Ferrari California - Get one for free

Win Ferrari California

Maranello, May 13th 2008 - The first official photos have been published of the Ferrari California, the most current addition to the brand-new generation of Ferraris unveiled in 2004 with the actual 612 Scaglietti and put into more recently with the 430 Scuderia.

The Ferrari California joins the Prancing Horse's 8-cylinder family which is definitely defined by power and performance. It also flanks this flagship 612 Scaglietti inside prestige sporty Grand Tourer segment.

The new Ferrari California will satisfy even the most requiring of owners in period of its superb auto dynamics and driving delight. The new model is going to be available exclusively as a new convertible with a folding hard top. Both chassis and bodywork are lightweight alloy, in line with other current range. The Ca will be powered by a new V8 engine attached for the first time in the marque's history inside the mid-front position.

Consistent with Ferrari tradition, the brand-new model also features several innovations. Apart from its folding hard top, such as the original 2+ strategy which guarantees exceptional flexibility of use in the rear of the car. The particular California's 4,300 cc V8 engine features primary fuel injection and some sort of "flat" crankshaft. It yields 460 CV at 6,500 rpm with a torque curve that promotes vehicle dynamics and delivers maximum driving pleasure that's typical for Ferrari.

According to the traditional Ferrari transaxle layout, the serps, which allows the Ferrari California to sprint from 0 to 75 km/h in under 4.0 seconds, will be coupled to a seven-speed dual clutch transmitting that boosts the auto's performance while enhancing the driving pleasure, improves drive comfort and reduces gas consumption and emissions (c.310 g/km CO2). The comfort is further enhanced by way of new multilink rear suspension. The Ferrari California can be equipped with the unique F1-Trac traction handle system which made it is debut on the 599 GTB Fiorano and contains been further honed to accommodate the typical driving ailments expected for this brand-new GT. Brembo brakes displaying carbon-ceramic material hard drives as standard guarantee optimally efficient braking.

In improvement to sporting the marque's classic styling tips, the cabin has been beautifully trimmed using good quality materials by Ferrari's individual skilled artisans. New extras and equipment, such because the seats, steering wheel, control panel and infotainment system, together with optimised aerodynamics ensure that this is a highly ergonomic desk and enjoyable car they are driving regardless of whether the very best is up or decrease.

The Ferrari California can be aimed at owners who desire a car which brings together everything the Prancing Horse represents in terms associated with sporty design and creativity, but also seek a car with greater versatility than in the past. The car will be officially unveiled to the public at the Paris Worldwide Car Show. However, on the coming weeks, new photographs and further details about this will also be released.

Win Ferrari California

2006 Cadillac CTS Overview

2006 Cadillac CTS
2006 Cadillac CTS
2006 Cadillac CTS

Cadillac's smallest sedan gets revised sport and performance packages for 2006. Three models are offered. CTS 2.8 has a 210-hp V6. CTS 3.6 has a 255-hp V6. The high-performance CTS-V has a 400-hp V8. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard for all. V6s offer a 5-speed automatic with manual shift gate. Also standard are ABS, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, and OnStar assistance. Leather upholstery is optional for the 2.8, standard elsewhere. For '06, the available Sport Package adds to V6s a limited-slip differential, antiskid system, xenon headlights, sport suspension, and 17-inch wheels vs. 16s. The revised Wheel Performance Package adds to the 3.6 model speed-variable steering assist, uprated brakes, sport suspension, load-leveling suspension, and 18-inch wheels. Added during the model year, the Wheel Sport Appearance Package gives the 3.6 CTS-V-style trim elements. CTS-V includes the sport suspension, uprated brakes, antiskid system, and 18-inch wheels with run-flat tires. A navigation system with voice activation is optional for V6 models, standard for CTS-V.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Midsize Cars sport interior dimensions similar to Midsize Cars. Premium Midsize Cars offer more luxury, performance, and prestige when compared to Midsize Cars. This segment is one of the industry's fastest-growing categories.

