On Wheels in Heels is a place where women can discover more about exotic and luxury cars

Mercedes Takes %u201CTopless%u201D to the Extreme 

As previously mentioned on this blog, Mercedes is winding down production of its beautiful, powerful SLR roadsters. The final models are rolling out the door in June of this year, and now we finally have a look at the finished product.

The final SLR - which stands for Sport, Light, Racing - is the SLR Stirling Moss, named after the legendary British racecar driver. Once called "the greatest driver to win the World Championship," he earned victories both as a Formula 1 racer and at Le Mans. At 79, he's still traveling the globe and continues to be in demand at automotive events worldwide.

As a nod to this driving legend, Mercedes has made its final SLR an exceptional find. It isn't just the racecar-like styling that makes it stand out - but, as Mercedes-Benz Cars' sales and marketing head, Dr. Klaus Maier, points out, "No other car is this open and this fast at the same time."

That's right - the $1 million-ish price tag doesn't include a windshield, roof or windows. The supercharged V8 can leap from a dead stop to 62 mph in just 3.5 seconds. And of course it doesn't stop there - the SLR Stirling Moss has a top speed of 220.

With a ride like that, it's pretty clear you're probably going to want a helmet or goggles to go with it. (Either way, your hairdo is screwed the minute you leave the driveway.) Honestly, this is one of those cars that is gorgeous to look at but probably looks better in someone else's garage - kind of like a lot of husbands.

Still, the workmanship makes it something that's impossible not to stare at. So gaze if you will, lust if you must - and then return to your own car of choice, thanking God for heated seats and windshields.

Does This Ferrari Make My Butt Look Big? 

If cars and their owners look alike, then the new Ferrari California should make itself at home in the garage of Kim Kardashian. Because, best as I can tell, both have one pretty significant feature in common. (And no, that feature is not "nice headlights.")

Ferrari's newest model, which was first unveiled late last year at the Paris auto show, has raised eyebrows for its very un-Ferrari-like styling. While we're accustomed to Ferrari's oh-so-sleek design - you know, the one that makes the cars look fast even when they're sitting in a garage - the California looks a bit, well, rounder than its predecessors. One might say it's got some junk in the trunk. Literally.

The unusual (by Enzo Ferrari's standards, anyway) rear-heavy design was made to accommodate the convertible's folding hard top - as well as the hydraulic equipment needed to move it up and down. The designers felt the need for a little luggage space back there, too, and while they were at it, they even threw in a back seat. As we all know, it's impossible to keep packin' in more goodies without having to let out the seams a bit. And that's exactly what Ferrari has done.

That's not to say the prancing pony has been tamed into something that will be lost in the sea of SUVs and Lexuses in the pick-up lane at your kid's middle school. It's still a hot little number, with a mid-front V8 and 460 horses under the hood.

So, while it may not have the profile of a racecar, there's still something appealing about this bubble-butted beauty. If you don't believe me, hop in, cue Sir Mix-a-Lot and be prepared to enjoy one of Ferrari's most road-friendly rides.

Lincoln MKS: Leave the Parking to Us 

What's the next best thing to valet parking? (Okay, limousine service is the correct answer, but it's a trick question%u2026)

When you absolutely, positively have to do it yourself, at least now there is a better way to park. The 2010 Lincoln MKS sedan, which will become available in mid 2009, is one of two new Ford models that will be equipped with Active Park Assist. (For the record, it is way better than having someone in the passenger's seat simply point out that you're too close to the curb/car behind you/car in front of you.) The system uses ultrasonic sensors and Electric Power Assisted Steering to ease your car into a parallel parking spot - which means that you don't even need to touch the wheel while it does its thing.

The MKS sedan and the new Lincoln MKT seven-passenger luxury crossover are the first two vehicles in Ford's fleet to be equipped with such technology, although the company expects to fit nearly 90 percent of its vehicles with such a feature by 2012. (More on the MKT after it is unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January.)

The driver-friendly parking technology, known as Electric Power Assisted Steering, or EPAS, sounds almost too good to be true: Press a button, and the ultrasonic sensors identify and measure the parking space. Once the system gives the thumbs-up, the driver can accept system assistance, at which point the steering system takes over and maneuvers the car into the space - hands-free. (The driver is still responsible for shifting the transmission and operating the gas and brakes.)

Allegedly, this cool new system does more than remove the stress of parallel parking - it also claims to improve fuel economy by up to 5 percent. But of course, what we're most impressed with is the idea that we don't have to wrestle our cars into those parallel spaces any more.

If only they could make doing laundry this easy!

Mercedes SLR Goes on Auction Thursday 

Go to www.mbusa.com/SLRauction to place your bid

It's no secret that I carry a torch for the Mercedes McLaren SLR Roadster - one look at the photo at the top of this blog is really all it takes to uncover that piece of information. While it makes absolutely no sense as a daily driver, it is a stunning piece of workmanship that offers the performance of a race car in the body of a gorgeous sports car.

If you're torn between buying this car and using your money to do good for others, you're in luck: As part of its holiday offerings, Saks Fifth Avenue is putting a special edition of the Mercedes SLR up for auction on Thursday. Profits from the auction will benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital's Thanks and Giving Campaign.

This particular model is absolutely one of a kind. The carbon fiber body is finished out in Sienna Pearl metallic paint, and it sports a gorgeous light brown leather interior. Under the hood, you'll find exactly what you expect of the SLR Roadster - a hand-built supercharged V8 with 617 horsepower for a top speed of 206 mph.

This is one of the last SLR Roadsters that Mercedes will produce, so if you're in the market for one, you might as well make sure the money is going to a good cause. Starting bid is $529,500 and every penny raised beyond that amount goes directly to St. Jude. Ready to sign up? Go to www.mbusa.com/SLRauction to place your bid. And don't forget your credit card!

2009 Range Rover Retools Luxury 

Land Rover has announced new options and appointments for all of its sport utility vehicles,

With its 2009 Range Rover, Land Rover continues blurring the line between "sport" and "luxury." While Land Rover has announced new options and appointments for all of its sport utility vehicles, the flagship Range Rover remains particularly attractive, thanks to its sleek blend of form and function.

For '09, Land Rover will roll out its Autobiography Package, which is available only in new "Supercharged" editions of the Range Rover. Adding more touches of leather - on everything from the console side surfaces to the door casings to the instrument panel - the Autobiography Package is a beautiful and luxurious complement to the upgraded leather trim already coming standard in all 2009 Range Rovers.

Also unique to the Autobiography Package are soft, semi-aniline leather seats, wood trim and a four-zone automatic climate control system. If that's not enough to sell you - check out the rear-seat entertainment system, which will keep the kids busy for hours on those road trips!

If you're thinking environmentally, of course, the only way to make your Range Rover green is to select one in that color; even though Land Rover has lowered emissions on all of its vehicles for 2009, the Range Rover is only going to get you 11 mpg in the city and 17 on the highway.

Initial pricing shows the standard '09 Range Rover at an MSRP of $77,675, and the Supercharged edition rings up at just over $93,325.

Dodge EV Should Get Your Motor Runnin%u2019 

Although I have loved the premise of the electric car since Day One, the prototypes we've seen unveiled haven't exactly been something that gets the pulse racing. With the exception of Tesla's Roadster, the proposed EVs so far have clearly indicated that we'll have to leave our love of design at the door if we want to jump on the eco-friendly bandwagon.

Who knew that Dodge would be the one to break the mold?

Last week, Chrysler unveiled one new electric model each for Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep. While Chrysler is getting the Town & Country EV mini-van (yawn), Jeep is adding an electric version of the four-door Wrangler to its fold - which means guilt-free off-roading (as long as you don't take out any trees while you're out there.) That's right - you can leave a smaller footprint but still leave tread marks on the side of the hill.

But it was the prototype EV from Dodge that came as a biggest surprise. Borrowing some design cues from its gorgeous beast of a sports car, the Viper, and throwing in elements of the Lotus Europa, Dodge unveiled one of the most exciting EVs we've seen to date.

The two-passenger rear-wheel-drive sports car has the sleek design and high performance we want from a car, but also gives off zero tailpipe emissions. It actually looks fun to drive - something that's been noticeably lacking in too many EV designs - and the 200 kW electric motor is the equivalent of 268 horsepower. That gives drivers better performance than we've dared to hope for in an EV, reaching 60 mph in less than five seconds and taunting us with a top speed of 120+ mph.

Thanks to its advanced lithium-ion battery technology, the Dodge EV has a continuous driving range of 150-200 miles, and it can be recharged in eight hours from a standard 110-volt household outlet. (Using a 220-volt appliance power outlet will cut charging time in half.)

The possible cloud surrounding this silver lining is that we'll have to wait for it; the earliest we'll see this coming off the production line is 2010.

Bentley Unveils Final Arnage 

All good things must come to an end, and unfortunately that saying holds true for Bentley.

Bentley has unveiled its final version of the elegant Arnage, which has set the standard for this marque for the past decade. In return for its years of service, the automaker is giving the luxury liner a proper send-off, creating a limited edition run of just 150 cars. The 2009 Bentley Arnage Final Series will be the closest thing to a hybrid you may ever see coming from them - it combines the performance of the "T" with the refined elegance of the "R" to create the perfect marriage of luxury and power.

The 500 horsepower V8 will have a price tag of $224,990 and feature many upgrades to the customary Bentley bells and whistles. In addition to adding polished stainless steel "Final Series" treadplates to the front doors, interior extras include a rear cocktail cabinet with a "Final Series" stainless steel flask and shot glasses, an iPod interface, rear remote control for the infotainment system and a pair of picnic tables offered in your choice of premium unbleached veneers.

To make this last Arnage completely personal, it's being offered in any of Bentley's 42 available exterior colors, with 25 interior hide color choices. As the only auto manufacturer in the world who can boast of offering a cabin trimmed entirely with leather hides - including the headlining - Bentley uses nearly 400 pieces of leather for the interior. (The hand-crafted steering wheel along takes up to 16 hours of double stitching.)

Every detail of the elegant Arnage is going to reflect the refined luxury that Bentley has delivered faithfully and flawlessly through the years. This final edition is the best send-off that such a car could hope for, and as a reward for those years of service, these appointments certainly beat a gold watch!

Chrysler%u2019s On a Roll with Electric Peapod 

Earlier this week, Chrysler LLC announced its intention to have three electric vehicles in production in 2010. The electric-drive technology will arrive in each of its three brands - Dodge, Jeep and Chrysler - and will boast range-extended technology that, much like Chevrolet's forthcoming Volt, employs a small gasoline engine to provide additional power for longer trips.

