Nissan Juke: The next cult car?

25 10 2011

I’m really liking the Nissan Juke. It’s a fun little car with polarizing looks. Because its looks isn’t for everyone, it may not sell well and be a bust. But because it’s gotten good reviews for its excellent driving dynamics, it may turn out to be a hidden gem. The Corrado is in many ways a hidden gem. It was a good car in its day and got glowing reviews. But in the end, it was a bust when new but eventually gained a following post-production. Will the Nissan Juke follow the same path and become a cult car like the Corrado?

So far, it seems like Nissan Jukes have been selling like hotcakes. This is probably why they decided to go ahead with a project to build the ultimate Juke, the Juke-R. It’s a bit over the top but it’s a good indicator that Nissan has faith in the Juke. The first pic of the concept was revealed today and it looks great!

Check it out on www.0-60mag.com:





WTD: 2012 Chrysler 300C SRT-8

21 10 2011

I’m in love with a gangsta ride, the 2012 Chrysler 300C SRT-8:



I love the new interior, especially knowing that they used real carbon fiber for the trim. The interior was the achilles heel of the previous gen (among other things of course). The heating/cooling cupholders sounds cool too. I would love to get one of these. It would be a perfect replacement for my black on black 1998 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG. Too bad I don’t have $50k lying around because it’s definitely Worth The Dough!





About Me: I Finally Discovered Instagram and Tumblr

6 10 2011

I’m late as usual, but better late than never!

I finally discovered Instagram for my iPhone 4 and how it makes it sooo easy to post good looking blog pics. I love it!

Instagram also helped me to discover Tumblr, a super easy way to post multimedia like pictures, videos and audio. Follow me on Tumblr!





About Me: How I Met the Corrado

9 09 2011

Here’s some iPhone 4 pics of the 1993 Road & Track Sports & GT Cars special issue with the article that helped me discover the Corrado and made me want one bad! I think I compared its stats with the other cars in the issue and for the cost/performance it made it to the top of my list of cars I wanted to get when I finally got my license (I was 13 at the time and knew I didn’t have any money lol). Pretty interesting looking back at what sports and GT cars were around at the time. Enjoy!

And for most of the articles on both the G60 and VR6 versions of the Corrado check out this VWVortex post that the former webmaster of the now defunct Corrado Club of America posted.

And finally watch this UK Top Gear video of the last Corrado that Volkswagen ever made, the 97,521st Corrado which was a Green Corrado Storm. This clip was a great farewell for the Corrado.

R&T Sports & GT Cars 1993 Cover
R&T Sports & GT Cars 1993 TOC
R&T Sports & GT Cars 1993 Corrado 1
R&T Sports & GT Cars 1993 Corrado 2
R&T Sports & GT Cars 1993 Corrado 3





Apple iOS 5 Newsstand

6 06 2011

Yes! Finally, easy access and purchasing of magazine issues and subscriptions on the iPad with Apple’s Newsstand. I’m not a fan of Zinio’s magazine store b/c they’re usually straight up conversions of the printed publication. Dedicated magazine apps work the best and I think the Newsstand will consolidate all of these specialized magazine apps into one place. It was hard searching the store to find out which magazines had their own apps. Problem solved!





The Search For: Great Roadtrips

26 05 2011

Probably one of the best blog posts I’ve ever read b/c he described perfectly what is probably my favorite thing to do: The Roadtrip. I just came back from a boat cruise to Bermuda for my buddy’s wedding. Totally not the same as a car cruise! Too bad I can’t take a roadtrip to Bermuda!

Speedhunters – The Call of the Road Trip by Linhbergh

Photo Courtesy of Linhbergh from Speedhunters





VW Corrado Successors: 2010 Audi Quattro Concept

19 02 2011

If you haven’t noticed already, my favorite car is the VW Corrado. It ended its production in 1995 so it’s been over 15 years since the last Corrado rolled off the assembly line. There was never a new Corrado made by VW and no real spiritual successor. Corrado owners are always wondering if there will be another Corrado. Some argue there will never be, while others remain hopeful. I for one don’t think there will ever be another Corrado. And I’m happy about that. However, there will always be cars that have a similar hatchback coupe profile that remind people of the Corrado.

