Road Tripper

Are you having headaches with your Christmas gift list especially to your honey? Motortrend is on the rescue. The site collected some gift items for car aficionados. Since Christmas is the time for gift giving, you might as well fin something to give yourself.

Vintage Auto Treasures. Now through December 12, l’art et l’automobile is holding its Christmas auction for discriminating motorheads, including the original 1956 racing poster, (it’s estimated to sell for $500-$700) plus rare books, paintings, sculptures, toys, and memorabilia (Mark Donohue’s Porsche 917 racing seat, used when the famed racer set the world closed-course speed record in 1975, is among the offerings up for grabs — estimate: $2000-$3000).
Jeep Flashlight. An ordinary flashlight? No way. This ultra-tough model from Jeep (it’s shock-resistant, waterproof down to 30 feet — and even floats) will never leave you without light, thanks to a built-in wind-up crank that recharges the battery in just 60 seconds.

Some Spark for That Guitar. Perhaps the gift-getter in your life rocks out to the tunes of his own electric guitar — or maybe he plays a digital keyboard or other electronic instrument. Whatever his axe, if he’s a car enthusiast you’ll want to get him these cool new limited-edition Spark Plug audio instrument. Twelve feet long, with 1/4″ straight ends, the cables feature 24k gold connector tips, audiophile-grade components.

McQueen’s Machines. Motor Trend’s own executive editor, Matt Stone, penned this just-released, photo-filled hardcover, a must-have for any Steve McQueen fan. “McQueen’s Machines: from the 1968 Ford Mustang GT fastback he drove in “Bullitt” to the fence-jumping Triumph bike from “The Great Escape” to the star’s beloved 1963 Ferrari 250 Lusso.

The M3 of Coffee Machines. If this espresso maker looks racier than most, that’s because it was designed by BMW Design Works USA. Better still, the Sirena Espresso Machine from Starbucks ($599) makes a killer cup of joe. Professional features include a Rapid Steam Boiler, commercial-quality portafilter, and a patented back-pressure adaptor that automatically adjusts to the coffee’s grind — you get a primo shot every time.

Watch Workstation. Case in point: the new Suunto Core wrist computer ($249.99-$599.99, depending on case/bracelet), a highly accurate altimeter, barometer (including storm alarm), digital compass, depth meter (for snorkeling), and dual-time watch (it’ll even display sunrise and sunset times) packed into a single sporty case.
Pontiac Pizazz! Here’s another must-have tome for any 10W-30-blooded enthusiast. Two Pontiac legends — Jim Wangers, “Godfather of the GTO,” and Art Fitzpatrick, the artist who (with late partner Van Kaufman) painted Pontiac’s famed “wide-track” ads of the 1960s and 1970s — have collaborated to produce this dramatic coffee-table book featuring fifteen of the greatest Pontiacs from the maker’s glory days.

Porsche 911 Turbo Steering Wheel for PC/Playstation 3. You aren’t gaming in the big leagues until you’re twirling the rim of this gorgeous 911 Turbo wheel ($350) with matching pedals and choice of two shifters (manual or automatic) from Germany’s Fanatec. Not only are the parts accurate reproductions of original Porsche bits, but the wheel/pedals are wireless (no annoying cords to ruin your lap times) and the wheel boasts three force-feedback motors and a belt drive for extremely realistic feel.

Racing Art. Yahn Janou isn’t as well-known as, say, Randy Owens. But he should be. The Paris-based artist has drawn posters for several recent 24 Hours of Le Mans and produced artwork for the 1998 Monaco Grand Prix poster. Like many of his contemporaries, Janou paints in the modern-expressionist style, but he tends to give his featured cars — contemporary and vintage sport racers, F1 single seaters, street-bred sports machines — sharper, more identifiable contrast to their surroundings.

Martini Racing Jacket. Give that special someone a little retro racing style with one of these great Martini Racing jackets, a faithful reproduction of the 1970s classic (129 Euros; about $195). Made of tough nylon with a polyester fill, the jacket features the famed Martini Racing logo and stripes, an adjustable waistband, and the same extendable, integrated pit-pass holder found on the original.

Race Car Clock. What time is it? Why, it’s lap time! Enjoy around-the-clock auto action with this battery-powered Race Car Clock ($59.95). The two cars circle the clock/track each hour, and make engine and horn sounds as they go (don’t worry — there’s a volume control).

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona. One of the most famous “racing” watches ever made, the Rolex Daytona has been seen on the wrists of the rich and fabulous (most famously, Paul Newman) since its creation in 1961. The chronograph functions can be used to measure elapsed time and to calculate average speed. Like all Rolex Oysters, the Daytona features a Triplock crown for superb water-resistance (it’s rated to 330 feet) and is self-winding. Pick one up for just $25,000!

