The 2009 Seattle Auto Show

This was my first Seattle Auto Show.  I really did not know what to expect, so I was going in with an open mind.  I was really excited to see the Fisker Karma.  I have read so many things about the car and seeing one in person was one of the main reasons why I wanted to go to the Auto Show.  I dragged Sophia along and sort of made it my date day.  I told her if she went with me I would take a full day of Christmas shopping with her.  Sophia was great at the car show as she would jump in cars and tell me what she liked.  Of course I would tell her at times Sophia you will never get that car.  I think it was really hard for her when I told her that marrying a Gamblin that her chances of getting a Volvo or Audi or slim to none.

What I was so excited and shocked to see at the show was a Cadillac Converj.  I could not believe it.  I just wrote a lengthy blog on the Cadillac Converj as General Motors just announced that they will be putting the concept into production.  It was great to see the car in person.  I was a little disappointed not to see a CTS coupe, I thought for sure they would have one.  Seeing the CTS Sport Wagon in person was great as well as I have blogged about that car as well.

I got to see my first Buick Lacrosse in person and actually sit in the seats.  I am very excited with the direction Buick is heading.  Of course I was praying a miracle would happen and a Buick Regal would be there.  I thought I would never say that Buick has a great upcoming line up of young and aggressive vehicles.

The Chevrolet Exhibit was huge and you could tell that they were searching how to fill it.  I understand that importance of having your vehicles there but an auto show is an auto show.  I was really surprised to see a Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Concept there.  I had to explain to Sophia that was the car in Transformers 2 where they could have made an amazing car chase vs the Audi R8 but it lasted 10 seconds during the movie.  I also liked how they lined up the Corvette’s all in a row.  It started with the Stingray concept to the Corvette ZR1, Corvette Z06 and then the Corvette Grand Sport.

Other vehicles that were nice to see in person where the Porsche Panamera, Cadillac SRX, Hyundai Genesis Coupe, Infiniti G37 and the whole Audi exhibit.

Nothing is more intimidating than seeing a big ass sportscar approaching in your rearview mirror. This Z06 has the same effect, even when it’s standing still. The water only adds to the scene. Like a fighter who’s just done his warming-up and is now ready to kick the living shit out of anyone who happens to be around…

I like it!

Z06., originally uploaded by Denniske.

EDIT: more!

Z06., originally uploaded by Denniske.

This car is available now at Midway Car Rental in Los Angeles, California.

This is no ordinary Corvette, its all muscle boasting 505hhp ( more than a Ferrari or Lamborghini).

The Corvette Z06 comes with a 6 speed manual transmission.

Built in GPS, V8 engine, enhanced acoustics, 2 door, 2 seater.

Be the first to rent this car at Midway Call 310.581.2411. or email betha@midwaycarrental.com for details

Introductory rates are $499 day $2999 week!

There are many exotic cars available for rent at Midway Car Rental in Los Angeles. Rent a Ferrari, Rent a Maserati, Lamborghini or Porsche. The luxury car rental list is expanding every day at Midway. For drivers who want a taste of the Ferrari engineering without having to shell out the cash, Midway Car Rental offers rental options at affordable prices in Southern California. Whether you want to drive a brand new Corvette Z06, or rent a brand new Mercedes luxury convertible in Beverly Hills, Midway car rental will find the rental for you. Finding the right luxury car rental for you doesn’t have to be difficult. Midway Car Rental has a great reputation and has been in business over 35 years in the Los Angeles area. If you are looking to rent a car at LAX, we are happy to offer curbside pick up for our luxury renters with chauffeured transportation. If you are looking for an exotic car rental to be delivered to your Beverly Hills hotel we can arrange that for you as well. The luxury car rental choices at Midway Car Rental are endless.

Midway Car Rental is the number one luxury car rental choice in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills.

