DFW car events reports

tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168700732011-12-14T18:42:44.152-08:00DFW car events reportsA Blog deidcated to keeping track of the various Car related events in the Dallas, Arlington, Fort Worth Texas and the entire DFW metroplex area.Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.comBlogger901100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1154873034287963392006-08-06T06:59:00.000-07:002006-08-06T07:03:54.303-07:00Saturday at Komen

Here is some local news sation video of what myself/daniel/ Cameron did this saturday. every car we drove BMW donated $15 to breast cancer research. so we each raised 45-75 dollars in our time there. plus got to drive some sweet cars we cant afford. And none of us got a speeding ticket. (some of the participants did get to have a roadside chat with North Texas' Finest) MyFox - Dallas |

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1139898572207020332006-02-13T22:29:00.000-08:002006-02-13T22:40:57.623-08:00

here we all are at the Detroit international autoshow.

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1139898459601736442006-02-13T22:27:00.000-08:002006-02-13T22:40:36.700-08:00

Runner up for coolest car at the show. the camaro FAILS because it takes the best aspects of the original and dorks them up. The original was cool because it was curvy in all the right places like an aston martin today is, and then they take it and make it over musclar like linda hamilton in T2. and lets not discuss what they did to the awesome cowl induction hood.

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1139897916996757062006-02-13T22:18:00.001-08:002006-02-13T22:40:01.783-08:00

Here is the Acura Murano... errr... RDX.

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1139897722044397402006-02-13T22:15:00.000-08:002006-02-13T22:39:31.596-08:00

View one of my favorite car from the show. the mazda Kairu (or something like that) but lets be real, this is the next RX-7. I want one.

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1139897692717524452006-02-13T22:14:00.000-08:002006-02-13T22:38:38.493-08:00

Here is the Mazda Murano .. err... CX-7

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1139897621531453362006-02-13T22:13:00.000-08:002006-02-13T22:38:08.016-08:00

here's the Ford entry into the sports cars with back seats that are unusable by adults, but SPECIFICALLY designed to hold children and baby carrier. very narrow seats sitting further back in the chasis between the wheels

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1139897508405957952006-02-13T22:11:00.001-08:002006-02-13T22:11:48.410-08:00

New Ford Murano.. err .. Edge.

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1139897477085325132006-02-13T22:11:00.000-08:002006-02-13T22:11:17.090-08:00

yes the truck is really that big.

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1139897348097619342006-02-13T22:09:00.000-08:002006-02-13T22:09:08.110-08:00

for the audi fan-boys

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1139897336715486552006-02-13T22:08:00.002-08:002006-02-13T22:08:56.720-08:00

gotta read the fine print on this one... "formerly"

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1139897329295298602006-02-13T22:08:00.001-08:002006-02-13T22:08:49.300-08:00

check out the darth vader headlights on this bad boy

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1139897307186377502006-02-13T22:08:00.000-08:002006-02-13T22:08:27.190-08:00

New Z4 coupe. nice satin finish.

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1139897224461522002006-02-13T22:07:00.000-08:002006-02-13T22:07:04.466-08:00

Very nice, what is an autoshow without a completely impractical car with a drive train that doesnt actually exist?

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1139897114491518492006-02-13T22:05:00.000-08:002006-02-13T22:05:14.496-08:00

Here is the new hard top convertible from VW.

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1139897095564635012006-02-13T22:04:00.000-08:002006-02-13T22:04:55.576-08:00

Best looking HHR ever.

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1139897008268616092006-02-13T22:03:00.000-08:002006-02-13T22:03:28.273-08:00

Yes thats the correct color.

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1139896848479143502006-02-13T22:00:00.000-08:002006-02-13T22:00:50.286-08:00

Detroit YEAH!!! my favorite time of year. here is the baddest car from this years show. the new challenger

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1136777111617009022006-01-08T19:25:00.000-08:002006-01-08T19:25:11.623-08:00

Here is a picture of the snow that we were riding the train through as we left switzerland.

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1136777031143975052006-01-08T19:23:00.002-08:002006-01-08T19:23:51.146-08:00

Here we are waiting in line to see "David" there were no pictures allowed inside, so this is as exciting as it gets for you all. But he is bigger in real life than you probably think. and they also made two copys that you can see and photograph in other areas of the city.

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1136777028453738022006-01-08T19:23:00.001-08:002006-01-08T19:23:48.456-08:00

Here is another picture of the actual snow fall.

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1136777023962430022006-01-08T19:23:00.000-08:002006-01-08T19:23:43.966-08:00

Trey and Nate are here hamming it up on one our first days on the trip in Florence.

