Even the giants in the automotive industry are going gaga for the production of small cars. This time, it is the General Motors (GM) producing small cars to meet the growing demands of practical commuted. And they are expanding! From the United States, GM has expanded its territories. Recently, their small cars and even the newest Beat have already invaded the streets of India. This cute but able commute is available in 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre petrol engines, generating 75 bhp; and 1-litre and 1.3-litre diesel engines. The Beat is priced at Rs 4 to 5 lakhs.

What’s the best thing for Rs 3 Lakh? This year, get a new Chevrolet Spark 800 with that little amount of money! Its the newest in the siblings of the current and bigger model. the numeric figure describes the smaller engine capacity, being an 800-cc block. Comparing it with the base model, it will not go off style and the design is as handsome. The only difference will be that it is smaller, and so is the price.

Maybe in the early years, Chevrolet Corvair looks grand and envious. These days though, it looks exotic to me. Digging the wiki over the net, I found out that the model is one of GM’s greatest failures. Curiosity takes me back to its history. The vehicle was supposed to make it big but was not properly supported, invoking the consumer advocates of its time to review it unfavorably that led to its demise.

The Corvair was definitely among the most stylish models in the 60s but was equipped with an erring suspension system. That is what started the problem, which was easily eyed by Ralph Nader, a consumer advocate who also wrote the famous ‘Unsafe at Any Speed’ book. GM took two defining solutions; 1. Redesign the suspension system, and 2. Stalk Nader to dig up dirt. Eventually, the advocate realized what’s going on and went public; hurting GM the worst.

Heard that Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT sedan that can hit 60 mph? Well, if it is all about that performance, I’d save my 130 grand and buy myself the 17-grand worth Cobalt! But of course, there are so many things to take into consideration. One is the prestige one can get from owning an expensive car and yes, the brand of the ride.

Cobalt is powered with a turbocharged 4-cylinder block that can make as much as 260 horsepower. It is also rated at 30 mpg highway EPA. And its handling is really superb net of the teeth rattling effect that is usually felt on sport tuned suspensions of many automobiles. It seems that the harder you drive, the better its grip on the road becomes. The coupe is also powered with 5-speed manual transmission, making each short throws effective.

When someone owns a car, our first impression is that he or she is rich and fabulous? Sad to say but we have been wrong all these times. Fact is, we can both own a roomy and very functional Fit, Impressa, or Cobalt SS from 16 grand to 24! And these cars are produced by world-class auto makers like Honda, Subaru, and Impressa so there is no reason to doubt their performance and capacities.

Today, you can even visit your Honda dealer and find the 5- door electric blue car at $16,260 MSRP! Or, if you want something more car-appearing, the Subaru Impressa will be a good catch at $17,995. But me, I’ll prefer something more executive than these cute vehicles with the Chevrolet Cobalt SS. It is best value at $24,095!

Philippines- A gray Toyota Lite Ace may not be too exotic to be posted in ‘exotic vehicles’ blog but not if it has made Cebu Pacific SJ172, which carries 80 passengers including Tourism Secretary Ace Durano and his family from Cebu, abort landing this afternoon at around 3:30 at the Legazpi City Airport. The plane has already touched the west side of the tarmac when the Lite Ace owned by Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) head Frisco Sto. Domingo suddenly appeared and cross the runway. All of these were witnessed by Legazpi Mayor Noel Rosal, Tourism Regional Director Nini Ravanilla, and their parties as they were supposed to fetch Secretary Durano and family.

After the plane finally landed and its pilot deplaned, French national Christopher Nowioki filed complaint for what happened to the aviation security police office. “That van could have turned us into a fireball had I not successfully aborted landing,” Nowioki told Rosal. “All the passengers could have already been dead,” he said. It really could have been a major disaster with 80 people on-board plus the crews and pilots. Debris could even harmed the onlookers as well as the people residing near by or watching somewhere near.