In our 18^th year, American Car Imports is established as a market leader in the UK at importing new vehicles from the United States. Whatever new American vehicle you want to import, we offer you a premier door to door service. American cars offer great value for money compared to their European counterparts and they can be inexpensive to run from a servicing and insurance angle. With the favourable exchange rates against the dollar, now is the time to buy American through American Car Imports.

Imported American Cars, American Pick Up Trucks and American Vans have been popular in the UK for more than 50 years. Whether it is that dream of driving a classic American car from the rock and roll era such as a 1957 Chevrolet Belair or a Starsky and Hutch 1974 Ford Gran Torino, the Brits have always loved American vehicles. There is a vibrant American car scene in the UK with many American car clubs to join and American car shows all over the UK to show off your modern or American classic.

American Car Imports specialises in making the dream of owning an American vehicle in the UK a firm reality by importing all makes and models of new left hand drive American vehicles in a professional and straightforward way. We also buy and sell used American vehicles in the UK. With the cost of running an American car made affordable by infrequent servicing requirements and cheap American vehicle insurance rates, it makes a great choice to Buy American!

We offer the fairest part exchanges, arrange American car finance packages and supply American car spares. We also help to make your ownership experience a pleasant one, by assisting our customers with any issues that they may face. We provide an excellent 3 year UK and European Warranty on your new imported American car, so that you can have on-going peace of mind.

We import many different makes of American vehicles. These makes of imported vehicles from the USA include Chevrolet, Pontiac, Buick, GMC, Cadillac, Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Dodge, Chrysler, Saturn, Toyota, and Infiniti, – the list is endless.

American Cars

The most popular American car we import is the 4.6 Litre V8 Ford Mustang GT Coupe and Convertible and if customers want real exclusivity we can offer our superb Mustang Outlaw, a true supercar at an affordable price. We also import all versions of the Ford Mustang up to the Shelby GT 500 Coupe and Convertible and including the renowned Bullitt model, a modern reincarnation of the car made famous by Steve McQueen’s dark green fastback. The other popular American car imports are the Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Charger, Chevrolet Corvette C6, Corvette Z06, Dodge Challenger, Saturn Sky, Dodge Charger, Lincoln Towncar, Dodge Viper and Cadillac Deville.

American Pickups

American Car Imports supplies all new makes and models of “full size” and “mid size” American Pick Up Trucks to order. The “full size” trucks include the Chevrolet Silverado, Chevrolet Avalanche, Dodge Ram, GMC Sierra, Cadillac Escalade EXT, Ford F-150 (including the Harley Davidson edition), Hummer SUT, Lincoln Mark LT and the other trucks marketed in America by the Japanese vehicle manufacturers such as the Honda Ridgeline, Nissan Titan and the Toyota Tundra. The “mid size” pickups include the Ford Explorer Sport Trac, Ford Ranger, Dodge Dakota, Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon. American Car Imports can give expert advice on the payload, towing capabilities, and gross vehicle weight ratings of American pickups and can advise on the tax implications and commercial vehicle status of all models of American pickups.

Depending on the specifications offered by the American pickup manufacturers, we import single cab, extended cab, super cab, quad cab, crew cab and mega cab models in two wheel drive and four wheel drive with either a short bed or long bed. We also supply the super-duty and heavy duty versions of these American made pickups from Ford, Dodge, Chevrolet and GMC with petrol or diesel engines and with either single rear wheels or dual rear wheels. The most popular diesel engines are the Cummins 6.7 litre Turbo Diesel in the Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500, the 6.6 litre Duramax engine in the Chevrolet and GMC 2500 and 3500 models and the new 6.4 litre diesel Ford Engine in the Ford F250 and F350. The popular American petrol engines in pickup trucks, are the 5.3 Litre Flex Fuel engine in the Chevrolet and GMC pickups, the 5.7 Litre Hemi Multi Displacement (MDS) engine in the Dodge Ram, and the 5.4 litre V8 and 6.8 litre V10engines in the Ford F Series range.