We'll look at Chrysler's three proposed EVs next week, but in the meantime, let's look at their newly redesigned "Neighborhood Electric Vehicle" - the totally electric Peapod.

The backstory on the Peapod is that Chrysler's "electric community vehicles" have been around for a decade, but there hasn't been much of a market for a plug-in with a range of 30 miles. Our new, greener consciousness opened the door for Chrysler to retool this four-passenger street-legal cart and tempt eco-friendly passengers with a new look, a new name and some updated features.

The Peapod brings with it all the usual jeers and complaints of short-range EVs: It feels like a glorified golf cart, and its top speed is a laughable 25 mph. But if you can get past its anti-Speed Racer persona, you'll find that it brings some nice attributes to the mix.

Admittedly, this car is not built with luxury in mind, but it isn't as spartan as one might think, either. The dashboard console doubles as a docking station for your iPod and also allows for hands-free operation of your iPhone. In fact, the dash kind of looks like an altar for your iPod. (And it has a cupholder %u2026 didn't a recent study prove that cupholders were important to female consumers?)

The ergonomically crafted seats are made of recycled and recyclable materials, and the open-air mesh design of the seats lends itself to better air circulation.

For what it is designed to do, the Peapod shows a lot of potential. No, you're not going to load it up and trek cross-country; but it's cute and cool enough that you shouldn't have trouble getting the kids to climb in and let your cruise through the carpool lane. Even though it remains, in many ways, a souped-up golf cart, at least it has some sleek lines and kind of looks like a smiley face on wheels. Which, frankly, is something we can all use these days.

At the time this post was published, we were unable to find the price point of the Peapod. So if any of you readers find it please be sure to let us know!

Need A Bigger Ego? Get The $19,800 Ego For Bentley laptop! 

What's the perfect accessory to go with your Bentley? How about a powerful Ego?

No, we don't mean that in a bad way!

Bentley Motors has partnered with the luxury electronics retailer, Ego Lifestyle, to create a sleek and unique notebook computer. The Ego for Bentley, which will retail for about $19,800, is a luxury laptop that has many of the same features that makes the Bentley such a delight: It boasts a refined design and is hand-built to ensure perfection in both detail and craftsmanship.

To complete the Bentley tie-in, the interior color options of the lacquered notebook match the car's most popular exterior colors, while, on the outside, the panels are trimmed with Bentley leather and then finished with Bentley's cross-over hand-stitching. Even the iconic Bently knurling, found on the interior accents of its cars, is replicated here, with etching on the handle.

Each notebook is designed to the owner's requests and requirements, which means you get your choice of colors and finishes. Touches such as sliding doors to cover access ports add to the elegant feel of this ergonomically designed notebook. The design doesn't look like your run-of-the-mill notebook; the clamshell-styled case looks more like an elegant accessory. And, since each notebook is a work of art, it just makes sense that each of these limited edition notebooks are engraved with their own number.

Under the hood, you'll find a 160 GB hard drive, a 64-bit processor and Microsoft Vista Ultimate software. A dozen dedicated direct access keys make Wi-fi, Bluetooth, a web cam and a handful of other operations quick and easy.

Bentley says the notebook is due to hit the shelves "this fall," which, accordingly to my calendar, starts today. So better get in line fast - only 250 of these limited edition laptops will be made.

GM Unveils its Car of the Future - Chevrolet Volt 

The future is here and ladies, it sort of looks like a Hyundai.

At least that's the initial impression delivered with the unveiling of the Chevrolet Volt, GM's equivalent of a hail-Mary pass. The folks that brought us the environment-crushing Hummer have now revealed the prototype of the Volt, their all-electric auto that's slated to hit showroom floors in late 2010. As their first electric vehicle since the ill-fated EV-1 was introduced in 1996, the Volt has a lot of ground to cover to make up for the automaker's slumping sales.

Although early prototypes of the car showed a sexier profile, it appears that Chevrolet has gone for a Hyundai-meets-Ford look with the five-door Volt, giving it more of a family car feeling than hinted at with the prototype shown last year at the Detroit Auto Show. Still, it has a lot of interior touches that could win us over - things like a liquid crystal instrument display, multiple touch screen interfaces and Bluetooth capabilities.

Of course, until it actually rolls out in the flesh -er, metal - it's hard to pass judgement. So until that happens, here's what we do know:

- The Volt is expected to appear late in 2010 and will be priced at between $35,000 and $40,000.

- Top speed is 100 mph, and it has the equivalent of a 150-horsepower engine.

- It is designed to go 40 miles without a charge, and can be plugged into a standard 120v household plug for recharging.

- After exhausting its initial charge, the Volt switches over to an onboard gas-burning generator that can go for several hundred miles.

Stay tuned. Speculation over whether Americans are willing to pay $40K for this model is already beginning, especially considering that a 2009 Toyota Prius runs just over$20,000.

Another unknown? What cars from newcomers like Fisker and Tesla, as well as from established GM competitors, will be hitting the market about the same time to steal the Volt's thunder.

Obviously, it's going to be awhile before we know enough about this car to see how it's going to fit into the changing automotive landscape.

What Do Women (Drivers) Want? 

Today's women drivers want cars that are basically like Brad Pitt, if Brad Pitt were a car

These days, women pretty much demand the same qualities in their cars as they want from their home: Flexibility, good tech connections, and more storage space. At least, that's what the results of a new study from Johnson Controls found.

After focusing its fact-finding mission on the evolving needs of women, the study confirmed what we've known for years: Women want more from their cars, and we'd like them to suit our style as well as our needs.

According to the study, here's what's women would like to see in a car:

- More flexibility. In the course of a single day, a woman's car might be a kids' taxi service, a mobile office, a transport vehicle for soccer equipment and even a party wagon for a gaggle of girlfriends. We need cars that can adapt to the ever-changing needs of our days just as well as we do!

- More connections. Women tend to use technology differently than men. We don't see them as entertainment gadgets so much as we see them as security devices. We want ways to be able to stay charged and connected, from our GPS/OnStar systems to our cell phones and iPods.

- More space! As we've already established, women use their cars for a lot of different reasons. In fact, it seems that any car driven by a woman should automatically earn the MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) description. With that in mind, we'd like more space to stow our stuff, please!

- More style. Just because we have to drop off the kids and the dry cleaning, that shouldn't mean we have to look like we're driving a boxy commercial vehicle! High on the list was the demand for "fun, non-mom" vehicles.

- More environmental friendliness. Leave the gas guzzlers on the lot; today's women drivers want cars that are basically like Brad Pitt, if Brad Pitt were a car. In other words, they want something that looks good, is environmentally friendly and can fit in whatever role is demanded.

Finally, the study found that women find a lot of safety and security inside their automobiles. Because we tend to keep a lot of personal items in our cars, they become an extension of our homes and we find it easy to relax and unwind behind the wheel.

Until, of course, just like at home, the phone starts ringing and the kids start fighting.

Ford Goes Wild With Mustang Makeover 

For its 2010 Mustangs, Ford is getting ready to show us its wild side. Sort of.

The automaker announced last week that its iconic Mustang badge is getting a makeover for the '10 lineup. In unveiling the new steed, Ford is showing off a racier-looking pony that is more muscular than its sleek, fluid predecessor. The new emblem is a glimpse of the more rugged look that's expected for the redesigned 2010 Mustang, which will be revealed later this year.

Although tinkering with an icon is always tricky, Ford got this one right. Thanks to sharper angles and subtle tinting, this pony looks much faster and wilder than the one that first rode on the Mustang grille when the car was introduced back in 1964. The pony was replaced by the "Ford" emblem from 1978 until 1993, but was welcomed back with the '94 models. The pony badge was most recently tweaked in 2005, but the new emblem shows a much more significant makeover.

According to Douglas Gaffka, chief designer for the 2010 Mustang, the retooling of the emblem was the first step in reinventing one of America's best-loved cars.

"We lifted the head to make the pony more proud, tipped the neck into the wind to give it a feeling of greater speed and better balance," he explains. "It's more chiseled and more defined and looks more like a wild horse."

He says the design team actually studied photos of wild Mustangs in their natural habitat to find a more natural look.

In addition to the duo-tone tinted emblem that will appear on the V6 and GT versions of the 2010 Mustang, Ford will offer a black chrome version for the GT. Here's hoping the redesigned car is just as eye-catching as its new badge.

Pebble Beach: In Case You Missed 

2008 "Best in Show" 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Touring Berlinetta

Photo courtesy Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. All rights reserved.

This weekend, the 58th Pebble Councours d'Elegance gave car lovers more than 200 reasons to lust after what they cannot have. The annual car show attracted competitors from 27 states and 12 countries, once again making it one of the most elite and well-attended shows in the world.

Although there was plenty of eye candy to keep onlookers oohing and ahhing at the 18th hole on the Monterey Peninsula's Pebble Beach golf course, at the end of the day, only one car can be named "Best in Show." And this time around, that honor went to John and Mary Shirley from Medina, Washington.

The Shirleys bought their 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Touring Berlinetta four years ago. It had already enjoyed a rich history - throughout the 1930s, the 8C 2900B was Alfa's most prestigious touring car. Less than three dozen of the cars were ever completed and put on the road.

This particular car is even more unique, however. While most of the 8C 2900B models were bodied by Carrozzeria Touring, this is one of six that was privately commissioned to be built by Berlinetta, and its good looks landed it in several ads run by Alfa.

As if that's not enough, John Shirley says the car's attributes go beyond its obvious beauty.

"This car has an intriguing history," he says. "It won the first race at Watkins Glen in 1948, and though the car's been driven quite a bit, it's never been wrecked."

Even with its exquisite lines and perfect body, the Shirleys knew their Alfa faced some stiff competition. But at the end of the day, the 8C 2900B simply proved unbeatable.

"It takes an amazing level of elegance for a closed car like this Alfa to win here," acknowledged Sandra Kasky Button, Concours chairman. "It requires the ultimate in style, grace and proportion. This car has all of that."

Just look at this car. Who can argue with her?!

Honda Rolls Out Fuel Cell Vehicles 

Honda to put about 200 FCX Clarity vehicles on the road over the next three years

Most women would agree that they would like a little more clarity in their lives - and now Honda is delivering that.

