Being a car aficionado, I do get a certain ego boost when I am at the wheel of sweet ride. I remember I would wake up in the morning and stare at my Audi A4 while I sipped my cup of coffee. And I consider that a nice car…for a 22 year old college student that’s the closest I ever got to a Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder. But recently I came across a rookie so to speak, a person that crossed the line that separates car lover from poser. Someone who no doubt memorized the Wikipedia page and just enjoys spewing it in the face of the truly informed.
I have all the respect in the world for a real enthusiast, a guy who truly knows his stuff. But the arrogant newbie, who spits out facts and baseless, uninformed opinion is just offensive. “Well the <insert owner’s Corvette here> is the best Corvette ever made, hands down.” Whoa, whoa, whoa…I appreciate the fact that you love your low mile, used beauty, and there is no doubt that it’s a nice car, but be reasonable. As this guy droned on and on about his nonsense I began listing Corvettes that were better in my head.
The 1953 C1 (the original), 1965 327 Stingray, the 1980 C3 Shark (a personal bias, I had a poster of that car in my room well in to 1998), 1990 ZR-1, 2001 C5 Z06, 2006 C6, 2009 ZR-1.
In the end, a car guy must be as knowledgeable as he is humble. I feel this is key because just as I love what I have parked in the driveway, I must also understand that it’s not the best. I didn’t go around yelling “Screw the R8! My Audi A4 is the best Audi ever made!” did I? And neither should they. One must always be willing to bow out to the better entry. Tell a 1990 ZR-1 Blue Devil driver that your ‘04 ‘Vette is the best ever made and you might be disoriented from all the tire smoke as he leaves you behind.
This is without a doubt, my new official favorite BMW…yes over the M3, but just barely. I mean look at it, gorgeous lines, retractable hard-top, new twin-turbo 3.0l V6 thats puts out 300 horses (also a 2.5l inline six though I hear thats Euro-only) and a 7-speed gear box. 0-62 in around 5.2 seconds depending on your tranny choice. All in all, it looks great. I love this new direction in styling…very clean, crisp look. Head over to Autoblog for the full set of deets and a bitchin’ gallery.
Congress has basically abandoned any chance of bailing out rescuing GM and Chrysler, who are both teetering on the brink of full on bankruptcy. This after Republican party members have, yet again, decided to vote down a plan to ensure that 1.2 million people don’t lose their jobs, and that our economy will continue to spiral downward towards it’s ultimate end. I can’t help but feel a little deja vous, like if some how we have gone through this before.
Republicans axed this proposition because they feel that the plan agreed upon by the Democrats and The White House won’t work.
The Republican leader, Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, said: “We have had before us this whole question of the viability of the American automobile manufacturers. None of us want to see them go down, but very few of us had anything to do with the dilemma that they have created for themselves.”
Mr. McConnell added: “The administration negotiated in good faith with the Democratic majority a proposal that was simply unacceptable to the vast majority of our side because we thought it frankly wouldn’t work.” [NY Times]
Overall the Republicans feel that GM and Chrysler (Ford can stand on it’s own…for now) are victims to the high wages and benefits of the UAW, and feel like they should be paid according to what the japanese automakers pay their workers in their U.S. factories. I read somewhere that it would be something like a $3 dollar difference, where UAW works make on average about $29 per hour as opposed to $26. This would save about $800 million dollars a year on top of eliminating lucrative benefits, pensions, and severance packages.
Where I would agree, that yes, UAW do make a bit more than others, we can’t deny the fact that these people are still employees. They still have families they need to support, mortgages they need to pay, and kids they need to put through college. I cannot stress enough of what a bankrupt Chrysler or GM would do to our economy on life support. A sudden loss of 1.2 million jobs would hit this economy very hard. Not to mention businesses that provide these companies with capital goods would also suffer greatly and in some cases even go bankrupt themselves.