When it comes to American Pick Up Trucks, American Car Imports will add whatever accessory you need to personalise your pickup. These truck parts can include a bedliner, tonneau cover (soft, sliding, folding or fibre glass), truck topper with or without windows, bug deflector, side steps, tow bar, toolbox, ladder rack, or bed rug. For our American pick up customers that cover high mileages we can also arrange for any of these American vehicles to be converted to run on Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG). Running a vehicle on LPG, doubles the range of your vehicle and can halve the fuel costs. For those vehicles with towing capabilities, we will always provide you with European towing electrics.

American Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV’s)

The most sought after American sport utility vehicles are the Lincoln Navigator L and the Cadillac Escalade ESV with eight seats and loads of luggage space, along with the Flex Fuel powered Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Yukon Denali that can run on Bio Ethanol. We also the import the Hummer H2, Lincoln MKX, Ford Edge, Buick Enclave, Chevrolet HHR, Saturn Vue, Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Infiniti FX 45 and Toyota FJ Cruiser. If you want to import an environmentally friendly vehicle, we can offer you a selection of new American hybrid vehicles in 2009, including the Ford Escape Hybrid, Dodge Durango Hybrid or the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid.

American Vans

Made particularly famous by the “A Team” Van, American vans have always had a strong following in the UK. They are available from General Motors under the Chevrolet and GMC brands, and also from Ford and Dodge. They can be ordered either as commercial vehicles with petrol or diesel engines, or as passenger vans. The Dodge Sprinter Van, Chevrolet Express Van, GMC Savana and the Ford E Series have been our best sellers.

Our Service

With our comprehensive on-line vehicle pricing system we can price your vehicle enquiry while you are on the phone and write to confirm everything within minutes. Once you place your order, we locate or order your American vehicle from our comprehensive network of supplying American dealers, and then arrange the shipping of your vehicle straight away. The vehicle will be physically inspected before it is shipped and will be covered by a comprehensive marine insurance policy when it is in transit.

Once your imported American vehicle has arrived in London, we prepare it for the Single Vehicle Approval (SVA) test. Through our leadership of the American Import Agents Association (AIAA) we have the experience to ensure that your American vehicle is modified to meet the UK SVA requirements in a safe and aesthetically pleasing way. With American Car Imports, you will not have the appearance of your American vehicle spoiled by unsightly and careless modifications that undermine its “American” appearance. Once it has been tested by VOSA and the vehicle has earned its Ministers Approval Certificate, it is then registered.

If requested, we can install a fully integrated UK and European Satellite Navigation system with i-pod interface and built in Bluetooth connectivity for your mobile phone, DVD screens and rear camera. Please ask for a quote. Before our handover to you, your American vehicle will have been professionally valeted, tax disc placed in the windscreen, filled with fuel and given a pre delivery inspection.

At American Car Imports we are PASSIONATE about what we do. We have a professional and enthusiastic approach in helping you buy or import your special vehicle. Our aim is to make your buying and ownership experience a positive and enjoyable one. With 18 years experience, you can trust American Car Imports. Please feel free to give us a ring on 0208-889-4545, to get a quote on your new vehicle or if you need any advice or just want to have a chat. If you need directions to our showroom please click here .

American Car Imports in London offer the latest Hybrid American Car, The 2009 Dodge Durango. American Car Imports works as an independent importer, importing the Dodge Durango for specific customers in the UK .Available from summer 2008 the vehicle will have a two-mode hybrid powertrain designed to boost fuel economy and reduce emissions. 

The 2009 Dodge Durango Hybrid will share its two-mode hybrid system with the 2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid and a new range of full-size SUV hybrids from General Motors. The system was developed with BMW, GM and Mercedes-Benz.

The two-mode hybrid system will use a new electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (ECVT) mated to the 5.7-litre Hemi V8. This engine also has Dodge’s Multi-Displacement System as used in the Ram, which shuts down four cylinders under light load conditions to save fuel. Total output is 385 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. Dodge says the hybrid system will boost city fuel economy by 40 percent and overall fuel economy by more than 25 percent. That should raise fuel economy to about 22 mpg in the city and 23 on the highway compared to 16 city and 21 highway for the regular AWD Durango.

