Proffesional Automotive-So Cal Motorcycles Open House

Peter hanging out with the ladies.

We were at Southern California Motorcycles in Brea last weekend for their annual open house. Anytime you mix in a bunch of riders with free food, demo rides, bike show, and raffle drawings you know it's going to be fun, and it was.

We had a great turn out, had a bunch of people stopping by to check us out, and I had a great time. I even got away for a bit to demo ride a Triumph Speed Triple!

Thanks to all the guys at So Cal Motorcycles for the fun filled day!

Next stop... Custom Bike Build Off in King of Prussia!

Professional Automotive-Chrysler Faces Shotgun Marriage

Additional funds contingent on completion of Fiat deal

If the feds took a tough stand with GM in forcing Rick Wagoner to resign, Chrysler could be in for a dose of even stronger medicine.

As reported by the Detroit Free Press, the auto task force is willing to provide Chrysler with an additional $6 billion, but only if the company can complete the much-discussed alliance with Fiat by the end of April.

If Chrysler can’t come to terms with Fiat, Chrysler will be deemed non-viable and will get no additional government assistance.

Is she going to come with the deal?

The government’s requirements are to be formally announced sometime March 30.

The task force wasn’t satisfied with the restructuring plan Chrysler submitted Feb. 17.

In manufacturing productivity, it found Chrysler has not invested enough in common architectures and flexible capacity.

Under the proposed alliance, Fiat would own 35% of Chrysler and provide four small-car programs, two engines and two transmissions that are worth an estimated $8 billion to $10 billion.

The first Fiats would reach U.S. dealerships in 2011 (We can't wait).

If Chrysler and Fiat deliver what the task force requested, the administration will take steps that could help their alliance succeed. These include a government-funded program to back warranties of both Chrysler and GM, and a previously announced $5 billion in aid to assist the two automakers with payments to their suppliers.

Professional Automotive-Ducati Monster 620

We've got a new install video up on YouTube, this time, it's on a 2006 Ducati Monster 620. I picked up the bike earlier this year and, man, what a great bike it is! Super fun to ride and manueverable. Looking forward to spending lot of time on it!

Americade

Twisted Throttle's "KLR 650GS".

We were at Americade last week in beautiful upstate New York. Unlike the previous years, the weather cooperated and we didn't get a single drop of rain the entire week. We partnered up with our pals at Twisted Throttle and had a great time meeting the Americade-goers. Too bad I was busy working and didn't get a chance to go on a ride... Next year, I'll make sure I make time for a ride or two.

BMW MOA Rally

We were at the BMW MOA Rally in Johnson City, TN a couple of weeks ago. The rally was great, with a good turn out and good weather for the most part.

At the rally, I met up with Shahram Shiva of BMWSuperBIkes.com again, and shot shot a couple of videos with or his website. One was an update on what's going on with us, and the other one was to show the speed-shift system on the new BMW K1300S. Check them out here!

Daytona Bike Week

We were at Daytona Bike Week a couple of weeks ago for some sun, fun, and a lot of bike racing. The place was packed all week and it kept us busy.

Fortunately, I was able to sneak away to demo ride a few bikes. I rode the Spyder, which initially didn't think that I would like much, but I was wrong. I didn't think a three wheeler could be as fun as a two wheeler, but it came close. The next bike that I rode was a Buell Lightening. The Lightening was probably one of the most comfortable bikes that I've ever been on, and now I will seriously consider it for my next bike. The last bike that I demoed was Kawasaki's ZX-6... wow! What a great bike! The bike's got ample power, super maneuverable, and fun! It was, by far, the funnest bike that I've been on since the R6 that I had back in the day.

All and all, it was a tiring but exciting week. Looking forward to the next bike week!

Hey BMW Dude...

... we feel the same.

