Ridin' Dirty

Eyein’ the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible

2008-04-16T20:28:00.000-07:00

What up homies?!? It’s been awhile since I been puttin’ some words down on this blog,yo! I was down at Miami Beach checking out them fine honeys and takin’ a breather. Y’all know how it is with a playa’s lifestyle. Once in a while you gotta kickback and let your body rest otherwise it might turn on you. I’m down with cars and all but I never wanna ride no ambulance. Believe that!

Now, I was scouting for a new gangta ride and out popped this wonderful new PT Cruiser Convertible from Chrysler. Damn, if it isn’t a fine lookin’ car. The original was tight as it is already, but this new one dawg, blows the old one away for sure! Man, gorgeousity embodied! A convertible is almost always a winner, but this one just cuts above the rest. From it distinct, original styling to its lush interior, man I’m creaming myself already. I just have to add this one to my wish list. The PT Cruiser Convertible is aimed at the ordinary fools like you and me. It’s got this cheap price tag that just suits any budget. I would even get this sweet-ass ride even if I was a millionaire. I mean, sure it wouldn’t look comfortable sitting next to super cars and sports car if it was stock. But add some phat rims to this bad boy and a whole lot of kits, gizmos and upholstery and it may even look more wicked than some fancy schmancy sports car. I could just picture driving this thing down my hood top-down and watch the pimps’ jaws drop. They’ll think I was some rich ass ‘foo from the music biz. Ha ha, what they don’t know won’t hurt them.

And it’s not the retail price that’s cheap. Average MPG on this thing is decent, which means I’ll have plenty of cash leftover to buy myself and some shorties a few rounds of “refreshments”. I’m lovin’ it already. And when it comes to performance, it’s kinda standard but so what? You already got your money’s worth by its looks alone. Don’t start hatin and tellin’ me you still got ripped off. You’re a sucka if you do. 150 horses are powering this cutie’s 2.4 liter engine. It also has a 4-speed automatic transmission. It’s a 2-door, 4 passenger convertible. Nice eh? I’ll be able to bring my homeboys along for the ride. It’s just plain cool, no doubt about it. So for you average players out there looking for a decently price ride that’s sure to catch everybody’s attention, check out the 2008 Chrysler PT Convertible. I sure as hell will. Later.

The Next Music Video Superstar

2008-04-03T20:30:00.000-07:00

When it comes to hip hop automobile brands, few are mentioned more than Mercedez- Benz. Anybody who’s anybody in the hip hop scene has at least one or two. Even british comic Rowan Atkinson can’t keep his mitts off a Merc Mclaren F1. I’m telling you, nothing says I-made-it more than having a luxury German sports car sitting comfortable in your 10-car garage. For years, Mercedez has been a key ingredient in gangsta’ rap songs and music videos. Do you remember how much you used to cream yourself while watching your favorite rap star on TV bouncing on the latest merc on phat rims?

Players will once more have something to spend a portion of their fortune on when Mercedez-Benz releases its 2009 SL. I mean just look at the damn thing. If that doesn’t stir feelings of “love at first sight” then I don’t know what will. That streamlined exterior exudes speed like no other expensive piece of machinery will. Believe me your Rep will skyrocket if your pockets are deep enough to get one of these babies. Everything good in a car design is present. HUGE 18-inch wheels, mean-looking grill, well-designed hood, great set of lights and a flawless paint job make for one seriously desirable machine.

This bad-boy doesn’t fall short on features and performance too. As with all of its predecessors, the SL line offers great handling and enough speed to quench any speed freaks thirst. And its interior? Well, let’s just say you definitely get what you pay for. All handsomely tailored to suit any pimp’s ridged standards. Honeys will definitely have a go at each other just to be the first to get in your ride with you. Boy, no matter you butt-ugly you might be, shorties will still adore you… if you have a Mercedz-Benz 2009 SL that is.

If you don’t, well… plastic surgery might be a cheaper solution.