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1136776822799336372006-01-08T19:20:00.001-08:002006-01-08T19:20:22.803-08:00

Here are Erin and I with the view from San Gimgno (ok I give up on the spelling of this) as the back drop.

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1136776812089026482006-01-08T19:20:00.000-08:002006-01-08T19:20:12.096-08:00

Heres a better look at the view without our mugs in the way.

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1136776736586824262006-01-08T19:18:00.000-08:002006-01-08T19:18:56.590-08:00

Here is the outer wall of of San Gimignano. It is a reportedly the best preserved 14th Century hill town in all of Italy. (now converted to saml shops that all take credit cards, shipworld wide duty free. the buses have to park at the visitors center further down the hill.)

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1136776644712190692006-01-08T19:17:00.000-08:002006-01-08T19:17:24.716-08:00

ok, here is the actual spelling I should have used in the last post.. oops.

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1136776515305703562006-01-08T19:15:00.000-08:002006-01-08T19:15:15.310-08:00

Here is a view from the top of San Giamangio. You can still see the remenants of what we were later told was the first snow fall in that area since sometime during the regan administration.

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1136776343840201932006-01-08T19:12:00.000-08:002006-01-08T19:12:23.843-08:00

I dont know if I ever heard officially why there were these painted cows all over the place. it seems that Youngs Dairy in Ohio is some sort of international trend setter. wierd.

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1136776232077045442006-01-08T19:10:00.000-08:002006-01-08T19:10:32.083-08:00

Florence was suffering from a major scooter infestation while we were there. however none of the native seemed concerned.

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1136776155478875682006-01-08T19:09:00.000-08:002006-01-08T19:09:15.476-08:00

Here is one of the Firenza land marks that you can see from the surrounding hills. This one is the Duomo.

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1136776078618657802006-01-08T19:07:00.000-08:002006-01-08T19:07:58.623-08:00

Heres another take on the nativity in gold paper oragami. This was part of a large display of childrens nativitys to raise money for childrens chairities. (at least that what I think the signs in Italian said)

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1136776003715591172006-01-08T19:06:00.000-08:002006-01-08T19:06:43.720-08:00

You gotta like this. the nativity made entirely out of wine corks. :)

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1136775942578932182006-01-08T19:05:00.000-08:002006-01-08T19:05:42.583-08:00

One of the benefits of taking the train vs taking an airplane, is sights like this. This was just inside of the swiss border in what they call lake country. very beautiful.

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1136775876785548002006-01-08T19:04:00.001-08:002006-01-08T19:04:36.793-08:00

Here are some of my exhausted classmates that returned on the same flight to DFW.

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1136775858234546882006-01-08T19:04:00.000-08:002006-01-08T19:04:18.240-08:00

Most of the time we were in rome the streets looked like this. and NO they streets were not closed off. cars and scooters and even buses would drive down streets the people just kinda moved out of the way.. kinda.

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1136775614801223302006-01-08T19:00:00.001-08:002006-01-08T19:00:14.806-08:00

Cant really tell here, but this was one of only two times we saw a real Ferrari on the street. The other one went by so fast, I couldnt even get the camera out before it was completely out of sight.

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1136775603563668242006-01-08T19:00:00.000-08:002006-01-08T19:00:03.563-08:00

In this photo a roman chariot driver takes a break from entertaining tourists, and cashes his 1 and 2 Euro coins into bills. and grabs a smoke too.

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1136775471290630472006-01-08T18:57:00.001-08:002006-01-08T18:57:51.293-08:00

See a mini cooper is really a LARGE car.

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1136775428474686392006-01-08T18:57:00.000-08:002006-01-08T18:57:08.476-08:00

Being in Italy Erin had to drag me to the official Ferrari store in Roma (aka Rome)

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1136775377291564442006-01-08T18:56:00.000-08:002006-01-08T18:56:17.290-08:00

View from near the coluseum. Most of the photos of this were with the real camera.

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1136775349494730512006-01-08T18:55:00.000-08:002006-01-08T18:55:49.496-08:00

Trey and Nate make the rounds with mommy and grandma.

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1136775188860615232006-01-08T18:53:00.000-08:002006-01-08T18:53:08.866-08:00

Trevey Fountain in Florence.

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1136775127861007922006-01-08T18:52:00.000-08:002006-01-08T18:52:07.866-08:00

View of Firenza from Friesole. You can clearly see all of the major landmarks and churchs rising above the rest of the city.

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1136775086776422892006-01-08T18:51:00.001-08:002006-01-08T18:51:26.783-08:00

Gas station Italian style.

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1136775084847781232006-01-08T18:51:00.000-08:002006-01-08T18:51:24.850-08:00

Trey really wanted his picture taken by this particular window. so here you go.