So far this bailout has been one big, toxic mess. Companies like AIG, who is about as transparent as a brick wall when it comes to how it’s using it’s bailout funds, are perfect examples. But this time around, we are not bailing out banks, we are bailing out institutions that form part of the backbone of this economy. Managerial irresponsibility is not a good enough reason to let these companies go bankrupt. The cost of bankrupt GM or Chrysler (or both) would far exceed whatever amount Congress was considering. Do they need to restructure and make products that are innovative and meet demand? Yes. Do they need to renegotiate lower contracts, or eliminate unionization all together and structure themselves similar to Japanese automakers in the US? Sure. But they need the money NOW so that next year there will be a company left to restructure.
I am sitting here today, browsing the NY Times, reading article after article about the auto industry each with it’s own opinion. Some are for saving it, some for allowing it to fall. But I just can’t seem to pick a side on this. It’s rough…
On one hand we have three massive companies, Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors. These companies have been poorly operated for a VERY long time now. They have been in bed with the oil companies for so long, producing products that don’t meet demand, that are harmful for the environment, and extremely dependant on foreign oil. Look, I go blue in the face saying how awesome that new Dodge Challenger is, but I sure as hell wouldn’t buy one. Especially not at a time when gas prices can go from $2.20 to $4.60 on a whim. The big three have always regarded green vehicles as something of an afterthought. Sure the Chevy Volt is very nice, but at this point, it’s too little too late.
The government has already bailed out these companies over and over again. Providing that very low interest loans and orders for government vehicles. Even this this cash flow, these companies have not restructured, have not focused on research for new technologies, and have not analyzed their manufacturing habits. All this while the workers continue to take wage cuts while CEOs continue to make their lucrative salaries. At what point can we say “enough is enough, you are on your own.”
On the other hand, the collapse of any (or all) of the big three would hit the economy harder, or as hard as the collapse of “too big to fall” Lehman Brothers. Experts believe that if the government had bailed out Lehman Brothers that DOW would be above 10,000. But that’s neither here not there. A collapse of any of these companies would result in a catastrophic economic situation. Close to 1.2 million hard working employees would lose their jobs, in towns where those are the only types of jobs available. Local economies revolving around factories would suffer as well. The government would have to pay out anyway, guaranteeing pension plans and such.
So where as most articles out there are screaming for a bailout, or screaming for a downfall, mine is different. I am screaming for a sound, informed, decision. If it is best for this country to let these fixtures of our nation, these historical companies that have been the backbone of our economy for so long fall then so be it. If it is better to rescue them, despite their errors, and despite their problems, then sign the check and mail it out Monday morning.
No. Should we give it to them despite that? Sure, why the hell not. This bailout, as slippery of a slope as it is, is very much a necessary evil at this point. Where the housing and banking crisis had guilty parties on both sides, the auto industry has only itself to blame.
GM, Chrysler, and Ford have been plagued by many problems. These companies have been managed extremely poorly. They have held to this notion of the “invincibility” of the American auto industry for so long, completely ignoring the writing on the wall. This wasn’t a sudden event, there was nothing catching them by surprise here. This was poor planning, poor management, and poor spending at it’s most apparent.
Another problem is the American auto industry’s failure to realize the fairly obvious environmental movement, and the sudden rise in oil prices. The “Big Three” rode the profitable wave of demand for large, gas guzzling SUV’s for way too long. I think some one did see this coming, but was hog tied and gagged so as to not spoil the fun. When you dedicate your production to a product that runs counter to demand, and is dependent on the price of oil, then you are eventually going to have a problem.
Finally I think the American auto industry has been a bit half assed in the design and development department. Having recently been car shopping (and settling on a 2009 Honda Accord Coupe), I think American cars have this very simplistic design that doesn’t appeal to too many people. I do think they are trying to change that, especially with new, eco-friendly vehicles like the Chevy Volt, and the sheer bad asses of the Cadillac CTS-V and the Dodge Challenger. But it might be too little, too late.
In the end, the “Big Three” car makers are guilty of supreme negligence and poor business sense. However, letting these companies fall would be even more negligent on the part of the U.S. Government. These companies are the manufacturing back bone of this nation. A collapse of any of these could deal a major blow to the economy. Give them their $25 Billion, but make sure it comes with a swift kick in the ass and a couple of new CEOs.
