Thursday, July 17, 2008
YOUR CAR INSURANCE!
Because of rising gasoline costs, it seems as if consumers are trekking into purchasing smaller cars to save on money. BUT, those darn insurance companies are quite clever. According to INSURE.com, insurance for your tiny vehicle may be MORE than insurance for your truck!
Because car insurance companies look at every car by a case by case basis, they all agree that smaller cars are more dangerous than the average vehicle. But wouldn't you think insurance would be lower for Honda Civic or maybe the hot and trendy Prius? Wrong. Annually, Your premium for instance for a Civic would most likely be around $2,000 / YR on average. While the insurance for your Ford F Series can run you a little over $1,100.
It is pretty interesting at the same time. For particular vehicles such as the "Honda Civic," there are different classification of safety that the insurance companies look at. For the Honda Civic Coupe, it is deemed as "worse than average" in regards of passenger safety, collision, personal injury protection, and medical payment losses. Let's take the Toyota Sienna for example, it is a minivan and obviously larger in size compared to the Honda Civic. Insurance companies claim this soccer mom vehicle, "better than average," meaning, insurers are less likely paying out for these cases because accidents rarely occur. This goes for the Honda Odyssey too!
So what is my opinion on all of this? You can't run. Or maybe that should be an option of transportation for you. Because ladies and gents, it is not getting any cheaper.
- Thai Spyce
Because car insurance companies look at every car by a case by case basis, they all agree that smaller cars are more dangerous than the average vehicle. But wouldn't you think insurance would be lower for Honda Civic or maybe the hot and trendy Prius? Wrong. Annually, Your premium for instance for a Civic would most likely be around $2,000 / YR on average. While the insurance for your Ford F Series can run you a little over $1,100.
It is pretty interesting at the same time. For particular vehicles such as the "Honda Civic," there are different classification of safety that the insurance companies look at. For the Honda Civic Coupe, it is deemed as "worse than average" in regards of passenger safety, collision, personal injury protection, and medical payment losses. Let's take the Toyota Sienna for example, it is a minivan and obviously larger in size compared to the Honda Civic. Insurance companies claim this soccer mom vehicle, "better than average," meaning, insurers are less likely paying out for these cases because accidents rarely occur. This goes for the Honda Odyssey too!
So what is my opinion on all of this? You can't run. Or maybe that should be an option of transportation for you. Because ladies and gents, it is not getting any cheaper.
- Thai Spyce
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
"Alpina B7"
I was driving North on the 405 from Irvine when I saw an impressive piece of ass driving in front of me. I was surprised that some sap with money South of the 55 had some taste. This piece of Bavarian engineering marvel was the BMW Alpina B7. The BMW Alpina B7 is a specially-tuned, limited-production version of the 7 Series sedan offering a bad-ass (so I’ve been told) driving experience that few luxury performance sedans can match.
Aside from the usual and reliable features of the 750i; the 2008 version of the Alpina B7 is powered by a supercharged version of the powerful 4.4 liter V8 providing a husky 500 clydesdales and 516 lb.-ft. of torque. This powerplant makes the Alpina B7 the most powerful BMW available (for now). The car also features the unique Alpina sport-tuned suspension and an Active Roll Stabilization system which provides a near perfect weight distribution and delivers optimal handling and balance.
Amenities unique to the Alpina B7 include power rear sunshades, active front seats, heated rear seats (a warm bottom on a cold and rainy day is always a plus…unless you want your bum cold and wet), it also comes with a lifetime subscription of Sirius Satellite Radio, Logic 7 Premium Hi-Fi sound system, Park Distance Control comes standard which uses sonar to help you parallel park by emitting a beep that increases with speed as you get closer to another vehicle and a 20-way adjustable driver seat. For the crème-de la- crème unique the B7 comes custom twenty-one inch Alpina wheels, unique blue exterior paint, unique wood interior trim, and a functional aero kit with rear spoiler.
To conclude; the B7 has a estimated mileage of fourteen miles per gallon in city driving and twenty miles per gallon on the highway. The MSRP is about $115,000…well worth it. Anyways, good call on that dude on the 405 having some good taste. A lot of you with the cash should take cues from that dude…again that car is sweet and well worth it.