Our Best Buys include Acura TL, Cadillac CTS, and Infiniti M. Our Recommended picks include the Acura RL, Infiniti G35, Lexus ES 330, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

New or significantly redesigned models include Lexus GS, Lincoln Zephyr, and Mercedes-Benz CLS.

Cadillac CTS-V

The Cadillac CTS-V is a high performance version of the standard CTS. It is a series of mid-sized cars with a pushrod V-8 OHV engine and a sport-tuned suspension. The 4-door CTS-V sedan was introduced in 2004, and the CTS-V Sport Wagon and Coupe were introduced in 2010 for the 2011 model year. The sedan competes in the consumer market, alongside high-performance, luxury sedans such as the BMW M5, the Jaguar XFR, and the Mercedes E63 AMG.

Cadillac CTS V

Cadillac CTS coupe

Cadillac CTS coupe

Cadillac CTS coupe

Cadillac CTS coupe

Cadillac CTS coupe

Cadillac CTS Best Cars

In its earlier years, Cadillac had little interest in making smaller cars. When market conditions finally convinced the company's managers that the brand had to have them, the resulting products elicited little favorable reaction from consumers. The modern Cadillac CTS, however, is one entry-level Cadillac that has bucked that trend.

With a cutting-edge design and extensive development work on Germany's famed Nürburgring test track, the CTS sport sedan is aimed squarely at the class leaders in one of the industry's most competitive segments. It's also a bit larger than many of the cars that it competes against in terms of price and design philosophy.

There have been two generations of the Cadillac CTS. Despite some obvious shortcomings in terms of interior design and quality, the first CTS went on to be one of Cadillac's most popular models as well as the only main domestic entry to truly compete against the top European and Japanese entry-level luxury cars. It's worth a look as a used or pre-owned model. For the second-generation CTS, Cadillac made substantial improvements to interior design and materials quality. It's an excellent luxury sport sedan, and consumers interested in this type of car should give it serious consideration.

Cadillac CTS

Cadillac CTS

Current Cadillac CTS

Offering a well-sorted blend of all-American style and European-inspired tuning, the popular Cadillac CTS has made a name for itself amongst the many established players in the entry-level luxury sedan segment. Two V6 engines are available. Standard power comes from a 3.0-liter direct-injection (DI) V6 generating 270 horsepower, while the available 3.6-liter V6 puts out 304 hp. Both engines can be equipped with either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic. The CTS is also offered in both rear-wheel and all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations, though AWD models are limited to the base engine and automatic transmission.

Standard equipment for the Cadillac CTS is decent, and a full complement of the latest safety technology is standard as well. There are a variety of luxury options, including leather seating, a premium audio system and a hard-drive-based navigation system that can store digital music files. Two sport suspension packages are also available to further the CTS's handling capabilities. For those looking to make the most out of each gallon of gasoline, the Eco Lux Collection option (available on the base 3.0-liter V6 only) alters aerodynamics and tires to achieve 30 mpg on the highway -- a gain of 3 mpg.

Overall, the upgraded interior and spirited powertrains have pushed the CTS into top-tier status for a luxury sport sedan. While it might not qualify for "Standard of the World" status just yet, Cadillac's entry-level model has evolved into a much more capable car all the way around and can now more than hold its own against the best cars in this segment both in terms of luxury appeal and driving prowess. There is a CTS SportWagon available and it is covered in a separate review.

Used Cadillac CTS Models

The second-generation Cadillac CTS sedan debuted for the 2008 model year and compared to the original CTS, the new model is more refined and powerful. Overall body dimensions are similar to the original CTS, but there are an additional 2 inches of track width to give the sedan a more powerful stance. The first CTS's lackluster interior was remedied via a substantially higher level of quality and a more attractive design.

There have been changes made since this generation's introduction. Prior to the 2010 model year, the base engine was a 3.6-liter V6 that made 258 horsepower -- slightly less than the current 3.0-liter direct-injection motor. Fuel economy was also lower for the '08 and '09 models, but only by about 1 mpg. The SportWagon was not available prior to '10.

