Straightline - CARNIVAL OF CARS: A Drive Around the Auto Blog Block for Saturday, May 10, 2008

CARNIVAL OF CARS: A Drive Around the Auto Blog Block for Saturday, May 10, 2008

Do you know your vehicle's footprint? Did you even know your vehicle has a footprint? Your government knows. And Auto Prophet explains it all. Even provides a convenient graph to illustrate. Hint: It has nothing to do with your tires' contact patch.

Now here's a creative approach to combining the beauty of art and the audacity of autos - The Garage Blog's artist Paul Chenard is offering some genuinely impressive pieces, including a gorgeous interpretation of a Maserati V-12 in Italian racing red. You wouldn't have that in any other color .... would you?

Is there any hope for Pontiac? Peter DeLorenzo is the AUTOEXTREMIST and he is utterly skeptical. Even with the superb G8.

So, you say they're justifying installing speed cameras in construction zones in your area by claiming too many workers are being run over? TheNewspaper.com says odds are good you are being lied to because the federal government's own data shows the contrary.

Sunday is Mother's Day, but if you are fresh out of great gifts for your mom, Kay Bell at Don't Mess With Taxes has a bunch of sources for super ideas. Bookmark Kay because she does address auto-related tax issues, too.

Now that Nissan and Cadillac can argue over who has the fastest production car lap ever at the Nurburing in Germany, Roadfly.com comes along with a handy listing of multiple fast times by manufacturer.

WHAT I'M DRIVING THIS WEEK

Honda Accord Coupe

It's red, with a black interior and there's a 268 horsepower 3.5 liter V-6 under the hood that just loves to wind up and down its rev range, depending on which of the six forward gears you choose and how much pedal you've got. Yes, the Accord is bigger for 2008 and it's exterior styling is still not the most exciting in the world, but I just got back from a quick run on a favorite back road and, believe me, there is sweet music to make with that V-6, the six-speed, razor-sharp steering, and ... well, you get the idea. I love this car because it fits me instantly and begs to be driven hard. Want more? Go here for Accord /Altima coupe comparo by Inside Line's Chris Walton.

Posted by Mark May 9, 2008 6:16 pm

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Categories: Carnival of Cars

Comments

ewilfong - May 10, 2008 8:44 am (#1 Total: 3)

Well, Nissan and Cadillac aren't really arguing because the CTS-V is making noise about the fastest lap in a production sedan. The GT-R is much faster, but of course...it ain't no sedan!

And wrt to the Accord Coupe, I don't care what people say. It's a nice ride!

stovt001 - May 10, 2008 11:36 am (#2 Total: 3)

The commercials for the G8 actually fall along the lines DeLorenzo is calling for. It would be a disaster for GM to lose Pontiac. There is no room under the Chevy banner for more performance vehicles, but if GM doesn't make them those customers (who are often GM's most loyal) will go elsewhere, fast.

I'd take the Altima coupe over the Accord coupe, but at least it looks a little better than the sedan.

estreka - May 10, 2008 1:20 pm (#3 Total: 3)

subarctic north - Great Falls, MT

Wait, so CAFE has fleet AND individual car requirements?

I somewhat agree with DeLorenzo. Pontiac does not represent the heritage it grew from. I'd like to see Pontiac evolve (no, revolt!) into a Harley-Davidson of cars. Purely rebellious and intimidating. Also, I think the G8 will be more significant than DeLorenzo thinks. It is, and will be, huge.

My mom is just shocked that I called. We both believe Mother's Day is a bit of a waste. It's nice to show appreciation, but it doesn't need to be a shoppers' extravaganza.

I'm still waiting for somebody to time a s/ced S2K around the Nurburgring.

I really do need to test the V6 Accord coupe, but they sell so darn quickly!