Valley Auto and Truck Classic

The 1st Annual Valley Auto and Truck Classic held in Maggie Valley, North Carolina was a complete success! The venue was filled with gorgeous classic vehicles, which travel from neighboring States. The show had the atmosphere of a festival with vendors, music and live classic car auction host by Gore's Corvette World and Motorama.

This 1922 Velie Sport was one of many remarkable vintage cars on display during the three day event. This Velie won a 1st National award in 1983, and was restored by Josey Restorations. The vehicle remains in the Josey family today. This particular Velie was manufactured for the John Deere Family, and had a purchase price of $3,000.

This is a fabulous streetrod! The engine block is cherry red with checkered interior to complement the design of the classic. This has to be one of my favorite streetrods!

Please click on http://www.smokyevents.com/ for more information on classic car events in the Maggie Valley area. Congratulations to the event organizors for having a successful car event!

2009 Acura TL

The 2009 TL is a 4-door, 5-passenger luxury sedan, or luxury sports sedan, available in 5 trims, ranging from... read more the 5-Spd AT to the 5-Spd AT SH-AWD w/Technology Package HPT.

Upon introduction, the 5-Spd AT is equipped with a standard 3.5-liter, V6, 280-horsepower engine that achieves 18-mpg in the city and 26-mpg on the highway. The 5-Spd AT SH-AWD w/Technology Package HPT is equipped with a standard 3.7-liter, V6, 305-horsepower engine that achieves 17-mpg in the city and 25-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on both trims.

The 2009 TL is redesigned for 2009. Source: 2009 Acura TL

2009 Acura TL



2009 Acura TL



2009 Acura TL



2009 Acura TL



2009 Acura TL

2009 Acura TSX

The 2009 TSX is a 4-door, 5-passenger sports sedan, available in 4 trims, ranging from the 6-Spd MT to the... read more 5-Spd AT w/ Technology Package.

Upon introduction, the 6-Spd MT is equipped with a standard 2.4-liter, I4, 201-horsepower engine that achieves 20-mpg in the city and 28-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard. The 5-Spd AT w/ Technology Package is equipped with a standard 2.4-liter, I4, 201-horsepower engine that achieves 21-mpg in the city and 30-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.

The 2009 TSX is redesigned for 2009. Source: 2009 Acura TSX

2009 Acura TSX



2009 Acura TSX



2009 Acura TSX



2009 Acura TSX



2009 Acura TSX

Advantages Of Hybrid Cars Over Traditional Cars :new cars hybrid 2010

Advantages Of Hybrid Cars Over Traditional Cars :new cars hybrid 2010
by HybridMan
Fuel causes countless reparation to our setting and its prices keep rising every now and then. Bearing in mind these two factors, a large number of car owners and buyers have been looking for a suitable choice to save money as well as their surrounding environment. Most of people are reckoning hybrid cars as the best replacements for traditional cars, as these cars permit them to save their money as well as surrounding environment.During the past few years, there is a substantial increase in the status of hybrid cars. Results of some studies show that hybrid cars would restore nearly 40% traditional cars in many European and North American countries in the next five years. As hybrid cars are being developed by utilising the most advanced technology, the construction cost for a hybrid car is quite low and that’s why they are an reasonable alternative for everyone.
One of the biggest advantages of buying a hybrid car is that they allow users to save some good amounts of gasoline. These hybrid cars feature cleaner energy that is produced by an electric motor, and they have a long-range capacity of gasoline engines as well. This allows these cars to save nearly 30 miles per gallon. Another striking feature of these hybrid cars is that their gasoline engine automatically shuts off when the car begins to stop. It also shows quite effectual to save some good amounts of fuel. You just step on their accelerator and their gasoline engines turn on mechanically.
Most of traditional cars emit loads of toxic emissions, while hybrid cars least amounts of toxic emissions, as they burn less gasoline. Nevertheless, these hybrid cars are quite environment-friendly and cause less pollution in the air, as they emit minor quantity of carbon dioxide in the air. It’s worth mentioning that higher amounts of carbon dioxide in the air are careful one of the essential reasons of increasing global warming. Hybrid car buyers can get huge tax aid on different models of these hybrid cars. Due to this inducement provided on fuel effectiveness and the amount of gasoline that some hybrid can save in its lifetime.
Manufacturers of these hybrid cars seem to carry on their research to find some more efficient means to reduce the amount of fuel consumption. They are also trying to introduce some new ways for better fuel effectiveness.
Besides these popular gains, the biggest gain of a hybrid car is that they are functional for your immediate environment as well as an inexpensive option for all those who want to save good amount of money and their surrounding setting.
The debates on weather are sustained and the weather is getting crazier and warmer with every passing day, and everyone will have to play their role in a suitable way to make mother Earth a safe place for everybody. Don’t think so that one swallow can’t bring summer. Just do that you can do to save your environment and you will positively feel the difference when others will start to think as you do.

2010 Mazdaspeed3

The idea of Mazda in getting customers to buy their cars is simple: listen to what they want and deliver them to the best of their ability. In recent years, they have revealed their ability to adapt to the demands by releasing pocket and driver friendly cars such as the iconic Mazda MX-5 and the CX-7.It's no wonder then that the latest iteration of the Japanese car maker is always about the

2009 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR

2009 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR

2009 Pontiac Vibe GT

2009 Pontiac Vibe GT

2008 Cadillac Escalade

2008 Cadillac Escalade

2008 Cadillac XLR-V

2008 Cadillac XLR-V

Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster Part 1: Design

The already sexy V8 Vantage has now gone topless

If you were to ask a panel of automotive designers for a list of the top five most beautiful current production cars, it is almost a foregone conclusion that the Aston Martin V8 Vantage would make the cut - and for good reason.

