2009 Audi Q5 3.2 Quattro Review

Audi has always attracted the attention of car owners and enthusiasts for the right reason. Its sleek design combined with quality engine and superb performance has made Audi among the most anticipated manufacturers every year. In 2009, Audi didn't let the car community down with the 2009 Audi Q5. 3.2 Quatro.From the outside, the Q5 provides an example of what crossover owners should look for on

2010 Subaru Outback

Last year, the Forester SUV was completely retooled, and it has sold briskly. For 2010, the long-running Outback gets its overhaul, and it's a doozy.

The Outback has gone from a car-like station wagon to an SUV-like crossover, just like that. It's bigger in nearly every exterior and interior dimension, which resolves the issues past owners had with interior space and gives it a much more comfortable ride. It may not be as fun to drive as before, but it's a better family vehicle that still exudes ruggedness and foul-weather capability.



At first glance, the 2010 Outback — with its beefy dimensions, large grille and sharp-edged design — looks nothing like the previous model.

Sixteen-inch wheels are standard on the base 2.5i, with 17-inch alloys becoming standard on all other trim levels.



The layout of the dash has changed quite a bit, with the clock and trip computer raised to the top of the dash. They're still easy to read in direct sunlight. Below them rests a new stereo unit or optional navigation system. There are also convenient cubbies for cell phones, CDs or other items.

Overall, the materials are a step up from the previous model and stand up to most of the competition, but they still lag behind the relatively upscale Toyota Venza.

The most extreme alteration for the 2010 models is the interior's overall spaciousness. Anyone who sat in the old model knows it can be cramped, especially in the backseat. Subaru stretched the wheelbase of the 2010, adding nearly 4 inches of rear legroom.
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2010 Audi S4

Audi lost the plot with the last generation S4. Unlike the twin-turbocharged V6-equipped B5, its B6 and B7 brethren did little to stoke the flames in our collective hearts. The "S" simply stood for, "I paid more for a bigger engine and some additional trim." Needless to say, that sort of behavior doesn't cut it when you're battling it out with one of the most competent sports sedan of the last decade: the BMW 335i.

2010 Nissan 370Z Nismo

The 2010 Nissan 370z Nismo is not a car for everyone. It's a sports car that goes for specific enthusiasts of this type of vehicle which means the opinion in car community would certainly be divided. But apparently, Nissan doesn't care and it's a good thing because the 2010 Nissan 370Z Nismo is simply a car that pushes the limits of their driver - just what a sports car should be.The controversy

James Dean and Duck Tail Run

Located only about 15 minutes away from each other, James Dean Days in Fairmount, IN, and the Duck Tail Run in Gas City, IN, might very well be the largest street rod gathering in Indiana for September! Thousands of classics cruised from all over the country to attend the festivities. One thing is for sure, you can't see everything in one day (even though I tried). There's a lot of ground to cover and I found myself getting stopped by every other car, admiring the beauty.


Here are their websites for next year's planning: http://www.jamesdeanartifacts.com and http://www.ducktailrun.com . You're sure to see something you've never seen before, like this decked out wagon covered in ducks (above).


or this custom golf cart selling for $18,000 at James Dean!

You can't see from the picture, but this paint job was so amazing, it really looked like the car was on fire!

Have you ever seen so many led sleds?!? They were parked in the front area of the James Dean Days car show.

2nd Annual Darlington Historic Racing Festival

Start Your Engines!

The Darlington Raceway (www.darlingtonraceway.com) host the 2nd Annual Darlington Historic Racing Festival! Racing participants gathered together from 23 States and Canada to experience the track "Too Tough to Tame!" The vintage racers consist of Historic cars, Indy Roadsters, Stock, Modified and Midgets.

Click on the video to view the "Moment in Time" display. Each display of vintage racers had a description explaining the history of the car and driver. This was an amazing display of historic vehicles.

Check out this 1927 Hudson open-wheel racer! This is a gorgeous racer with a brass gas pump and original wooden steering wheel.

