Hybrids- Enthusiast's Dream or Kryptonite?

     Hybrids, they are here and here to stay. Whether you like it or not, they have made their imprint on the automotive world and they are the future. Hybrids have been in the U.S. for over a decade now and have sold like hotcakes recently. The technology is getting better, the cars are getting better, and with gas prices through the roof, they make more sense. (Swifty Gas in 1999 had 89 octane for $.97 a gallon!) Yes, to those automotive enthusiasts that watch shows like Top Gear or read car magazines, they will argue that the technology itself is more detrimental to the global environment than having a large, gas powered, SUV. A lot of people out there have heard the study about how the Toyota Prius has more impact on the environment than a H2 Hummer. That may have been true or still true to this day, but who knows anymore. They stated that mining for the Nickel, then transporting around the world to make the batteries, then making the car, then shipping the car back to sell, caused more damage to Mother Earth. Anyone could see how that makes sense. Most Prius owners don't know that and that starts our next story!

     I recall riding in my first hybrid back in 2000ish. Kinda foggy on the exact time but it was close to that. Hybrids were new and a buddy of mine worked at Toyota. He told me to stop by and check it out because it's a totally different driving experience. I had my 5.0 at the time so right away, I hated hybrids. I always tell people that it was an Echo but researching a bit tells me it was not an Echo, but a Prius. EWWWWWWWWWWWW  Yes, we all here hate the Prius. I still do. I know it's a good car, good value, sells like crazy, and gets phenomenal mileage. I bet though, if you ask automotive enthusiasts about the Prius, it is really about the owner, and not the car. Now I know a few Prius owners that are hardcore enthusiasts, and one of them has actually had their car on this page. He is very versed on the Prius though, and has it for a daily driver for work, so they aren't all bad. He gives Prius drivers a better name. But, people like this need to be beaten senseless in my opinion....  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JPZskYKUvY

    Sorry, off track, back to story. I show up at the Toyota dealer and get in. This is the early model Prius which looks like an Echo, which is why I was confused. He puts it in reverse and starts going. I freaked out. That first time you move in a car that isn't "turned on", it's very odd. Almost as if some evil witch trickery is going on. We drove a few miles with nothing but silence. I liked it, but I didn't like it. Does that make sense? I knew that this type of technology was here to stay though, and it could only get better.

     Ok, so a lot of us old timers have that old school mentality that hybrids suck. They don't. Hybrids recently have become amazing cars and even high end companies like Audi, Porsche, and even Ferrari have embraced the technology and have developed cars to use hybrid technology to it's advantage. Take the Porsche 918 for example. Porsche has spent a sickening amount of money developing the 918 hybrid car. They are also back at LeMans with a 919 Hybrid race car! They use the hybrid technology to show people that exotics can be efficient, but they can also use that technology to be lightning quick! The electric motors add 279 horsepower to the gas motor, which is more than most road cars actually have total. The 918 does 0-100 mph in 4.9 seconds. Let me say that again. Zero to one hundred miles per hour in 4.9 seconds. Hybrids are here to stay.

     Let's talk about this car now as I am getting long winded. I wanted to get a Hybrid for this page but since I don't like the Prius, it was difficult to find one. A neighbor saved the day with this. A Fusion Hybrid. Now, remember when the first generation came out and they were just a nicer version of a focus? Little bigger than a Focus, little nicer as well? Not the case anymore. This car right here is leaps and bounds ahead of the Focus. In my opinion, this would have been the Ford Taurus if it had never went away. Looking at this car, I think it is more tech filled and better than a Ford Taurus in all aspects. With the exception of the SHO Taurus, why would anyone buy it over this Fusion? This thing is jam packed with options. It is a Titanium edition so really the only thing it doesn't have is a person driver for you. Leather, Touch screen infotainment system, amazing room, and it's a Hybrid on top of that. When the owner backed in, I couldn't here it, sneak attack. Since I am a noob when it comes to hybrid things, he showed me how it works inside the car, and how the car changes from gas to hybrid. It's a neat set up. After a while, the hybrid batteries were draining so the car started up the gas motor and started charging again. Very nifty system. Although all of those features are new age and sweet, the best part is that driving down the road, this car looks like an Aston Martin from the front!  haha Seriously, it does. I am a Ford fan at heart as my first two cars were Fords. (Actually three- Merkur could be called a Ford)  This car looks sweet and I would love to have it. Granted this car is not made to do things like most of the cars on this page, but what it is designed for it does extremely well. That's be efficient, be a nice daily driver, and not be a Prius! I never would have thought the Fusion would have come this far and be this nice, but truth be told, it's as nice as most luxury cars out there, no joke. Ford got it right, even though the wheels below have to be the most awful wheels to clean ever! They look great on the car but probably take an hour to clean each one. haha

