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The Roar of the Crowd, The Thrill of the Race

Even if you don’t want to love it, you still do…

Saturday night, I found myself in a compromising position. No, I wasn’t out with a different man than my husband; no, I wasn’t selling drugs or streaking. But I might as well have been, since I was as the racetrack, watching stockcar races whiz around the track with that pulsing thrill in my chest, cheering as the crowd and the cars both roared and assaulted my ears. Whereas noisiness in other areas bothers me, in this setting it was more than welcome.

But I am a total treehugger! I am against wasting all of these resources, particularly petroleum, and I always make fun of my NASCAR loving family members and friends. In fact, I made a joke—How do you get Republicans to support Planned Parenthood? You get Planned Parenthood to sponsor a racecar. Hardy har har.

And I am against these things… but somehow we ended up at the races with family on Saturday night as a treat from my parents—my daughter’s first time there—and suddenly I was transported back to my childhood, when I would sit on the bottom bleacher and revel in the mud balls flying in my face, when the screaming engines made my heart hammer in my chest and the promise of clinking cars bumping into one another—and even the occasional fire—kept me on the edge of the bleacher all night. It reminds me of something Gale says in The Hunger Games—they just want a good show. Hell yes, we do. I mean, they do! Not me. Not usually.

My best friend consoled me, reminding me that it wasn’t a circus or something like that, which would truly violate my ethics—but I stressed to her that yes, it did. It’s insanely wasteful. And not only did I revel in it yet again—perhaps it’s just my redneck blood—but I took my six-year-old who did as well. (We did buy her some fantastic headphones that covered her ears completely and dulled the noise to help avoid ear damage.)

There were stupid jokes being made all around us—mostly old geezers shooting the s***, as we say, but also younger ones making “retard” jokes, which I do. Not. Like. There was nasty smoking, dirt flying—all of us came home covered in it, despite the quilt we brought along to block much of it—and even idiots carrying around headphone-less babies who should never be taking there during such early development. And yeah, I didn’t like all of this one bit—but the noise of the engines drowned most of it out, and I found myself quite happy (aside from fretting over my kid falling off the bleachers, like any mom would). And I’m left wondering…Am I going to hippie hell for this?

And if not…can I go again next Saturday?

From Sport to Luxury - Choosing a Manly Ride

Forget Affordability, It’s All About Looks

Fuel economy and cost aside, manly vehicles are getting harder to find, unless you head straight for a truck. The mini-compacts are one fine example that exemplifies the sissy side of driving. With a new age of retro remakes, though, we may be seeing a light at the end of the nondescript/practical/trend tunnel that appeals to oldsters, families, and those who just don’t care what their vehicle says about them.

It’s a shame the Hummer stumbled in its path to studly solidarity. It’s the ultimate in a road beast with its angular styling that intimidates wherever it goes. You just know that if violence breaks out, it’s this vehicle that will leave the scene unscathed.

The Boss is back and it’s turning heads just like the first Mustang models. While it’s still a perky choice, it also says speed and youthfulness. Older drivers with the right attitude can get away with stepping proudly out of this pony.

Corvettes may have left their style roots in the dust a few years back, but they still have sleek appeal and project just the right ‘tude that attracts women. It’s also a vehicle choice that fits any age driver.

Muscling in on the competition, a Challenger is Dodge’s re-entry that still has plenty of pizzazz. With racing stripes and a 470-horsepower engine, there’s no denying space on the road for this great style.

Bringing a little luxury in, you can’t go wrong with a Lexus or a BMW. But, you can’t go with the bottom line; no, you must step up to the more expensive and expansive models if you want to make a real impression.

This is a good handful for starters that will get the heart racing, make heads turn, and at least up the ante a little on getting the girl.

Vehicle Color Trends for 2012

Some are Bland; Others Stand Out

Color trends for 2012 are returning to basics with white as the leader. It’s always interesting to inspect car lots and watch passing cars on the interstate or in town to see which colors really stand out. They not only reflect the cost of research into what consumers want, but reflect the driver’s personality. Some colors just shouldn’t happen while others will be around decades from now.

While it’s back to basic white, black and silver are always in the running. In fact, silver has been the leader, some say, since 2001. However, pastels and neutrals are giving white a run for its money. Some are sickly shades (in my opinion) while others stand out with pearlized finishes that add extra depth. Perhaps Volkswagen takes the ribbon for still hanging in with some retro color choices. Blue still gets a nod as well, with several shade options.

You’ll still see plenty of red on the roads, too. While it’s considered a racy color, when you own a red car, it will always be easy to find on parking lots. However, too much red is not necessarily a good thing. When is the last time you cringed from the overshadowing of a gi-normous SUV in bright cherry red?

Good old standbys and trends aside, if you want your ride to exude the essence of wealth, go with gold, copper, or silver. Gleaming in the sun or sliding along side streets, they’re eye-catchers. Of course, if you’re in a sub-compact, that may belie your financial status. Trucks are still black, white, or silver but variations will always be available. And, last of all, brown is just a no-no.