Here is some real world pics of the new Nissan 370Z, courtesy of Autoblog. I don’t know how I feel about it compared to the current generation 350Z. Sure the bigger, badder, V6 from the Infiniti G37 is all fine and dandy, but the look…is off. The back looks hacked off, the doors look like they just end abruptly, and those new headlights…WTF man? I like the technical changes, but the look is really killing me. It’s definitely not as clean as the other one, but who knows, maybe once the after market tuners get a hold of it, and I see it a couple of times on the street, who knows, I may grow to mildy tolerate, if not like it. What do you guys think?
When I was younger, I had this fascination with Porsche. I loved the way it looked, the way the engine sounded and especially the fact that Porsche, to me represented what is the true convertible. The Porsche design is timeless, very timeless. So timeless in fact that not much as changed since then. But this Panamera is…wow shockingly ugly. This is supposed to compete with the Maserati Quattroporte and the new Aston Martin Rapide? In my opinion this is no constest. This thing just looks strange. Anyway, let me know what you think. Like it? Hate It? Comment below. Peace Out.
This story is courtesy of the New York Times. A pretty shocking story at that:
Apparently, for the past month GM and Chrysler (owned by the Cerberus Capital Group) have been discussing a possible merger. Seeing as though both companies are clinging to the straws that their respective stocks are worth, it makes sense…sort of. Sources close to the talks say that a deal is “50-50″ Here is an excerpt from the article…
A merger would be a historic event, with two of the most iconic names in American industry coming together to survive in an increasingly difficult environment. Both have roots dating back decades in Detroit and, with Ford, long dominated the auto industry — until Japanese and other foreign car makers began making inroads into the American market.
If Hell, does indeed freeze over, and this comes to fruition, this would make GM/Chrysler (gulp) the biggest auto manufacturer in the world (yes bigger than Ford), controlling 35% of the U.S. market share. I am pretty shocked. Crazy times man. This is definitely a sign of how bad things are out there. I am sure we haven’t heard the end of this. Peace Out!
It seems like yesterday I went to go lease my 2007 Audi A4. Neither did I know that this car and I would drive a journey that would bring me to this very moment in time. This car has taken me to a great job, with great friends. It has taken me to school, where despite varying levels of uncertainty I may have discovered what I am actually meant to do in life. It has taken me and my friends to church, where we go, to chill…with God. It has been the stage for various discussions (such as the epic Iron Man vs. Captain America discussion of January 2008). It has chauffeured many girlfriends, some great, some frightening. I’ve discovered some amazing songs on the Sirius, and jammed very hard to many an album with the CD changer. I have been led home by the nav system many times, which has also led me to find new places after getting lost from listening…to my nav system. Good times, bad times, my car has been there. And though I won’t be leasing anymore, for many reasons both financial and emotional. I am a car guy. I can’t have cars coming in and out of my life. It just tears me up inside a little bit each time. So yeah, this is an ode to my car. Peace Out.
The Audi RS6 Sedan is yet another home run by Audi, joining the R8, and the new TT (and soon to be TT-RS). I have always loved the RS6 Avant (Or wagon and we Americans sometimes butcher it, face it “wagon” sounds lame). The car has a really sharp look, Audi does a great job at achieving the perfect balance of styling and and power. I love how the car looks, it’s very elegant without being too…um gaudy. It really doesn’t look like it has a twin-turbo V10 under the hood. The M5 should be scared…very scared in fact. The M5 is a great car, but the iDrive comepletely hinders it. Settings for this, settings for that, in the end it’s more computer than driver. Same thing with Mercedes, except it usually involves a grossly overpowered engine with AMG badges all over it. Audi is kicking ass all the way to the top.
YES! GM is finally making cars that satisfies the demand for economic, efficient vehicles. The best this of all, it’s 100% Plug-In Electric, it has a unique iPod-like interior, and DOESN’T look like a Prius, or a Honda (that looks like a Prius). GM seems to be learning from the mistakes that cost it so much. Transitioning from big trucks, to cars like these, with the economy the way it is, the world literally melting, seems to be a positive move.