The Vantage coupe is nothing short of automotive pornography, pure and simple. The slopping silhouette of its greenhouse and its gorgeous rear fender forms are as sexy as anything rendered in steel and aluminum. In fact, it's almost as good to look at as it is to drive. Easy, I said almost. So what happens to its sex appeal when the Vantage goes topless? More to the point, has it been a worthwhile exercise to chop up the sexy lines of the coupe for a clear view of the sky? Yes, without doubt - as the soft-top Vantage just looks sooo right.

Aston tells us that the Vantage coupe and roadster were designed concurrently and by the look of this car you've no reason to think otherwise. Where some convertibles look like mere afterthoughts of their coupe siblings - think BMW M6 - others, like this car, look right whether the top is up or down.

Key ingredients to the Aston's successful transformation are the seat fairings, which capture the simplicity of a true open car and nicely balance the expansive rear deck. Covered in hand-stitched leather, they also do a great job of tying together the interior and exterior of the vehicle - a key design element that eludes many convertibles.

From the shoulder-line down, everything that makes the regular Vantage such a looker is intact. At the front there's the traditional Aston Martin grille opening and the bejeweled headlights with their LED eyebrows, and on the hood, the vents that extract under-hood heat.

Around the side we see the beautifully shaped bone-line that runs from the functional fender vent through the door and into the generous rear fender. And of course, the elegantly simplistic piece of design-candy that is the flush door pull. Above the shoulder, the fully-lined soft-top - or hood as the Brits refer to it - looks nearly as good up as it does hidden under the hard tonneau cover, with it's simple and elegant shape.

Arguably the most impressive view of the Vantage coupe is the rear three-quarters, where the slopping C-pillar meets the bulging fender and the upswept tail in a carefully sculpted intersection of steel and aluminum. While this view is nice on the C-pillarless Roadster as well, it is the overhead - or planview - that is most stunning, as the fairings behind the headrests invite the eye inside the car's cabin along with the deck's waterfall between the seats.

Simply sensational from its canvas top to its vulcanized Bridgestone Potenzas, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster achieves the improbable, increasing the appeal of what was already one of the most beautiful pieces of automotive sculpture currently on the road.

Watch the video
Read Part 2: Interior & User Experience
Read Part 3: Performance

Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster

Performance
- Acceleration: Larger displacement V8 exactly what the doctor ordered - Vantage is now legit
- Handling: Fantastic, neutral handling - chopped roof doesn't hurt rigidity too badly
- Braking: Strong deceleration with stiff pedal and no fade to speak of

Design
- Exterior: Arguably the best looking convertible on the planet - as elegant as a British car should be
- Interior: A hit-and-miss affair - great craftsmanship in leather and aluminum - other materials not fit for this price range

Utility
- Comfort: Sorry, but seats are not for the "big-boned" (they are very narrow for the American market) - otherwise, it's just right for two
- Space: It is a two-seater, but decent trunk space thanks to fabric top (as opposed to retractable hardtop)

Safety
- Dynamics: While it doesn't feel light on it's Bridgestones, the Vantage responds to orders from the helm quickly and precisely
- Technology: Simple traction/stability system is defeatable - structure is very stiff, which is good if you happen to get it all wrong...

Value
- Price: It is a lot of money, but it is also an Aston Martin - won't make as much sense if and when Audi introduces its R8 convertible
- Mileage: If you have to ask...

Emotional Appeal
- Heart thumpin' factor: Sexy body will make you hot under the collar... and that's before you hear that V8 - yeah, it's got it
- Fun to spank: Oddly, not as much as you'd think - although the soundtrack never gets old, it's reluctant to play drifter and feels heavy and less than composed while doing so

SPECIFICATIONS

Layout: Front engine / Rear-wheel drive
Engine: 4.7 liter, V8
Power (SAE): 420 hp @ 7300 rpm
Torque: 346 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Gearbox: 6-speed sequential manual
Curb Weight: 3770 lbs.
0-60 mph: 4.7 sec.
1/4 mile: 12.9 @ 112 mph
Top Speed: 180 mph
Mileage: 14 city / 21 highway
Base Price: $126,400
Competitors: BMW M6, Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG, Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet

SPECIFICATIONS

Layout: Front engine / Rear-wheel drive
Engine: 4.7 liter, V8
Power (SAE): 420 hp @ 7300 rpm
Torque: 346 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Gearbox: 6-speed sequential manual
Curb Weight: 3770 lbs.
0-60 mph: 4.7 sec.
1/4 mile: 12.9 @ 112 mph
Top Speed: 180 mph
Mileage: 14 city / 21 highway
Base Price: $126,400
Competitors: BMW M6, Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG, Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet

Toyota Prius

Toyota Prius Part 1 of 3: Design

A blend of appealing design and high-mileage aerodynamics

The third generation Toyota Prius arrives on the heels of its hugely successful predecessor, ready to take the baton and continue leading a growing pack of hybrids. With a more mature design, the newest Prius builds on the positive attributes of its forebears, while leaving behind some of the less desirable elements.

