Auto Trends Magazine

Car reviews, industry news, & advice.

Archives for November 2010

How to Drive in Winter

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Let’s face it: at some point over the winter, you will encounter treacherous road conditions if you live or are passing through an area prone to icing. Black ice, blizzard conditions, howling winds, and careless drivers can make your trip a challenge, even life-threatening.

skid row
Careful winter driving can help you avoid dangerous skidding.

Staying off the road is the best advice, by letting the storm run its course and giving road crews a chance to clear everything away. However, sometimes you have to head out or finish your road journey lest you become stranded. Before setting out or continuing down the road, keep the following in mind to avoid becoming a road casualty:

Prep your car – Any car with maintenance issues should not be driven – you will only raise the specter of breaking down on the road. Your car should be tuned up, the oil changed, new wipers in place, fluids flushed and/or replenished, leaks handled and the car battery in optimal condition. Fill up your gas tank too. All-season radials are not sufficient for heavy snows – put on a pair of snow tires.

See Also — 5 Tools To Help Safer Driving In Winter Weather

Bring supplies – Carry sandbags in your car for traction as well as for helping you to dig out should you become stuck. Bring along a shovel, brush, deicer, jumper cables, flash light, extra batteries, road flares, coolant, tools, rags, paper towels, duct tape, and tire inflator. You can visit Edmunds for tips on how to assemble a do-it-yourself emergency road kit.[1]

Recharge your phone – Bring along a cell phone and make sure it is fully charged before heading out. Carry a recharger with you and remember that your phone may not be able to connect in remote areas. However, with GPS capability, your active cell phone may help searchers find you.[2]

Check lights – Walk around your car to make sure that headlamps, tail lights, fog lights, turn signals, and brake lights are working. Replace burned-out bulbs.

Head out – Roads may appear clear, but black ice may be present. No vehicle, including 44 SUVs and cars with traction control and brake assist can stop a car from sliding. Start your trip off slowly and do not assume that road conditions will be the same from highway to highway. Stay in the right lane, turn the steering wheel slowly and gradually brake as needed. Sudden acceleration or braking can cause your car to spin out of control. Always turn your front wheels into a skid.[3]

Consider sharing your planned route with someone who will not be taking this trip with you. That way, if you do not arrive at your destination, emergency personnel can be sent out. If you belong to an auto club, have their toll free number handy in case you get stuck.

Bring along a blanket, food, and water. Pull off the road from time to time to clear off accumulating snow and ice. If coming to the aid of another stranded motorist, call 911 for assistance as needed.

Once you arrive at your destination, you will want to make sure that your car has made it through its adventure unharmed. Tires may need additional air and under the hood fluids replenished. Repeat the steps outlined earlier before returning or continuing with your trip.

References

[1] Edmunds: How To Create Your Own Roadside Emergency Kit

[2] LovetoKnow: How to Trace a Cell Phone Location

[3] Department of Energy – Ask a Scientist: Skidding Direction

See Also — 7 Winter Storage Tips for Classic Cars

“Skid Row” by Tiberiu Ana is licensed under CC BY 2.0

 

Book Review — Legendary Corvettes

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Chevrolet’s Corvette has been around since 1953, one of the most enduring model names of all time. Only in 1983 did the world miss out on a brand new Corvette, as General Motors worked through quality problems and production delays to bring out its fourth generation model in 1984. Six generations later the Corvette remains the dominate American sports car challenged only by the low production Dodge Viper and Ford Cobra in this arena.

The Corvette’s birth was almost accidental as the Chevrolet brand was still recovering from a major world war and was in the middle of the regional Korean conflict, resulting in a shortage of raw materials and a recession. It may seem difficult to believe that Chevrolet was ever struggling, given that today it sells 70 percent of GM’s vehicles in America. But, it was Chrysler who forced GM to respond with a unique model, following the introduction of its own sportscar prototype. The Chrysler models never went into full production, but the resultant Corvette did and the rest is history.

Legendary Corvettes

That history is clearly outlined in a splashy book written by Randy Leffingwell, “Legendary Corvettes: ‘Vettes Made Famous on Track and Screen,” (Motorbooks, 2010 | $35.00). This beautiful, multicolored 176- page book traces the fiberglass-bodied Corvette’s history from its first model year through 2009. Subsequent 2010 and 2011 models are virtually identical to the 2009 Corvette, with the next big change not expected before 2012.