It’s definitely a good investment. If you’re a rap star yourself, this mean machine will look splendid next to your 15 other luxury cars. Nobody can say this honey isn’t worth its price tag. So are you looking for your next luxury coupe? Be one of the first few lucky mothers to own the 2009 Mercedez-Benz SL.

Wanna Race?

2008-03-28T23:37:00.001-07:00

C’mon, if you had a couple of million dollars to spare (ATTN: Celebrities, oil magnates, etc) wouldn’t you make sure you had the absolute fastest car available? I mean, what’s the point of buying a car worth millions of dollars just to see some guy waving while passing you in a faster car? The comfort in buying a supercar lies is knowing that nobody in this planet, save for jet fighters and supersonic aircrafts, can beat you in a race. If that’s your thing then the Bugatti Veyron is the car for you.

In a line: head-spinning, gut-wrenching, blazingly fast. You think a car with a V8 engine is fast? Imagine a car that has 16-cylinders in 4 banks of 4 cylinders, which is roughly the equivalent of two V8s. How’s that for fast? It has over a thousand horses which require a total of 10 radiators to cool it down so it doesn’t explode. It has a mind-numbing speed of roughly about 406 km/h. I don’t think you need to worry about the po-pos, because unless they have jets as their means of transportation, there is no way in hell they could ever catch up to you. They won’t see even your plate numbers. In fact, I don’t think they’ll even notice that you passed them. This is the car’s equivalent to the flash. Do you think the folks with Japanese cars fitted with aftermarket kits too obnoxious? Challenge them to a street race and shut them up for good. Heck, should that race come true, you could reach the finish line, come back and beat your challenger again before he even gets to cross.

The styling isn’t for everybody but I really don’t think that’s the point. While others find the car’s design a bit weird and distasteful, I happen to think it’s a refreshing break from the generic supercar designs that we have become accustomed to. It’s kind of oval in a way, but there’s method to that madness. Air passes smoothly over the curves of the car, adding yet another factor to the Veyron’s top speed. Fast enough to go from 0-60 in about 2.5 seconds. There’s also not one, not two but 4 turbos. I’m not the person that gets scared easily but the thought of that honestly keeps me awake at night. It’s obvious I’ve fallen for the Veyron. In fact if I see one, I would ask it to marry me right away.

The only real problem I see with the Veyron is its fuel economy. How’s 3 miles per gallon sound? 3 miles is all you get per gallon, and that’s not saying much at all, why that’s how far you get from just one burst from the Veyron. That’s the problem I see, but I don’t think that’s really a factor to the person that’s wealthy enough to buy one. Now if you gave away the Veyron to some chap working a 9 to 5 job, he would have problems. But to the rich and famous that bought it, that will never be an issue.

But, for now, the Veyron would have to remain in my dreams and not in my garage. I’m happy with my Japanese model car fitted with aftermarket kits. I’ll let you guys know how good it is to drive an actual Bugatti Veyron in my future posts, though I’m afraid cars will be flying by then.

2008-03-27T23:07:00.000-07:00

Can’t Wait for the 2009 Hummer H3T

Visit hummer’s official website to catch a glimpse of the absolutely friggin’ gorgeous 2009 Hummer H3T. I’m a pickup truck guy myself, but not the agricultural kind, you know what I mean? I just love a good, stylish pick-up truck that won’t be out of place parked next to high-end cars. I mean just take a look at that H3T. Will you have the heart to turn your nose up at it? If you can then you must be an oil baron or something of that nature.

Off-road or on it, I say this Hummer is certainly a keeper. A few more add-ons here and there and this baby could look absolutely phat. Chuck in a wicked sound system and it’s ready to blow everything to smithereens. It’s practical too. I mean how may SUVs out there can be turned to an instant tent? Think about it, camping out in the wilderness with your baby girl, while remaining warm and toasty inside your tent at the back of your own truck? Sounds like paradise if you ask me. Try doing that with your Escalade.