The first-generation Cadillac CTS was sold from the 2003-'07 model years. When it debuted, the CTS was one of Cadillac's first cars to fully emphasize the brand's modern, angular styling themes. It was also a significant departure from traditional modern Cadillacs because of its rear-wheel drive, available manual transmission, stiff body structure and sport-oriented handling dynamics.

The car's larger-than-average exterior dimensions translated to a roomier cabin that could accommodate five adults. A fair number of features came standard, including antilock brakes and side curtain airbags. Upscale features were typically bundled as part of optional packages. Common options included a premium Bose audio system, a DVD-based navigation system, xenon headlights and a sunroof. A sport package provided a sport-tuned suspension, bigger wheels and tires, and stability control.

In its first year, the Cadillac CTS came only with a 3.2-liter V6 good for 220 hp. This was joined in 2004 by a more desirable 255-hp 3.6-liter V6. At the time, the base V6 was available with a five-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic. The larger V6 came with the automatic only. In 2005, however, the 3.2-liter engine was dropped in favor of a smaller, 210-hp 2.8-liter engine. Cadillac also upgraded the manual transmission to a six-speed unit and made it available for the 3.6-liter V6 as well.

Previous to the CTS, Cadillac's entry-level vehicle was the Catera. Based on Europe's Opel Omega, it was offered from 1997-2001. This model was not particularly popular with consumers or Edmunds.com's editorial staff, and it's recommended that used-car shoppers consider other vehicles in this segment.

Feng posts another damn funny one ( his site is not for easily offended Serbo-Malaysians and NSFW)

http://www.fengtastic.com/

Feng posts another damn funny one ( his site is not for easily offended Serbo-Malaysians and NSFW)

http://www.fengtastic.com/

Feng posts another damn funny one ( his site is not for easily offended Serbo-Malaysians and NSFW)

http://www.fengtastic.com/

Cadillac Luxury cars

Car Craft Magazine has a 6 page feature about Thomas Payne's 1930's service station (I posted about it a year ago, amazed at the treasure he found)

This entire story is on a really long thread on the Garage Journal, and it's one of the coolest finds ever. Car Craft's Jeff Smith has just published in in the May 2011 issue, and it's worth a look if you see the magazine.

http://justacarguy.blogspot.com/2010/03/this-car-guys-dream-maybe-yours-too.html is the link to my post a year ago, and for the thread on the Garage Journal where Thomas adds new photos of things he's doing and restoring that were left in the garage, like floor jacks, the hydaulic car hoist (Rotary lift company), Sun distributor tester, etc, http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=51567

Car Craft Magazine has a 6 page feature about Thomas Payne's 1930's service station (I posted about it a year ago, amazed at the treasure he found)

This entire story is on a really long thread on the Garage Journal, and it's one of the coolest finds ever. Car Craft's Jeff Smith has just published in in the May 2011 issue, and it's worth a look if you see the magazine.

http://justacarguy.blogspot.com/2010/03/this-car-guys-dream-maybe-yours-too.html is the link to my post a year ago, and for the thread on the Garage Journal where Thomas adds new photos of things he's doing and restoring that were left in the garage, like floor jacks, the hydaulic car hoist (Rotary lift company), Sun distributor tester, etc, http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=51567

Car Craft Magazine has a 6 page feature about Thomas Payne's 1930's service station (I posted about it a year ago, amazed at the treasure he found)

This entire story is on a really long thread on the Garage Journal, and it's one of the coolest finds ever. Car Craft's Jeff Smith has just published in in the May 2011 issue, and it's worth a look if you see the magazine.

http://justacarguy.blogspot.com/2010/03/this-car-guys-dream-maybe-yours-too.html is the link to my post a year ago, and for the thread on the Garage Journal where Thomas adds new photos of things he's doing and restoring that were left in the garage, like floor jacks, the hydaulic car hoist (Rotary lift company), Sun distributor tester, etc, http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=51567

New Car Audi A6 Hybrid for US

New car Audi A6 Hybrid is designed for U.S. and European markets. This car has a hybrid powertrain that combines Audi's 2.0-liter turbocharged, direct injection gasoline engines with electric motors. This combination gives the combined-245 hp. Audi A6 Hybrid has a fuel economy, estimated at just below 38 mpg. Hybrid powertrain uses 8-speed automatic transmission. transmission sends power to the front wheels. (Audi Quattro all-wheel drive system is not available in hybrid models.)

