We Grab The Keys To The 2009 Toyota Matrix And Head To Hoover Dam To Take Photographs. Let Us Tell You Why.

Let us start by telling you a story about a guy who, a few years ago, was relegated to driving a Toyota Matrix for a business trip. The drive was a 6 hour run from Washington D.C. to Boston and the washboard seats, rental-car ride and dismal stereo managed to be utter joys compared to the ultimate mishap: hitting a pothole greeted this poor man with a dashboard that literally fell off. Glove compartment on floor, instrument cluster hanging by wires and an A/C vent in lap. Loads of fun.

Then again, this poor fellow wasn’t driving a 2009 Toyota Matrix. A car, that besides its namesake couldn’t be more different than the aforementioned rental car. We suppose Toyota wasn’t aware of our story when they handed us the keys to copper orange (of course) and blue 2009 Matrix(ices) while we were in Las Vegas for SEMA. A show best described as a car modifier’s mecca.

We decided to take a break from the debauchery and tear down to the Hoover Dam. Why? For some dam pictures and a surprisingly damn fun ride. Read on…
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By: Michael Curwood | The Truth About Cars

The Acura TL is like the brainy girl in math class. If you’d told your friends you had the hots for her, they’d have stifled laughs, paused and said “who?” Since the turn of the century, the Accord-based Acura TL has been the deeply sensible alternative to premium-priced imports. But the TL’s fans knew the joys of stealth smarts: a super-smooth six powering a superbly-crafted cabin sitting atop a well-built and reliable chassis. So, will channeling the spirit of Frank Lloyd Wright help or hinder the TL’s ongoing quest for luxury car legitimacy?

Review: 2009 Acura TL continued »

By: Daniel Mader | The Truth About Cars

The California is a bit like my first girlfriend: pretty from the front, but a little frumpy at the rear, especially in the wrong clothes (sorry Sarah). This is Ferrari’s softer side. Huh? How can you mess with the classic GT recipe? Sorry Ferrari but the California is the best definition of Ugly Betty with four wheels. If you were hoping for a Dino successor, then you’ll be disappointed. This is a fresh GT with a new clientele in mind.

Review: 2010 Ferrari California continued »

A 45 MPG BRABUS. Yeah…

The notion of miles per gallon and efficiency don’t really come to mind when one thinks ofBRABUS. As a matter of fact, terms like “what the hell?”, “why?”, “holy shit”, and “you’ve gotta be kidding” tend to be conjured up in sentences with BRABUS in them.

It was inevitable that BRABUS would tune the Smart Car Fortwo seing that it’s Mercedes based, but it’s finally coming to the United States and reservations started… er as of last night at 8pm. The 98 horsepower model comes with 15 inch front and 17 inch rear wheels with a sport tuned exhaust and suspension, and all the aggressive visual styling cues you’d expect from BRABUS.

Image of interior after the jump.

Available February 2009
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The Duke

Saturday, Fort Walton Beach - 80 degrees in October, not a cloud in the sky… think I’m going to ride. As a gear freak I’m always out and about trying to find the new hotness. On this particular day, I was cruising along the Gulf Coast throwing the deuces to my fellow riders when I came across a KTM dealership. Naturally, I decided to take a look and encountered the awe-spiring KTM 990 Super Duke.

KTM is an Austrian motorcycle manufacturer which began producing motorcycles 1954. They’re most commonly known for their off road motorcycles, and in recent years have expanded into street bikes. By the looks of this beautiful monster they’re off to a good start.

The KTM 990 Super Duke sports a fuel injected 2 cylinder 4 stroke V-twin engine with 999cc’s of displacement. Brembo brakes will make sure you have all the stopping power you’ll need after firing through 6 gears en route to serious ass hauling.

It goes without saying that the dealer probably knew I was up to no good, but the stance on the Duke wasn’t overly aggressive and the bike was incredibly light, almost felt like sitting on an old school Haro.

Editor’s Note: Looks like KTM is making their mark on the street bike world and the 990 Super Duke is a prime specimen.

Cost: $15,000

Also See: More Motorcycles on Gear Patrol

Like Most Things Italian, Even Monsters Are Hot.

Ducati Monster 1100    Courtesy: Ducati North America

Many of you may not know this, but more than just Apple computers are announced in Cupertino, California. And for some of you, this might be the sexier beast. It definitely is for me regardless of my affinity for both Apple devices and four wheeled contrivances.

Recently, Ducati announced the 2009 Ducati Monster 1100 and 1110 S. Two motorcycles worth a few moments of your time, and dollars.

Both are new to the lineup of Ducati Monster series - unique lightweight motorcycles with power, design, and painfully gorgeous Italian looks. On the 1100 S you’ll find components like Ohlins 43mm titanium nitride forks and rear shock absorbers, carbon fiber cam belt covers, and unique gold five spoke wheels. Both are outfitted with removable single seat covers, micro-bikini fairings, and a signature 95 horsepower (79.5 lb ft torque) Ducati 1100cc Desmodromic twin-cylinder engine. Bella.

Cost: $11,995 @ Ducati

Also See: Ducati Hypermotard 1100