Autoblog iPod nano Contest Entry
AutoBlog is running a contest to give away an iPod nano. It's open to all autoblog readers, meaning you can enter too, just read the instructions at the link. This is my entry - my top ten autoblog articles.
10. More Ford Tungsten GT
This autoblog post is special to me because its the first one I ever read. That gave me a taste of autoblog, and with its ensuing coverage of the NYC auto show, it had me hooked. I cant recall what kind soul or website put me on to the whole autoblog thing, but it's a very good thing they did - I haven't missed an article since!
And I'm not actually saying this to suck up. Previously I used to read magazines to get the latest car news. Now it comes to me through my RSS reader weeks or months ahead of what magazines report... and in so much more detail! The same thing goes for gadgets. I used to subscribe to T3 Magazine but now a daily read of engadget and gizmodo does the job quicker and better... and for free!
PS Oh, and the GT is one beautiful and well-proportioned car.
9. Peugeot to Show Moovie Prototype at Frankfurt
Speaking of autoshows, I'm a sucker for them. Whether it's NAIAS (official | autoblog), Sydney (official | autoblog), Geneva (official | autoblog), or Tokyo (official | autoblog), I just cant get enough of that shiny excitingly-shaped metal that fills them. The latest show just past is Frankfurt (official | autoblog) and this autoblog post brings us my highlight of the show.
Notwithstanding that the wackily-named Moovie looks to me like a tricked-out wheelchair crossed with a shopping trolley and a BMW C1, I always appreciate it when a major marque pushes the envelope. Even more so when that envelope-pushing helps young designers get a leg up.
8. Toyota opens first Lexus dealership in Japan
Japan is a funny place - full of high tech gadgets, ancient history and street-corner vending machines selling everything from beer to underwear. But by golly can they churn out some good cars! Japan is also the home of Lexus, under its parent company Toyota - but until recently Lexus didn't have a showroom presence. Rather, almost all Lexus vehicles wore Toyota badges and were sold at Toyota dealers. I should know - up until recently I owned a JDM Toyota Soarer which was sold in the US as the Lexus SC400.
So I was very interested to learn, from this autoblog article that Lexus was setting up shop in Japan. How would it distinguish itself from Toyota, I wondered. You're best off reading the article, but apparently copious marble, lots of tightly-manicured little shrubs and full-length mirrors so you can see yourself in the show cars are all part of the magic formula.
7. 2005 Jetta: in the Autoblog Garage
(see also Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, and Day 5)
Here in Australia we get a pretty good selection of cars - although we do see very few US models. So its always interesting for me to read road tests of vehicles which I dont get to see on the street. Even more so when it's a good looking model that may well come to Australia. And its even better when the road test is quick to read and full of photos - which perfectly describes autoblog's Garage series of articles.
The VW Jetta caught my interest when I first saw The Fast and the Furious so it was great to see the 2005 edition put through its paces, especially after seeing the TV ads.
6. A look at Honda's Lane Holding Cruise Control
As the article points out, most enthusiasts would rather lose an arm than lose their ability to control their car. Although, given that most enthusiasts abhor automatic transmissions, the loss of an arm might put them in a bit of a bind!
However, I dream of the day when cars will drive themselves. I think that day will herald a massive reduction in accidents, unsafe driving and insurance premiums. I also think it will spark a renaissance in motorsport as eager drivers take to the track, rather than the road.
So I was particularly interested in Honda's system noted in the article which promises to keep you in your lane and cruising at a fixed speed and ensure you dont crash into anything in front of you. I can't wait!
5. Active tire pressure systems proposed for F1
Continuing the motoring technology trend of the above article, this autoblog article brings in another of my loves: Formula 1. I've only been following F1 for a couple of years, but already the tensions within the sport have intrigued me:
This autoblog article reports on the proposal for dynamic tyre pressure adjustment technology, which I think is both fascinating and a great idea for safety and performance - both in F1 and on the road generally.
4. Mercedes CLS 500 really is a coupe
The CLS has always struck me as a vehicle searching for a niche. Whilst it is a four door you wouldn't wand full-sized adults (dwarves might be OK) in the back for a trip of any length - so why not just get a two-door? Say perhaps the SL or the SLK, or even the CLK. After all, you're not going to be putting kids in the back: if you can afford a CLS you can buy the SUV or minivan to put them in.
But then I saw a CLS in the flesh at a local dealer. And it is a seriously nice-looking car. And that's gotta be its appeal - a beautiful-in-every-way couple with easy access to the rear seat for the occasional trip with colleagues. I think I get it now. As a point of trivia many Australian motoring journalists have remarked that the "droopy" tail lights look very similar to the rear (and front!) of the poorly received AU Falcon. Although I agree, it is obvious that where Ford Australia had failed, Mercedes succeeds.