Audi A6 Hybrid can operate in a mode-own gas, electricity-alone mode, or a mixture of the two. When running only on electric power, Audio claims A6 has a maximum speed of 62 mph, accelerate to speeds that at about 7.3 seconds. Range car electric power alone is only about two miles.

2011 Toyota Avalon

Toyota introduced the 2011 Toyota Avalon was redesigned guts in 2010 Chicago Auto Show. Generating a time when travel was a sophisticated, elegant and comfortable, the new Toyota Avalon have new exterior style while offering a rich new style interior point of contact with raw practices and new technologies.


Even with a number of improvements both inside and outside, the Toyota Avalon remains faithful to the idea that the comfort of an honest and direct, and “Avalon Traveling Class” rich in simple family pleasures.

Toyota’s new Avalon has a dynamic expression lines, and infusion of comfort, safety and technological advances that enhance the driving experience. Equipment and upgrade technology features, such as a touch screen navigation system with real-time traffic, and Bluetooth ® hands-free phones can stream music to your audio system are some improvements that add a very good mix of Avalon 2011 space, comfort and technology.

“Toyota Avalon has been appreciated by the intelligent, conscientious consumers who recognize the quality materials and finishing details of beauty,” said Bob Carter, group Vice President and General Manager of Toyota Division, Toyota Motor Sales, USA. Act. “Changes for 2011 allows us to consolidate our position in the premium car segment is huge. The competition does not stop, and we do not.”

New design of Calty Design Research in Newport Beach, California, the Toyota Avalon is assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK), a “zero discharge” facility that also meets the Camry, Camry Hybrid, and Venza. It also developed the Toyota Technical Center (TTC) in Ann Arbor, Michigan

Dynamic New Exterior
Year 2011, Toyota Avalon Calty renovated to project a smooth appearance and out. Expansion, the most important bond in the art of the state grid projector lamps, work with a wide hood, calm face showed lower center of gravity and wide stance to emphasize the Toyota Avalon.

The new headlights, which combine several reflector halogen headlights with halogen or HID lights low, light tubes that are used to create a signature, night-time appearance. Front fog lights, now integrated in the trapezoidal front bumper, offers a point of illumination.

Viewed from the side, of 2011 Avalon strengthened by the additional use of chrome, redesigned rocker panels, and the brightness of the exterior mirrors integrated stand with his turn. New 17-inch wheels on the role of a limited series of 10-spoke design with a mirror finish.

At the back of the car, the identification of Avalon neatly defined by a unique logo that is located on the plate. Dual exhaust pipes integrated into the trapezoid, cut from the bottom of the bumper of modern image. Rear lights have been reshaped to reduce turbulence at the rear, helping to create a low drag coefficient. Integration of the new stop lights, turn and side marker functions in the combined light illumination. Unique LED light aluminum tube with the light and dark red lenses project a modern look.

Extensive interior Built To Comfort
Year 2011, the new interior is designed with contemporary style. New interior is generously spacious and elegant, with comfortable seating and integrated services carefully. Color coordinated and smooth rich wood materials carefully selected to convey an optimistic attitude and the modern essence.

Standard leather trimmed front seats and seatbacks in the Limited is equipped with ventilation and areas greater drilling to help them stay cool. Thick layer of interior features seats that provide an elegant accent for interior design. Front active headrests are also standard.

Rear seat is configured to accommodate three passengers in comfort, with enough space for legs and lay back chairs, unique in the segment. Rear headrests have also been renovated and expanded to better support and a comfortable fold-down center armrest provides storage center when the seat is not in use.