     Thanks to the owner for bringing by, and Happy Birthday to him as well!  I was very impressed how far Ford has come with their cars. Not only is the hybrid technology great, but the overall car gets an "A" from me. It does what it's designed to do, extremely well. Here is a better way to look at it. Brad Pitt vs. Steve Buscemi. Both great actors, but one is better looking than the other. I'll let you decide which one is the Fusion and which one is the Prius.


(Editors note....When I did a spell check, it kept highlighting the word Prius. See, even the computer hates it!)  

Ducati...... MMMMMMMM DUCATI!

     Today, we are going to shift to Bikes In My Driveway because a Ducati stopped by and definitely deserves to be on this page. Ducati is my weakness when it comes to bikes, just like Audi cars. Ironically, Audi now owns Ducati but the Italian heritage is still present for those hardcore enthusiasts. I would say over the last 10-15 years, every Ducati that has come out has been a model that I want. But it all started with the 916. Anyone who knows Ducati wants a 916. I still want a 916. But I also want a 748, 996, 999, 848, 899, 1098...... well, you get the idea. Yes, you will notice that those are all of the sport bike models. Those have always been my top choice but I would gladly take any of the touring models as well. I do have some bike stories believe it or not but I will just stick to a few funny ones.

     Before the little one was even a thought, my wife and I were looking at bikes. She loved the 996 the best at that time and was a big Ducati fan. Yes, I know I scored big when I married her. We started to look for some Ducatis but in Cincinnati, they are slim pickins. After some research as well, the models we were looking at seemed to be a little maintenance needy so we looked at other brands. I didn't want the typical Japanese crotch rocket so we picked up a 05 Triumph Daytona 650. Rare bike, but comfy and sporty. My brother had a Triumph 955i at the time as well. The 650 was a simple bike to work on and it was a good price so we bought it. It was red like a Ducati, but not a Ducati. No matter, we enjoyed the bike a lot. This was my first bike that I actually owned even though I had ridden before. The inline 4 didn't have the Ducati sound we all love but the Triumph was still a fun and fast bike. Now, if you own a bike, you undoubtedly have a funny story and a scary story to tell your friends. That's a fact. With the terrible drivers out there, bad things happen and so do funny things. I have a story that incorporates both. I will try to explain the best I can.

     Riding to work one day on the backroads of Northern Kentucky, I came to a slow sharp corner. The Triumph was great in corners but I still never took fast. I was on way to work and didn't want to lowside before I got there. So I was going at a slow pace, just enjoying the ride and the road. Now, if you live in Kentucky, especially in the rural areas, you know that wild turkeys are everywhere. Laughing already aren't you? In mid corner, out of the corner of my eye, I see a turkey running full speed at me. I knew I was going to destroy it if it kept on its path. I panicked as this was a new situation for me. Unfortunately I hit the back brake which is a big no no on a bike in mid corner. I also lightly grabbed the front. Now, this next part is in slow motion. I still remember ever single movement. The bike slid out a bit, and I was trying to keep it together. The turkey thought, "oh shit, this was a bad idea!" and it decided to take flight. I didn't know turkeys could fly like that, but it launched up in the air. I ducked down as it was about helmet height when I almost smashed into it. By the graces of God, I didn't touch it. What's funny about that you say? Well, because of me leaning and ducking down, I had a good shot of the turkey's rear, and as it got right above me, it decided that was the best time to take a dump. Yes, I saw a turkey poop in mid flight. I actually pulled the bike upright and went on my way. Now, I don't think they can fly too long so I am sure it dropped right after, but I never turned around to see. Few minutes later I pulled over to see if I got pooped on. Thankfully, I didn't have to go home and change my pants. Somehow, my pants escaped turkey poo, and my poo. This story is 100% true, and anyone who rides a bike has similar ones. The craziest things happen when you ride. Only advice I can give is WEAR YOUR GEAR!

