tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13740049617814750802024-03-08T12:54:05.001-08:00The Downshift DispatchPJMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10416778630358846057noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1374004961781475080.post-14977746120891084282008-03-04T06:43:00.000-08:002008-03-04T06:58:11.200-08:00Geneva 2008: Jaguar XKR-S<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">I scanned the press release for this car and all it seems to be is new wheels, brakes, and skirts on a regular XKR. Still the same 420hp and autobox with the underwhelming (albeit hide-liciously fragrant) interior. On paper the XKR doesn't really stack up against 911s or Aston Vantages, let alone the new rockstar R8... but everyone I've seen drive it likes it a lot. Even with all the fancy kit this one has, it's still no rockstar. But it sure is pretty.<br /><br />[Source: NetCarShow]<br /></span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photo.netcarshow.com/Jaguar-XKR-S_2009_photo_10.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://photo.netcarshow.com/Jaguar-XKR-S_2009_photo_10.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photo.netcarshow.com/Jaguar-XKR-S_2009_photo_11.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://photo.netcarshow.com/Jaguar-XKR-S_2009_photo_11.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>PJMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10416778630358846057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1374004961781475080.post-41336055759367604962008-02-28T06:05:00.000-08:002008-02-28T06:24:43.044-08:00COTD: BMW M3<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">I'm a fickle bastard of a car dork. I waste large quantities of time at my job fawning over GT-this, or RS-that.</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">.. I really need a career that allows me to synergize this verve into professional productivity. Anywho, I'll be posting my car-boner of the day semi regularly from now on. The thoughts are there, the blog is here... I might as well. Though today's is fairly obvious and unoriginal, trust me they won't always be. Last week I really wanted a 2003 Saab 9-3 for some reason. Stay tuned.<br /><br />Today I'll have an Alpine White M3 Coupe just like the one in this InsideLine article--> <a href="http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FullTests/articleId=124954?tid=edmunds.il.home.photopanel..1.*#2">Enjoy.</a><br /></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/roadtests/roadtest/08.bmw.m3/08.bmw.m3.act.f34.1.500.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/roadtests/roadtest/08.bmw.m3/08.bmw.m3.act.f34.1.500.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" >[Source: InsideLine]</span>PJMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10416778630358846057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1374004961781475080.post-58521983053986021062007-10-16T12:00:00.000-07:002007-10-18T10:43:31.841-07:00Dispatch drives the 2008 Taurus, and it doesn't completely blow<div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">So I went on that Chicago trip and the dowdy Ford Fusion we thought we booked just happened to morph into a spanking new Taurus. I was delighted with the swap however, as this is a car that has been in the news recently... though not necessarily for good reasons. This would also be my chance to sample Ford's new V6, which it seems quite proud of and in turn will be stuffing in every one of its cars it fits in.<br /><br />If you've read a few reviews of this car from different sources, you'll see that some like the new engine a lot, while others say it ain't all it's cracked up to be. Stock me in with the former, as I found it to be smooth and quite powerful. It's got plenty of power for families that will buy this car, probably more than enough actually. I had a decently good time heaving this massive car through traffic, and flooring it from a standstill resulted in impressive acceleration.<br /><br />In newly chrome-spangled Taurus guise, it looks approximately 20% better than it did as the Five Hundred. Thankfully though, the example we were issued wasn't fitted with the horridly ribbed chrome wheels you'll see on most of these, rather these unoffensive two-tone 17s.<br /><br />That said, this is still a boring car. The high seating position combined with 5-beer steering leaves you with the impression of rolling down a back alley in a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">wingback</span> perched atop a Radio <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Flyer</span>... and the strong V6 makes it a very <span style="font-style: italic;">steep </span>alley.<br /><br />The interior isn't terrible. Most of the plastics have some squish and don't shine too harshly. The worst stuff I found was right on the steering wheel directly above the radio/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">hvac</span> buttons... not the best place to hide it. There's plenty of room obviously, though I expected even more given the hugeness that permeates the driving experience. My most curious discovery had to be the many dead insect trapped within both of the reading lights of the overhead console (4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">th</span> picture below). How they got there is a noodle <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">scratcher</span> for the books.<br /><br />Bottom line: There's nothing wrong with this car. If the Taurus was the only car sold in America, everyone would be perfectly happy with it. But it isn't, and the others are just <span style="font-style: italic;">better</span>.<br /><br /></span></span><div><a href="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h217/hotshoe32/NewPix1116026.jpg"><img style="width: 320px;" alt="" src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h217/hotshoe32/NewPix1116026.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h217/hotshoe32/NewPix1116031-1.jpg"><img style="width: 320px;" alt="" src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h217/hotshoe32/NewPix1116031-1.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div><a href="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h217/hotshoe32/NewPix1116044.jpg"><img style="width: 320px;" alt="" src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h217/hotshoe32/NewPix1116044.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h217/hotshoe32/NewPix1116036.jpg"><img style="width: 320px;" alt="" src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h217/hotshoe32/NewPix1116036.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h217/hotshoe32/NewPix1116033.jpg"><img style="width: 320px;" alt="" src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h217/hotshoe32/NewPix1116033.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div><a href="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h217/hotshoe32/NewPix1116046.jpg"><img style="width: 320px;" alt="" src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h217/hotshoe32/NewPix1116046.jpg" border="0" /></a></div></div>PJMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10416778630358846057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1374004961781475080.post-6393056791723280832007-10-09T11:27:00.001-07:002007-10-09T11:28:04.366-07:00Resemblance?