Collectible Classic: 1969 1/2 AMC Hurst SC/Rambler

Five years after Pontiac invented the muscle car formula by wedging a huge engine into its smallest car, American Motors followed suit in a big way, shoehorning the 390-cubic-inch V-8 from its AMX performance flagship into the company's entry-level car, the Rambler (née Rambler American). The result was the fabled Hurst SC/Rambler. To help the car gain its SC (for "super car") prefix, the Hurst corporation provided one of its famous T-handle shifters - and the car's middle name - along with direction for the modifications made at AMC's factory in Kenosha, Wisconsin. In addition to the 390 V-8 and the Hurst-shifted four-speed manual gearbox, the list of SC/Rambler-specific upgrades included power front disc brakes, quick-ratio steering, a limited-slip differential, straight-through glass-pack mufflers, a vacuum-controlled "mailbox" hood scoop, and a Sun tachometer, as well as heavy-duty suspension, clutch, and cooling-system components. A few less-than-subtle patriotic cosmetic touches completed the two-door-hardtop Rambler Rogue's transformation from grandma's church chariot.

AMC planned to build 500 of these steroidal Ramblers as a publicity ploy in mid-1969, but demand was so strong that the company hurried to build more. AMC eventually cranked out 1512 copies - in the "A" paint scheme that you see here on Rick Jones's SC/Rambler and a more conservative, less common "B" scheme in which the red and blue accents were splashed only below the car's beltline. AMC charged a mere $2998 for what turned out to be the quickest car that the corporation ever produced, aside from fifty-two Hurst-built 1969 Super Stock AMXs, which were essentially factory race cars.

2010 KTM 1190 RC8R Review

The RC8R’s chiseled design creates a sensation wherever it stops. If an F-117 stealth fighter crashed into a motorcycle factory, the RC8R would be the likely result. Slim and angular, and swaddled with matte-black paint, it looks stealthy, even if its radar-evading qualities are dubious. Although few would describe the black and orange machine as “pretty,” we admire the courage to step outside of the well-worn sportbike design box with its bold origami shape. Opinions vary.

“Angular shapes and bold use of black, white and orange color scheme makes the KTM a clear standout in styling in the liter class, possibly rivaled only by BMW’s new S1000RR,” says MO’s Senior Editor, Pete Brissette.

“They say there’s a fine line separating genius from lunacy, and for the RC8 there’s a fine line between distinctive styling from downright repugnance – you choose,” observes Tom Roderick, MO guest rider and freelance journalist.

Like the Ducati, KTM’s top-line superbike is powered by a liquid-cooled V-Twin, although here, too, it is done a little different. Its cylinders are set at 75 degrees rather than the Duc's traditional 90-degree Vee for a more compact arrangement. The non-R RC8 makes do with 1148cc and 15 horsepower less than the R’s claimed 170 crankshaft hp made at 10,250 rpm. The R has several high-tech features such as titanium intake valves, a lofty 13.5:1 compression ratio and a low-friction DLC treatment on its camshafts’ finger followers. Peak torque of 90.7 ft-lbs from the Rotax engine is said to arrive at 8000 rpm. We discovered nearly 150 horses pushing the back wheel when we had four-time AMA tuner of the year Carry Andrew strap it to the Hypercycle dyno.

2010 Ducati 1198R Corse

Ducati Corse Special Edition

The winning of both the 2009 World Superbike and Superstock Manufacturers’ titles is a fitting stage on which to present two exclusive and exciting special editions built to mark the historic introduction of a new Ducati Corse logo. The 1198 S Corse Special Edition and 1198 R Corse Special Edition are both equipped with factory team-style aluminium fuel tanks, Ducati Traction Control and a special celebratory Ducati Corse livery.

Magnesium alloy covers
The weight-saving cam covers in magnesium-alloy are evident by their gold colour.

High-effieciency cooling
Its race-developed fairing design ensures perfect integration with the cooling system by providing efficient flow through the advanced, large surface area coolant radiator, which is assisted by lightweight, high flow electric fan assemblies and oil coolers.

Exhaust system
Incredibly lightweight, the exhaust system has been engineered with a power-increasing symmetrical 2-1-2 layout that uses 52mm-57mm diameter tubing with a wall thickness of 0.8mm (0.30in). It is equipped with a catalytic converter and two lambda probes for optimum engine mapping and Euro3 conformity. The system terminates with Ducati's trademark twin under-seat silencers, delivering that unmistakable signature sound of the big bore Desmo 90° L-Twin.

lime green 2010 Ford Focus RS

A dealership on the wrong side of the Texas border is offering up a 2010 Ford Focus RS to the first person with $45,000. Of course, you'll still have to do the importing on this bright-green slice of heaven.

Moto GP at Laguna Seca!

Monterey's finest...