Leffingwell takes the reader into the deep recesses of Corvette history, exploring areas that even the most avid Corvette fan may not know about.

We learn how GM bean counters almost killed the Corvette off several times over its history or sought to remake the sportscar into something different. For example, when the Corvair emerged on the scene in 1959, engineers explored the possibility of remaking the Corvette as a mid- or rear-engine vehicle. That effort eventually died, preserving the famed two-seater as we know it.

Sting Ray Z06

Moving forward to the 1963 model year, the iconic Corvette Sting Ray Z06 was introduced, featuring a distinctive split rear window treatment. Inspirations for this model was the in-house “Q” concept and the Jaguar E-type. Notable changes included concealed headlamps, independent rear suspension, four-wheel disc brakes (introduced in 1965), side pipes and electric ignition.

The Corvette has appeared in numerous movies, often used where the theme was either intrigue, love or a combination of the two. On TV, the Corvette is appears frequently and has been featured in “The Mentalist,” “Ultimate Factories,” and has even made appearances on “The Simpsons.”

In 1978, the Corvette name rocketed to the top of the Hollywood charts when “Corvette Summer” was released. That movie, starring Mark Hamill who had finished playing Luke Skywalker in the original Star Wars movie the year before, spoke to a generation of disaffected youth – the type of young man who was interested in car shop, girls and little else.

Driving a one-of-a-kind right hand drive Corvette to put Hamill’s character closer to the girls on Van Nuys Boulevard, one of whom was a “prostitute in training” played by Annie Potts. Boy’s car is stolen. Boy meets girl. Boy has it out with thieves driving a Pontiac Firebird, saving his girl from prostitution and rescuing his Corvette. Oddly, “Legendary Corvettes” identifies 1973 as the year of this movie’s release.

Kentucky Built

Today’s Corvette is built in Bowling Green, Kentucky, but it wasn’t always that way. Flint, Michigan, built the very first Corvettes with production soon shifted to the company’s St. Louis Assembly plant. That plant, built in 1919, would have been the ideal location for building additional GM models, but it was landlocked and neighbors would not sell their property. By 1980, St. Louis’ fate was sealed and by June 1981, Bowling Green, Kentucky, began to build its first Corvettes. Two months later the last Corvette was assembled in St. Louis, allowing the more modern Kentucky assembly plant to take over.

The most desirable Corvette of all time for aficionados could be any of the earliest convertible models or perhaps the first Sting Ray or various C3, C4 or C5 models. But, when it comes to speed, nothing matches the aluminum block “Blue Devil” introduced to take the pole position back from the Viper. That first production model ZR1 was snapped up by Montana car collector David Ressler who paid 1 million dollars for his special ride.

The base Corvette, a coupe, retails for $48,950, but the top of the line 2011 ZR1 is priced at $111,100, and is rated at 638 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 604 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,800 rpm. This model goes from 0 to 60 in 3.4 seconds and paces the quarter-mile in 11.9 seconds. At Nürburgring, the ZR1 lapped at 7:26.4, for one of the best results for a production two riding on stock-street tires.

As for “Legendary Corvettes,” you’ll be left wanting more — perhaps the keys to your own ZR — in Jetstream Blue Metallic Tincoat, of course!

Legendary Corvettes

  • 176 Colorful Pages
  • Dave Wendt, Photographer
  • 18 Legendary Corvettes
  • Corvette History
  • Removable Jacket Poster
  • Kindle Edition Available

See Also — Book Review — How to Design Cars Like a Pro

Is Matte Where It’s At?

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While I only attended two major auto shows this year (the NY Auto Show and SEMA), I’ve noticed a growing trend towards “flat” or matte paint finishes…or vinyl wraps that are meant to look like a matte paint finish. While some might argue this “trend” isn’t really a trend – matte finishes have been popular in the sport compact scene for years – the fact that this type of finish is so easy to impersonate with a vinyl wrap has made it a favorite of vehicle accessorizers.

Glossy Paint Is The World Favorite

According to Jane E. Harrington, PPG manager, color styling, automotive coatings, the color silver has long been a popular color for concept vehicles. Harrington states that this is because silver is the best color for showing off a vehicle’s natural contours, a statement that is also true of most matte finish colors. With a matte or low-gloss finish, the amount of light reflected from a paint job usually isn’t enough to distort the appearance of body panels.

With today’s highly contoured body panels, a less reflective paint job is the best way to show off a vehicle’s shapes and curves…which explains why silver is a popular choice for concepts. Still, even the most “tame” silver paint job found on a new vehicle is still glossy. On most vehicles – except, perhaps, for the Lexus LFA seen below – it would seem that consumers prefer a glossy paint finish. I’m not sure why that’s the preference of the average consumer, but from the finest Benz or Porsche to a work-truck version of the Toyota Tundra, glossy paint is the popular choice.

According to DuPont’s website, nearly 100% of all vehicles manufactured worldwide have a glossy, clearcoat finish. Of course, the argument could be made that glossy paint finishes have only been popular because they’ve been the only option. Very few vehicles made in the last 40 years had a matte paint finish when they left the factory. Ford has offered some matte finish hood stripes on quite a few Mustangs over the last 20 years, but a fairly small strip of vinyl isn’t nearly the same as an entire vehicle. What’s more, Ford offered glossy painted stripes right alongside the matte finish vinyl.

Today it seems that the glossy trend might be reversing. With the advent and popularity of vehicle “wraps,” or printed adhesive-backed vinyl sheet designed to cover an entire vehicle, matte finishes seem to be taking auto shows by storm. Vinyl vehicle wraps have quite a few advantages over custom paint jobs including:

  • They’re cheaper. A vinyl vehicle wrap can cost as little as $2,000, whereas a full custom paint job can cost many times more.
  • Details and complexity are no problems. Even the most gifted vehicle painter may have trouble painting a vehicle with a complicated pattern, whereas the vinyl used to wrap a vehicle is printed by a larger computerized ink-jet printer.
  • They’re temporary. Whether you want to wrap your vehicle in matte-finish blue or you want to turn your vehicle into a rolling billboard, vinyl wraps can be removed when it’s time to sell your vehicle.

Vinyl has a few downsides as well. Unlike custom paint, most vinyl wraps will show bubbles and/or seams on close inspection. Also, depending on your vehicle, your environment, and your typical use, you may find that a vinyl wrap will start to deteriorate after as little as one year. Custom paint jobs, while more expensive, don’t have any of these problems.

Matte Finish Production Car in Our Future?

Based on all of the matte finish vehicles I’ve seen in the last year at car shows and the Lexus LFA (which is arguably not a production vehicle), it seems likely that at least one auto manufacturer will experiment with offering a matte finish on a brand new vehicle in the near future.

Maybe Scion, famous for making one-off special editions of the xB, will venture to produce a new car with a matte finish. If consumers respond positively, matte finish paint jobs could become symbolic of sophisticated and sporty modern styling. Or, perhaps like the tuner craze with carbon fiber body panels, matte paint finish will remain buried in the automotive sub-culture. What do you think – would consumers embrace a vehicle with a matte paint finish?

References

PPG Industries: Silver reaches new height of popularity on vehicles, according to PPG data

Author Information

Jason Lancaster is the editor for ExhaustVideos.com, a website devoted to exhaust sound clip videos and exhaust system information.

Book Review — McQueen’s Machines

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Younger readers probably won’t remember Steve McQueen, the Hollywood actor who died in 1980 from mesothelioma. Avid car enthusiasts know who McQueen is, at least they recognize him as the Lt. Frank Bullitt in the 1968 classic car chase movie, Bullitt.

Steve McQueenThat movie featured what is perhaps the best car chase filmed of all time – pitting a Ford Mustang against a Dodge Charger. Most scenes shot of Lt. Bullitt behind the wheel were of McQueen himself, who was filmed traveling at times at speeds in excess of 110 mph on the streets of San Francisco. Today’s actors would require a stunt double, but not McQueen. Then again, no city would issue the proper permits for such daring driving.

Motorhead McQueen

Much has been written about Steve McQueen since his death, but no article or book has taken readers to the machines he owned himself – cars and motorcycles he drove and owned personally. That changed in 2007 when author Matt Stone’s book, “McQueen’s Machines – The Cars and Bikes of a Hollywood Icon,” was released in hardcover. For 2010 a soft cover edition has been released (Motorbooks | $19.99), a copy which I managed to obtain and review.

Chad McQueen, Steve’s son from his first of three marriages, provided the forward. That’s important because the McQueen family felt one aspect of the actor’s life had remained untold. Stone’s book fills in the gap, offering a personal perspective of the Hollywood superstar to successfully complete the story.

Stone takes the reader back to the early years of McQueen’s acting life when a series of young Hollywood stars arose following World War II. Those actors, including Jimmy Dean, sported the machismo rarely seen today – guys who looked buff and weren’t afraid to play the part too. Car, bikes, pretty girls and outlaws go together and were part of the narration. Even if you forgot the gal or can’t recall the felon, you most certainly recognized the wheels. Whoever said that motorheads are one dimensional?

Digging Deeper

The meat of “McQueens Machines” is found in the first four of five lengthy and picture filled chapters where we get a look into McQueen’s garage, what he drove on screen, his track appearances, followed by his bike adventures. Chapter 5, however, offers a touching look at his legacy, rounding out the persona of Mr. McQueen.

So, what kind of cars did McQueen own, drive and race? If I told you that he owned a 1967 Mini Cooper S, you might be surprised. How does that kind of car fit into character? Quite frankly, it doesn’t or at least in the person of the McQueen you think you knew. The actor loved his fast cars, but he also appreciated the quirky, common cars we drive ourselves.

Fast Paced

Driven/Owned By McQueen

  • 1953 Siata 208S
  • 1958 Porsche Speedster 1600 Super
  • 1957 Jaguar XK-SS
  • 1963 Ferrari 250 Lusso
  • 1967 Mini Cooper S
  • 1969 Porsche 911S
  • 1949 Cadillac Series 62
  • 1968 Ford Mustang GT 390
  • 1971 Husqvarna 400CR
  • 1946 Indian Chief

One of the earliest fast cars associated with McQueen was a 1958 Porsche Speedster 1600 Super roadster, the first new car purchased by McQueen new. At age 28, McQueen was a Hollywood legend in the making, affording whatever car he wanted. The Speedster is important as it was made to attract people to the Porsche brand and it was incredible on the race track. Indeed, the actor customized this roadster himself, removing the bumpers, putting in a racing road screen and adding a roll bar. He then took the car to several Southern California SCCA meets where he showcased both his ride and personal driving skills. Notably, McQueen later sold and then repurchased that car which is now owned by his son, Chad.

Ferrari is as exotic a brand as they come and McQueen was gifted a Ferrari GT Berlinetta Lusso, a Pininfarina designed sportscars featuring a detuned V-12 engine. That car was given to McQueen by his wife, Neile, for his 34th birthday, rated at 250 horsepower and having a top speed of 150 mph. Certainly, McQueen tested those speed limitations and was fond of taking circuitous rides from L.A. To San Francisco, winding through Big Sur, Lake Tahoe, Death Valley and home to L.A. That car, however, burned oil and was rebuilt in 1967 before McQueen decided to move on to a Mini and NART Spyder.

McQueen’s penchant for fast cars is well known, but he also drove sedate Detroit iron including a Hudson Wasp, ’57 Chevy Bel Air convertible and various Chevy, GMC and Ford trucks. On the screen those cars included Porsche and Ferrari race cars in Le Mans and a 1951 Chevrolet convertible used in The Hunter, filmed just three months before his death. McQueen was fond of bikes too, enjoying various Triumph, Husqvarna, BSA and Honda models on film and in his personal journeys.

Killer Cancer

Sadly, it was a disease now loved by lawyers seeking to launch class action suits – mesothelioma – that did McQueen in. A rarity to this day, mesothelioma is a vicious and incurable disease, one that is attributed to asbestos exposure. Before his death the actor noted his exposure to asbestos while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps., receiving a commendation for having saved five Marines in a training accident.

See Also — Reviewed — Curves Scotland: Number 8