I hate Dodge. Always have and probably always will. But something inside me loves this car. The Dodge Charger SRT-8 is the sport version of the Dodge Charger. It has a 425 horsepower V8, 0-60 is at 5.0 seconds which I think is impressive for a car of that size. It looks angry I think, it definitely has a presence when you see it come down the street. And that SRT sport styling makes it look even more bad ass. I am a Ford guy, so I live and die by the Mustang, but I honestly can see myself buying this car. I wish Dodge would take their interior styling to the next level though, instead of raiding the Chrysler parts bin every single time. It would be a step forward for a company who is notorious for mediocre interior styling. This car is by far one the better cars in Dodge’s line-up. I think the Viper has lost it’s luster. It definitely isn’t the car it used to be, and the competition is just passing it right by. The Charger and Challenger are going to be the new rising stars in the Dodge line up.
You probably don’t know me, but I am the guy who drives the gray Audi, I see you at the stop sign on Oakmont drive. I noticed that you drive a John Cooper Works Mini Cooper. As this is an unsual choice for an attractive girl such as yourself, I am left to wonder slightly. I mean a girl would normally go with the standard Cooper, or if you are feeling adventurous, the Cooper S, but the JCW Mini?
I nearly dropped my iPhone in to the dead space that is the floor of my car when I saw you. You are a pretty girl, who drives a REALLY awesome car. I can only conclude that your choice of car reflects the level of maturity and class. Next time, I will maybe allow my brain to communicate with my hand and wave at you the next time. Maybe I’ll give you a lame thumbs up, which you probably will take as dorky, but just know this. It’s not a “hey you’re hot” thumbs up, or a “hehe sweet ride” thumbs up. It’s a “Your car choice shows what a cool girl you must be” thumbs up.
So I woke up around 8 AM yesterday to find someone broke into my car. Bastards. Is nothing scared anymore? Is this what the world has come to?! Anyway sorry. Luckily for me they were by far the most reta…umm cognitively disabled criminals on the planet. They went through the effort of hacking my keyless entry, going in to my car and literally stealing nothing. They left my three pairs of sunglasses (what I like sunglasses, shut up) and the only thing they took was my blank Audi Warranty Feedback Card. Great score guys, very Ocean’s Eleven. They also took some stuff from my Grandfather’s car that I had been begging him to get rid of for a while now. Again, thank you for helping me out guys!
Also, while I was outside the previous night (before Danny Ocean and the rest of the crew showed up) I found these little guys…
I found them inside one of those decorative ceramics jugs…idk what they are called. But anyway, I had to run to PetsMart to get some kitten formula and a bottle. Yep that’s right, I’ve had to bottle feed both these little guys every 3 hours. One of them, FemaleCat, is pretty springy and energetic. Drinks a lot of milk. While the other one, MaleCat, is a bit weak, and he sleeps a lot (he looks dead sometimes actually, we’ve had a couple of scares) and is a bit resilient to the whole feeding thing. I unfortunately cannot keep them. And my friend, who I am sure would keep them is away on a trip. So I am dropping both of the candidates off at the Adopt-A-Friend Shelter in Broward, it’s on Griffin Road, one mile west of I-95. I called the Humane Society of Greater Miami, but they told me they would probably put them to sleep. After I yelled at the woman for a good 10 minutes about how she would feel if they put her to sleep, I hung up the phone and called the Broward Humane Society, who said they don’t euthanize. If I can find them a home before then that would be great too. I didn’t already have a zoo in my home I would keep them, but I think this is the best option I have so far.
So besides all that, and being sick, I am slowly getting ready to change my life up a bit. I am totally changing the way I eat. I am eating better, more often, and with a wise, rational mind. No more sweets, sodas, beer, coffee. No more a lot of things actually. I have booked my very last round of golf (it’s an expensive game to play). Instead I am going to join both my friends at Gracie Jiu Jitsu Miami, learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. It’s a bit more rough, but it looks cool, it’s perfect exercise, and I get to experience it all with my two friends who live and die by this stuff. My mom thinks it’s good, I need to learn about discipline and commitment…whatever those are. Last Saturday, God really wanted me to go and listen to Pastor Troy (the actual Pastor, as I learned there is also a rapper by the same name) talk about how men are the warriors. We are confident and proud. But these days we play it so safe and close to the chest. We are like caged Cheetahs. Definitely lit the fire within..