Rather than looking like just another car, the Prius embraces its status as the hybrid car poster child by actually looking the part. You won't see a Prius and confuse it with anything "normal" as the design of this car has become the very definition of what a hybrid should look like.

The science of aerodynamics dictates much of the car's shape, but there's more to it than that. Toyota very cleverly hasn't ventured too far away from the look of the grand-slam sales success that was the second generation Prius. Instead, the company has matured the look, continuing to define its aero-imposed silhouette with subtle sculpturing in key areas.

Examples of this sharp attention to detail are found at the front of the car, where the corporate badge sits on a softly raised nose that adds personality to the cars face. We also see crisp surface changes on either side of the lower intake, as well as on the corners just outside of the driving lamps. These facets perfectly illustrate the collaborative efforts of aero engineers and designers in achieving functional shapes that also look great - a true win-win scenario.

Around the back - where aerodynamics continue to play a huge role - we find more clean surface breaks at the corners. Artfully integrated into the taillight shapes and the trailing edge of the hatch, this crisp line allows the laminar flow of air passing along the sides of the car to cleanly break away at the back, resulting in reduced drag, and of course - the primary goal of the Prius - higher mileage numbers.

Toyota has also been crafty in carefully massaging the car's proportions, perhaps the single weakest element of previous Prius models. One key ingredient to that end is the availability of larger, 17-in. wheels on the top-line Prius V model. These work wonders for the car's stance and its overall visual appeal.

While I wasn't a fan of the "glorified golf cart" that was the first Prius, the second generation was significantly better, although in my opinion, still a little dorky looking. This newest one, however, is a huge improvement that to my eye, actually looks pretty good. But - and this is a big but - it MUST have the optional larger wheels from the Prius V in order to avoid looking goofy.

Finally, the increased width of the car contributes as much to the improved proportions as to interior volume, another win-win for the Prius design team.

Slowly but surely shedding the "tech-geek" look of its predecessors - if not completely its similar image - the Toyota Prius has grown in both size and appeal, looking perfectly positioned to continue its impressive sales success.

Toyota Prius

Performance
- Acceleration: Not even remotely quick - CVT keeps the engine crying at its horsepower peak when you're on it - not enough of that electric-car surge
- Handling: Its weakest dynamic element - Prius V model offers firmer suspension... should be standard
- Braking: Regenerative brakes more transparent than previous model - spongy feel is at least consistent with the car's handling

Design
- Exterior: Perhaps its strongest attribute, with excellent aero detailing - the de facto hybrid look - larger wheels fitted to Prius V an absolute must
- Interior: Again, defines the category - excellent overall design, but with cheap looking and feeling materials

Utility
- Comfort: Given its size, excellent for front and rear occupants - strong A/C system, too
- Space: Adequate for its size - aero silhouette costs it some packaging space, but not as much as its main rival, the Honda Insight

Safety
- Dynamics: Ah... no - intrusive stability control system is actually welcomed
- Technology: All the safety technology that a super power like Toyota can muster up

Value
- Price: The biggest disadvantage compared to the Honda Insight - Toyota cleverly left room at the bottom for a Prius I stripper
- Mileage: The King

Emotional Appeal
- Heart thumpin' factor: Only if you can get your thrills from maximizing mileage
- Fun to spank: Simply not applicable

SPECIFICATIONS

Layout: Front engine / Front-wheel drive
Engine: 1.8-liter, Inline-4 / electric motor hybrid
Power (SAE): 134 hp (hybrid system net power)
Gearbox: Constantly Variable (CVT)
Curb Weight: 3042 lbs.
0-60 mph: 9.8 sec.
Top Speed: 112 mph
Mileage: 51 city / 48 highway
Base Price: $22,000
Competitors: Honda Insight, Honda Fit, 10-speed bicycle

BMW 335i Sedan Quick Test

The most frequently targeted benchmark in the automotive world

The BMW 3-series' long reign as the king of sports sedans is well defended by the latest and greatest 335i.

New for 2009 but really amounting to a midterm facelift of its three-year-old fifth-generation 3-series sedan, BMW's 335i slots in just below the much more expensive and exotic M3 to stand as quite possibly the world's most frequently targeted automotive benchmark.

Seemingly every automaker in the world looking to build a proper sports sedan has taken a shot at the BMW 3-series - which is a good thing: After all, almost any car could benefit from being a little bit more like the BMW 335i!

Featuring a magnificent 300hp, twin-turbocharged engine mated to either a six-speed automatic or a six-speed manual, the 335 is underpinned by a chassis with moves so athletic it can embarrass many a so-called sportscar.

It is truly a darling of the world's automotive press.

What is it specifically about BMW's bread-and-butter earner that, year after year, earns it high praise?

A magnificent powertrain and a great chassis certainly don't hurt, but what really elevates the 335i to the top of the sports sedan class is the diversity of its talents. It is agile, practical and economical. It is built superbly from premium materials. It features all the usual luxury amenities and more.

Center stage in the 335i performance story, of course, is its award winning 3-liter, twin-turbocharged and direct-injected engine. Smooth and relatively economical (as long as you stay out of the boost), the inline 6 feels more like a larger-displacement V8.

