Simply put, a hybrid vehicle is a vehicle that uses two or more distinct power sources to make the vehicle run.  The point of creating hybrid vehicles is to create cars that are less toxic to the environment and more fuel efficient.  When a hybrid car is idling, the gasoline or diesel engine will shut down, allowing battery power to take over.  Cars that run on batteries are QUIET and do not emit the noxious emissions that gasoline or diesel powered cars do.  When a hybrid car runs at full power, both the electric and gas powered sources are tapped.

The Toyota Prius, at a price of $23,000 or less, is a great choice when you consider the average price for a car in it’s category is $28,000.  The Prius gets an average of 48 miles to the gallon which makes the average gas mileage for a non-hybrid (about 25 miles a gallon) look ridiculous. 

  The 2008 Toyota Prius

The Toyota Prius was the first mass produced gas/electric hybrid in 1997 where it went on sale in Japan.  The Prius became available to the United States in 2000.  Easily, the Prius has become one of the most popular hybrid vehicles in the world.

Hybrid vehicles save precious fossil fuels that can be put to better use elsewhere.  Although a hybrid vehicle is not going to go from zero to sixty in less than ten seconds, a hybrid vehicle will help ensure that your children have clean air to breathe.

What can you buy for $100,000 or less?

The New Dodge Viper SRT10, hitting the streets in Spring 2008.

The Racetrack ready Dodge Viper SRT10 is a 600 horsepower racing machine that goes from zero to 60 in 3.5 seconds and zero to 100 mph in 7.8 seconds.  The car’s estimated gas mileage is 12 miles per gallon, but who cares about gas mileage if you can afford this bad boy?

The car is designed with nothing but speed in mind.  Reportedly getting into the Viper can be tight, and the car is “difficult to tame”.  It is not made for a trip to the grocery store.  Although, if you have money, why not?  Why not drive this car to the grocery store, the mall, the post office.  If I had this car in my hands, everyone would see it.  This car wouldn’t be sitting in the garage under a cover.

The Dodge Viper SRT10 is a front engine, rear wheel drive 2 passenger, 2 door coupe.  Forget packing up the kids.  Leave them at home with the babysitter and take your wife out on a ride.

What’s your favorite driving song?  You know what I’m talking about.  That song that you blast on the radio, pretending that you are driving a Porsche or Maserati instead of the beat up family minivan.  The song that you are caught slamming the steering wheel to, forgetting that you have the window down and again, the family minivan.

One of my favorites is Shook Me All Nigh Long by ACDC.  If you don’t know this song, you haven’t lived.  Unfortunately, blasting this song on the car stereo will make you drive much faster than you should.  Always remember to turn down the car radio when you get pulled over.   This is just a friendly tip as most officers will not like having to talk over your radio. 

I also love Bruce Springsteen’s Born in the USA.  Although I am not overly patriotic, (or underly for that matter), this is also another great song to drive to.  Jack and Diane, John Cougar Mellencamp and Devil Went Down To Georgia by the Charlie Daniels Band may make you drive off the road if you are a steering wheel drummer as I am.

So, I ask again, what’s your song?  What do you cruise to? 

Although it is almost the beginning of March, it is still cold and there is plenty of snow on the ground here in New England.  Starting in November, all New Englanders can expect snow at any time.  There are times when we’ve had snow in May….but let’s not think about that right now.  Winter stinks and having a cool car in winter is hard.  When there is a lot of snow, there is a lot of salt on the roads.  If you’ve never lived in a snow laden place, salt DESTROYS paint jobs.  Look at any car that has been in New England for 10 years vs. a car from Florida that is 10 years old and you will learn the difference quickly.

The best kind of car to have in New England, even though they guzzle gas, are SUV’s.  One nice option is the Honda CRV and this a choice that is very popular among women.

The Honda CRV is really part car and part SUV.  It drives like a car and gets better gas mileage than many mid-sized cars out there.  With front seats that convert to recliners when combined with the back seats, the CRV is perfect for the outdoor movies or for whenever you need to take a quick nap and you aren’t near home.  The CRV has four wheel drive and handles well in slippery conditions.

Another decent car in the snow is the Ford Explorer.  From base models to high end, the Explorer can be  as affordable as you make it….the more toys you want, the more expensive it is going to be.  With heated seat and automatic starter options, the Ford Explorer can be a great choice for freezing cold mornings.  Start it up, drink your coffee and head out the door. 

Whatever kind of car you choose, there is one thing that is clear.  A Ford Mustang or a Lotus is probably best left for the warm weather.  Maybe you can just buy a Hummer….the winters here feel nuclear, you might as well be prepared.

And the winner is?