Also this is my hundredth blog! I am pretty impressed that I have stuck to this and stayed dedicated to it for so long. I have a ton of them already written, they should be popping up soon. Anyway, wish me luck tomorrow while I stop playing it safe…peace out!
Since I was younger I was always a Ford guy. My love affair with the Mustang started when I was very young. I watched Bullitt a thousand times cause of it, and have sworn my undying allegiance to Carol Shelby a long time ago. But deep down I had a hidden respect for General Motors too. Sure one could argue that for the most part they sucked at making money. I mean the 70’s and 80’s produced some amazingly mediocre stuff, but I think GM has tried really hard to turn that around. But despite this, GM has churned out a couple of hits. The Chevy Corvette, the Camaro, and the Silverado just to name a few. And I have to give GM credit for reinventing Cadillac completely and transforming them into a suitable competitor for BMW and Benz. Despite that, GM (and for the most part the entire American auto industry) is suffering big time, as 2008 could be without a doubt the worst year in the company’s history. Profits are shockingly down, sales are down 18%, and the stock is tanking. The American automotive industry has finally received a wake up call that was a long time coming.
American cars have gotten a bad rep for being powerful, gas guzzling dragsters. And to an extent yes, that’s true. General Motors and Ford’s bread and butter sales are trucks and work horse vehicles. Ford’s baby was the F-150, which for a good period of time was not only their best seller but the best selling pick-up in it’s class. But like all of the vehicles in it’s class, they are massive gas guzzlers. Fine and dandy for a period where gas is $2.50 a gallon, but for a period where political and economic factors are causing gas prices to shoot to $4 a gallon it’s not. So it comes to no surprise that the big three (GM, Ford, and Chrysler) are posting record losses while companies like Toyota and Honda are posting record gains. The American automotive industry had focused all their efforts at selling a vehicle that was appropriate for a time that has come and gone. Now people are desperately trading in their SUV’s and Pick-Ups for Hybrids and Crossovers. Because of this now the industry is in a panic. Suddenly the product they produce is now obsolete, replaced not by new technology, but a new consumer need for efficiency and a high MPG rating.
So now Ford, GM, and Chrysler (who was suffering long before all this) are now cutting costs, closing factories (and companies such as Hummer) and laying off workers left and right. They are refocusing resources (a very costly process) once dedicated to mass producing large engined SUVs and trucks to smaller, more efficient automobiles. But my question is, couldn’t they see this coming? Gas prices have been steadily climbing (mind you not as drastically as recently) for decades now. It seems as though the American auto industry tried to exploit the high demand for these vehicles well beyond reasonable means. Anyone could have seen that eventually, consumer taste would change after gas prices increase, and the search for alternative means of energy would become a priority. All the while GM and Ford continued to produce these type of cars, companies like Toyota and Honda thought ahead. They produce and sold gas efficient vehicles, which left little impact on the environment and were practical. I guess that paid off, considering that Toyota is now the leading car company in the United States, and the American car companies are now cutting programs and posting record losses.
Everyone says that the auto industry is the heart beat of this country’s economy. That whatever they are suffering from, so is the country suffering from. I agree with that one hundred percent. They are suffering because the American people are suffering, trying to gas up their SUVs and diesel trucks. People are sick of paying $100 plus at the gas pump so they are looking to the Japanese and the Germans for relief. And until they adapt, they will continue down the rocky road. Hopefully it’s not too little too late.
I was browsing the CNN home page today in between projects at work and I noticed this rather unsettling, yet understandable story. Turns out rich people are investing and spending much more conservatively than before out economy tanked. Despite a 1.9% growth [Source: About.com] in GDP from last quarter’s .9%. This technically means we are NOT in a recession. Though if you ask my mom we are…cause well, she is not a big fan of the truth. People are still feeling the slowing economy. And by people…I mean all people, the rich included. And though one may not feel bad for them, seeing as us regular folk are living paycheck to paycheck while they live the high life, that shouldn’t be the case. Most of their investments are riding on a shaky and unpredictable market, while the luxuries they have indulged in, such as exotic cars and boats are becoming unsellable due to the fact that gas prices are high. This coupled with a depressing housing market leaves a lot of people with little to no liquidity. The rich are adapting to the changing economy much like we are, by conserving energy, reducing spending and investing, buying and driving hybrid vehicles. Seriously, it’s actually cooler to have a Toyota Prius than a Lamborghini Gallardo (I still think they’re cool). I definitely think that after the elections in November, we will have a little relief. The uncertainty of who will be President usually brings a bit of turmoil to the markets. Gas is also adjusting a bit to demand fears, dropping $4.22 today [Source CNNMoney.com]. So in the end it seems that we are all in this together. Who knows, it may get better or it may get worse before it’s over.