~Ronski
Aside from the usual and reliable features of the 750i; the 2008 version of the Alpina B7 is powered by a supercharged version of the powerful 4.4 liter V8 providing a husky 500 clydesdales and 516 lb.-ft. of torque. This powerplant makes the Alpina B7 the most powerful BMW available (for now). The car also features the unique Alpina sport-tuned suspension and an Active Roll Stabilization system which provides a near perfect weight distribution and delivers optimal handling and balance.
Amenities unique to the Alpina B7 include power rear sunshades, active front seats, heated rear seats (a warm bottom on a cold and rainy day is always a plus…unless you want your bum cold and wet), it also comes with a lifetime subscription of Sirius Satellite Radio, Logic 7 Premium Hi-Fi sound system, Park Distance Control comes standard which uses sonar to help you parallel park by emitting a beep that increases with speed as you get closer to another vehicle and a 20-way adjustable driver seat. For the crème-de la- crème unique the B7 comes custom twenty-one inch Alpina wheels, unique blue exterior paint, unique wood interior trim, and a functional aero kit with rear spoiler.
To conclude; the B7 has a estimated mileage of fourteen miles per gallon in city driving and twenty miles per gallon on the highway. The MSRP is about $115,000…well worth it. Anyways, good call on that dude on the 405 having some good taste. A lot of you with the cash should take cues from that dude…again that car is sweet and well worth it.
~Ronski
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
A flash from the past! Well not that long ago... The not so super, Supercar
Remember the Jaguar XJ220?
No? Well too bad. Because it is one of the fastest cars ever made, even today.
Made from 1992 - 1994 this beast was unseated eventually by the McLaren F1.
With a seemingly modest 3.5L V6, mated to twin Garrett T3 turbos, this modest motor generated 549 hp @ 7000 rpm and 473 lb ft. of torque at 4500 rpm.
The first Jaguar with a V6 and the first mated to turbos! Take that Tata Motors! haha
But unfortunately, not too many people wanted this car, due to the $650,000 price tag. But it is said that Elton John and the Sultan of Brunei owned one.
These cars sold so abysmally that there were NEW ones still being sold in 1997, even though production was stopped in 1994. It is also reported that these cars were being sold for around $300,000 brand NEW in 1997.
Eventually all 281 were sold, maybe. Haha
And lets not forget that most of the customers that were suppose to buy this car sued Jaguar for the change in design from preproduction and the increase of sticker price which occurred last minute.
Well maybe Tata has got some tricks up there sleeve, but I doubt they are going to do a bombed supercar like this anytime soon.
P.S. I still want one...
P.P.S. The Sultan of Brunei eventually customized one with the help of .... Pininfarina. Well it came out a lot better looking. I wonder how much this custom job costs...
No? Well too bad. Because it is one of the fastest cars ever made, even today.
Made from 1992 - 1994 this beast was unseated eventually by the McLaren F1.
With a seemingly modest 3.5L V6, mated to twin Garrett T3 turbos, this modest motor generated 549 hp @ 7000 rpm and 473 lb ft. of torque at 4500 rpm.
The first Jaguar with a V6 and the first mated to turbos! Take that Tata Motors! haha
But unfortunately, not too many people wanted this car, due to the $650,000 price tag. But it is said that Elton John and the Sultan of Brunei owned one.
These cars sold so abysmally that there were NEW ones still being sold in 1997, even though production was stopped in 1994. It is also reported that these cars were being sold for around $300,000 brand NEW in 1997.
Eventually all 281 were sold, maybe. Haha
And lets not forget that most of the customers that were suppose to buy this car sued Jaguar for the change in design from preproduction and the increase of sticker price which occurred last minute.
Well maybe Tata has got some tricks up there sleeve, but I doubt they are going to do a bombed supercar like this anytime soon.
P.S. I still want one...
P.P.S. The Sultan of Brunei eventually customized one with the help of .... Pininfarina. Well it came out a lot better looking. I wonder how much this custom job costs...
Friday, July 11, 2008
Thoughts and Revelations : Ferrari California
The New 2009 Ferrari California
The original 1962 Ferrari California 250 GT
I always thouhgt that Ferrari was too good for trends and quirky marketing ploys. Sure a new convertible Ferrari is always a good thing, I mean the rich need to find ways to transport their cocaine and silicon valley women. I don't blame them, I really don't. But for Ferrari to mess with the legendary California name as a marketing ploy? It out right hurts my tender heart.