Initial reports have unveiled that Luis Sto. Domingo, son and the driver of the Lite Ace that suddenly crossed the run way was teaching his girlfriend to drive inside the airport at that time. And he has been doing that as well as using the airport as an access road to his home. Speculations have pointed out that the younger Sto. Domingo might have thought that the flights for the day may have been completed. But the increasing number of flights in the tarmac has proved him wrong this afternoon. There are now 6 flights and the Cebu Pacific SJ172 from Cebu is supposed to call it a day.

“It could have been a disaster if not for the presence of mind of a veteran pilot,” Rosal added. He was furious over the negligence of the CAAP chief and how he was so tolerant of his son using the airport as his own little access road. He was even madder on the issue that he already issued an order not to let any vehicle into the tarmac or even the parking space for security and safety purposes. “Why did he allow his son to cross the tarmac which has threatened the lives of all the airplane passengers who come here?” Rosal said.

The mayor now requested for an immediate transfer and suspension of Frisco Sto. Domingo while he also asked the Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza to conduct an investigation regarding the matter. He also pointed out that the erring official should inhibit or be suspended as soon as the investigation starts to ensure an accurate and clear of influences result. Yesterday, CAAP director general Ruben Ciron already assigned a panel of five men to investigate over the matter. Capt. Jose Saplan, chief of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Board, will head the committee along with representatives from the Security, Administrative, Legal Divisions, and the Flight Standards and Inspectorate Service (FSIS).

Meanwhile, the Albay Gov. Joey Salceda has already asked Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza to relieve Sto. Domingo. He also advised the erring Sto. Domingo to file his immediate retirement as a result to what transpired. “The increasing number of flights at the city airport as well as the new Bicol International Airport to be constructed at Barangay Alobo in Daraga town shows that such violation of basic safety rules is a disgrace to our rising reputation as a tourism destination, a disservice to the riding public and temporary setback to our tourism effort,” Salceda said. The governor even said that, a new CAAP personnel could still improve their system and upgrade equipment to ensure the safety of the riding public.

Most of the passengers cried after deplaning the Cebu Pacific SJ172. Right after the incident, Sto. Domingo issued a statement that he did not hear the siren nor see the incoming Cebu Pacific plane. This is apparently due to the poor visibility that Legazpi Tower has already declared prior to the landing. This is caused by the heavy rains that the city is amassing, thereby inducing low visibility on the runway as well as to its periphery.

Prototypes, as what concept cars are usually dubbed, are characterized with a new styling and technology. These vehicles are usually disclosed through auto shows to draw in reactions before pushing through mainstream productions. These exotic cars are usually equipped with equally exotic materials like carbon fiber, which are very expensive but are still used to stir the attention of auto enthusiasts and media. The probability of abandoning a specific concept car is very low, what is high is having changes on it. Most is in the use of materials and interesting devices and accessories but not to the extent of losing the effectiveness and uniqueness of the concept car.

Today, there are very many concept cars launched in the recent Los Angeles Auto Show. Most are made by the major automobile makers that are also into racing. Here are some of these automobiles:

Concept vehicles:

Audi R-Zero

Campaigns to produce more environmental friendly automobiles have already made significance in the auto industry. This is the theme of Audi R-Zero, the future road breaker with its target top speed of 286 meters per hour or 460 kilometres per hour! This future supercar is an electric car sporting four electric in-wheel motors. This second look drawer is supposed to rob Ultimate Aero of its current 273 meters per hour ‘Road & Track slalom record’, which it took home after breaking Ferrari Enzo’s record. The Audi R-Zero is also expected to reach its 0 to 60 meters per hour in a matter of 3 seconds, a real record breaker!

Audi R-Zero’s concept was lifted from the ingenious minds of students from International School of Design, ISD France. The original design is powered by 800 volts of lithium-ion batteries, which are capable of releasing not less than 450 watts per kilogram.

Acura Advanced Sports Car Concept

Coming after its successful predecessor, Acura NSX, the Acura Advanced Sports Car Concept is definitely made to compete with the current supercars in the industry. It is to sport a powerful V-10 engine to be mounted on the front to create ripples in the surrounding air. With this, it is expected that the Acura Advanced Sports Car Concept will rev to its limits!

Another interesting technology in this new Acura supercar is its new rear wheel driven replica of Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). Other features are ABS, vented disc/vented disc for braking system, tires for the front are 255/40 R19 and for the rear 295/35 R20, and accurate dimensions 181.5 × 78.6 × 48.1 feet.