Maximum torque delivery from 1400 all the way to 5000 rpm hides the typical turbo "spike" while throttle lag is nearly non-existent thanks partially to direct fuel injection but mainly to the use of two turbos.

Those twin turbochargers are small, low-pressure units that, thanks to low inertia, spin up quickly to provide instant boost when you get on the throttle.

And then there are the car's other attributes: The 335i offers a level of precision from the helm that few other cars possess, with a ride and handling balance that is perhaps its biggest advantage over its rivals.

Only on the race track is the driver ever left wanting as the lack of a limited-slip differential starts the Dynamic Traction Control light blinking. Disable that system and you're left spinning the inside wheel exiting corners hard on the gas.

To be fair, the 4-door 335i isn't intended to be a track star, and this scrabble for traction at the edge of adhesion is something most owners will never experience.

The 2009 BMW 335i, with its wide array of winning talents, continues its long reign as the king of luxury sport sedans.

Pricey, yes: Starting at just over $40,000, it gets expensive when you spec it with all of the "must have" options.

But, somehow, it's still worth it: The mix of rewarding driving experience with everyday usability is what makes it so intriguing, and gives credence to the BMW 335i's rep as the sports sedan.

BMW 335i Sedan

Performance
- Acceleration: Nearly as quick as last-generation E46 M3 (!!!) - turbo lag nearly imperceptible - pulls and pulls and pulls
- Handling: Traditional BMW balance and precise steering combined with excellent (read: unobtrusive) DSC allows you to adjust cornering attitude at will - still the class benchmark
- Braking: Never less than excellent on the street, they will start to go away on the track despite the brake fade compensation system's best efforts (although in all fairness, this isn't a track car)

Design
- Exterior: Thankfully, Bangle's hand was restrained by BMW's board on the E90 3-series, with this mild facelift mostly improving the car further - organic shapes at the front seem out of place
- Interior: Starting to get a bit dated inside - aluminum option helps keep it more modern chic than the traditional wood

Utility
- Comfort: Great ride/handling balance combined with impressive build-quality results in a comfortable place to be... at least in the front
- Space: Excellent accommodations up front, less so in the rear where competitors offer more space

Safety
- Dynamics: The single best attribute of the 3-series range - after all, if you can avoid the accident in the first place...
- Technology: Everything you expect to find in a car at this price

Value
- Price: Certainly starts to get expensive when you spec the 3 with all of the "must have" options, but somehow, it's still worth it
- Mileage: Driven sanely, not too bad - driven on the boost...

Emotional Appeal
- Heart thumpin' factor: Excluding the awesome M3, it is the top-spec 3-series, but probably too common and practical to really make your heart soar
- Fun to spank: A little - although a limited-slip option would certainly help (nearly unforgivable oversight BMW!)

SPECIFICATIONS

Layout: Front engine / Rear-wheel drive
Engine: 3 liter, twin-turbocharged Inline-6
Power (SAE): 300 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque: 300 lb-ft @ 1400-5000 rpm
Gearbox: 6-speed automatic
Curb Weight: 3605 lbs.
0-60 mph: 5.1 sec.
Top Speed: 150 mph
Mileage: 17 city / 26 highway
Base Price: $40,300
Competitors: Audi A4/S4, Mercedes-Benz C350, Infiniti G37

Aston Martin V8

Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster Part 2: Interior

Endowed with a sense of occasion that is truly special

As is the case with the world's finest luxury goods, Aston Martin automobiles are renowned for their exquisite, hand-built craftsmanship. With beautiful exteriors of steel and aluminum, and equally attractive interiors of hand-stitched leather and milled aluminum, Astons are endowed with a sense of occasion that is truly special. This is even more so when the Aston Martin in question is an open-car.

The interior of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster is definitely a special place to be, with leather on nearly every surface and a refreshing simplicity to its layout compared to the sea of buttons that you find in most modern cars. As with anything however, there is some room for improvement.

The leather and hand-stitching are exquisite - especially in our test car's "Bitter Chocolate" with contrasting stitching. But other bits of the interior are less impressive. The navigation screen, for example, is neither high-tech looking, nor particularly good compared to systems from other manufacturers. In its fully open position, the screen looks to be stuck three-quarters of the way up, which is kind of odd.

Then there's the center console, which is ergonomically challenged, and has a finish that isn't up to the quality standards of the rest of the hand-crafted interior. And since the "Emotion Control Unit" - that is essentially the car's key - seems to have been the focus of so much angst, I'll skip this bit of marketing cheese and move on to the only other item that is less than expected: the steering wheel.

As such an important component in a sportscar, the steering wheel of the Vantage Roadster just doesn't look as if it belongs in $150k worth of England's finest, although the steering system attached to it does feel great, with nice weight and a good amount of feel. Don't get me wrong, it isn't awful, but again, with expectations set so high by the stunning exterior and the rest of the interior, it's a bit surprising to find that the ball's been dropped on one of the most important points of contact.

Back to all that is good. The insulated fabric top will make you wonder what all the fuss is about regarding retractable hardtops. Elegant in simplicity and in style, the top of the Vantage Roadster does a great job of transforming the car from tanning machine to closed coupe, with only slightly more external noise making its way into the cockpit than on the coupe. As a bonus, the glorious exhaust note - truly one of the best in the automotive world - gets turned up to 11 when the top is down. Another nice feature is that you can open and close the top at up to 30 mph. Which is good, because any time that rain or snow aren't falling, this top should be down.

