Mar 09

Should America Have an Advanced Drivers License?

Let’s be honest, it isn’t hard to get a drivers license in this country. In fact, it’s pathetically easy; which is probably why so many people wreck. But what about those of us who are great drivers and would like to get a little more out of our cars? We are forced to suffer through the same insanely slow speed limits on interstates and highways as the drivers who suck. So, what if we had an advanced system? Here’s what I propose…

To get this advanced license I propose pretty strict requirements.

1. No tickets for 5 years. If you get a ticket you lose your advanced license and fines are         double. Particularly for speeding and reckless driving.

2. Must complete an advanced driving school like Skippy or Bondorant which would                 demostrate the ability to control your car at higher speeds.

3. License fees would be significantly higher then an average license.

4. Driver must be at least 21 years old.

5. Driver must license individual cars as well as the driver for the advanced license                 program. Each car must past a rigourus inspection yearly to ensure the car is safe to         drive at higher speeds. This would include inspections on tires, brakes, alignment, etc.

6. Every year the driver would be required to take both a sight and driving test to insure the     drivers skills have not declined.

So, what do you think? Why do we – the car guy – have to suffer with the average joe who we all know can’t drive? Let’s get an advanced program.

Mar 09

2013 Malibu Eco, Now With Some Balls!

The current Chevy Malibu is a pretty decent car. It gets good fuel economy, looks decent, and with nice creature comforts is pretty comfortable for the price. If I were looking for a FWD mid-sized sedan at a reasonable price I’d probably put it on the list. The car’s one fault – especially in the eco model – is that it’s quite sluggish. Chevy hopes to resolve that issue with the 2013 model by plopping the mighty 2.0 turbo Ecotec motor into it. The same 2.0 that has graced the Pontiac Solstice GXP, Saturn Sky, and Chevy Cobalt SS.

So, from the new Malibu eco we can expect 269hp and 260lb-ft of torque. The torque band is broad and peaks at 1,700rpms. Also, we know this engine is good for some added power right from the factory with a simple tune. GM probably wouldn’t like me saying that but we’ve easily tuned 300hp out of the current LNF. GM claims the new Malibu will do 0-60 in 6.3 seconds which is pretty respectable for a family car. We will look forward to giving the 2013 Malibu a drive later this year.

Hit the jump for the full press release.

Souce: General Motors
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Mar 08

The GM and Peugeot Deal

GM and Peugeot are looking to join forces. Actually, GM is looking to buy a large share to the tune of 423 million dollars. It’s not completely clear what the deal means for us here in America, but it should mean better deals for GM with supplies due to increased buying power. Whether or not that translates to better prices for the consumer is unknown and quite frankly doubtful. The two companies are already working on a cheap, small car for emerging markets, read: not us. We will keep up with happenings to see if anything interesting comes out of it.

Source: Detroit news

Mar 06

A Mercedes Hot Hatch? The A Class Revealed.

The A class has been around in Europe for a while, but its never looked like this.

Now we think that’s a pretty hot little Merc. So what is the A class? Well it’s an entry level Benz making about 211hp in the top of the range model mated with a six speed manual or Mercedes’ sublime seven speed auto. Rumors of a 300hp AWD AMG version have surfaced and who wouldn’t like that? Of course you get all the Mercedes gadgetry and safety with the new A class as well.

The most important question is, will we get it here in the states? Well, sadly, probably not. Such is life as a colonist.

Source: Mercedes

Mar 05

Lamborghini Aventador J Roadster

Taking last year’s I-G car of the year – the Lamborghini Aventador – and improving upon it should be awfully hard to do. Turns out Lamborghini is up to the task with the Aventador J.

Lamborghini insists it’s real and for sale. So, pony up your cash and you can be the owner of what has to be one of the coolest cars ever.

Hit the jump for the press release from Lambo

Source: Lamborghini

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