This list includes the Mercedes C-Coupe, BMW 318ti and the Cadillac CTS-V Coupe that I wrote about in an earlier post. Also on this list are the hatchback coupes with a movable spoiler like the Corrado. For example the Chrysler Crossfire and the VW gruppe’s own Audi TT. But the latest on this list is the Audi Quattro Concept introduced in late 2010. Although it is really inspired by the original Audi ur quattro, many see the concept’s design as a modern Corrado. I agree. However, if it’s produced, Audi says that it’s cost would be 6 figures. I hope that they make a VW version with a more affordable price tag! Check out autoblog’s impressions of the Audi Quattro Concept by clicking on its picture below:


Look at the similarities! (Thanks to Rento_VW for the side profile pic)





Volkswagen Corrado Production Numbers and Database

11 01 2010

The Volkswagen Corrado has gained a cult following mainly because it is a great car that was limited in production in North America and the world. According to the Corrado Club Of America website (which is now defunct), in North America approximately 18,648 Corrado’s were sold between 1989 and 1995. Meanwhile, the US only sold the Corrado between 1990 and 1994 so there are even less in the States. The website also shows that my 1993 Corrado was 1 of only 2,111 sold in North America that year. Finally, worldwide production is said to have been a total of 97,521 from 1988 to 1995. In comparison, one of its chief competitors, the Acura Integra, sold approximately 262,285 units from 1990 to 1993. That’s more than double the number of Corrado’s produced in half the number of years!

Corrado-Database.nl
The Corrado Database website was created a couple years ago and proves the Corrado’s cult like following. Separated by country, it is a great way to get an idea of how many Corrado enthusiasts are out there and where they are from. It is also a great way to see their Corrado’s and how well they have kept them. Most of them modify them but at the same time treat them like collector cars. Finally, it is one of the many great ways Corrado owners can connect. So far it shows 3,577 active members, including 442 US members. Not a huge number, but pretty cool nonetheless. I finally joined over the weekend as screenname RadoRage. Check it out.





My Driveway in 2012

7 01 2010

In 2012, these cars will be in my driveway 😛

2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe and 1993 Volkswagen Corrado VR6
CTS-V Coupe vs Corrado 1

CTS-V Coupe vs Corrado 2





Worth The Wait: 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe

5 01 2010

My most anticipated new car coming out this year, the 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe. It’s the Cadillac Corrado! The only feature missing to its design are proper fender flares. But its performance more than makes up for it!
(Source: Autoblog)

2011 CTS-V Coupe

2011 CTS-V Coupe

Click here for GM’s CTS Coupe Website. And the following is GM’s Official Press Release:

Art And Science: Cadillac Premieres 2011 CTS-V Coupe

– New CTS Coupe design combines with V-Series performance
– 556-hp (415-kW) supercharged 6.2L V-8
– Six-speed manual or six-speed automatic with paddle shift control
– Magnetic Ride Control and Brembo brakes
– New Saffron interior trim accent color
– On sale in early summer

DETROIT – Cadillac today announced the 2011 CTS-V Coupe, which debuts at the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. It combines the new CTS Coupe’s dramatic design with the 556-horsepower (415-kW) supercharged V-8 engine from the CTS-V sedan. The result is a luxury sports coupe aimed at driving enthusiasts.

“The CTS-V Coupe marries our most potent and sophisticated technology with our most dramatic production design,” said Bryan Nesbitt, Cadillac general manager. “This combination of visual and technical attributes is designed to create a very compelling choice for luxury sports car consumers.”

The CTS-V Coupe begins production this summer. Its suite of technical and performance elements includes Magnetic Ride Control, racing-bred Brembo brakes and an available automatic transmission with paddle-shift control.

The V-Series Coupe includes a unique grille that doubles the car’s air intake volume, an important enabler for its high-performance capabilities. It is also visually identified by a raised center section of the hood that provides clearance for the supercharger, as well as specific front and rear fascias. Like the CTS Coupe, its exhaust is centered inside the rear fascia, but with unique twin outlets. The car rolls on 19-inch cast aluminum wheels, available in either painted or polished finishes, and Michelin Pilot Sport 2 performance tires.

The CTS-V Coupe’s rear track is nearly an inch wider than the CTS-V Sport Sedan, adding to the car’s aggressive stance and enabling an extra measure of handling capability. The current CTS-V Sport Sedan has quickly established itself among the world’s highest performing luxury sedans, becoming the first production four-door on street tires to break the legendary 8-minute barrier at Germany’s famed Nürburgring. The new V-Series Coupe’s sleeker shape and slightly lower mass ensure a similarly high level of performance.

Inside, the 2+2 cabin combines performance and luxury. A new Saffron interior trim color is offered, with contrasting microfiber seat inserts and stitching on the upper trim areas.

Form follows function

The CTS-V Coupe’s design is a clear visual statement of the technical precision and performance intent of the car.

The Coupe has the same wheelbase as the CTS-V Sport Sedan, but its overall height is about two inches (51 mm) lower and its overall length is two inches (51 mm) shorter. The two models share only the instrument panel, console, headlamps, front fenders and grille.