This exciting event was interactive for all enthusiasts! Owners of these historic vehicles encouraged spectators to ask questions of the history each vehicle.

The "Legends Pavilion" host question and answer sessions among the racing fans and "Legends of Racing." The racing legends included South Carolina natives Cale Yarborough and David Pearson, Ned Jarrett, Junior Johnson, Marvin Panch and open-wheel legend Johnny Rutherford. Further, each legend was available for autograph sessions for fans.

This was truly an amazing event! If you are a racing fan then mark your calendar for 2010! Please click on http://www.darlingtonraceway.com/ for further detailed information on the 2nd Annual Darlington Historic Racing Festival!

See you next year!

Hyundai Genesis Coupe

The Hyundai Genesis Coupe has a strong presence - its lines are flowing, its stance promises power and a no-nonsense attitude. Large cut-outs in the front fascia facilitate engine breathing and dual exhaust tips are integrated into the rear fascia, giving it a finished look.

Hyundai Genesis Coupe Summary:

Year/Make/Model: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
Price as tested: $36,495
Trim level: 3.8 GT
Price range: $24,495 - $38,295
Freight: $1,565
Options: none
EnerGuide fuel economy ratings:12.0 L/100km city; 7.6 L/100km hwy
Observed fuel economy: 8.2 L/100 km combined over 978 km
Warranty: (basic)5 years/100,000 km
Warranty (powertrain): 5 years/100,000 km
Competitors: BMW 335i; Chevrolet Camaro; Dodge Challenger; Ford Mustang; Infiniti G37.
Strong Points - Weak Points - Outstanding performance
- great looks
- great price
- Harsh ride
- almost too-touchy steering

2010 Fiat Panda Mini

Fiat Panda Mini receives subtle upgrades for the 2010 model year. On the outside, all 2010 model year Pandas adopt the more contemporary body colored grille found on the 4x2 and 4x4 Dynamic variants, new alloy wheel options, larger exterior mirrors and silver trim finish for the roof bars. Fiat has also added four new exterior colors to the lineup.

Inside, the instrument panel gets fresh graphics while there's also a new selection of upholstery colors.

Mechanical improvements are limited to the introduction of a new 69 horsepower 1.2-liter gasoline engine that emits 113g/km of CO2. In Europe, Panda buyers have a wide choice of gasoline, diesel, natural gas and LPG engines with outputs ranging from 54 to 100 horsepower.
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Hyundai To Skip Tokyo Motor Show

Hyundai Motor Co. has decided not to participate in the Tokyo Motor Show next month, apparently as part of its cost reduction strategy, it has been learned.

Hyundai has already notified the organizer about its withdrawal from the auto show, which will start on Oct. 24 at the Makuhari Messe convention hall in Chiba, organizers said.

This year, the American "Big Three" and other major foreign automakers have also announced their absence from the event. With only two overseas companies -- German carmaker Alpina and British sports car manufacturer Lotus -- taking part in the upcoming show, organizers fear that it will lack excitement.

VW to Buy SsangYong Motor?

It appears Volkswagen isn’t busy enough with getting Porsche and being its sole owner. VW is now bent on taking over the South Korean automaker SsangYong Motor, which is operating under bankruptcy protection.

Months ago, SsangYong suffered a vicious strike when hundreds of workers decided to occupy a factory and shut down production entirely. Volkswagen has neither confirmed nor refuted the reports so far but it is believed that SAIC, the former SsangYong owner, collaborated with VW through the Shanghai VW joint venture.

2010 Acura TSX V6

Acura has made some startling changes on their line up for the past few years. Call it a "learning phase" for Honda's luxury line but they experienced a few missteps. The 2010 Acura TSX V6 is supposed to be the final product based on what they have learned in the past.Even though with a revamp in some of its key functions, the latest version of TSX didn't have any significant change in the

2010 Alfa Romeo Mito MultiAir

The Mito is the first car in the Fiat Group to feature MultiAir engines and three variants of the 1.4-litre unit will be available. The only non-turbo option is a 104bhp model, while the turbocharged versions boast power outputs of 133- and 168bhp. The latter engine will power the new Mito Cloverleaf model - a likely rival for the Mini Cooper S.



