Saturday, July 31, 2010
Yamaha YZF-R1
If I were to ever get a motorcycle, I would definitely get this bike. The looks are very appealing; razor sharp. And if you look from the side, it looks like a monster swallowing the tire. It received the prestigious 2009 Motorcycle of the Year award from Motorcyclist Magazine.
1st Model: 1998-1999
2nd Model: 2000-2001
3rd Model: 2002-2003
4th Model: 2004-2005
5th Model: 2006
6th Model: 2007-2008
7th Model: 2009-2010
Yamaha created this bike in 1998 as a sport bike/super bike. It has a top speed of 186 MPH. The newer models are fitted with a in-line 4 cylinder engine that produces about 130 bhp at the wheels. 6 speed transmission. 998cc (1L), liquid-cooled 4-stroke DOHC 16 valves (titanium intake valves). This bike also features Yamaha's Chip Controlled Throttle.
MSRP (from official Yamaha Website):
$13,290 (Raven) Available from September 2009
$13,290 (Team Yamaha Blue/White) Available from September 2009
$13,290 (Pearl White) Available from September 2009
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Honda NSX Nürburgring Tribute
It's a six-minute tribute to the Honda NSX, the amazing ‘Everyday Supercar' developed by Senna himself in the early 90s.
OK, we admit the video is a bit of a slow burner, but just wait until the four-minute mark, when the NSX hits the Nurburgring Nordschliefe with seriously spectacular results.
Tell the boss you're in an important conference call, slip on your headphones, sit back and enjoy a happy slice of epic cinematography. And then curse Honda for canning its plans to build a new NSX successor..."
2011 Chevy Volt Preview
The long wait is almost over, within this year, the new hybrid Chevy Volt is about to go out for sale. But when General Motors Corp. said its new Chevrolet Volt electric car would cost $41,000 and up, many consumers and industry insiders winced. A lot of people consider 40k a considerable amount for purchasing a car. After all, the same amount gets you into the Audi, BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz luxury range. Many people at the 2010 Plug-In Exposition in San Jose liked the car but didn't like the price. There are a lot of desirable vehicles for the same price that the typical buyer would choose over the Volt despite the electric car’s advanced technology and high fuel economy. Chevrolet and other car makers seem to have forgotten that in general, people who want to save fuel also want to save money.
Even more bad news for the Volt; George Magliano, an analyst with IHS Automotive, says the Volt is an important ”statement vehicle” for GM. Indeed, it “makes a bigger statement than the Toyota Prius,” a hybrid sedan that for years has been the reigning symbol of environmental friendliness. “But do I think it’s going to be a volume seller? No,” he says.
The Volt could lose out to the $32,780 Nissan Leaf expected to go on sale around the same time. Chevrolet says its car is worth more in part because its gasoline engine generates electricity when the battery runs low. But Mr. Magliano says extended range may be less of a selling point for buyers, many of whom have more than one vehicle anyway. Those buyers are still going to use their conventional gasoline-powered vehicle for long road trips.
It just seems this car will be killed before it can even take flight. In times like today, who wants to spend +30k on an eat-your-greens commuter car? A more viable option would to buy yourself a fuel efficient car like the Honda Fit or the Nissan Versa.
Need For Speed: SHIFT
Monday, July 26, 2010
Friday, July 23, 2010
J.Ma On: Night Fever
Bee Gees- Saturday Night Fever
Yup, that's right. Bee Gees. Who would've thought a young kid like me born in the 94's would bring up the Bee Gees. Whatever really. Hate on me all you want, it's a pretty darn catchy song. Blast this song in any type of car, and you feel cooler already. It's the uniqeness that will make you special if you blast this song. Sure, you'll be blasted with hate, but who cares really?
That being said, buy/download that song and blast in your Toyota Prius or any type of commuter car. You'll feel like The Stig, and that's the whole point of that song. Feeling cool. Blast this song on a Saturday Night, and I promise you'll gain every respect of all of the elders. It's your choice really, rock out in this 70's song, or face parents rambling on every night.