Anyway, it was fantastic to get some real-life photos and executive commentary courtesy of the autoblog article which confirms my new view.
3. Ford's new Falcon about to fly in Australia
Well this article certainly came at a timely moment. I've been contemplating buying a BA Falcon for about a month now. But now I know that I should hold off for at least a couple of months until the BF arrives and pushes down the price of used BAs.
It's also a special article for me in that it has an extremely high level of Australian content ... and it gets it all right! How often have I seen Monaro misspelt across the web? Too many times to count.
I'd love to see more articles with an Australian focus - I'd even write them myself if I had the time.
2. 2005 International Engine of the Year
I love sports cars - and I love BMWs - so its can hardly be surprising that ever since I was 14 I've been lusting after an M5. And less than 12 months ago, they hit me with the M6. Whoa, boy whoa! I have a new dream vehicle that maybe, just maybe, I might be able to afford one day (although not any day soon!).
And the soul of a vehicle is really in its engine - so it's no surprise that this article caught my eye. I've always believed that BMW make some top engines and it's nice to be validated: especially in terms of the V10.
As a side point, the article laments the recognition of the Nissan VQ series V6 engine. I also would have thought that it should have been on the list, but then again, I've been a fan of Nissan's smaller, racier engines for many years now (particularly the Z-series, CA-series, SR-series and RB-series). Clearly great minds think alike! (Or is it that fools never differ?)
1. Bugatti Veyron: Exclusive Spy Shots
Speaking of dream cars, how about that new Bugatti [flash warning], eh? Seems like the PR machine has worked supremely well for Bugatti - a marque that last sold any cars in volume in the 1950s, and whose heyday was the 1930s - because that's the name on every motoring enthusiast's lips. And deservedly so - the Veyron must be the epitome of a luxurious road racer... with a price-tag to match!
I know I'll never be able to afford one. Ever. Even second hand. Even if I win the lottery. So I'll just have to gawk from afar. And this article gives up some fabulous, exclusive shots to drool over. As a bonus it includes shots of another wild exotic - the Saleen S7. Also check out the data-logging equipment in the blue one - that's a car an auto-hacker could love.
Wrap up
So that's it - the best of my wild autoblog ride to date. It's taken many many hours to re-read autoblog, find all the links I want and to finally write this top ten list - so I hope that I've at least entertained those of you who have been patient enough to read this far. Happy motoring!
10. More Ford Tungsten GT
This autoblog post is special to me because its the first one I ever read. That gave me a taste of autoblog, and with its ensuing coverage of the NYC auto show, it had me hooked. I cant recall what kind soul or website put me on to the whole autoblog thing, but it's a very good thing they did - I haven't missed an article since!
And I'm not actually saying this to suck up. Previously I used to read magazines to get the latest car news. Now it comes to me through my RSS reader weeks or months ahead of what magazines report... and in so much more detail! The same thing goes for gadgets. I used to subscribe to T3 Magazine but now a daily read of engadget and gizmodo does the job quicker and better... and for free!
PS Oh, and the GT is one beautiful and well-proportioned car.
9. Peugeot to Show Moovie Prototype at Frankfurt
Speaking of autoshows, I'm a sucker for them. Whether it's NAIAS (official | autoblog), Sydney (official | autoblog), Geneva (official | autoblog), or Tokyo (official | autoblog), I just cant get enough of that shiny excitingly-shaped metal that fills them. The latest show just past is Frankfurt (official | autoblog) and this autoblog post brings us my highlight of the show.
Notwithstanding that the wackily-named Moovie looks to me like a tricked-out wheelchair crossed with a shopping trolley and a BMW C1, I always appreciate it when a major marque pushes the envelope. Even more so when that envelope-pushing helps young designers get a leg up.
8. Toyota opens first Lexus dealership in Japan
Japan is a funny place - full of high tech gadgets, ancient history and street-corner vending machines selling everything from beer to underwear. But by golly can they churn out some good cars! Japan is also the home of Lexus, under its parent company Toyota - but until recently Lexus didn't have a showroom presence. Rather, almost all Lexus vehicles wore Toyota badges and were sold at Toyota dealers. I should know - up until recently I owned a JDM Toyota Soarer which was sold in the US as the Lexus SC400.
So I was very interested to learn, from this autoblog article that Lexus was setting up shop in Japan. How would it distinguish itself from Toyota, I wondered. You're best off reading the article, but apparently copious marble, lots of tightly-manicured little shrubs and full-length mirrors so you can see yourself in the show cars are all part of the magic formula.
7. 2005 Jetta: in the Autoblog Garage
(see also Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, and Day 5)
Here in Australia we get a pretty good selection of cars - although we do see very few US models. So its always interesting for me to read road tests of vehicles which I dont get to see on the street. Even more so when it's a good looking model that may well come to Australia. And its even better when the road test is quick to read and full of photos - which perfectly describes autoblog's Garage series of articles.