As the drop-top version of the company's highly-regarded V8 Vantage, the Roadster aims to not only carry on the tradition of sporting open-topped Astons, but to build upon the success of its closed-top variant. With its open top providing an even more dramatic presence as well as a unique driving experience, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster seems well placed to deliver on all fronts.

SPECIFICATIONS

Layout: Front engine / Rear-wheel drive
Engine: 4.7 liter, V8
Power (SAE): 420 hp @ 7300 rpm
Torque: 346 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Gearbox: 6-speed sequential manual
Curb Weight: 3770 lbs.
0-60 mph: 4.7 sec.
1/4 mile: 12.9 @ 112 mph
Top Speed: 180 mph
Mileage: 14 city / 21 highway
Base Price: $126,400
Competitors: BMW M6, Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG, Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet

SPECIFICATIONS

Layout: Front engine / Rear-wheel drive
Engine: 4.7 liter, V8
Power (SAE): 420 hp @ 7300 rpm
Torque: 346 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Gearbox: 6-speed sequential manual
Curb Weight: 3770 lbs.
0-60 mph: 4.7 sec.
1/4 mile: 12.9 @ 112 mph
Top Speed: 180 mph
Mileage: 14 city / 21 highway
Base Price: $126,400
Competitors: BMW M6, Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG, Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet

3rd Annual Motorama!

While everyone thought rain might be an issue, it actually turned out to be an amazing day! Over 200 cars showed up to support the Indy Hi-Winder's 3rd Annual Motorama car show this past Saturday. The Indy Hi-Winders have been around for a LONG time, and they are very active in the hobby. To find out more information about them and how you can support their events, check out their website: http://indyhiwinders.com.

Hagerty's Youth Judging program was also in full swing at the annual show! Twelve young car enthusiasts travelled around to 7 cars and looked them over with a fine-tooth comb. Whether it's taking a kid to a car show, giving them a ride in a classic, or having them help with a restoration, it's extremely important to get them interested in the hobby. To find out how Hagerty can help your club with getting kids involved, check out their website: www.hagerty.com.


Classic scooters on display!

A shot looking down the show field

This car had some wicked flame-throwers!

And meet Gilligan, he participated in the show all day!

2009 Honda Insight

2009 Honda Insight Part 1 of 3: Design

Honda's challenge to the class-leading Toyota Prius

While some people believe the new Honda Insight is merely a "me-too" effort that borrows heavily from "that other hybrid", Insight was the name used on the first-ever production gasoline-electric hybrid sold in North America by Honda in model year 2000.

The original Honda Insight was the right idea, but the wrong package - a typical case of great concept, but poor execution. Not that it was a bad car - as owners of those original versions really seem to love them - it just wasn't much of a car. Years later when the Prius came along, the concept was proven correct by better execution and better timing.

Honda's return volley to the crew at Toyota is the 2010 Insight. Previewed by the Honda Insight concept car introduced in our coverage of last year's L.A. Autoshow, we wondered then how much of the concept's styling would be lost in the transition to production. And now that the 2010 Insight is here, we can see that other than the show car prerequisites of big wheels, fancy LED lighting and hidden door-handles, the Insight made the transition pretty much intact. Before we get into the details however, let's address one of the Insight's biggest criticisms...

Contrary to what many believe, the shape of the Insight is not dictated by the success of the Toyota Prius, but rather by aerodynamics. Yes, the two cars look very similar, but it's mostly a silhouette thing. In size and detail they start to differ quite a bit. Especially when you compare the Insight to the new Prius.

Once past the similarities in profile to the Prius, we find Honda DNA all over the Insight. At the front, there's no mistaking the family look shared with the Clarity - Honda's fuel cell production car, with the Insight's blue tinted headlights announcing its eco-friendly intentions.

Around the side we continue to see the influence of Honda's greenest car in the curious line that continues south from the A-pillar, running rather strangely into the front fender flare. Also borrowed from the Clarity is the swelling flare that starts at the rear door and runs into the taillights - now even more pronounced than on the concept version. And although the tail of the car isn't as long, and thus, not as aerodynamic as that of the Clarity, the inspiration from its big brother is still evident in the various graphic elements and in the transparent panel between the taillights. That glass panel - which is similar to that used on the Toyota Prius - is not an element copied from Toyota, but one that Honda first used on the second-generation CRX of 1988.

That so many of today's fuel-economy focused cars look somewhat similar is no coincidence, as the rules of aerodynamics have no aesthetic prejudices. But in a world where car design is increasingly dictated by science, we just need to look a little bit closer - at the subtle details - to appreciate the effort today's designers put into giving each and every car its own personality - and the 2010 Honda Insight is an excellent example.

2010 Honda Insight

Performance
- Acceleration: Well... not really - CVT makes the experience feel even slower - just keep in mind patience is a virtue
- Handling: Surprisingly nimble and even... fun - would do significantly better without the all-season, low-resistance tires fitted for maximum mileage
- Braking: Regenerative brakes much more transparent than other similar systems - car's light weight helps keep distances short

Design
- Exterior: Not quite as fun looking as its sibling Honda Fit, but much better than the outgoing Prius model it was targeted against - doesn't try to look like a hybrid, which can be good or bad depending on your point of view
- Interior: Very modern and more successful than the exterior - hybrid touches (glowing speedometer, IMA display) nicely integrated

Utility
- Comfort: Good for the front passengers, less so for those in the back seat - noisy cabin (road, tire and engine noise)
- Space: Aerodynamic fastback also offers a spacious package - hatch is a bit large/tall if you open it in a garage

Safety
- Dynamics: Certainly no sportscar, but compared to the other car in this category, this one has the moves to get you out of trouble
- Technology: As much safety stuff as you hope to not need - quite an achievement at this price when you consider the technology in the drivetrain

Value
- Price: Perhaps its biggest attribute, especially when you consider all of the content in and under the car
- Mileage: Not quite as impressive as the newest Prius, but as a package, this car makes more sense

Emotional Appeal
- Heart thumpin' factor: For the hypermiler? Yeah. For the car guy? Ahh... not exactly
- Fun to spank: Let's just say, "not applicable."

SPECIFICATIONS

Layout: Front engine / Front-wheel drive
Engine: 1.3-liter, Inline-4 + electric motor
Power (SAE): 98 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque: 123 lb-ft @ 1000-1700 rpm
Gearbox: Constantly Variable (CVT)
Curb Weight: 2734 lbs.
0-60 mph: 10.4 sec.
Top Speed: 115 mph
Mileage: 40 city / 43 highway
Base Price: $19,800
Competitors: Toyota Prius, Honda Fit, Walking in Birkenstocks

2008 Pontiac G6 GXP

2008 Pontiac G6 GXP

2009 Pontiac G8 GXP

2009 Pontiac G8 GXP

Honda Insight Hybrid 2010

Honda Insight Hybrid 2010

2008 Pontiac Solstice

2008 Pontiac Solstice

2010 BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics Edition

It's not yet in the US but the model has been confirmed to reach the country anytime soon after the car’s unveiling in the Frankfurt Motor Show (September 2009). The 2010 BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics Edition is actually a little bit mouthful to say but it's a small tradeoff on what it can do to your driving experience. Among them is the claim that it can go for 57.4mpg - a very impressive feat

Toyota Prius

Toyota Prius Part 2 of 3: Interior

A new hybrid aimed squarely at the mass market

The third generation Toyota Prius has some large shoes to fill. Where the original proved the viability of a production hybrid car, and the hugely popular second generation model showed that the public was willing to buy into the hybrid movement en masse, this newest Prius must appeal to an even bigger audience. Especially if Toyota wants to keep its sales numbers climbing from the roughly 1.2 million sold worldwide thus far.

No doubt with mass appeal in mind, the latest Prius is offered in a variety of configurations and trim levels to suit nearly any budget.

There are four Prius models: The Prius II, III, IV and V. That's right, 2 through 5, and I know, probably a little confusing. Presumably, Toyota is saving the "I" for a stripper version with fewer frills and a correspondingly lower price.

With a base price of $22,000, the least expensive Prius II is already relatively accessible. But with the nearest rival to the Prius - the Honda Insight - starting at around $2000 fewer dollars, Toyota's decision to leave the Prius I designation open might make sense - although you're left to wonder what could possibly be deleted to make it more affordable. Given that our Prius III test car already features plastics that are harder than Chinese arithmetic, I'm not sure what they'll do to price it more competitively.

While some of the cabin materials couldn't feel less expensive, we should point out that Toyota at least uses carbon-neutral plastics that are very much in keeping with the eco-friendly image of the Prius. So they may feel hard, but they're not... at least not on the environment. Still, on the dash, some of this material quality is acceptable, but in other places not so much.

The worst culprit is this steering wheel, which seems to have been made by Little Tikes for their latest Cozy Coupe. This is possibly the most important point of contact in a car, and this pebble-surfaced, textured plastic just doesn't cut it. Go for the Prius IV or V and you'll get leather for the seats and, most usefully, the steering wheel.

But perhaps Toyota doesn't have to worry about the Honda Insight. After all, the Prius is larger than the Insight, and overall, it feels like an up-market effort relative to the Honda. The technology available in the interior also backs this up, with everything you can think of on offer. Check off the Advanced Technology Package option box and you'll get Intelligent Parking Assist to help you parallel-park. Lane Keep Assist, prevents you from wandering off into the next lane of traffic. Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, maintains a preset distance to the car ahead and there is also a voice-activated DVD-based navigation system. Then there's the solar-powered ventilation system that helps keep the interior cool when the car's sitting in a hot parking lot.

But perhaps the most-clever bit of technology inside the new Prius is the standard Touch Tracer Display, which highlights the steering wheel-mounted controls on the upper dash as your fingers select the various functions, helping keep your eyes on the road ahead. Clever.

Beyond the tech goodies, the design of the Prius interior improves on that of the outgoing model, while maintaining the centralized instruments theme. The shifter is still unconventional, but now sits in the expected location on the center console, which sprouts from the main dash and floats between the seats, creating an open space below. Other improvements include a driver's seat with height adjustment, as well as increased space for rear seat passengers.

Where the original Prius attracted early adopters, and the last model seduced a growing number of eco-conscious buyers, the newest Toyota Prius offers the latest in hybrid technology coupled with high-tech conveniences and safety feature aimed at enticing the world at large.

