The Production Process of the 2011 BMW 5-series

My apologies for lack of posting lately - work has been kicking my ass relentlessly.

Anyways, down to business. I'm a big fan of BMW's 2011 lineup, and even though I can't afford to purchase any BMW, I still find the production process to be a work of art. The level of automation the the auto-production industry never ceases to amaze me.

Enjoy the video and remember to check back because I'll be posting regularly all week!

The Playstation Phone?

No auto content to post today, but I came across this!

Sony’s latest innovation PlayStation Phone has finally surfaced, despite the spreading reports of it being fake.

A few months ago, there were rumors that Sony Ericsson was working on a hybrid mobile and gaming device with a 5-megapixel camera, 1 GHz Snapdragon processor, slide-out gaming pad and the Android Gingerbread OS. This week, Engadget has delivered strong evidence that a PlayStation phone is real.

 According to Engadget, the phone, named “Zeus,” will run the Android 3.0 operating system and will run games specifically designed for it. The prototype also sports the four iconic PlayStation buttons, start/select buttons, a D pad, shoulder buttons, and a touchpad with what appear to be two sensors.

I'll be keeping an eye on this. What are your guys' opinions?

Electric Cars - The Nissan Leaf

I love everything about a good old gasoline powered engine. The sound of the exhaust, the feeling of knowing that your`re moving forward as a result of combustion... It's a truly great feeling.

Combine the fear of global warming and the knowledge that our most precious natural resource, petrolium, is expendable, and we wind up with a new breed of automobile - the Electric car.

Nissan's answer to the electric car is the Leaf, which many of you have probably heard of. It's fully electric, and is on Nissan's 2011 line-up! My first thought was that this car is ugly as shit, and that electric cars are garbage. In the interest of not being an uninformed idiot making unreasonable assumptions, I decided to do some research on the Leaf.

First of all, statistics show that 90% of Americans drive less than 100 miles per day. The range for this car in the city is between 65 and 70 miles, but can be as high as 100 miles when using the regenerative braking feature to its full extent, and using the power consumption mode on the car's computer.

Now the question that's on everyones mind - how much does it cost to charge this thing?

The answer: about $3.84 for a full charge! Jesus Christ, right? I thought I was saving money by buying a 4-cylinder, but I guess not.

On top of all this, I wonder what it would be like to drive a virtually-silent car. What do you guys think about the Nissan Leaf? With a price-tag of about $25,000 USD, after a $7500 enviro-refund, would you consider buying one?

Underground Racing Twin Turbo Gallardo Crashes At 200+MPH

Okay everyone, allow me to apologize for posting Lamborghini content for two consecutive days!

However, this video is definitely worth watching - especially if you want to see a Gallardo getting completely wrecked! (The post title pretty much speaks for itself)

So here's the story:

The Texas Mile had scary moment last weekend when a twin-turbocharged Lamborghini Gallardo built by Underground Racing left the track at well over 100 mph. Driver Richard Holt was attempting to pilot the machine to a new standing mile world record, though once his parachute opened to slow the car, the Lamborghini veered off of the course, clipped a small wall and catapulted end over end. Miraculously, Holt walked away from the incident after being cut free from the wreckage by rescue workers. He was later observed at a local hospital before being released.

Reports peg the modified Gallardo as packing somewhere between 1,500 and 1,900 horsepower. Holt actually passed the mile marker at 235 mph and it's suggested that a crosswind is to blame for the sudden change of direction upon the chute's deployment. Accidents like this one underscore the value of conducting high-speed runs in authorized locations with plenty of rescue workers on hand. Hit the jump to watch a video of the entire run.

Lamborghini Sesto Elemento Concept

I've gotta say, I'm really digging this Lambo concept, despite some criticism its exterior design has received. Most of my posts revolve around affordable cars, and I try not to post about anything in the "supercars" category, but look at these pictures and tell me it's not worthy of attention!! I really hope this sees production.

Brief overview of specs:
- 2,202 lbs, very light (considering the Nissan GTR is 70% heavier)
- 570-horsepower V10 mounted behind the cockpit
- 3.86lbs per HP
- Impressive top speed of 300km/h (186mph)

All images are from Autoblog.com

The "Rollgolf"

For those of you who haven't seen this video before, the "Rollgolf" is a Volkswagen which has been nicknamed as such for it's unique ability. They should make this feature standard on next year's line-up!

