Any auto enthusiasts?

[SpeedDemonNYC]

I agree on the direct injection. Unfortunately, we won't see that much of it here in it's best form (stratified combustion) like a diesel, but with spark ignition, and gasoline or ethanol for fuel. Not until something changes, anyway, due to the communistic, idiotic, overbearing EPA. The U.S. government cars not about the environment, or fuel economy, it's all about money, and power, and oppression...

You know I have ALWAYS wondered about ethanol DI [or at least E85] I mean it would burn cleaner and easily make up for the power that is lost as compared to when you use gasoline.

 

[SpeedDemonNYC]

I have always loved Honda and Acura products. I've had numerous models by both makes through the years. I rarely keep a car more than 2 or 3 years. Currently driving an '08 Acura TL that I dearly love.

I-indeed-used to LOVE Honda/Acura, now though; not so much. I suppose my reason is that their cars have gotten their styling to be hit or miss, and not to mention that they are reluctant to update their transmissions. Yes, I get that the 5 speed auto is sufficient, and that the shifts are quick, precise, and smooth, but adding another cog AND MANUAL MODE would be more than welcome. As for Acura, I honestly don't understand what is happening over there. They give us a TSX Wagon which is larger, and heavier, but they only give us the 4 cyl. engine while the smaller and lighter sedan gets the V6. I'd also like to know what is up with the "power plenum" grille? The only vehicle in the lineup that can pull it off is the MDX, but that's only because the previous grille was a disaster.

Although the main selling point for Hondas and Acuras is the fact that you can always depend on them and they are just built so well, even here in the states [unlike Toyota].

 

[SpeedDemonNYC]

Mechanic of 12 years here

I love cars. I sometimes like to watch car porn

OMJizz, I LOVE watching videos of engines being made it's just so fascinating, and it really shows what the heart of the car is made of. I cannot find the video, but there was this one about the current Hyundai Sonata, which makes the connecting rods as one solid piece and then breaks them at the ring and then they are bolted together again for a perfect and unique fit.

 

[looseliam]

Ethanol isn't all that when one takes into account the resourced to make a gallon of ethanol, combined with the fact that it doesn't possess the same amount of energy as a gallon of gas.

 

[sladefan]

I love car porn too! I will spend hours on The Samba (vintage VW site), Cadillac Escalade forums and GM Truck sites. I also spend hours on different car site building cars and on ebay looking at cars.

One of my all time best trips was to VW's plant in Puebla, Mexico in 1999. It was amazing to be in one factory where they were building the New Beetle and then go a building over and watch them build the original! It was like going back in time to see the originals being built by hand and then the new with some robotics. Also, the body stamping took place right next to each other. It was amazing!! It helps that I have had a love for vintage VW's since I was about 10 and I worked at VWoA for about 11 years. Still miss working there.

Swerve, I will post pictures of the VW as soon as I figure out how to.

 

[looseliam]

I love car porn too! I will spend hours on The Samba (vintage VW site), Cadillac Escalade forums and GM Truck sites. I also spend hours on different car site building cars and on ebay looking at cars.

One of my all time best trips was to VW's plant in Puebla, Mexico in 1999. It was amazing to be in one factory where they were building the New Beetle and then go a building over and watch them build the original! It was like going back in time to see the originals being built by hand and then the new with some robotics. Also, the body stamping took place right next to each other. It was amazing!! It helps that I have had a love for vintage VW's since I was about 10 and I worked at VWoA for about 11 years. Still miss working there.

Swerve, I will post pictures of the VW as soon as I figure out how to.

I worked for VW/Audi for about 5 years.
I never got fancy tours, though. My director was stranded in Germany on the A8 launch when the whole volcano fiasco began.

I loved driving "new" old beetles when I was in Mexico. I had a client years ago who bought an '84 Beetle from the somebody at the Austrian consulate. The poor gal kept trying to get it to pass the emissions test. My favourtie was when the testing station bounce it stating it was "grossly underpowered" for the dyno.