Dodge Demon

Smaller, cheaper, but best performing with its 172 HP yield from its 2.4 liters four-cylinder engine; that is the concept of the new Dodge Demon! This cute roadster is capable of six-speed manual transmission, which will even better the shrill driving experience of every Dodge enthusiast. It is supposed to come in a cute black cabin that is decorated with three spokes steering wheel and four gauges cluster. Everything else will appeal to the eyes, from the smooth but contrasting seats stitching, dashboard seams, door panelling, and seats silver threading.

Interesting feature in the Dodge Demon’s interior features is its console that will not be attached to the instrument panel like in all other cars. It will be controlled by the black and silver manual shift knob instead. Included in the pool of electronic gadgets in the instrument panel are the gauges, circular AC outlets, radio, so many others that are enclosed by a gauzed aluminium bezel.

Jaguar C-XF

Something really new is coming in the line-ups of Jaguar’s automobiles—the Jaguar C-XF! This concept car from the ever sophisticated maker of grand and good looking cars comes as a four-seater. But don’t think of that as a hinder to its total performance. The posh prototype will sport 4.2 supercharged V8 engine, which is expected to generate a max of 420 HP and 400 pounds feet of torque. This plus its six speeds automatic transmission gearbox, which is also designed with the Jaguar Sequential Shift manual gearchange capability, is anticipated to provide a one of a kind sporting experience to its driver as well as passengers.

Peugeot 908 RC

A Peugeot for a ride, what else could you ask for? And what could be best if it is the new Peugeot 908 RC? It is not far from reality since Peugeot is not one to abandon a concept. This fast, exotic car is going to be equipped with the V 12 HDi DPFS diesel engine, which was designed specifically for the ‘Le Mans Race Series’. This powerful engine can unleash up to 700 HP, one for the record! This is exactly how Peugeot wanted it to ensure that this concept car will make a difference from its normally budget and family automobiles.

Lamborghini Miura

Lamborghini is one to be noted with its legendary named automobiles. Its new concept car, the Miura, is also a legendary name as brought back by the house of the Raging Bull. This new Miura has a retro look and still recognized as one of the most beautiful cars ever created and seen in the auto world. Although this concept car had already been introduced and showcased in the North American International Auto Show, its other features and specifics are not yet unveiled. It is also among the few concept cars that have not yet been scheduled for mainstream production. Hopefully, it will not be abandoned after the so many publicities it had already gained.

Chrysler Firepower

A fusion of powerful and technologies– that is what Chrysler Firepower is made up of! This high-powered but definitely elegant Chrysler baby is based on the famous Viper SLA Suspension, which we have just seen in the Dodge Viper supercar. It also has the same popular SRT8 drivetrain of that gives every driving enthusiast the best feeling when hitting the road. This cutie can unleash 175 meters per hour or 282 kilometers per hour as top speeds. It is also expected to achieve its first 0 to 60 meters per hour in just a matter of 4.5 seconds. Don’t you think this is definitely what you need?

Ferrari GG50

Fine quality has always been the trademark of every Ferrari made automobiles. This time, it is again what you get with its new concept car– the Ferrari GG50! Its research and development had been supervised in Italy, so that makes it more a real beauty and performance oriented. It is also expected to be equipped with V12 engine that can unleash 540 horsepower. This supercar is one of its kind, coming in nothing but solid red and featured with option to change gears right at the steering wheel. This feature is only seen on F1 automobiles and used by only the F1 riders. Its transmission is also very different from other modern automobiles, with sequential mode. This feature is still debated by many enthusiasts and authorities whether efficient or odd in its overall effect.

Dodge Challenger

Havent you seen something like this before? You might be wondering why Dodge would come up with a very classic design for a concept car. Yes, it might be something retro but did you know that Challengers had been the highest selling muscled cars of its time? Now, they are also the best collected sports vehicles by news making collectors. Reinventing it is definitely wise for its makers. And that is exactly what the new Dodge Challenger is here for: to reinstate the same popularity of the vehicle in these modern times. The new Dodge Challenger will be sported with a V8 6.1 liters engine that can unleash 425 maximum HP. With this, it is then expected to make as much as 174 meters per hour and 280 kilometres per hour top speeds. Its 0 to 60 meters per hour is also expected to be reached just within 4.5 seconds. This new model will definitely break the records of its legend.