DC Pro Spec 1.0 Driving Shoes. From the makers that perfected the skateboard shoe comes their first driving footwear, the Pro Spec 1.0 ($199). Worn by Subaru rally driver Ken Block (who co-founded DC), the Pro Specs feature Dynamic Grip Technology for better pedal feel and control, drop-in cushioning for enhanced shock absorption, and a fire-resistant Nomex lined interior.

Acura CL brake dust shields are not included in the list. I was thinking of wrapping one for my sweetheart since she said her car needs a new one. And the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona will be my Christmas gift for my self.

To cope up with the heated green cars production race, Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW) AG announced that they will also be mass producing their first hybrid car in four years. Recently, the highlights of the Los Angeles Motor show are the hybrids and the alternative fueled vehicles.

BMW had nothing else to prove when it comes to innovation. Aside from being the world’s top luxury automaker, the BMW badge had been attached to quality made vehicles. However, there is always room for improvement and BMW takes the hybrid technology as an opportunity to give their customers the best of the best. It’s another milestone BMW will make that other automakers will follow.

On the new BMW 7 series, the German automaker plans that under the BMW hood is an engine that can run both on hydrogen and petroleum. Trials are already made to some prototypes all over the world. BMW’s engineers and researches are given practical feedbacks giving them insight on what should be improved on the present system in the hybrids.

Among everything, BMW wants their hybrid to be genuinely eco-friendly combined with superb performance and style.

BMW’s hybrid would not be like the typical hybrids of other manufacturers. Aside from the electric motor the car will use, BMW plans that its internal combustion engine will be using a mixture of hydrogen and petroleum. More complicated, this idea requires more research and advancements because an internal combustion engine commonly needs fuel taking the liquid form.

For BMW, hydrogen is the automotive world’s future fuel. It may seem very futuristic though because the industry still needs a long time line to develop a vehicle that can run exclusively on hydrogen and BMW sees it as a possible achievement.

BMW said that they have chosen hydrogen as the power source of their new vehicle because it is the best answer to the biggest environmental related problem, harmful vehicle emissions. With hydrogen, water is the only by product compared to other fuels emitting carbon dioxide, a large contribution to pollution and global warming.

The female specie may constantly seek for stylish shoes and catwalk worth get-up, but when it comes to vehicle taste, women sets aside style and beauty and looks closely into function instead.

“The primary thing that women look for when they’re shopping for a car is the safety features,” says Courtney Caldwell, editor in chief and publisher of Road & Travel Magazine. “They do a lot of shopping on safety features for a vehicle because they have concerns for their own personal safety as well as that of their family and their child.”

Because conventionally women do the budgeting, the prospect car must be practical and must be within their budget range. “It’s not necessarily what they want if money were no object,” Caldwell says. And tastes vary widely. “There’s no one car that all women like,” she says.”It all boils down to lifestyle, age and income.”

Nowadays, women’s opinions and preferences are well paid attention. According to auto industry experts, 85 percent of vehicle sales are affected by women.

“The one big difference between men and women is that men are a little more power-performance conscious; women are more miles-per-gallon-economic conscious,” says Charlie Vogelheim, vice president of automotive development for J.D. Power and Associates.

Vogelheim added that women are more concerned on who will be riding the vehicle and the comfort it will bring while men are more into the vehicle’s utility and the cargo.

Age is another important factor when women chooses vehicles.

For women below 30 years old, Kelly Blue Book identified the most wanted economy vehicles which include:
• Nissan Versa (base price $12,550).
• Toyota Yaris (base price $11,150).
• Honda Fit (base price $13,850)
When women enter family life, their preferences also change. Minivans and SUVs are the preferred segment.
• Honda CRV (base price $20,600).
• Toyota RAV4 (base price $20,950).
• Mitsubishi Outlander (base price $21,370).
• Chevrolet Equinox (base price $22,865).
• Ford Escape (base price $18,580).
As their kids grow, their choice comes back to being stylish like:
• Lexus RX350 (base price $37,400-$38,800).
• Infiniti FX35 (base price 37,950).
• BMW Z4 (base price $ 36,127 – $42,000)

As seen above, women’s vehicle choices range from Japanese made hatchbacks and sedans to SUVs of Mitsubishi (makes Mitsubishi 3000gt performance parts), Honda and Toyota to luxury vehicles. It goes to show that women are really unpredictable. Change is really an ultimate truth for them.