Toyota Prius

Performance
- Acceleration: Not even remotely quick - CVT keeps the engine crying at its horsepower peak when you're on it - not enough of that electric-car surge
- Handling: Its weakest dynamic element - Prius V model offers firmer suspension... should be standard
- Braking: Regenerative brakes more transparent than previous model - spongy feel is at least consistent with the car's handling

Design
- Exterior: Perhaps its strongest attribute, with excellent aero detailing - the de facto hybrid look - larger wheels fitted to Prius V an absolute must
- Interior: Again, defines the category - excellent overall design, but with cheap looking and feeling materials

Utility
- Comfort: Given its size, excellent for front and rear occupants - strong A/C system, too
- Space: Adequate for its size - aero silhouette costs it some packaging space, but not as much as its main rival, the Honda Insight

Safety
- Dynamics: Ah... no - intrusive stability control system is actually welcomed
- Technology: All the safety technology that a super power like Toyota can muster up

Value
- Price: The biggest disadvantage compared to the Honda Insight - Toyota cleverly left room at the bottom for a Prius I stripper
- Mileage: The King

Emotional Appeal
- Heart thumpin' factor: Only if you can get your thrills from maximizing mileage
- Fun to spank: Simply not applicable

SPECIFICATIONS

Layout: Front engine / Front-wheel drive
Engine: 1.8-liter, Inline-4 / electric motor hybrid
Power (SAE): 134 hp (hybrid system net power)
Gearbox: Constantly Variable (CVT)
Curb Weight: 3042 lbs.
0-60 mph: 9.8 sec.
Top Speed: 112 mph
Mileage: 51 city / 48 highway
Base Price: $22,000
Competitors: Honda Insight, Honda Fit, 10-speed bicycle

Getting Your Dream Car for Less

You know, it is tough — you see all of these innovative new cars, and the fact of the matter is that most of us cannot possibly afford them … or can we? Actually, if you are willing to do some research and buy smart, it is possible to make the current automotive crisis work to your advantage.

You see, right now, car dealers all over the United States — and the rest of the world — are doing anything that they possibly can to beat the deals being offered by their competitors. There are, for once, too many cars and not enough buyers — which means no money for all those dealers. You only have to look at all the recently bankrupt manufacturers to see the depth of the problem.

Right now, it is possible to get new cars for as much as six thousand dollars less than the same models from a year ago. If you are willing to haggle a little bit and check out the dealerships near you in the most problem, you can walk away with a real steal.

Infiniti Essence: It’s A Concept Car!

Infiniti is a car company that is making all sorts of different jaws drop and when the Infiniti Essence concept car came out, I have to say that it was commanding the room all over. At the Geneva Motor Show that happened in March, this beautiful car was debuted and I have to say that the combination of gas and electric is something that every single man and woman in the world would not want to drive – after all, in the UK there are not a lot of green cars.

The cool thing about the Infiniti Essence is the overall feel of the car. It is a sports car and it is certainly one handsome looking car. The interior is just as important as the exterior and while this car has not hit production yet, it is something to think about. After all, the Infiniti Essence has hit the press and the press wants to know when this beautiful car is going into production.

Lamborghini F22-inspired Reventon

If there is one brand of car that I have noticed that has not come out with anything for years it is the Lamborghini brand. While it is definitely a brand that is unique and different and does not have to come out with a new car all of the time – it is a celebration when it finally does unveil a brand new car … that is what happened here, the Lamborghini F22-inspired Reventon is going to be one of the most expensive cars of the year – topping off at about $1.6 billion dollars.

The cool thing about the Lamborghini F22-inspired Reventon is actually that it is going to be a roadster that is losing its top – yes, finally … a Lamborghini that is going to be a convertible! While this car is obviously not going to be for everyone – because who the heck can afford it? It is a car for the filthy rich.

Honda Fit Sport 2009

Honda Fit Sport 2009

Toyota Yaris sedan

Toyota Yaris sedan

Toyota Yaris sedan Pictures

Honda City 2009

Honda City 2009

Toyota Celica 2009

Toyota Celica 2009

Acura TSX 2009

Acura TSX 2009

Acura MDX 2009

KIA MOTORS RELEASES FIRST IMAGES OF ALL-NEW MODEL

Kia Motors has today released the first images of its new premium saloon due to go on sale in Korea at the end of the year.

The new model, currently known by its code name VG, was shown in concept form at the Seoul Motor Show earlier this year and is set to replace the existing Opirus model in Korean, North American and European markets.

“VG clearly demonstrates the next stage in Kia’s design evolution and showcases our new design principle of ’sophistication by simplicity’. The exterior is a seamless blend of powerful front, sleek profile and sophisticated but simple rear lines to create an elegant and luxurious appearance,” commented Hyoung Keun Lee, Senior Executive Vice President and COO of International Business Division at Kia Motors Corporation.

Audi 2010 S4

Audi S4 is the latest sedan offered by the European manufacturer to its American customers. It's not a highly anticipated sedan like its A4 predecessor but Audi has upgraded some of its specs to make it a highly competitive vehicle in its category.The 2010 S4 emphasizes power. With 3.0 Liter V6 engine, the car can reach 60mph in just 4.9 seconds. The engine is actually a lot less than the S4 (

Old US 27 Tour is the Real Deal!

Everyone getting ready to depart for Waterloo!



