Recently, I attended the Carlisle Import and Kit Nationals show at the Carlisle Fairgrounds in Pennsylvania. Held every May, this show features a vast array of meticulously maintained classic British, European and Japanese cars, exemplary examples of their more modern kin, as well as a beautiful collection of kit cars.  As far as sheer variety in makes, models and years, hands down, this show can’t be beat.

This has become something of an annual treat for me as I can think of few better ways to spend a weekend than by gazing at a gleaming sea of jaw-droppingly stunning automobiles, many of which I guarantee you won’t find at other shows. Plus, participation is open to anyone with an import or a kit car – all you have to do is register, make your car pretty and show up. It’s a great opportunity to display your cherished ride and meet other aficionados of your favorite marques.

I used to come down to show my Saab and hang out with the Saab contingent that makes it out every year. But even though I have a Subaru now, it’s just so much fun that I continue to make the trip to Carlisle (my WRX was parked over by the lone DeLorean, if you happened to be there). Volvo, BMW and Audi clubs also traditionally have a large showing so the weekend is packed with the cars you love, cars you haven’t seen before, your friends from the forums, barbeques – it’s a good time for everyone.  So, if you’re not too far out from Pennsylvania, I definitely recommend heading out there next May to check out the Carlisle Import and Kit Nationals. To tide you over, provided for your viewing pleasure are some of my favorite cars of the weekend. Enjoy!

Lancia Scorpion

Matte black Volvo V70R

Opel GT and Opel Kadett Coupe

Volvo P1800S

Saab 9-3 Viggens

Ferrari 360 Modena and 328GTS

Citroën 2CV and Smart Roadster Coupe

Gorgeous Audi Quattro

Fiat 124 Spider Abarth

Twin-charged Audi A1

Volvo S60Rs

Saab 99 Turbo

Badass Volvos: PV544 and 142

DKW Junior de Luxe - DKW/Dampf-Kraft-Wagen became one of the four companies that comprised the "Audi NSU Auto Union AG" (now known as Audi AG).

Triumph TR8 and TR6s

Saab 96 V4 convertible - must have been a custom job.

Bimmer Beauties

Datsun 280ZX 10th Anniversary Edition

Citroën H Van and DS

Audi A7

Honda Z600 / 600 Coupe

Saab Sonetts

Datsun SPL311 Roadster

Opel GT

I was walking through the Dallas Cars and Coffee Saturday morning and I saw these two Mini’s parked next to each other. I’m a huge fan of Mini’s – both the original old-school Morris and the BMW re-launch MINI – but I’ve never seen the two variants sitting beside each other.

Compared to most cars available in America, the MINI is small – and it’s even smaller in Texas, where anything less than a dually diesel truck seems undersized. But compared to it’s predecessor, it looks bloated.

You see, the MINI grew up; it went to college. As a result of it’s schooling it’s far more refined and possessed of more knowledge, but it also fell subject to the dreaded Freshman 15.

I pulled up some stats on the two Mini’s – the current car is 20% wider and longer, and a whopping 67% heavier (but still rather spritely at 2,500 pounds). But the biggest change is in power – the current Cooper S’s 181 horsepower represents a 138% increase in power, enough juice to hustle it to 60 mph in a respectable 6.7 seconds.

Let’s hope future models don’t keep to this trend of expansion and growth. I can see it now: the 2017 Cooper S will be packing a 425 hp V8, but it’ll need it; with a curb weight of just under 4,200 pounds it won’t even be able to live up to it’s name.

If you own an Aston Martin Rapide then odds are you feel like you’re “Big Pimpin’” every time you go out for a cruise. From a visual perspective the Rapide is the best looking four-door coupe on the planet hands down. From its beautiful lines, to the elegant grill, to its 470 hp V12 engine, the Aston Martin Rapide is truly in a class of its own. How about those days though when you wish to go beyond “Big Pimpin’” and into the realm of the “Super Pimp”… what then? Well I’ll tell you what then, you go out and buy the Aston Martin Rapide Luxe, it’s got all the wonderful features of the standard Rapide, with a few more little diddies thrown in for good measure. There are some new paint choices, a new luggage set to match the cars leather interior and a rear-seat mounted DVD. So, for those of you out there looking to achieve the ultimate in elegant, powerful and now colored coordinated Pimp Status, have no fear, because your chariot has arrived.