Check out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRBdvXWu0Wg
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Balance vs Raw Power
Now a day, cars are built around safety and comfort, they pretty much throw out performance and efficiency. In this video by Top Gear, they show the whole line-up of the Nissan Family, ranging from the old and legendary Datsun to the more modern and aggressive Nissans. After the watching the video, you WILL be shocked by the results, puzzled.
Yes, the old Datsun beats the hip and young 350Z and the 14 year old 300ZX spanks the rest of the competition. The underlying answer in this puzzling result is obvious. The older Datsun and Nissans are lighter and made in the days when they “built things right”. But that was only a quarter mile drag race. If they were to race on an actual circuit, with the new upgraded suspension and balance, the 350z will have an edge over their older counter parts. The older cars are lighter and thus don’t require as much horsepower to pull the vehicle along. If we apply this to the larger picture, this is what is wrong about most new cars (especially American cars) on the road today, it may produce a lot of horsepower, but it weighs way too much. The balance and ratio is completely wrong.
Generation Game; Top Gear:
Then And Now-Z Generations Battle; Top Gear:
Sunday, July 18, 2010
J.Ma On: Country Clubs
For my swim meet, I had to go to a country club's pool. The places that surround the pool are huge buildings and a beautiful view along with a magnificent golf course. It's all brilliant. I love the fact that I can find a spot on the patio, and enjoy my lunch while I watch people play golf and go Tiger Woods all over the place. The one thing that bugs me is that, next to every door that leads to a building has a little sign. It says, "proper attire is required." Right. When they say proper attire, do they mean full on tuxedos, not naked at all, or privately protected? Whatever.
Feeling trollish that day, I decided to walk in to the building ONLY wearing a speedo. I was shirtless and I had a towel that I tied around my waist. Knowing that someone would scold me, I decided to find out how long it would take until someone had scolded me and asked me to leave. Suprisingly, a few men that walked by me in rich clothing didn't seem to care. Some more men walked past me until a lady came across me. She immediately stopped me and told me that I could not be shirtless when in the building. All I did was say, "oh, awfully sorry." And stripped off my towel so that I exposed my speedo. Cockly lady I say. The next time I see her, I'll be sure to engage immediate sex with her because that's what she probably does everyday.
To be honest, I wanted to be able to transfer bodies when I saw her though. I mean, if I were taller, white, and with huge biceps and abs, would she have shut up rather than talk trash about me? If I was rich, would she have ignored me, and maybe even admire me? If I had a bigger, hotter body would she want to seduce me with her body? If I were all of those combined and just wearing a speedo, would she just tell me to take that speedo off and forget about the "glove"? I do want to appeal to her, if she ever comes across this. You will regret that you scolded me that day because karma will get your ass hard, "son".
Sitting on the patio (with a shirt on) that day was just beautiful. Sure the sun was blistering hot, and I was doing my math homework as well, but being able to relax and watch people play golf was just excellent. But then I came across the parking lot that belong to the "rich" people that living in the country club. What I saw was plain irony. In a rich place like this, the only car that was the most expensive was a Porsche Cayman. That's the very basic Porsche. All the other cars I saw ranged from Toyota Prius' to F-150's. So the lady that scolded me telling me that I couldn't wear a shirt probably owns a Volkswagon Beetle. Thanks alot you selfish bitch.
To back up my point, the Porsche was the only Porsche in that parking lot. The rest were literally basic every vehicles, and there were not alot of luxury cars. Not even an Acura TL. I acutally did take the time to count the number of cars in a section of a parking lot and it came out to be forty-six. Out of those forty-six cars, thirty-four of those cars were basic vehicles. The other twelve cars were very basic luxury cars. When I say basic, they were just C-Class Mercedes, Lexus IS 250, Caddy CTS, and that's about it. So why lady, why did you scold me when you aren't even that rich yourself? Just because you live in a country club does not give you the right to tell me what to do honestly. I mean, if all the people that walked by me didn't mind, why should you as well? Honestly, she isn't that rich, and I was going to the boys lockeroom that was NOT located outside near the pool deck. It's slightly logical that if I were to leave my clothes in the lockeroom, I would have to walk in without a shirt on to reach the boys lockeroom in the first place. Next time, lady, try suggesting that the lockerooms be built OUTSIDE where the pool is, so you do not have to see little Asian boys shirtless next time. Thank you very much.