The continuously variable transmission has two electric motors and four fixed gears. A controller determines when the vehicle should operate in the first or second mode. The first mode is mainly to be used in town driving and can use battery power alone up to 30 mph. The second mode is meant for highway speeds and always uses full engine power. The controller determines the necessary torque for the driving conditions and instructs the engine and electric motors to respond accordingly. Torque is transferred to a series of gears in the transmission, which multiply torque similar to a conventional automatic transmission to propel the vehicle. No engine speed changes are necessary for mode shifts to occur.

The Durango Hybrid will have a 300-volt battery pack located under the second-row seats. The battery pack will power the electric motors, and regenerative braking will charge the batteries. A rectifier under the hood will convert the battery pack’s AC power to DC to power such accessories as interior lighting, the climate control system, and the radio.

The Durango Hybrid will have a power gauge that will show when the electric motors are aiding power or being charged. The power gauge will also have a green “economy” zone that drivers can use to aim for the optimum fuel economy.

The 2009 Dodge Durango Hybrid will be available as an all-wheel drive model with equipment to match the top of the range Limited. Standard features will include dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, the MyGIG Multi-Media Infotainment System, seating for eight, power-adjustable pedals, heated front seats, a rearview camera, and a power liftgate. Dodge’s MyGIG Multi-Media Infotainment System comes with an eight-inch touch screen, a navigation system with voice activation and real-time traffic, and a 20-gigabyte hard drive that holds music and picture files, as well as navigation map information.

Pricing hasn’t been announced, but the Dodge Durango Hybrid is expected to start from £36,000 when it goes on sale in the middle of 2008.

American Car Imports expect a lot of interest in this new generation vehicle, to be at the forefront of the vanguard with a new environmentally friendly American Car, call them now on 44(0)20 8889 4545.

American Car Imports of London specialise in importing the latest generation of American vehicle – those that run on E85 Flex-Fuel technology. American Car Imports works as an independent importer, importing new American vehicles to order for specific customers in the UK .
Satisfied customers have already taken delivery of the new 2008 American Cars that utilise the new fuel. E85 is 85% Ethanol and only 15% Petrol. It is a renewable fuel made from biodegradable waste and several plants such as switchgrass, willow and corn. By using E85 you reduce payment to OPEC by 85% – not a bad thing!
Quite a few of the new American Cars from Ford run on E85, the F150 pick up trucks, the Crown Victoria Sedan, the Mercury Grand Marquis and the Lincoln Town Car. General Motors offer some 11 different vehicles from the Pick Ups, SUV’s Vans and Sedans. In the US there are now some 7 million vehicles on the roads capable of using E85 fuel. GM are aiming to have over half of their vehicle production either E85 or Bio-Diesel capable by 2012. 

The fuel is widely available in the UK with most BP stations offering it now on the forecourt. So, you too can now drive an American Car that is friendly to the environment – here in the UK.

American Car Imports already have many customers expressing interest in these Flex-Fuel vehicles and are sure that the market for this new generation of American Car is set to grow in the UK and elsewhere. For more details contact American Car Imports on 44(0)20 8889 4545.

Here is a great dyno sheet showing how much more power you can extract from a 2007 Chevy Corvette Z06 (C6) when using the DiabloSport Predator tuner. 