     Now let's look at this beautiful example of the 899 Panigale. This bike is bad to the bone. Sounds terrific, has great options to it, and has that new Ducati look that has been sexy since it came out may years ago. When I look at my Triumph, it was an antique compared to this bike and all of its features. With ABS, LEDs, etc, it is a bike for the new type of rider. Somebody who can throw everything at this bike. And the reason is, the bike can take it. I can't even imagine what it feels like to ride this bike when I am used to the old school version I had. The are designed for the road, but can thrash anything on the track. But the best part about a Ducati like this?......... The sound. Oh my, the sound. I can't even explain it, you will have to just go listen to one on your own. Red is the color as well. I have seen some yellow Ducatis, and even black or white. Those colors don't do the bike justice at all. Red is the color you have to have when you buy a rocket like this. Although I will admit, I do want the dark green Matrix 996 that's in the 2nd Matrix movie. Love that bike.

     Thank you to the owner for bringing the bike by. I absolutely love it and would love to have one in the future. If any rich person wants to make my dream come true, look above at all of the models I listed, pick any of them and buy for me, and I will be a happy camper. Haha. The best part about the owner stopping by though??? He had gear on. He wasn't a squid rocking some shorts, tshirt, and flip flops. He had his gear which is what every bike rider needs to have.





Geländewagen - Code name - G Wagen

     For many Mercedes Benz fans, nothing makes them happier than seeing or talking about the G-Wagen. Most people know the C-Class, E-Class, and the S-Class, but many don't know about the G-Class unless you are an enthusiast. Sure people may have seen them driving around and wondered what in the world they are looking at, but a true enthusiast will know exactly what they are looking at when they see one. It is hard to mistake this G for any other vehicle on the road. Some may say it looks like a Jeep because of the boxy appearance. While there are similarities, it is an insult to the G to call it a Jeep. This tank is just that, a tank. It is built to go anywhere and handle some of the toughest terrain out there while also providing the passengers with the comfort a Mercedes Benz is known for. I have been inside of a Jeep many times and its interior is inferior and antiquated compared to the G. Let's start with a history lesson.......

     The G was developed in the 1970s as an offroad vehicle but transformed into a public vehicle by the end of the 70s. In 1979, civilians could buy it. It has gone through many updates since then but from the 1990s on, it has primarily kept the same body design and shape. That boxy, tall, but slender appearance. There are many engine choices for this SUV and some have insane amounts of power. The G still has 3 locking differentials as well which is very rarely seen nowadays. This SUV may seem like it is built for comfort, but in reality, it can do things most people that own them will never do. Here is an example.....  Enjoy....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lU1I25SzHKM

Youtube also has thousands of offroad videos of the G class. I suggest you go take a peak.

     Although this is one tough piece of machinery, it is also very comfortable and safe. This example has all the luxuries you really need. Leather seats, and let me tell you about the seats. I was unaware of this, being as I don't own one, so the owner pointed this out to me. The controls on the picture below are controls for all of the air in the seats. The whole seat is basically one big air pocket and you can adjust it any way you want for comfort, or sport to hold you in. I would assume this helps while taking this thing offroad. It is incredible on what options these things have.

     Now lets move on to the heated debate I get in with some people. It seems as if some people hate the design, and some people love the design. There is no middle ground. Either you love or you hate the look. I for one love it. It wasn't until I was up close to this one that I realized how big they are, but how versatile it can be. It is actually thin, but tall. Inside is very spacious and luxurious. The outside, more utilitarian in a sense. It's boxy, it's tall, it's in your face, but to me, it's badass! I love the G class and would love to have one in the future. Now, being the car fanatic that I am, I also love speed. As you can see, this isn't the most aerodynamic SUV you will see on the road. In fact, it's the opposite of that. That hasn't stopped AMG from putting some of the most incredible engines in the G-Class. It started with the G55 with the supercharged V8 and now is up to the G65 AMG which is a V12, twin turbo rocket that has 612 Horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. That's seriously insane. Imagine a 5600 lb SUV running high 12 second quarter miles. Don't imagine anymore because it's reality. The G65 runs a 12 second quarter mile. HAHAHA 

     If you are bored, read up on the G class. It has a great story behind it and a cult following as well. In some reading, I read that the GL-Class was designed to take over the G-Class for the large SUV lineup for Mercedes but they still produce the G because of the following and I am assuming the strong sales. These aren't cheap, but they hold value extremely well. Also, check out their extremely insane G-Class 6x6 version that is for sale. That's right, a 6X6 you can buy here in the states. Seems silly but it is the craziest offroad battle vehicle you will ever see.

     Thank you to the owner for bringing by. I have never really had the chance to take a look at one of these up close. It is a wonderful example of the G-Class and really enjoy seeing these cruise down the road. They are beautiful monsters in my opinion. I hope the body never changes and they keep the same appearance for models to come. If you look closely, you will even see a hint at the next episode!