You guessed it right but my first experience loving the original Ferrari California was watching Ferris Bueller's Day Off. The lines of the car and the front grille took my breath away, I was 12 at the time. Later down the road I read more and more car books that referenced the Ferrari California as a race worthy beautiful car. The last one sold for $10.8 Million, chances are I won't be able to own one.
Along with me there are millions of other that people that love Ferris Bueller's Day Off or just love the car period. Along came Ferrari's tricky marketing team, with a great idea to package their latest car in honor of the old and great one. To me it sounds like a lousy idea. To me the majesty and beauty of the car should be untainted, with new schemes to sell a new vehicle.
I'm pretty saddened by the idea that one of my favorite car companies would consider that move. But really its been happening, people's current lust for "retro" or "replica" have spawned new markets for things that aren't nearly as cool as the original. My philosophies are different, and I think I understand.
My philosophies are rooted in tradition and being true, its probably why people call me a sociopath. But really I care about cars. And to me I just hope one day all this will blow over nicely, and we have non bastardized versions of our favorite cars.
Johnster
Thursday, July 10, 2008
KIWI'S ARE GOOD FOR YOU.. AND YOUR CAR!
THE PLX KIWI is here! What is this damn device you ask? It can quite possible help you while you are driving. All you have to do is attach this sucker on your windshield of dash and it will tell you how many miles a gallon you have and how fast you are going. Got lead foot? Easy up on the pedal. It even tells you if you are due for an oil change or if your engine has complications. Because some of us have prehistoric vehicles, this device may come in handy to all of y'alls lemons out there.
The Kiwi PLX also gives a "Kiwi-score." Some of us drive at increasing speeds and oftentimes brake really fast and hard. In order to sufficiently save on gasoline, a steady way of driving and timed braking help. The "Kiwi-score" tells you what you might need help on and how you can better save gasoline on your next trip.
Kiwi's aren't cheap. (Unless you a Vons or Stater Brother's card. jk) They run for $299 but can potentially save you 20% of gasoline per year. Do the math. I think it's worth it. Hopefully, PLX devices send us one!
- Thai Spyce
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
"Another Reason Why California Rocks"
Our favorite friends from Bavaria BMW plans to export nearly 500 electric versions of its Mini car to California.
These electric Minis are being built at the Mini factory in Oxford, England, without engines, gearboxes or fuel tanks, next the cars will be shipped to Munich, Germany, where they'll be fitted with electric powertrains. There are reports of that 490 of the Minis will be leased to selected customers in California and 10 will be used as show cars.
The electric Minis will come in a very specific color scheme consisting of an overall silver color and have yellow roofs.
BMW engineers working on the electric Minis are part of a new division called 'Project i' established by the automaker to develop low-emission city cars.
The electric Minis will help BMW to meet new California regulations that will require carmakers selling cars in the state to offer zero emission vehicles. Aside from the 500 initial electric cars being sent to California it is still not clear if our Bavarian friends will me manufacturing electric cars for the mass consumer market.
~Ronski
Monday, July 7, 2008
Godzilla is here! Let the good times roll!
So as of July 7, 2008, the first Nissan GT-R was delivered stateside!
In an amazing event, lucky Daryl Alison of my current city of residence, Costa Mesa, California received the first Nissan GT-R at Universal Nissan in Los Angeles, CA.
At the event, to honor the occasion, as well as have some celebrity automotive strength, the "Winningest Driver in IMSA History," Steve Millen, himself made it out to the ceremony.
Daryl Alison also was rewarded with an autographed race replica helmet from Steve Millen.
So watch out, keep your eyes peeled, and your savings accounts full, because Godzilla is here, and you can own it for $72,900 + whatever the cock sucker dealer wants to charge you!
In an amazing event, lucky Daryl Alison of my current city of residence, Costa Mesa, California received the first Nissan GT-R at Universal Nissan in Los Angeles, CA.
At the event, to honor the occasion, as well as have some celebrity automotive strength, the "Winningest Driver in IMSA History," Steve Millen, himself made it out to the ceremony.
Daryl Alison also was rewarded with an autographed race replica helmet from Steve Millen.
So watch out, keep your eyes peeled, and your savings accounts full, because Godzilla is here, and you can own it for $72,900 + whatever the cock sucker dealer wants to charge you!
Friday, July 4, 2008
American WorkHorse : Willy's Jeep
Happy Fourth of July Ladies and Gentleman!