A power rear sunshade, spread through contact lever, direct sunlight filters in through the back window. Umbrella, which helps protect rear seat passengers of light and unwanted heat automatically deleted when the driver selecting reverse gear.

A new instrument panel incorporating visually appealing and easy to read indicator graduated Optitron using white light white pointer. Go down to the glass and chrome rings in adding depth and a sense of luxury.

Steering wheel controls for the phone include Bluetooth hands-free audio system, climate system, and center information.

Technology-Enriched Environment
Global technology infusion of new interior is designed in order to ensure a rich environment, with increased functionality and connectivity.

New standard equipment includes Bluetooth ® hands-free phone and audio system to music streaming from compatible devices, XM ® Satellite Radio (subscription required), and 1/8-inch inputs for additional USB and iPod ® and other audio devices. Each of the three audio systems are available to control the iPod without any problems using the buttons on the steering wheel and tracking information stored on the device screen.

More Toyota DVD navigation system with a database of recently approved and is now much easier to find and address entry functionality. Navigation system monitor also features new icons and street attractions, and a keyboard display arranged in the same way as personal computers.

Toyota Avalon standard score nine speaker system offers sound quality exceptional, while the Limited has a standard 12-speaker, 660-watt JBL Synthesis audio system upgrade with a premium of two coil sub-woofer. This system uses 12 speakers and a digital 12-channel amplifier to deliver deep, rich voice filled the seats of vehicles.

A rear view monitor functions in the standard rearview mirror or the navigation system. Rear-view-mirror backup image on the screen, including a guide to help drivers back to the parking lot or driveway.

Performance and efficiency of the combined
Toyota Avalon is a unique combination of power and fuel economy is very good offers one of the best performances overall dynamics of the large sedan segment.

The 2011 Avalon is powered by a 24-valve, double head cam 3.5-liter V6 that produces 268 horsepower at 6200 rpm. This machine is equipped with the latest Dual VVT-i electronic control valve that provides a broad power band, while requiring less fuel and less emissions. This is mated to a multi-mode six-speed automatic transmission.

The 2011 Toyota Avalon is the Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV), gives the EPA estimates 20 mpg city, 29 highway and 23 combined, as well as or better than the V6 model segment.

Mixed up the technical standards of quality and precise fine motor control is provided by the suspension MacPherson Toyota Avalon, which uses springs in all four corners. Rack and pinion steering combined with front wheels and steering systems are optimized for natural handling feel.

Throughout the basic facilities
A dual zone climate control system has nine air-flow mode for more precise control indoor climate, and clean the air filter eliminates dust and pollen. Door position to stop using three instead of two to easily enter and exit. A locked glove box has a spring-pneumatic doors and lighting of the box. The first console box has a sliding armrest that moves 4.7 inches from front to back, able to accommodate a variety of driver positions. The top is filled with elegant stitched with double density for soft bearing material. Inside is a 12-volt, in addition to a USB terminal and additional audio.

Safety standards
Toyota’s new Avalon passenger safety strategies including the use of energy-absorbing structures extensively tested, side impact protection beams and the highest point belt system developed and active front head restraints as standard equipment. Toyota Avalon will also have a new design of the accelerator and brake cancellation.

Seven airbags, including driver’s knee bag front, front airbags and side curtain for both rows are also standard. Standard Toyota Star Safety System includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), antilock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), brake assist and traction control TRAC system. TRAC and VSC functions can be turned off if needed to free the driver of the vehicle when stuck in mud or snow.

A full size alloy spare wheel standard. Each wheel has a pressure sensor to warn if the tire pressure drops, providing the driver with a warning to find a safe place to change the tire.

Simplified packaging
2011 Toyota Avalon is available in two classes when you arrive in dealerships in spring 2010 Avalon Limited. All degrees of the driver’s seat of power will be equipped with standard equipment like leather eight-way facility, and the back of the camera, automatic climate control with air filtration, power sunroof and 17-inch alloy wheels. Limited will have an additional standard equipment, including eight-way passenger seat with lumbar support, driver seat cushion extension, rain-sensing wipers, Smart Key and cooled leather seats. Toyota Avalon class can be enhanced by features such as JBL sound synthesis and heated front seats, while the navigation is optional for both values.