Source: Autoblog.com

There are a number of Cars and Coffee-type meets that take place throughout the country (Kurt recently covered a Cars and Coffee meet in Jacksonville), and the DC-area one certainly does the concept justice.

One recent Saturday morning, I caravaned down with my buddy Paul (he was driving his monster Grand Cherokee SRT-8) and a pack of Vipers and Corvettes.  It was still dark when we left for the event, but by the time we arrived, the sun was gleaming like a halo on a heavenly field of precious metal.

There was a stunning array of Ferraris, Lambos (two Countachs and a Murcielago), Bimmers, Porsches, Corvettes, Alfas, Mercedes, Minis, Lotuses, Triumphs, Scouts, Maseratis, Jags, and even a Kaiser Darrin.  The cars also varied widely by model year.  Keep in mind that these are vehicles owned by the locals and driven there – these aren’t all investments that spend their days appreciating in a hermetically sealed garage.   Below are a few examples from that Saturday.

Dodge Vipers and Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8 from the morning’s caravan.

A rare gem – 1954 Kaiser Darrin (only 435 were built)

CLK63 AMG Black Series Mercedes

M&Ms – E24 M6 (!) and E30 M3

1965 or 1966 Shelby Mustang GT350

Mini Cooper and BMW 2002

Another uncommon sight – a BMW Z8, with Dodge Charger R/T in the background.

A gorgeous Jaguar E-type V12

Vettes – Stingray and Z51

I suggest that if you’re visiting to scope out the cars and you’re not driving anything that fits the bill, park around back and allow the eye candy to take the limited number of spots out front.  Then grab yourself a cup of hot coffee, take out your camera, and get to work salivating.  I can’t think of a better way to start the weekend.

Cars and Coffee is located at Katie’s Coffee House (760 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA, 22066) and takes place every Saturday from April through October between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.

The thing about designing a concept car is that it is just that – a concept. You start with a clean slate and then simply let your imagination run wild. Sure you have to have the talent and the skills to get the job done, but if you possess those, well then you may just be capable of creating something like this. What you are viewing is the sexist Ferrari concept never to come out Maranello and truth be told, I bet the boys over in Italy were pissed when they first laid eyes on it. Designed by Sasha Selipanov of Berlin, Germany this Ferrari 612 GTO Concept is simply drop dead gorgeous!

Look carefully at what’s been created here and you will see that the artist has been influenced by some of the greatest cars in history. Those three hood scoops for instance where taken directly from the iconic 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO. The headlights look to be snatched up from the new 458 Italia and those hind fender haunches, well, it looks like we’re seeing a bit of Ferrari 575 Maranello in there as well.

The beauty of a design concept like this is that it makes all of us think about the “what ifs”. What if Ferrari actually called and hired designer Sasha Selipanov. What if they built this and raced it and what if it turned out to be their most desirable model ever. Like I said, the beauty of a concept is that it forces us to ask questions and look towards the future. Honestly, if Ferrari’s future looks anything like this 612 GTO Concept, well then I just wish I could turn the clock forward.

Source: Cardomain.com

Is anybody surprised that the track map for today’s Mini versus Porsche challenge isn’t a map of the Road Atlanta course? Instead, as Autoblog indicates, it’s an autocross track set up at Road Atlanta to include nine tight corners and a skidpad. There is one relatively short straight, but that’s about the only section of the course in Porsche’s favor. Just as Mini would have had no chance on the full Road Atlanta course, Porsche has zero chance of beating Mini on a tight track that favors lighter cars with lower horsepower.

I’m pretty sure my ’06 Miata would give Mini a run for their money, even on 4 year old stock tires. I’d soften the rear sway a bit, but that’s about the only changes required for a course like this. If I were a bit closer than 8 hours away from Road Atlanta, I might have seen if Mini wanted to go double or nothing against my MX-5. Of course if they’re not replying to Hyundai, I don’t think they’d give me a response, either.

Don’t worry, we’ll keep you posted on the outcome. I predict a victory for Mini against a privateer Porsche, and I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if they agreed to run against a Hyundai Genesis as well. I’d give the nod to Mini on that race as well.