Whether you are driving in a luxury vehicle like a Lexus or a BMW with all the luxury and comfort amenities, it just slightly eases the devastating traffic jams. If you are planning a road trip celebration for the turkey days, you can avoid the fuss of traffic if you know here you must go and where you must not. The National Motorists Association listed the “worst speed trap cities” in all 50 states of America.

Without further ado, here’s the complete list, state by state:
ALABAMA
Worst Speedtrap: Montgomery
Dishonorable Mention: Birmingham, Huntsville, Uniontown

ALASKA
Worst Speedtrap: Anchorage
Dishonorable Mention: Fairbanks, Juneau, Seward

ARIZONA
Worst Speedtrap: Tucson
Dishonorable Mention: Gilbert, Phoenix, Scottsdale

ARKANSAS
Worst Speedtrap: Little Rock
Dishonorable Mention: Augusta, Fayetteville, Parkin

CALIFORNIA
Worst Speedtrap: Fresno
Dishonorable Mention: Fullerton, Los Angeles, San Jose

COLORADO
Worst Speedtrap: Colorado Springs
Dishonorable Mention: Aurora, Denver, Fort Collins

CONNECTICUT
Worst Speedtrap: Enfield
Dishonorable Mention: Danbury, Groton, New Canaan

DELAWARE
Worst Speedtrap: Newark
Dishonorable Mention: Dover, Felton, Fenwick Island

FLORIDA
Worst Speedtrap: Waldo
Dishonorable Mention: Lawtey, Ocala, Orlando

GEORGIA
Worst Speedtrap: Pendergrass
Dishonorable Mention: Atlanta, Duluth, Marietta

HAWAII
Worst Speedtrap: Honolulu
Dishonorable Mention: Kailua, Kaimuki, Maui

IDAHO
Worst Speedtrap: Boise
Dishonorable Mention: Idaho Falls, Lewiston, Post Falls

ILLINOIS
Worst Speedtrap: Naperville
Dishonorable Mention: Carol Stream, New Lenox, Peoria

INDIANA
Worst Speedtrap: Indianapolis
Dishonorable Mention: Bloomington, Culver, Fort Wayne

IOWA
Worst Speedtrap: Des Moines
Dishonorable Mention: Ames, Cedar Rapids, Davenport

KANSAS
Worst Speedtrap: Shawnee
Dishonorable Mention: Leawood, Overland Park, Topeka

KENTUCKY
Worst Speedtrap: Louisville
Dishonorable Mention: Lexington, Middlesboro, Owensboro

LOUISIANA
Worst Speedtrap: Woodworth
Dishonorable Mention: Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, Metairie

MAINE
Worst Speedtrap: Kittery
Dishonorable Mention: Augusta, Falmouth, Portland

MARYLAND
Worst Speedtrap: Frederick
Dishonorable Mention: Columbia, Hagerstown, Waldorf

MASSACHUSETTS
Worst Speedtrap: Worcester
Dishonorable Mention: Lowell, Newton, Springfield

MICHIGAN
Worst Speedtrap: Livonia
Dishonorable Mention: Ann Arbor, Redford, Warren

MINNESOTA
Worst Speedtrap: Minneapolis
Dishonorable Mention: Bloomington, Elk River, Plymouth

MISSISSIPPI
Worst Speedtrap: Starkville
Dishonorable Mention: Jackson, McComb, Tupelo

MISSOURI
Worst Speedtrap: Foristell
Dishonorable Mention: Curryville , Independence, St. Charles

MONTANA
Worst Speedtrap: Missoula
Dishonorable Mention: Darby, Havre, Joliet

NEBRASKA
Worst Speedtrap: Omaha
Dishonorable Mention: Bellevue, Grand Island, Lincoln

NEVADA
Worst Speedtrap: Las Vegas
Dishonorable Mention: Henderson, Pahrump, Reno

NEW HAMPSHIRE
Worst Speedtrap: Manchester
Dishonorable Mention: Nashua, New London, Somersworth

NEW JERSEY
Worst Speedtrap: Paramus
Dishonorable Mention: Bridgewater, Monroe Township, North Brunswick

NEW MEXICO
Worst Speedtrap: Albuquerque
Dishonorable Mention: Cuba, Las Cruces, Rio Rancho

NEW YORK
Worst Speedtrap: Brooklyn
Dishonorable Mention: Batavia, Rochester, Staten Island

NORTH CAROLINA
Worst Speedtrap: Raleigh
Dishonorable Mention: Charlotte, Greensboro, Wilmington