Gas is the blood of this nation. Since the 1970’s, when the average family owning a car or two became common, America has been purchasing and consuming large quantities of fuel. Without it, no one gets to work, no one makes money, no one eats. Whichever way you look at it, this nation is hooked on the black gold, and something needs to be done about it. As of 2:28 pm today, crude oil is trading at $129.29 (with a high of $136.40). I don’t know about you but, gas prices like the ones pictured above makes me want to consider squeezing into a SMART car for the rest of my life (and investing in the Jaws of Life to get out of it).
Recently, President Bush lifted a ban on off shore oil drilling primarily in the continental shelf area. Though his actions are merely symbolic without congressional approval, this has spawned a heated debate on both sides of the isle. Republicans want to begin immediate drilling off the cost of our nation in order to help alleviate gas prices for the consumer. Democrats don’t want to spend the money on drilling off shore, stating that it would take too long for oil drilling off the coast to be productive and the environmental impact would be devastating. Even states are taking sides. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (insert Terminator theme here) has been, and continues to be staunchly against off shore drilling in the state of California. After being briefed by his aides, President Bush is going to have to take it back. Honestly, the Democrats have a point. We would be spending money on something that won’t start paying out till much later down the road and be affecting the environment now. The question shouldn’t be “Where should we start drilling?” But rather, “When should we stop?”.
Some argue that money that would be used to start drilling in the Continental Shelf, or the ANWR province, should be instead used to research and develop alternative methods for energy. Al Gore today called for this nation to switch electricity to renewable resources in 10 years time.
“The survival of the United States of America as we know it is at risk.” He emphasized that meeting this goal is critical, and needs to be seen as something past the elections. He went on to say, “A political promise to do something 40 years from now is universally ignored because everyone knows that’s meaningless.” and that “Ten years is about the maximum time that we as a nation can hold a steady aim and hit the target.”
Note: Al Gore basically has described the collective attention span of this nation.
While most of the critics say that renewable resources are still years away, it’s a switch we as a nation must take. Our dependence on foreign oil is hazardous to this nation. Oil affects everything we buy, everything we do. The fact that most of our oil comes from other nations (primarily other nations that don’t view us favorably) makes it a huge national security issue as well. The fact of the matter is that drilling off shore or in ANWR will solve nothing except give us a temporary (and according to some experts a VERY temporary) fix. Our nation needs to, in essence, go to rehab. Technology is constantly changing around us, yet we have been depending on gas for decades. Gas is something finite, one day, no one will have gas (see. Mad Max). Renewable resources such as biofuels, wind, hydroelectric, and solar energy are quirky and new yes, but with proper funding and research can become mainstream and vastly alleviate America’s dependence on foreign oil. Even this much will push this nation in to a sort of renaissance of research and development of new energy solutions. The private sector is eager to explore alternatives to fuel. Companies like Tesla, who is known for developing high performance electric cars, is planning different, every day cars powered solely by plug-in electric engines. Toyota, GM, and Honda are all planning plug-in, long range electric vehicles. GM is introducing the Chevy Volt, a fully production ready PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), Toyota has plans to switch the Prius to PHEV as well, and Honda is going the Hydrogen route with it’s FCX Clarity.
I recently got my mom a Macbook Pro. She was very hesitant to use something she didn’t know about, being comfortable with the old, beat up, malfunctioning VAIO she had been using for a while. I basically dragged her into the 21st century by tossing her old laptop and now she can’t live without her Mac. The same thing needs to happen in America. Too many people are comfortable with oil. Whether they are comfortable using it, or comfortable profiting from it, our nation has grown lethargic to change. Everything is evolving around us, except for oil. We need to be dragged kicking and screaming in to the 21st century. It’s time to leave the old ideas that we cling to so much, which are hurting us, and embrace something better.