In the closest race in NASCAR history, the Daytona 500 was won this year by Jamie McMurray…by 6 inches.  Following closely behind McMurray was Kyle Busch, although neither driver knew who won the race until a slow-motion camera was consulted.  The time difference between the two drivers was .005 seconds. 

Jamie McMurray, born June 3, 1976, has been driving in races since he was a young boy.  His official start with NASCAR began in 2002.  He currently drives the #26, sponsored by Crown Royal, and his team is Roush Fenway Racing. 

So far in 2008, McMurray is having a good year.  He made $276,888 for his Daytona 500 win on 2/17/08 and over $400,000 in total this year – and it’s only February.

Kyle Busch, who drives the #18 car, is part of the Joe Gibbs Racing Team.  Busch, who races around the track in the unmistakable M&M car, has been winning races since his 2005 rookie season. 

In his first year in NASCAR, Busch had five wins, 16 top five finishes, and 13 top ten finishes.  He was a runaway candidate for the Rookie of the Year.  Busch, born on May 2, 1985, is one of the youngest drivers ever to win a NASCAR race.

The Suzuki X-HEAD

A Tonka Truck made for adults.  What could be better?

The Suzuki X-Head Concept Car has so many moveable pieces that a former matchbox nut would never leave the garage if they owned this car.   Unfortunately, they may have to wait before they have a life sized transformer car at their disposal.

The Suzuki X-Head Concept Car made its debut at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2007.  The plan for this car is versatility.  The car is made to be part car, part pickup truck, and even part hotel.  With enough sleeping room for two adults, the planners of the Suzuki X-HEAD hope to lure adults always waiting for an adventure.

From the 2007 press release: 

 “A key feature of X-HEAD is that it can hold various load-bed units for diverse purposes. For example, it can hold a unit called the Camper, which provides sleeping space for two adults; a unit called the Fashion, which provides stylish urban mobility; and a unit called the Rescue, which is designed for emergency rescue operations in a wide range of extreme environments.” 

The front bumper has well protected LED headlights and is easily able to hold a winch.  The point of the Suzuki X-HEAD is provide as many potential uses as possible.  The car is equipped with a variety of emergency supplies and because of its bed capabilities, could be used as a rescue vehicle.

So far this car is not slated for production but has been traveling to auto shows around the world.  I’d love to get a glimpse of one. 

The Pivo 2, from Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., has created a new, advanced electric concept car and it is the Nissan Pivo 2.

Powered by four motors, one in each wheel, the Pivo 2 is designed as an urban commuter vehicle that seats three.  (I would love to meet the three people that fit inside this car).  The Pivo 2 is powered by advanced Compact Lithium-ion Batteries and employs “by-wire” technologies for breaking and steering.

Although cute, the car may not be able to survive on looks alone.  With a cabin that fully rotates and tires that turn 90 degrees, the Pivo 2 has made driving in reverse obsolete.  Parking is no longer a problem either, turn the wheels ninety degrees and drive sideways.  Now the only concern is finding a parking space.

Not only can this car drive sideways and do an about face, due to a highly innovative Robotic Agent, this car can talk to you as well.  The Pivo 2 can converse with passengers in either Japanese or English, making the commuter’s trip a little less stressful.  Not only can the Pivo 2 talk you down from ramming the car in front of you, the Pivo 2 can locate the nearest available parking. 

The Pivo 2 has a moon-eyed talking head on the dash that watches the road and navigates.  Your facial expressions are also read by the moon-eyed head and watch out, the car will try to cheer you up if you look agitated.  I am not sure about anyone else, but if my car could talk in certain situations, it might find itself parked into the nearest garage until it could behave itself.

The Pivo 2 is not slated for release any time in the near future.  A good concept, but not very practical. 