Honda will put about 200 of its FCX Clarity vehicles on the road over the next three years, although - much like GM's electric EV1 introduced back in 1996, the cars will not be sold. They'll only be available for lease, and let's hope they don't meet the same fate! (For more on that, check out the documentary, Who Killed the Electric Car?)

Adding a little celebrity appeal to the FCX Clarity's profile is actress Jamie Lee Curtis (pictured above), who became only the second customer to take ownership of the new vehicle. Curtis and her husband, mockumentary filmmaker Christopher Guest, have been vocal advocates about green living and have owned other alternative fuel and hybrid vehicles. As a veteran driver of fuel-saving vehicles, Curtis said the appointments of the new FCX Clarity caught her off guard.

"I really wasn't expecting it to be so luxurious," she said. "It's luxurious, luxurious, luxurious!"

All that luxury includes a satellite-linked navigation system with a rearview camera; voice-recognition controls and heated and cooled seats %u2026 made of bio-friendly fabric, of course. And if you believe the surveys that say most women make their automobile selection based on cupholders - well, you're in luck. The Clarity has a bunch of 'em.

More significant, of course, is the mileage of this car, which runs on hydrogen-powered fuel cells. It gets the equivalent of 74 miles to the gallon and has a driving range of about 280 miles. The electric motor runs on electricity generated in the fuel cell, and the only by-products from this zero-emission car are heat and water.

Most of the cars will be leased in Southern California, according to Honda. Here's hoping they can hit the rest of the country fairly quickly.

Mercedes, Gimme an "A," A-Class That Is 

"Automotive News" reports Mercedes-Benz to bring A-Class and B-Class to America

A few months ago while in Vancouver, I climbed inside a small, sporty crossover that had all the comfort and markings of a Mercedes, but lacked the familiar interior I'm accustomed to.

Feeling a lot like an upgraded Honda CRV, the compact MPV (or multi-purpose vehicle) boasted a deceptively roomy interior and, the driver told me, was perfect for taking her large Portugese Water Dog on adventures. It was my first introduction to Mercedes' B-Class, and upon returning home I set out to learn more about it.

The B-Class Tourer is best described as a cross between the R-Class, which is sold in the U.S., and the subcompact A-Class, which is not. Yet.

After finding success in Germany, the A-Class, which was first rolled out in 1997, was slated for American production. Plans to bring the small family car to the U.S. were scrapped because of weak dollar, but the A-Class and its spinoff, the B-Class, which was introduced in 2005, both enjoyed healthy sales in Europe and Canada.

Now it seems that we might be able to get in on the subcompact luxury. Automotive News is reporting that Mercedes-Benz chairman Dieter Zetsche has announced plans to bring the A-Class and B-Class to American soil. The reason? High fuel costs are making even luxury drivers re-think the merits of their gas-guzzling daily drivers. Suddenly, those subcompacts are looking rather attractive - and let's face it, when you slap a Mercedes emblem on the front of it, it's just bound to look good!

With sales taking a nosedive, Mercedes apparently thought it seemed like a good time to re-think their previous plan - and they've also announced plans for an electric version.

Current plans call for the new models to arrive in the U.S. in 2011, and we'll get both a coupe and a small crossover. All of a sudden, downsizing looks a whole lot better%u2026

Resurrected Chevy Heads to Pebble Beach 

In just over two weeks, car lovers will flock to the 2008 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, where they'll ooooh and aaaaah over some of the finest creations ever to roll across the ground. And this year, it's possible that no other car will have quite the allure as the reconstructed 1955 Chevrolet Biscayne.

The Biscayne was a concept car built by GM back in 1955 as part of the General Motors Motorama tour. This engine-revving caravan of concept cars traveled the U.S., inviting the public to get a glimpse of their automotive future. The problem was, most of these cars were never road-tested, and when the Motorama tour ended, GM ordered most of the cars destroyed to avoid legal problems.

Three years later, Chevrolet produced a different Biscayne, loosely modeled after the sleek dream car - but worlds away. The Biscayne that hit the road from 1958 until 1972 was designed specifically for low-cost, no-frills transportation, and was the least expensive car in Chevy's lineup of full-size cars.

The original Biscayne might have been completely forgotten, were it not for Joe Bortz, who was a young boy when he spied the GM dream cars at the 1955 Chicago Auto Show. Unable to shake their memory, Bortz tracked down the remains of the Biscayne and the LaSalle Roadster at a Detroit-area junkyard, and has worked tirelessly to restore these concepts to their original greatness.

On August 17, the Biscayne makes its first public appearance since 1955 as part of the showings at Pebble Beach. Bortz, a self-proclaimed automotive archeologist, will have a few other pieces of history that he's pieced together as well. Those cars join an exhibit of about a dozen dream cars that GM saved, and they'll be part of a display celebrating GM's centennial.

It seems fitting that the Biscayne, which was unceremoniously put out to pasture in the late '50s, resurfaces now: In the Motorama tour, it was nicknamed the 'Miracle Car' because it drew the largest crowds of any of the concept cars. And with soaring gas prices, slowed sales and concerns over fuel efficiency, I can't think of a time when the auto industry has needed a miracle any more than it does today.

Downsize Your Carbon Footprint While You Drive 

Best compromise is to find ways to cut back on carbon footprint while enjoying time behind the wheel

For many drivers, the pain at the pump has translated into less time behind the wheel. But for women who really love their cars and find driving a pleasure, not a chore, the rising price of gas becomes just one more aggravation to endure. It's kind of like wearing high heels - it hurts a little, but the end results are worth it.

Of course, it's not just the cost of gas that we're conscious of; it's also the impact our emissions have on the environment. So the best compromise is to find ways to cut back on that carbon footprint while enjoying time behind the wheel.

Traffic.com, which provides consumers with a variety of driving tips and real-time traffic solutions, reports that there are five simple steps you can take to reduce gas consumption this summer:

1. Check your tire pressure. Under-inflated tires can reduce your gas mileage by 3 percent - and they look tacky, too!

2. Lighten up! Removing 100 pounds of unnecessary weight can boost gas mileage by 2 percent. (If that means kicking your husband out of the front seat while you go out - so be it. Just tell him you're helping save the planet, and he'll understand.)

3. Avoid sitting in traffic. This one seems rather obvious - after all, none of us really want to spend our time sitting in traffic, do we? Avoid bottlenecked traffic by using car navigation systems that give you real-time traffic updates. (My recommendation is Dash, the first Internet-connected navigation system. But that's just me.)

4. Keep those GPS maps updated. Remember: Quickest route + updated map = less time in stop-and-go traffic.

5. Finally, use the tools provided by the fine folks at Traffic.com. You can find drive time calculators and also have them send traffic updates to your cell phone or Blackberry.

One last suggestion from Traffic.com is to take the highway, which is usually what we prefer anyway. After all, cruising down the open road beats puttering down a side street any day.

Help Fido Fight Car Sickness 

Ease The Quease - part of new line of organic products that helps fight motion sickness in dogs

As an animal lover, few things compare to sharing the open road with my four-legged friends. And few things are worse than having those same four-legged friends lose their lunch in the car.

My friend Ron takes his King Charles Cavalier Spaniels, Willie and Dixie (pictured), with him almost everywhere he goes. It doesn't matter if he's driving his Lamborghini Gallardo or his Bentley Continental; those dogs can be found sitting proud in the front seat. While I don't give my Boston Terriers quite the same globe-trotting experience, they still log plenty of miles in the car with me.

Fortunately, I'm blessed with a pair of pooches that are travel-friendly and don't have problems with motion sickness. However, for those car-lovers whose hounds do have a hard time hitting the road, there's a new, all-natural way to curb their carsickness.

Ease The Quease is part of a new line of organic products from dog expert Kathy Santo that helps fight motion sickness in dogs. The new line, called Everyday Pets, uses natural ingredients to soothe a variety of your canine's woes. Made with certified organic herbs, Ease The Quease has such stomach-soothing ingredients as ginger root, St. Johns wort, anise seed, peppermint and spearmint. And unlike medications that can knock out your four-legged friend, these natural formulas won't have any sedating side effects.

So if you want your little buddy to keep his cool (and his lunch) on those long drives, check out Kathy Santo's products here. You'll also find some great travel wipes, called Tidy Wipe-Ease, which provide quick clean-ups on the go. If you've got a doggie that goes wherever you go, these products belong in your travel box!

Dyson - The Next Big Name in Autos? 

King of Suction creating lightweight, solar-powered motor based on his fabulous vacuums

When Dyson came on the scene with its superb line of wind-tunnel vacuums a few years ago, I had to have one. The selling points were just too strong: As the first bagless vacuum on the market, it was also easy to maneuver and completely allergy-friendly. Sold. It's not as good as having someone clean my house for me, but it makes the task - dare I say it - more enjoyable. (Or at least less dreadful.)

Inventor James Dyson hasn't just been resting on the millions he's made as the King of Suction; now the brilliant Brit has a new idea that's gaining traction. He plans on creating a lightweight solar-powered motor based on those found in his fabulous vacuums. The battery would get its charge from solar panel on the car's roof or could also be charged from panels on the garage's roof.

Rather than try designing the body, Dyson is focusing on the motor and, according to the U.K. Daily Mail, will team up with an automaker such as Honda to build the perfect shell for his electric car. Best of all, Dyson is determined to shake the notion that electric cars are only good for city driving.

"An electric motor can go to very high speeds," he promises. Given what the man can do with a vacuum cleaner, I'm hoping he can do the same with a car.

Can't wait to drive down the road with the bumper sticker that reads, "My Other Dyson is a Vacuum Cleaner."

Online Shopping Continues to Grow - But Not For Luxury Cars 

More and more wealthy Americans are turning to the web to get their shopping done, but when it comes to luxury cars, they%u2019d rather hit the showroom floor

More and more wealthy Americans are turning to the web to get their shopping done, but when it comes to luxury cars, they'd rather hit the showroom floor.

That's the final word from a study conducted by the Luxury Institute, which found that, while shopping online for luxury goods is way up, only about one-fourth of us are comfortable buying our cars that way. The study, which surveyed households with an average net worth of $2.9 million, provides some interesting insight into high-end shopping.

Luxury shoppers appear to be much more at ease buying real estate or big-ticket jewelry items online; nearly 40 percent are content to do so. And nearly two-thirds of people with annual incomes of $150,000 or more are OK with buying fashion apparel or finding wealth advisors online. But when it comes to cars - well, the showroom experience just can't be beat. Maybe it's that new car smell.

