No, this skip loader ripping on the front bumper of this Chrysler Cordoba is the not the “People’s Curse” from the 24 Hours of LeMons. However, this is Krider Racing, the 24 Hours of LeMons Altamont 2008 Champions getting some “People’s Assistance” on their Destruction Derby car. The skip loader is trying to pull the frame away from the steering box which was jammed after an ugly head on collision with an Imperial at the California Fair Destruction Derby State Championships. Rob Krider said, racing with 90 cars on a small track in LeMons taught him how to take a hit. So the team thought they would try a destruction derby where hitting would be mandatory as opposed to punishable by tar and feathering -like at LeMons. Using some questionable election funds from the “Jim Krider for Napa City Council” campaign they welded in a box cage, put a boat gas tank behind the Corinthian leather driver’s seat (seemed like a good spot) tossed a little HP 234 oil additive in the motor and off they went. They came home from the State Championship as heat winners, picking up some cash, a trophy and a sore neck. They qualified for the main event but were never able to yank the frame away from the steering box (the car was stuck turning permanent left). Third Street Auto Repair in Napa, California helped them put the car together (which means they taught Krider Racing how to “Smokey Yunick” a derby car). Why a Chrysler Cordoba? (The classic yet sporty transportation of choice for old ladies to go from hair appointments to bingo tournaments in the late seventies) Because the Krider Racing LeMons winning Acura Integra wouldn’t have even lasted through the destruction derby parade lap.

We can't have a Cordoba post without seeing The Legend, can we? Hell no!

Police eventually caught up with the Silverado (we're assuming he didn't imagine the other guy would call the cops) and the carjacker led them on a short chase that ended in a wreck. Said local police, "you couldn't make up something stranger than this." Actually, in our version Shia LaBeouf is driving. Victory: us! [AP via Dallas News]

No. We don't like the nav system. It looks terrifyingly like a repainted Chrysler unit. Also...umm...well...actually, that's pretty much it. Hmm, well, anyway — let's just get back to the awesome, shall we?

The briefcase shelf in the back even folds down for trunk pass-through action. What's that? Those are seats? Oh. Ouch. We also get a peek under the hood at the direct-injected 4.3-liter V8 that'll be making the well-heeled sing the praises of it's 424 horses of goodness. Anyway, take a peek for yourselves folks, 'cause that right there is how you make a damn fine-looking automobile. [AutoMobilsmo.it (translated)]

Unfortunately, maybe we should still cry a tear because we already know they'll all more than likely end up living their miserable lives getting their passenger seats chewed up by the tiny dogs of their celebutard owners on the way to a Beverly Hills Botox parlor. Still, maybe we'll be seeing more crash pictures — from the Paparazzo — just as soon as the celebutards get their hands on 'em. [Autogespot via AutoBlog, CzechFerrari.cz]

The gas-free Minis will be built in Oxford, England, without engines, gearboxes or fuel tanks. They will then be shipped to Munich, Germany, and fitted with electric powertrains. For now it seems that California will be the only market for these battery-powered Minis, but if gas hits ten bucks per gallon, we're gonna smuggle one over to Jalopnik HQ. [Automotive News]

The California definitely looks like it fits in with the rest of the current Ferrari range. But depending on who you ask, that's not necessarily a good thing. Now that we can see real-life lighting on the red-painted surface, the lines don't look quite as exaggerated as they did in the studio...but we're just not sure if we like those lines or not. The car's certainly not as subtle as a Aston Martin V8 Vantage, but you'd be hard-pressed to call it downright ugly. Perhaps just a bit over-styled. But that's just us; what do you think?
[autobild via carscoop]

Not only will you and those around you remain safer while driving, but this speakerphone is solar-powered and therefore green. Not to mention the lack of cords cluttering up your immaculate interior. Expect to shell out $110 for the LG Solar, money well spent compared to the cost of moving violations. [Ecofriend]

I suppose it doesn't really count since I found this one out on delivery (I put in appliances for Sears), but here's a rare one for Placerville, CA, let alone anywhere: Nissan Sunny/Datsun 1000. Last registered in 1997, so it was running not too long ago, too.