I was in the Mini camp on this one, but Jim McDowell is starting to look a bit pathetic in this video. Here’s what’s going to happen: Porsche won’t even reply to this, since they’ve made their position clear. A privateer Porsche will show up for next Monday’s challenge, which will undoubtedly involve cargo capacity and a tight autocross track. Maybe they’ll throw in fuel mileage as well; in any case, the events will be stacked in Mini’s favor, and Mini will win. Cue the yawning fans now.

Yesterday I wrote about how MINI might need to rethink their marketing and product strategy as they’re starting to stray away from the small, sporty and economical cars that people know and love. With models like the Clubman and the upcoming Countryman it appeared that MINI was getting a bit chubby around the wheel wells, but now, with the promise of these two little hot rods, it seems that they’re back on track. What you are looking at is the new MINI Coupe and Roadster, cars that where shown as concepts at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show and that are now slated for production in 2011.

Both of these cars provide a wicked little twist for the MINI brand as a whole. The Roadster still retains the original hood and body lines of the original car, but the roof has been significantly chopped and streamlined. The Roadster, essentially a Coupe with a retractable soft top, ditches the back seats of the original Cooper thus turning it into one bitchin’ little drop top.

According to Mini Vice President Jim McDowel,“The Coupe will arrive six months after the Countryman, and the Roadster 12 months after the Countryman,”. The Countryman is slated to go on sale in February of 2011 so figure on seeing the Coupe’s appearance later on in July or August.

Car companies as a whole are known for producing a certain kind of vehicle to fit the specific need of the consumer. Porsche and Ferrari for example are known for building high end exotic sports cars. Jeep builds vehicles that go anyplace and everyplace a billy goat can go and MINI… they build cars that are small, feisty and fun to drive… or do they? Last year MINI released a bigger MINI called the Clubman. It had 3 doors and more room but still stayed true to MINI’s philosophy of smaller is better. Fast forward one year to the release of the MINI Countryman, a bigger more brawny MINI that now has a full four doors and off-road capabilities.

Now in 2010 we’re learning that MINI wants to release a big brother to the Countryman that will seat seven. Ok… hang on a minute because unless we’re talking about a clown car here MINI is rolling in the complete opposite direction of what the company stands for. I understand the rationale about expanding the brand, but when you go against the very premise that the company was founded on bad things start to happen.

MINI is a company who has carved out a certain niche for itself by building small economical cars that are fun to drive, look great with an upscale feel to them. If they run away from that philosophy I fear that they may become just another car company, something that in my opinion would be the kiss of death for them. MINI, if you’re listening, just stay the course and do what you do best and leave the big family movers to the other guys…

A while back I ran a piece on the ten least expensive new cars to insure. As you’d imagine, none of them were even remotely entertaining to drive. So is there no hope for a car enthusiast on a budget? RideLust feels your pain, so I’ve researched eight 2010 models that are guaranteed to amuse without costing you an arm and a leg.

First, I looked at insurance costs for all 2010 models (based on a national average, for a 40 year old male with no points on his license). Next, I looked at which ones were entertaining to drive, then assigned a completely subjective “fun to drive” score from 1 to 10. I looked at the MSRP. Finally, I calculated the five year cost of insurance plus the purchase price; once I had all this data, I sorted the winners in the order I liked best.

8. Chevrolet Camaro SS

MSRP: $32,000.00
Annual insurance: $1,445.00
Five year cost: $39,225.00
Fun factor: 8

I like the new Camaro well enough, even if it is hard for anyone over five foot eight inches tall to get in or out without smashing their head. What put it in last place was simply the high purchase price and limited options for driving at 100%. If you’ve got to have one, get the stick; the slushbox costs you 26 horsepower and feels sluggish off the line.

7. Mini Cooper S John Cooper Works Package

MSRP: $29,500.00
Annual insurance: $1,360.00
Five year cost: $36,300.00
Fun factor: 10

The Mini Cooper may well be the most entertaining front wheel drive car on the planet, and it is one you can drive at 10/10s every time you get behind the wheel. The JCW version makes 208 horsepower, good enough to launch the Mini to 60 in around 6 seconds. Handling is very good right out of the box, and strong aftermarket support allows you to tune the car as your taste and budget allows.