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1136774867883681302006-01-08T18:47:00.000-08:002006-01-08T18:47:47.913-08:00

Helpful Itailian sign. translation, "dont fall over the railing here or you will bonk your head" friesole just about 4 miles outside of Firenza (AKA Florence)

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1132449158266282382005-11-19T17:10:00.000-08:002005-11-19T17:12:38.266-08:00The punch line

Of course, all of this was not really an Editor for a day thing as much as it was clever marketing. this particular event was put on by Cadillac. And this was part of the exit booth. You also got a Cadillac bag, (they swore it was not a purse, but I am still not convinced) and a nice Cadillac branded hat.

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1132449001029370012005-11-19T17:07:00.000-08:002005-11-19T17:10:01.030-08:00The BMW option

Here is the 530i that we drove. I had this test much closer. the Cadillac in this test was much better looking, and the interior was much nicer than what they did in the CTS-V. the BMW in this test was much less attractive, and the larger size and reduced power made is a mush closer match for the STS

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1132448853567440012005-11-19T17:05:00.000-08:002005-11-19T17:07:33.566-08:00the other Tests

the other station was STS vs. 530i. the way this station worked was that 3 people got in the car with one professional driver. You would rotate the drivers in the same car, and then you would switch cars after 3 laps. This was the very nice STS that we drove.

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1132448684842222652005-11-19T17:03:00.000-08:002005-11-19T17:04:44.843-08:00M3

I would like to point out how much NICER the wheels on the BMW are than the ones that were on the similarly priced Cadilac. They were larger, and looked at least 10 times better.

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1132448555953532862005-11-19T17:01:00.000-08:002005-11-19T17:02:35.953-08:00me in the CTS

Here I am driving the CTS. On my score sheet it lost in a landslide.

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1132448490565378792005-11-19T16:58:00.000-08:002005-11-19T17:01:30.566-08:00Ride along

Here you can see the drill for the M3/CTS stop. You and one professional driver go around in each car. and then you switch to the other car. My first ride was the M3, and my driver also had a Mini Cooper S. So automatically he's cool :)

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1132448319112644982005-11-19T16:56:00.000-08:002005-11-19T16:58:39.113-08:00the cars.

this, of course, is why we are here. There were two stations, two cars to drive per station. The first station, was the BMW M3, vs the Cadilac CTS-V (although it is dificult to tell from this photo of the CTS that there is anything special about it.)

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1132448134775300412005-11-19T16:54:00.000-08:002005-11-19T16:55:34.776-08:00food. check.

Nothing too special here, you had a little bit of breakfast. choice of muffins or rolls, a thing of coffee, and a bin with cokes, no bottled water, (except I saw the staff had some, none for the guests.)

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1132448028709724702005-11-19T16:51:00.000-08:002005-11-19T16:53:48.710-08:00The setup

As you can see the set up was very spartan. Nothing elaborate at all. Tent on the right is the sign in desk. The trailer to the left is the restrooms, the next text to the left of that is the "welcome" breifing area. To the left of that is the exit tent, where you see who sponsored the event, and pick up your swag.

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1132447871025492482005-11-19T16:49:00.000-08:002005-11-19T16:51:11.030-08:00Car & Driver "editor for a day"

Good sign that the parking lot seemed filled with very nice cars, like this extra clean, non-stock third generation RX-7.

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1130200428566619132005-10-24T17:33:00.000-07:002005-10-24T17:33:48.570-07:00

Here is the other show piece of this event, the new GS430. It was a very nice car, but I did not enjoy driving it near as much as the new IS350. I like the handling and braking of the smaller car so much better. It also doesnt help the GS' case that I like the styling of the other car better as well. It is the first production lexus to make full use of the L-Finese styling theme.

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1130200290928040732005-10-24T17:31:00.000-07:002005-10-24T17:31:30.936-07:00

Here is the rest of the crew. at this point we had just gotten out of an IMPRESSIVE demo of the DVD and Audio options on the new GS. I was blown away, and I dont think I was the only one. If I had any theater system that sounded as good as the demo DVD did in that car I would be a happy man. I can certainly understand why people would spend all of that money on mobile entertainment for their car.

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1130200175044277292005-10-24T17:29:00.000-07:002005-10-24T17:29:35.046-07:00

Here is Joy and Lyndon. Joy gave up on the cold weather outside just after this photo, and headed inside where they had a great assortment of food, and free massage area.