<a href="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m140/Halo2x/portaschotte.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m140/Halo2x/portaschotte.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>PJMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10416778630358846057noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1374004961781475080.post-18750331531633523322007-10-09T11:20:00.000-07:002007-10-09T11:21:01.300-07:00This just made me chuckle...<a href="http://hotimg8.fotki.com/a/76_169/15_125/mustang_chains-Medium-.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://hotimg8.fotki.com/a/76_169/15_125/mustang_chains-Medium-.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>PJMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10416778630358846057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1374004961781475080.post-20358869351875085682007-10-09T06:55:00.001-07:002007-10-10T12:36:08.725-07:002008 WRX STi<span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>Just fine:</strong></span><br /><a href="http://photo.netcarshow.com/Subaru-Impreza_WRX_STI_2006_photo_09.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photo.netcarshow.com/Subaru-Impreza_WRX_STI_2006_photo_09.jpg" border="0" /></strong></span></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>Vomit:<br /></strong></span><a href="http://photo.netcarshow.com/Subaru-Impreza_5-Door_2008_photo_0e.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photo.netcarshow.com/Subaru-Impreza_5-Door_2008_photo_0e.jpg" border="0" /></strong></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong> </strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>Better-ish:</strong></span><br /><a href="http://photo.netcarshow.com/Subaru-Impreza_WRX_STi_2008_photo_02.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photo.netcarshow.com/Subaru-Impreza_WRX_STi_2008_photo_02.jpg" border="0" /></strong></span></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>Hey, cool car!:<br /></strong></span><a href="http://photo.netcarshow.com/Mitsubishi-Lancer_Evolution_X_2008_photo_04.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photo.netcarshow.com/Mitsubishi-Lancer_Evolution_X_2008_photo_04.jpg" border="0" /></strong></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong><br /><br />After weeks of playing hide-and-go-f*ck-yourself with dark shady images, Subaru has officially released clear shots of the new WRX STi. Still looks goofy to me. I admire that they made the car lighter, but from what I've seen so far, the power/drivetrains are damn near carryover. </strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>I recently sat down in a new WRX Sedan and I can tell you that it is a perfectly nice place to be. The quality of the interior is much improved and it feels just like a little Legacy... except nobody wanted a little Legacy. So if you want you can finally be a little more comfortable in your new, every so slightly lighter but much sillier looking WRX STi, and you'll surely be paying more for it. </strong></span><br /><p><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>I guess it's not God-awful though, I might even warm up to it in person. But that's just it, these cars have always been borderline cartoonish with their wings and scoops; they're inherently over-the-top... I shouldn't have to warm up to the design. It should smack me in the face with instant awesomeness. The STi is an improvement for sure, but they can only do so much for the oinker they're working with. There is no excuse for it not to have been great from the beginning.</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>The Evo always drove a little bit sharper, and with the new one they've succeeded in making it <em>far</em> cooler looking. Subaru has succeeded only in making a lot of peoples' decisions <em>far</em> easier. </strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>[Source: NetCarShow] </strong></span></p>PJMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10416778630358846057noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1374004961781475080.post-62046657221913135732007-10-08T11:44:00.000-07:002007-10-09T07:42:45.549-07:00Ford is Dumb Vol. 1<span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>I'm not going to make the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">clichéd</span> argument you probably expect and have all heard before. Something like "Ford sells great cars in other markets and tripe here on its home turf... why can't they bring the good stuff to us??" I've pined before on what a good <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Yaris</span> / Fit competitor the Euro Fiesta would make, especially the snappy looking <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">XR</span>4 model pictured below. Even if it trailed the Asian offerings slightly in terms of outright economy and refinement it would still sell well just because it looks neat. It even has a proper looking interior, something the 'new' US Focus designers weren't capable of.</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>All around bone-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">headedness</span> aside, I'm going to give them the benefit of the doubt that it just isn't doable. Money, crash-certification, exportation cost, whatever... they just can't make it happen. Fine. The thing I'm wondering is given the fact that they can't get their act together enough to offer us the quality product of the rest of the world, why not at least make our dismal product <em>look</em> like the good product? </strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong><em>(Continue reading below)</em></strong></span><br /><strong><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></strong><br /><a href="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/03/fiesta_xr4_hi_05.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 401px" height="376" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/03/fiesta_xr4_hi_05.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/03/fiesta_xr4_hi_02.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/03/fiesta_xr4_hi_02.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/03/fiesta_xr4_hi_06.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/03/fiesta_xr4_hi_06.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><p><strong><span style="font-family:verdana;">The Aussie Ford Falcon <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">FPV</span> Cobra isn't going to win any subtlety awards. You'd be hard pressed to call it 'pretty', let alone elegant. What it does have is a whiff of that special something that makes people pay $20grand over sticker for some Mustangs and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">GTs</span>. It looks like a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">badass</span> Ford. They could have saved a lot of money and dignity if they made the Five Hundred look like one of these from the beginning instead of pulling that just-kidding-it's-a-Taurus-again BS. True, it would still be n<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">ovocaine</span> to drive but the overall package couldn't be worse than what it's been so far. </span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="font-family:verdana;">Bottom Line: They wouldn't have to worry nearly as much about what it's called if it looked interesting.