Chevrolet Camaro

Change your perspective about sports cars being on the tracks with the ever elegant and handsome Chevrolet Camaro. This second looks drawer is also a high performing Chevrolet baby with its massive 400 HP unleashed by its sported small block 6 liters LS2 V8 engine. As early as now, Chevrolet engineers are going serious with offering both V6 and V8 engines for this concept car. This is to give every enthusiast and buyer the freedom to choose what will be best for their lifestyle and resources. The same applies for the transmission, which be available in manual and automatic.

The Chevrolet Camaro is going to be longer for a sports car with its 186.2 inches length. It will also be equipped with larger wheel bases, 110.5 inches to complement its slightly longer appearance. The rear tires will also be bigger at 305/30 as the power of the engine will be taken on them. The front tires, on the other hand, will be 275/30.

Mercedes-Benz SLR 722

Who is not dreaming to have a Benz to drive and own? But wait until the new concept Mercedes-Benz SLR 722 is produced because it offers the great looks and performance you definitely would want for a sports car! This concept car is really serious of bringing every enthusiast the best experience on the road and even on tracks with its 209 meters per hour or 337 kilometres per hour top speeds. It is also expected to achieve its first 0 to 60 meters per hour within 3.6 seconds! This is because it will be sporting a powerful supercharged 5.5 liters V8 engine.

The name Mercedes-Benz SLR 722 is not just anything that has popped out of the minds of Mercedes Benz engineers and executives but attributed to British racing legend Stirling Moss and co-driver Denis Jenkinson who win the memorable victory at the Mille Miglia in 1955. The 722 of this concept car indicates the starting number of the SLR 300 they were driving. There are so much more to praise about the Mercedes-Benz SLR 722 but one of the most significant is its 10 millimetres lowered body that solidly grip the road due to its flat base and stiffer damper.

Lamborghini Concept S

Perhaps, Lamborghini has the most number of sports and super cars launched in the new millennium and still counting. Today, it has another concept car waiting to be produced exclusively after it has been unveiled in Geneva’s Motor Show—the Lamborghini Concept S. The elegant and sleekly cascading sports car is going to produce a top speed to match the current super cars in the auto world. This is because of its powerful 5 liters V-10 engine that can unleash at least 500 HP! That is really something and maybe a threat to the other super cars in the industry.

The Lamborghini Concept S may lack the female factor as like other concept cars of Porsche and Benz but it will really appeal to great collectors who have both the money and enthusiasm to ride the paved and rounding curves of the track. Besides, being manly and muscled is a trademark that has been seen and in fact expected of Lamborghini.

Chrysler ME Four-Twelve

Another Chrysler to be expected in the mainstream production is the Chrysler ME Four-Twelve! This pure bred supercar is going to rob records from its competitors with its massive 248 meters per hour or 399 kilometres per hour top speeds. It is also expected to reach the 0 to 60 meters per hour mark in just 2.9 seconds. Its engine is going to be a real powerful 6.0 liters V-12 block.

But the Chrysler ME Four-Twelve is not all performance. It is among the supercars that have looks you could die for. Its body panels are carbon fibered and curved and styled just like the way every enthusiast will dream for. Its auto body is also complete with chrome-moly sub-frames as well as aluminium crash structures. All these add to the overall awe-struck impact it generates while adhering to the impact regulations and requirements of governments.

Now, which of these will make it to the mainstream production? Maybe all of them but definitely, there will be a lot of changes in the overall structure as well as in the design as the public speaks up their reactions. And also, although we don’t want to wish it to happen, some of these concept cars will not really make it to the production due to some unfavourable circumstances. But it is likely that more will be able to make it than those who will not. One thing is for sure: we will be really glad to see alsl of these on the road and tracks in the future. That just got to be real soon!