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1130200109106544192005-10-24T17:28:00.000-07:002005-10-24T17:28:29.110-07:00

... But this is the reason we are here today. the New IS and GS are both available to drive. It is not yet in stores (or at least not today, but I expect really really soon). The IS350 was an absolute blast to drive, the course they set up for you seemed to be about 2 to 3 times longer than the ones set up at other events. and it was a really good mix of totally wide open stretches, and super

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1130199804519114022005-10-24T17:23:00.000-07:002005-10-24T17:23:24.523-07:00

here is a selection of some of the food that was available. this is in STARK contrast to the food at the GM drive event (see pictures in the report archives) and in contrast to the food at chrysler which you had to PAY FOR. If i had a party that was catered as well as this I would be doing well. If the company I worked for had a party catered as well as this they would be doing better than

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1130199685636796632005-10-24T17:21:00.000-07:002005-10-24T17:21:25.643-07:00

Once you got inside of the very large temporary structure -- Much more substantial that a tent. the high qaulity touches continued. Plenty of food and drink stations, sofas and chairs. The lighting was very nice and inside you oblivious to the temperature and wind that was outside today.

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1130199553848244192005-10-24T17:19:00.000-07:002005-10-24T17:19:13.866-07:00

this is the entry to the "Taste of Lexus" event. The event got off to a great start, you were greeted at the door, and they had people circulating with some beautiful looking appetizers. It was more like you had walked in on a dinner party that you had come to a driving event. From there you filled out the paperwork and then were escorted to a smalled couch cluster to get the "initiation to the

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1128754828875287762005-10-08T00:00:00.000-07:002005-10-08T00:00:28.880-07:00

Here is Chris laying it into the first corner on his second run. I think we all agree that this is the best event this year. it was fun, you got to drive the cars HARD. Unlike previous years, you could get back in line if you wanted to go again. once you were done you got free stuff based on how well you drove, everyone got a tshirt, (which if it is good looking, which this was, the event will

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1128754495376720932005-10-07T23:54:00.000-07:002005-10-07T23:54:55.383-07:00

Here is Eric on his second run. This one ended kinda badly from a technical driving point of view. He ended up putting the car into a 180 spin as he crossed the finish line (allegedly, which is why it was good that he had a witness in the passenger seat, since the rest of us were either still driving, our had not gotten out of our cars yet) the one that earned him a new middle name "I do that on

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1128754288464128602005-10-07T23:51:00.000-07:002005-10-07T23:51:28.466-07:00

Here I am with Jason riding shotgun. this was my second and best run. these pictures were all taken by a automatic camera tied to the timing light. Daniel was the fastest of our group, and it is interesting to see how much further to the right he is in all of the pictures, only a tenth of a second or two into the course.

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1128754095716375972005-10-07T23:48:00.000-07:002005-10-07T23:48:15.720-07:00

Here is Daniel attacking the first corner of the performance drive test at ZoomZoomLive by mazda. this is of course the new miata, the passenger is his friend jonathan. by teaming up, you got through the line faster. plus you had a witness if you needed one. but more on that later.

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1128751683708738022005-10-07T23:08:00.000-07:002005-10-07T23:08:03.710-07:00

Here is the travelling chrysler heritage exhibit. it had a few old show cars from past detroit auto shows and the like. This 300 2+2 appeared to be from a HIN type of show.

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1128751667302579352005-10-07T23:07:00.003-07:002005-10-07T23:07:47.306-07:00

Here is some of the previously mentioned tire smoke. I think here you can see why the rear left had the problems.

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1128751652656679952005-10-07T23:07:00.002-07:002005-10-07T23:07:32.693-07:00

This was the timed minivan unload. kinda fun, but no prizes. and you had to put all of the stuff back in the van.

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1128751636687981632005-10-07T23:07:00.001-07:002005-10-07T23:07:16.693-07:00

Here Eric "I do that on Gran Turismo" gets ready for a virtual Tee shot. this was very defective, did not work more than 50% of the swings.

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1128751621353887912005-10-07T23:07:00.000-07:002005-10-07T23:07:01.356-07:00

this did not come out, but the rear left tire "came apart" during the pass right before this. the car that came into the rider change area IMMEDIATELY before on the SRT-8 had the EXACT same failure. so now you know, drive these cars really hard, sliding sideways, billowing smoke, you can do that for about 2 hours.

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1128751606055971272005-10-07T23:06:00.001-07:002005-10-07T23:06:46.060-07:00

Here is the last redeeming thing from this event. the SRT-8. again very fast pass. lots of tire smoke. but with a chaperone in the fun seat.

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1128751584560586462005-10-07T23:06:00.000-07:002005-10-07T23:06:24.563-07:00

Here is redeeming thing number 2. Free cigars. Rolled on site (at least the wrapper). so pay for food, cigars for free. doesn't make sense to me either.