</span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="font-family:Verdana;">[Source: WorldCarFans]</span></strong></p><a href="http://images.worldcarfans.com/articles/2007/10/8/9071008.007/9071008.007.Mini2L.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://images.worldcarfans.com/articles/2007/10/8/9071008.007/9071008.007.Mini2L.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://images.worldcarfans.com/articles/2007/10/8/9071008.007/9071008.007.Mini3L.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://images.worldcarfans.com/articles/2007/10/8/9071008.007/9071008.007.Mini3L.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>Here's the Ute version. Why? Cause I like it and it's my blog.</strong></span><br /><a href="http://images.worldcarfans.com/articles/2007/10/8/9071008.007/9071008.007.Mini5L.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://images.worldcarfans.com/articles/2007/10/8/9071008.007/9071008.007.Mini5L.jpg" border="0" /></a>PJMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10416778630358846057noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1374004961781475080.post-7982317598766374732007-10-07T09:00:00.000-07:002007-10-07T16:35:52.636-07:00BMW M3 Sedan<strong><span style="font-family:verdana;">Nothing new or unexpected here. Just the 3 Series sedan dipped in M-sauce. Does that detract from its supreme, jaw-dropping righteousness? NEIN! The legions of </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family:verdana;">M3 Saloon fans finally have a new reason to get up in the morning, after being denied a new car since the cult-worthy E36 of 1998. </span></strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family:verdana;">All the good stuff is here, and the extra practicality only costs you a tenth to 60. The coupe is certainly the icon, the borderline ungainly hardtop-convertible gives you the sky, but I'll take my M just like this thank you very much... in Interlagos Blue, por favor.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:Verdana;">[Source: Autoblog, NetCarShow]</span></strong><br /><br /><a href="http://photo.netcarshow.com/BMW-M3_Sedan_2008_photo_0b.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photo.netcarshow.com/BMW-M3_Sedan_2008_photo_0b.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://photo.netcarshow.com/BMW-M3_Sedan_2008_photo_03.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photo.netcarshow.com/BMW-M3_Sedan_2008_photo_03.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://photo.netcarshow.com/BMW-M3_Sedan_2008_photo_13.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photo.netcarshow.com/BMW-M3_Sedan_2008_photo_13.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>PJMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10416778630358846057noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1374004961781475080.post-32279048473152089522007-10-05T07:21:00.000-07:002007-10-05T10:54:15.888-07:00Dubbers Unite for H20 International... and I'm not talking Bush-Boosters<span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>... more specifically V-Dubbers, the fanatical members of the Volkswagen tuning lifestyle. H20i is an annual event held in Ocean City, Maryland bringing together thousands of enthusiasts in a clusterfudge of speed and style. VW enthusiasts are typically divided between fans of the older air-cooled models (Beetle, Microbus, etc.) and the newer, more modern water-cooled examples. The latter being the obvious theme for this show, not to mention the source of its name... along with New Jersey's Waterfest held earlier in the year.<br /><br />Though I wasn't able to make it to this year's show, I was there for the 2006 edition and the scale and scope of the event completely blew me away. Throughout the weekend, Ocean City's infamous Coastal Highway is clogged with gleaming, hissing, farting, chassis-scraping German (and Mexican) modified metal in tastes ranging from the handsome to the hash-induced.<br /><br />You’ll find a wide range of tuning styles here too. Big now in the US is OEM+, a look defined by modifying VW cars with equipment (especially wheels) from the higher-end marques that reside within Volkswagen’s vast empire, e.g. Audi, Porsche, Bentley and even Lamborghini. The key to the popularity of this style is that many of Volkswagen’s subsidiaries tend to share some fundamental architecture specifications, (wheel bolt-patterns for example) therefore making cross-brand part swapping a largely plug-and-play affair. This by no means implies affordability mind you. OEM parts can be extremely expensive when purchased directly from the manufacturer, especially the Mulliner Edition Bentley Continental GT wheels pictured below on the white GTI (below top). This has lead to the booming business of OEM replica wheels. Now instead of dropping $3500 on 4 real Lamborghini Gallardo front wheels for your GTI (yes they do fit) you can have a set of identical replicas for half that much (below 2nd).<br /><br />Another trend gaining popularity in the US is the rat style, which originated with American hot rods and spread to Europe where it was translated onto their domestic machinery. The look can more or less be described as souped-up junker (below 3rd). Cars sporting mismatched matte finish or even rusted body panels, and widened versions of steel wheels like the one under the floor of your trunk get the spotlight here. Usually applied to older cars that weren't in very good shape to begin with, it has also been inflicted upon brand new cars… much to the chagrin of the occasional unknowing onlooker. They can’t usually wrap their heads around why you’d strip the hood of a new car down to bare metal and leave it out in the rain for 2 weeks.<br /><br />If there’s one thing you’ll find common to near every modified VW, it’s a dumped suspension (below 4th). Air-ride is making strides in the scene, but a traditionalist will tell you that coilovers are the only way to roll low. The buzz words lip, stretch, and tuck are all at work here. The old adage goes, “You ain’t Dubbin’ unless you’re rubbin.”</strong></span><br /><br /><div><strong><span style="font-family:Verdana;">The magnitude of this show must truly be seen to be believed (below bottom). You don't have to be a hardcore Dubber either, anyone can appreciate the diverse creativity of these cars...plus it's at the beach and just happens to be a hell of a lot of fun. </span></strong></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong></strong></span></div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong></strong></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>[Photo Source: The members of VWVortex.com]</strong></span></div><br /><div><a href="http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z319/djkonky/h2o_015.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z319/djkonky/h2o_015.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://homepage.mac.com/josh_brown/_DSC7786.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://homepage.mac.com/josh_brown/_DSC7786.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div><a href="http://vortex3.rely.net/gallery/albums//Events/Enthusiast/H20%20International/2007/753.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://vortex3.rely.net/gallery/albums//Events/Enthusiast/H20%20International/2007/753.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1291/1347730113_5fd96a4594_o.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1291/1347730113_5fd96a4594_o.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div><a href="http://images29.fotki.com/v317/photos/7/742185/5449838/H202007127-vi.jpg?1191268207"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://images29.fotki.com/v317/photos/7/742185/5449838/H202007127-vi.jpg?1191268207" border="0" /></a></div></div>PJMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10416778630358846057noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1374004961781475080.post-16469333143549902452007-09-30T17:39:00.000-07:002007-10-01T10:04:42.906-07:00BMW 1-Series Convertible<strong><span style="font-family:verdana;">I <em>want </em>a BMW 1-Series. Not just the way in which I want most of the cars discussed here, but rather a deep, carnal, yearning whose only cure may be purhase. Specifically a 135i Coupe, though I wouldn't mind it in the Tahiti Green pictured below on the newly unveiled convertible variant. Is it just me, or is it damn nice to see a new interesting color on a great new car? Not a lot of people like green cars but I'm gonna go out on a limb with my respect for this one. I'm not alone in my 1-Lust apparently, as BMW has received an unprecidented flood of pre-orders for the car months ahead of its Spring 2008 launch. With the possible exception of the new Nissan GT-R, the BMW 1-Series will be the hottest car of 2008. </span></strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family:Verdana;">[Source: Autoblog, NetCarShow]</span></strong><br /><br /><a href="http://photo.netcarshow.com/BMW-1-Series_Cabrio_2008_photo_03.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photo.netcarshow.com/BMW-1-Series_Cabrio_2008_photo_03.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://photo.netcarshow.com/BMW-1-Series_Cabrio_2008_photo_09.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photo.netcarshow.com/BMW-1-Series_Cabrio_2008_photo_09.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://photo.netcarshow.com/BMW-1-Series_Cabrio_2008_photo_14.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photo.netcarshow.com/BMW-1-Series_Cabrio_2008_photo_14.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div>PJMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10416778630358846057noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1374004961781475080.post-56044002173862554612007-09-27T06:14:00.000-07:002007-09-27T06:33:47.974-07:00Lexus IS-F: Bad For Tires<p><strong><span style="font-family:verdana;">Me thinks they're not kidding with this one. This is the first footage I've seen of the Lex-rod and it's freaking badass. Fully defeatable traction control and a limited-slip rearend join forces with the V8 to hang the tail out just as awesomely wide as a certain M-car... it even sounds like it. Listen closely to one of the launches in the second clip as a sharp chirp from the tires on the 1-2 shift signals no shortage of starch in the 8-speed auto. </span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="font-family:verdana;">I wasn't extremely excited for this car until I watched it hang ass around Laguna Seca. Looks like they finally put their pennies where the pie goes. </span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="font-family:verdana;">[Source: Autoblog]</span></strong> </p><p><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/WGTVOT2R3xg" width="425" height="350" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent"></embed><br /><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/LAAnuOdyqRY" width="425" height="350" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent"></embed><br /><br /></p>PJMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10416778630358846057noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1374004961781475080.post-7025545750178570362007-09-26T10:52:00.000-07:002007-09-27T06:27:22.674-07:002008 M3. Tiff.<strong><span style="font-family:verdana;">Need I say more? I wonder if he'll slide it...</span></strong><br /><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/YODPHqY7mM4" width="425" height="350" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent"></embed>PJMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10416778630358846057noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1374004961781475080.post-69131369137269504542007-09-20T08:49:00.000-07:002007-09-20T12:59:27.761-07:00Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT in the tin<span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>Parked next to this very enticing piece yesterday on my way to the gym. The Sport GT isn't the newest <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Quattroporte</span> variant; that honor is reserved for the Sport GT <em>S </em>just recently unveiled in Frankfurt. Unlike the GT S with its <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">recalibrated</span> suspension, the GT was mostly a styling package... the standout feature being the stunning 20" alloys draped in gorgeously gummy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Pirelli</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">PZeros</span>. This particular car was equipped with the questionable <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">DuoSelect</span> sequential manual transmission, a system broadly chided as <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">unsuitably</span> jerky for a machine of this pedigree. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Quattroporte's</span> gaping maw isn't to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">everyone's</span> taste (including mine), but the sedan's overall presence is undeniably striking to behold. Amidst my brief <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">droolfest</span> I managed to snap a few pictures before anyone saw how creepy I looked doing it. Enjoy the sensuous <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Italian</span> curves below (nearly as sensuous as those of the adjacent car in the 3rd shot...)</strong></span><br /><br /><a href="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h217/hotshoe32/NewPix1116001-2.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h217/hotshoe32/NewPix1116001-2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h217/hotshoe32/NewPix1116004-2.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h217/hotshoe32/NewPix1116004-2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h217/hotshoe32/NewPix1116010.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h217/hotshoe32/NewPix1116010.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h217/hotshoe32/NewPix1116007-2.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h217/hotshoe32/NewPix1116007-2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h217/hotshoe32/NewPix1116013.