Color and Trim
Toyota Avalon is available in nine exterior colors, including three new colors: Zephyr Blue Metallic, Cypress Pearl, Sizzling Crimson Mica. Additional colors include metallic beans, Blizzard Pearl, Classic Silver Metallic, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Black, and Sandy Beach Metallic. Toyota Avalon will anchor the third grade leather interior trim color: ivory, light gray, and Black. Received a limited Ivory, Light Gray, Black and Bordeaux ornaments with accents of color on the vertical surface finish.

The new BMW M5. Teaser.

For The Ladies Round Up

So...how does a bunch of car building casanovas impress the pretty ladies in our lives? Well, it turns out we dedicate a whole build challenge just for them. In this month's attempt to make good with the estrogen set we've built girly cars, cars with chick names or vehicles proposed by our wives, girlfriends, mothers, sisters and best female friends. Did we earn heartfelt kisses and adoration from our ladies or restraining orders for the whole lot of us? lets see how we did, shall we?

Zenn proves right off the bat that cars built for girls isn't always about pink hearts and flowers. His Rockabilly girlfriend wanted a devilish looking hot rod so Mr. Zenn delivers the goods with this chopped little dirty devil aptly named El Diablo. Man, check out that cow skull up front! I'm still drooling over all the little details! Seems like Zenn's lady friend is one awesome chick!



Later Zenn tells us El Diablo needed a companion so he whipped up this rough and tumble little yellow rod named Daisy Cutter. This slammed little beauty was inspired by Ol' Skool Rodz magazine. As I'm familiar with thumbing through the mag's retro/ rockabilly style I can say its the absolute best magazine where everything in the title is spelled wrong.



Some women are big, square and bossy...as evidenced by this 2004 Chevy Avalanche Off-Roader built by Sangi13. Her name is Matilda. With a name like that, you can expect glaring headlights, a snarling grille, fat balloony tires and a cold, impenetrable exterior. Sounds like someone I've once dated!



Later in the challenge, Sangi comes back with the equally red 2011 Sangerati PUG. He tells us this made up car is a great chick truck...good for strolling the back roads and not so much for hauling the family trailer. He thinks women like things small, cute, and wrinkly and...um...it seems I can't disprove that right now.



Further proving that chicks seem to like small and cute things is this little white Rabbit Cabriolet built by A(E. Ahh, White Rabbit, what a trippy song. "One pill makes you larger, one pill makes you small. And the one that mother gave you don't do anything at all. Go ask Alice when she's ten feet tall." Dude, like my hand is soooo huge, man! Whoooah!



Brazil just got a little cooler. Legogil has a wife and she wanted her automotive maestro to build her a 55 Ford Ranch Wagon complete with an icy cool tri-color motif. We've learned to expect neat surprises from Gil, like the chrome bumpers and custom grille. I've always had a soft spot for the Ford Ranch Wagon and Gil's '55 proudly joins the ranks of Nathan's '57 and my '59.



In Shunik's world, cars of the future have retro bubble domes and are about as aerodynamic as a low-income housing project. Looking like a cross between a lunar lander and a pop-o-matic is this Eloyan Motors E_C-6. The only thing nixing this from our automotive group is its tiny, tiny wheels made of gears. But he did it in honor of his best friend Ellie so for that we have to say...daw, how cute! Hope she liked it, Shunik.



Christophbrill gets in touch with his feminine side and delivers something I hoped to see in this challenge...a vehicle with really girly colors. Pricilla Pitstop is looking truly pretty in her pink and yellow Compactor Pussycat complete with a darling little pink parasol. The colors may say pretty pink priss but the balloony tires and crushed cars screams of macho aggression!