1. 1999 Aston Martin DB7 - Mary 2. 1962 Aston Martin DB1 - Barbara 3. 1999 Bentley Arnage - Lindsey 4. 2000 Bentley Azure - Laura 5. 1964 Bentley Continental - Alma 6. 1959 Caldillac Eldorado - Madeline 7. 1958 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham - Patricia 8. 2000 Cadillac Escalade - Carol 9. 2000 1997 Cadillac STS - Daniella 10. 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible - Stefanie 11. 1969 Chevro Camaro Z28 - Erin 12. 1953 Chevrolet Corvette - Pamela 13. 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray - Olga 14. 2000 Ford F-Series F-350 4×4 Modified Pickup - Anne 15. 1971 DeTomaso Pantera - Kate 16. 1969/70 Dodge Daytona - Vanessa 17. 1998 Dodge Viper Coupe GTS - Denise 18. 1995 Ferrari 355 B - Diane 19. 1997 Ferrari 355 F1 - Lisa 20. 1967 Ferrari 265 GTB/4 - Nadine 21. 1999 Ferrari 550 Maranello - Angelina 22. 1987 Ferrari Testarossa - Rose 23. 1956 Ford T-Bird - Susan 24. 1999 GMC Yukon - Tracy 25. 1999 Hummer H1Truck 2 Door - Tracey 26. 1999 Infiniti Q45 - Rachel 27. 1994 Jaguar XJ220 - Bernadene 28. 1999 Jaguar XK8 Coupe - Deborah 29. 1990 Lamborghini LM SUV - Gina 30. 1999 Lexus LS 400 - Hillary 31. 1999 Lincoln Navigator - Kimberley 32. 1957 Mercedes Benz 300 SL/Gullwing - Dorothy 33. 1999 Mercedes Benz CL 500 - Donna 34. 1999 Mercedes Benz S 600 - Samantha 35. 1998 Mercedes Benz SL 600 - Ellen 36. 1950 Mercury Custom - Gabriela 37. 1971 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda - Shannon 38. 1969 Plymouth Road Runner - Jessica 39. 1965 Pontiac GTO - Sharon 1965 Pontiac GTO - Sharon 40. 1999 Porsche 996 - Tina 41. 2000 Porsche Boxster - Marsha 42. 1961 Porsche 356B Speedster - Natalie 43. 1988 Porsche 959 - Virginia 44. 1997 Porsche 911 Twin Turbo - Tanya 45. 2000 Rolls-Royce Park Ward Stretch limousine - Grace 46. 1966 Shelby AC Cobra - Ashley 47. 1967 Shelby Mustang GT 500 - Eleanor 48. 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser - Cathy 49. 1998 Toyota Supra Turbo - Lynn 50. 2000 Volvo Turbo Wagon R - Lisa

Hooptie:  Any car that meets the following: a) driver must enter car through passenger side b) three different brand and size tires - 3 of them missing hubcap c) exhaust is held up by half a clothes hanger - other half replaces the antenna d) backfires every three blocks - loudest backfire being when car is turned off e) must open door at drive-threws as windows don’t roll down f) you only get one AM station and the tape deck eats all tapes inserted g) can’t open the glove box as the whole thing will fall out h) if you let go of steering wheel while driving you’ll make a u-turn i) must manually move blinker lever up and down as it no longer blinks on it’s own j) must keep one foot on brake and one on accelerator when at a complete stop k) has had the same temporary registration sticker in the window for the last 18 months l) has all the above issues but still has a $200 professional tint job.

Can this car really beat a mustang?

With a 300 HP, V6 Engine, the Hyundai Genesis Coupe is revving its engine for a early 2009 arrival.  Hyundai’s most recent Concept Car, the Hyundai Genesis Coupe

is looking to replace the Ford Mustang as the number one bargain in rear-wheel-drive performance.  The projected base price for this car is under $25,000.  Of course if you want a kickin’ sound system and all the bells and whistles, the price will rise dramatically.  For a car that goes zero to sixty in 5.9 seconds, the cost may be worth it.  We’ll just have to wait and see.

PRELIMINARY PRODUCTION CAR DETAILS

• Engine type: V6
• Estimated horsepower: more than 300 horsepower
• Estimated torque: more than 250 lb. ft.
• Displacement: 3.8 liters
• Block material: high pressure die cast aluminum
• Cylinder head material: aluminum
• Valvetrain: Dual Over Head Cam (DOHC)
• Valve timing: continuous variable valve timing
• Estimated 0-60 mph: under 6 seconds
• Transmission type: 6-speed manual
• Front brakes: Brembo, 340 mm disc, twin-piston calipers
• Rear brakes: Brembo, 330 mm disc, twin-piston calipers
• Limited slip differential

This is a photograph taken in the summer of 2007.  Every week in the summer, which here in New England seems to be July and part of August, many small towns sponsor a cruise night.  I take my six year old friend and we check out all the latest rides people in the area bring to show off.  There is a great mix of old and new cars at cruise nights.  I love the loud, fast muscle cars, no matter what age.  Although I saw this car many times, I have pathetically forgotten what it was.

 The vehicle is a Keiser…but what kind?  The owner of this vehicle was very proud of his ride.  There was a large sign in front of this vehicle, describing the car (it was a cruise night afterall), and I CAN’T remember what year this car is from!  Help me out here people.  Can anyone identify this car by its front right bumper?  My guess is a 1955 Kaiser Manhattan.  Someone prove me wrong please because it is only a guess.