This baby has, get this, 33-inch tires that will make any road you may find yourself in, feel like driving on asphalt. Believe me, this is one bad mother. So, this car will accommodate any mood you’re in. Whether it’s a night on the club or a sleepover by the lake, this ride can do it all.

Rushing for work? Not a problem, because as big as this bad boy seems, it’s power by 242 horses under its hood. Its also has wicked suspensions for loading all the beer and party favors you care to buy for those poker nights with the guys at home.

This car’s smart too. It even has that hold-assist for better hill ascension. And in the looks department, well you know and love the old hummer designs. Hummer retained their trademark looks that we all know and love. The tried and tested formula that they employ has been so successful in the past that it would be a shame to completely re-invent the H3T’s looks.

So basically, you get an H2 that’s smarter, brawnier and looks as good as ever. I don’t know about the rest of you I’ll definitely include this car on my wishlist.

The future looks friggin' rosy

2008-03-26T23:21:00.000-07:00

We have come a long way in car modifications since the hot rods of old. We have seen great things like 24-inch chrome dubs, hydraulics, nitrous, neon lighting, body kits, etc. You may have noticed that technology is on a rampage these days. It seems every day there are new inventions that pop out that deserve a big round of applause. With this in mind, it’s fun to think of the future for car mods.

What’s next?

I personally, have some crazy ideas that would look really wicked, though I don’t think they can be done yet. First I’d like to see a fully digital, touch-screen dashboard. Think of it as one big piece of glass that glows a cool neon glow with all of the cars essential features at your fingertips. There would be no protruding knobs and levers anymore, just one big flat surface with the tachymeter, speedometer, engine temperature gauge, GPS, etc all neatly laid out. Think of how much more leg room you have both for the driver and the font seat passenger. It’s practical and looks killer to boot.

Also, I wish they’d hurry up and build those hyfrogen-powered cars already. Think about it the most abundant substance on our planet fueling our cars. I don’t think the manufacturers of hydrogen-based fuels later on dare to price their products high. I mean, how could they? It’s not like we have to send our soldiers to Iraq just to get hydrogen. Aah.. Cheap gas… I get chills just thinking about it. Think of how much money you can save to spend on additional car accessories.

And since these are just wishful thinking anyway, I would also like to see: lifetime lasting tires, turbo on all cars, an intelligent AI that controls the car when it detects you have had a little too much to drink, a device to hide our true speed when the Po-pos take out their speed gun and finally, a self-cleaning mechanism for the car (goodbye car wash).

Hey, a guy can dream can’t he?

Painting Respect

2008-03-25T20:27:00.000-07:00

There are virtually limitless ways of customizing a car these days. And if your into hip hop and all that, that usually means bling, bling, and more bling. You gotta put it down for your hood, reassuring them that we’re in it all the way. Make rival hoods cream themselves when they see your ride. Bring on those huge chrome 24s and you’ll get everybody’s respect. Then give your ride its voice by installing the most powerful amps and subwoofers you can lay your grubby little paws on. Then add some gigantic LCD screens, a couple of playstation 3s, and maybe just for fun, a mini bar, and watch every face in the neighborhood turn green with envy. These are just some of the ways you can trick out your ride that guarantees absolute satisfaction. This though while getting yourself respect does little for your crew and hood. There is one way of tricking out your ride that will earn you points from your crew while making a strong statement to your enemies.

Art is a very good medium of voicing out your beliefs and ideas. Remember when you used to tag your foes’ territory using a couple of cans of spray paint just so they’d know that your crew ain’t messing around? Well that same method can now be used on your car. So, instead of remaining in walls that don’t move, you can take your crew’s tag wherever you go. A lot of great artist out there will be glad to airbrush your insignia unto your car’s hood. So now you can broadcast “EZ crew forever” or “Westside till I die” everywhere. Now that’s cementing your crew’s rep.