Another pretty car is this sleek and futuristic Ice9 built by Mahjqa. True to his usual Mahjqa style, this vehicle is a working marvel of engineering and can be seen in a vid zipping across the floor and around obstacles at breakneck speeds. This vehicle, and others like it, can also be seen speeding across the ice in another vid. I've grown to love his humor...scaring the poor little duck on the ice pond was funny and he sometimes humorously shows us that not every take is a perfect as can be.



Peteris Sprogis knows the way to a woman's heart is with...some more hearts. He tells us Mr. Valentine has delivered newly made heart-shaped sculptures for all the ladies of Lego City as gifts for Valentine's Day. Awwww isn't that sweet? Just be careful. A passionate love like this can sometimes end in a broken heart, a stained mattress and a huge Visa bill!



Speaking of love ending badly, this one ends with two chicks stealing a gun, blowing up a truck, running from the law and driving themselves off a cliff to their untimely doom. Here Matthew Maulfair has built the famous '56 Thunderbird convertible driven by none other than Thelma and Louise. They're a couple of tough broads as evidenced by their cut off sleeves and butch haircuts. I think they were on the women's softball team or something.



Raphy proves that love can go badly right from the get go with this badass Misterzumbi style rat rod named Jane Eyre. Slammed to the ground, nearly 19 feet long and with towering flames lighting up the night sky...this girl ain't pretty! In fact, she could be one of those chicks you'd think to be the badass girl of your dreams only to turn out to be a 6ft. Filipino dude. I'm just sayin'...be careful out there, gentlemen.



It's a safe bet that our admin Tim Inman spent Valentine's Day alone with this rolling stereotype...the '84 Dodge Caravan. This grocery getter is factory equipped with not to be missed humorous details like faux wood paneling, baby seat, jelly stain on the carpet, teddy bear and an uninspired 2.2L 4 cylinder engine. And the icing on this dismal, fat inducing cake is the severed gas hose sticking out of the fueling port. This vehicle just screams...I've given up my dreams of modeling school to schlepp the kids to soccer practice while in my gravy stained sweatpants!



We can't help but love the women in our lives, but some are prone to mood swings and can get cranky occasionally. Sometimes they even set themselves on fire and murder a bunch of dudes like Christine here, built by Dohoon Kim. This downright dastardly girl is one of the most famous cars in the world and Dohoon does a great job of replicating her shape. When that Victorian dude penned "hell hath no fury like a woman scorned" he was surely talking about this '58 Plymouth Fury.



Just like Christine, this air cooled rear engine '65 Corvair Corsa built by Lino Martins has been dubbed "Unsafe At Any Speed". But there was no fury at all while building this underdog labor of love, in dark blue, with rally stripes and white interior, as specified by my girlfriend, Lorraine. Here we see Lego Lorraine, complete with a grey streak and built accurately taller than Lego Lino. Thats ok, I'm secure in my short-ness. Even Lorraine was surprised at how much these figs really look like us.



GoRiLLaWeR squeezes out a sweet version of the famous Herbie The Love Bug. His write up doesn't say much, so it's a little unclear as to how this build pertains to this month's challenge other than chicks just dig Herbie's cute little form...and most recently he was driven by the drunk and disorderly Lindsay Lohan in Herbie: Fully Loaded. Incidentally Miss Lohan was also fully loaded while making the film. See what I did there? Ah, Lindsey...just 24 and already has and old, gravelly smoker's voice!



Jason H tells us he doesn't have a little sister, but if he did, she'd be sure to coo with delight over this cute little 50's era pedal car. He reminds us that sometimes the important ladies in our lives can be of the little variety. As a result I have no jokes about Lindsay's gravelly cigar voice or Britney Spears' head shaving, no panty wearing insane tirade. So just enjoy the cuteness!



Also cute but in a grown up, sexy way is this sleek car named Velvet Von Black as built by new LUGNutter Captain Spaulding. The name came from a character played by the sultry Rosario Dawson. And Rosario, honey...if you're reading this (and surely you're not!) I loved you in Death Proof. I'm down with the swirl, if you know what I mean. Just a little chocolate and vanilla love all over my tiny basement apartment. Think about it, baby. Call me, ok?