"These highly tactile, big-ticket luxury items are generally better experienced rather than simply presented on a website," explains Milton Pedraza, Luxury Institute CEO. However, that doesn't mean luxury players don't need a presence on the web.

Nearly two-thirds of all high-end shoppers go directly to the web to get more information on their purchases before they buy. So while today's consumers are reluctant to make online purchases beyond $10,000 (the average comfort threshold for online purchases was about $3,294), the overall shift toward more online activity is making its way to higher end purchases.

So does that mean it's only a matter of time before you'll buy that new Aston Martin online? Time will tell. As Pedraza noted, it's hard to truly get the "wow" effect from a web site; nothing beats walking into the showroom and driving off with a brand new steering wheel in your hands. This could be one experience that even technology can't replicate - or replace.

Inside Mercedes' Final McLaren 

Final venture between Mercedes and McLaren - only 75 units will be produced

There's no doubt that the Mercedes SLR McLaren (pictured at top right of this page) is a stunning piece of machinery. With the fastest automatic transmission in the world and 5.4 litre supercharged V8, it has enjoyed a storied ride since production began in 2003.

Last year, Mercedes announced it would halt production of the SLR (which stands for Sport, Light, Racing) and now we've gotten a glimpse of the final Mercedes McLaren, which is slated to roll off the line early in '09.

This weekend, the German publication "Auto Motor und Sport" offered a full report of the final venture between Mercedes and McLaren. Only 75 units will be produced for the final SLR run, and the photos show us that this new incarnation is a dramatic departure from the stylish gull-winged McLaren we've come to know and love.

Instead, the final SLR will borrow inspiration from Rudolf Uhlenhaut's 1955 300 SLR, which had an open-air construction %u2026 that means no roof or even a windshield. (Yes, ladies, this car is going to be hell on the hairdo.) Instead of a windshield, a small wind deflector will help divert some of that airflow, which suddenly makes a helmet seem like a good idea. Especially given this car's ability to go from zero to 186 mph in 26 seconds.

Adding to its Spartan appeal, this last SLR also is leaving out touches like air conditioning and power windows, and the carbon plastic body will further reduce the overall weight of the vehicle. Removing the extras have given the car an eight mile an hour advantage over the more luxurious 722 Edition; the final SLR will be able to hit a top speed of 217.5 mph, compared to the paltry 209 mph of the 722.

If you can read German and want to get more details, you can read the entire "Auto Motor und Sport" story here. Meanwhile, I think I'll go back to looking for a car with air conditioning. And visors. With vanity mirrors. Call me picky, but for $450,000, I really expect a windshield!

Escalade Limo Escalates Luxury Ride 

Becker Automotive Designs, Inc. teamed up with auto customizer STRUT to create the special-edition Cadillac Escalade ESV. And this one definitely goes all out to prove that it%u2019s not where you%u2019re going that%u2019s important; it%u2019s how you get

When you absolutely, positively have to get there in style, a limo is usually the best way to go. But how do you stand out from all the other stretches in the crowd?

Becker Automotive Designs, Inc. has answered that question by teaming up with auto customizer STRUT to create the special-edition Cadillac Escalade ESV. And this one definitely goes all out to prove that it's not where you're going that's important; it's how you get there.

The amenities inside are pretty impressive, even by Cadillac standards. Completely customized from floor to ceiling, this lush leather interior is definitely made to ensure that you enjoy the ride. Spacious captain's chairs let you lean back and put your feet up in rich, comfortable style.

The iPod-ready audio/video system offers satellite HDTV, DVD and digital surround sound that will likely remind you it's time to upgrade your home theater system. And all things electronic are under your control with a custom Crestron touchscreen that Becker designed using its proprietary software.

If you're one of those all work, no play types, you're in luck, too - it's just as ready for work as you are. The onboard computer system has a broadband Internet connection and full printer/scanner functions. Let's just say it beats the heck out of lugging a laptop along.

Outside, the Escalade ESV is every bit as elegant as one would expect, with STRUT's custom jewelry collection providing accents that include a woven diamond-mesh front grille and side vents, along with the STRUT shield and Icon Wheels.

If you want to add one to your fleet, that can be done for $125,000-$225,000. Talk about business class!

Less Pain At The Pump 

CarandDriver.com released its list of the 10 most fuel-efficient vehicles in the U.S.

It's almost impossible to remember the last time I watched a newscast that didn't include a report on the rising price of gas. As the numbers break the $4 a gallon mark, even those who can afford the $100 tank of gas are rethinking their choices.

The one-two punch of environmental awareness and soaring gas prices has led GM to shun its behemouth Hummer and has made the used SUV market a bargain for anyone who doesn't mind making up for it at the gas pump.

So now, some good news: GM has turned its attention to the Volt, its plug-in hybrid, with production set for 2010. For those who don't want to wait, CarandDriver.com has released its list of the 10 most fuel-efficient vehicles in the U.S.

It's no surprise to find the Toyota Prius at the top of that list. The highly praised Prius has become a celebrity in its own right and the symbol for all things green. With 48 mpg/highway and 45 mpg in the city, no other car can touch this one. Yet.

Following on its heels are the 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid (45/highway, 40/city); the tiny Smart Fortwo (41/highway, 33/city); the 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid (35/highway, 33/city); and the 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid (34/highway, 33/city).

Rounding out the top 10 list are the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI, the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid, the '08 Toyota Yaris, the '08 Mini Cooper and the 2008 Honda Fit.

Keep It Clean - But Conserve Water 

Detail Magic introduces a Waterless Car Wash and Wax

Those of us who are concerned about the environment face some sizeable challenges when it comes to our love of cars. Let's put aside the whole gas-guzzling issue for a moment, and look at something we used to take for granted - keeping our cars clean.

Yes, we all want that fresh-from-the-factory look when we're driving down the street. A clean, shiny car - regardless of its make or model - simply looks and feels better than a dirty one. At the same time, however, there's been a lot of attention given to our evaporating natural resource, water, and so hosing down the sports car can certainly inflict some feelings of guilt.

Before the month is over, it could go beyond guilt, as nearly two dozen states are considering water convservation plans for the rest of the summer.

Fortunately, there's a fairly simple solution on the market right now. Detail Magic, which makes a nice line of automotive detailing products, has introduced a Waterless Car Wash and Wax that lets you keep your car sparkling clean without spilling so much as a single drop of water.

Although it's not going to let you scrub up your Land Rover after a muddy romp through the swamp, it's the solution you've been looking for to keep your car in mint condition between washings. All you do is shake it, spray it and then wipe down your car. It's like cleaning your kitchen - only a lot faster! - and the planet will thank you.

What If Your Hybrid Needs Repairs? 

Hybrids have become some of the hottest property around

Hybrids have become some of the hottest property around, thanks to that one-two punch of environmental consciousness and skyrocketing gas prices. In fact, according to Automotive News, sales of the Toyota Prius are up nearly 4 percent from last year and a year-old Prius is now worth more than it was when it was new.

That's good news for owners - and for the environment - but this new ownership comes with some new questions. Like - Where do you get it fixed if you are far from your home dealership?

The answer, according to Angie Hicks - namesake and founder of Angie's List, a service company rating site - is getting easier to find.

"Right now the easiest way to ensure you get a hybrid-certified mechanic is to use the service department of a dealership that sells new hybrid vehicles," recommends Hicks. "Mechanics at those dealerships are required to undergo extensive hybrid training that some independent mechanics may not have gotten yet."

However, with hybrids heating up the market, more repair shops are sending their mechanics back to school to learn the tricks of this new trade. She advises to simply ask for proof that the mechanic is certified to work on a hybrid before handing him the keys.

The best plan, of course, is to find a certified mechanic before you need one. Developing a long-term relationship with your mechanic is always a good idea, so plan ahead and start cultivating this before you need one. Some of Hicks' tips for hybrid auto repair also include:

- Never work on the electrical system yourself.

- Be timely with the tire rotations, as the torque of a hybrid engines can wear out tires faster than on a traditional gasoline engine.

- Keep your routine - maintenance, that is. Staying current on your regular maintenance schedule extends the life of your hybrid in addition to preserving its resale value.

As if lower gas bills and environmental do-goodism weren't enough, Hicks found another piece of good news for hybrid owners: Maintenance and repair costs are less than maintenance of traditional vehicles, thanks to fewer components that require regular maintenance. So you aren't just driving green - you're saving green!
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Inside the 2009 Lincoln MKS 

Lincoln to roll out new luxury sedan that combines high-end features with moderate pricetag

With rising fuel costs and uncertain economic times looming, even luxury buyers are taking a more conservative approach to shopping. With that in mind, Lincoln will roll out a new luxury sedan this summer that combines some high-end features with a surprisingly moderate pricetag.

The 2009 Lincoln MKS, which will hit showrooms this summer, starts at around $38,000. That price tag is meant to help attract first-time luxury buyers, and Lincoln is unveiling some attractive amenities to help first-timers plunge into the luxury experience.

Outwardly, the car boasts the clean, classic lines you'd expect from a Lincoln. The distinctive double-wing grille was inspired by the 1941 Lincoln Contintental, and that's the starting point for an elegantly designed body that comes in nine colors, from the sedate, executive-feeling Tuxedo Black Metallic to the much more energized, ready-for-the-nightlife Sangria Red Metallic.

Inside, the cabin is a terrific combination of business class and high-tech innovation. The stylish two-tone interior has such luxury touches as a leather-wrapped steering wheel, wood trim and leather seats with the heated/cooling features we've come to expect. They've super-sized the glove box and given some thought to cupholder design - there's even a fold-down console in the back to give rear-seat passengers access to cupholders of their own.

But beyond the design of the interior, it is the high-tech touches that make this car truly stand out. Lincoln has pumped a lot of life into this car, and it shows with such features as SYNC - a voice-activated in-car systm that lets you access your cell phone and digital media player; Adaptive Cruise Control, which not only sets the car's speed but automatically adjusts to keep a safe distance between you and the car in front of you; automatic moisture-activated windshield wipers; a rearview camera system and a forward sensing system, which together will pretty much eliminate any parking problem you might run into - except finding an actual parking space.

As a clincher for luxury-minded consumers who are also watching their checkbook, Lincoln has borrowed the powertrain from its MKX, which was named one of Ward's 10 Best Engines for 2007. The aluminim block and lightweight four-valve heads ensure smooth operations, even at high RPMs, and it delivers the power of a V8 with the efficiency of a V6.

Lincoln has already reported a huge response to this sedan, with nearly 9,000 pre-order already placed. Find out more about it here.