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The Terminator- Arnold would be proud

 

     It's hard to believe this car is over 10 years old! Time really flies it seems. I remember when this car came out. It's in that period of my life where it seems like it was a few years back but in reality, it was a long time ago. That's the only way I can explain it. I am trying to imagine the last 10-12 years and where I have been but I am starting to get confused and my brain is hurting so I will just stick to the car and my fond memories of it.

     This is the Terminator Cobra. I still refer to it as the 03 Cobra as that is when they came out. They are called both ways depending on who you ask. This car was made in 03/04 and has a supercharged 4.6 V8 that is hand built and signed by the builders, similar to the AMG motors, although built by two people, not one. They are powerful stock and back in 03/04, they were fast. With around 400 horsepower and the best whine sound from the supercharger, they earned the name Terminator. For the price, not many cars could even come close. They had good value, good power, and a wonderful sound. The great thing about it as well, is that they can be built, and built to be bat shit fast. The motor is very mod friendly and very durable as well. With different superchargers, pulleys, and exhaust options, these cars can go from 400 to 800 horsepower with a signature in your checkbook.

     Story time!  Yes, I have a story for almost every car I write about. Deal with it. I was working with a phone company at the time, I won't name them, and a buddy who worked there too picked up an 03 convertible. Back in those days, we were actually sales people and not the aggressive clerks Verizon employs now. We had the ability to make deals, save customers from leaving, and have our customers always come back to see us instead of putting them in a cue to get the next available scammer. So back then, we dealt with a guy who was a high revenue client who had multiple issues with phones and always liked the latest models, so we would take care of him and he thanked us with tickets to concerts. One sunny day, he walks in with 4 front row seats to Jimmy Buffet. Not gonna lie here, I am not a huge fan but I didn't hate the music either and it was free and there were chicks there so count me in. It was such short notice, we had to leave right after work to go. I remember calling a buddy who was a fan and mentioned we had free tickets and he declined them. Yeah, he missed out. I won't go into what happened that night because it was epic and should not be repeated, but I do want to discuss the drive there which is whole point of this set up. I had my turbo Audi A4 at the time and we were cruising down to the concert, me following the 03. While on the way, we got stopped at a red light.... next to each other. Guys, red lights, open straights, and cars is a recipe for race. By the way, we drove from Kentucky to Mexico in 15 minutes to do this race for it to be legal. Light turns green and I launch. Mistake #1, having my windows down. I have never heard such savagery. It was brutal. That 03 took off so hard and so loud, I lost my train of thought. I remember him roasting tires and not really pulling away till he hit second. I got freight trained. I was in shock...I got left hard. It didn't seem real, and I was pissed my car was so slow. Why was it so slow? 1. It was only a 1.8 4 cylinder and 2. I was so involved in watching that cobra take off, I forgot to shift. I was hitting rev limiter for like 5 seconds. It was that badass.

     I had a chance to ride in this one only a few hours after purchase. A neighbor just picked it up and brought it over. It handled a long drive and had no issues. This one is modded, and modded well. This is not your typical stock car. The supercharger whine is extremely loud, which I love, but the car is not deafening and still has that typical Mustang burble. What surprised me the most was the typical Mustang body roll around corners was not present. A little suspension work does wonders for this car. It is flat around the corners but not brutally hard. The seats also play into this as they are as comfortable as laying in a pile of cotton balls. This car really is comfy compared to previous mustangs I have been in. I love the suede inserts and this car's interior is in excellent shape. The best part though is the motor. Yes, this one isn't stock, but who likes stock? I don't unless it's a 35 million dollar historic Ferrari. It pulls so hard and squats so well. Normally cars like this can be a handful, and I am sure it is as we only had about 1/2 throttle at most. At 1/2 throttle, this car was squatting and roasting. I am sure 100% throttle is like smoking crack and heroin while jumping higher than Felix's Space Jump. It is just good, old, American FUN!

     I want to thank the owner for bringing by, especially after driving so long to get home. It was a fun ride, it is a very clean ride, and I love supercharger whine. I need more of that in my life. It is very addicting. If I had this car, 5 mpg would be hard to get as I would be in boost constantly. If he is reading this, I think he should let me drive it very soon, or borrow it for a day. Seems fair, right? I mean I did snap pictures and write this fantastic story. I deserve a few 0-160 blasts.


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