Hummer In Trouble

The automobile industry is quickly becoming a wild west again, where nobody knows what the next big thing will be.  Sure, you could hedge your bets on a hybrid, but unfortunately those are too expensive for a bad economy.  Better yet, you could bet against fuel hogs, but then again thats a tired bandwagon that may be ending with the killing off of Hummer.

The New York Times has a devastating article today about a Hummer dealership in St. Louis, MO that is struggling to stay afloat.  According to statistics, the Hummer was at the peak of it's sales in  2006, but has since plumetted to an 1/8 of what it was in 2006.  This will effect more than GM, this will effect dealerships, and people's livelihoods.

With news of Barack Obama taking over GM, it's unlikely that the Hummer will saved.  The Volt and other hybrid type vehicles will most likely be given head way and 'bail out' money before making the Hummer more efficient will even be considered.  The Hummer has a bad rap, one that cuts deep, and may indicate the changing of the guard at GM when the Hummer dies an untimely death.

MotorAuthority.com has just released some great spy pics of the all new 2010 Volkswagen Golf R20.  These spy pictures of the 2010 Golf are unhindered by typical spy camouflage and instead show off the new VW Gold design ques.  This sporty Golf will come packed with a surprisingly powerful 2.0 litre Turbo Charged engine.

Obviously it looks like it will still have the famed VW handling, at least in the TDI trim.  The hatch pictured below is expected to produce a whopping 270 horsepower, unheard of in typical 4 cylinder engines...even turbo charged ones.  This golf is already sizing up to be a huge hit and great follow up to the wildly popular R32 model Golf of years past.

Twilight car decals are now available from The-Grayline.com automotive store, with 3 styles to choose from.  Twilight only decal, I drive like a Cullen, and I heart Edward Cullen are available and in stock now.  Buy for only $1.95 each.

Twilight I heart Edward Cullen

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Twilight Car Decal

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Twilight I Drive Like A Cullen

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Each Twilight Vinyl Decal is roughly 7" x 3" and made of high quality vinyl that will resist fading and last for years.  Each car decal purchase will also come with detailed instructions on how to install.  Furthermore, the vinyl will adhere to almost any surface, so can be applied to more than just your car.  This twilight sticker will also work on notebooks, computers, or anywhere else you feel like confessing your love for the Twilight Series.

For quite some time there have been rumors abound that Toyota is working closely with Subaru to create a rear wheel drive car, to be released in 2010.  According to the blogosphere and forums where rumors get started, it will bear the badge name Celica.  Can you imagine the ricer reception!

2010 Toyota Celica Concept

This rumor seems to originate in some French automotive website, who claims to have contacts.  Of course, would it be possible to keep news like this a secret?  Could this possibly be the illigetimate son of the infamous Toyota Supra?  Hell, if they make it half the car the Supra was, I'll buy one.

Is it possible, is Porsche finallyd eveloping a performance hybrid?  It looks like the answer is yes and they are adding the hybrid moniker to their Cayenne sport SUV.  Although nothing surprises me about Porsche right now, as they step out of their core copetency, since even later this year they will release their first 4-door sedan, with the Panamera. yuck.

One of the SunTimes.com reporter got a first hand experience with the new Porsche/VW hybrid technology.

The Porsche-VW hybrid system is unlike any on the market, but it’s closest to Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist. Porsche’s system is a parallel full-hybrid system. IMA is a parallel system, but it is considered a “power-assist” system, not a full system, because the electric motor can only aid the engine, not propel the vehicle by itself (except in some light cruising conditions). Honda’s is a parallel system because the engine has a mechanical link to the wheels.

Initial reactions to the Porsche hybrid are much like my own, wondering how they can combine their performance name with a green theme.  Obviously Porsche is committed, releasing 2 test mules already to the media to scrutinze, but under limited conditions.  For example, no one was allowed to juice the Cayenne hybrid up and down some windy roads, so actual performance testing has been held to a minimum.  Sounds like Porsche is more excited about doing up to 30 miles per hour on electric alone, despite the 300lb weight increase.

Cayenne Hybrid

Thanks to Lamborghini for giving us a great taste and a set of pictures of the all new Murcielago LP 650-4 Roadster.  Furthermore they have added a few engine specs that will get dreamers pants tight, which is not limited to a 6.5 liter v12 engine.  The sex on wheels will hit 0-60 mph in a staggering 3.4 seconds and not stop topping out until after 200 mph.

Unfortunately the only time I will ever see this car is if I hit the lottery...or steal one.

Happy St. Patrick's Day to all of my readers and to celebrate, I'm putting on my green by displaying 7 green cars.  So no pinching!  While these not so popular colored vehicles may look good today, the rest of the year they are a godawful green hue that makes me go crosseyed.  At any rate, have a Happy day, drink heavily, and stay away from the wheel.

According to the automotive website Jalopnik it looks like the all new 2010 Dodge Durango will be undergoing a facelift.  Personally, I'm thrilled to death, I thought that the latest generation Durango looked like a minivan on steroids, which is not a compliment.  More closely, the 2010 Durango is kind of a jacked up Jeep Cherokee.

When moving to a small town, after living for years in the big city, one of the first things you learn is that an automobile is a necessary piece of equipment to own. In small towns and rural areas, there is little in the way of public transportation and unless you are purchasing in small quantities, the distance from the store to home is just too far to make traveling by foot or on bike possible.

Unlike cities, small towns communicate through public bulletin boards and small localized newspapers. Usually, to find cars for sale, or trucks for sale, you need to make a trip to your local laundromat, library, or coffee shop. All of these businesses have large bulletin boards that allow people, at no charge, to tack notices to buy, sell, or trade their wares, as well as offer services to the public.

Another good source of information, for small town and rural people, is the internet. The local library in any small town offer their patrons booked time on the computer to look up any information they require, at a nominal fee. This makes it much easier for someone looking for cars for sale, or trucks for sale, as you have the option of checking out vehicles in other small rural communities, near where you live.

The only other thing you need to figure out, once you have relocated into a small town, is whether you will require a car or a truck? A car is useful to rural people if they have children, but a truck is a necessary vehicle if you need to transport items back and forth, and unlike cities, there is not much in the way of delivery in rural areas. So, a good bet for small town living might very well be a truck, with a crew or king cab - something that can carry the family, but can also haul tons of cargo, too!

Upcoming concert, sporting event, or a bored meeting at a local parking lot?  Sounds like it's time to prepare for that first big time Tailgating party for the summer.  Let's look at what can make that tailgating experience one to remember and replicate throughout the year.

Must Have Tailgating Items:

• Charcoal Grill
• Gas Powered Blender
• Sweet Ass Recliner Camping Seats
• Satellite Radio
• Multiple Coolers
• and of course Brewhaha

But those are just a few items to make a tailgating experience this summer successful.  The real meat and potatoes, so to speak, comes in with style depending on what kind of recipes you know.  Tailgate parties are most successful with unique finger foods, grilled items, and adding character to a meal makes it always memorable.  Keep in mind, the more unique the recipe, chances are the more prep work will need to be done in advance of downing a few brews.

Plan some games to pass the time as well, since competition is surely running high if you are at a sporting event anyway.  Beer Pong is especially popular amongst the college crowd, but for those of you who are older and don't need a reason to drink, let's look at some other easy options.  I always enjoy a game of Cornhole or Bean Bags.  Also, everyone and their mom owns a washer board where horseshoes will most likely bust out a window.

Last but not least, stay safe, not everyone is partying in a parking lot so practice safe tailgating partying.  See you on the pavement.

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