Study Says New Cars Are Losing Their Luster 

The 2008 APEAL Study shows that drivers are less thrilled with their new car purchases

Is that new car smell losing its thrill? Could be, according to a new survey released by J.D Power and Associates.

The 2008 APEAL (Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout) Study shows that drivers are less thrilled with their new car purchases than they were a year ago. But it isn't necessarily the cars themselves that are to blame. Instead, drivers point to prices at the pump, which have gone up 27 percent since last year's survey.

"The increased cost of filling their vehicles leads to a greater level of dissatisfaction with fuel economy than in the past," notes David Sargent, vice president of automotive research at J.D. Power and Associates. "Manufacturers that deliver more fuel-efficient vehicles%u2026stand a better chance of delighting their customers."

And there definitely were some delights to be found. Although Honda fared the best, capturing the highest level of satisfaction in three categories, luxury marque Porsche held its own with top ratings in two categories. It took home the APEAL award for its Cayman in the "Compact Premium Sporty Car" category and for the Cayenne in the "Compact Multi-Activity Vehicle (MAV)" division.

Jaguar also fared well, earning a perfect score in "Overall Performance and Design."

Luxury models that got the thumbs-up from satisfied drivers were the Lexus IS 250/IS 350/IS-F (Entry Premium Car); the BMW 5 Series (Midsize Premium Car) and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (Large Premium Car).

Joining the Porsche Cayenne in the Premium MAV category was Land Rover's Range Rover, which topped the list for Large Premium MAVs.

The survey goes hand-in-hand with J.D. Powers and Associates' Initial Quality Study, which was released about three weeks ago and focuses on problems experienced by new owners during the first 90 days of ownership. To see how your favorite auto manufacturer fared, click here.

Land Rover%u2019s New Concept a Winner 

The South East Automotive Media Organization named Land Rover%u2019s LRX Concept the 2008 North American Concept Truck of the Year

Land Rover's latest brainchild hasn't hit the production line yet - but it's already a hit.

The South East Automotive Media Organization named Land Rover's LRX Concept the 2008 North American Concept Truck of the Year on Tuesday, citing its great looks and new technology as major factors. The award is based on design, style, materials, technology, market viability and market responsiveness.

Although it's still technically an SUV, the sleekly designed Land Rover LRX Concept incorporates some rather innovative options into its design. It's a turbo diesel hybrid vehicle - the first of its kind - which means it can get over 50 miles to the gallon and can run on bio-diesel. With just three doors, it is smaller and lighter than the Land Rovers on the road tody, and it also has an "ECO" mode to optimize fuel economy.

Inside, the interiors are as luxurious as ever, but it's designed to not only look good, but to reduce the weight of the LRX as well. Instead of glass in the roof and side windows, designers used polycarbonate - which is 40 percent lighter than glass and blocks virtually all UV light. At the same time, Land Rover used special nanotechnology within the polycarbonate to reduce infra-red transmission, which helps the interior keep its cool.

With an eye toward sustainability, the LRX uses vegetable-tanned leather, aluminum (good both for reducing weight and for recycling) and carpeting made from sustainable sources. The fine suede on the door inserts and headliners is actually made from recycled plastic bottles and fibers. And the creature comforts aim to please, with touches like an iPod docking station, a cool box (no more bulky coolers in the car!) and even a bottle chiller.

So, finally, there's a Land Rover that is as good for the environment as it is good-looking. In fact, the only problem I could see with this vehicle is that it's not on the road yet. Here's hoping that Land Rover will make that happen long before the LRX's previously anticipated 2011-ish debut%u2026

Inside the Infiniti FX50 

On June 24 - Infiniti begins selling its latest incarnation of the FX, its luxury crossover SUV

In just over a week - on June 24 - Infiniti will begin selling its latest incarnation of the FX, its luxury crossover SUV. For everyone who has resisted owning/driving an SUV in order to avoid the stigma of being a minivan mom, it just might be time to rethink that decision.

In an effort to continue putting the "sport" in "sports utility vehicle," Infiniti has put technology to work both inside and out on this beautifully designed machine. The 2009 lineup includes three models - the FX35 RWD ($40,950), the FX35 AWD ($42,350) and, at the top of the line, the FX50 AWD ($56,700). For the new year, the FX has been given a lower nose and sleeker profile, and for those seeking the perfect marriage of style, substance and performance, the FX50 is an absolute dream to drive.

Nice touches - such as paddle shifters on the steering column - definitely add to the sporty appeal, while an impressive list of safety features and high-tech driving aids make it a smart choice for the safety-minded.

For those who think "safety first," let's go there: The new FX is the first vehicle to roll out a new safety technology called Distance Control Assist, or DCA, which is designed to make driving in heavy traffic a little bit easier. DCA intuitively releases the throttle and applies the brakes to keep you a safe distance from the car in front of you. Also new to the industry is the FX's Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA), which provides automatic emergency braking and a forward collision warning . And just to make sure you keep it between the lines, the car has a Lane Departure Warning and an automated Lane Departure Prevention system.

So, in case you're wondering - yes, you can buy this car and put a bumper sticker on it that reads, "My car is smarter than your honor student."

Techno-features aside, the comfort and styling of the Infiniti offer an impressive ride. The dash is an eye-catching combination of wood and leather that serves as the perfect display panel for the interior features. Of those features, one of the most useful is the Around View Monitor, which was a hit for Infiniti on its EX models and now works just as well here. It makes parking a breeze, and the only thing that could make it any easier would be a personal valet.

If you're picking the kids up from soccer practice, you'll also appreciate the automatic air recirculation feature, which switches the air source when it detects odors in the car and gives you a fresh supply. (Where was this feature when I was growing up and had to go on long car trips with my brothers?!)

Appointments such as an 11-speaker Bose audio system and great navigational features round out the package. The sporty cockpit is designed to be intuitive, driver-friendly and has the comfort you'd expect from a luxury car .

The beauty of the FX50 is that it has all the attributes you need in an SUV without driving or feeling like one. It has a 390 horsepower 5.0 liter V8 (the FX35s have a 303 horsepower 3.5 liter V6) and a seven-speed automatic transmission. With that kind of action under the hood, this is the SUV that just might make them the next cool car.

Let Your Lambo Play Dress Up 

As we all know, accessorizing is the one thing that separates women from the animals and from men

As we all know, accessorizing is the one thing that separates women from the animals. And from men.

However, there's no reason to limit your accessorizing to your shoes, handbags and jewelry - there are many great ways to dress up your car as well. And if you happen to have a Lamborghini Gallardo in the garage, you're in luck.

STRUT, the California-based luxury aftermarket auto accessorizer, has added a new collection of car jewelry to its offering. This time around, they're offering carbon fiber and stainless steel appointments to let you customize your Lambo . Although they don't have anything to offer first-year Gallardos, STRUT's new collection includes two grilles with carbon fiber surrounds and stainless steel diamond-woven mesh bearing the STRUT shield for Gallardos built between 2004 and 2008. They also have matching side, rear hood, rear intake and bumper vents to add to the personal touches.

The result of these additions - besides making it a bit more personal - are a meaner profile and a distinctively different look to your Lambo. (Beats the heck out of a customized antenna ball or a bumper sticker!)

The Lamborghini Gallardo jewelry collection is $25,000 for the carbon fiber/stainless steel set and $35,000 for the limited edition titanium collection.

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What Kind Of Car Are You Attracted To? 

LeaseTrader.com has released a new look at what kind of women are attracted to certain cars and the men who drive them

Hot on the heels of a survey that indicates women find hybrids sexier than hotrods (See What's Sexier - A Porsche or a Prius? ), LeaseTrader.com has released a new look at what kind of women are attracted to certain cars. Or, more specifically, the men who drive those cars.

Teaming up with dating expert DeAnna Lorraine, they're released a new look at how women react to the cars men drive.

"A man's car reveals more about his personality and values, and may determine a woman's attraction toward him," Lorraine says. "Women pay attention to more than just a man's personal looks."

Based on the five most popular cars being leased by men, Lorraine created the following profiles:

Chevy Suburban : The men at the wheel of this car like travel, adventure and spending time with friends and family. Therefore, they tend to attract women who are family-oriented, down to earth and easygoing.

Mercedes S-Class : These guys are classy, successful and stylish - Lorraine refers to them as "Sugar Daddies." Consequently, she believes these vehicles attract sophisticated women in their late 30s and 40s who enjoy being taken care of.

Ford F-150 : OK, please step away from the gun rack and don't shoot the messenger here. Lorraine says that the men driving these trucks tend to be insecure and overcompensate on a tough, macho level. And the little woman on the seat next to them? They're looking for someone to protect them.

Toyota Camry : These cars attract drivers who Lorraine called "solid, reliable and committed" - and the women they attract tend to be sweet, level-headed, uncomplicated and undemanding.

Last but not least, of course, is the Corvette . Lorraine says these drivers are "conservative but trying to satisfy a mid-life crisis by displaying their wild side through their car." Lucky for them, they attract "hot, bad girls that are impulsive, wild and rebellious."

I'd be interested to see her take on the women who drive these cars - and the kind of men they attract. I'm guessing it would go something like this:

Chevy Suburban : Has more kids than she has hands, and consequently spends much of her time transporting them to and from soccer/guitar/baseball practice. Secretly longs for a two-seater with a really good stereo system and a man who's had a vasectomy.

Mercedes S-Class : This woman is career-driven and enjoys the finer things in life. She is looking for a man who (a) is not threatened by her success and (b) does not consider "moving back home with mother" a viable retirement plan.

Ford F150 : Not afraid of hard work, this little lady loves being in the driver's seat. She wants a man who knows when it's time to sit down, shut up, pop open a beer and ride shotgun.

Toyota Camry : Here's good news for all the accountants out there! This car is piloted by a no-nonsense woman who craves a good value and longevity. The man who wins her heart will be loyal, consistent %u2026 and probably about as exciting as a box of hammers.

Corvette : The woman at the wheel of this car thinks that mid-life crises are for sissies, and she doesn't have the time or patience to listen to her man whine about losing his hair. She wants to get where she's going fast, and wants to look good getting there. In fact, she would probably rather race most men than date them. And she would probably win.

Serengeti%u2019s Shades of Summer 

The Maestrale is one pair of shades that encourage you to see the world through rose-colored glasses

The right car requires the right pair of sunglasses to go with it, and at the moment I've grown incredibly fond of the new Maestrale by Serengeti.