Safest Small Cars for 2012

With New Technologies, The Choice is Easier

Downsizing doesn't have to mean disaster when choosing a smaller car. So says the compact testing team at the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety). With their stringent testing that includes rollovers and front-end collisions involving test dummies, they don’t squander their allotment of high ratings. What they did find that in 2012, there were simply more small cars that were safer, thanks to improved technologies and manufacturing practices. If you’re in the market for a smaller vehicle, you’ll have plenty of options.

The IIHS, based in Virginia, operates with funding from the nation’s auto insurers. In addition to standard criteria from years past, they also operated with new federal guidelines that required vehicles to have “electronic stability control.” They test several groups including minis, large pickups, and mid-size luxury cars. You should note that there weren’t any small pickups that passed testing, although larger models made a healthy showing. Of course, for those thinking about smaller cars, safety features become even more critical.

Fortunately, shoppers and tire-kickers will have plenty of options in the coming months with all top manufacturers finding a spot worth a mention. Multi-model winners included Chevy (Cruze, Sonic, Volt), Honda (4-Door Civic, CR-Z, Insight), Nissan (Cube, Juke, Leaf), and Scion (tC, xB, xD). That’s just a start in the Small Car category, which was the largest by far. If you’re itching for a mini, you’ll find choices from Fiat, Ford, Honda, and Toyota. You can see a complete list of all categories here.

Whether you’re purchasing for yourself or for a new teen driver, it’s good to know you have options for enhancing safety on the road. With all the craziness out there, we need all the help we can get.

Photo credit: © GM Company

Suzuki Goes to Mush with Kizashi

Regional Car Ad heads North to Alaska

In case you missed it, Suzuki’s regional Super Bowl ad got its start on YouTube before the game. It’s still going afterward, so you’ll see it sooner or later on TV, too, but only in select markets. Thanks to the on-line version, you can see it anytime. Like a host of other advertisers, it’s getting in on the cuteness of canines, this time with sled dogs. There’s also a modern Inuit couple that includes the classic easy-going husband and the wife who wonders what happened to their main mode of transportation.

Suzuki is an underdog (pardon the wording) in the vehicle market, but it’s not afraid to come out swinging with a bit of slush. Stereotyping Eskimos may get them in a bit of trouble, but this year’s commercial is so happy-go-lucky they may slide under the radar. Even the huskies are getting in the spirit of being chauffeured inside a nice, toasty mid-size sedan.

Of course, there’s the frozen tundra to deal with and that’s the whole point Suzuki is focusing on. With a new all-wheel drive design based on its Sport model, it can handle the toughest road conditions.

This is an all-new campaign for Suzuki, which will focus on its leading markets. With a barrage of 30-second and 60-second spots starting in the spring, it’s getting an “A” for effort. Depending on which review you read, the car itself is either “stellar” or a disappointment. Based on our Eskimo husband in this particular commercial, I think his wife may eventually come around.

Corvette/Chevy Expo 2012

Vette Vues Magazine Heads to the Lone Star State

Houston is host to the Corvette/Chevy Expo February 11-12, 2012. It’s billed as the largest indoor Chevy event in Texas and includes some mouth-watering views of new, custom, and vintage models. Head right downtown to the George R. Brown Convention Center and get in line for the latest and greatest.

Now in its 34th year, this meet-up is sure to include all the thrills of looking at sleek sports cars that are sweet on and off the road. And if you want to sell a ‘Vette or dream of owning one, the Sales Mart is the place you’ll want to be. Shop around for a great deal - you’re sure to find a range of model years worth the cash. In the Swap Meet area, owners can shop for hard-to-find parts and all the accessories needed to spiff up an older ride.

Show cars are the big deal and there’ll be some of the finest on display, ready for judging. There’s time set aside so the “regular” folks can get a look along with the excitement of watching the winners receive their due (and their trophies).

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Texas car meet without a swimsuit contest. It’s called the USA Model Search contest complete with cash prizes and photo shooting opportunities.

This event underwent a sponsorship change in 2009. It’s bigger and better than ever, with sellouts every year in spite of some wintry and/or rainy weather conditions. With more than 130,000 square feet of enclosed space, it’s an event enthusiasts won’t want to miss.

Admission fees are $15/day or $25/two days. Ages 12 & under are free.

Chicago Auto Show in its 104th Year

Largest Show in North America is a Can’t Miss

Whether you like ‘em fast or slow, you’ll find a vehicle for your style at the Chicago Auto Show. Billed as the largest, it’s also been around since 1901. That’s more than one hundred years and some of you might wonder if autos were even around back at the turn of THAT century. Well, they were - read on.

The inaugural event brought in 65 “horseless carriages” to the Coliseum. It even had indoor track space where vehicles could be driven. That was so the common folk could get over their fears of these metal beasts. Entry fees were a pricy 50 cents. Two decades later, visitors saw many changes in design, including Dodge’s latest models that included a heater. The 1941 show was the last until 1950, as the event took a break. That was due to automakers turning their attention to WWII while producing military vehicles, including tanks.