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In agreeing with your sentiments from yesterday, a good road trip vehicle should:

1.) Embrace the inevitable discomfort and uncertainty that comes on a long trip
2.) Have a degree of iconic style, so that when you're looking back at snapshots of the trip, you have that warm and fuzzy feeling of nostalgia
3.) Be equipped with at least four doors — how else can you do a Chinese Fire Drill at a stoplight?

With that in mind, we submit to you, in no particular order, the World's Best Road Trip Vehicles.

Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon JTD
Because most vacations are supposed to be a getaway from hectic everyday life, why not have a car with the same philosophy? You don't need to go to Italy, Italy can come to you! The Alfa offers the same sort of romance you'd get from a Maserati, but with more practicality and a fraction of the cost. With the 1.9-liter turbo diesel, you'll get nearly 39 MPG, or you can get a 2.4-liter version with a bit more power. But above all, it's beautiful. No need to go out of your way sightseeing, because the Alfa will make every stop a photo-op, even without a scenic vista in the background.

Peugeot 308 HDi
With fuel economy the name of the game, you can't ignore the Peugeot 308 HDi. This was the car of choice for the Guinness Book of World Records hypermiling inductees, who averaged over 75 MPG in their unnecessary quest to use as little fuel as necessary. Of course, to get those kind of MPGs, you'll have to travel at a snail's pace, but remember, it's all about the journey! The little French miser is also available in 3-door hatch or station wagon body styles, and comes with either a 1.6-liter or 2.0-liter turbo-diesel engine.

Fiat Panda 100HP

This is the perfect example of a practical, efficient and fun-to-drive European small car. And by small we mean that it's not even as long or wide as a Chevy Aveo; however, it is taller, and thus has good head and leg room for both front and rear passengers. Despite its boxy shape, the Panda is anything but boring. That's because the 100 HP model has key features, like a 6-speed gearbox and grippy tires, in keeping with the tradition of Euro superminis known to be true driver's cars. If your budget road trip involves carving through twisty country roads, the Panda will deliver roller-coaster thrills, eliminating the need to buy tickets to the amusement park. Best of all, that 16-valve 1.4-liter engine will easily return over 30 MPG, even with spirited driving. [source]

Volkswagen California
So, you want to save cash by avoiding hotels, but you don't want to cross the continent in an RV the size of a blue whale? May we suggest a modern camper van such as the VW California? Coming from the factory with a pop-up roof and a pull-out awning, it even saves you from having to buy a tent. Don't want to spend money eating at roadside restaurants? No problem: the California even has a kitchen. Of course, this being a VW van, the kitchen is essential for any, ahem, baking that goes on. Most importantly, the 2.5-liter inline-five turbo-diesel engine gets about 27 MPG, which isn't bad for a studio apartment on wheels. [source]

Volkswagen Citi Golf
Remember the good ol' days of motoring simplicity? Yeah, maybe they weren't so good. But if you don't mind rekindling memories of cramming into a tiny hatchback with your buddies during the original gas crisis of the early '70s, look no further than the VW Citi Golf. Yes, this is a new car, and no, your eyes do not deceive you: The Citi is essentially the original Mk.1 Golf/Rabbit, and it has continued to roll off an assembly line in South Africa for decades. The fuel-injected 1.4 and 1.6-liter gasoline engines will return around 38 MPG on the highway, and prices start at the equivalent of under $10,000.

Renault Espace
The people carrier of choice in Europe, the Renault Espace gives a view of the road to all seven passengers that a full-size SUV can only dream of. Sure, you don't tower over people like you might in an Expedition, but you don't have the horrible fuel economy either. What you do get is an interior available with any entertainment option you could want, surrounded by big panoramic windows and a massive available sunroof. The entire package merely sips fuel, to the tune of a gallon every 31 miles or so if you opt for the 2.0-liter diesel.