Sporty enough to be worn for vigorous summer activities, but stylish enough to look and feel right at home in your favorite automobile, the Maestrale is one pair of shades that encourage you to see the world through rose-colored glasses. The shatter-resistant PolarMax lenses provide full sun protection from top to bottom and from side to side, so you can't beat them for those afternoons spent cruising in a convertible with the top down.

The tortoise shell frames let you dress them up or dress them down, which is a great thing because once you've put them on your face, you're going to want to keep them there. And if you absolutely have to have everything in basic black, they also come in Satin Black with black lenses. Retail price is only $160, which leaves you several pennies to put more petro in your tank.

Texas Exhibit Showcases Art of the Auto 

June 12 marks the opening of a new exhibition from the Automotive Fine Arts Society at The Grace Museum in Abilene

Many eyes are on Abilene, Texas this week as Yisrayl Hawkins, leader of the House of Yahweh cult, has declared June 12 as Doomsday.

(Of course, the fact that there are no "End of the World" sales going on at Macy's and Nordstrom's immediately makes this information seem questionable.)

End time prophecies aside, there definitely will be something big happening in Abilene tomorrow - but it's a grand opening, not a big finish.

June 12 marks the opening of a new exhibition from the Automotive Fine Arts Society at The Grace Museum in Abilene. And for anyone who loves cars, this exhibit is definitely worth the drive.

It's the first time the AFAS has presented a museum exhibit, and the national organization has called on artists from all different mediums to make it a breath-taking experience for those who like to ooh and aah over all things automotive. Zero to 60 includes paintings and sculptures, pen-and-ink drawings, wood carvings and more. (Pictured is "Sex in the City" by Ken Eberts.)

"The paintings and sculptures of the AFAS relate their common love affair with the automobile and its history," said Grace Museum curator Judy Deaton. She said the cars captured by the artists range from classics to current designs; from street vehicles to race cars.

"The subject may be the same but the results vary from the photorealism to energetic abstractions and everything in between," Deaton says. "Jags, coups, convertibles, woodies, roadsters, Duesebergs, dragsters and Vettes - the romance of the road is in excellent and very talented hands."

AFAS regularly exhibits its members talents at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance, but this marks the first time that many of these artists have been assembled in a non-automotive setting.

So if you're headed to Abilene tomorrow to catch the End of the World, make sure you swing by The Grace Museum first. And if you can't make it tomorrow, you have until September 7. (Well, not according to Yisrayl, but I'm going out on a limb and guessing you're OK on time.)

The Grace Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and until 8 p.m. on Thursday. For more information, visit their web site or call 325-673-4587.

Morrissette, Mercedes Gets Green 

Morrissett has partnered with Mercedes-Benz, showcasing their E320 BlueTEC in her latest video, "Underneath"

Most of us best recall Alanis Morrissette as the gal who made ex-boyfriends around the world squirm uncomfortably whenever her songs came on the air. But it's been 13 years since she gave us "You Oughta Know," and today Alanis is singing a different tune.

No longer the angry young woman, today she is an environmentally minded artist and has gone from being green with envy to simply being green. And for her latest video, she wants to take audiences along for the ride.

To that end, she has partnered with Mercedes-Benz, showcasing their E320 BlueTEC in her latest video, "Underneath." The first single from her new album, Flavors of Entanglement, the video revolves around Morrissette and her concern for the environment. It shows her wearing a "Save the Earth" T-shirt at a Los Angeles bus stop and then distributing fliers about the environment - presumably on recycled paper.

Mercedes gets in the act when the E320 BlueTEC passes, and she salutes the driver for their environmentally aware choice. So what made the BlueTEC her eco-friendly car of choice?

First off, it uses a state-of-the-art engine and exhaust technology, which produces the cleanest diesels available. That allows the V6 to provide the power of a V8 with the fuel consumption of a four-cylinder compact. Neat trick, huh?

Beyond the immediate benefit of fuel efficiency, the long-term benefit includes significantly lower carbon dioxide emissions. The Benz E320 BlueTEC was impressive enough to be named the 2007 World Green Car by automotive journalists - and clearly that's good enough for Alanis.

In case the sedan isn't your style, this fall Mercedes will roll out a trio of SUVs - the ML320 BlueTEC, the larger GL320 BlueTEC and the less-easy-to-define-as-a-SUV R320 BlueTEC. So if you want to help Alanis save the planet, check out these cars. If not, don't worry - I won't say anything. We've all seen how she can be when she's mad.

Building A Better Bentley 

Beginning in 2009, Bentley's lineup will be joined by its most powerful four-door to date - the Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed

Not that anyone was complaining about the luxury of its current and/or previous models, but now Bentley has announced plans for a new and improved car.

The British automaker has announced that, beginning in 2009, the Flying Spur lineup will be joined by its most powerful four-door to date - the Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed. Combining the cabin comforts of the Flying Spur with the driving performance of the highly acclaimed Contintental GT Speed, this latest addition is a 12-cylinder powerhouse with 600 horsepower that will top out at around 200 miles an hour, besting the Flying Spur's top number of 195. It will also outperform the standard Spur in the 0-60 showdown, hitting the mark in 4.5 seconds, which shaves .4 seconds off the standard Flying Spur's 0-60 performance. (Good to know if you're in a hurry.)

Bentley has lowered the ride height, which will help the car hit its full velocity potential on the open road, and the Speed also boasts a reworked chassis that provides tauter handling and better steering response. With so many racing elements incorporated, designers also gave the car improved agility and body control %u2026 and then added thicker anti-roll bars to both the front and back of the car. Not that you'll need them, of course - but it's good to know they're there.

As expected, this car isn't designed just for superior performance, but for ultimate style and elegance as well. It has the familiar Bentley curves and styling cues, but subtle design shifts make the Flying Spur Speed stand out on the road. The dark-tinted radiator and air intake grilles are designed to emphasize the performance offered by this beauty, and it also sports wide exhaust pipes and unique multi-spoke alloy wheels - which are available either in bright silver or darkened tungsten. Bentley has also supersized the 19-inch tires offered on the Spur to 20-inch Pirelli P-Zeroes.

Like the rest of the car, the Speed's interior also shows a darker side of Bentley, but it works exceptionally well. With expected but well-executed touches such as the gear lever in knurled chrome and hide, it is as beautiful as anything Bentley has ever put on the road. Carrying out its dark side, even the engine cover is black.

Around town, you'll be getting about 10 miles to the gallon, although on the highway you can expect to squeeze out around 17 mpg.

Bentley's official word on the Flying Spur Speed, according to Dr. Ulrich Eichhorn from their Board of Engineering, is that it "advances its Bentley performance credentials while delivering outstanding refinement and comfort through our unique application of advanced technology and traditional craftsmanship."

Translation? This car has the performance power to blow other cars off the road and the stylng elegance to knock your socks off in the process.

MV Agusta: It's About Time! 

The perfect Father's Day gift for the motorcycle enthusiast

Most of the ads in today's newspapers focused on possible suggestions for Father's Day gifts. Since it's only a week away, I guess it's time for all the moms/kids/wives to get out there and find a fresh new way of saying "Happy Dad's Day." But I don't know that a recliner with built-in cupholders or a Nerf handle for his Wii Golf game (this year's answer to the tie) is really what he's hoping for. So maybe it's time to put down the paper and find something a little more original.

If you're looking for something truly unique - and you happen to have a motorcyle enthusiast in the house - I've got just the thing. The new MV 75 World Champion Collection is a stunning new line of wrist watches that will, hands-down, make your gift the best one he gets all year. A collaboration between Italian watchmaker Jean Richard and Italian motorcycle manufacturer MV Agusta, this limited edition timepiece is a beautiful combination of both company's skill sets. The rugged details of the iconic motorcyle proves to be the perfect complement for the watch designer's elegant heritage, and flashes of red on the dial give a nod to the bike's famous color. You'll see other MV touches throughout; even the face resembles the MV Agusta's instrument dials, and it's named for the 75 world championships the company has enjoyed so far.

Depending on how happy you want that Father's Day celebration to be, you can buy it in one of three limited editions, that range from $8,000 (for the stainless steel model) to $21,000 (for the rose gold edition).

And just think, with that shopping decision out of the way, you can focus on what's really important. Like which new pair of shoes you deserve after buying him such a nice gift!

What's Sexier - A Porsche or a Prius? 

OK, the answer to that question may seem obvious, but you might be surprised.

OK, the answer to that question may seem obvious, but you might be surprised.

According to a recent poll, called the Challenge X Survey, about 88 percent of women said they would be more likely to stop and strike up a conversation with guys who are driving the latest fuel-efficient car as opposed to someone cruising around in a hot new sports car. What's more, about 80 percent of car buyers here in the U.S. say they would rather spend quality time at a party talking to someone in a fuel-efficient auto rather than an exotic sports model.

This kind of information could cause quite a stir among males planning a mid-life crisis - in the past, they've been able to buy a Corvette (or some other life-affirming symbol of their manly power) and call it good. But in light of this new information, what's a guy to do?

Does this mean that they'll be trading their Hummers for Hondas? They just might, once they discover that more and more women are turning their attention toward cars that are green instead of admiring those fast, mean machines. What's more, most respondents in the 18-to-43-year-old category said they consider it a fashion faux pas to buy a car that's not environmentally friendly.

This, of course, poses questions for those tooling around in the kinds of cars that would only be green if you painted them. What does it mean for their future? That remains to be seen.

Until automakers start producing hybrid and electric vehicles that are as sleek and sporty as their gas-guzzling counterparts, auto enthusiasts are in a challenging position. Yes, I want to save the polar bears but I'm also infatuated with the Bentley Continental. Fortunately, several automakers are trying to follow in the footsteps of the California-based Tesla Motors and give us some sexy yet environmentally friendly cars. Honestly, it just can't happen soon enough.

A few years ago, a guy (who drove a minivan) tried to convince me that the car you drive has nothing to do with who you are. But we all know that it says as much about you as the music you listen to, the clothes you choose to wear and the style of home you live in. That's not a shallow indictment of an individual's strengths and shortcomings, but rather an outward indication of what matters is most important to them.

Perhaps what this survey is saying is that it really is what's inside - or in this case, under the hood - that counts. What we need now are more cars that take that inner beauty and look as good on the outside as they do under the hood.

Need A Boost? Do Some Shotz! 

Shotz! is the latest addition to the burgeoning energy drink market, and it offers a healthier alternative to caffeine-based energy drinks.