 

[sladefan]

I worked for VW/Audi for about 5 years.
I never got fancy tours, though. My director was stranded in Germany on the A8 launch when the whole volcano fiasco began.

I loved driving "new" old beetles when I was in Mexico. I had a client years ago who bought an '84 Beetle from the somebody at the Austrian consulate. The poor gal kept trying to get it to pass the emissions test. My favourtie was when the testing station bounce it stating it was "grossly underpowered" for the dyno.

We worked there at the same time then. I was there from 1993-2004. Small world!!

 

[maxracer]

Have raced cars all over the world and there is nothing to compare to putting your foot in it and hearing the sound of a race engine at full chat. I have been a major motorhead since I saw my first race at age seven.

 

[jaydizzo]

currently building my camaro (1999 Z28) for street legal drag car. Its my pride and joy, bought it in 2004 was my second car. been in a few car shows, but decided the track is where i want it. Hopefully she will be track ready by sept-oct this year


And my other love/play toy, is my Durango. 2003
bought her in 2007. shes lifted a bit and helps feed my need when i wanna go play in uncharted land, i love the outdoors and she does very well.

If it aint a V8 or bigger I wont own it, I love the sound of V8 engines full throttle, only a few things beat that lol

here are a few pictures the camaro,the durango, the camaro next to the old work car, and current picture of the motor about to be pulled out.

 

[SpeedDemonNYC]

Wouldn't really want to contradict myself [username], but I test drove the 2011 Kia Optima today, and I must say the 2.4L GDI Theta II engine at "only" 200 horsepower feels very nice. I'm not a horsepower whore, but the car overall was nice; it had a great amount of low end torque. DEFINITELY better than a Camry, although the steering was a bit too light and it did feel fairly numb [I blame electric power steering] but nonetheless was it precise, and the car was very refined. Materials were great, and there were no craftsmanship errors. When the dealer gets the turbo model in, I'M DEFINITELY headed back.

 

[derelictdarrel]

I like American cars from the 50's and 60's. Particularly The rat-rod genre.

 

[seven2go]

Like that ↓ .......

 

[derelictdarrel]

Like that ↓ .......

Sure, then it can be made into something like this.

But on the most part, someting like this.

 

[seven2go]

^ My first car was a '59 Chev.......

Better to chop a T than any others......but still.......

 

[SpeedDemonNYC]

The New York International Auto Show is right around the corner. Probably no other New Yorkers in this thread, except for myself, but anybody going?

 

[landers]

I'd love to own a Lotus one day. I fell in love with them a few years ago when I followed one all the way back from Montreal after the race.

 

[1gayguy]

Love cars... to the point where I'm trying to get a job as a salesman at a brand new Honda dealer.
VW is my fave daily driver brand unless I suddenly come into some money then I'm off to the nearest Lotus dealer!

 

[looseliam]

I'd love to own a Lotus one day. I fell in love with them a few years ago when I followed one all the way back from Montreal after the race.

I had an Elise years ago. I loved the thing. A little rough on the roads, but it was a tin can with a rocket engine. Small displacement, though, but the car didn't weigh much.

It was bright yellow with just a hint of orange. It said "look at me I have a small penis," And I'll be the first to admit, I was compensating.

 

[briefs4me]

Certified car nut here too! Never had the cash for a sports car yet. I have a goal of owning a Corvette. Currently own a 2000 Chevy Tahoe and my prode and joy which is a 2006 Nissan Altima. Say what you want but that Altima with the V6 is a fast car! Added a Nismo intake and Borla exhaust. Over 250 horsepower and 30mpg too! Would love of own a new Camaro. Dream car is of course a 1957 Chevy Bel Air or a 72 Chevelle 454SS. Love the sound of a big block Chevy V8 with Flowmaster mufflers!

 

[Keelandson]

Wish I had and could afford a late '30s GM bustle-back anything. Or Packard. Or a shark-nose '38 Graham.

But I wouldn't turn down a '35 Deusenberg SJ LaGrande Dual-Cowl Phaeton convertible if a JUBber wants to give his away.