Geely TX4 London Taxi
A staple of England, and a novelty to the rest of the world, the London Taxi now has a version being cranked out by Chinese automaker Geely. Powered by a 2.4-liter diesel engine, the cab is sure to be economical. Plus, if you find yourself running dry on cash along the way, why not just pick up a fare and charge a premium? If 28 Days Later was any indication, these things should be great in the event of a Rage virus outbreak, meaning the TX4 is the perfect car if you come across hitchhikers or zombies. Just not both. [source]

So, no matter where you are in the world, there are great vehicles in which to embark on a road trip — and most of them are better choices than what we've got here. These are just a handful, but what do you want to take on your next Fantasyland road trip?

First, the company already has a significant infrastructure already in place in the state. Second, it's a much shorter flight to New York from Mumbai and London, reducing executive jet lag. Third, Ratan Tata loves Springsteen. In fact, at a recent concert, Tata was heard to scream "Play Darkness On The Edge Of Town" repeatedly. [Photo: Getty Images, Auto News (Subs. Req.)

The choice of whether or not to allow the Prius to be assembled in the United States (most of the parts will likely be built in China/Japan) or the choice of production facilities is probably more Toyota's than GM's. More importantly, according to one Toyota spokesperson, they are actually contemplating the decision:

"Nothing has been decided on production of Prius at the joint venture New United Motor Manufacturing Inc., even though Toyota is always seeking ways to build the most appropriate production system."

FERRARI PRESIDENT LUCA DI MONTEZEMOLO TEST-DRIVES THE NEW CALIFORNIA: "I'M THRILLED. IT'S A GREAT FERRARI THAT DELIVERS UNIQUE DRIVING PLEASURE"

Maranello, 29th May 2008 - The new Ferrari California, 2+ convertible, had a very special "test-driver" behind its wheel the last few days as the Prancing Horse President Luca di Montezemolo put it through its paces over several laps at the Fiorano circuit.

"I am very satisfied indeed with the work that the women and men of Ferrari have done," declared Luca di Montezemolo. "The California is an extraordinary car and I was delighted with the performance, comfort and driving pleasure it delivered. The California is, like all of our models, the epitome of cutting-edge innovation. Its gearbox, suspensions and chassis are the most advanced possible.

This is the first dual-purpose Spider/Coupé with a retractable hard top that closes in just 14 seconds. Despite its extraordinary performance, the California 2+ is also exceptionally easy to drive and has a space behind the front seats that makes it supremely flexible in terms of usage."

The latest photographs of the new Pininfarina-styled retractable hard top convertible released today show it with its top closed and in an Azzurro California livery. Azzurro California was the colour chosen for the legendary 1960s spider's appearance at the New York Auto Show in 1962 and proved one of the firm favourites with owners of that model too.

Like the rest of the current Prancing Horse range, the Ferrari California has been aerodynamically designed to deliver significant downforce values - 70 kg at 200 Km/h, in fact.

This is the first time too that the new 7-speed dual clutch has been used on a Ferrari car. This technology is the fruit of in-depth gear shifting systems research by the Scuderia Ferrari. The system utilised on the Ferrari California cuts the gear shifting time to zero and enhances to the utmost the car's performance in terms of comfort and driveability.

Performance is further boosted by the new Launch Control button which when hit delivers blistering high performance starts by ensuring correct torque delivery and preventing tyre spin during acceleration.

The car is 4560 mm in length, 1900 mm wide and has a wheel base of 2700 mm.

The luggage capacity of the Ferrari California provides further proof of the versatility of this latest addition to the Prancing Horse range: when the roof is up, the boot has a 360-litre capacity and a 260-litre capacity when it is down.

For the first time on a Prancing Horse car, the boot and cabin communicate directly, allowing a choice of luggage configurations to be used.

Particular attention was also paid to fuel consumption levels which in the case of the ECE combined cycle is 13.2 l/100 km with CO2 emission levels of around 310 g/km.