NORTH DAKOTA
Worst Speedtrap: Grand Forks
Dishonorable Mention: Fargo, Thompson, Washburn

OHIO
Worst Speedtrap: Columbus
Dishonorable Mention: Akron, Canton, Lindale

OKLAHOMA
Worst Speedtrap: Caney
Dishonorable Mention: Moffet, Moore, Kiowa

OREGON
Worst Speedtrap: Portland
Dishonorable Mention: Beaverton, Eugene, Springfield

PENNSYLVANIA
Worst Speedtrap: Horsham
Dishonorable Mention: Feasterville, Harrisburg, Warrington

RHODE ISLAND
Worst Speedtrap: Providence
Dishonorable Mention: Johnston, Pawtucket, Warwick

SOUTH CAROLINA
Worst Speedtrap: Greenville
Dishonorable Mention: Columbia, Gaffney, Society Hill

SOUTH DAKOTA
Worst Speedtrap: Sioux Falls
Dishonorable Mention: Rapid City, Wagner, Yankton

TENNESSEE
Worst Speedtrap: Nashville
Dishonorable Mention: Memphis, Piperton, Smyrna

TEXAS
Worst Speedtrap: Houston
Dishonorable Mention: Arlington, Austin, Estelline

UTAH
Worst Speedtrap: Sandy
Dishonorable Mention: Roy, Salt Lake City, West Valley City

VERMONT
Worst Speedtrap: Wilmington
Dishonorable Mention: Barre Town, Island Pond, Norwich

VIRGINIA
Worst Speedtrap: Virginia Beach
Dishonorable Mention: Chesapeake, Emporia, Norfolk

WASHINGTON
Worst Speedtrap: Bellingham
Dishonorable Mention: Black Diamond, Ritzville, Seattle,

WEST VIRGINIA
Worst Speedtrap: Summersville
Dishonorable Mention: Charleston, Gauley Bridge, Hurricane

WISCONSIN
Worst Speedtrap: Rosendale
Dishonorable Mention: Appleton, Milwaukee, Waukesha

WYOMING
Worst Speedtrap: Thermopolis
Dishonorable Mention: Cheyenne, Jackson Hole, Rawlins

The NMA came up with this helpful list over the SpeedTrap Exchange, one of their websites which hosts a database reporting traffic traps by state and city. The basis of the list was the reported speed traps for two years in the websites and from a survey conducted by the organization.

If unfortunately, you are living in these spots or within the vicinity, maintain your car and replacement parts should be bought if necessary. Car bumping is common in these places so your car bra is highly at risk for damage and the parts it protects. If ever unfortunately yours get damaged, I have tried the Lebra car bra as replacement. It was easy to install and it fits really good.

Six scorching BMW vehicles debuted on the 9th Middle East Motor Show including the BMW Concept CS, BMW Concept X6 and the new M3 Coupe.

“At BMW Group we are heavily investing in the future of our company - all over the world, customer demands are ever increasing. They want cars that are cleaner and more economical, but also more powerful and dynamic. In the Middle East these demands are reflected and magnified,” said Phil Horton, Managing Director, BMW Group Middle East.

“The booming economic environment is driving a great swell of optimism which has pushed the premium car segment to grow even faster than the overall market. At BMW we are obviously already well placed to meet these customer aspirations. Today we are proud to introduce three new models to the region, which can only enhance our strong reputation for producing the best luxury sports saloons in the world.

“In line with the motto for all BMW M vehicles – engineered on the racetrack, built for the road – the tradition holds true for the fourth generation BMW M3 Coupé. This car boasts a V8 engine with 420hp and accelerates from 0-100km/h in just 4.8 seconds.

“The BMW Concept X6 shows what the very near future will bring - combining true BMW dynamics with dramatic styling and twin turbo power. This vehicle represents a completely new automotive concept: the first Sports Activity Coupe,” continued Horton.

The real celebrity of the auto show was BMW’s Concept CS whose production was approved only last month by BMW’s board.

“As the head of the BMW brand design team, we always strive to design and produce evolutionary concepts that reflect the aspirations of our customers,” said Van Hooydonk.

“The BMW Concept CS, BMW Concept X6 and new M3 Coupé are three unique cars that further strengthen the position of BMW in the premium car segment. The new CS in particular is a concept and design study which consciously looks into the future. It is the vision of a car which combines superior dynamism and stylish exclusivity in perfection - it comes as a brand-new vehicle concept in the luxury class.”

In addition, BMW Group Middle East also revealed the MINI Clubman and the new MINI Challenge.