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1128751546644804452005-10-07T23:05:00.001-07:002005-10-07T23:05:46.646-07:00

here is one of the 3 three redeeming things about this event. the new SRT-6. This was a high speed pass in this car. of course with a chaperone, but this time in the drivers seat :(.

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1128751526380643062005-10-07T23:05:00.000-07:002005-10-07T23:05:26.386-07:00

here I am in the crossfire on the city course. there was no unchaperoned driving here. Matt (hope I got that right) I told you I would put this on my blog.

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1128751488186343572005-10-07T23:04:00.000-07:002005-10-07T23:04:48.190-07:00

that's right.. you wanna eat.. you gotta pay! and I thought the GM food was lame. peanuts...$3.00!

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1128751391433542602005-10-07T23:03:00.000-07:002005-10-07T23:03:11.436-07:00

here is the entry to the chrysler event. pretty nice.

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1127073420780549582005-09-18T12:57:00.000-07:002005-09-18T12:57:00.783-07:00

whaddya think.. Yellow Cobalt SS, is it me?

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1127073313735392202005-09-18T12:55:00.000-07:002005-09-18T12:55:13.736-07:00

One of the few GM cars I would want to buy, this is the upcoming Saturn Sky very nice. although I think the humps on the back of the car work better with the very curvacious shape of the Pontiac Solstace. Either way, they are going to sell a lot of these.

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1127073030331922632005-09-18T12:50:00.000-07:002005-09-18T12:50:30.333-07:00

The low point of the day... our free meal at the "Driver Refueling station". all in one bag mashed together. look at the poor sandwich (on the right). no option for bottled water. the apple as you can tell looked unwashed, and the bag o chips was also crushed. power lame.

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1127072853024879552005-09-18T12:47:00.000-07:002005-09-18T12:47:33.026-07:00

Here is the Mercedes from the outside. Our verdict, is that you can drive this pretty agressively and not get a "black mark" like you do if you try to push the H3.

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1127072756435487102005-09-18T12:45:00.000-07:002005-09-18T12:45:56.436-07:00

Here Lyndon can be seen putting the Mercedes ML350 through its paces. GM was nice enough to have several competitions cars on site to evaluate.

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1127072500828779462005-09-18T12:41:00.000-07:002005-09-18T12:41:40.830-07:00

As you can see there were plenty of cars to drive. This photo shows most of the cars from the Pontiac and Chevy Passenger car areas. There were paviliions for Luxury, Truck, SUV, Large SUV, Hummer, Vette/CTS-V in addition to these 2, plus they had one for an "extended test drive".

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1127072296268044492005-09-18T12:38:00.000-07:002005-09-18T12:38:16.273-07:00

Here I am with my Vette chaperone.

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1127072150902408072005-09-18T12:35:00.000-07:002005-09-18T12:35:50.906-07:00

This is a nice sight. plenty of new Vettes to take for a drive. You had the choce of driving this or the new CTS-V or a Vette. NO ONE was driving the Caddy's. In Order to drive the "performance course" you had to drive a Pontiac, Chevy or Luxury Vehicle. And like the Hummer extreme course, you could only do it once, and you had a professional driving shotgun.

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1127071924743026832005-09-18T12:32:00.000-07:002005-09-18T12:32:04.746-07:00

Not surprisingly Daniel "I ain't driving like no grandma" recieved a counseling session after his H3 drive on the city course. Here is the marking to indicate that you have recieved a counseling session.

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1127071782037274812005-09-18T12:29:00.000-07:002005-09-18T12:29:42.040-07:00

Here Daniel is about to qualify for the extreme off road hummer course by driving the H3 on the normal street course. Based on Daniels past techniques, i figured it might be a good idea to take a picture while he was still allowed on the site :).

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1127071665449096852005-09-18T12:27:00.000-07:002005-09-18T12:27:45.453-07:00

Cobalt SS was one of the cars with a fairly long line for it. by driving this and one of the competitions cars (also on site) you recieved your choice of gifts. I ended up with 2 tickets to the state fair. That will save me 20 bucks when I go to see the car show there. WOO HOO.

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16870073.post-1127071498993421072005-09-18T12:24:00.000-07:002005-09-18T12:24:58.996-07:00

Driving the H2T at the autoshow in motion. there was a 10 ft 45 degreeish drop and 30 or so degree sidways portion of the hummer course. You could drive the H2, H2T and the new H3. They all went on the same course. in order to drive the extreme off road hummer course, you had to first drive a truck or an SUV of some nature and get your wrist tab marked.

Dennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14393663414095499934noreply@blogger.com0