We were at Laguna Seca two weeks ago for Moto GP and AMA races. It was awesome! Beautiful weather, great races, and a fantastic crowd... what more could I ask for!

Needless to say, we had a great time there. The only down side out of the entire weekend is that I didn't get to ride my bike up. I wish I could, but I had to haul all of our displays and stuff with my truck. Maybe next year.

I also want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who stopped by our booth, especially those of you that shared your TPX stories with us. It's always great to hear your stories of how the TPX prevented you from getting that ticket!

Hmmm, maybe I should look into being a CHP... Nah!

As Seen in Cycle World...

The TPX appeared in Cycle World again! This time, just a picture in their long term wrap up on the ZX-14. Check it out!

2010 Toyota Highlander

The 2010 Toyota Highlander ranks 6 out of 28 Affordable Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 52 published reviews and test drives of the Toyota Highlander, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The Toyota Highlander is a functional, family-friendly crossover. Riding on a platform shared with the Toyota Camry and Avalon, the second-generation Highlander boasts decent fuel economy, three available rows of seats and a smooth, car-like ride.

With a base price of $27,600, the Highlander is one of the more affordable midsize SUVs and it's a good value over time. IntelliChoice gave the 2009 model a value rating of "Excellent" because of its low cost of ownership over five years. In fact, the Highlander won our 2009 Best Midsize Crossover for the Money award for its all-around value. "Interior versatility, good fuel economy, a strong V-6 engine, carlike refinement, and a handsome and spacious interior should be enough to put the Highlander on any mid-size-SUV buyer's shopping list," says Car and Driver.

While the Highlander is a solid choice, there are even more affordable alternatives within its class that may be worth a look. A better option might be the Chevrolet Traverse, which is about $1,000 less than the three-row Highlander and features a third row that's comfortable even for adults. If you can live without a third row, consider the Mazda CX-7. It costs about $6,000 less than the Highlander and boasts an especially zippy, fun driving experience. However, while the CX-7 may seem cheaper, its value over time isn't -- IntelliChoice gives the 2009 model a "Poor" value rating.

The Highlander is unchanged for 2010, which means you might consider buying a 2009 model. You could snag a discount as dealers make room on their lots for the 2010s. Be sure to check out our Toyota deals for current incentives. The Highlander comes in base, Sport and Limited trims. The Highlander Hybrid is reviewed separately.

2009 SML Radar Detector Shootout

The Duc at SML.

We were at Speed Measurement Laboratory's 2009 Radar Detector Shootout in El Paso, TX last week. We were there to test a few prototypes, and I'm happy to report that things went well and we are very hopeful that our "Remote Laser Unit" that we've been promising for a while will be ready by the end of this year. That's about as much as I can reveal at this time.

We also saw some cool new stuff (but not so cool from a motorist's point of view) from radar gun manufacturers. Stalker had this new slick radar set up for patrol cars that is being used by law enforcement agencies throughout the country as we speak. It is capable of picking up the fastest vehicle and the speed of the largest vehicle at the same time in both directions! I've never seen anything like this before and the capability of being able to pick out the speed of the fastest vehicle in a pack is a great arsenal for them. Drivers beware!

Toyota Vitz Hybrid Produced in New Factory

Largest car maker in Japan, Toyota Motor Corp. began production of new hybrid cars Vitz-class end of 2011. Production at the new plant is located in industrial areas Miyagi, Ohira Town, north of Japan.

Sub-compact cars this will be one of the Prius weapon companion which has become an idol in the domestic market and the United States. In addition, Vitz also will compete with the Honda Fit hybrid is being prepared rivals Toyota, Honda Motor Co

Vitz is rumored to be entered into the national automobile market in the coming 2011. It costs about 1.5 million yen (about 151.3 million) per unit. One of the advantages, this car will have the ability to fuel consumption better than the Prius which is 1 / 40 miles.

Toyota FT-86 G Sports Turbo Concept: The AE86 Trueno Returns

As if we weren't already giddy enough over the Toyota FT-86, this truly awesome AE86 Trueno-inspired model appeared as the G Sports Turbo Concept at the Tokyo Auto Salon.

Most details of this car are vague other than mentioning it has a horizontally-opposed 2.0-liter turbo engine with rear-wheel drive and a six-speed manual. The white paint job and the carbon fiber black hood clearly hint at the AE86, though the name seems more like the GT-S.