“We are expanding the MINI family further with the introduction of the Clubman, which offers 21st Century state-of-art technologies in all its details and features. The MINI Challenge is also due for arrival in the Middle East in Q3 2008.” concluded Horton.

Along with BMW, Volkswagen Ford, Chrysler (makes Jeep Grand Cherokee parts), General Motors and other automakers also have their entries at the Middle East Auto Show.

The New Year is a few sleeps away, how about debuting the year with a new vehicle best for 2008? Road and Track magazine considered the top 20 best cars for 2008.

Audi R8: if you have the money for it, this is the best looking Audi ever

Audi RS4 Cabriolet: only 300 units of this topless version of RS4 are coming to America

Audi S5: high-performance version of the new A5 is set to use a 4.2 liter V8 engine for that extra oomph

Bently Continental GT Speed: sportier version of the Continental GT will only be produced this year

BMW 1-series: BMW’s least expensive model will give plenty of enthusiasts their first taste of BMW

BMW M3: one of the fastest coupes ever built by BMW with almost 414 hp. BMW M3 (with BMW flex disc) will propel you from 0 to 60 in just 4.2 secs.

Cadillac CTS: this make-or-break car improves everything from fit & finish, visuals and performance

Dodge Caliber SRT4: last seen as a Neon, SRT4 returns as a powerful wagon

Dodge Viper SRT10: not an entirely new car but still exciting addition to the already powerful Viper

Ford Shelby GT500KR: very limited edition “King of the Road” Shelby GT500 will have over 540 hp at your disposal

Honda Accord Coupe: latest coupe finally looks better than the sedan and it promises to be sportier as well

Honda S2000 CR: latest modest refresh brings better performance to the table

Infiniti G37: Infiniti’s new 3.7 liter engine gives it 330 hp and exterior/interior are thoroughly improved

Lexus IS-F: Lexus aims to take on Audi RS4, BMW M3 and MB C63 AMG with its new IS-F

Maserati GranTurismo: Maserati finally builds a 2-door sport coupe worth paying $110,000 for

Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG: even more powerful than the Audi RS4 and new BMW M3

Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG Black Series: only 350 units will come to America

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster: race inspired SLR drops its top

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X: latest Evo goes slightly mainstream with bigger size and even more performance for the purists

Nissan GT-R: here’s a car that promises a lot of performance in a fairly affordable package

Nissan Nismo 350Z: special edition 350Z doesn’t offer improved performance, only visuals

Pontiac G8: Pontiac’s new flagship sedan built by Australia’s Holden

Porsche 911 GT2: the most powerful Porsche ever with almost 530 hp

Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet: all the performance of the coupe without the top

Saturn Astra: Saturn is importing this car to replace its Ion

Subaru Impreza WRX STI: now available only as a wagon, it’ll still deliver better performance than previous model

Volkswagen R32: Golf V based R32 performs even better than the GTI

Volvo C30: Volvo’s entry into youth segment brings us a 2-door hatchback that’s all about customization

BMWs are classically designed for premium comfort, safety and its all-wheel drive system gives its owners the feeling of being well provided. Though BMW’s veteran drivers are far more satisfied with their vehicle performance, Bayerische Motoren Werke AG with its crafty engineers cannot stay on that level. It seems like for BMW, there is always a way up. Now, the engineers of the German automaker take the BMW experience to the next level with the BMW xDrive System.

“Basically, xDrive is an intelligent, all-wheel driving system that puts the driver in control of every road situation by manipulating the amount of drive power delivered to each wheel of the car as required”, explained Mr. Naim Majdalani, Director of Sales for Alfardan Automobiles - the exclusive importers of BMW in Qatar. “Most importantly, the changes in power delivery are extremely smooth, so the driver may not even be aware that the system is assisting him in the background.”

In an inch of a second, 100 percent of the drive power can be fully switched from one axel to the other. The xDrive system can lessen driving problems in icy, wet and loose gravel surfaces. Maximum traction and forward drive coupled with dynamic handling is given by the system as it shifts the drive power between the two axels automatically.

The benefits of the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system are added by the xDrive. Both work together to stabilize the vehicle if it is at the edge of under or oversteering that usually happens because the front or rear wheels lose grip with the road when the car makes a turn. The DSC adjusts engine output and applies precise braking to each individual wheel to bring the vehicle back under the driver’s control. DSC gathers the information it needs by monitoring wheel rotation, steering angle, yaw and accelerator pedal position. For the most part, the driver isn’t even aware of the system working behind the scene.

“xDrive does offer extra safety, superior control and enhanced driving pleasure,” said Mr. Majdalani.

The xDrive is already a standard option the BMW X3 and X5 (both with BMW floor mats).