It's Wednesday, that inevitable middle-of-the-week moment when the end is in sight, but you've still got to get through the day before you can claim the joy of sliding toward the weekend.

In my ever-present quest to find new and improved ways to increase my energy, I found the perfect companion for those weekday blahs. And it just might be the best buddy you could have on a road trip, too. If you've ever hopped yourself up on a Venti Latte to keep your eyelids open for the drive - only to find yourself in the middle of nowhere desperately searching for a bathroom - this drink's for you.

Shotz! is the latest addition to the burgeoning energy drink market, and it offers a healthier alternative to caffeine-based energy drinks. (Another plus about this particular array of products is that they aren't filled with the kind of sugary sweetness that makes you feel like you're sneaking a drink of your kid's Kool-Aid.) The two-ounce bottles pack an energy punch that will give you a boost for about six hours and, since it relies on vitamins (mostly B6 and B12) for its main source of fuel, instead of sugar and caffeine, you won't get that jittery feel after you've used it. Instead, it's just a nice little boost to help you make it through the day.

It has about the same amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee, so if you're not a java junkie you'll probably feel this a bit more than your caffeinated friends. But it's not going to send you flying and then leave you face-down on your desk (or dashboard) when it wears off.

My favorite flavors are the Watermelon and the Sour Apple, both of which taste kind of like a Jolly Rancher. And again, I just have to give a thumbs-up to whomever came up with the idea of putting all that fuel in such a small package. Six hours of energy from a two-ounce drink is much better than four or five hours of turbo power from a 12-ounce bladder buster. (Fewer bathroom breaks = more productivity and/or more time on the road instead of beside it.)

So whether you need it to get through this mid-week workday, or want an extra boost on your next road trip, I strongly recommend you check it out.

Bugatti Veyron -The Sexiest Car You'll Never Drive...Or Will You? 

Calling the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 a beautiful car is a lot like saying Samantha on Sex and the City has %u201Chad a few boyfriends.%u201D

Calling the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 a beautiful car is a lot like saying Samantha on Sex and the City has "had a few boyfriends." The Veyron so far exceeds the expectations of most sports cars that it is truly in a class of its own. This stunning mid-engined racer sports a W16 under the hood and an elegant two-tone exterior with sleek, fluid lines that give it instant grace and beauty. The oversized grill gives a nod to its racing roots, while everything else about this car exudes modern elegance. And flat-out speed.

With only 300 of these 1,001-horsepower cars planned for production, however, the chances of sitting in one - let alone driving it - seemed slim at best. For most of the world, the only experience they'll have with the Bugatti is through web images accompanied by such staggering facts as its top speed (over 250 mph), it acceleration (0-100 in 5.5 seconds) and its price tag (around $1.2 million).

However, for those who really have to add "Driving the Bugatti" to their own personal Bucket List, Beverly Hills Rent-A-Car has a deal for you. They've added a gorgeous blue-and-white Bugatti to their stable, and you can spend a day inside this dream car for just $25,000.

At just over $1,000 an hour, it's cheaper than a good divorce attorney and a lot more fun to spend time with. And who knows - maybe if you just can't part with it after a day on the road, they'll give you a special deal on a weekly rate.

Let me know how that works out for you.

For The Vette Set 

Corvette Lovers Enjoy "Corvette: America's Sports Car - Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow," by Jerry Burton

The Corvette is arguably one of America's best-loved sports cars. Throughout its 50-year history, the Corvette has been at no shortage for attracting ink, but few books talk about this car as thoroughly or eloquently as Jerry Burton in his new book, "Corvette: America's Sports Car - Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow."

Packed with previously unpublished photos from the GM archives, as well as interviews with the engineers and designers who first gave birth to this iconic auto, Burton unfolds the car's fascinating history and then supplements his facts with vintage magazine stories and ads. All in all, it makes for a great read for 'Vette fans and becomes a must-have reference book for anyone with an interest in sports cars in general.

The pictures alone make this worth an hour or two of your time; the images are gorgeous and are beautifully showcased in this oversized tome. It even includes images of the 2009 ZR1 Blue Devil, which is Chevrolet's 600 horsepower supercharged 6.2 liter V8.

Pulling it all together is an impressive binding which makes this book an instant eye catcher. The brilliant "Corvette Red" padded vinyl cover is topped off with Corvette's crossed-flags hood emblem, meaning you won't want to put this one on the shelf - you will absolutely have to leave it out for guests to admire.

If you already own the car, you might as well read the book! And if you don't own the car - this just might be the book to convince you to give it a second look. The book retails for $75, and of course you can find it online at Amazon.com.

Using Karma To Save the Planet 

Fisker Automotive introduces Fisker Karma Sportster for 2009

One of the biggest conflicts facing many auto enthusiasts comes from knowing the atrocities that their vehicles commit upon the environment.

While I won't drink from a landfill-clogging plastic bottle, I will happily jump inside a gas-guzzling sports car with a carbon footprint that rivals Bigfoot. I know it's wrong.

And I know I'm not alone in this conflict.

About a year ago, I was talking about cars and biodiesel fuel with Larry Hagman (J.R. Ewing to you "Dallas" fans) and he touted his passion for the Prius. Yep, the man who played the King of Oil in the '80s drives a hybrid. His wife, Maj, meanwhile, confessed to absolutely loving her Ferrari - even though she knows it doesn't fall in the eco-friendly category. Not even close. So what's a girl to do?

Up until now, the options have either been to park it and assuage your guilt, or ignore that pesky conscience and hit the gas. But Fisker Automotive has a better plan.

The California-based car company first introduced its prototype, the Fisker Karma, five months ago at the North American International Auto Show. Since then, they've received some 500 orders for the luxury hybrid car, which is slated to be on the market in 2009. The company plans to hit a production schedule of 1,250 cars per month in 2010.

The numbers are impressive - this plug-in hybrid will hit 125 mph in sport mode, and tops out at 95 mph in electric (or "stealth") mode. And the styling lets you know that this is no ordinary plug-in. With a sleek, low-slung profile, the Karma hugs the ground and stands about as tall as the Porsche 911 and is about as wide as BMW's M-series cars.

The Fisker Karma goes from 0-60 in less than six seconds, and includes a full-length solar roof to help charge the car - and keep it cool - while it's parked.

Inside, you'll find all the electronic creature comforts required for today's driver, including a built-in navigation system, DVD system and state-of-the art push-button controls. Of course, we've yet to see how this dream car translates from the showroom to the open road, but it looks like one of the most promising things to jump off the drawing board in quite some time.

And with a price point of $80,000, it's easier on the checkbook than many sportsters out there - even before you start saving money on fuel.

Great styling and performance without the guilt? Now that's what I call great Karma! Maj Hagman, I think your car is calling . . . .

Luxury Automakers Still Missing the Mark With Women Buyers 

Cadillac CTS markets to women but messages send mixed signals

Although women are buying about 60 percent of the cars out there today - and influencing the decision in 85 percent of all new car purchases, luxury auto manufacturers are still falling short when it comes to marketing.

"In terms of the luxury auto market, they could do much better at reaching women," says Milton Pedraza, CEO of The Luxury Institute. "When you look at the ultra-luxury automakers, like Rolls-Royce, Ferrari and Maserati, they really have a long way to go."

Pedraza says that a male-dominated industry has led to male-oriented marketing - even though the marketing firms behind the campaigns oftentimes are led by successful women.

"It's an industry dominated by men, so they haven't gotten the message that wealthy women are a force in their own right," Pedraza points out. "You see it in every aspect, from the way the cars are marketed to the way women are treated in dealerships. A lot of them are not sensitive to the needs of a female driver and the buttons they need to press. Women are equally interested in [a car's] performance, but also are drawn to the idea of achievement and rewarding yourself. This is what they luxury car manufacturers should be looking at."

Those who do start paying attention to the fairer sex could find big rewards. With more and more women earning six and seven-figure incomes, they have the purchasing power that luxe auto manufacturers crave. Pedraza says that appealing to women's more emotional side - as opposed to touting horsepower and speed - will be the key to success.

For proof of that, he points to Cadillac, which has found success in branding among women, thanks to some ads that show successful, attractive women enjoying their cars - and leaving male drivers in their dust.

"They're showing women who are strong, powerful and functional," says Pedraza. "But the one thing Cadillac still struggles with is identifying their market brand. On the one hand, they give us these great commercials with powerful, successful women, but then they also give us commercials featuring rappers, where women are used as a showpiece. In order to do better, they have to quit sending confusing signals."

When brands like Aston Martin, Bentley and Ferrari refocus their campaigns, they could find a new following with a powerful, brand-loyal female marketplace.

"There's a segment of women out there that like powerful cars, great styling and who love the driving experience," Pedraza notes. "Luxury car brands need to understand that and speak to them as women. They need to be clear, distinct and respectful. But luxury car firms just haven't gotten that yet."

Exploring the "Women Driver" Stereotype 

The car%u2019s interior was spacious, but designed more like Cinderella%u2019s carriage than a working sedan

A couple of years ago, I had the opportunity to write a story on Chuck Murphy, a Texas car collector with a garage full of unique and antique cars. He has plenty of cars to catch the attention of any gearhead, but the one that I found most fascinating was his 1914 Ohio Electric Dresden Brougham - one of the first electric cars ever made.

Murphy's model is in pristine condition, and even comes with the original accessories. He explained that the electric cars were sold only to women and were seen as the perfect vehicle for their target market, as they were clean to drive and ran quietly. They were designed specifically for and sold exclusively to women of means - a.k.a. the luxury car lovers of the day - and today their $2,900 price tag would translate to about $80,000.

Chuck explained to me that the cars were created primarily as "social vehicles." They were intended for women to get back and forth from social visits, and as proof of that, he showed me the original accessory kit that was included with the car. Instead of tools, this roadside emergency kit contains a tiny mirror, a sterling silver comb, perfumed papers for "refreshing oneself" before a visit and a mechanical pencil attached to a tiny pad of unlined paper. He said that, in the event of a breakdown or accident, these wealthy ladies wouldn't be expected to know what to do, so the tool kit was seen as pointless.

The most interesting information about the car, however, was Chuck's observation that it just might be responsible for launching the "women driver" jokes. The car's interior is spacious, but is designed more like Cinderella's carriage than a working sedan. Seats at the front of the car face the back, so passengers can talk to the driver and other passengers, who are seated on a bench-style seat at the rear. Visibility is almost zero even without passengers; toss in a couple of ladies with big hats, and you will find yourself depending upon luck to keep it out of the ditches.

