Global RallyCross Is As Close As You'll Ever Get To Gymkhana Nirvana:
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/jalopnik/full/~3/V8IqT06JXhA/global-rallycross-is-as-close-as-youll-ever-get-to-gym-1461431307
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Next-gen Mini could sire 10 different models
The first generation of the reimagined, BMW-backed Mini was a simple things, confined to two body styles - hatchback and four-seat convertible. It wasn't until the second-generation platform came along that Mini began truly expanding, offering a long-wheelbase model, a roadster, a coupe, a five-door crossover, and a three-door, um, thing?
BMW is aiming for 10 to 12 different vehicles from just two brands off one platform.
Besides growth plans, Schwarzenbauer hints that Mini's range of three- and four-cylinder, turbocharged, gas engines may be joined by EVs, plug-in hybrids and the long awaited (for US customers) diesel model. The EV and PHEV models are especially notable, as it signifies both that Mini is ready to expand into alternative energy, which it's avoided outside of the Mini E, while also pointing out that BMW's i division won't be the only ones playing with electricity.
More: http://www.autoblog.com/2013/10/12/next-gen-mini-could-sire-10-different-models-including-phev
BMW is aiming for 10 to 12 different vehicles from just two brands off one platform.
Besides growth plans, Schwarzenbauer hints that Mini's range of three- and four-cylinder, turbocharged, gas engines may be joined by EVs, plug-in hybrids and the long awaited (for US customers) diesel model. The EV and PHEV models are especially notable, as it signifies both that Mini is ready to expand into alternative energy, which it's avoided outside of the Mini E, while also pointing out that BMW's i division won't be the only ones playing with electricity.
More: http://www.autoblog.com/2013/10/12/next-gen-mini-could-sire-10-different-models-including-phev
Since the Mini was reintroduced, I was excited to see a small car with an efficient diesel engine in the US market. Nearly all firms have ignored this segment, with even fewer offerings in the last decade. The Germans are the only ones offering cars in this segment these days, and it looks like this could expand even more in the future. I've always liked the Audi compact wagons like the A4, or Volkswagen's Jetta wagon. Just add AWD and I'd be sold on a diesel Mini, or even an X1.
Friday, June 28, 2013
Who Thought A Jeep Named 'Comanche Eliminator' Was A Good Idea?
Hmmm, something funny in that marquee...
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Oil and Water - BMW R1200GS Comparison
If the GS was not just outside of my budget, it might tempt me to a Bavarian bike, especially given the advancements in the series. Given its massive scale, I would be more likely to hack a GSA with a sidecar and drag passengers along on my adventures.
MoreIn our opinion, there’s really no better way to compare two things, than to put them side by side. It’s an excellent opportunity to observe obvious differences and to note the things they have in common. So when BMW introduced their new water-cooled R1200GS motorcycle, naturally we wanted to compare the new bike with the one it would be replacing, our much loved 2011 R1200GS. For the comparison test we headed south to the lonely roads and back country byways of Utah to spend a week riding the bikes both on and off-road. There was only one rule for the week-long comparison, we had to switch bikes each time we filled the gas tank.
Friday, June 7, 2013
Ranchero
A nice Ford Ranchero, clean and simple the way I like classic customs. Don't fuck with the lines.
Friday, May 31, 2013
Terry Hershner's Zero S gets the Vetter treatment
A streamliner electric motorbike that can do freeway speeds and can go 200 miles between charges? Where do I sign?
Two Wheels: Terry Hershner's Zero S gets the Vetter treatment, shoots for better record http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/31/terry-hershners-zero-s-gets-the-vetter-treatment-shoots-for-be/
Saturday, May 25, 2013
The Economics of Liberty: Loud Pipes and Property Rights
Loud pipes don't save lives, they just piss off your neighbors.
The Economics of Liberty: Loud Pipes and Property Rights
The Economics of Liberty: Loud Pipes and Property Rights
Monday, May 20, 2013
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Rambler American Wagon
Just out of high school, I bought my dream car; a 1956 Hudson Metropolitan. It was a project car that I never finished, but I loved it. Now older and with a pair of kids, I would love to find a Rambler American wagon from the 1950s, as they share styling and the wagon is hardly a large car.
Saturday, April 13, 2013
1975 Honda CT90
You meet the nicest people on a Honda.
Years ago, I acquired a 1974 Honda CT90 needing a restoration, but almost entirely complete. It was my second bike after graduation, after my 1982 Honda C70 Supercub. I paid nothing for it, and let it go for almost that much. Like the C70, I still kick myself for letting the CT90 go, and would love to have one of each again someday.
I just love the smaller bikes, almost more than even 100hp liter bikes. While it won't take me across the country, these little bikes bring smiles to the face in a way that is quite unexpected.