Thankfully, not all the people that live in country clubs are all cocks. I mean, the people that work there are very nice, whether you're half-naked or not. And some of the golf men did enjoy me watching the old chaps play golf. If I were to ever live in a country club, I would not dress rich and I would not have a luxury sports car. Then I'd walk inside without a shirt on and let that lady scold me. Next thing I'd is take her outside to my car, then into my room and lock her up in my closet where she can see all my rich clothes. Lets see who has scolding rights now, bitch.
Friday, July 16, 2010
J.Ma On: Wrong Moments
Wrong moments are awful. When you encounter a wrong moment, it's hard to assuage that shock or pain. That memory will remain in you, until you learn to efface that memory, by replacing it with another one. However, while corners can be bad, they can be good as well. Wont you be happy when you suddenly see your loved one meet at the same intersecting corner as you are? Yet, this brings up another contradiction. If two lovers turn at opposite corners, they wont be seeing each other now would they.
Music videos are perfect examples of completely wrong moments. Lets take an example, "Billionaire" by Travie McCoy. It's a pretty catchy song, and it has very energetic beat. So far so good. Now lets take a look at the music video it self. All right, Bruno Mars is singing his wonderfully sung chorus, Travie is too busy raising his hand while pointing it to the sky as Bruno Mars talks about being a billionaire. Then the verse starts. The two boys are then presented, driving in a very young and exotic manner- in a Mini Cooper S.
Whoa. Wait what? Two boys talking about how being a billionaire is wonder drives a Mini Cooper S? That doesn't seem right to me. I mean, the Cooper was a convertible if it makes anything sound better, but why a Mini? They're not that expensive, and I don't think a billionaire would be driving a Mini Cooper in the first place now would they. Why couldn't it be a Porsche 911 convertible? Or many even a Corvette Z06 convertible? Why would they choose something that a billionaire would never even bother looking at? The two boys roll along, doing all those peace and rock on signs, like idiots, and the fact that they're driving a Mini Cooper does not make it any better. I mean personally, I love Mini Cooper S convertibles. They're full of fun and are comfortable cars and yes, I have ridden in one as well with the hood down. It just feels brilliant. But, I don't think a Mini Cooper is the right car for this type of song. It's too cheap and it's too dull looking to be part of a billionaire song. It's just not at the right moment.
There's also that scenario where your driving along the street one day and all the sudden you see an Aston Martin Vantage blazing out of nowhere. Now I would like to give you readers some background information of where I live, along with the other two writers of Fourth Gear. We three lot live in a place, where there are PLENTLY of luxury cars. Everywhere you drive, you can see Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, Audi, Acura, BMW, Cadillac and even Porsches. These few brands of cars are very popular in our area. In fact, my recent study of being in a parking lot with that female individual has shown that every five out of twelve cars in a parking lot is any one of those luxury cars listed above. With even further study, I have found out that one in every fifty cars is a Corvette of some sort. That tells quite abit about our community. But even so, I had trouble adopting to something I've seen for the first time in my life.
There are three times that I felt that luxury super sports car are out of place. Allow me to start with the basics. The first time that I've felt out a place was when I was cruzing along in my dad's Merc E-350. All of the sudden, I see a blistering beacon of yellow light. And I see a Lamborghini Gallardo quickly sliding about. I have never seen a Gallardo in my community before and that felt like an amazing moment. The next time was when I was in a more less rich community. Me going to my dentist appointment, couldn't help but notice a Lotus Exige parked right in front of me. I mean, this was just staggering. I would had never thought about seeing a Lotus in the community where I was, and the Lotus just parked there was just brilliant. It's a beautiful car. This last time however, just occured to me two days ago. While leaving my SAT prep class, I was driving by a very boring parking lot when I couldn't help but notice, a red car. Well I thought to myself, it could be just some silly old Kia or a red Sentra, but when I got closer, the red color of the car was more vibrant than I had expected. Right in front of my eyes, was a Ferrari 458 Italia.
I thought I felt a warm sensation in my pants. It's exciting to see a Ferrari in a community that is already filled with affordable luxury cars, but what all these three sports cars that had in common is that, they're in the wrong place. Why aren't they in Beverly Hills? Honestly, there really isn't much to show off in my area since it's already filled with basic luxury cars. You have a Ferrari 458 Italia? That's nice. But that doesn't compare to what them chaps have in Beverly Hills. There just is no reason to have a Ferrari, a Lamborghini, or even a Maserati (my friend's dad has this) in the place where I live. There's no need to show off your fancy sports cars, because all the people in my community already have luxury cars. Take them to Beverly Hills, where they should belong, and show off there. Sure, they probably wont be able to compare to the Aston Martin Rapide there, or even the Audi R8. In my community, it's just the wrong place, the wrong moment, the wrong car.
I love sports cars. And I will continue to dream about riding in one until I'm old enough to hopefully even try one out in a dealership. But I just don't think sports cars like Ferraris should be avaliable at my community. I mean, with the recession going up, wont people try to maybe steal the car? I'm sure people are getting more and more desperate just to pay off the rent, and it's not all their fault. Lets keep it basic, with the Mercedes and the Audis, and lets take out those unnecessary sports cars. They're too savage for showing off, and they're also uneconomical. With this being said, I'd much rather walk into a corner with two teachers making out, rather then seeing a Lamborghini pop out of no where.
MSN Autos Top 10
http://editorial.autos.msn.com/slideshow.aspx?cp-documentid=1091965
Turn of the Decade Spotlight: Lexus
Now, you may be wondering how Lexus managed to pull a super car out of the blue. There was seemingly no indication that Lexus was working on, or even capable of, a super car. But, The LFA has been in the works for years. Prototypes have been spotted running laps Nurburgring since October 2004, implicating the LFA has been a Lexus project for almost a decade. But the LFA was well worth the wait. It stands as a viable competitor capable of knocking down the Lamborghini Gallardo, Ferrari F430, Porsche 911, and the Corvette ZR1.
There's even an concept out for a Roadster model:
So far, the only people who have driven the LFA beyond car reviewers, are, really, no one. So, we'll all have to rely on the word of those reviewers, until we can really see for ourselves.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Toyota's Reputation... Tarnished for no Reason?
As we all know, Toyota's safety record has been trashed, but never mind that, the whole company's name has been trashed. Toyota has recalled about 8.5 million vehicles worldwide since November to resolve the floor-mat interference and sticking pedal problems. With the words "sudden acceleration" and "sticky-pedals" ringing in Toyota's ear, they are desperately trying to resolve this issue. But in recent turn of events, investigations by the automaker, pointed to a different cause.
So although we know the defective floor mats is a confirmed hazardous defect. What about the stuck accelerator bit? Heres the interesting part... we all know that in an airplane there is a device that records all the events happening to and on the planes called black boxes. Black Boxes record crucial data that can be reviewed in an event if there is a crash. Surprisingly a lot of the newer cars today on the road have a similar device, its called an event data recorders, or EDRs. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says it has long advocated requiring car makers to use EDRs because they would aid safety research. Data recorders are typically part of a vehicle’s airbag system or engine-control system. EDRs, by regulation, record at least 15 types of crash data including pre-crash speed, throttle and brake position, seat belt use and airbag deployment times.
Toyota reviewed the data and pointed to human error in most instances when a vehicle crashed while the driver was trying to brake. Nearly all of the crashes in those instances resulted from “pedal misapplication,” meaning the driver mistakenly pressed the accelerator instead of the brake. A Toyota spokesman, Mike Michels said, "No evidence of malfunctioning electronic throttle systems has been found. We’re not implying that everything is driver error, absolutely not. But in instances where they reported having their foot on the brake pedal, there is very clear evidence that this is pedal misapplication.”
The Wall Street Journal, citing anonymous sources, reported Tuesday that federal transportation officials had examined event data recorders from dozens of Toyota vehicles and had found open throttles and no evidence of braking. Some media outlets referred to the report as vindication of Toyota, whose supporters had argued that reports of the problems were overblown.
In the end, what does this mean for the automaker? It has to make smart choices and plan each move carefully, review everything and make sure they don't make the same mistake again. If not, it can spell doom for the company.