A lot of artists have gone and put the faces of loved one that passed away. Missy Elliot’s got aliyah’s face on her hood. That’s a good way of showing her love for her deceased friend. You can borrow that idea but instead of putting someone else’s face, why not put you own so your rivals will know who they are dealing with. Put it down with your face in your meanest pose while totting a couple of AK-47s and you’ll notice that rivals scurry away as soon as they catch a glimpse of your wicked ass ride.

Now if that isn't putting it down for your hood, i don't know what is

Bentley Should Thank Rappers

2008-03-25T01:13:00.000-07:00

Bentley recently announced that they have set a new global sales record for 2007. They reported that they have completed their best year, selling over 10,014 units worldwide. 4196 units were for North America alone. And by North America, I think this means the good, ole’ US of A, and by USA I mean rappers.

Think about it. Who are capable of buying cars priced at upwards 200,000 bucks and look good riding them? I don’t need any statistics. I KNOW that a big fat thanks is in order here. Come on Bentley. Don’t you dare go all high and mighty on the kids from the ghettos that made it big and bought your overpriced but extremely well-made cars. How much will it take? Certainly not as much as an Arnage or a Continental or even a Coupe. A little gratitude goes a long way.

The New Face of ‘08

2008-01-11T00:52:00.000-08:00

As M'Lady is takin' ten hours to git her hair did, I did a bit of required reading: rss feeds, a bit of world news, and the occasional online magazine about cars. I was browsing one of my faves--Winding Road Magazine--and then, I saw IT.

The 2008 SLK Roadster.

You see, yourz truly has been thinkin’ about a Merc for some time now, and, ooh boy... have they got a pride of ‘em worth prowlin’ the urban jungle with. Now showcasing a distinct arrow shape at the front end, the SLK-Class has one serious Formula One face. Talk about attitude! And ‘neath the hood, I can choose from among three engines. First up is a supah-freaky four-cylinder that can bust out 184 horsepower and torque of 184 pound-feet. Next is the revamped version of its 3.5-liter V-6 engine. This baby has 305 horsepower, 265 pound-feet of torque, all while producing less carbon dioxide. But what I’m eyein’ most of all is dat AMG version of the new SLK… its eight valves can produce 360 horses that iz sure to whoop sum ignorant ass!

I myself wants me that new SLK Roadster – my soundz surround and remain loud even in the open air; and, at a push of a button, it’s “vario-roof” comes up to weatherproof me and m’lady, coupe-style! Everythin’ is prettified: from the three-spoke steering wheel to the trapezoidal exhaust tailpipes. Even the rear is in a new and impressive “diffuser-style” that lets everyone behind you know who’s lord of the road.

Beyond merely lookin’ and drivin’ mighty fine, there’s them high-tech that is as fast-paced as the Merc itself. More than the hands-free Bluetooth-enabled audio system, it is the optional LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control system that impresses this pimp the most. Sure, the other Mercedes Classes had it first, but hell if I care! Load CD number six! Show map! Destination Detroit!

Gittin’ Nutty over NAIAS ’08!

2008-01-11T00:37:00.000-08:00

This year sure is off to a rockin’ start! Car-and-fashion show extravaganza GM Style draws ever closer to be simulcast over gm.com on the twelfth, but this fat serving of celebrity, style, and automobiles is but an appetizer for one of the premier international auto shows in the world: The 20^th North American International Auto Show!

So far, there are nearly eighty exhibitors, more than twenty sponsors, and a slew of entertainment events that include a live performance by Barenaked Ladies as well as a “Racing Day” presented by Sprint on the 25^th of January.

Below is a schedule of events as announced by naias.com, the Auto Show’s official website:

Press Preview: Sunday, January 13 to Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Industry Preview: Wednesday, January 16 and Thursday, January 17, 2008

Charity Preview: Friday, January 18, 2008

Public Show: Saturday, January 19 through Sunday, January 27, 2008

How I wish that a blogger like yourz truly could qualify as press and sneak a peak at the earliest date! Nevertheless, when I get there, I will breathe in all the new car smells (hopefully none of them toxic, mind you), get autographs from all the hot shot racers, and of course, check out all da ride-pimpin’ possibilities!

