The Story Continues

2013 Subaru BRZ and 2013 Scion FR-S: A Study in Comparison and Contrast - Feature - Car and Driver:

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It looks like there might finally be a price tag on these bad boys, "about $26,000." That's not terrible, but I wonder how much the upgrades will add on to that figure. I like the idea that there is some space left under the hood for a turbo someday in the future; that's promising. However, the more I keep up on this story, the less excited I grow, as if they are trying to make too much out of something that isn't that special. Maybe a test drive would change that feeling.

2014 BMW M3

2014 BMW M3 Sedan Spy Photos – News – Car and Driver:

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The M3 has long been held tightly in my heart. It is one of the "more affordable" cars for a driving enthusiast.  (Compared to a super-car anyway).  Personally, I invite the move from a V-8 to a V-6 with Turbos. Hopefully, it will mean less weight and more fuel-efficiency.  I will miss the hood bulge from the recent model if they do end up taking it away, but I wouldn't want it there just for looks.

I'm still waiting on my affordable, fuel-efficient, performance car. Yes, I want it all.

Car and Driver Blog » Hennessey Planning 800-Plus-HP McLaren MP4-12C HPE800 Twin Turbo

Car and Driver Blog » Hennessey Planning 800-Plus-HP McLaren MP4-12C HPE800 Twin Turbo:

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A beautiful car for a beautiful day.

Forget about football for a little bit and lose yourself in this car.

Exotic Car Tours

Exotic Car Tours:

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What a great idea, why haven't I heard of this before?  A little on the pricey side, but would be an amazing gift. It would be pretty sweet to be able to try out all of these beauties.  I wonder how much they let you open them up.  What would be more fun?  If they let you take them to the track and race them, but I'm sure they'd quickly lose their fleet.

2013 Porsche Cayman / Cayman S Rendered – News – Car and Driver

2013 Porsche Cayman / Cayman S Rendered – News – Car and Driver:

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I'd go with a different color choice than key lime pie, but other than that, I would love to own this car. The S version would be the more appealing choice for me, or if they come out with another Black edition. I've always loved the Cayman, as it has more visual appeal than most of the previous Boxsters, and it is slightly more affordable than the base 911. If I'm ever lucky enough to win the lottery, I might end up in one of these. Otherwise, I'll be waiting for years for them to depreciate into my price range.

OLED Solar Sunroofs Coming to a Car Near You : TreeHugger

OLED Solar Sunroofs Coming to a Car Near You : TreeHugger:

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Here is a pretty cool idea. I'd like to see more solar power integration with automobiles. It would be nice if they could make all of the windows, or at least ones in the roof, into a solar panel to at least power some of the accessories.

Cars, Cars, Cars!

2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe Photos and Info – News – Car and Driver:

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2013 Porsche Boxster / Boxster S

Looks like fun driving.

I really like what they've done to the Boxster from the front. However, I'm not a big fan of the rear spoiler crossing through the break lights.

Car and Driver Blog » TRD Shows Performance Parts for Toyota GT 86, Similar Items Will Be Available for Scion FR-S

Car and Driver Blog » TRD Shows Performance Parts for Toyota GT 86, Similar Items Will Be Available for Scion FR-S:

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This car has given me more ups and downs than a bipolar girlfriend. I love it, I hate it...maybe I'm interested, maybe I'm not.

For now, my excitement has been renewed, but only due to these TRD performance upgrades.  I'm also changing my leaning towards the Scion, rather than the Subaru, seeing that it is probably built more for drifting (agility rather than stability is how I read it somewhere, I believe).  The body kits adds a lot to this car, which I'm not very interested in as stock.

I mean, look at that butt:

And those seats!

My main fear is how much these upgrades will add to the price.  My prediction is that it'll price it right out of that comfortable "below $30,000" range.  

