The Argument for Diesel Powered Vehicles

2009 BMW 335d

By Bradley Hasemeyer & Eric Yang: With the arrival of the 2009 BMW 3-Series Diesel, quite possibly the most ubiquitous of the German cars, it goes without saying that diesel cars are coming to America. Moreover they’re coming for the long haul. Taking aside the fact that, to us, hybrid vehicles are over-hyped fads and we know you’re not into fads. Proven technologies like diesel fuel are what power many of the world’s cars and contrary to your preconceived notions, diesel cars rock. Let’s discuss.

Both Bradley and I have spent time overseas so we can attest that the days of hand-me-down massive black-soot belching behemoths purchased during the last American fuel crisis are gone. With the advent of urea-injected technology from companies like Bosch, you’re now seeing diesel automobiles that are not only more economical than their unleaded and hybrid counterparts, but absolutely stick it to them in terms of performance. And with today’s fuel prices and ongoing recession, that’s a good thing. Our essay after the jump.
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By Justin Berkowitz | The Truth About Cars

Sean Connery’s Bond, James Bond, would punch you in the face while kissing your girlfriend. His Aston Martin DB5 was beyond cool. By the 1990s, Bond drove a range of product placement-mobiles, and Astons looked like Jaguars (and vice versa). While devastatingly quick, Astons handled like trains. And then the Vanquish, DB9 and V8 Vantage restored a sense of dignity. But– the Vantage’s 4.3-liter V8 stumped-up “only” 380 hp. When critics questioned, Aston did the English version of flipping them off: nodded their collective head and shrugged their shoulders. But now, finally, Aston unleashes the 2009 Vantage with a 4.7-liter V8. Power jumps from 380 to 420. Torque is up, and the dashboard is new. I recently exercised the convertible version, the Vantage Roadster, for a few hours on a sun-drenched day to see if Bond’s whip is suitably… nasty.

2009 Aston Martin Vantage Roadster Review continued »

19 Years Old, 64,000 Miles, And Pretty Damn Perfect

I’d trade in a Land Rover for a Jeep Wagoneer anyday.

If you haven’t gathered, the GP team works hard to bring unique products you don’t see rehashed across every website or blog from here to the end of the web. From time to time, we cross the threshold of unique men’s gear to personal obsessions - admittedly, mine is the continual embrace of anything vintage. So, when I read this article about Jeep Wagonner restoration specialist, Wagonmaster in Men’s Vogue, I was smitten.

I have a soft spot for the old wood-claden Jeep Wagoneer. A triumphant 4×4 jewel of the late eighties. It predates the whole notion of “SUV”, “Crossover” and “Hybrids”. Dammit, it was all of them - um, swapping the hybrid’s regenerative battery for a 2-barrel carbuerator of course. This particular restored Wagoneer’s powerplant of choice was an AMC 5.9 liter engine producing 235 glorious, late 80’s, horsepower. It just makes me want to throw on and old pair of jeans, a t-shirt and take some friends to the lake with a few beers in tow.

Cost: $33,000 @ Wagonmasters

Someone’s Finally Getting The Crossover Right

This ain’t no Coupe De’Ville   [click on image to enlarge]

When it comes to Cadillac’s Science & Technology design scheme it’s either love it or hate it. But the men in Detroit are definitely finding a rhythm, what with the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V and Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept. For 2010 Caddy brings you gents the redesigned Cadillac SRX Crossover. It’s much needed evolution to the former SRX Crossover you’ve probably thought to yourself as the love child of an Escalade and station wagon.

Tis’ no more. The 2010 SRX enjoys a mix of Cadillac’s chiseled aesthetic with modern style. The powerplant will come from a 3.6 liter V6 engine and be offered in rear or all-wheel drive (later please). Enjoy the sneak peak and astonishment that you might actually be looking forward to a crossover. Additional image after the jump. [via Press Release]

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Energy Autonomous Ride With Atonomous Styling

Round up the wagons Maggie, we’re goin’ green (Stephane Foulon)

Before you yell “what the f**k” at your monitor, think about this for a second… the Venturi Eclectic is a energy-free vehicle. It doesn’t require a drop of gasoline, ever. Its self-powered. Additional information and photos after the jump.
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It’s official. The Lotus Evora. A ‘grown-up’ Lotus coupe with proper amenities. Say, like an actual interior (see an image of the interior after the jump).

The Evora will be powered by a 276 horsepower Toyota sourced V6 that will propel the 2,976 lb. vehicle with typical Lotus-like fury. Again, the key highlight of the Evora will be its sumptuous, yet sporty, interior, which will sport leather, a navigation system and the ability to get in and out of the car without Crisco and pullies. We’re looking forward to getting behind the wheel of this one. [via press release]

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Suffice it to say, these days aren’t exactly ideal for car ownership. But giving up some of your monthly car payment allowance doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice image, quality or performance (and efficiency). Mazda’s laid a pretty impressive punch to the automarket with its 2009 Mazda6. The Mazda6, aestheticlaly, is the lovechild of a Mercedes S-Class stance, Nissan Maxima profile and an Infinity G37 coupe fascia. Either way, it works well and will satiate the hunger of curb appeal buyers.

Power is served up in either an efficient 2.4 liter four-cylinder plant or a 3.7 liter V6 with 6-speed manual (hoorah) or 5-speed auto (hoorah for urban dwellers) that produces a sizeable 273 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. Plenty enough to make that lawyer with the 3-series think twice about taking you on in a stoplight gentleman’s drag peel.

Image of interior after the jump.

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What makes an already incredible sports car an even better one? A touch of eco-ness. Enter, the Lotus Eco Elise. A Lotus Elise made of sustainable materials (hemp hard top, sisal and hand applied water-based paint), flexible solar rooltop panels for the electric systems to reduce drain on engine, and a shift light to advise drivers to maximize fuel efficiency.

The net result is a 70 pound reduction in vehicle weight, which you car nuts know is a sizeable achievement.

We endorse green products. We further endorse those that make an otherwise outstanding vehicle that much better. Picture of interior after the jump. [via Autoblog]

[click on image to enlarge]

Also See: 2008 Lotus Supercharged Elise SC

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It’s July 4th weekend and that means you car owners will probably carve out an hour or two to clean your pollen laden ride. Upgrade that old clay wax sitting in your garage with Turtle Wax’s ICE, liquid polish. It’s a clear wax formulated with silicone and hydrocarbon polymers.

Turtle Wax ICE can be applied to exterior rubber, plastic and vinyl trim (without that annoying white residue) and best of all, applied with one coat in DIRECT sunglight or hot surface unlike standard waxes. That alone is worth the price of admission. The kit also includes a custom applicator and microfiber towel. [Thanks Anthony!]

Cost: $14 @ Ace Hardware or local car supply shop.

Also See:
The Complete Pirelli Calendar | $54
Kobalt 26-Gallon Compressor with 6-Tool Kit | $299

If there’s a reason to still own an SUV then tailgating is definitely one of them. Proper tailgating can be cumbersome what with all the cans, food, etc.

The Party-A-Cargo tow hitch mounted kegerator will let you carry 160 cans of ice cold beer and a 20 pound bag of ice. It will also let you play 12 hours of music through its self-powered sound system (with subwoofer) for 12 hours. Everything will close up and secure nicely in the locking trailer hitch mounted enclosure. [Thanks Dave!]

Cost: $2,895-$3,795 @ Tailgating Ideas