Monday, July 12, 2010
2011 Lexus LFA vs 2010 Nissan GT-R
nice huh? But, one major thing the video didn't go over is the parts in between the straights; how fast can the LFA go around the Nürburgring?
Heres the Result:
2011 Lexus LFA- 7:20
compared to
2010 Nissan GTR- 7:29
As a hardcore Nissan supporter I'm a bit sad at the results. But I have to admit, the Lexus is THE car to buy between the two, IF you have that kind of money. If you don't, you can still save up and spend less than 100k (4 times cheaper than the LFA) to get a GTR.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Turn of the Decade Spotlight: Acura
J.Ma On: Dramatical Moments
To find out, I decided to watch some different types of Chinese dramas. Specifially Taiwanese dramas. All those hard-core fast driving in a 2004 Mercedes SL is pretty damn dramatic. Until you take a look at the outakes and see what is really going on. What they're doing is just moving the camera up and down very fast, and casting a relection at the car's windows to seem like the people in the car are acutally driving, but they're not. So that's not very dramatic.
What is dramatic, however, are the dramatical, emotional, and romantic moments. I mean, think about it. When people get married, they over decorate a car with bundles of flowers and cans along with pink and pretty stuff to allow people to recognize that the couple will be in heat tonight. This is pretty dramatic. In those moments in the car driving away to the couple's honeymoon are filled with several tense, emotional moments. These emotions can range from happiness from being married, or sadness from leaving childhood behind (Toy Story 3). So, with all the basic lines laid down, lets get into more technical car statistics.
Driving a Ferrari is like paying off your mortgage for a house, but a bank still keeps it. Same applies to some Ferrari models. People buy the car, but the individual doesn't get to keep it. When a person is in a Ferrari, the person EXPECTS it to be fast, because it's a Ferrari. It's supposed to be dramatical, it's supposed to be crazy and Enzo fun.
But sadly, to buy a Ferrari, you must be a cock. So lets move on to the more practical humane cars. Example, a Toyota Prius. A male is not going to pick up any type of chicks with a Toyota Prius. They look boring to drive as well, with the whole hybrid idea. But take a moment to hammer down the acceleration pedal, and holy ship. You would have never expected a Toyota Prius to be able to go up to 137 mph. That's Enzo fun, and that's what I call dramatical moments. In that Ferrari, you expect it to go fast, so you can't really say it's dramatic because it's going so fast. But in a Prius, you'd never expect it to go that fast in the first place. That's what makes the adredaline pop in. That's what makes dramatical moments in the car, dramatical.
Technical stuff done, let's move on to more practical ideas. We all have grown up with a car. Everyone can relate to this statement. For me, it would be my mother's 1995 Honda Passport. I went back home as a baby from the hospital in that car, and I have grew up in it ever since. I loved that Honda Passport. Yes true, it's a very bumpy ride, it has pretty low economical gas mileage, but I have grown attached to it. When my mother sold the Passport to my uncle, it was only about three months until my uncle totaled the Passport. I was devastated. Hearing that Passport getting totaled was like seeing a family member of mine go away. That is a dramatical moment. We decided to get a 2003 Honda Odyssey and that car was basically my Passport replacement. It's the same story as the Passport. I've ridden in it every single day of my life, and it's a comfterable ride. Sure, it's bumpy as well, and the gas mileage is really a load of rubbish, but it's just so important to me. I have a 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-350 that my father drives, and I still don't like it as much as the Odyssey. It's just that, I've grown up with practical cars, and stuck with it ever since. These are what we can truly call, "dramatical moments." Forming an emotional bond with something that one rides in everyday is something magical.