Alfa's supermini has been on the market since 2008 and has been instrumental in the company's increase in sales at a time when most are nursing their economic wounds.

The 2010 model year updates are minor with tweaks to the gear lever and interior finish along with the steering, suspension and brakes. There's a new paint colour too. The big news, however, is the debut of an engine technology called MultiAir and with prices range: £10,995 to £14,995

White 2010 TechArt Porsche 911 Carrera 4S

The TechArt Porsche 911 Carrera 4S comes with a striking exterior design, enhanced aerodynamics and performance characteristics in addition to a stylish and exclusive interior.



For the Porsche 911 Carrera 4S, TECHART has developed two versions of a new exhaust system, The Sport and Racing version. The “Sport” version, for instance, features two rear mufflers with an exhaust flap, an exhaust flap control unit in addition to double-oval tailpipes in a polished or black chromium finish.



The “Racing” version is also equipped with two stainless steel high-performance headers and a sports catalyst.

2010 Nissan Versa Named 2009 Top Safety Picks

Congrat to 2010 Nissan Versa



The 2010 Nissan Versa and 2010 Buick LaCrosse have both been named 2009 Top Safety Picks by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety.
To win the award, a vehicle must earn a “Good” rating, which is the highest, in all three of IIHS’ crash tests, which include frontal-offset, side-impact and rear crash tests. The vehicles also must have electronic stability control.

Stability control is optional in the Versa, so only models equipped with the option received the top rating. It’s standard on the LaCrosse.
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2009 Nissan Cube

2009 Nissan Cube Exterior



2009 Nissan Cube

MSRP: $13,990 (base)
Engine: 1.8L, 16-valve DOHC I-4
Power Rating: 122 hp, 127 lb-ft of torque
Configuration: front engine, front-wheel drive
Transmission: 6-speed manual; available CVT automatic
Curb Weight: 2,762 lbs (base)
Suspension: independent strut, anti-roll bar (front), torsion beam, anti-roll bar (rear)
Wheels: 15x6 steel wheels (base)
Tires: Toyo A20 (195/60hr15)
Brakes: 11-inch ventilated disc (front); 11-inch drum (rear)
EPA Fuel Economy (mpg): (mpg): 24 city, 29 highway (manual); 28 city, 30 highway (CVT)
Driving Impressions: Smooth and easy. Not particularly fast, but then again, that's not why you'd buy a Cube. If you're looking for speed, pray for another $10k in financing and get something else. If you're looking for something practical with a lot of cool, the Cube is for you.
Tunability: It shares the Versa platform so there ought to be some suspension carryover. But then again, how many fixed up Versas have you seen? The Cube's out in Japan so there's hope yet.

2009 Nissan Cube Interior

2010 Mazda CX-7

Mazda has a talent for making the most mundane car fun to drive, without sacrificing practicality or value. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the CX-7: the smaller of the automaker’s two crossover vehicles.

This year, the five-passenger CX-7 gets a new four-cylinder engine, available on the front-wheel drive models. While it lacks the power of the 2.3-liter turbo, the new engine delivers exceptional highway fuel economy, while maintaining enough low-end torque to satisfy the average commuter. During the test drive, my highway fuel economy exceeded the 28 mpg EPA estimate.

Drivers will immediately find value in convenience features such as the rear backup camera, digital information display, multiple power points and Bluetooth interface. But greater value lies beneath the car’s surface.



Quick facts:

Make: Mazda
Model: CX-7 i Sport
Year: 2010
Base price: $22,340
As tested: $25,990
Horsepower: 161 Hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 161 lbs.-ft. @ 3500 rpm
Zero-to-sixty: N/A
Antilock brakes: Standard
Side curtain airbags: Standard
First aid kit: Standard
Bicycle friendly: Yes
Off-road: No
Towing: No
Fuel economy: 20/28 mpg city/highway.
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BMW's X1 Crossover Arrives in the U.S. in late 2010

Starting late next year, BMW Group will launch three crossovers within months of one another in the United States.