But of course, first things first – yourz truly will give his take on GM Style, ridin’ dirty style! Till then, peace out!

GM Style Update – and a Mouth-Off to Boot

2008-01-08T21:26:00.000-08:00

Vegas Lover: Kid Rock? Kid Rock will perform at GM Style?

jkewlz: Uhuh – he’s in the list with Mary J. Blige and Maroon 5—

Vegas Lover: Maroon 5 too? What’s the world comin’ to? Dey shud be marooned where dey can do no damage – the name alone makes me ears hemorrhage!

jkewlz: And what’s your beef wit ‘em? Perhaps you just jealous coz lead singer Levine is a badder playa dan you!

Vegas Lover: Oh no, u di’int, wannabe white nigga – nobody be more bad-ass dan urz truly! Do a 360 like ya Kid – he bounced Hip Hop for Rock, da infidel..

jkewlz: Dontcha mean a 180? If I went 360, I be spinnin’ back where I started—

Vegas Lover: Oh, excuuuuze me, Mr. Math McGeek, but I was havin’ a flashback of M’Lady… Oh yeah, she was so fine, she went:

Spin spin like a lick/ All around my/ Explicit lyric

jkewlz: Ha!

It ain’t your tool/ You da one/ Wrapped ‘round her finger, foo’!
I mean, look at you:/ A dawg who drools/ Howls long for da moon—

Vegas Lover:

Is that a joke/? Den why was she stoked?/ Her paws on the floor/
All fours, ass up to give ya pause?/ Huh?
She don’t git any quid pro quo/ I git what I want/ Dat all she need to know

jkewlz:

The story of her liiips/ Dey hangin’ like an elliiipse
She eclipsin’ ya/ Make u believe in her
And then when you get da iiitch/ Payback is gonna be a biiitch
Da pimp gits nuttin’/ Howlin’ and hurtin’/ Da pimp gits nuttin’ but burnin’ piiiss

Vegas Lover: Damn you – you ruin everythin’ for me, you wannabe white—

jkewlz: You ain’t in Vegas no more, Toto! Scamper off and whimper like the pup you iz under the rock from which you came! Ahh… finally got rid of that foul-mouth alter-ego…

So yes, Billboard top-charter Kid Rock will be in da howz on January 12 at the uber-exclusive extravaganza at GM’s climate-controlled pavilion. More than his vocals (and his self-confessed love of muscle cars), he’ll be showcasing his Made in Detroit clothing line. Composed of hats, jackets and shirts, the MiD will be modeled with jeans by William Rast – the brainchild brand of popstar Justin Timberlake and designer Trace Ayala.

And since we can’t git enough of a good thing, more bling bling will be seen at the scene, care of Colette Steckel, Mexico’s ultra-lux jewelry designer extraordinaire.

More than fashionistas will be pleased with the new developments for this year’s GM Style, however, as GM has added that the Chevrolet Camaro and the E85 Hot Rod convertible concepts will also prowl the catwalk.

Said Ed Welburn, GM vice president for Global Design: “High energy and passion are in every element of GM Style, from the vehicles to the performances to the fashions. People will be talking about this event for some time to come.”

Heck, we’re all a-buzzin’ right now! The GM Style show will be simulcast on gm.com, so log on on the twelfth to get your GM fix, Kid Rock style!

Enter Vegas Lover, jkewlz' Nasty Alter-Ego

2008-01-03T22:19:00.000-08:00

Here I be at the City of Sin, and ooh!--neon blinkies look pweetty....