And while I ponder getting my first celebrity restraining order, lets get a big steamy gawk at jmaokoen's little 751 Formula One racer. He tells us that Lella Lombardi drove to 6th in the 1975 Spanish Grand Prix, making her the only woman in history to score points in Formula One. Wait...really? 6th place is the best a girl can do? Didn't Danica Patrick or somebody blow that out of the water by now?



Speaking of big and steamy, Bad Furday very accurately portrays Mary Anne the happy steam shovel from the story book Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel. One thing I like about writing these round ups is I get to learn new things from our LUGNuts. I didn't know anything about the book before but now I'm intrigued. Its about changing times and one man's enduring love for his steam shovel. I can relate...I once loved a cement mixer.



Firas Abu-Jaber will have to spray off all the adoring women with a hose once they get a look at him and his sleek yellow Pagoni Zonda. Meaning "a pass in the Andes mountains", Zonda is an exotic girl's name and an equally exotic car. Speaking of beautiful exotic women with their exotic names, I'm certain Firas' girl Ruru is quite proud of her car building slab of man. Heh heh!



If you're anything like me, you've stayed up all night wondering whether it would be better to have a pencil sharpener in your nose or a ketchup dispenser in your bellybutton. If you're anything like me, you may have also come to the sound conclusion that the answer to this problem is unequivocally this Superbee Chibi Redux built by Professor Dumbledore...er, I mean Ley Ward. This tricky studs down creation was encouraged by Ley's wife, which means she must be pretty cool.



Coming in past the due date just like spoiled milk (Booyeah, I got to use that joke again!) is this 2011 Ford Territory Titanium Diesel CUV built by Peter Blackert. Being an Aussie engineer for Ford, Peter has had a hand in engineering this car in real life. Now his wife wants one and he's all like...pfffft, we don't need 7 seats and we ain't schlepping anyone else's kids around, thank you very much! Maybe Peter's Mrs has other plans for the little family. Just sayin' is all.



When the wife wants seven seats and cup holders for all of them, sometimes the best thing to do is to just make your second entry the much smaller and sportier Porsche 911 (996). Named Sally Carrera, this little baby blue number was one of the female characters in the Pixar animated film Cars. Its just the perfect car for Daddy and maybe one of the kids to ride off into the sunset in, leaving the seven seats and all the cup holders behind.



Remember that paid commission Dylan Denton was taunting us all with a few months back? Well, it turns out it was a replica of an awesome bumper-less custom 1970 Volkswagen Squareback beauty dubbed Ramona. This was Dylan's first ever commission and was requested by a friend. Young Dylan is starting off his Lego career right and now we can all say we knew him way back when he wasn't building Lego for the fame, the cash, and the groupies. Isn't that why we all build?



And finally, if its white and curvy it must be another Rolic creation. This time our Latvian lover of ladies (overuse of alliteration?) has accurately produced the Audi TT for his wife...who totally denies this being her favorite car. But this was her first choice and every time they play Need For Speed, this is her car of choice. C'mon, Rolic's honey, you can admit you're tickled pink for the Audi TT...and so are we! And isn't this really why we build...to impress each other and especially to impress women?



Whatever your reasons for building, we've got another challenge in the making called Snowed In...all about rough and tumble vehicles made to handle the snow and ice. We're talking snowplows, ice racers, snowmobiles, arctic explorers...the whole icy works! Early on, we've found out that some LUGNutters have been buried in three feet of the frigid stuff nearly every day since November while others have never seen even a solitary snowflake. Still, the show must go on, so stick around for next round up to see how we all do. Oh, and I have a solution for handling the snow and ice. Start off with your favorite mug, then add 1 oz of Amaretto, 1 oz of Orange Liqueur, 1 oz of Irish Cream, 1 oz of Hazelnut Liqueur and 1/4 oz of Cinnamon Schnapps. Fill the rest of the mug with fresh brewed hot black coffee and top with whipped cream. Its called Black Gold Coffee. Sip slowly by the fire while you watch your neighbor across the street shovel his driveway. You'll thank me later.