6. Ford Mustang Convertible

MSRP: $27,500.00
Annual insurance: $1,371.00
Five year cost: $34,355.00
Fun factor: 6

So how can a Mustang convertible only score a fun factor of 6? Sadly, we’re talking about the fuel-hungry-but-anemic 2010 V6 model here, the one with 210 horsepower and a city rating of 18 mpg. Still, it’s a Mustang and it’s a ragtop, and there are plenty of ways to add a bit more scoot and tighten up the handling. In stock form you won’t keep up with a 2010 Miata on a racetrack, but you can still enjoy those sunny days in style.

5. Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T Track

MSRP: $27,500.00
Annual insurance: $1,421.00
Five year cost: $34,605.00
Fun factor: 8

Just in case you’ve been living in a cave for the past few years, the Genesis Coupe is the new ride to have for the tuner set, and with good reason. The 2.0 liter turbocharged motor puts out 210 horsepower, which drives the (proper) rear wheels and gets the car to 60 in around 6.5 seconds. It’s rated at 21 mpg city, 30 mpg highway so it won’t eat you out of house and home. It’s damn comfortable (unless you’re sentenced to the back seat, which counts as cruel and unusual punishment), it’s stylish and it’s backed by one of the industry’s best warranties. Unless you’re a badge snob (in which case you wouldn’t be reading this list anyway), you really need to drive a Genesis Coupe if you’re in the market for a two door ride.

4. Volkswagen GTI

MSRP: $26,000.00
Annual insurance: $1,406.00
Five year cost: $33,030.00
Fun factor: 8

The original hot hatchback is still one of my personal favorites. Sure there are quicker cars out there, and there are cars at the same price point with better handling. Somehow, nothing seems to deliver quite the same feel and solid build as the VW. A huge aftermarket can supply any kind of go-fast parts you’d ever want, but the stock GTI is plenty enjoyable to drive as is. Think of it as the thinking hoon’s commuter car of choice.

3. Mazda MX-5 Miata

MSRP: $26,000.00
Annual insurance: $1,290.00
Five year cost: $32,450.00
Fun factor: 10

There are two kinds of people who buy Miatas: those who want a perfectly balanced sports car with just enough power to make things interesting, and those who want a cute convertible. Fortunately for us enthusiasts, the little old ladies buying Miatas outnumber the hoons by at least 5 to 1; therefore, insurance companies view the Miata as a 2 liter, four cylinder economy car. Just don’t tip them to the fact that it’s got it’s own racing series, or that with a few afternoons turning wrenches you can embarrass cars costing 3x as much in the twisties. If you still think a Miata is a chick car, then you’ve never driven one at speed; do so, and I guarantee it’ll change your perspective.

2. Mazda Mazdaspeed 3

MSRP: $24,000.00
Annual insurance: $1,480.00
Five year cost: $31,400.00
Fun factor: 8

Just look at the numbers: 263 horsepower, with a zero to sixty time of 6.1 seconds. Vented front discs that are 12.6 inches in diameter, with rears that are 11 inches. A limited slip differential and a 155 mile per hour (governed) top speed, all for under $24,000.00. Sure, the new styling was penned by an anime artist on a bad acid trip, and the interior is guaranteed to induce motion sickness while you’re parked, but who cares? You’d be hard pressed to find a better bang for the performance buck, and the Mazdaspeed 3 can handle anything from daily commutes to weekend track days.

1. Honda Civic Si Sedan

MSRP: $23,500.00
Annual insurance: $1,480.00
Five year cost: $30,900.00
Fun factor: 8

My real preference is for the more attractive two door coupe, but the sedan is significantly cheaper on insurance. If you’ve never driven the new Civic Si models, go do so immediately. Like the Miata, they make you feel like a much better driver than you probably are. The six speed gearbox in the Civic Si models is among the best in the industry, and is nearly as good as the gearbox in the S2000 (which, as everybody knows, is handbuilt by God himself). Are they small? Yes, they’re small. Are they high strung? Yes, you need to wind them up to make power. Will you have every modded Civic and Acura within a 100 mile radius want to dice with you light to light? Sure, but that’s part of the fun. The Civic Si is one of the few cars that can be socially respectable and hoonable at the same time. The neighbors won’t bat an eyelash if they see one in your driveway, so don’t let on that you bought it because it’s a blast to drive.