In the United States, the X1 will be powered by a six-cylinder gasoline engine and will be available in both front- and all-wheel drive. The X1 is 175.2 inches long--slightly longer than the 1 series--and can carry up to five passengers.

The X1 will be followed in early 2011 by a Mini crossover that debuted as a concept at last year's Paris auto show. That vehicle has not yet been named.

Jaguar XJ Will Come Equipped With HD Radio

The new Jaguar XJ will come equipped with HD Radio, one of a growing list of models to get the stereo system choice.

The feature is popular because it offers lots of channels like satellite without a subscription fee. Bit by bit, iBiquity, the developer of HD Radio Technology for AM and FM, has been picking off mostly luxury-car makers. It says besides Jag, its list of automakers offering factory-installed HD Radio either standard or as an option now includes BMW, Hyundai, Mercedes and Volvo. It also includes a couple of youth-oriented brands which are bought by customers who demand really good sound systems, BMW's Mini and Toyota's Scion.

In addition to the new XJ, the Jaguar XKR sports car and XFR sports sedan will also have HD Radio, just like the XK and XF, which have it now.
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BMW Green Supercar

BMW is reportedly studying the viability to built a true supercar for 30 years since its original, limited-edition M1 model, a "high ranking insider" at the firm insists management is trying to reinvent its performance image with a new 'green' supercar, with the ultimate goal to create a two-seater sports car that showcases all of firm’s most sophisticated environmental technology. A limited production run would be timed for release at the end of 2012.

Chrysler Plans Facelifts

Chrysler and Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne is preparing to present his so-called Five Year Plan to the company's board on Friday. Part of the plan is to revamp five current Chrysler models by 2011, including the Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan, Dodge Caliber, Jeep Compass, and Jeep Patriot. Products currently in the pipeline include the new Chrysler 300 and Jeep Grand Cherokee. The Fiat 500 minicar will bow in the U.S. in 2011.

A facelift usually takes two to three years to complete, but Marchionne is set on having the projects done within 18 months. To hurry the redesigns, engineers and designers are expected to put in as much overtime as needed to complete the task on schedule.

Old-Fashion Drive-In Movie Theater

The old-fashion drive-in movie theater night was held in Denver, NC for the Denver Days Fall Festival! Driving into the movie venue with your classic car created “drive-in movie style” atmosphere, which was exciting for car enthusiast. The crowd was entering the venue with a view of a large movie screen with classic cars parked to enjoy the movie!

Please click on the video below to view the scene!

Experience the viewing of the large movie screen by clicking on the video!

This isn't your normal cruise-in! There were several people commenting on how this movie night brought back memories of past family activities. This was a great concept!

The Denver Days Cruise-In Drive-In Movie Night also benefits The Dale Earnhardt Foundation (http://www.thedaleearnhardtfoundation.org/) and Doug Herbert's B.R.A.K.E.S program (http://www.putonthebrakes.com/). These are two wondering charities making a difference!

See you on the road!

Frankfurt Motor Show

Mainstream debuts
Among the mainstream debuts, which totalled 82 world premieres on the first day, this year have been the brand new Vauxhall Astra, Ford's second generation C-Max, Kia's latest Ceed and all-new B-segment Venga. Mini also unveiled its Coupe Convertible and Raodster concepts which it confirmed will go into production at its plant in Cowley, Oxfordshire.

This year's main emphasis, however, has been on new generation electric and hybrid vehicles.

Electric warriors
Amost every manufacturer unveiled an electric car, from the intriguing Peugeot BB1 and Citroën REVOLTe, to the sporty Audi e-tron, while Renault promised that all four of its zero emission concepts were "in the production pipeline."

If they weren't unveiling electric cars, companies were unveiling hybrids or green sub-brands such as Kia's EcoDynamics - the name which will be applied to the most eco-friendly cars within each Kia model range, all around the world.

With so many cars announced before the show, there were few major surprises. Audi just about managed to keep the lid on the e-tron.