The 1960s introduced another exciting era, beginning with imports such as Toyota while it would be the last for the poorly-received DeSoto. This was also the “performance” decade with the Mustang’s debut and a new line of turbo-charged cars. Jump ahead ten years and visitors got a big dose of compacts including the Pacer and Gremlin (yeah, I won’t go there right now). It was during the ‘70s that cars began to lose their personality as well. Automakers began concentrating on streamlining, safety, and a whole bunch of other features that car fanatics strongly opposed. Oh, well.

A few more years, and trucks would continue their ride up the ladder of upscale popularity. Along with the Hemis and Cummins turbo diesel options, there’s still plenty of room for fuel-conserving compacts, of course.

This year, you’ll see it all, whether you want to drool at the high end or are serious about making a change in the coming months. One advantage at this show - if you’re in the market for a new make and model, you’ll actually be able to sit inside many on display. For those who aren’t brand diehards, this is an excellent opportunity to really shop around.

Dates for the Chicago Auto Show are: February 10-19
Entry fees are $11/adults; $7 for children ages 7-12/ $7 for seniors

BMW Goes On the Ultimate Offense

New Models and a Bit of Swagger Prevail

No more "Joy" as BMW makes its push into 2012 with the "Ultimate Driving Machine." This is a blanket statement for all of its models and it makes that clear in its advertisements. The actual slogan has been around the block, since 1975 to be exact, but it's back with more purpose; bigger and better than ever.

With plans to roll out 14 new models in 2012, there's sure to be plenty of reason to be boastful. Their ads seem to be generalizing with the all-encompassing "ultimate" instead of talking about their coupes, crossovers, convertibles, and wagons.

Leaving their Joy ads behind may be a good thing, according to execs. It seemed they were too much like other brands. Instead, buying a BMW now means you'll be above all the rest - yes, it's a bit pretentious, but Bimmer drivers can also err on that side, too. (As a former BMW owner, I can only speak to the fact that the car would begin spouting German on certain occasions and the rear passenger seats had side wings that made access extremely difficult for women. Rant over.)

I think this new strategy will appeal to its base demographic. That's the affluent in an age group ranging from the mid-thirties to mid-fifties. BMW should make every attempt to retain its luxury image while touting the true spirit of a great driving machine, no matter what the model. That's a way to bring back personality in vehicles and I'm all for that.

Watch for ads during the major network prime-time shows.

Grand National Roadster Show

63rd Annual GNRS - January 27-29, 2012

Rev up the New Year with a run to the Grand National Roadster Show. If you happen to be heading to Pomona, CA, (or live there), this is one gathering you won't want to miss. It's billed as the "longest running indoor show in the world" and there's a good reason it's so popular. With multiple buildings to roam through at the Fairplex, you may still run out of time to see everything. Show promoters are expecting more than 500 show vehicles along with up to another 800 drivers rolling in for the Grand Daddy Drive-In.

The Deuce coupe is also in the celebratory mix this year with a lot of fanfare around its 80th anniversary. You won't want to miss all the '32 Fords that are sure to show up for this special weekend. Hot rodders of all ages will be in heaven here.

Of course, we all know that California was the place to be back when the best cars were beefed up and rockin' out across the desert. They still appeal to the wild side in all of us and that's why Rod shows are so well attended. Vehicles will arrive from all over in a quest to receive America's Most Beautiful Roadster award. There's also an award for America's Most Beautiful Motorcycle.

If there's anyone in your group that needs a little more than metal and big engines, you'll find plenty of entertainment throughout the weekend. Just stroll through the numerous buildings and you'll find music, vendor displays, and food.

While it's a showcase to the past, this year's theme is "futuristic." That guarantees you'll see some fantastic settings.

General Details:
Adult tickets are $20; Kids ages 6-12 are $10 (5 & under free)
Pre-sale discounts are $18/$8
Parking is $10 and tram service is available

Polish On, Wax Off 101

Giving Your Vehicle a Prime Shine

Sure, waxing a car doesn't require a lot of brain cells; just a little muscle. Most of us have done it, many times over. The instructions are right on the bottle or canister. Once you've washed and dried, it's time to bring out the best in that black, candle apple red, or other shiny finish.

Polish or Wax - Is there a difference?

There is a difference in polish in wax - and not just price. Most of just apply a simple coating of something in circular motions, then after it turns white, we rub it off. But, if your car's a little older and you want it to stand out on the streets or at the curb, you'll make this a two-part process.

Polishes are like restoratives for older surfaces that have become a little dull. They recondition, using mild abrasives, while removing minor impurities and producing the shine. Waxes, applied afterward, prolong the shine of a polish. That means you won't be going through this painstaking process quite as often.

Newer vehicles with finishes that are still in excellent condition will only require a wax job. Some prefer to use a clay bar first to get rid of some of the grit. It's used to tackle the unseen effects of pollution and other airborne impurities. While you may be tempted to use electric buffers, it's generally better to rely on elbow grease. That way, you're in no danger of going too deep and causing damage.

Of course, many products combine both a polish and wax. When you're shopping, always read labels. Find out if the product can remove light scratches, etc.

Like washing, always work in the shade. Too quick of a drying time and the surface is susceptible to streaking. Get ready for a little good exercise and it'll pay off in heads turning.

Flickr Photo by cbowns under CC ShareAlike 2.0 Generic license

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