RideLust

Throughout the years the automobile has been the subject of countless tacky and tasteless trends. Arguably some are better than others, but in the end the majority of these are downright reprehensible. The 1960′s for example saw the advent of vinyl tops, the 1970′s brought us louvers that covered our rear windows and the 1980′s saw the creation of cars that actually talked to us via a funky digital microchips. Most of these trends were created by the automotive manufacturers themselves, but then in the late 1980′s and early 1990′s the aftermarket industry seemed to kick into high gear, and with that came some of the most heinous pieces of add-on trash the world has ever seen. Below is a quick list of five items that are thankfully starting to disappear into the annals of automotive history.
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Ever wonder why brand loyalty exists? I do, and it’s a question that I’ve tried to figure out time and time again. Some people for instance are Ford guys, others love Subaru’s and yet others swear by BMW’s or Mercedes. It’s a concept that is nothing new and one, that in my opinion, has to do more with automotive ignorance than anything else. As an automotive journalist I am very fortunate as I’ve had the opportunity to experience just about every automotive brand out there. I’ve piloted domestics, imports and European rides and have come away with the conclusion that they all have their pro’s and con’s. Are some better than others? Well yes and no, as for the most part it depends on your price point and experience.
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Over the years automakers the world over have used animal names to describe their newest cars. These names are supposed to immortalize the true essence of these cars and portray to their owners the automobiles inner spirit. More often than not however these names are ill-seated at best and unfortunately at the end of the day, don’t do the poor animal any justice at all. Below is a listing of 20 cars that have taken their names from members of the wild kingdom. Some are appropriate, others, well… not so much. Either way though you can’t blame the manufacturers from trying to put a little personality into their rides.
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The video game world has been waiting for the release of Gran Turismo 5 now for 3 years and since we’ve finally got a release date of November 2nd, 2010 new images, game modes and videos are beginning to fill the internet. What were learning is that over the past 3 years the designers and programmers at Sony and Polyphonic Digital have been packing GT5 with new features that we as gamers never expected. Take this karting video for example, it looks pretty good, but I suppose my question is, is it really necessary? Gran Turismo is a driving simulator first and foremost, but I am beginning to wonder if they are incorporating too many modes into the game, thus overpowering the player. We know that graphically the game is going to be stunning, but I’m curious to know that by including such facets as rally driving, Nascar, standard driving and now karting, if GT5 has bitten off more than it can chew. Hopefully it will be as good as everyone “hopes” it will be and not just another watered down version of the original game that we fell in love with all those years ago.

Source: Youtube.com

On July 18th the Mooneyes Summer Show was held down in Irwindale, CA. Hot rods of all years, makes and models, motorcycles, low riders and rat rods rolled in to strut their stuff and show off the talent of their creators. There was tire smoke galore from the vintage dragsters, rockabilly tunes and some fine looking ladies. Unfortunately I missed the event this year but you can bet your ass that next year I’m going to be there with both cars and a smile on my face that’s a mile wide.

Source: Youtube.com

Between 1950 and 1985 auto manufacturers would do anything and everything to sell you a car. They’d burn them, jump them, flood them and in some cases even make them go boom all in the name of advertising. I recently watched this compilation of classic car commercials and sat in amazement as I viewed what advertisers and automakers did to get buyers into showrooms. By today’s standards everything from the music to the basic concepts will make you shake your head and giggle like a little kid. These old commercials are hilarious, so now just sit back and treat yourself to 5 minutes and 50 seconds of classic automotive goodness.

Think you know the origins of BMW’s trademark roundel? Think you know the meaning of the blue and white checkered pattern? Think again, because it may not be what you think it is.

I’ve been a fan of the marque for years, although owning a 3 series automobile proved to be disappointing from a mechanical reliability perspective. I’ve owned their motorcycles for years, and have toured the museum in Munich, the auto plant in Munich and their motorcycle plant in Spandau, a suburb of Berlin. Like most enthusiasts, I’d learned along the line that the roundel was a tribute to their aircraft manufacturing heritage, with the alternating blue and white representing the illusion of a spinning propellor.

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The Chinese have been ripping off automobile designs for years now. They imitate and generally ruin anything and everything they can get their hands on for the simple reason that they have no concept of how to design a car. They’ve ripped off everything from GM’s Hummer, to BMW’s X5 to the Smart FourTwo and by the looks of it, they have no plans of slowing down. The other problem is that when the Chinese do decide to design automobiles they go back to the 1950′s for their inspiration and make a total hash out of things. Below are 5 cars that we in New York would call Canal Street specials. These are cars that have been blatantly cloned and then sold to the public.

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The past thirty years have not been kind to automakers who sell cars in the United States. We’ve seen financial collapse, rising distribution and product liability costs, skyrocketing oil prices and a fickle buying public that no longer understands the concept of brand loyalty. Selling cars in the U.S. of A, it seems, requires deep pockets for marketing and promotion: if you’re not constantly in the face of the American consumer, chances are you won’t be a brand for very long.

Toyota’s recent $16.4 million fine got me thinking about how many automotive brands, good, bad and otherwise we’ve lost over the past 30 years. Following is a collection of car logos that have received last rites in the United States since 1980. Some of these companies continue to enjoy success in the EU or Asia, while others are dead and buried, with no chance of resurrection. It begs the question of how different the automotive landscape will look in another 30 years, assuming we’re still driving cars at all.

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Blame it on the fact that we’re based in Philadelphia, but we do not usually lump professional football fans and luxury car enthusiasts in the same category, unless by “enthusiast” you mean “thief.” Nevertheless, this afternoon Herndon, Virginia-based Audi of America announced the launch of a 5-year sponsorship deal with the Washington Redskins.

According to Audi, the promotional partnership will provide a unique and valuable branding opportunity that they intend to extend beyond the obligatory beer Koozies. In addition to more signage than you can shake a first down measurement stick at, Audi will also add its name to the heavy reconstruction currently in process on the east end of FedExField that will eventually become (dramatic pause) The Audi Club. Read More…