Vegas Lover: Move it, foo'! Shut ya piehole lest I treat it like a glo*#@hole!

jkewlz: What the FU--you again? Git outta ma brain, you crazy sonofa--

Vegas Lover: Ha! I'm da pimp and u da b!tch as long as we in LV, kapeesh? So u just sit 'n see what V-Lover be up to! I mean, look at you, praisin' those twirly-tailpipes--

jkewlz: What about them? They're cool--

Vegas Lover: I'm not saying that they're not, foo'! But look at 'em, dey only go by two styles! Two! Who wants to stand out as a custom-copycat? Gimme more 'dos, dat's what I say.

jkewlz: Okay, I got your point. You could've spoken out when I was writing about it--

Vegas Lover: Nuff sed, wannabe white nigga--me gots me m'lady approachin'. Come here, shawty, lemme tell ya a suite deal...

Vegas Nights
(by V-Lover)

Vegas nights
Here’s the low-down
It’s all about the down-low
(Shh!)

It can be obscene
Gotta bling to be seen
Chin up and low jeans
(Word!)

Got my chinchilla
Keep the ice hot
Hit me up with a Scotch
(Whoa!)

I heard ya
All the ballas hollah
And the haters shuddah
(Brr!)

But beyond the dice rolls
The Rolls-Royce
And the Rolling Stones
It’s you I wanna roll wit
(Shh!)

The vibe is wild when you hide
Give a fight
I be loose when you keep it tight

Come, let’s monopolize
The elevator ride

Just Like In Vegas, What Happens In My Ride...

2008-01-02T00:41:00.000-08:00

Yourz truly was surfin' the triple-dubya, when I came across something twisted: neon door handles! Safely wired and plugged, it glows green when unlocked, and red when not. It silently yet succinctly says "Occupied" on comfort room stalls; or it says "Don't disturb me while I'm with my secretary" on the corporate boardroom door.

I began to wonder: are there any neon grips for my pimped-up ridez? To my shock and awe, I found 'em... but as a patent! Dang!--I so wanted to bring Vegas with me--those flashy lights make moths outta mommas... And who doesn't like Ka-ching! Ka-ching! to ring in his ears?

See the bright lights/ In my suite sight
All the playas below/ Keep on owing dough
Yet here's the spin/ I'm sure to win
You got the slot/ I'll hit the 'pot

Ka-ching! Ka-ching!/ Ka-ching! Ka-ching!
Me got the paper/ Gimme gimme the pucker
Ka-ching! Ka-ching!/ Ka-ching! Ka-ching!
Pull down on the lever/ Got more for your hunger

Okay... my Vegas-lovin' alter-ego may have a come a bit too far, but still, it would be hot to have neon car door handles. Beyond being blingy, these thangs can also blink like turning signals. How cool is that?

Hollah! Cazzilla to Break In ’08 with Style

2007-12-28T01:36:00.000-08:00

To celebrate all the accolades its vehicles have been receiving, General Motors will be going all-out in its exclusive, VIP-only, automobile-slash-fashion-slash-music extravaganza called GM Style on January 12, 2008.

You see, the Saturn Astra Tuer and Chevrolet Beat concepts are finalists for the North American Car of the Year; and the 2008 models of the Chevrolet Malibu and Cadillac CTS (I like to call Cadillacs “Cazzillaz” – let caddies sit and stay in golf courses, you dig?) are among Car and Driver’s “10 Best” list. More than that, my future Cazzilla has been named by Motor Trend as its 2008 Car of the Year.

Cast of characters include Mary J. Blige as perfomer, DJ Samantha Ronson as music mix-master, as well as the country’s top models wearing bling and fashion-y things from Marciano for Guess?, Mark Zunino, and Detroit’s very own Kevan Hall. And—get this—all the GM All-Stars will rip the runway along with the fashions in a head-spinning show set to music. Goodness, I gotta nab me an invite!

Thankfully, gm.com will simulcast the event for us folk who love our Cazzillaz (and love to do da nasty in it – I can’t wait to break in that sweet CTS with ma ladies…). To be held at the huge, climate-controlled pavilion just east of GM’s Global Headquarters, GM Style will also jumpstart GMnext—a series of activities leading up to the beginning of the corporation’s next 100 years (who da hell knew that GM is turning a century old by September 16 next year?)—as well as lead up to the largest legal orgy for car lovers: the North American International Auto Show.

Said Ed Welburn, GM vice president for Global Design:

“The momentum and excitement around GM Style is building quickly. It promises to be an evening in which the artistry of our vehicles, music and fashion converge in an exciting way for GM and for Detroit.”

Well, of course it better not be a dang disappointment! Stay tuned for more pre-party news. Till then, peace out!

Spin That Tailpipe Bling

2007-12-25T19:00:00.001-08:00

Who’da thunk it? Tailwaggin’ ain’t just for ladies no more. And no, fool!—I’m not talkin’ about no queer eye—I’m talking about tailpipes, ya hear? The SPINNER EXHAUST PIPE from the peeps at XEX EXTREMEXHAUST literally puts your rear in gear, to stop you from merely blowing smoke like other folk. It twirls like a chopper, you see; and once you rev yourself hot, it comes poppin’ out!

Available in Turbine or Flare designs, these spinnaz come in models that fit in either 1¼”-2” or 2”-3” exhaust pipes – so take ya pick to swap your puny pipe tip, ya hear? So far, it’s only from Laser Distributions, so log on to their site (www.shoplaser.com) to give your rear that much-needed bling.

Le Fiat Fiorino Compact Van

2007-12-08T18:24:00.000-08:00

Fiat, together with Peugeot-Citroen PSA, has developed a new compact vehicle. They call their latest innovation as the "Fiorino." It is basically a van that will soon be released in the markets of more than 80 countries worldwide. As with its French counterparts, the Fiorino is styled by gifted craftsmen. This is why the Fiat Fiorino is sure to be able to compete with other French cars when it comes to stylishness. As for the vehicle’s capacity, it can load up to 610 kg and has 2.5 cubic meters of stowage. It is designed especially for long driving. It has a special climate control system that allows one to control the temperature as well as the humidity of the cabin. Aside from this, it also features a modern audio system that will surely rock your ride.

The Volkswagen SlipStream

2007-12-04T18:20:00.000-08:00

At the L.A. Auto Show, the winner of the Design Challenge has already been declared. The one who bagged the award was none other than the Volkswagen SlipStream. It is a car that is powered by solar energy. When city driving, the SlipStream is upright that makes it possible to save space as well as to make corners easily. On the freeway, the SlipStream has the capacity to reduce its drag area. What makes the Slipstream special is that it can exceed the speed of 250mph.

Alfa’s 147 Ducati Corse Special Model

2007-12-01T00:47:00.000-08:00

Alfa Romero announced that the limited special series 147 Ducati Corse will debut in Bologna, Italy this coming December 5, 2007. The said vehicle has a 170 bhp JTDM turbodiesel engine. The Ducati can run for 0-100 km/h in 8 seconds and it can speed up to 215 km/h. It features Alfa’s Q2 self-locking front differential system. According to the company, the car is made to “improve roadhold, traction and stability.” Many say that the 147 Ducati Corse has a “racing ambiance.” It has a sport button that “varies the mapping of the accelerator pedal” that gives its users the choice between a touristy mapping and a sporty configuration.

Small SUV by Mazda

2007-11-27T00:15:00.000-08:00

Many are longing to have a smaller version of the SUV and it is such a relief that Mazda plans to build one. The SUV Mazda plans to build is close to their rear-wheel-drive MX-5. One can say that it is a small version of that. And since plans are not all there is in coming up with a new vehicle, Mazda has already decided to introduce their RWD SUV at the 2008 Paris Motor Show.

James Muir, the big boss in Mazda Europe, shares his vision. “I do see SUVs getting smaller and being more car-like in their behavior. Maybe we can look at rear-wheel-drive platform sharing and we have a rear-wheel-drive platform with the MX-5.”

Did you know that Diesels are aiming to be the new hybrid?

