On a recent trip to Taipei, I was taken to a 20 story building that a friend works in. After parking, I asked him how much the parking spots we had just left the car in sold for. $120,000 US! Seriously.
This of course prompted a few google searches to find prices of similar parking spots in other cities like Hong Kong where a single spot can be as much as $320k. Mind blowing.
If I ever move somewhere where the parking places cost that much, I think I'll opt for renting cars and/or taking taxis.
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Electric Cars - A Turning Point
Driving the 405 in Los Angeles you'll notice something now that has played out for the last few years. Cars using alternative fuels have color coded stickers providing them access to the High Occupancy (Diamond) Lane. This allows them to pass you with a smugness once reserved by those in helicopters, private jets, or chauffeured Maybachs. To think you can get to work faster and help the environment isn't exactly a new idea. What is new is the type of cars we see. Where before there were compressed natural gas Crown Vics, Civics, and Prii (Piruses?) we now see actual highway driven electric cars. By far, the most common is the Nissan Leaf with plug in Prii being a close second followed by the likes of the Honda Fit EV, Rav 4 EV, and the even less common Focus EV. But one car I'm seeing more consistently than I might have expected is the Tesla Model S. Who would buy a $100k car and daily drive it on their commute? Turns out a lot of people.
But the other day I saw something that really made me do a double take. It was a driveway with two cars in it that are in the same class and considered direct competitors: the Porsche Panamera and the Tesla Model S. I'll let you draw your own conclusions about what this means but it could be spun a few different ways. Why would someone own both of these cars?
Saturday, July 21, 2012
McLaren MP4-12C
I went to the McLaren dealership in Newport Beach today and had a look around and I have to say I'm really impressed with the MP4-12C. They have a rolling chassis display which has the hydraulically linked dampers displayed along with the monocell (monocoque to the purists) and a bunch of other flashy bits like the magnesium instrument cluster carrier.
Being in Newport Beach, I'm guessing this is one of the few places that has almost as many of these cars as the factory in Woking does. I counted at least 7 of them all brand new waiting for owners. One car that was missing was the chrome example
While driving a few hours later we managed to find the chromed one broken down on the side of the road. The gentleman waiting with the car told us it was some sort of electrical or engine issue. Bummer.
This did give us a chance to open the door though which produced two interesting facts.
Being in Newport Beach, I'm guessing this is one of the few places that has almost as many of these cars as the factory in Woking does. I counted at least 7 of them all brand new waiting for owners. One car that was missing was the chrome example
While driving a few hours later we managed to find the chromed one broken down on the side of the road. The gentleman waiting with the car told us it was some sort of electrical or engine issue. Bummer.
This did give us a chance to open the door though which produced two interesting facts.
- To open the door, you swipe your hand across a sensor under the side inlets. There's no movement. Good one McLaren. I'm impressed.
- When parked next to the curb, the doors are not able to open. The doors first move perpendicular to the body then swing up but the car is so impressively low that the door hits even a low curb. Sounds like a small compromise on an otherwise incredible car.
Saturday, May 5, 2012
I Saw a Fisker Karma
I saw my first Fisker Karma on the road yesterday stuck in some lovely 405 traffic. What makes this sighting special isn't just that I saw a road going Karma that wasn't pulled over or broken down. Its also not that it had manufacturers plates on the car either. What makes it special is the car's designer was actually driving it. Henrik Fisker and his fake tan and Donald Trump hair were doing a fine job of keeping it in a single lane too despite the car being the length of a stretch limo and width of a hummer.
Monday, February 20, 2012
The Fall of the Civic
The Honda Civic is undoubtedly one of the most reliable and best selling cars in Honda's long history of making customers happy. Its utility, size, price, and amenities made it nearly unbeatable. More specifically, the Civic SI was indeed one of the best values for the money from 2006 to 2011. It was a nearly 200 hp car that was fun, yet achieved 29mpg freeway, could have 4 doors, and fit a few bikes in it. But I have a problem, and I want to let you in on what it is.
Look at the pictures below and attempt to honestly tell yourself that the Honda Civic interior was completely redesigned as Honda has proudly proclaimed across the car community.
That's right, you can't say it without knowing that you're a filthy liar. The new Civic interior is more disappointing than when one of the Jersey Shore Guidos gets a girl home and it turns out she's not DTF. Yes, that bad. Not only is the interior tweaked, and not redesigned, but it got worse. The materials are cheaper, the cancerous lump above the binnacle has spread towards the passenger side of the car, and the speakers on the a pillars look like puckered buttholes ready to spew. I guess the root of the disappointment is not that the new Civic interior is terrible, it's just that its worse than the last Civic in every way I can think of.