Key design features include:

* Classic hardtop styling, with no conventional B-pillar
* Touch-pad operation for the doors removes the need for conventional door handles
* Faster windshield angle (62.3 degrees) and a nearly horizontal backglass enable an aerodynamic profile
* Signature vertical lighting, highlighted with LED light pipes
* Signature center high-mounted stop lamp functions as a rear spoiler
* Aerodynamic roof-mounted antenna for OnStar and XM Satellite Radio

Supercharged powertrain

The CTS-V Coupe employs the LSA 6.2L supercharged V-8 engine also found on the CTS-V Sport Sedan. Rated at 556 horsepower (415 kW) and 551 lb.-ft. of torque (747 Nm), it is the most powerful engine offered in Cadillac’s history and propels the CTS-V Coupe from 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds.

The LSA engine features an intercooled Eaton supercharger system, premium aluminum-alloy cylinder heads and numerous details designed to ensure it makes its power as quietly and smoothly as possible. The supercharger, for example, has a unique, four-lobe rotor design that enhances quietness while also optimizing the performance parameters of the engine.

A pair of six-speed transmissions is offered in the CTS-V Coupe: a Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual with a dual-disc clutch and a Hydra-Matic 6L90 six-speed automatic with paddle-shift control. Performance Algorithm Shifting is part of the 6L90’s programming and provides a performance-oriented shift pattern during sustained high-performance driving. As with many Cadillac models, the driver needs only to slide the shifter into the manual “gate” to put the transmission into that more aggressive mode.

The paddle shift control requires no shift lever movement. Steering wheel thumb controls allow immediate and quick tap up/tap down gear selection.

Magnetic Ride Control

The V-Series reaches elite levels of road-holding performance, but also maintains the poise of a luxury car in “regular” driving conditions. The technical enabler of that dual-mode driving character is Cadillac’s landmark Magnetic Ride Control. It is standard on the CTS-V Coupe and is the world’s fastest-reacting suspension technology. It uses shocks controlled by advanced magneto-rheological technology, rather than mechanical valves, to greatly accelerate response time and precision.

Electronic sensors at all four wheels literally “read the road” every millisecond, making constant adjustments to damping to create virtually instantaneous and extremely precise control of body motions. This is of particular benefit for a high-performance car because it helps keep the car very composed during hard cornering, acceleration, braking and other dynamic maneuvers.

The Magnetic Ride shocks also enable a broader range of damping control to optimize the ride and handling for all driving conditions. In the CTS-V Coupe, an extra measure of control is offered, with two selectable modes (Tour and Sport), enabling the driver to tailor the suspension for grand touring or more spirited performance driving.

Braking and tire systems

CTS-V includes sophisticated braking and tire systems, in partnership with two companies renowned for high-performance technology: Brembo and Michelin. Brembo brakes are at all four corners and include powerful, six-piston calipers in the front and four-piston calipers in the rear.

Slotted and vented rotors enable strong initial braking force while optimizing heat resistance and eliminating fade. The brake rotors from Brembo employ a “dual-cast” technology that combines cast iron and aluminum, resulting in excellent performance and weight reduction. CTS-V also includes an electric parking brake, enabling more legroom for the driver, key for high-performance driving.

Michelin partnered with Cadillac engineers to develop its acclaimed Pilot Sport PS2 summer tire for CTS-V and its exclusive 19-inch alloy wheels. The tires support high levels of grip in track conditions, while also affording good performance on the road.

Interior amenities

Recaro performance driving seats are optional in the CTS-V Coupe and provide excellent support for spirited driving. These 14-way adjustable performance seats include pneumatic bolster controls in the seat cushions and backrests.

The CTS-V Coupe also includes an exclusive new Saffron color option for the interior, providing a contrasting color accent carried on the seat inserts, as well as the stitching, which highlights the craftsmanship of the instrument panel, center console, door trim and seats.

The steering wheel, seat inserts and shifter are covered in microfiber, providing the luxurious character of suede without suede’s inherent drawbacks of difficult care and moisture sensitivity. These accents are standard, elegant to the touch and help support high-performance driving.

The car’s integrated center stack is trimmed in Obsidian black material that is also applied to the center console and door trim. Just like every CTS, the V-Series includes a hand-stitched instrument panel, door trim and center console. Leading-edge infotainment features extend to the V-Series. They include a 40-gigabyte hard drive, advanced navigation system with a deployable screen and Bose digital surround audio, as well as factory-installed Bluetooth phone integration, all standard features on the V-Series.

(Source: Cadillac)