There is nothing more patriotic than war, the act of submitting yourself to the state takes a much larger satchel than I have. To me the most patriotic vehicle of the United States is the Willy's Jeep MB.
This revolutionary vehicle demonstrated it might in World War II as a versatile, reliable, and strong piece of equipment. It was spec'd to be 4x4, lightweight, and to have 85 Lb-ft of torque. Other impressive features of the Willy's Jeep ; developed to be stacked for efficient shipping, has a fold down windshield, and a fold down passenger seat. This vehicle was relatively compact and light for easy access for rock crawling and steep inclines. It measures approx 62 inches wide, 130 inches long, and 2300 lbs.
Willy's Jeep on the Beach of Normandy. Notice the stamped front grille which is the famous marks of the Jeep. This was made from stamped steel, for efficient production and high reliability.
Johnster
Thursday, July 3, 2008
JULY 1ST: NEW CALIFORNIA LAW
LOOK MA NO HANDS!
That's right! It's official. As of July 1, 2008, all California drivers MUST have a hands-free device ie: a bluetooth headset or earpiece while driving and talking on the phone. Above, I have a photo of the JAWBONE. The JAWBONE eliminates real world noise and separates speech and ambient noise. I personally like it and thinks it is the best bluetooth headset for the price ($139.99 retail).
I mean you can up your game by purchasing a Bang & Olufsen Earset 2 which goes for a cool $350 MSRP. It's light (at 22 grams), stylish and made to the highest precision. Talk about keepin' it REAL.
As a California resident, I think this new law is completely WACK! I mean ok you can't talk on the phone while driving, I get it, but if you are going to limit this why still allow patrons to text message? I don't know about you, but I use two hands to send emails, text message or blackberry. Eliminate all of these if you are going to set restrictions on cell phone usage. DUR!
BTW. Happy 4th of July to all! All of us at TheTunerSource.com are going to be out raging tonight. Our very own, Y.O.O.K.S will be djing tonight with a bunch of our other friends. Come out and have a drink. If you need directions just give us a shout!
..
- Thai Spyce -
That's right! It's official. As of July 1, 2008, all California drivers MUST have a hands-free device ie: a bluetooth headset or earpiece while driving and talking on the phone. Above, I have a photo of the JAWBONE. The JAWBONE eliminates real world noise and separates speech and ambient noise. I personally like it and thinks it is the best bluetooth headset for the price ($139.99 retail).
I mean you can up your game by purchasing a Bang & Olufsen Earset 2 which goes for a cool $350 MSRP. It's light (at 22 grams), stylish and made to the highest precision. Talk about keepin' it REAL.
As a California resident, I think this new law is completely WACK! I mean ok you can't talk on the phone while driving, I get it, but if you are going to limit this why still allow patrons to text message? I don't know about you, but I use two hands to send emails, text message or blackberry. Eliminate all of these if you are going to set restrictions on cell phone usage. DUR!
BTW. Happy 4th of July to all! All of us at TheTunerSource.com are going to be out raging tonight. Our very own, Y.O.O.K.S will be djing tonight with a bunch of our other friends. Come out and have a drink. If you need directions just give us a shout!
..- Thai Spyce -
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
"Really Saleen??"
This will be short and sweet. This was the first time I've heard about Gibbs Technologies and what they produce. Apparently Gibbs Technologies is looking for an American company to partner up with and a place to get some engineering work and production done. At least one of those goals seems to have been met, as reports are now coming in that Mustang fixer-uppers Saleen has been tapped to provide design and engineering work for the U.K. based aquatic vehicle company.
Saleen will be working on the U.S. version of Gibbs Technologies' amphibious sportscar the Aquada. The Aquada is a potmanteau of a vehicle intended to offer sportscar performance on land and speedboat thrills on the water. Other vehicles from Gibbs include an all-terrain Hummer-style aquatic utility vehicle known as the Humdinga and the Quadski (which combines the capabilities of a four-wheeled ATV and a jet ski). Peace...
~Ronski
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Tire Tech 101
Okay you guys, so its time for another of Mr. Philthy's seminars.
Students, we are here to talk about tires.
Now we all use tires but many of us don't understand exactly what those little numbers on the side of your tires mean right?
It's okay to admit it, I remember when I learned what they meant, and it wasn't that long ago.
So you look on the side of your Volk TE37's and see the numbers P245/40R17, what the hell does that mean?