Look at the pictures below and attempt to honestly tell yourself that the Honda Civic interior was completely redesigned as Honda has proudly proclaimed across the car community.
That's right, you can't say it without knowing that you're a filthy liar. The new Civic interior is more disappointing than when one of the Jersey Shore Guidos gets a girl home and it turns out she's not DTF. Yes, that bad. Not only is the interior tweaked, and not redesigned, but it got worse. The materials are cheaper, the cancerous lump above the binnacle has spread towards the passenger side of the car, and the speakers on the a pillars look like puckered buttholes ready to spew. I guess the root of the disappointment is not that the new Civic interior is terrible, it's just that its worse than the last Civic in every way I can think of.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Hyundai Veloster
I saw the 2012 Veloster on the road today. Hyundai is really getting things together in their styling department. They're doing to the Japanese car companies what the Japanese car companies did to the American car companies in the 90's. It's a really sporty and unique looking car. I'm not sure if I like it, but like I said, it's unique.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Chinese Cab Drivers
On a recent trip to China I took note of the efficiency, insanity, and general experience of what is riding in a cab in a developing country. I've seen videos of Chinese, Thai, and Indian intersections with cab drivers dodging bicyclists and weaving through oncoming traffic to get you to your destination, but actually stepping into a car with one of these guys is quite a treat. Over the 30 or so cab rides I took, I at no time felt like I was in danger just because the drivers are so confident as they merge into the next lane despite there being a car there - they'll move. Here are a few pictures.
Here's a typical intersection in HangZhou. Bikes, Buses, and cars. Look closely and you will see one tiny man directing traffic during rush hour right in the center of the picture.
Here's a close up of the bikes waiting in the same intersection. We saw two major bike accidents and usually the drivers are significantly angrier than the bicyclists since the rule is - The bigger vehicle has the right of way.
This is our cab driver in Shanghai. He would consistently read the newspaper at every intersection and somehow know exactly when the lights turned green. 6th sense maybe?
Here's a video that has been getting quite a few hits with a cab driver going to wrong way. Based on our experience, I'm not in the least bit surprised. Check it out.
Here's a typical intersection in HangZhou. Bikes, Buses, and cars. Look closely and you will see one tiny man directing traffic during rush hour right in the center of the picture.
Here's a close up of the bikes waiting in the same intersection. We saw two major bike accidents and usually the drivers are significantly angrier than the bicyclists since the rule is - The bigger vehicle has the right of way.
This is our cab driver in Shanghai. He would consistently read the newspaper at every intersection and somehow know exactly when the lights turned green. 6th sense maybe?
Here's a video that has been getting quite a few hits with a cab driver going to wrong way. Based on our experience, I'm not in the least bit surprised. Check it out.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Formula 1 2010
Tomorrow is the last F1 race in Abu Dhabi. Don't forget to tune it to see who wins the championship! There's still a four way fight between Vettel, Alonso, Webber, and Hamilton.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Stopping Traffic
I'm all about expressing yourself through music, art, or whatever the heck else your petrol loving heart desires. But when you do it at the expense of others by inconveniencing them, costing them time, and money then you need to be punished by the swift arm of the law. Imagine you're on the way to the airport, you're on time and ready to catch your $1200 flight to start your European vacation and a group of hoodlums pulls their box truck across 3 lanes of LA traffic and hop up on the roof to subject you to their heinous music. That's exactly what happened just a few days ago, and even though I hate to even post the video for fear that even that will give them a few hits on their you tube video, but you must see the stupidity yourself. Also, just to squelch your expectations, it's not catchy and it's pretty poorly written as well.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Mercedes Prototype Spotted
Driving on the 405 North through Long Beach I spotted a Mercedes SUV prototype with a single driver and at least 2 dummies riding along in the car. From what I saw it looked a lot like this ML prototype expected to be out in 2011.
I was suprised by how stealthy the exhaust is, but you can spot it underneath just barely. The shape of the grill leads me to believe they are also testing their active cruise control which they're calling "Distronic". Mercedes has certainly gone very mini van with the direction of the ML, making it quite unfortunate looking.
Here are some crappy cell phone pics...