(Sorry today's post is so short, but check back tomorrow because I'll have some new content!)

Police Chase.... GTA STYLE!!

Every now and then I come across a video that reminds me of a classic Grand Theft Auto chase, and this is one of them! Unfortunately, it's not an English news report so I don't know the details of the incident, but the video speaks for itself!

If you don't feel like watching the entire video, at least watch until the first minute mark. The chase pretty much ends after that point.

If anyone else knows of videos similar to thi, please leave me a link in the comments!

"Operation Payback" **not auto related**

As many people already know, there is yet another Internet feud going on. This time it's between Gene Simmons, the bassist for Kiss, and the Internet group known as "Anonymous". The feud began over statements that Simmons made regarding anti-piracy.

 He was quoted to say that record companies ought to "sue every fresh-faced, freckle-faced college kid who downloaded a clip". He has joined forces with anti-piracy groups in an attempt to bring down The Pirate Bay, a popular torrent sharing website.

Gene also made further comments on the members of Anonymous,

"Our legal team and the FBI have been on the case and we have found a few, shall we say 'adventurous' young people, who feel they are above the law. And, as stated in my MIPCOM speech, we will sue their pants off. First, they will be punished. Second, they might find their little butts in jail, right next to someone who's been there for years and is looking for a new girl friend."

His home address for those who wish to send him pizzas, hookers, or whatever: 2650 Benedict Canyon Drive, Los Angeles, CA

Members are requesting anyone who wishes to assist them with this operation to visit www.tieve.tk

The Toyota Previa. Not a looker, but a great sleeper!

Everyone has seen the Toyota Previa on the road, but because of its looks not many people know that it`s a 4-wheel drive minivan with impressive specs (for an old minivan, that is). An optional Supercharged engine and 5-speed manual gearbox were offered (though they stopped offering the 5-speed before the S/C model was introduced), and the Supercharged, or S/C model, replaced the naturally aspirated model entirely after 1995 in North America. Toyota stopped production for North America in 1997. However, some people in North America have managed to import the JDM Estima. (See vid)

People who are familiar with the JDM market probably won't find this very interesting, but I live in Canada and drifting minivans are not something I see everyday.

Honoring "Hall of Shame" Contestants today

As a person who has a laugh reflex which is activated when I hear a fart can on a Honda, I get a great deal of amusement from seeing the atrocious creations that people are driving these days. In the interest of sharing humor, have a look at what I've found today:

from bmwblog.com

I'm not sure why anyone would do this to a BMW. Lambo doors? Lime green? I mean, I applaud the effort, but this is the least attractive 6-series I have ever seen. Still don't think it's ugly? Have a look at the rear! Why shave the emblem on a BMW anyway? I'd be proud to show it!

from bmwblog.com

Even though the below Acura  is "conservatively modded" when compared to other cars I've seen, I still can't wrap my head around the concept of the huge spoiler. Is this really tasteful in the import community?

I saved my favorite picture for last. Remember now, each of those dual-tier spoilers adds 50 HP!!
And if I recall correctly, the flames increase the top speed!

Which color to paint my Volkswagen?

I'll have to let Photoshop decide for me.

Plain Jane... her paint's a bit faded, but when I repaint it, it's not going to be black. Too high maintenance.

Full limo tint and some random ass design on the hood

Just screwin' around with this one.

Still screwin' around, my car is just working on her tan.

Alright, alright, I'll stop messing around after this one.

When you buy a $250 Corolla, fun will ensue

Last year when I got my tax return, I decided to buy myself a toy! I purchased a 1989 Toyota Corolla GT-S Coupe. I talked the seller down to $250, even though there was not much wrong it.

Anyways, I beat the living shit out of it in about a week. I think the pictures speak for themselves. By the way, it still ran fine after all the abuse I put it though! Reminds me of the Top Gear SR-5 (IIRC).

 

Lots of glass...

I think the bumper has been bumped for its last time!

I'd LOL if I saw this ugly POS driving around

Looks comfy!