Get Ready by FIAT

Pretty good way for Fiat to build USA awareness in the style conscious, urban, forward thinking, and cost savvy consumer segment. I'm of the opinion that Italian design at this price point will have the same type of appeal that the MINI Cooper fostered back in 2002 but in a market now already well aware of the "premium" sub-compact class. We'll see.

Audi TT RS: Quite possibly Audi's sharpest weapon

Yes, the R8 is faster and a bit more head turning. Still, for the cost savings the TT RS, while not inexpensive is still quite a good looker and a stunning performer to boot. The DSG 3.9 second 0-62 time is astounding!

Nissan's 2011 GT-R Black Nurburgring Hotlap

The Nissan GT-R posts a staggering time at the Nurburgring in Germany. Commentary is in Japanese but the in-car footage speaks for itself.

Jeremy Clarkson Gives His Impression of McLaren's Newest Car

Jeremy Clarkson on the new McLaren MP4-12C and giving his take on the MP4-12C's closest rival.  In the battle of the best road going rockets this British sports car and the Ferrari 458 Italia stand out from the crowd.  Interesting review by Mr. Clarkson and his opinion and car of choice would probably also be mine (with my predisposition and love of Italian automobiles naturally) but the McLaren would be lingering in the back of my mind...



For the complete review please visit:  BBC Top Gear Reviews the McLaren MP4-12C

Ferrari V12 Engine

The production of the famous Ferrari V12 motor as used in the 612 Scaglietti:

Scuderia Ferrari Racing News n. 6 (English version)

News from Ferrari ahead of the start of the 2011 Formula 1 season.

Abarth 500C esseesse @ 2011 Geneva Motor Show

The newest iteration of the highest sport spec Abarth has some nice new touches as shown at the Geneva Auto Show. The big question is whether or not the US market will see an "esseesse" version at all.

NPR News Discusses the Challenges of Reaching Younger Drivers

NPR presented an interesting article today that spoke of the the challenges of reaching the youth audience when it comes to new automobiles.  Contrasting the old days (at least in the USA) with celebrity endorsements being enough; today's auto executives have all the new social media to contend with, multiple sources of exposure, and shortened attention spans.  It's a brave new world where "liking" a page on Facebook becomes just one of a marketer's steps in selling a car to the young tech generation.  For more with video clips and audio interviews go to:

http://www.npr.org/2011/02/27/134103436/Automakers-Reroute-Selling-To-Younger-Drivers

Winding Road Magazine test drives the 2011 US specification Fiat 500 Sport

Fiat is making some pretty good impressions with the US auto magazines and Winding Road is no exception.

Follow the link to the full article:

http://www.windingroad.com/articles/reviews/driven-2012-fiat-500-sport/

Building a Maserati Fuel Line

National Geographic spotlights automotive factories around the world and is currently focusing on one of my all-time favorites: Maserati. Even better, they are covering the building of my preferred model: the GranTurismo S.

For more information go to:  National Geographic's "Ultimate Factories"

Road & Track Magazine Tests the McLaren MP4-12C

Looks like there are two great choices for the ultimate two seat sports car, the Ferrari 458 Italia and the McLaren MP4-12C.  If you've got +/- 230,000 USD to use on one or the other the choice might be quite difficult...

First Reviews are coming in on the US spec Fiat 500

USA Fiat 500 Review on Yahoo! Autos



Summing up Yahoo's! take on the car:

"Overall, the 500 marks a promising start for Fiat’s re-entry to the U.S. market. Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. -- towns with enough hipsters to support a latte society -- will claim most Cinquecento sales. Fiat's banking on the U.S. and North America being open to the idea of a wee tot for wheels, and a stylish one at that."

Complete review:
http://real-us.autos.yahoo.com/articles/autos_content_landing_pages/1713/car-review-2011-fiat-500/

Ducati Diavel first ride

The more I read and see about the new Ducati Diavel the more impressed I become with Borgo Panigale's latest creation. This motorcycle has the potential to blow the street cruiser class wide open.  I love my Harley Davidson VRod but Ducati has come up with something truly unique in the class.

Ducati Desmosedici vs Ferrari 430 Scuderia

Here's an earlier test between the Desmosedici RR and the Ferrari 430 Scuderia. Different bikes and cars but the result is much like the post below. When it comes to who wins does it REALLY matter? Either two or four wheels these vehicles are truly special.

Forza Italia! Ferrari 458 Italia vs Ducati 1198S

A great head-to-head competition between Italian high performance machines: the Ferrari 458 and the Ducati 1198 S. If you like Italian performance machines on both two and four wheels THIS is the video to watch!

North American FIAT 1.4L MultiAir Engine Review For Newly Released Fiat 500

Interesting technical discussion of the engine that will be available in the United States. Changes were forthcoming for the U.S. specification Fiat 500 that are different from the entry level European lineup. Interesting to know that the engines are built here in the USA. I'm really curious to know what awaits the performance Abarth and hopefully Abarth SS models to come soon!

GranTurismo MC Stradale - Maserati's Lust Worthy High Performance Car

Stellar looks, sound, and pedigree... what's not to like?

MINI USA - "Cram It in the Boot" Full Length Superbowl LXV Advert

Site Re-design and Link to the MINI Journey Through Europe

I haven't been too active on the travel blog recently but thought is was about time to update the site's design. I hadn't altered the look of the site since I set it up primarily to document the 2007 journey across western Europe with the California MINI.

I thought I'd take a moment to put up a quick link to the timeline of events concerning the MINI's European adventure. Have a look here: California MINI's European Adventure

Enjoy!