I was suprised by how stealthy the exhaust is, but you can spot it underneath just barely. The shape of the grill leads me to believe they are also testing their active cruise control which they're calling "Distronic". Mercedes has certainly gone very mini van with the direction of the ML, making it quite unfortunate looking.
Here are some crappy cell phone pics...
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Old School German Goodness
DTM cars are the epitome of race car Euro trash. Back in the 80's the battles on the circuit between the Audis, Mercs, and Bimmers was epic to say the least and this video does a great job of summing up the sideways action of these stiff bodied beasts along with some 2 wheeled door to door action. Even if you don't speak German, you are still required to keep the music going - for the ambiance of course.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Feelin' Fly Like a G6
I would like to take this opportunity to clear up a common misconception with a popular song that is making its rounds with the 20 somethings. In clubs you're going to be hearing the chorus, "feelin' fly like a G6". If you immediatley think of the Pontiac G6 then please remove the thing attached to your neck from your posterior.
The G6 is a Pimp Daddy jet that is cooler than the arctic and hotter than those Crocs Sandals that are already out of style.
Listen.
The G6 is a Pimp Daddy jet that is cooler than the arctic and hotter than those Crocs Sandals that are already out of style.
Listen.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3
Check out this Gallery of the AMG SLS Gullwing hanging out in Monterey this weekend. Most chromed out cars you see pictures of in Dubai look like giant baked potatoes, but this puppy is the bees knees. Click through for some gull winged, long lipped, car Pron.
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Lewis and Jenson Splooge All Over a Car
These two formula 1 world champions drive the most sophisticated race cars on the planet. With millions of dollars of development and hundreds of thousands of man hours into these beasts, they corner better and stay stuck to the ground better than any other car. Yet when Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button are let loose in McLaren's warehouse full of race cars, they're drawn to a car designed in the 1980's: the McLaren MP4/4. This car was so dominant, that Senna won 15 out of 16 races in the 1988 season. Watch these proper British blokes spread their figurative man juice all over the cockpit.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Quadrocopter UAV
The only thing cooler than a remote control helicopter is an autonomous 4 rotor helicopter that can fly through orthogonal gaps that are almost as small as it is. Check out the video below for a look at this bad ass piece of technology. Soon enough we'll invade a city with an army of these that will just post up on every wall with a camera and just stay there relaying info back to a safe area. Sweet doode. Sweet.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Turbo Blow Off Simulator for Retard Posers
The title says it all, but follow the link for a fantastic product that Bay Area tuner 034 EFI has put on the market. It's a real gem.
It sort of reminds me of the electronic devices you can plug into your car radio that make your car sound like a V8 or a V10. It's called sound racer and it's too expensive to justify even paying money for it as a gag gift.
It sort of reminds me of the electronic devices you can plug into your car radio that make your car sound like a V8 or a V10. It's called sound racer and it's too expensive to justify even paying money for it as a gag gift.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Projects and Projekts
Most of us car guys wish we had the time, resources, and motivation to take one of our favorite old cars all covered in rust and the scars of a well lived life and strip it down to the metal. The satisfaction of taking what used to be beautiful and restoring it to a condition you can be proud of is both fulfilling and deeply rewarding. Being able to keep your creation and drive it whenever you like is a feeling like no other.
With that in mind, here are my top 6 favorite internet reads for amazing car creations.
1) Prospeed Audi S1
This recreation of one of history's most famed rally cars is really quite inspiring. Sorry it's not in English, but the pictures tell the story and Google translate can fill in the gaps.
2) DP Cars
Denis Palatov's website is dedicated to his creations including the DP1 which is a tube frame single seater that offers several aero, chassis, and drivetrain configurations. When I first started reading his site, it was dedicated primarily to the DP1 and recounts of his track days. It now includes his newest creations which have allowed him to start his own company and do what he loves. Check out the DP4, Hartley V8 powered Atom, and the electric drive train he's working on as well as the progress he's made over the past few years; it's quite impressive.
3) Midlana
Another site I've been following is that of Kimini and Midlana. These two cars are scratch built machines built for the track and street in a garage. The author also wrote a book about the experience and is creating plans for the car he's building right now so others can follow his example.
4) Bentley EXP Speed 8 Replica
This project might be right on the brink of absolute lunacy, but all the same it's impressive. The author is working on a replica of the famous Bentley EXP (arguably one of the best looking sports cars of all time) powered by an Audi 32 valve V8 and decided he needed to mill out his own body plug to pull moulds from. So he decided to make his own foam mill at his shop. Fantastic. He's got a ton of work to go, but I'll keep following to see the final product.