"I really think this was the start of all those 'women driver' and 'backseat driver' jokes," Chuck told me, pointing out that this car is, indeed, steered from the back seat. "Once you put passengers in the car, it was almost impossible to see where you were going."

Get Sporty - Honda Unveils CR-Z Hybrid 

Honda CR-Z Sports Car Continues Living up to the its Title of %u201CGreenest Automaker%u201D

Last week, Honda announced plans to roll out additional cars to join its original hybrid - the Honda Civic -Honda CR-Z Sports Car and try to continue living up to the title of "greenest automaker," which has been bestowed upon the car company by the Union of Concerned Scientists for four consecutive years.

The first new car on the block will be a five-door family friendly hatchback, but Honda's most exciting piece of news was their plan to also offer a hybrid sportscar. Based on the CR-Z sports car that they first showed off at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show, the new car will combine sporty performance with environmental awareness. (Kind of like a Tesla Roadster, only the price tag will fall well below $98,000.)

The CR-Z, which stands for "Compact Renaissance Zero," will use Honda's FCX Clarity, a next-generation, zero-emissions hydrogen-powered fuel cell. The name gives a nod to the idea of creating a renaissance in the design of compact cars, offering advanced technology and driving pleasure while at the same time reducing the vehicle's overall environmental footprint. The outer design is futuristic, with an oversized grille lending a high-performance look and feel to the car. LED headlights and fin-shaped sub-lights are nice touches that suggest a dynamic, exciting ride. Inside, look for a high-tech environment that is both sporty and sophisticated.

Sports cars often put drivers in a dilemma: Save the environment or enjoy the ride. It looks like soon, we may be able to do both. In style.

Inside the Audi R8 

The Audi R8 has earned kudos from every major automotive magazine - and rightfully so.

When I was in my mid 20s, I drove an Audi - mostly because it was the '80s, and you were pretty muchAudi front required to drive either an Audi or a BMW in order to keep your "cool" license from being revoked. But I have to say that my memories of that Audi are nothing like the experience inside the Audi R8.

For starters, this car looks nothing like your standard road-ready Audi. With styling cues drawn from the LeMans Quattro, the R8 represents the carmaker's perfect execution of grace and style - something that is evident from the first glance. An aggressive grille gives this race-inspired sportscar immediate authority on the road, and it backs up that styling with 420 horses under the hood. Even the headlights have an eye-catching appeal, as if the R8 is staring back at you, daring you to jump inside and take it out for a spin. The LED daytime running lights circling the headlights - not unlike Boy George's eyeliner in the aforementioned '80s - give further distinction to this car's design. It's one of those cars that looks fast even when it's standing in the parking lot.

This is clearly the most beautiful car in Audi's stable, and they've put just as much emphasis on inner beauty as outer appeal. The interior is a rich racing-style cockpit, but it doesn't cling so tightly to its racing roots that it loses its charm as a daily driver. It's surprisingly spacious, and though it has been widely compared to a Lamborghini, the seats of the R8 are larger, comfortable and definitely more adjustable - something that smaller drivers appreciate immediately. If you've ever struggled to see over the wheel of a Lambo, you'll appreciate the four-way adjustable support of the R8's seats.Audi R8

The dash is another thing of beauty, from the flat-bottomed leather-wrapped steering wheel to the sportily designed gauges. This car has more dials than a watch shop, but you'll find yourself fascinated with such gadgets as the five-function trip computer (which tells you everything short of how far it is to the next bathroom stop) and the "speed warning device," which you can expect to use fairly often if you're enjoying this car properly.

Not content to offer the standard heated seats, the Alcantara leather interior has three settings and the side sections of the seats are heated as well. Throw in the 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, and you've got everything you need for the ride of your life.

On the road, the sportscar engineering shines. The mid-mounted V8 has a top speed of 187 mph, but the numbers really don't matter; the handling does. It has remarkable acceleration and handles more like a smooth sedan than a stiff racecar. Although it comes with a manual six-speed transmission, our test car had the R tronic transmission, which gives you options of shifting with a joystick or with the paddles mounted on the steering wheel. We tried both ways and all we discovered was that we wanted a lot more time to play around with these options.

The Audi R8 has earned kudos from every major automotive magazine - and rightfully so. It looks like a beast but drives like a dream. Starting price is around $109,000 - and if this isn't enough car for you, maybe you can hold off until Audi makes good on the R8 TDI V12 Concept diesel it began showing off earlier this year. But for those who want to enjoy the ride and look good doing it, the Audi R8 is a perfect 10.

Everybody Loves Sarah - at the Indy 500 

Patricia Heaton and David Hunt's production company, FourBoys Films, sponsored Fisher

It sounds like a plot twist that only Hollywood could conceive.

With time running out before her history-making turn as the first female driver/team owner to participate in the Indianapolis 500, Sarah Fisher received last-minute sponsorship from television star Patricia Heaton and her husband, actor/director/producer David Hunt. The couple was in Indianapolis, where Heaton is serving as grand marshal of the 2008 IPL 500 Festival Parade, when they heard of Fisher's unusual situation. Although she qualified to run in the 92nd Indy 500, her promised sponsorship from an energy drink company didn't materialize. So Heaton, best known as the star of Everybody Loves Raymond, and her husband stepped in and stepped up.

Heaton and Hunt's production company, FourBoys Films, have become a sponsor for Fisher and her No. 67 Honda Dallara. With just a day to go before the race, Fisher's prospects of finding sponsorship had seemed grim.

"I'm a big fan of Everybody Loves Raymond and just to know that Patricia and David were touched by our passion for open-wheel racing is inspiring to me," says Fisher, who starts 22nd in today's race. Check for results at Indycar.com.

Accepting No Substitutes 

On Wheels In Heels - The website for Driven Women

Apparently, Tom Cruise was right on the money when he uttered those much-quoted words: "Porsche. There is no substitute." (Risky Business, 1983.)

According to a survey released earlier this month by New York City-based Luxury Institute, wealthy U.S. consumers still see Porsche as the world's most prestigious luxury automotive brand. The poll was part of the 2008 Luxury Brand Status Index survey, and asked the opinions of 1,642 Americans with an average net worth of $3.7 million.

Porsche might have led the pack, but was followed closely by Lexus and Mercedes. Surprisingly, no Italian brands made the survey's top 12. Other brands that did make the cut with consumers were (listed alphabetically) Acura, Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Infiniti, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln and Volvo.

If you don't have a Porsche of your own, and this has given you the need for speed, go visit my friend Ron at DFW Elite Auto Rental.com and he'll hook you up with a Porsche for the day.

Can't Keep a Good Gal Down 

Sarah Fisher qualifies for the Indianapolis 500 for the seventh time

Sarah Fisher qualified for the Indianapolis 500 for the seventh time last weekend, but Sunday's race marksDriver/owner Sarah Fisher the first time she'll be making laps as both a driver and a team owner. In fact, it's the first time any woman has ever done that. The accomplishment, as great as it is, is somewhat bittersweet - Fisher was promised a sponsorship by an energy drink company but the check is, apparently, still in the mail.

Still, despite her lack of funding, Fisher has remained upbeat and seemingly undaunted in interviews. She knows that her chances of winning are about as slim as her wallet at this point, but she isn't about to miss her history-making run. Fisher is showing that, like so many things in life, it's more about the journey than the end results. If we had such a thing on this site as our She-ro of the Week, it would definitely go to Sarah Fisher.

If you want to show your support for the woman who was only the third female ever to qualify for the Indy 500, maybe you should pick up a new pair of TAG Heuer sunglasses. The motorsport-inspired eyewear company has been one of Fisher's supporters since 2002, and they're a favorite among racers because their flexible temples fit under helmets. However, for those of you who don't wear a helmet - they just look good. So grab a pair and be sure to cheer on Sarah during Sunday's race!

Down Memory Lane 

Brigitte Bardot turned heads when she pulled up in a Simca.

While the entertainment world flocks to the Cannes Film Festival this week, it's a great time to look at the role that one particular car played in Cannes more than 50 years ago.

Back in 1955, actress Brigitte Bardot turned heads even more than usual when, instead of arriving at Cannes by train, she pulled up in a French-made Simca. And, as the media of the day noted, she wore a "summer dress that unveils her shoulders." Not exactly a Britney moment, but racy enough for the day, I guess.

It's unclear when Bardot began her association with Simca, but it appears that the two enjoyed a long and mutually satisfying relationship. In 1954, the car company gave the screen star this prototype of its Weekend convertible. She continued using that car in advertisements for the company, including this undated magazine photo (top) which shows her "Enjoying the open air in her Simca Weekend."

Bardot loved the Simca Weekend convertible so much that she kept it until 2004. Today, it enjoys a place at the Lane Motor Museum in Nashville, where the handmade dove-gray car sits alongside some 400 other rare and unusual autos. The serial number on this sleek vehicle, which loosely resembles a Fiat, is 001.

The picture above is the car as it appears today at the museum.

Hey Helio, Where's that Speedo? 

If Danica Patrick can don a bathing suit then how about the guys?

There's no question that Danica Patrick, in addition to being an excellent driver, is a very attractive woman. And since sex sells, Texas Motor Speedway is using her beauty to help encourage foot traffic at the track.

The Speedway's latest advertising campaign gives Reason No. 7 for attending the Bombardier Learjet 550 race at the track on June 7: Danica. And they've used a photo from Danica's recent Sports Illustrated swimsuit spread to help reinforce that message.

It's a beautiful photo, as one would expect - it shows her as a strong, sexy woman. But if they're going to advertise female drivers as pin-ups, doesn't it only seem fair that they take the same approach with the male drivers? In other words - we expect to see Helio Castroneves appearing soon on a billboard wearing his Speedo. In fact, since he's also scheduled to be at the June 7 event, there's still time to make that happen. How 'bout it, Helio?

Good Karma Making The Rounds 

Fisker Automotive's Karma plug-in hybrid has a busy month planned for August. Just 19 months after being unveiled as a concept car, it will make its world driving debut at the Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races on Aug. 15. The prototype is on tap to take two laps on the 11-turn Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca course. Karma isn't just making laps, it's making history, as this marks the first time a plug-in hybrid vehicle appears on track at the event.

Fisker reps have a busy schedule that week; it will be on display at Concorso Italiano on Aug. 14 along with the Karma Sunset hardtop convertible concept, and the Sunset will be on display at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance on Aug. 16.