AlthoughÂ todays diesel engines are not that much further ahead in fuel efficiency from the old ones, they far exceed them in clean burning and emissions. The new diesels do not share the rattles, shakes and plumes of black smoke that the diesels we are still familiar with did. That is thanks in a large part to a European market that remained thirsty for the diesel engine while the American car market grew fat on cheap gas. With a strong demand leading the way many of the major automakers were still investing money into the research and development of better diesel engines. Thus bringing the diesel engine to its strongest point yet and primed for a re-emergence on the American car market. While the VW TDIÂ engines have been in use in the GTI, Beetle and Jetta for years (if not decades), both Ford and Mercedez-Benz have been working on improving upon their diesels for expansions into the American market . Even AudiÂ is looking to break into the diesel engine market after their success with their diesel racing engine at Sebring this year. And just recently Honda announced that it will no longer be making an Accord hybrid for the American market. To replace the hybrid Honda will be releasing in 2008 the Accord Diesel. Also debuting on the market in 2008 will be a Volvo XC70 with a diesel engine.Â As alternative fuels, bio-diesel and fuel efficiency grow predominately in the minds of some famous musicians and the American car buyers it now seems that diesels are poised to compete with the hybrid motors for their share of the automotive pie. The only concerns remaining will be whether tougher emissions regulations will bench the diesel engines before they begin and whether bio-diesel fuels will be in plentiful supply (not that bio-diesels are required for diesels approaching the market, but they do help to Green up the imagine even more). Ofcourse the biggest question mark for the diesel market will be whether or not enough American consumers will buy into diesel in the coming years.

mini

davidallen — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 06:56:45 +0000

mini record

mini

davidallen — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 06:57:32 +0000

mini record

A mini record

davidallen — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 06:57:59 +0000

Minis of all ages, shapes and sizes broke a record at Virginia Beach. The record for the longest continuous line of minis being driven along a set the road was 269, this took place in the UK last year, a record that it would appear to be very hard to beat, considering the amount of space needed and the cars to get all together in one place, but of when you are talking about space then clearly the States is the place to break a record like that.

Which is exactly what has been done, 273 minis turned up at the famous Virginia Beach to begin their journey, the site must have been incredible if you can just imagine the site of that amount of minis in a continuous line driving along a single stretch of road.

The line of minis started to move in formation at one oâ€™clock and the last mini did not get to move until two hours later, imagine a line of traffic going past your house for that amount of time, just awesome. The journey was forty minutes which meant in total that the line of cars stretched out over 5.8 miles and thus breaking the world record for the longest convoy of minis. So the mini record should become a world record when the details are confirmed by the people at Guinness World Record HQ in London. Source [Auto Blog]

From Pond Goo to Alternative Fuel: Algae the Diesel of Tomorrow?

will bee — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 11:26:47 +0000

The news of algae as a potential source for bio-fuels broke in 2006 and then again earlier this year. As the cost prohibitive and resource draining processes of coal-to-liquid fuel and corn-to-ethanol have reached long discussions on the national bureaucratic scene, algae-to-fuel has received its push toward market efficacy in the private sector. A lot of time has been spent on this site discussing alternative fuels, hybrids and other forums of fuel efficiency and restrained pollutants. It doesn't seem likely that the topic will end here, either.Â Two small corporations are spearheading the push for this fuel source: Solix out of Ft. Collins, Colorado and GreenFuel Technologies Corporation out of Cambridge, Massachusetts. Both companies have developed prototype algae farms in cooperation with other industries. Solix has joined forces with the sustainability conscious New Belgium Brewery Company of Ft. Collins and GreenFuel is collaborating with NRG Energy Inc and their Big Cajun coal burning power plant in New Roads, Louisiana. The algae farms will be redirecting the off-gassing CO2 from their respective industry associate into their contained algae farms. Overnight the algae will feed and grow where it can be harvested almost daily for its oils. The genius of the Algae farm approach is that it captures the CO2 emissions that are already being produced by most industrial complexes. The algae feed on the CO2, thus preventing the excesses gases from harming the environment. Since the Industrial workings are already in place (thank you, Industrial Revolution) and since the redirection of the CO2 emissions from those facilaties does not require any expensive retrofitting on site, it would seem logical (for both the environmentally conscience and the big business conservative) that algae farms might be the simple solution to a very complex and vexing problem. Now they just have to prove that this cottage industry is a viable and affordable decision.Â When the U.S. Department of Energy's Aquatic Species Program completed its 18 years of research in 1996 it was deemed that the conversion of of algae to fuel was cost-inhibitive and could not compete against the low fuel prices of the 1990's. Concerns about the environmental impact of the fossil fuels we were consuming then were still not in the mainstream subconscious, but as always would probably still play second fiddle to cheap yet polluting fossil fuels. Plus they were still relying on outdoor open ponds for their source of the algae for conversion. By partnering with Carbon producing industries and while the wave of concern over the sustainability of life of this planet is high, Algae as an alternative energy source may beÂ sneaking to the fore front just in time (just without the fanfare and bureaucratic backing of Coal-to-liquid fuels). The other benefits of the conversion of Algae to fuel are also appealing. In a fraction of the space required to grow other crops, such as corn, sugarcane, palm and soy, algae can be harvested day after day in one small area. Plus in the conversion process the byproducts that result can be used for other bio-friendly purposes. The proteins leftover from the processing of algae into fuel can be turned into feed for grazing animals; unlike the results of using corn and soy for ethanol which depletes those food sources for man and animal alike. This does not mean that research and development should be stopped on all ethanol refinaries that plan to use those crops. But such bio-refinaries could be facing some staunch competition from an energy producer that can recycle its own emissions and the carbon emissions of others to further feed its energy supply. In the next post in this two part seriesÂ I will examine algae farms and why other industrial recycling should be just as much a part of the Organizations of Industries as their final products are. Source[PopularMechanics] Source[Solix] Source[NewBelgiumBrewery] Source[NRG Energy Inc and GreenFuels Technology Corp]

techart magnum

davidallen — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 07:34:12 +0000

porsche and techart

techart magnum

davidallen — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 07:35:00 +0000

porsche and techart

The new Techart Magnum Porsche Cayenne

davidallen — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 07:35:29 +0000

The undisputed best SUV on the market is to get the TechArt treatment in time for the Frankfurt Motor Show later in the year. TechArt will be offering the individualization program to buyers of the high performance car, who will be able to choose what refinements they will be needing to suit their way of life and driving needs. Options will include a manifold choice and two new engine performance kits, which will provide the car with an additional 120 bhp for the car.

To cope with the power there is a new improved braking system, that has been especially developed with six piston brake calipers with the 405/38 mm brake disks on the front and the rear has 365/28 mm disks with a four piston caliper. As expected with any TechArt enhancement there is there usual option for the famous air suspension, trims for the front and rear lights, twenty two inch wheels, and a super new exhaust system which can offer sports mode.

The TechArt treatment does not stop there though, there are some interior options too, like the special option of the interior design house â€œde Sede of Switzerlandâ€ which will clearly make your car exclusive, and probably cost a fortune too. This car will be on display at the Frankfurt Motor Show hopefully! With the car being available a short time afterwards. Source [Zer Customs]