Nov. 9 Weekly Open Thread
As always, this is the thread for any random, off-topic conversation that doesn't belong anywhere else.
I just returned from the SEMA/AAPEX trade shows in Las Vegas last week. If you're not familiar with SEMA, it's astoundingly large and vibrant event that features scantily clad models, hugely expensive exotic and custom cars, and large, flashy displays from most of the major car manufacturers and nearly every aftermarket parts, tire, wheel, and electronics manufacturer. Subtle it ain't, but it is an incredible spectacle.
Last year I wrote up a bit of a recap; I didn't have as much time for pictures of coverage this year, beyond getting a cell-phone snapshot of the lowered and customized Gremlin pictured here. Jalopnik has some coverage as well that is worth a look; apparently there was a 1984 Mugen CRX that I somehow missed. Ah, well.
--Chris H.
Cookie the Dog's Owner on November 09, 2009 at 02:14 PM
That CRX is just gorgeous. I want one.
And you gotta love the suicide-doored Gremlin lowrider. I'm not sure why anyone would want one, or what it would be good for beyond comic relief, but you gotta love it.
Anthony Cagle on November 09, 2009 at 02:17 PM
Someone sent me this link: http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/108046/fifty-ugliest-cars-of-the-past-50-years.html?mod=family-autos
of the 50 ugliest cars of the last 50 years which is so grossly out of step with this blog as to venture into the absurd.
HOW CAN YOU CALL THE EL CAMINO UGLY?????
jjd241 on November 10, 2009 at 03:40 AM
There is a great truck parked on the side of the road on my way to work in rural Thurston County near Olympia Wa. It reminded me of the "Every Day Iron" post a while ago. It is the epitome of a real working truck that has been worked hard and is still carrying it's load. I really appreciate the "custom" logo on the driver's door. Oh, and you can buy the wood too!
The first link is to the carlust post and the second to a youtube video I shot today.
http://www.carlustblog.com/2009/07/everyday-irondodge-power-wagon.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGi9iNXdJn4
That Car Guy on November 10, 2009 at 07:46 AM
To jjd241: When I watch your video, why does the "Sanford & Son" theme song stick in my head? Oh, I've never seen "Construction" spelled quite that way either LOL!
Robert on November 10, 2009 at 08:45 AM
I've always wanted a car with a rhombus-shaped back window.
jjd241 on November 10, 2009 at 09:10 AM
That Car Guy on November 10, 2009 at 07:46 AM
@: To jjd241: When I watch your video, why does the "Sanford & Son" theme song stick in my head? Oh, I've never seen "Construction" spelled quite that way either LOL!
BAHTABUTAHBHUH... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WqazleR3FE
George on November 10, 2009 at 05:55 PM
I cannot access this site using my regular browser, Google Chrome. I can access this using Internet Explorer. Is there something wrong with my browser?
That Car Guy on November 11, 2009 at 10:49 AM
If I may open a touchy topic and not make waves, I heard that Ford Motor Company posted a One Billion Dollar profit for the last quarter. Immediately, the unions are asking for more money.
In my opinion, this short-sidedness is exactly what's WRONG with the American auto industry. Rather than thinking ahead or behind for just 3 months, everybody who is involved with building cars in the USA should look toward a 5-year goal at the least. 20 years is the Japanese standard.
One billion dollars sounds like a lot of money, but Ford still owes many billions more. And who says the next quarter will be as profitable? Historically, the dead of winter is not the peak car sales season, so let's wait a while before we pop the champagne.
Let's wait more than a quarter of a year before we claim success.
Cookie the Dog's Owner on November 11, 2009 at 01:05 PM
Related to TCG's comment immediately above: so much for the Little Green Cars!
"Remember how we had to bail out Chrysler and give the company to Fiat because they were going to save American jobs and the environment with their awesome new electric cars? The electric cars that were going to start hitting the streets in 2010? Apparently, now that they've gotten the money, it's festina lente; Fiat has apparently disbanded the team that was trying to rush these cars to market."
--Megan Mcardle, The Atlantic
http://meganmcardle.theatlantic.com/archives/2009/11/pulling_the_plug.php
Tommy's Dad on November 20, 2009 at 10:03 PM
You know what though, those Chrysler EVs looked like so much vaporware. Just look at their Volt competitor (the 200c, wasn't it?): announced not long after the Chevy Volt was first shown off in semi-final form, with almost the exact same specs, performance, and show car-fancy interior, with about the same launch date as the longer-in-production Volt. Even for the electric car conversions of the Jeep, Grand Caravan, and the Circuit sports car, it's no simple thing to just yank the engine and stick a big honkin' battery in there instead. I don't see how Chrysler ever thought they would be able to get them to market in a legitimate, functional form that quickly.