Corvette C6 Z06 Dynograph - DiabloSport Predator Tuner

The Complete Book of Corvette: Every Model Since 1953 is available at Amazon for $34.65. To Order click here
Amazon Product Pages contain a lot of other details on this product as Customer Reviews, Sales Ranking, Special Offers, Alternate products that customers are going for and much more.Want to read these details? click here

Want to get some other Format / Binding / Version? You can search for them from here

Other Products of Interest

• Corvette Black Book 1953-2007 (Corvette Black Book)
• Mike Yager’s Corvette Bible
• Corvette Black Book 1953-2008 (Corvette Black Book)
• Corvette Fifty Years
• Corvette

‘I’m more excited to do Bullrun than when I won the Indy 500′ – Mario Andretti

Celeste Fianna writing; Ashley Van Dyke left the Thurs-mid-day checkpoint from Westcoast Customs in Pomona, CA with the group of raging bulls. She was rollin down the I-10 while giving an interview for KGKI Radio, the Racers Report Network in Florida. Ashley was running in P1 (first place) cruising at a buck10 with her co-pilot Spencer Sharp. The Audi RS4 with Bobby Singh from Manhattan Motor Sports, Dan and I had already been pulled over, we were getting interrogated by police. The Destination X TV jeep was still struggling to keep up and the other Bullrunners cars were tagging on her behind.

WATCH VIDEO FROM YOUTUBE HERE

The interview was going very nice and smooth, until Ashley suddenly noticed cops approaching quick on her tail in the rear mirror, their lights flashing. “Hey, I’m getting pulled over. I gotta go.” She sighs while bringing her ‘08 ZO6 Corvette to the side of the freeway. “No! You GOTTA stay on the air… ‘Everyone, Ashley Van Dyke is getting pulled over on the I-10 LIVE, this is Bullrun action Baby!’” Greg Kielma says from KGKI Radio, “Ashley, hang in there, this is priceless.” A glee of excitement in his voice. Ashley decided to keep the ear piece in regardless of any further punishment.

The Officer approached her window slowly, then demanded her to turn off the car and step out of the vehicle. Ashley obeys, and walks out the car defenseless. The cop comes on swift, “Ma’am put your hands behind your back, you have the right to remain silent. We are placing you under arrest.” Ashley’s heart sank… no more license, no more rallies. She was forced in the back of the female cop’s car for a grueling 30 minutes with no AC in 110F degree weather. Being unable to stand the immense heat any longer, desiring the fresh air and wind, Ashley kindly asked the police officer if she could stand outside, assuring the woman she would not run… “We need backup here! I have someone resisting orders.” The cop radios nearby police vehicles and there was soon a frenzy.

VIEW VIDEO HERE OF ASHLEY VAN DYKE READY TO GET HANDCUFFED

Team Fortress in the Audi’s RS4 and R8 had passed by, and regardless of no film and battery I was miraculously able to turn on the camera and document the whole ordeal. From find-out on the phone, to realizing which Corvette had been pulled… shortly after us Bill Wu and team in his Hummer space-ship flew by, just long enough for our excellent camera man Josh to get some good footage of the tragedy. The cop fortunately decided not to take Ashley to jail… just ticketed her for doing 110+ amounting to $650, we all thought this was truly kind.

“Everyone came by the highway as they were all behind me and got photos and video. I couldn’t believe by the time I was back in the Spring Mountain Corvette Z06 I had three text messages from around the world! Amsterdam, New York and Toronto!”

Ashley was free as a bird, but being the race-car driver she is…

VIEW PICTURES OF BULLRUN2008 AND ASHLEY HERE IN PARUMP VALLEY TIMES

VIEW VIDEO HERE OF ASHLEY DOING DONUTS AT BULLRUN CHECKPOINT IN CORVETTE VO6

Ein Porsche am Limit | by marioroman pictures

„Bitte melden“ wer schon mal einen Bugatti Veyron driften sehen hat. Keiner? Dann waren Sie auch leider nicht beim fünften Sportwagenmeeting in Lüneburg zugegen. Hier traf sich wieder alles, was Rang und Namen in der Sportwagenszene hat. Damit sind nicht die Fahrer gemeint, nein es sind die Automobile.

