Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Chinese Car Clones FTW!
Looking for something completely different, I ran across this hilarious interesting article at RoadandTrack.com, "Chinese Car Clones: 5 Cars That Seem Very Familiar".
Among my favorites is an exact duplicate of the Scion xB (shown above), as well as the well-covered MINI Cooper spin-off, the Lifan 320. But wait there's more, including a Smart car clone, as well as a few well-known luxury brands as well. But don't let me steal R&T's thunder, especially since their writers got just as big a kick out of writing this article as I did reading it!
Read the full story at: RoadandTrack.com
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Episode Ten: AMVIV! Part One - M7 Tuning
M7 Tuning discusses their latest products for MINI Coopers making their debut at AMVIV- A MINI Vacation In Vegas in this exclusive interview.
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Tuesday, May 6, 2008
SAFETY IS A TWO-WAY STREET [Press Release]
CONTACT: Fran Clader Media Relations Office
(916) 657-7202 2555 First Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95818
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 2, 2008 08-20
SAFETY IS A TWO-WAY STREET
(Sacramento) May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in California. In an effort to raise awareness about the importance of drivers and motorcyclists sharing the road, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) will release the video “Thrill or Buzz Kill?” at the upcoming Motorcycle Safety Summit.
“Sharing the road with many types of vehicles is necessary for safe highways,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “While drivers need to watch out for bikers, motorcyclists need to be defensive riders and watch their surroundings as well.”
Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer, president of the California Police Chiefs Association reminded motorists, safety is a two-way street off the highway as well.
“Whether it be on the highway or on the streets, drivers need to be aware of their surroundings, especially when encountering motorcycles. Oftentimes, motorcycles are harder to see than cars and are more vulnerable when on the road. Motorcycle riders always need more time and room to avoid hazards and drivers should make every effort to give riders as much room on the road as possible,” Chief Dyer said.
According to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) more Californians are sharing the roadways. “Among the more than 23 million licensed drivers in the state, there are roughly 1.1 million licensed riders,” said DMV Deputy Director of Licensing Operations Mimi Khan.
The CHP’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) statistics show the number of motorcyclists killed in collisions statewide has increased more than 140 percent during the past 10 years.
"With motorcycle rider deaths increasing at an alarming rate, everyone needs to take note," said California Office of Traffic Safety Director Christopher J. Murphy. "OTS, the CHP, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are convening the first ever Motorcycle Safety Summit later this month in California with representatives from motorcycle riders, law enforcement, industry and public agencies to address this problem and reduce these tragic deaths."
With a motorcycle, safety accessories are limited to equipment like helmets, jackets, boots and gloves -- not much stands between the rider and serious injury in case of a collision.
In addition to safety equipment, education is crucial for new motorcyclists and riders who have been off the road for a length of time.
“Even as a veteran rider, I know it’s important to take a refresher course and sharpen your skills, especially if you haven’t ridden in a while,” said CHP Assistant Commissioner Ramona Prieto.
Last year, nearly 63,000 students attended training courses at one of the 114 California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP) training sites throughout California. CMSP is California’s official motorcycle safety and training program administered by the CHP.
To enroll in a CMSP course, call 1(877) RIDE-411 or visit their website at www.ca-msp.org .
CMSP will be one of several potential avenues for statewide distribution of the CHP’s “Thrill or Buzz Kill?” The motorcycle, “Red Asphalt”-type, video, which was funded by a federal grant issued through the Office of Traffic Safety, will be distributed to CHP area offices throughout the state for use in educational presentations in local communities.
Friday, May 2, 2008
New (Calif.) Cell Phone Laws Go Into Effect July 1, 2008
We thought it in everyone's best interest to highlight two significant changes to the California Vehicle Code, effective July 1, 2008:
- Drivers 18 years of age and older are required to use a hands-free device while driving.
- Teens (under age 18) are not permitted to use mobile phones or other wireless devices while driving.
As the video states, "Drivers 18 years of age and older are required to use a hands-free device while driving, plain and simple." Then continues on to say "There are exceptions..." In other words, not so plain and simple?!
The State of California Department of Motor Vehicles ("DMV") provides a list of Frequently Asked Questions clarifying the new laws: www.dmv.ca.gov/cellularphonelaws/
Watch the video, read the FAQ, and tell us what you think of these new laws and what it means to you!
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Grand Theft Auto IV **TODAY!!**
Grand Theft Auto IV - Available today!*
www.Xbox.com/GrandTheftAutoIV
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Cars.com's Tips for Saving Fuel (Video)
Saturday, April 12, 2008
MINI Takes The States 2008!
Press Release [04/07/08]
What It's All About
Two years ago, MINI Takes the States motored coast-to-coast with thousands of MINI Owners and enthusiasts joining up for a legendary motoring extravaganza. This year, though, everyone hoped even more folks could get in on the fun. So MINI owners voted to visit four U.S. cities for four separate weekends of good times, including the chance to drive a MINI on an aggressive autocross course.
Plus, the net proceeds from registration fees are all going to help out a regional MINI Motoring Hearts ™ charitable organization. So mark your calendars for one or more of these unforgettable events, register today and start picking your co-pilots...
Highlights in each city will include:
- MINI Parking Corral at festival grounds
- MINI-Autocross Test Drive
- Live festival entertainment
- Headliner band Saturday night
- The “Bootload of Fun Zone” with activities for all ages
- MINI Vendor Village
- An official MTTS Welcome Kit for each paid attendee
- Friday night Meet & Greet (MINI Owners only)
- Rise and Shine Saturday Rally (MINI Owners only)
> MIAMI DETAILS
> BOSTON DETAILS
> CHICAGO DETAILS
> LOS ANGELES DETAILS
Related Links:
Friday, April 4, 2008
Episode 9: Autocross (Part Two)
Joan talks to MINI owners from MotoringUnderground.com about Autocross. Shot at a BMWCCA/San Diego Chapter autocross at Qualcomm Stadium.
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California: Police Raid Car Enthusiast Gathering, Generate Revenue
Police raid Riverside, California parking lot to issue modified car tickets at local car enthusiast gathering.Tuesday, April 1, 2008
"Using $503,000 [ed. note: that's "half a million dollars" folks!] in federal and state gas tax revenue to pay for overtime, nine police agencies in Riverside, California sent more than one hundred police officers to surround a gathering of automotive enthusiasts. Owners of imported sport compact cars had gathered at the Canyon Crossing shopping center on Friday night to swap stories, talk about their passion for cars and show off the latest enhancements to their rides.
At around 11pm police surprised participants by blocking all exits with fifty police cruisers. Officers then began a warrantless search and interrogation operation of the 150 vehicles that were present..."
But don't take my word for it- Get the full story:
