Fast Cars

Tell me, does this look like a “juiced-up street racer” or anything that is “dangerously” fast?

The original FJ40 Toyota Land Cruiser had character, simplicity and genuine utility. Since then there has been a proliferation of SUV brands from a wide variety of manufactures, but none have matched the ethic of the original FJ40. For many purists, Sports Utility Vehicles have all but lost their utility. That’s why the Icon was created.

Since Ford is also considering relocating Jaguar production to another location (i.e. one without a minimum wage), now is the time to visit England’s Jaguar plants, Castle Bromwich in Birmingham is rumored to be closed for tours until after the new XF sports sedan is released in 2008, however Halewood on Merseyside are still open for touring. You won’t get a new Jag to take home, but someone we know got samples of the fabrics used in a Jaguar’s interior — in case you wanted to stage a backyard version of “Pimp My Ride.”

This is not the first time this has happened either. Last year a North Middleton Twp. man was charged in a street racing case that involved a wiretapping charge. Police claimed the man ordered associates to tape police breaking up an illegal race after officers told him to turn off their cameras.

After the BMW show I headed back up to San Marcos, since I had the day off, to check out the monthly show at Dalton’s Roadhouse Grill. When I arrived the parking lot was already full, summer has officially started and I can not wait because this show gets better every month as summer progresses. A huge collection of hot rods, muscle cars, woodies, led sleds, and sports cars.

The 4th round of the French 1/10th 200mm Nationals was held on the weekend on the very nice Longvic racing facility run by the Mini Racing Car Longvicien club. Qualifying for the Elite class saw the pole position taken by Mugen racer Renaud Monin with, round 3 winner, B-A Arnaldi close behind in 2nd and Xray racer Basile Concialdi in 3rd.

Hard to believe that all he suffered was a sprained ankle. It looks as though the tub was punctured in the front leaving his feet exposed to the barriers (among other things). This is a true testament to how safe these cars really are and the advancements that are being made in safety due to composite construction and race car development.

With this new car - which, I should clarify, will really, mostly be J’s car once we move to New Haven (I traded in my Civic and will buy something else once we’re up there and need two cars again) - it’s different. I’m excited that it’s a hybrid, of course - that we’ll be filling up less at the gas station for both personal, and global reasons. I think this is the way car technology is going, and I’m glad we’re part of the new wave.

Although BMW styling efforts continue to be controversial, they must be doing something right because direct competitors shamelessly model their sports sedans after the 330i. Truly imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.