Audi says the e-tron is a clear indication that it will develop an electric car and it's likely to be a sports car. VW's L1 was also closely guarded and highly radical.

Daihatsu Boon Luminas 2009 White Color Bodykit

Daihatsu Boon Luminas 2009 White Color Bodykit



Such a pretty car

43rd Annual Hoosier Auto Show

Hosted at the Marion County Fairgrounds, the 43rd Annual Hoosier Auto Show was held in conjunction with a 50 year celebration of the Chevrolet Corvair. What an interesting piece of machinery, and safe too, no thanks to Ralph Nader. I better not go down that path...... What a great event for swappers and car enthusiasts of all kinds! If you're interested in attending any of the Hoosier Auto Show's swap meets, check out their website at: http://www.hoosierautoshow.com . It was so busy, I didn't get much of a chance to get photos, so please enjoy:


I like the bumper sticker!

A view of the car corral

Have you ever seen a set-up like this? There was a full bar in the back!

The Hagerty display on the show field Saturday, looking good!

2010 Cadillac CTS Sportwagon

The 2010 CTS Sportwagon is the first wagon from Cadillac to be shipped in the US. It took many years for Cadillac to muster a Cadillac in the US since the general reception of this type of vehicle is often frowned upon by US customers. There's no use selling something that you know won't be a hit. But after years of holding it in and favourable company conditions, Cadillac is ready to push the

25th Annual Classic on the James

The venue on Brown's Island in Richmond, VA was filled with over 275 European classics for the 25th Annual Classics on the James! The long historic event was host by the Central Virginia British Car Club (http://www.cvbcc.com/).

The show started with a Saturday night cruise-in located in historic Shockoe Slip. The gathering of the European vintage cars on the cobblestone street created a wonderful atmosphere for all enthusiasts to enjoy. Check it out http://twitpic.com/id4jd!

On Sunday, Brown's Island was covered in MG's, Austin Healey's, Triumphs, Ferrari's, Porsche's, Rolls Royce's, Jaguar's, vintage racers and more! This was a European classic to remember!

Click on the video below to get an overall perceptive of this great event!

Check out this '64 Ferrari 250GT Berlinetta Lusso, which was a 1997 Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance winner. Gorgeous vintage car!

This is a original 1958 AC Bristol! Can you see the similarity of the unique body style compared to the Shelby AC Cobra's? The histories between the two are deeply rooted.

The 25th Annual Classic on the James event host by The Central Virginia British Car Club (http://www.cvbcc.com/) was a complete success! This is a must attend event, and will continue to grow. Congratulations to the Central Virginia Car Club for organizing a great event!

See you next year!

Classic and Muscle Car Collage

This Classic and Muscle Car collage creation is the mastery of Geary Hoover and has taken over a year to layout and produce! All of your favorites are represented – classic and muscle cars that only get better as time goes on. The perimeter is rimmed with the car emblems and signage of yesteryear.

Copyright 2009 Geary L. Hoover All rights reserved

Nissan Rogue Crossover's Price

Nissan North America, Inc. has announced pricing for the 2010 Nissan Rogue Crossover SUV, which is on sale at Nissan retailers nationwide. The 2010 Nissan Rogue is offered in four high-mileage models, each equipped with a standard 170-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, Nissan's advanced Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission, Vehicle Dynamic Control, 4-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock braking system and six air bags.

The manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) are $20,340 for the S four-wheel drive model, $21,930 for the SL four-wheel drive model, $21,540 for the Rogue S all-wheel drive, and $23,130 for the SL all-wheel drive.

For 2010, Rogue S models are available with a new 360 Value Package that includes 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, privacy glass, integrated rearview mirror-rearview monitor, auto-dimming rearview mirror, rear spoiler and chrome grille. The 360 Value Package is priced at $1,040, a $1,000 savings compared to purchasing items separately.

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Mazda B: The Truck

Mazda B-Series, Like the Ford Ranger.