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h217/hotshoe32/NewPix1116013.jpg" border="0" /></a>PJMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10416778630358846057noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1374004961781475080.post-26303323095135932642007-09-19T06:27:00.000-07:002007-10-05T05:19:09.086-07:00Rental Cars<span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>The majority of us gearheads will likely get a bit excited whenever a chance arises to rent an automobile. Unless you're a gentleperson of means that can afford to treat yourself to an exclusive exotic car for hire program during your stay in perhaps Vegas or Miami, you're almost certainly setting yourself up for an inevitable letdown. Case in point:</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>The girlfriend and I last night sat down to book our hotel and rental car for an upcoming October trip to Chicago. Through her job, she is eligible for 'free upgrades' at various rental suppliers... hence a twinkle appeared in my eye as I hoped we may be able to swing some remotely interesting transportation. Upon inspection of the available iron, my middling hopes stumbled in witness to the fun-squashingly equipped domestic sh*t-kickers.</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>Since I didn't feel it necessary to<em> </em>pony up for the probably still uninspiring automatic V6 Mustang, our Chi-town steed shall be a base Ford Fusion. Aside from being one of the more interesting looking domestic offerings, it's got halfway decent Mazda 6 underpinnings somewhere up under there that might just offer up something resembling transient response. The engine, a Duratec 4-cylinder funneling 160 hp through an indifferent slushbox to mile-high behubcapped rolling stock, is sure to leave my mind securely unblown. Nevertheless, secret plans exist to steal away and conduct a semi-serious road test for posterity... stay tuned (<em>snore</em>).</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>All hope for the prospective driving vacationer is not lost however. I managed to be thoroughly entertained by a Nissan Micra during a week in Ireland last year. If it's your first time driving in Europe, no matter what you end up with, you're thrust into a completely alien driving environment forcing you to learn everything backwards pretty much immediately to avoid death. I recommend an oddball little car like my Micra or some dodgy Fiat that offers the novelty of driving something not even available in the US. Despite resembling an atrophied bee trapped in snot, the Micra proved a lightweight and admirably tight little car that made the most of what felt like 15 hp. Throw in an honest manual gearchange for your <em>left</em> hand and it's like being 16 all over again.</strong></span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.jonesboyauto.com/images/C0029.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.jonesboyauto.com/images/C0029.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://autozone4cars.com/autozonenewweb/images/31695.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://autozone4cars.com/autozonenewweb/images/31695.jpg" border="0" /></a>PJMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10416778630358846057noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1374004961781475080.post-73277870917607943662007-09-14T06:58:00.000-07:002007-09-14T12:15:03.319-07:00Carlsson Aigner CK65<span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>Remember the f*ck-ugly AC <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Schnitzer</span> GP3.10 Concept I posted a few days back? That was an example of adventurous design gone horribly, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">cancerously</span> wrong. A similarly audacious exercise it indeed is, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Carlsson</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Aigner</span> CK65 has been wrought with a keener eye for good taste.</strong></span><br /><strong><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></strong><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>Now I'm not a huge fan of two-tone cars unless they're from before 1960 and handle like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">greazed</span> arse, but here the effect is quite dramatic, and not at all unappealing. The work-of-art <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Carlsson</span> 21" forged aluminum wheels set off the exterior, upon which the only <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">aesthetic</span> blunder appears to be the the Strut-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">esque</span> pimp-my-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">crapwagon</span> chrome mesh lower grill.</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>On the inside you'll find just a pinch more red, as the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Aigner</span> in the car's name refers to Etienne <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Aigner</span>, a supplier of fine leathers who was charged with upholstering the interior. The effect is either daringly bold or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">vomitously</span> garish depending on your tastes, and for me it's just the right tint to achieve the former. If I'm not mistaken, this car's primary stylistic influence had to be the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Pagani</span> Zonda F. The black of the exterior recalls the tinted glass canopy and numerous carbon fiber elements of the F; the vivid crimson/oxblood interior's inspiration is obvious upon comparison. </strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>(See for yourself below) </strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>As it's based on a CL65 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">AMG</span>, this is the last car that needed any engine tuning but they've gone and made the B<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">iturbo</span> V12's hefty <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">ballz</span> even bigger to the tune to 700<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">bhp</span> and <em>811</em> lb-ft of torque. There's also a trick active suspension, sports exhaust, and a full carbon fiber <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">body kit..</span> along with innumerable bespoke <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">doo</span>-dads and gee-gaws guaranteed to put your wallet on weight-watchers.</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>[Source: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">WorldCarFans</span>]</strong></span><br /><br /><a href="http://images.worldcarfans.com/articles/2007/9/13/9070913.007/9070913.007.Mini7L.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://images.worldcarfans.com/articles/2007/9/13/9070913.007/9070913.007.Mini7L.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://images.worldcarfans.com/articles/2007/9/13/9070913.007/9070913.007.Mini6L.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://images.worldcarfans.com/articles/2007/9/13/9070913.007/9070913.007.Mini6L.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://images.worldcarfans.com/articles/2007/9/13/9070913.007/9070913.007.Mini4L.