The legislation is stating that the GPS navigation units can only occupy a 5-inch square on the lowest left-hand corner of the windshield or a 7-inch square on the lowest right side corner. For aesthetic purposes, those two areas are best suited for GPS navigation units, but for practicality, not so much. Maybe the California legislation should talk to this guy to find out the truth behind windshield obstruction. [GPStracklog]

We honestly don't know how to feel. Sure, there's been multiple millions spent on the likes of everything from Bugattis to Cobras before. Just last year there was even some guy that paid $9,300,000 for a Ferrari 330 TRI/LM. But this little California clearly takes to a new level. Sure, we'd probably drop some coin on the car of our dreams if we actually had the means to, but $11-million? Really? We're guessing there's probably been more paid for a vehicle in some shadowy private sale, or that a some robber baron back in the day bought some gold-plated motor carriage for a higher inflation-adjusted price, but this sale is still quite remarkable given today's economy. The other thing that gets us is the winning bidder was some British radio DJ, Chris Evans. There's just something about morning radio guys that makes us— well, we've never heard his jockeying firsthand, so we'll reserve judgment lest we be judged. We'll also dismiss any conspiracy theories that this was all just a massive publicity stunt by Ferrari to stir up public interest for their new California, though it does make you wonder. Oh well, maybe we're just jealous that we don't have multiple millions with which to realize our own fantasies of owning one of James Coburn's cars. (h/t Kyle) [CarScoop]

Many other states already have laws on the books regarding the use of mobile phones when driving, but the state-wide California law has to be one of the most significant since the state is known for having an abundance of drivers that can't keep their mouths shut when driving. The study shows that the use of mobile phones during adverse driving conditions is one of the larger causes of accidents and fatalities in California, which reports upwards of 4,000 driving-related fatalities per year. [Press Release via Autopia] (Image via Getty)

New Ferrari California revealed: a hugely versatile, innovation-packed GT

Maranello, May 13th 2008 - The first official photographs have been published of the Ferrari California, the latest addition to the new generation of Ferraris launched in 2004 with the 612 Scaglietti and added to more recently with the 430 Scuderia.

The Ferrari California joins the Prancing Horse's 8-cylinder family which has always been defined by power and performance. It also flanks the flagship 612 Scaglietti in the prestige sporty Grand Tourer segment.

The new Ferrari California will satisfy even the most demanding of owners in term of its superb vehicle dynamics and driving pleasure. The new model will be available exclusively as a convertible with a folding hard top. Both chassis and bodywork are aluminium, in line with the rest of the current range. The California will be powered by a new V8 engine mounted for the first time in the marque's history in the mid-front position.

In line with Ferrari tradition, the new model also features several innovations. Apart from its folding hard top, these include the original 2+ concept which guarantees exceptional versatility of use in the rear of the car. The California's 4,300 cc V8 engine features direct fuel injection and a "flat" crankshaft. It generates 460 CV at 7,500 rpm with a torque curve that enhances vehicle dynamics and provides maximum driving pleasure which is typical for Ferrari.

As per the traditional Ferrari transaxle layout, the engine, which allows the Ferrari California to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 4.0 seconds, will be coupled to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission that boosts the car's performance while enhancing the driving pleasure, improves ride comfort and reduces fuel consumption and emissions (c.310 g/km CO2). The comfort is further enhanced by a new multilink rear suspension system. The Ferrari California is also equipped with the exclusive F1-Trac traction control system which made its debut on the 599 GTB Fiorano and has been further honed to suit the typical driving conditions expected for this new GT. Brembo brakes featuring carbon-ceramic material disks as standard guarantee superbly efficient braking.

In addition to sporting the marque's classic styling cues, the cabin has also been beautifully trimmed using quality materials by Ferrari's own skilled artisans. New accessories and equipment, such as the seats, steering wheel, instrument panel and infotainment system, together with optimised aerodynamics ensure that this is a highly ergonomic and enjoyable car to drive regardless of whether the top is up or down.

The Ferrari California is aimed at owners who desire a car which embodies everything the Prancing Horse represents in terms of sporty design and innovation, but also seek a car with greater versatility than ever. The car will be officially unveiled to the public at the Paris International Car Show. However, over the coming weeks, new photographs and further details about it will also be published.