Since the Mazda merged with the Ford Ranger platform in 1994, the B-Series has steadily declined in both sales and public interest as the compact truck coped with threats to its segment. As the 1990s roared on and the full-size truck segment emerged as a hot area for automakers, small trucks became increasingly marginalized as Ford, GM, and Dodge offered larger variations with room for the whole family, for not much more money. With the B-Series now built on the rapidly-aging Ranger platform, the little truck struggled on an uneven playing field, even as the rest of world enjoyed a burgeoning small truck market.
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Welcome To USA Mazda 2

Mazda said it would begin selling its redesigned 2 hatchback in the US and Canada by the end of 2010, the latest of several European and Japanese subcompacts finally taking a stake in the American market.

The Mazda 2, based off the Ford Fiesta which is also coming to the US next year as a 2011 model, has been on sale in Europe since 2007 (and has a longer history in Japan, where it's known as the Demio). The latest version, which debuted next to the Fiesta 3- and 5-door models at the 2008 Geneva Auto Show, offers a choice of 1.3 and 1.5 liter four-cylinder engines, plus a 1.4 liter turbodiesel. We'll see the US version at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show in December, and expect the US to get the 1.5 liter, which is good for 102 horsepower.

Small cars have typically bombed with the American public during long waves of cheaper gas prices, but the market is growing fast.

2011 Hyundai Sonata

After many leaked images and speculations, we now have the real deal. Hyundai has officially unwrapped the all new 2011 Sonata in its home country.

True to previous images we've seen, the new Sonata features styling that features plenty of four-door-coupe-style styling touches, which should distinguish it from more conventional sedans. With what Hyundai refers to as "fluidic sculpture" styling, the car is immediately more eye-catching than its predecessor, and the new Sonata is said to extend that appeal to the interior with the use of premium materials. Hyundai hopes the upmarket changes will make the Sonata a strong competitor in the mid-size sedan class against segment leaders Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, as well as further a shift in brand image started by the full-size Genesis sedan, introduced last year.


Base Price: $19,420 - $27,270

356 East Coast Holiday

Just as proud 356 owners keeps their Porsches, their annual East Coast Holiday was also in a very exclusive location: West Baden, IN. It may be off the track a little, but it's well worth it once you drive up to the magnificent hotel. I can't begin to explain how beautiful the resort was, see for yourself by visiting their website: http://www.frenchlick.com/. In addition to the beautiful location, I was treated with over 200 amazing 356's. Each one of them looked better than the day it came off the show room floor. For more information on 356 Holiday's, check out their website: http://www.356registry.com .

A view looking at a collection of Speedsters. Once the cheapest model of 356's offered, today they are some of the most expensive ones out there!

A 1964 Porsche 904. The owner has had this beauty for 39 years!

Charlotte Food Lion AutoFair: Fall Show

The Charlotte AutoFair: Fall Show had another great turn out with thousands of collector cars, over 30 car club participating, live classic car auction, car show and hundreds of vendors! The three day show was host by the Hornets Nest Region AACA (www.charlotte-autofair.com) at Lowes Motor Speedway.

Thousands of classic car enthusiasts were eager to catch a glimpse of their favorite classic or find the specific part to complete their ongoing restoration.

The venue at Lowes Motor Speedway was filled with classic car clubs and more, which extended behind the grandstand! Amazing!

Check out these sweet Ratrods produced by ManMade Legends in Cornelius, NC. This is a steel body produced Ratrod! This was one vendor of many at the Charlotte AutoFair.

The Hagerty Booth was accompanied by Bobby Allison's #2 car, which was donated by Memory Lane Museum (www.memorylaneautomuseum.com) located in Mooresville, NC. Mr. Bobby Allison was present to sign autographs for enthusiast walking through the show. The legend, Mr. Junior Johnson was also at the venue to sign autographs for spectators. It was amazing to have these two racing icons present to show fan support for this great event!

The Charlotte AutoFair had another successful showing of vendor, club and enthusiast support! Congratulations to the Hornets Nest Region AACA for having a great event!

See you at the 2010 Spring Charlotte AutoFair!