Maybe someone else who loves these little gems will take this little classic in and give it a good home:
http://austin.craigslist.org/mcy/3729182856.html
Friday, April 12, 2013
Three of a Kind
A Yamaha Super Tenere, a KTM 990 Adventure, and a BMW R1200GS, kitted out and ready to take on the world, or your commute. I like the BMW, and I prefer Japanese, but I think I'd have to lean toward the KTM for a touring bike capable of days without touching tarmac. To me, adventure does not mean traveling the same roads as minivans.
KTM 1190 Adventure R
KTM doesn't leave riders who seek a more enduro bike out in the cold. The R variant offers 21" front and 18" rear spoked tubeless wheels, up from 19"/17" on the standard model. The larger wheels on the R model might be enough to keep folks like me who are under 6' from being able to mount the bike easily, but its nice to see the company catering to multiple riding styles and needs with one platform.
KTM 1190 Adventre
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Monday, February 25, 2013
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Custom Supercub
Saturday, January 5, 2013
The Little Lada that Could
And just like American interventionism into the markets, the results are always failure:
Moscow began offering motorists discounts of up to $1,666 on new cars in early March on condition that they bought Russian-built autos and traded in their clunkers for scrap.Though success is something hardly involved in the American or European cash for clunkers programs:
Modeled on highly "successful" US and European car trade-in programmes, the scheme has given a jump start to the Russian auto market, ending an 18-month decline in sales.
Source: Russians line up for Ladas as domestic car market booms
Lada makes moves to defend Russian market share
As Jalopnik says;
Everyone's favorite stuck-in-the-Soviet-era Russian car company is making moves to fend off foreign car competition in Russia. In response to foreign car companies rapidly expanding their Russian market Lada plans to try to bring their cars and their company into the modern era.I'll bet on capitalism and incoming automotive companies over any heavily-subsidized industry or company. Goodbye, Lada.
WTF is Wrong with Russian Drivers?!
So, I'm trying with great enthusiasm and time to sort out why drivers around the world are horrible, but those in Russia take the cake. And off all the Russian failures to learn how to drive, why is there one outstanding common feature? I'm talking about the Lada Riva (and some similar models).
This boxy little shitbox is the modern equivalent to the Trabant, a failure in design, execution, and management (let's allow the private market supply goods and services, unencumbered, shall we?). I'd hate to understand why this sort of vehicular failure could happen with such frequency.
So often, there is a Lada or Trabant (if any survived the collapse of paper money) involved in the accident, even if as a witness to the destruction of it's kind. They are either turning left in a right-turn lane, or trying to pass on the sidewalk, all before being involved in the destruction of property and sometimes life. I can't imagine anyone with any other choice would choose one...
I have a theory that these sort cars cost about a day's (heavily subsidized) pay, are worth about that, and those deciding to start driving have zero requirement to actually know how to drive, which many Russians apparently never bothered to learn.
I would have hoped for a world in which these individual examples of the less favorable traits in our species would simply be allowed to reduce them from the genetic equation. What's wrong with letting Darwin prove his theory? If he was wrong, we have Idiocracy to look forward to. If he was right, we'd better sure as hell allow those without the survival ability to fade into our collective past. Just don't piss off any crazy Russians.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Ford Fusion Rips off Aston Martin Grill
For a long time, I've seen seen any midsized sedan from any manufacturers as a cop-out design, very middle-of-the-road. Ford's latest offering is something like a fourth album of cover songs from an established band. Were they so sore about selling one of their jewels that they made a mockery of Aston Martin?
Ford's ambition is for the Fusion to become as wildly popular as the Taurus once was. After all, it's a mid-size sedan with a mid-size price and great gas mileage. (Ford still offers the Taurus, but it hasn't been a big seller for years.)
Completely revamped inside and out, the Fusion takes on the other middle-class stalwarts in the field, like the Toyota Corolla (which is as beige as a car that you'll likely to find), the redesigned Honda Accord and the Nissan Altima.
Too often mid-size cars are studies in bland design. The Fusion neatly avoids this foible by grafting on the front end of an Aston Martin.
No, really. Take a look at the flat-faced, oval grill laced with horizontal lines, and note the uncanny resemblance to models found on Aston Martins, a high-end brand that Ford once owned.
Completely revamped inside and out, the Fusion takes on the other middle-class stalwarts in the field, like the Toyota Corolla (which is as beige as a car that you'll likely to find), the redesigned Honda Accord and the Nissan Altima.
Too often mid-size cars are studies in bland design. The Fusion neatly avoids this foible by grafting on the front end of an Aston Martin.
No, really. Take a look at the flat-faced, oval grill laced with horizontal lines, and note the uncanny resemblance to models found on Aston Martins, a high-end brand that Ford once owned.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)