So there we have it. Dramatical moments, in a car. I'm sure that someone can relate to me, and understand how I feel. But still knowing the fact that my old Honda Passport has now been turned into trash really upsets me. Still, I acutally have a plan that I can hopefully create a dramatical moment in my dad's Mercedes-Benz. What could this be you might say? Well it's simple. Ask a date to prom next year, and instead of renting a limo to share with millions of people, get to the location with just me and my partner. I mean, how dramatic and romantic is that? And if it goes well enough, I will be postitive that I will wake up the next morning without my clothes on. Is that still a dramatical moment? Yes it is. Was it all because of a car? Technically, it was. Will it ever happen to me? No, it wont.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
GT-R "The Legend is Real"
Godzilla Returns! The legendary GT-R has come back to claim its throne. Personally, this is my dream car; I would do almost anything to acquire this car (no really… I would trade a Ferrari Enzo for this car, that is, if I had one). Its twin-turbo 3.8L V6 engine speaks efficiency and power, cranking out anywhere between 480-505 horse power. Why the variation in horsepower one might ask. Each Nissan GT-R engine is hand assembled (by the way, only 8 people in the world are granted the privilege of assembling the engine), thus making each engine slightly different. Now you’re thinking wow, this sounds more like a straight line racer, but that’s where you’ll be quite wrong. This car was initially built to compete as the Grip King. Its ultimate goal is to beat the Porsche 911 around the famous Nürburgring. And to assist itself to complete this goal this car is loaded with tech and wonderful goodies including a dual clutch transmission, all-wheel drive system, and a pro launch control.0-60 mph takes only 3.5 seconds; quite astonishing considering the Zonda S does it in 3.6 seconds and costs over 1 million dollars. If you are to continue on, this car will eventually reach its top speed of 192 mph. Its at the bends where the GT-R shines, and for a good reason. As noted in the Top Gear review of the GT-R R35, the rims of the GT-R are specially adapted to specifically to this car to prevent the tires from being ripped out. Also noted in the same Top Gear episode, the GT-R can change directions so quickly, that the headlights are fixed. The most astonishing bit about this car is that it is an ultra-low emission vehicle for its class. To sum up this car, Jeremy Clarkson called the car ”blistering” fast.
Savage car eh? You would think with that performance, that you would have to sacrifice a great deal in comfort and affordability. But not so with the GT-R; this beauty has room for 4 and spacious boot. The 2009 Nissan GT-R R35 is less than 100k out of door.
What is there not to love about the GT-R?
Top Gear Awards 2007 - Supercar of the Year 2007
Automobile Magazine - 2009 Automobile of the Year
Edmunds.com - 2009 Edmunds' Inside Line Editors' Most Wanted Awards
Motor Trend - 2009 Motor Trend Car of the Year
2008 Japan's Most Advanced Technology Award
Popular Mechanics - Automotive Excellence Awards 2008
Popular Science - Auto Tech Grand Award Winner
2009 International Car of the Year
2009 World Performance Car
Friday, July 9, 2010
J.Ma On: Female's Perspective
Whenever I’m with a female friend walking through a car parking lot, I would always be the one that names all the cars I’d see at the parking lot. Typically in an average parking lot, there would be cars that range from full on everyday transport vehicles to luxury sports cars.
Of course, then I’d attempt to start up a conversation with the female next to me about cars. And then it would turn out into a complete failure. That’s because when I talk to girls about cars, I would see this one common factor between all of the ladies.
In the current society, lets be honest, girls are somewhat shallow these days. Guys can apply to, but we men can find pleasure in our lives without a female counterpart. In fact, women can fit these statements, but who doesn't not want a lover? All women really want is a mini Tae-Yang; a guy with a decent looking face with tremendous biceps and a bundle of hubris. Same factor applies to cars. When walking with that particular individual, she’d keep on noting about all the pretty and ugly cars when I noticed a trend. All the “pretty” cars were cars that ranged from squashed Volkswagon Beetles (Porsche) to basic C-Class Mercedes. All the “ugly” cars were basic simple and practical Honda Accords, Toyota Camrys, and so on. I mean, what’s the meaning of this? Can’t regular, practical cars be pretty as well?
The other day I was on Craigslist in the “adult” section looking for prostitutes (not really.) And I couldn’t help to notice a post that said “I Love Cars.” I figured that must be a miracle and clicked on it. The first thing I saw was a thirty-seven year old obese female with an extremely long description about herself and so on. And I would like to point out something. “I am looking for a man that makes AT LEAST six figures annually, and wishing that he is a model with a big house next to the beach.” Typical. “I also love sports cars as well, especially Mercedes and Ferraris and not those stupid Chevys and Hondas.”