5) IMSA 90 Replica
If you haven't figured it out yet, I like old Audi race cars including Trans Am cars, which is why I've been reading through the build of this IMSA 90 replica which screams badassness like a 10 year old in a head lock.
6) Carbon Fiber Bodied Mustang
Having done quite a bit of composites work myself, it's been a blast to read through this guy's conversion of his Mustang into a plastic beast. He's done a great job with all the panels, although I'm not sure I agree with the car he's using to put all this effort into. From experience, I know what he's doing isn't cost efficient at all, but it's obvious he's not doing it for that reason. It'll be nice to see the final product and the amount of weight he has trimmed. Also, page 6 has a pretty detailed explanation of how he makes his panels.
With that in mind, here are my top 6 favorite internet reads for amazing car creations.
1) Prospeed Audi S1
This recreation of one of history's most famed rally cars is really quite inspiring. Sorry it's not in English, but the pictures tell the story and Google translate can fill in the gaps.
2) DP Cars
Denis Palatov's website is dedicated to his creations including the DP1 which is a tube frame single seater that offers several aero, chassis, and drivetrain configurations. When I first started reading his site, it was dedicated primarily to the DP1 and recounts of his track days. It now includes his newest creations which have allowed him to start his own company and do what he loves. Check out the DP4, Hartley V8 powered Atom, and the electric drive train he's working on as well as the progress he's made over the past few years; it's quite impressive.
3) Midlana
Another site I've been following is that of Kimini and Midlana. These two cars are scratch built machines built for the track and street in a garage. The author also wrote a book about the experience and is creating plans for the car he's building right now so others can follow his example.
4) Bentley EXP Speed 8 Replica
This project might be right on the brink of absolute lunacy, but all the same it's impressive. The author is working on a replica of the famous Bentley EXP (arguably one of the best looking sports cars of all time) powered by an Audi 32 valve V8 and decided he needed to mill out his own body plug to pull moulds from. So he decided to make his own foam mill at his shop. Fantastic. He's got a ton of work to go, but I'll keep following to see the final product.
5) IMSA 90 Replica
If you haven't figured it out yet, I like old Audi race cars including Trans Am cars, which is why I've been reading through the build of this IMSA 90 replica which screams badassness like a 10 year old in a head lock.
6) Carbon Fiber Bodied Mustang
Having done quite a bit of composites work myself, it's been a blast to read through this guy's conversion of his Mustang into a plastic beast. He's done a great job with all the panels, although I'm not sure I agree with the car he's using to put all this effort into. From experience, I know what he's doing isn't cost efficient at all, but it's obvious he's not doing it for that reason. It'll be nice to see the final product and the amount of weight he has trimmed. Also, page 6 has a pretty detailed explanation of how he makes his panels.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Barrichello's Expensive Temper Tantrum
In case you didn't catch it, Rubens Barrichello chucked his steering wheel out of his Williams Formula 1 car in this weekend's Grand Prix in Monaco out of frustration after a mechanical failure on his car caused him to crash. Check out the poor quality video below.
F1 steering wheels are covered in buttons and dials for everything from traction control settings to limiting pit speed and getting a drink. Not only was Ruben's 10-year-old-like stunt dangerous as it put a steering wheel on track which became debris for other driver's to hit, but it's downright stupid. Without a steering wheel, the corner workers can't move the car at all, although in this case the missing rear wheels may be a factor for that as well. I'm guessing the team principal may have a bit of a word with him over this.
Good thing it wasn't Hamilton or Jenson's helmet though. The two former champions raced in Monaco with diamond studded steering wheels which would have been a bit costly to replace after this little shenanigan.
F1 steering wheels are covered in buttons and dials for everything from traction control settings to limiting pit speed and getting a drink. Not only was Ruben's 10-year-old-like stunt dangerous as it put a steering wheel on track which became debris for other driver's to hit, but it's downright stupid. Without a steering wheel, the corner workers can't move the car at all, although in this case the missing rear wheels may be a factor for that as well. I'm guessing the team principal may have a bit of a word with him over this.
Good thing it wasn't Hamilton or Jenson's helmet though. The two former champions raced in Monaco with diamond studded steering wheels which would have been a bit costly to replace after this little shenanigan.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Honda Fit Type S low
I captured this gem driving home from work the other day. A Honda Fit with a Type S badge with a low emblem after it poking fun at ricers with multiple misleading badges adorning the rear of their car.
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