Archive for the ‘General’ Category

Well here is quite an intelligent statement made by one of the most powerful men in the automobile industry. According to a DMagazine article, Lutz sat down for a closed-door session with several journalists. During the time his topics ranged from blasting Toyota’s Prius, to stomping on the global warming debate.

“It makes no economic sense”, he said, speaking of the hybrids coming from Toyota, specifically the Prius. He says that the price will never come down making it more available. Well Mr. Lutz, I don’t believe the Prius was meant to be as much of an economic success as it was an environmental success. Its hard to argue about a hybrid platform that has been tested and lasted as long as the Prius. We all knew going into the Prius that it wasnt the cheapest car on the block, but it was more about the doors it opened for technology and the environment.

But with that said, I digress to Bob’s next memorable quote, Read the rest of this entry »

Only a few weeks after the cars concept was introduced at the Geneva Motor show, BMW has finally released the production version of the new BMW M3 coupe. Keeping in tradition of M history, the newest addition to the family receives a high revving V8, sport suspension, 6 speed manual tranny, the “normal” M exterior attributes, and a carbon-fiber roof panel (also seen on the new M6).

The new V8 however is quite interesting. It is the lightest V8 in the world, even beating the weight of the previous generation’s inline six. The 4.0L V8 can spin to max of 8,300 RPM creating 420 HP and 295 ft/lbs of torque. My only concern is that the current 2007 335ci has a twin-turbo 6 cyl that pushes out 300 hp and 300 ft/lbs of torque.

Is there enough difference to justify the price difference between the two? The 335ci currently has an MSRP of just over $40,000 and I’m sure the price of the M3 will be in the mid to high $50k range if not more. Does having a carbon fiber roof and two more cylinders justify a 15-20 thousand dollar premium.

 With BMW’s target being the new Lexus IS F, Audi S5, and the CLK65 AMG from Mercedes, did they do enough to seperate themselves from the pack. Time will tell when the car hits showroom floors later this year.

No its not Batman’s new Batmobile, it is actually a trend that is floating around the car world and is gaining momentum. Instead of the brilliant shine that we all have come accustomed to, the car industry, particularly the high-end auto makers, are switching to a matte or semi-gloss appearance.

For years the auto industry has strived to perfect the gloss finish on a car only to have the tables turned suddenly in only a matter of a few years. The matte finish paint job started years ago with the “Rat-Racers” of the day. It was only several years ago that tuners began bringing the finish back to life. Of course as the trend became more popular cars began showing up at Auto shows with dull finishes.

For the rest of the story and more pics, read on, and don’t forget to subcribe if you enjoy my blog!

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Authorities have been putting the squeez on underground street racing in Southern California. Chalres Hoang and Daniel Maldonado share a common bond without even knowing eachother, their cars are set to be crushed by local law enforcement. This is all a part of a crackdown by police on the illegal street racing subculture that is “suspected” in 13 deaths in Southern CA in less than a year. “That’s my heart, my dream,” said Hoang as the glass exploded and fell to the ground from his 1998 Acura Integra.

I sit on the fence of this issue. Read the rest of this entry »

23 MPG, 500 HP, and 738 lb-ft of torque with Lamborghini DNA running through its veins. Damn, sign me up. The 2008 debut of the updated Audi R8 with the all new 6.0L V12 from their Q7 concept from last year was all but subtle. I believe it will make a large splash on this side of pond. With a target price of some where just over $100k there is now an eco-friendly option for those with the cake and the want to eat it too. The R8′s power delivery system will even surpass 2014 EuroVI emissions standards and is proving that diesel is not just for large trucks and heavy equipment any more. This is a great step between normal petrol driven dreams and the eventual rise of hydrogen powered vehicles (even though BMW has already proven hydrogen as a viable power source). Good job Audi, now send one my way for an in depth review.

I sat and wondered for quite some time about how to introduce this blog and in what direction it would take. The car industry has become an international machine that spans the globe. Most major countries have auto makers and national specific brands. We are also seeing the introduction of Chinese and Indian brands that may soon be arriving on our country’s shores, such as the Indian made TaTa, whos base model is a mere $2500.

 A change is coming in the auto world, all of which will effect everyone’s lives. It will be my goal to stir up opinion and report on these changes as they come about. My only question to United State’s auto makers is “are you ready”?