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://images.worldcarfans.com/articles/2007/9/13/9070913.007/9070913.007.Mini4L.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b232/janizzle_/dream%20cars/PaganiZondaF.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b232/janizzle_/dream%20cars/PaganiZondaF.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.autodrome-cannes.com/zonda_f_cockpit.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.autodrome-cannes.com/zonda_f_cockpit.jpg" border="0" /></a>PJMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10416778630358846057noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1374004961781475080.post-67196302126263129212007-09-13T11:10:00.000-07:002007-10-03T08:12:34.543-07:00Bugatti EB 16.4 Veyron Pur Sang<span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>For the money I'd take this over the Lamborghini Reventon in a heartbeat. <em>Pur Sang</em> means 'thoroughbred', and this very special edition of just 5 cars for the entire world comes completely stripped of paint leaving the spectacular aluminum and carbon fiber body structure of the Veyron exposed. Those unique alloys are absolutely drop dead. If this car were a woman it would be naked Monica Bellucci holding a cheese steak and a Guinness. Aside from looking like it's MSRP, it's actually lighter than a standard Veyron; paint weighs</strong> </span><strong><span style="font-family:verdana;">much more than you'd expect. I'll try to see if i can detect the weight loss when I personally roadtest a Pur Sang against a standard Veyron next week not.</span></strong><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>[Source: Autoblog, WorldCarFans]</strong></span><br /><br /><a href="http://images.worldcarfans.com/articles/2007/9/11/9070911.036/9070911.036.Mini8L.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://images.worldcarfans.com/articles/2007/9/11/9070911.036/9070911.036.Mini8L.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://images.worldcarfans.com/articles/2007/9/11/9070911.036/9070911.036.Mini9L.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://images.worldcarfans.com/articles/2007/9/11/9070911.036/9070911.036.Mini9L.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://images.worldcarfans.com/articles/2007/9/11/9070911.036/9070911.036.Mini6L.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://images.worldcarfans.com/articles/2007/9/11/9070911.036/9070911.036.Mini6L.jpg" border="0" /></a>PJMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10416778630358846057noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1374004961781475080.post-54745815126904173862007-09-12T12:35:00.000-07:002007-09-12T13:07:49.653-07:00Weapon of Mass(ive) Erection<span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>Lamborghini's rumored super expensive Murcielago derivative is named Reventon, and it's truly the stuff of kids' posters. Only 20 people get to pay the 1 Million Euro to own one, and if they manage to change the oil and avoid immovable obstacles they're sure to make their money back someday, and then some. It also features some seriously neat glass-cockpit fighter-jet style gauges.<br /><br />It's wicked nasty rotten awesome yes, but the mechanically identical (save 20bhp) Murcielago LP640 is $700,000 less. That fact is a waste of typeface however, because which would you rather have up on your wall?</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>[Source: Autoblog, InsideLine, NetCarShow]</strong></span><br /><br /><a href="http://photo.netcarshow.com/Lamborghini-Reventon_2008_photo_01.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photo.netcarshow.com/Lamborghini-Reventon_2008_photo_01.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://photo.netcarshow.com/Lamborghini-Reventon_2008_photo_09.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photo.netcarshow.com/Lamborghini-Reventon_2008_photo_09.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://photo.netcarshow.com/Lamborghini-Reventon_2008_photo_05.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photo.netcarshow.com/Lamborghini-Reventon_2008_photo_05.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://photo.netcarshow.com/Lamborghini-Reventon_2008_photo_0c.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photo.netcarshow.com/Lamborghini-Reventon_2008_photo_0c.jpg" border="0" /></a>PJMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10416778630358846057noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1374004961781475080.post-51611140350540223352007-09-12T11:47:00.000-07:002007-09-12T12:34:51.047-07:00BMW X6 'Concept' unveiled at Frankfurt<strong><span style="font-family:verdana;">The Frankfurt International Auto Show finally got underway yesterday in Germany and there was no disappointment in the quantity of new products and concepts. I am but a lowly blogger and cannot even fathom being able to comment about everything that's coming out of the show (this isn't my job unfortunately), but I will do my best to show you my favorites. </span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:verdana;">Camouflaged prototypes of BMW's X6 have been the darlings of auto-spy photographers in recent months and we finally get to see it in its final form, <em>mostly</em>. BMW loves to show off cars they label as Concepts, when in reality the production version is 100% finished. They make the wheels a little different, a little shinier perhaps; fit fancier exhaust pipes and/or head and taillights... but it's 99.99% what they'll unveil very soon after as the production model. They did it with the E46 M3, the E90 M5, E92 M3, and it's exactly what they've done here. It just seems like a waste of energy on their part. Between here and the dealerhship, I foresee the X6's wheels changing ever so slightly, and the exhaust exits to lose a bit of their sparkle and melt into a more conventional shape. </span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:verdana;">Although this thing exists only to make money (not to refine the illustrious pedigree of BMW), I do think I like it. The X5 was always near the top of my list of ownable SUVs and though this is mostly just a less practical version for surely more money, it would look awful nice in my post lotto-victory 30-car garage serving as a foul-weather people-mover. </span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></strong><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>Engine choices are more interesting the those of the current X5 with the mouthwatering 3.0L Twin Turbo 6-cylinder at the bottom end, and talk of a new 4.8L Twin Turbo V8 at the top. An engine that's supposedly been under development for the next</strong> </span><strong><span style="font-family:verdana;">generation 7-Series.</span><span style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:Verdana;">I'm sure they'll sell every one of these they intend to... just not to me unfortunately.</span></strong><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>[Source: Autoblog, NetCarshow]</strong></span><br /><br /><a href="http://photo.netcarshow.com/BMW-X6_Concept_2007_photo_01.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photo.netcarshow.com/BMW-X6_Concept_2007_photo_01.