What kind of monumental failure would say something like that. This the problem with shallow girls. A Mercedes DOES NOT mean it’s a sports car. While I do have low tolerance for Chevys, what about the Corvette ZR-1? How about the infamous Bumblebee Camaro? In a sense, what this means is that, girls favor German or Italian cars. In fact, they love them so much that they label them as “SPORTS
The type of women that DO surprise me, are the type that find interest in cars. The other day while going to Elite, I saw a cop that just pulled over a white Subaru Impreza. I thought to myself the person driving the Impreza must’ve been a guy. When I drove past the Impreza, I was astonished to see that it was a girl. That girl, getting pulled over by a cop, in a Subaru Impreza has officially given herself the achievement as a “Bad Ass Mother F—ker.” If she got pulled over by a cop, that must mean she was driving fast. Driving fast in a legitimate sports car gives her every bragging right. A girl that isn’t obsessed with “Tae-Yang sports cars” is the girl that we all men need to pursue. It would make our lives a lot easier, and we will have the abilities to start a conversation in a parking lot full of cars.
That being said, shallow girls who favor Tae-Yang sports cars are the “canary in the coal mine.” They only profit off of the male that’s giving the girl all her luxuries. But there is a very easy way to solve the whole “shallow girl” problem. There is a way to make regular girls like the same cars the male counter part does. Get a girlfriend, and have sex with her. Sex is like the yes room. Whatever the male says to the female, she will agree. I am almost positive that if that thirty-seven year old obese lady finds a male counter part and they have sex, she will say “yes” to even a Honda Accord. So there we go, a simple problem solvable with a simple solution. But sadly, most girls these days don’t go for the car-loving men. They go for the rich, "sports cars" men. I say, “to hell with that.”
**This article has not been writen in anyway to offend anyone.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Solar Impulse
2009 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V vs 2009 Honda Civic Si (sedan) Pt.
*MRSP: $17,836; $16,159; $14,009
Front Head Room: 40.6in
Rear Head Room: 37.3in
Front Leg Room: 42.4
Rear Leg Room: 34.5 in
Luggage Capacity: 12 cu. ft
Maximum Seating: 5
Fuel Capacity: 14.5 gal.
Fuel Economy: 24 mpg
Civic:
*MRSP: $18,854; $17,542; $15,803
Front Head Room: 38.1in
Rear Head Room: 36.7in
Front Leg Room: 42.4in
Rear Leg Room: 34.6in
Luggage Capacity: 12 cu. ft
Maximum Seating: 5
Fuel Capacity: 13.2 gal.
Fuel Economy: 24 mpg
Okay.
In terms of comfort, the Sentra has a little more room. At least, now we know where some of that 94 extra pounds went to.
Fuel economy, seating, and luggage capacity are all the same on both cars.
The Honda Civic has one gallon less in the tank, but I don't think anyone really cares.
It is a Draw between the cars in by these interior specs.
*(Dealer Retail, Private Party, Dealer Trade-In)
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
The Quest for 60 mpg
The much more recognizable Prius was born in 2004, a 5 seater 4-door hatchback. It ran on a 1.5 liter combined with an electric motor. This combination put out a total of 110 horsepower. This engine is capable of reaching incredible speeds (albeit at a slower pace). Anecdotal evidence suggests this Prius is capable of reaching 140mph, not bad for a low power eat-your-veggies engine, especially when its lugging a 4000 lbs body.
Bugatti Veyron: Top Gear Car of the Decade
Named after the French racing driver Pierre Veyron (24 Heures du Mans 1939). The mid-engine Grand Touring car is the pinnacle of all vehicles, sporting an 8.0L V16 quad turbocharged engine producing a whopping 1,001 bhp. And to keep things in check, this car has 10 radiators. 0-60 mph only takes a dashing 2.5 seconds and to 150 only takes 7.3 seconds more. This impressive car will eventually reach its top speed of 267.9 mph.
Not surprisingly enough, it was named car of the decade by Top Gear ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOU8uzSizOg) and Autocar. Jeremy Clarkson said the Veyron was “the greatest of engineering ever. No, I’m sorry, this is the greatest car ever made and the greatest car we will ever see in our lifetime.”