Ein kleiner Auszug: Bugatti Veyron, Porsche 964 Turbo, Ferrari 575 Superamerica, Ferrari GTO Speciale Drogo,), Jaguar Sport XJR 15, Porsche 997 GT3, Porsche 356, Lamborghini Countach, verchromte Cobra 427 Replica, Ferrari F40, Porsche 996 GT3 RS, BMW Z4 M Coupé, BMW M3 E92 Coupe und Cabriolet, Porsche 997 Carrera S Facelift Cabriolet, Corvette Z06, Audi R8, Aston Martin DB7, Aston Martin DBS, Wiesmann GT, Jaguar E-Type, Lotus Elise, Ford GT, Ferrari F430 Spider, Ferrari 599 GTB, Ferrari 430 Scuderia, DeTomaso Guara, DeTomaso Pantera, Maserati Gran Tourismo S, Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4, Lamborghini LP-640. und noch viele andere. Bei so großen Namen kommt man sich mit einem Porsche Cayman doch fast ein wenig fehl am Platz vor, aber auch nur fast.

Und auch ich hatte Spaß, Drift im Porsche Cayman . Foto: Simon Richter

Auf dem ADAC-Gelände in Embsen bei Lüneburg wurden wieder die schönsten Exoten aus allen Ecken für ein nettes Meet and Greet zusammengetrommelt. Die Wünsche vieler Sportwagenfahrer wurden erhört. Mehr Action, weniger Pausen.

Soviel Action, dass ich mehr damit zu tun hatte, die Quer-Eigenschaften meines vom PZ Hamburg zur Verfügung gestellten Cayman auszuloten als dem Bugatti beim Driften zuzuschauen. Und mal ehrlich, wirklichen Spaß hat man nur, wenn man die Grenzen selbst auslotet.

Dieses Jahr wurde der Faktor Fahrspaß nochmal erweitert. Besonderes Highlight war die Integrierung des Go Kart-Kurses für die Teilnehmer. Hier durfte sich keiner einen Fehler erlauben. Auslaufzonen waren hier nicht zu finden.

Der große Handlingkurs wurde zur Freude vieler Stammteilnehmer dieses Mal umgedreht. Gefühlt sind die Kurven in Uhrzeigerrichtung wesentlich schärfer und geben viel Potential für leichte Drifteinlagen frei. Man kann natürlich auch Langweiler sein und sich die optimale saubere Linie suchen.

Bei der Bergetappe waren Sprünge an der Tagesordnung | by marioroman pictures

Eingeteilt wurden die Fahrzeuge in verschiedene Gruppen. Das fing bei der kleinen Gruppe mit Fahrzeugen wie zum Beispiel Lotus Elise, Hansa 23R, Honda S2000 an und hörte bei den Supercars à la Bugatti Veyron, Ferrari 599 GTB auf. Es gibt kaum schönere Möglichkeiten, den CO²-Ausstoß in so einer geballten Konzentration in die Luft zu jagen..

Auch auf dem Steigungskurs wurde geballert was das Zeug hält. Dabei hatte jeder seine eigenen Praktiken den Berg hochzukommen. Ob mit Ideallinie, driftend oder im Sprung – irgendwie fand jeder einen Weg, den Verschleiß seines Flitzers ordentlich zu beschleunigen. Wer danach noch Lust hatte, durfte beim Offroad-Kurs teilnehmen und die Geländeeigenschaften vom Porsche Cayenne und BMW X5 auf die Probe stellen. Auch eine Art seinen Adrenalin-Puls wieder in Einklang zu bringen.

5. Nordheide Sportwagenmeeting by marioroman pictures

Die Dynamik-Gleitflächen brachten die Fahrer ordentlich ins Schwitzen, hier galt es das Auto nach einem Schubs im Heck schnell wieder unter Kontrolle zu bringen. Danach ging es zur Belohnung ab auf die PKW-Kreisbahn. Herrlich!!!
Veranstalter Kay Andresen ist es gelungen seine vorherigen Events wieder einmal zu toppen. Sicherer und spaßiger kann man Fahrsicherheit kaum zelebrieren.

weitere Bilder…

Text: Mario-Roman Lambrecht
Fotos: Mario-Roman Lambrecht, Simon Richter