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://photo.netcarshow.com/BMW-X6_Concept_2007_photo_05.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photo.netcarshow.com/BMW-X6_Concept_2007_photo_05.jpg" border="0" /></a>PJMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10416778630358846057noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1374004961781475080.post-38676722727016026052007-09-10T12:16:00.000-07:002007-10-03T15:02:00.182-07:00Brabus Madnus<span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>More pre-Frankfurt goodies... this time from Mercedes/Smart steroidist Brabus. First the Ultimate 112 is a tarted up Smart ForTwo with a sportier suspension, 18" wheels, an up-luxed leather interior, and Carrot-from-Chernobyl paint. The 112 denotes both the limited quantity of production, and the power output in PS from it's modified turbo 3-cylinder. 112PS is about 110bhp, and just fine for your average blang'd out dork buggy, but a little shy for one that costs <em>49,000 Euro...</em></strong></span><br /><br /><a href="http://photo.netcarshow.com/Brabus-Ultimate_112_2007_photo_01.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photo.netcarshow.com/Brabus-Ultimate_112_2007_photo_01.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>Remember the Brabus Rocket, the fastest sedan ever, capable of 225.18 mph? Meet the C-Class based Bullit. Basically the Rocket's engine (all 730 biturbo'ed vee-twelvey bhp of it) wrapped in less 225mph-tree-impact-absorbing-metal. You also get scoopies galore, reupholstered interior (including swanky quilted leather floor) and the de rigeur alloys. For consistency, they might as well drop this engine in the Smart and the S-Class while they're at it. Call 'em the Spitball and the ICBM...</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>[Source: WorldCarFans, NetCarShow]</strong></span><br /><br /><a href="http://photo.netcarshow.com/Brabus-Bullit_2007_photo_02.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photo.netcarshow.com/Brabus-Bullit_2007_photo_02.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://photo.netcarshow.com/Brabus-Bullit_2007_photo_07.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photo.netcarshow.com/Brabus-Bullit_2007_photo_07.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://photo.netcarshow.com/Brabus-Bullit_2007_photo_05.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photo.netcarshow.com/Brabus-Bullit_2007_photo_05.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://photo.netcarshow.com/Brabus-Bullit_2007_photo_08.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photo.netcarshow.com/Brabus-Bullit_2007_photo_08.jpg" border="0" /></a>PJMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10416778630358846057noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1374004961781475080.post-35388613513205607382007-09-10T07:39:00.000-07:002007-09-10T08:38:47.748-07:00I'm rooting for them... I really am<span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>Today we get a little more info on Saab's upcoming Turbo X version of the 9-3. This car will be the debut of sorts for the new XWD system, even though you'll be able to get it on regular 9-3 Aeros eventually. Saab is in a pretty meager state of affairs right now, but those who've sampled this new all-wheel drive system are pretty taken by it, claiming that it effectively quells the significant understeer common to this chassis. The standout feature being an electronically controlled limited-slip differential fitted at the rear that properly distributes torque to the outside wheel in corners, similar in effect to Acura's highly praised SH-AWD. The 2.8L turbocharged V6 that's been around for a year or so has already proven itself a strong performer. It was even chosen as one of Ward's Ten Best Engines of 2006 (a honor shared by my GTI's FSI Turbo 4-blaster btw;) </strong></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>The new drivetrain looks promising so hopefully they've finally gotten it right. The only botch I see is that the US market Turbo X won't be available with the attractively distinctive 19" alloys fitted to the car pictured below. We instead get undoubtedly dumber 18s. </strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>I've always had a soft spot for the 9-3... in particular the slick Sportcombi wagon. There's something cool about Saab, even if the 9-3 is this only Saab that has it. The archaic 9-5 is a turd that needs to be flushed, and the 9-7x... well, who cares. The 9-3 so far has never really stacked up well against its competitors on paper, or the road. Still, every time I sit in one I want it a little bit. Or maybe I just want to want it. Like I said, I'm rooting for them...</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>[Source: TrollhattanSaab.net via Autoblog]</strong></span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/09/ab_saabturbox2.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/09/ab_saabturbox2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/09/ab_saabturbox.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/09/ab_saabturbox.jpg" border="0" /></a>PJMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10416778630358846057noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1374004961781475080.post-51223457692375719362007-09-07T14:05:00.000-07:002007-09-07T14:40:51.164-07:00AC Schnitzer officially on acid<span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>If the</strong></span><span style="font-family:Georgia;"> </span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/01/z4-based-ac-schnitzer-profile-concept-should-keep-a-lower-one/">Z4 Profile Concept</a> earlier this year wasn't enough to convince you that ACS has gone off the esthetic deep end, then the new GP3.10 Concept will surely ease any doubts. It takes the combined efforts of many people to turn out a concept car like this, and that not one of them involved with this one stood up to say "Um, this thing <em>blows</em>" is what worries me about the company as a whole. The quality of ACS's craftsmanship is not in question here, but the simple fact that there exists persons within the corporation who think that this car looks sweet is enough to keep me from ever becoming a customer. Whoever would want to fork over the certainly enormous sum of money for this colossal eyesore is beyond me, but somebody must be keeping them in the fugly business.<br /><br />[Source: Autoblog, NetCarShow]</strong></span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/09/acsgp310_hi021.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/09/acsgp310_hi021.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/09/acsgp310_hi031.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/09/acsgp310_hi031.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/09/acsgp310_hi034.