‘zup? I’m back with the third day events and attractions of the Los Angeles Auto Show. This time, let us look back at the happenings last November 23, Sunday at the Los Angles Convention Center.

November 23, 2008, Sunday

Because it is Sunday, the Los Angeles opened early at 9 in the morning and closed gates early at 8 in the evening. The events and attractions were a little slouch this time with the Auto Trade dot com’s Match It Game Show and Volvo’s City Safety Drive taking the lead. With the lack of attention grabbing events and attractions, the halls have been busy accepting spectators, press, and viewers the entire Sunday. If you had been there, it was like a holiday!

November 24, 2008, Monday

November 24 is another weekday so the gates were opened at 11 am and closed at 10 in the evening. Attractions and events had been in full swing once again with the same Auto Trade dot com’s Match It Game Show and Volvo’s City Safety Drive taking the lead. But this time, there were also other attention grabbing events like the autograph session with drag racing icons Robert Hight (2005 NHRA Rookie of the Year and No. 4 in the 2008 NHRA Funny Car Championship) and John Force(14-time NHRA Funny Car Champion). This event was sponsored by the Auto Club that’ is doing their show case at the kentia hall along with other performance products. The event lasted for one and a half hours, 7 to 8:30 in the afternoon.

November 25, 2008, Tuesday

Nothing was new last Tuesday, November 25, 2008. As an ordinary weekday during the Los Angeles Auto Show, the gates were opened at 11 in the morning and closed at 10 in the evening. Events and attractions were a little low but all halls were busy and packed with spectators, guests, and press. The normal routine went on with the Auto Trade dot com’s Match It Game Show and Volvo’s City Safety Drive crews not tiring until it was time to call it a day.

November 26, 2007, Wednesday

Events and attractions were a lot fewer last November 26, a Wednesday. It is a day before the Thanksgiving Day so everyone might be busy over other things than the Auto Show in Los Angeles. Still, Auto Trade dot com’s Match It Game Show and Volvo’s City Safety Drive crews had last the day with their stunts and skills.

November 27, 2008, Thursday

Now, it’s Thanksgiving Day! And people had been a lot wiser and modern. Some families celebrated the day early in the Los Angeles Convention Center. The gates were opened very much earlier today, 9 in the morning, and been closed a lot earlier than any weekday at 8 in the evening. The Auto Trade dot com’s Match It Game Show and Volvo’s City Safety Drive went on, while other events and attractions were halted for the day’s more important events. But this does not mean that it had not been a busy day for all the crews and attendants. The day had been a festive one and everyone was happy to be where they were, and that is at the Los Angles Convention Center Auto Show!

November 28, 2008, Friday

A day after US’ most especial day, the gates will be opened at 9 in the morning and to close at exactly 10 in the evening. The Auto Trade dot com’s Match It Game Show and Volvo’s City Safety Drive crew is expected to continue their stunts while the rest of the showcase masters will be busy entertaining all their patrons. The day is expected to become a lot busier as the day deepens.

November 29, 2008, Saturday

Because it will be weekend, the gates will be opened at 9 in the morning and rest at 10 in the evening. There will be a lot more attractions than the regular Auto Trade dot com’s Match It Game Show and Volvo’s City Safety Drive. Mitsubishi Motors will sponsor an autograph signing with LA Avengers and A-team dancers’ icons. Toyota is also expected to sponsor an appearance of two of the finest Lakers’ players who will bring around 500 headshots, which they will sign up for the first 500 visitors.

November 30, 2008, Sunday

For the final day, the Los Angeles Convention center will open at 9 in the morning and close at 8 in the evening. As an ender, State Farm will sponsor Los Angeles Clipper Baron Davis for an autograph signing at the Kentia Hall from 2:30 to 4 in the afternoon.

I’m back again, and I’m following the events at the Los Angeles Show that premiered last November 21, Friday. Today is November 26, Wednesday of the same year and what? –Five or six days since the grand opening? Well, a lot of things have already happened and I’ll be taking you back so that we can both enjoy those missed moments. I have also compiled some pictures, which I will post here, for our perusal. So what date will it be best to go back to? Hmmm, let’s start on the second day, November 22, 2008, Saturday.