Kaiser was the first American Company to stop production in the United States and move to another country.  In January 1955, the Kaiser Auto Company moved the entire production line to Argentina.

If you are planning to go to a Boston Red Sox game this season, plan to get there early and you may just glimpse one of the hottest cars around today.  The owner of the car is David Ortiz, otherwise known as Big Papi. 

Across the street from RemDawgs,

around the corner of Gate D is the players entrance gate.  If you have a little patience, it is likely that you will see most players coming in for the game.  No one makes a bigger entrance than Big Papi.  With his stereo blasting, Big Papi arrives with his red hot Mercedes Benz SL65 AMG.  He revs the engine and waves to the fans.  To own the car would be any car fanatic’s dream.The car has 604 horsepower and goes from zero to 60 mph in just over four seconds.  Big Papi originally purchased the 2005 Mercedes Benz for just a bit over $205,000 as a gift to himself after Boston won the 2004 World Series.  He added $35,000 in accessories.In the summer of 2007, Big Papi decided to try and sell his car on Ebay.  Maybe he had a premonition of the Sox winning the 2007 World Series and he knew he would need a bigger toy.  Whatever his reason for selling his toy, Big Papi was not successful.  The highest bid was $169,000, far below the reserve price set on the auction.

If anyone out there knows if Papi has a new toy, let us know.  Otherwise we will be busy staking out the player entrance and hoping for a glimpse of this World Series Power Hitter. 

This is for the poor car enthusiast, who searches couch cushions for loose change in order to fill the gas tank.  You ask yourself, how can I be cool while riding around in a car that shakes at 60 miles an hour?  You can be cool, by following these few simple suggestions.

Keep your car clean.  A no brainer, really, but if you are trying to score chicks (the main purpose for most men to own a hot car), the used fast food containers need to go.  You may not be able to afford that Porsche or Mercedes, but you don’t have to ride around in a moving trash can either.  Keep it clean, use air freshener and make sure that your passengers don’t gag before getting in your car.

 Invest in a paint job and do not buy expensive rims.  The most ridiculous ride on the street is a mismatched paint job car with $2000 rims.  You do not look cool, you look stupid.  Make sure your car is all the same color before going further with the rims.  If you can afford $2000 rims, by a better used car.

Get rid of the fake car alarm.  Who do you think you are fooling?  Walking up to your car and hitting the fake car alarm button (which emits a sound not unlike a chihuahua farting), is one of the fastest ways that you can look completely uncool.  Give it up.  If your car is not worth stealing, it doesn’t need a fake alarm.

Invest in quality sound equipment.  If you are trying to make your ride more cool and you have money burning a hole in your pocket, good sound equipment would be a wise investment.  Not only will your car be instantly more fun to ride in, you can take the equipment out when you buy your next vehicle.  Check on ebay or other auction sites for affordable sound equipment options for your car.

With white overbody stripes from nose to tail, a 500 horsepower engine, and unmistakable cobra styling, the Shelby GT500 Coupe is the new “King of the Road” for 2008. As expected of anything with Shelby’s name on it, the heart of the car is what’s under the hood. The Ford Shelby GT500’s supercharged 5.4-liter, 32-valve V-8 has an output of 500 horsepower.  The Ford Shelby GT500 continues a legacy of all-around performance that made the original Shelby Mustang a world-class racer on tracks and road courses around the world. One glance at the Shelby GT500 shows this is not a typical Mustang. A sinister-looking front-end design includes wide upper and lower fascia openings with a functional lower air splitter. The upper grille opening sports the famous Cobra logo, floating off-center in place of a centered galloping pony found on other Mustangs.  The interior is offered in a choice of two colors, Charcoal Black or Charcoal Black and Crimson Red. The charcoal/red offering features Crimson Red seating surfaces and door panel inserts. Seating surfaces are leather with both interior treatments. Snake logos embossed in the seatbacks finish the package. New for 2008 is the availability of a 7-color programmable ambient lighting feature. This new Ford option allows owners to choose colorful interior lighting to fit their mood. A dashboard switch controls the selection of ambient light via LEDs mounted in the front console, two in the footwells and two around the cupholders. Available options include : Ambient lighting; HID Headlamps; Shaker 1000 Audio System (AM/FM stereo with in-dash 6-disc CD, MP3 and 10 speakers; SIRIUS® Satellite Radio; Touch Screen DVD-based navigation; Premium Interior Trim Package.

Its called the “Advanced Sports Car Concept,” which will be replace the NSX super car that has long been missed by Acura enthusiasts.

This car wil be powered by an all new V-10 engine with rear-wheel drive and the production model will most likely not be an aluminum alloy body shell like the one shown here. Either way, its sure to turn heads roaring down the street.