Sorry, I promise after this I will stop talking about cars for a while. But I got some stuff to discuss…
First, here is the new BMW 2009 7 series. What I like is that it’s hitting the U.S. in both the 750il V8 version and a new diesel called the 730d. I like that they cleaned up the iDrive system a bit and added a cool set of media screens for the back seat passengers. What I don’t like in anyway is the styling. I think BMW styling “Post Chris Bangle” is very hit or miss. I like somethings about the look. The body itself looks very streamlined as apposed to the current model which looks bloated. The new headlights are carrying on the awesomeness of the 3 series (hopefully the 5 series will be getting the benefits of that look soon). I am not a fan of the ever increasing size of the kidney grill though. There is no doubt that it grows on me every time I see it. And who knows maybe in a couple of weeks I’ll like it. Lets look on the bright side, at least it doesn’t look like the X6. I am still struggling to understand that car.
As you all may have guessed. After Audi released the R8, I swore my undying allegiance to them. But this up here is not your ordinary R8. Audi had been recently testing out R8’s with V10 engines in them. I am sure we all remember the fiery wreck that occurred soon there after. But after spies caught this bad boy doing it’s rounds on Nurburgring, it seems as though they got it right. Audi is definitely on the right track. I love this company, their cars are the perfect balance of value and performance. With BMW lacking in the design department (especially in the interior) I can see people defecting to Audi.
This is my last one. And I am going to keep it short and sweet. GM, stop delaying this. I am actually considering sharing a car with my mom while I wait for this. Desperate times call for desperate measures. That is all. Oh and GM, *dramatic turn* thanks.
That is all. Peace Out.
UPDATE: One More Thing…
Nissan delivered it’s first GT-R last night in the United States. This is by far the car I am most excited about this year. The amount of effort and technology Nissan put into this car makes the $70,000 sticker seem under-priced. This car eats Ferrari’s for breakfast, and Porsche for lunch and dinner. I love it, it’s brilliant. I actually got to see one of these at a Nissan event I attended a couple of months ago. Not only is this thing a metallic blur on the track, but it also functions great on the road. And as petrol heads know, it’s hard to master a great track car and a great road car. I remember reading somewhere that the technology in this car is comparable to the technology in the Bugatti Veyron. I am sure all the Porsche execs have nightmares about this car breaking in to their homes and such.
My name is Jorge. I am a loyal fan and a member of the Audi Owners Club of North America (I get the magazine, it’s very nice). First of all thanks for the R8, it, much like you, is awesome. I love cars that strike fear in the heart of BMW. But today I have a request. Please start shipping Avant models to the United States. I know they don’t sell well, and that Americans don’t fully comprehend that these are “touring” cars and not “station wagons”. But there are some of us that appreciate it. I think the RS6 Avant would eat an M5 for breakfast here in the US. Those real car guys like us are jealous of the Europeans. You guys get the really fast cars. Thats not to say that I am not thankful for what we have (again, thank you for the R8). Even if you shipped them just to order, that would be awesome. I would totally get that new A4 Avant Quattro if it weren’t a European model. Thanks.
Autoblog posted this the other day. So what happens when you give your son a super rare, super fast Ferrari F360 Challenge Stradale to drive? He wraps it around a pole at high speed. I really can’t think of a worse phone call to make. Only 16 of those were shipped to Australia, and I can’t even begin to imagine the hoops that guy had to jump through to get that car. I am going to surprise everyone and say that this isn’t the kid’s fault. If my dad gave me a shiny red Ferrari to drive for the night, I would find a very empty road to see how fast I can go. This is the father’s fault. Don’t let your kids drive your Ferrari. With that said the best thing this Dad can do is hug his son really hard…and go upgrade.
Welcome to The Jorge Zone! This is my blog, my mental exhaust pipe, slowly filling the atmosphere with my opinions, favorite links, news and the like. This blog is all about the political and social issues we face today. Current events, political & economical happenings, religion & faith, global warming, stuff like ... Continue reading »