The VW Jetta caught my interest when I first saw The Fast and the Furious so it was great to see the 2005 edition put through its paces, especially after seeing the TV ads.
6. A look at Honda's Lane Holding Cruise Control
As the article points out, most enthusiasts would rather lose an arm than lose their ability to control their car. Although, given that most enthusiasts abhor automatic transmissions, the loss of an arm might put them in a bit of a bind!
However, I dream of the day when cars will drive themselves. I think that day will herald a massive reduction in accidents, unsafe driving and insurance premiums. I also think it will spark a renaissance in motorsport as eager drivers take to the track, rather than the road.
So I was particularly interested in Honda's system noted in the article which promises to keep you in your lane and cruising at a fixed speed and ensure you dont crash into anything in front of you. I can't wait!
5. Active tire pressure systems proposed for F1
Continuing the motoring technology trend of the above article, this autoblog article brings in another of my loves: Formula 1. I've only been following F1 for a couple of years, but already the tensions within the sport have intrigued me:
- it's all about speed (not that Speed), but for years now the cars have had to be handicapped to keep the speed safe enough for the drivers
- it's all about having the best team win - but now there's a real struggle to keep smaller teams in the sport
- many wonderful technologies have been invented for F1 - but have been subsequently banned for one or more of a number of reasons
- the constructor's championship is a team challenge - and yet team orders are banned.
This autoblog article reports on the proposal for dynamic tyre pressure adjustment technology, which I think is both fascinating and a great idea for safety and performance - both in F1 and on the road generally.
4. Mercedes CLS 500 really is a coupe
The CLS has always struck me as a vehicle searching for a niche. Whilst it is a four door you wouldn't wand full-sized adults (dwarves might be OK) in the back for a trip of any length - so why not just get a two-door? Say perhaps the SL or the SLK, or even the CLK. After all, you're not going to be putting kids in the back: if you can afford a CLS you can buy the SUV or minivan to put them in.
But then I saw a CLS in the flesh at a local dealer. And it is a seriously nice-looking car. And that's gotta be its appeal - a beautiful-in-every-way couple with easy access to the rear seat for the occasional trip with colleagues. I think I get it now. As a point of trivia many Australian motoring journalists have remarked that the "droopy" tail lights look very similar to the rear (and front!) of the poorly received AU Falcon. Although I agree, it is obvious that where Ford Australia had failed, Mercedes succeeds.
Anyway, it was fantastic to get some real-life photos and executive commentary courtesy of the autoblog article which confirms my new view.
3. Ford's new Falcon about to fly in Australia
Well this article certainly came at a timely moment. I've been contemplating buying a BA Falcon for about a month now. But now I know that I should hold off for at least a couple of months until the BF arrives and pushes down the price of used BAs.
It's also a special article for me in that it has an extremely high level of Australian content ... and it gets it all right! How often have I seen Monaro misspelt across the web? Too many times to count.
I'd love to see more articles with an Australian focus - I'd even write them myself if I had the time.
2. 2005 International Engine of the Year
I love sports cars - and I love BMWs - so its can hardly be surprising that ever since I was 14 I've been lusting after an M5. And less than 12 months ago, they hit me with the M6. Whoa, boy whoa! I have a new dream vehicle that maybe, just maybe, I might be able to afford one day (although not any day soon!).
And the soul of a vehicle is really in its engine - so it's no surprise that this article caught my eye. I've always believed that BMW make some top engines and it's nice to be validated: especially in terms of the V10.
As a side point, the article laments the recognition of the Nissan VQ series V6 engine. I also would have thought that it should have been on the list, but then again, I've been a fan of Nissan's smaller, racier engines for many years now (particularly the Z-series, CA-series, SR-series and RB-series). Clearly great minds think alike! (Or is it that fools never differ?)
1. Bugatti Veyron: Exclusive Spy Shots
Speaking of dream cars, how about that new Bugatti [flash warning], eh? Seems like the PR machine has worked supremely well for Bugatti - a marque that last sold any cars in volume in the 1950s, and whose heyday was the 1930s - because that's the name on every motoring enthusiast's lips. And deservedly so - the Veyron must be the epitome of a luxurious road racer... with a price-tag to match!
I know I'll never be able to afford one. Ever. Even second hand. Even if I win the lottery. So I'll just have to gawk from afar. And this article gives up some fabulous, exclusive shots to drool over. As a bonus it includes shots of another wild exotic - the Saleen S7. Also check out the data-logging equipment in the blue one - that's a car an auto-hacker could love.
Wrap up
So that's it - the best of my wild autoblog ride to date. It's taken many many hours to re-read autoblog, find all the links I want and to finally write this top ten list - so I hope that I've at least entertained those of you who have been patient enough to read this far. Happy motoring!