2007-11-22T17:47:00.000-08:00

Automakers are already looking into this possibility. The problem lies in that the diesel is most often used for dirty engines. Hence, it has a hard time making progress in the United States market. However this is the case, new emissions technology already does something to solve this dilemma. As a result, these “oil burners” already attained a clean bill of health in all 50 states. This means that we can expect progress in the coming years. Diesels may really turn out to be the next hybrid.

Customized Tony Chi Audi R8

2007-11-17T17:27:00.000-08:00

According to Audi America, the R8’s are available everywhere except for The Audi R8 that is designed by the architect and interior designer that is behind the Park Hyatt Shanghai’s interiors as well as the Skylofts of Las Vegas. It is said that this version of the R8 is included in the Bergdorf Goodman’s 2007 holiday catalog. It will be auctioned until December 14 and the proceedings will be donated to the charity the winner chooses. This version of the Audi R8 has 420 horsepower, 4.2 liter FSI V8 engine.

2010 Welcomes the Chevy Volt Electric Vehicle

2007-11-13T16:58:00.000-08:00

General Motors officially declared the date for its Chevy Volt rollout to be November 2010. There is also talk of a new Walt Disney theme park in Epcot which will feature the advanced Volt electric car.

Chevy Volt was first introduced in Detroit last January with hopes it will leapfrog the advantage Toyota hybrids have given on the road. However, the new production model the drivetrain will look different from the famous model GM publicly revealed in Detroit.

The Volt will not need gasoline if one will only use it to drive for 40 miles or less. Its small engine gets its energy from the car battery and it also makes use of fuel if travel will go beyond 40 miles.

Little Scion

2007-11-08T19:07:00.000-08:00

Also at the SEMA 2007, Ridemakerz and Scion teamed up to come up with a program that allows for auto enthusiasts to create their own Scion “Ride” without having to shell out a lot of money. The program features seven customization steps that make way for 649 million distinct tuning possibilities for the toy car. The best part of it is that once one gets finished with all the customizing, one will get a 12 inch long Scion xB that comes in fiberglass-over foam. Apart from this, it a custom plate also comes with it and a Certificate of Title that includes a Ride Identification Number (RIN).

Wheels go ‘round Bigger

2007-11-07T18:28:00.000-08:00

In the past, having 20-inch rims already seems to be a little too much. Well, times have really changed and rims are getting bigger and bigger. Having 22-inch rims, 24s, 26s and even any diameter lower than 30 inches is becoming a norm nowadays. In fact, rims up to 32 inches, 34s, and even 42 inches are already available. These extremely huge rims were featured at the recently concluded SEMA show.

Here are some of the wheels that were featured at the SEMA show:

This is perfect for anyone who would love to go around with President George Washington. These awesome rims measure 30 inches in its diameter. Some are thinking that maybe a 25 diameter rim would best fit this design since 25 means a quarter and this rim is kindda like a quarter. For me though, 30 inches is just fine. It’s the artist’s prerogative.

Here’s another one:

Now that is what I call a gambler’s rim. Perfect for anyone who has a love for cars and loves to have the roulette spin. Ain’t it wonderful? With every step on the gas, the wheels a la roulette also turns.

Sales, Cars, and SEMA

2007-10-31T08:39:00.000-07:00

In the coming Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas, Chevrolet will introduce its Cobalt SS as well as the HHR Panel SS that will both be on sale come the second quarter of 2008. Toyota will introduce its 2009 Corolla and Matrix on the said show and other automakers will have their own vehicles to showcase on the said event. This is not surprising for the SEMA really affects and influence the consumers. Have a car featured in SEMA and it will surely get sales.

The Silver Car

2007-10-30T22:38:00.000-07:00

If you have the money for it and is just head over heels for silver, the Audi A8 is just the vehicle for you. Yeah, it consumes a lot of fuel. But if you have the money for it, for the amount of fuel it eats up, go ahead and have one. The Audi A8 is made of solid silver. Yeah, you read it right. It’s made of solid silver. This shiny, shiny bling is something that’ll compliment you in many, many ways.