Car and Driver Blog » 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth Priced From $22,700, Goes on Sale this Spring

Car and Driver Blog » 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth Priced From $22,700, Goes on Sale this Spring:

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When I first saw the Gucci version of the Fiat 500, I thought it was ridiculous.  Especially, since Jennifer Lopez was driving it in the commercial.  The Abarth version makes me take a second glance at this tiny vehicle.  I don't think I could really ever drive something this small, but for the price, it's worth a test drive.  As they say in the C&D article linked above, it might just be better to spend a little more and get the GTI.

2012 Audi RS5 | Uncrate

2012 Audi RS5 | Uncrate:

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Let me begin by explaining my growing love for Audi.  I've always been aware of Audi, at least slightly aware for as long as I've been interested in cars.  I suppose, since I heard of the TT, which came out in 1998, is more accurate.  However, only recently have I really started to appreciate their beauty.  It all started when I drove by an Audi lot in Oakland and saw an A5 sitting there just waiting to be appreciated.  It was probably 2010 when this car first struck me, and awakened my desire to possess one of these beauties.  It'll be a grand stroke of luck if I can ever afford one of these cars, but I will always appreciate them from afar.  The S5, and the RS5 only add to my liking, loving, and desire for this model.

Read more about it here, on wikipedia.

2012 Toyota Prius C – News – Car and Driver

2012 Toyota Prius C – News – Car and Driver:

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I really wanted to be excited about this car, I really did.  Don't get me wrong, it's a reasonable car, but for my personal taste I need a little more in at least two areas.  At 53mpg in the city and 46mpg on the highway, it gets fairly good mileage.  However, my wife and I own a 2008 Prius and average about 46-47mpg with combined highway/city driving.  If the C was up closer to 100mpg, I'd be more impressed.  (It is smaller, and lighter, than the other vehicles in the Prius family...) The other area that really stands out to me is the styling.  It's not an awful looking car, but it's not all that appealing either.  My hopes for the Prius line is that they will someday come out with a sportier version, but in style and performance.

Lexus LF-LC Concept | Uncrate

Lexus LF-LC Concept | Uncrate:

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An interesting looking car for your Friday.'

2013 Subaru BRZ Prototype First Drive - Motor Trend

2013 Subaru BRZ Prototype First Drive - Motor Trend:

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I'm still keeping my eye on this little car, and I'm starting to like the looks of the Subaru better than the Toyota/Scion.  However, the more I read and learn about it, the less I feel like I'd actually want to own one.  They say, if you love driving, you'll love this car, and I would consider myself a lover of driving, but the low horse power has me a little worried.  Motor Trend guesses it has around 200hp.  I'll be interested to see if they do end up making one with a Turbo.  The idea of a 4-door sedan also has me interested, but maybe I'm really just waiting for the new WRX.

Here is a Fun Video for You

Production Toyota FT-86 Revealed Via Leaked Accessory Brochure

Car and Driver Blog » Production Toyota FT-86 Revealed Via Leaked Accessory Brochure:

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Here is another car I'm keeping my eye on, and hoping it'll still be somewhat stylish when it goes into production (as well as stay in an affordable price range).  It looks like the US version will be a Scion instead of a Toyota.  I'm not sure how I feel about this, and wonder what impact that will have on the product (if any).  I'm a fan of Toyota, and would feel comfortable buying another one, but I'm not sold on Scion yet.  This car could be a turning point for their brand if it is solid.  However, it does look like a two-seater, which would probably mark it as a "no" in my book.  At least, until my son goes to college...in sixteen years.

Tokyo Motor Show: New Mazda Takeri Concept Previews Next Mazda6 - Carscoop

Tokyo Motor Show: New Mazda Takeri Concept Previews Next Mazda6 - Carscoop:

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I'm pretty excited about this car, we'll see what it looks like when it goes to production.  If they don't water it down like the did with the CX-5 (the Minagi actually looked pretty good), I'll be happy and much more likely to consider buying it.  I was really excited when they debuted the Shinari concept, but if they don't really implement the new design theme, it was was all for nothing.  I'm glad car-makers are putting more focus on design and appeal for cars that are actually affordable.  Let's hope they keep this in the current price range of the Mazda6.

More soon on the upcoming cars...