Well lets start from the beginning
P = P-Metric; generally apply to passenger vehicles, but basically means the type of measurement on this type of vehicle.
There is also
LT = Light Truck
T = Spare
ST = Specialized Trailer Service
If it ends with LT designates that it is a Numeric, Wide Base, or Flotation for Light trucks that carry heavy loads.
And, if it ends in a C it basically means its for commercial use.
Now the 245 designation is the width of the tire in millimeters. So 245 means 245mm across.
Most of us know that, but what about the next number? 245/40
That 40 does NOT mean that the sidewall of the tire is 40mm like most people think, rather it means that the side wall is 40% of the width.
So the exact size of the sidewall on a 245/40 would be:
245 * 40% = 98mm
The R in the formula of 245/40R17 means the type of construction of the tire, the R designates RADIAL. Now there is also D which means diagonal, usually for light truck and spare tires. There is also a B meaning belted but this type of tire is basically discontinued amongst all manufacturers.
And lets not forget the 245/40ZR17 that we see often. This ZR basically gives the speed rating of Z and the type of design, R. Below are the designated speed ratings.
M 81 mph 130 km/h
N 87 mph 140km/h
P 93 mph 150 km/h
Q 99 mph 160 km/h
R 106 mph 170 km/h
S 112 mph 180 km/h
T 118 mph 190 km/h
U 124 mph 200 km/h
H 130 mph 210 km/h
V 149 mph 240 km/h
W 168 mph 270 km/h
Y 186 mph 300 km/h
ZR 99Y 186 mph, 300 km/h
ZR19 (99Y) in excess of 186 mph, 300 km/h
And lastly the final number designated the wheel diameter in inches. Interesting that the rest is metric, and this is standard, but thats the way it is.
Now you know the basics!
So a review:
245/40ZR17
means the width of the tire is 245mm, with a sidewall of 40% of the total width, the ZR designates the speed and the type of construction, Z-rated and Radial design, and finally it is on a 17" rim.
So have fun schooling other people on what you know about tires.
Students, we are here to talk about tires.
Now we all use tires but many of us don't understand exactly what those little numbers on the side of your tires mean right?
It's okay to admit it, I remember when I learned what they meant, and it wasn't that long ago.
So you look on the side of your Volk TE37's and see the numbers P245/40R17, what the hell does that mean?
Well lets start from the beginning
P = P-Metric; generally apply to passenger vehicles, but basically means the type of measurement on this type of vehicle.
There is also
LT = Light Truck
T = Spare
ST = Specialized Trailer Service
If it ends with LT designates that it is a Numeric, Wide Base, or Flotation for Light trucks that carry heavy loads.
And, if it ends in a C it basically means its for commercial use.
Now the 245 designation is the width of the tire in millimeters. So 245 means 245mm across.
Most of us know that, but what about the next number? 245/40
That 40 does NOT mean that the sidewall of the tire is 40mm like most people think, rather it means that the side wall is 40% of the width.
So the exact size of the sidewall on a 245/40 would be:
245 * 40% = 98mm
The R in the formula of 245/40R17 means the type of construction of the tire, the R designates RADIAL. Now there is also D which means diagonal, usually for light truck and spare tires. There is also a B meaning belted but this type of tire is basically discontinued amongst all manufacturers.
And lets not forget the 245/40ZR17 that we see often. This ZR basically gives the speed rating of Z and the type of design, R. Below are the designated speed ratings.
M 81 mph 130 km/h
N 87 mph 140km/h
P 93 mph 150 km/h
Q 99 mph 160 km/h
R 106 mph 170 km/h
S 112 mph 180 km/h
T 118 mph 190 km/h
U 124 mph 200 km/h
H 130 mph 210 km/h
V 149 mph 240 km/h
W 168 mph 270 km/h
Y 186 mph 300 km/h
ZR 99Y 186 mph, 300 km/h
ZR19 (99Y) in excess of 186 mph, 300 km/h
And lastly the final number designated the wheel diameter in inches. Interesting that the rest is metric, and this is standard, but thats the way it is.
Now you know the basics!
So a review:
245/40ZR17
means the width of the tire is 245mm, with a sidewall of 40% of the total width, the ZR designates the speed and the type of construction, Z-rated and Radial design, and finally it is on a 17" rim.
So have fun schooling other people on what you know about tires.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)