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/09/acsgp310_hi034.jpg" border="0" /></a>PJMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10416778630358846057noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1374004961781475080.post-57386038422213134182007-09-06T12:23:00.000-07:002007-09-06T12:47:17.232-07:00Supercharged Corvette named ZR-1<span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>The highly anticipated super-ultra-über-Vette has a name, and it's not SS or Blue Devil. It's ZR-1. I'm quite surprised nobody saw this coming, but it's plenty cool if you ask me. Loosey-goosey chassis notwithstanding, I always thought the C4 ZR-1 was pretty special with it's Lotus engineered aluminum block DOHC LT5 V8. That cutting edge 400bhp powerplant stood in my mind as a shining mechanical jewel amongst the rest of the (pardon my truth) CRAP that GM was peddling some 17 years ago. The new one, if you don't already know, will be sporting a supercharged version of the 6.2L LS3 (not the 7.0L Z06 V8) purging forth at least a half-dozen hundred horsepower. Significant weight savings will be accomplished through the use of various carbon fiber exterior panels. Also, it will be damn near close to $100,000. If you have the cash to get one, you might as well sink some of it into Goodyear stock. The rear end of this sucker will consume more rubber per capita than Canada.</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>[Source: Autoblog, Popular Mechanics]</strong></span><br /><br /><a href="http://media.popularmechanics.com/images/corvette-ss-spy-1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://media.popularmechanics.com/images/corvette-ss-spy-1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>PJMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10416778630358846057noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1374004961781475080.post-76106454333937691902007-09-06T11:48:00.000-07:002007-09-06T12:20:44.747-07:002008 Mazda 6 Unveiled Early<span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>With the Frankfurt International Auto Show just days away, juicy new info on all the freshest metal is pouring constantly into our clutches. Today we have the redesigned Mazda 6 and I must say, it's a stunner. The style and detailing of this car, inside and out, exude a high-end allure until now absent from this segment. It's easy to see inspiration, or at least the resemblance of a little MB CL in the front end, a dash of Lexus IS350 in the flanks and C-pillar, and even a hint of Chrysler Sebring in the taillights (the Mazda's being infinitely superior in execution). The overall effect is dynamic and elegant at the same time, and it looks <em>expensive</em>. This car will feature a new 3.5L V6, undoubtedly a version of the engine offered across the range in Ford's 2008 lineup... and word is that it's a powerful, refined piece that thankfully, requires only regular gas. If all this weren't good enough, Mazda went to the trouble of making this car lighter and more fuel efficient than its predecessor... something that the industry is just now starting to see the urgent need for. It even emits less harmful pollutants. For all its slick beauty and premium touches, the new 6 should come in at a price comparable to the Accord and Camry... two cars that when parked next to this one, will be all but invisible.</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>[Source: Autoblog]<br /></strong></span><br /><a href="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/09/autoblog-mazda-6-024.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/09/autoblog-mazda-6-024.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/09/autoblog-mazda-6-027.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/09/autoblog-mazda-6-027.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/09/autoblog-mazda-6-100.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/09/autoblog-mazda-6-100.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/09/autoblog-mazda-6-001.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/09/autoblog-mazda-6-001.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h217/hotshoe32/Inspiration.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h217/hotshoe32/Inspiration.jpg" border="0" /></a>PJMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10416778630358846057noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1374004961781475080.post-68709328682611093022007-09-05T09:47:00.001-07:002007-09-05T09:59:22.240-07:002008 Audi RS6 Avant Leaked!<span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>Hot on the heels of yesterday's unveiling of Mercedes' C63 Estate, are leaked specs and pics of the outrageous 2008 Audi RS6 Avant. Ingostadt's newest bahnburner boasts a twin-turbo version of the S8's 5.2L FSI V10 generating a fearsome 580bhp and 480 lb-ft. of torque. I'm loving every inch of this thing, from the bulging bodywork glistening in gorgeous blue pearl... to the stellar drivetrain that's sure to pick up where the brilliant RS4 leaves off... in both performance, and manhood-deflating price.</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>[Source: Auto Motor und Sport via AutoBlog, NetCarShow]</strong></span><br /><br /><a href="http://photo.netcarshow.com/Audi-RS6_Avant_2008_photo_01.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photo.netcarshow.com/Audi-RS6_Avant_2008_photo_01.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://photo.netcarshow.com/Audi-RS6_Avant_2008_photo_03.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photo.netcarshow.com/Audi-RS6_Avant_2008_photo_03.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://photo.netcarshow.com/Audi-RS6_Avant_2008_photo_07.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photo.netcarshow.com/Audi-RS6_Avant_2008_photo_07.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://photo.netcarshow.com/Audi-RS6_Avant_2008_photo_06.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photo.netcarshow.com/Audi-RS6_Avant_2008_photo_06.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://photo.netcarshow.com/Audi-RS6_Avant_2008_photo_0a.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photo.netcarshow.com/Audi-RS6_Avant_2008_photo_0a.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>PJMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10416778630358846057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1374004961781475080.post-69155749601500941202007-09-04T16:27:00.000-07:002007-09-10T08:46:45.987-07:00Mercedes Benz C63 AMG Estate<span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>I love hot wagons. Pity then that the US market isn't worthy of their charms. The freshest face to enter the small niche is MB's C63 AMG. You get everything that makes the sedan worthwhile (457 bhp V8/newly blippy downshifting Speedshift 7G-Tronic/and re-engineered front suspension) plus a ton more room for all that junk you insist on carrying with you. All the extra room costs you is a tenth to 60... and probably a couple thousand clams. This goes on my if-i-were-rich-and-moved-to-Europe shortlist right under the Audi RS4 Avant. </strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>[Source: Autoblog, rsportscars.com]</strong></span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/09/c63amgwagon_1280_002.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/09/c63amgwagon_1280_002.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/09/c63amgwagon_1280_006.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/09/c63amgwagon_1280_006.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>PJMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10416778630358846057noreply@blogger.com0