November 22, 2008, Wednesday
The gates opened at exactly 9 in the morning and welcomed all auto enthusiasts and the press into the halls of famous auto makes and models. There were still so many to watch and have fun with. The Match It Game Show of Auto Trade dot com is still ongoing and Volvo’s City Safety Test Drive is in full swing. The rest of the halls are busy and having many spectators on all areas. There are also added attractions like the coming of some important people and celebrities but nothing beats the second round of the Volkswagen Road to MLS Cup which was graced by another couple of Major League Soccer All-Stars. This time, Ben Olsen of the DC United and Sacha Kljestan of the famous Chivas USA arrived for autograph signing. The event lasted for an hour, 2 to 3 in the afternoon at the South hall. This is also where Volkswagen’s innovations are showcased.

At this same hour, the State Farm’s Workshop for Women is also happening with the theme: ‘Purchasing and Protecting Your Vehicle’. This event was graced by Road and Travel dot com’s CEO and founder Courtney Caldwell. There had been two runs of the speech made by two female insurance professionals, one at noon time and another at around 3 in the afternoon at Room 306 AB.

Around 6 in the evening, the Galphin exhibit in Kentia Hall hosted the autograph signing by Pimp My Ride cast. The entire event lasted for two hours, but the result had been great! Kudos to Galphin!

Hey, I think I am running out of space so let’s continue this tomorrow!

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After the very successful sneak preview of the Lost Angeles Auto Show last night, the grand opening is about to happen in a few hours now! Although there are already press releases on the new car launches and reviews, nothing beats seeing all these great cars live! The gates are expected to open at exactly 11 am now, November 21, 2008 to last until 10 in the evening. There will be so much to expect in the grand opening. All of which will be open for the public.

November 21
And to grace the start of the show in the Kentia hall where the Performance Products are is the Auto Trader dot com’s Match It Game Show. This is a classic but definitely loved by all enthusiasts, so if you are around, better drop by the hall and test your auto and pop culture knowledge. This live contest is available all through out the days of the entire show period.

Another attraction during the grand opening of the Los Angeles Auto Show is Volvo’s City Safety Test Drive. This is expected to start as soon as the gates are opened at the West Hall and the Concourse Walkway. The fun drive will last until the end of the event and is open for all enthusiasts who wish to get a feel of Volvo’s innovative technology. You can even sign up for your very own first drive, just come to the venue and vouch for yourself. So why wonder about all of these if you can slip on your day suit and jog to the place? Be there or miss the chance!

By 2 in the afternoon, Volkswagen’s autograph session with Major League Soccer All- Stars’ Jimmy Conrad of the Kansas City Wizards and Matt Reis of the New England Revolution starts. This is in connection to Volkswagen’s Road to MLS Cup with the theme, ‘Sometimes, Hope Needs a Lift’. So don’t miss your chance, be there at the South Hall where Volkswagen’s exhibit is at full swing! There will also be second round for those who will miss these couple of studs, but this time, it will be Ben Olsen of the DC United and Sacha Kljestan of the Chivas USA who will grace your Saturday afternoon. This second round will be happening on the next day, November 22, 2008 at the same time and place.

Another attraction to perk up your senses during the grand opening is the Ozomati Concert as sponsored by Ford. This public concert is expected to start at 7 in the evening to 8 at the West Hall. So stop peeping on your favorite automobiles in exhibit at this time and let Ozomati rock your night away! Who knows what other great things they loaded themselves with? Just be there and witness for yourself! If you haven’t though of it in advance, you can even take your family and friends or even your especial someone for this gig. It will be all free so why miss the chance?

If you still have not made any plans for today, you can still grab a ticket online, through this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show exclusive site. It will only cost you $10. If you wish to take your kids with you, 12 years olds and under are free of charge. Seniors are also discounted: $7 to enjoy an eventful Friday! But if you think you will get tickets right at Los Angeles Convention Center, you can do so; although, that does not sound to be a very good idea. Just make sure that you will be at the gates of 1201 S. Figueroa Street Los Angeles, CA 90015 before 11 am to spare yourself from the inconvenience.