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
The Ultimate Minivan Showdown
Let’s take a step back and look into some other vehicles other than sports cars. Why minivans? Minivans have always been the workhorse of the family, carrying and transporting the family everywhere they go. Compared to SUV’s, the ride is significantly more comfortable and the gas mileage will make buying SUVs a waste of money.
There has been, for a while, a raging battle in the mini-van sector. The ultimate decision between choosing the 2011 Toyota Sienna with its new refreshed and hip look versus the 2010 Honda Odyssey’s less sophisticated but still pleasing look.
Check this link for more information.
Time to break it down…
2011 Toyota Sienna LE 7 passenger
MSRP: $25,070
Engine Size: 2.7L Inline-4 Cylinder
Fuel Economy City/Highway: 19/24
Horsepower: 186 @ 5800 rpm
2010 Honda Odyssey LX
MSRP: $27,585
Engine Size: 3.5L V6
Fuel Economy City/Highway: 16/23
Horsepower: 244 @ 5750 rpm
The PowerTrain Warranty and Basic Warranty are the exact same for both cars.
Fatal LFA Prototype crash
Just two weeks ago, a Lexus LFA prototype was running a lap on the famed German circuit, Nurburgring, when it collided head-on with a BMW sedan. Despite protective measures, legendary Lexus test driver, Hiromu Naruse, was killed. The LFA careened into oncoming traffic, and crashed head-on into a BMW 3 series. What lead to the head on collision in the first place is unclear so far. Both cars were being tested on performance benchmarks on that day. The BMW driver and passenger were severely injured, but survived the crash.
This shot from a spy video reveals how serious the accident was. This accident was first reported in German newspaper, Rhein-Zeitung. Rhein also has a video clip of the aftermath of the accident.
Hiromu Naruse was born in 1944, and died on June 23, 2010, in the collision. He was 66 years old, having served 47 of those years as a test driver for the Toyota team (as chief test engineer). He was also the chief test driver of the Lexus LFA, and the chief of the Gazoo Racing team.
Links:
Rhein-Zeitung article and video on LFA crash:
On this date and time, the complete story is obscure, but updates will be posted
by GeekBoi
Sunday, July 4, 2010
2009 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V vs. 2009 Honda Civic Si (sedan)
For a few years now, Sentra and Civic have been battling each other over domination of the midsize-performance sedan segment.
Which one really is better?
Here's the rundown:
2009 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V
BHP: 200
Engine Size: 2.5L
Engine Type: Inline 4
Cylinders: 4
Max Horsepower: 6600 RPM
Max Torque: 5200 RPM
Torque: 180 ft-lbs
Turning Circle: 35.4 ft
Curb Weight: 3051 lbs
Drive: FWD
2009 Honda Civic SI Sedan
BHP: 197
Engine Size: 2.0L
Engine Type: Inline 4
Cylinders: 4
Max Horsepower: 7800 rpm
Max Torque: 6100 rmp
Torque: 139 ft-lbs
Turning Circle: 35.4 ft
Curb Weight: 2954 lbs
Drive: FWD
Starting with the brake horsepower. The Nissan Sentra has 3 hp more than the Civic. However, the Sentra is using a 2.5L Inline 4 cylinder engine, whilst the Civic has a 2.0L engine(also a inline 4 cylinder) making basically the same amount of power.
Sentra - 0 Civic - 1
The Civic reaches its max hp at a lofty 7800 rpm, while the Sentra can put down its power quicker at a max hp of 6600 rpm. So while the Civic is struggling to put down power, the Sentra will be pulling ahead.
Sentra - 1 Civic - 1
Again, with torque, the Civic cannot hold its own against the Sentra. The Sentra makes an extra 41 ft - lbs, while reaching its max torque at a full 900 rpm less than a Civic. This is because the Sentra has a long-arm engine type, which means a good bit of torque coming out of its inline 2.5
Sentra - 3 Civic - 1
( The 2 points coming from amount of torque and max torque combined)
With turning circles, they both are matched.
Sentra - 3 Civic - 1
The Civic, even in it's sedan form, is still lighter than the Sentra in by 97 pounds. The Civic wins this one.
Sentra - 3 Civic - 2
Sentra leading right now, but practicality and comfort section to follow.
By GeekBoi