2002 Twin Engine Mini Cooper - Jay Leno's Garage

I just had to post this. Epic Mini Cooper.

The Dirty Car Artist

Rolling Artwork From Scott Wade

Usually I post news items and photos/videos from the automotive industry, but every once in awhile I feel the need explore new avenues (no pun intended). 

Today I happened upon this article featuring the work of Scott Wade, also known as the ‘Dirty Car Artist’. His canvas is a window and his tools are dust and dirt. We have all probably written ‘WASH ME’ on a dusty car. Mr. Wade, however, is on another level:

RIGHT?!

Living in Texas on a dirt and gravel road, Scott Wade developed this unique art style simply by doodling in the dirt that eventually covered his cars. Over the years he refined this skill, even recreating some classic drawings/paintings while also creating his own original art. Check out this M.C. Escher on the rear window of a Nissan Versa:

Because he can.

I don’t know about you, but to me that is incredible. The detail and precision required to do something like this is astounding. I would rather have this on my car than have a clean car! Granted it would make backing up a bit tricky but that’s what side mirrors and luck are for, pedestrians beware. 

Here are some more examples from Mr. Wade:

An aquarium on wheels

Don't wash me please

Incredible Right?!

Keeping your car clean is a good habit to get into, but if you have a dusty ride, take it to Scott Wade and turn your vehicle into a rolling piece of art. He will even throw dirt on your car for you, so really there is no excuse!

See the full article here. Or go to Scott's website http://dirtycarart.com

Cheers!

Turbo Porsche's? Sign Me Up!

Tears of Joy...

For anyone who has even loosely followed this blog, you have to realize that I have a heavy bais towards Porsche automobiles. They are my favorite cars of all time, followed very closely by anything that is rotary powered. Why? I don't really have a reason. I can always remember loving them for sticking the engine in such a ludicrous and, as it turns out with turbos, dangerous place. When your Porsche 930 turbo decides to boost in the middle of a sharp turn, you may as well let go of the wheel and let it happen as your back end breaks loose and you spin round about a couple times. Hopefully that's all that will happen, but those 930s have a dicey reputation...

Porsche thankfully has refined it's turbo cars so that there isn't as much danger in owning one. And technology such as traction control and all wheel drive help to keep drivers of all skills on the road. So for those who love the feeling of boost as it slams you back in your seat, this news will please you all: Porsche is bringing turbo engines to the Boxster and the Cayman!

GIVE ME BOOOOOOOST!

According to the report, the engines in the Boxster and Cayman models will be turbo powered flat fours making anywhere from 240 - 370 hp, replacing the normally aspirated flat sixes that grace the current mid-engined lineup. The only lineup of Boxsters and Caymans that will keep the flat six engines (supposedly) are the top of the line, special edition GT4 models, although that information is far from confirmed. 

Go Go Gadget Boost!

Being mid-engined, the Porsche Boxster and Cayman lineup are ideal for the turbo setup. Balance is key when it comes to cornering and maneuverability on the track, and these two models sport nearly perfect 50/50 balance from front to back. A kick in of boost at the apex of a turn will still be lesss than ideal, but the modern traction and stability control that both models will no doubt sport will help to minimize instances of the back end going where it pleases instead of where you want it to. As an owner of a turbo auto ('91 Mazda RX7 Turbo), I can appreciate the necessity of this technology, even though it may not be nearly as fun or daring.

Check out the full article here. There isn't all that much information but honestly just hearing the words 'turbo boxster/cayman' should be enough to get any car fan excited. Balance + Boost = Driving Nirvana. That's a scientifically proven fact folks, start saving that cash...