[automobil.se]

[Ferrari GT Countdown]

The law would make it legal to still drive with the dog in shotgun or the back, but just no sitting on the lap of the driver. If they read Jalopnik or drove Volvos, they'd know to buckle up their pets for ultimate safety. [Source/Photo: NBC 5i]

DAVIS, California (April 13, 2007) — A dealership for electric car pioneer ZAP (OTC Bulletin Board: ZAAP) opened this week in the City of Davis.

This is the first electric car dealership for Davis, California, famous for being one of the most bicycle-friendly towns in the world. The University of California at Davis is also known for advanced transportation technologies, with its renowned Institute for Transportation Studies. Theo Drushell and Tom Kelly are Davis' first electric car dealers, with Davis Electric Cars.

"I think the size of [Davis] allows you to live on the outskirts and drive to town and back several times on the same charge," said Theo Drushell, co- owner of Davis Electric Cars, to the UC Davis Newspaper, The California Aggie (http://www.californiaaggie.com). "Davis is also flat, so driving around will take less energy."

The new dealership carries ZAP's XEBRA Sedan and Truck. ZAP calls the XEBRA (pronounced 'zebra') a 'city-car,' designed for short distance driving up to 40 MPH. Able to plug into any standard electrical outlet, the XEBRA was designed to quickly and affordably fill the need for all-electric cars and trucks brought on by recent high gas prices. ZAP says the XEBRA can be a great value for corporate and business fleets looking to save money on fuel, but also could be just what environmentalists are looking for as an alternative. Customers can even order zebra-stripes.

ZAP manufactures the XEBRA electric car and truck through a strategic partnership with a Chinese automaker and sells them through a licensed sales and service network for about $10,000. The cars will cost about $0.02 cents per mile to charge on electricity versus $0.12 cents or more for gasoline.

"[The cars] plug into regular 110-watt plugs," said Drushell. "You can plug it in at home, at work, at certain businesses and hotels."

You can see the vehicles and meet with the owners at the dealership or at upcoming events like the UC Davis Picnic Day Parade (Saturday April 14th 10AM), the Green Car Gala (John Natsoulas Gallery: 521 First Street ~ Saturday April 14th 6:30PM-10PM), and Celebrate Davis! (Community Park ~ May 17, 2007 4:30PM-9:00PM). On April 21st from noon-4:00PM, Davis Electric Cars will host a Grand Opening Celebration at its Olive Drive location.

One of the great benefits of electric cars is less maintenance (they have less than 10% the moving parts when compared to a gasoline vehicle). Electric vehicles don't have pistons, transmission, engine oil, spark plugs, valves, grinding starters, clutch, rotors, distributor, oil filters, fuel pumps, fuel filters, air filters, radiators, anti-freeze, water pumps, timing belts, fan belts, catalytic converters, or mufflers. No fumes, no exhaust, no smog tests, no oil changes, no radiator flushes, no loud engine, no warm-ups, no gas lines, and the batteries are recyclable.

The owners of Davis Electric Cars, Theo Drushell and Tom Kelly, are advocates of bicycle transportation first and EV transportation as an alternative. Theo (a graduate of Humboldt State University) and his wife (a graduate of UC Davis) are committed to working with the community in bringing this venture to life. Tom (a graduate of UC Berkeley) has been a long-time advocate of utilizing technology to promote advancement in an environmentally friendly manner. He pioneered a toner cartridge recycling company in the 1980s that is currently saving over 200 tons of plastics from entering our landfills every month.

A publicly owned company based in Santa Rosa, California, ZAP has strong ties with UC Davis. Many employees in ZAP's 12-year history were UC Davis graduates. ZAP Chairman Gary Starr built his first electric car as an undergraduate at UC Davis in 1974 during the gasoline shortages caused by the OPEC oil embargo. ZAP's first dealership in Santa Rosa, California is managed by UC Davis graduate Jeff Schneider.