The Old US 27 Motor Tour officially kicked off yesterday at the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile (ACDA) Museum in Auburn, Indiana. What a great place to start a cruise! The ACDA Museum is in my opinion, one of the finest Museum's in the nation! There were roughly 20 classics present for the start and it only picked up steam as the tour progressed. After touring the museum, the group caravaned by police escort to Waterloo. Now, if you have never had the pleasure of being escorted by police, I strongly suggest you try it sometime. My best suggestion is to do it with a sanctioned cruise, rather than getting arrested or leading the police on a high-speed chase. It was so neat being able to run red lights and watch vehicles pull over and wait for our caravan to pass through. Along the road people were waiving and the vehicles that had to pull over were snapping photos with their cell phones! It's amazing that was for just 20 vehicles, can you imagine what it will be like on the 3rd or 4th day of the tour with 150 or more vehicles?!?

(A video of the tour leaving the ACDA Museum in Auburn, IN)

The first stop of the day was in Waterloo, Indiana, where the town greeted everyone with Goody Bags and water. After a quick presentation, it was off to Angola! In Angola, the tour was greeted by the town with open arms with a news crew and everything! The town was extremely excited to see everyone role in with their classics and then disperse to pour money into the local economy by eating lunch and shopping. That's what's cool about this tour, it helps local towns out by bringing hundreds of people in to boost the economy! I think Craig Parrish, Tour Director, mentioned they were planning on stopping at 12 or 16 towns along the way.


(The presentation in Waterloo, IN)


Next year, I anticipate the tour to explode with collector car enthusiasts! Hopefully, a number of clubs from Indiana can join along in the trip and see how beautiful Michigan is. To get more information about how you can participate next year, check out the Old 27 Tour website: http://www.old27tour.com/

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren

Mercedes-Benz CLC 220 CDI Revealed

Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren

2010 Kia Soul

Designing a box type sport vehicles is usually challenging for car manufacturers. Case in point: Scion xB and Honda Element. The concept of the car is not that bad but the design should make you think twice if you're looking for something that can impress and perform.Apparently, the 2010 Kia Soul Sport has learned a lot from its competitors. The Korean manufacturer was able to come up with a

Old US 27 Motor Tour

It may be a little late notice for this year, but check out this website, www.old27tour.com and start planning for next year! Here's a brief write-up on how the tour's starting. This tour will begin in Historic Auburn on Tuesday, August 18th, at the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum. Enthusiasts will have a chance to tour the museum from 9-11 am, then it's off to Angola, Indiana for a cruise-in from 12-2:30. After that, it's off to Coldwater for the first nightly stop of a week-long tour. This is an extremely well-planned tour and in 2008, cars stretched for over 2 miles! One thing is for sure, there's some beautiful sights to see and this will take you right through them!

Power Steering moan when cold

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2010 Volvo XC60 Review

Volvo is placing their bets on their latest crossover. The 2010 Volvo XC60 is one of the manufacturer's "saviors" considering it's currently having a hard time earning and even finding a buyer. It's a tough year for the European manufacturer which is why they're coming out with something that can help them get out of the sales slump.The XC60 is a good looking and well priced vehicle. The complete

2009 Mercedes-Benz G550 Review

At first glance, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz G550 is box-type SUV that will never gain any glances on the road. The G550 has a plain box look even though it has a sleek front. You can even say it's a little bit boring and will offer nothing for its potential customers. Still the manufacturer is listing the G500 at $100,000 a piece so it should worth something.G550 uses two factors that will make it

Mopar Nationals!!

That title sort of has a catchy ring to it.....you can hear yourself saying it out loud through a bull-horn.. M-O-O-P-A-RR NATIONALS!!!!! It's best when it's shouted out with a long, drawn out sound! The 29th Annual Mopar Nationals at National Trail Raceway just east of Columbus, Ohio took place last weekend. The weather was cooperative, and the crowds were plenty. I apologize for the lack of photos and video, but I spent the majority of my time at the Hagerty booth speaking to enthusiasts about collector car insurance. Next year I will get out and see the grounds as there is tons of cool stuff to see. For information about Mopar Nationals, check out their website: http://www.moparnats.org. One great highlight of the event was the drag racing. Mopar fans could take some time to sit and relax while watching some powerful beasts race down the 1/4 mile all weekend long!

With the weather topping out at 90+ degrees, shorts were the only way to go when spending 12 hours on your feet!

It's a short video clip, but humorous seeing a grown man drive that little go-cart past the booth!

Someone brought a car that you could smash with a sledge hammer. Only cost $1 for 4 or 5 swings!

The NMRA All-Star Nationals and All Ford Event!

The excitement began on Friday, at the zMAX Dragway, where spectators witnessed the extreme power of drag racing! The speeds exceeded 170 mph, and continued with four Jet Cars soaring down the dragway at the same time!

The all Ford event also gave enthusiast plenty to do with vendors throughout the dragway parking lot, food concessions and car show. The burning heat didn't keep diehard enthusiasts from this event.

The car show had great participation during the event! There were a wide verity of classics and new collectable vehicles ranging from a '68 Shelby GT 500 KR, Saleen, Roush Stage 3 and more!

The Mustang Club of America was present to provide support for the NMRA and All Ford Car Show events. Please visit www.mustang.org for detailed information on the 45th Anniversary of

the Ford Mustang!

Congratulations to the event organizers for having a successful event. Please visit www.lowesmotorspeedway.com for more information on future events!

2008 Ferrari FXX Evolution