Gaywheels.com

Budget Convertibles

2008-05-11T17:10:09Z

Get into their tops for less than you think.

by Marty Padgett

You might assume that convertibles will chomp a huge chunk from your wallet, but it doesn’t have to be that way. There are a handful of snappy, great-looking, and entertaining convertibles that you can buy for less than $30,000. Even better -- most of them will get more than 20 miles per gallon on the highway, making that long-distance cruise even more affordable.

Gaywheels.com has our favorite convertibles under $30,000, all from companies with gay-friendly policies for their employees -- and with any of these, you’ll be able to parade around in style, lid-free:

Saturn Sky

Pontiac had its Solstice roadster first -- but we gays have taken more to Saturn’s Sky, the better-looking twin. The $25,525 Sky’s lines are a sexier combination of straights and curves, though the two-seat convertible package is the same. Under the teensy hood there’s a choice of a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 173 horsepower, or in the Sky Red Line, a 2.0-liter turbo four with 260 horsepower. A choice of five- speeds, automatic or manual, is up to you, though we recommend the automatic. Even with it, fuel economy can be as high as 28 mpg on the open road. Anti-lock brakes and stability control are standard, as are satellite radio, cruise control, and power windows, locks and mirrors.
- Read our review of the Saturn Sky
- Get more detailed information in our New Car Section

Volkswagen Eos

The name is shared with the goddess of the dawn. Okay, so maybe you’re hunting more for the god or goddess of the night, but Volkswagen’s four-seat Eos is glad to help out in the search for Mr. or Ms. Right (Now). Sneaking in just below $29,000 base, the Eos’ coolest feature is its retractable hardtop; push a button and about 30 seconds later, it’s folded neatly away in the trunk next to your gym bag. Engine choices include a 200-horsepower turbo four and a 250-horsepower V-6, and highway fuel economy goes as high as 30 mpg. A manual gearbox is offered on the turbo four, while VW’s nifty dual-clutch automatic is the only tranny available on the V-6. Lots of standard gear includes anti-lock brakes and stability control, and Sirius satellite radio is available.
- Read our review of the VW EOS
- Get more detailed information in our New Car Section

Mazda Miata

Intimate as a table for two in a back corner, and responsive as a Time Life operator, Mazda’s Miata is always a great choice for a two-seat roadster with great looks, fantastic handling and an easy-to-use top, something most of us can appreciate. For just $20,585, you get a classically influenced roadster with a body like a Greek god (okay, like a British roadster from the ‘60s), a 166-horsepower four-cylinder and a choice of manual or automatic gearboxes. You also get the ability to park almost anywhere in town, or on the side of the road, and earn the admiration of the cute surfers -- and maybe their phone numbers, too. A word of caution: the cockpit’s actually a little too small to go by that name. We’re just saying.
- Read our review of the Mazda MX-5 Miata
- Get more detailed information in our New Car Section

Ford Mustang

Raise your hand if you’ve never heard of a Mustang -- yep, we thought so. The evergreen ‘Tang’s been around so long, most people forget that it’s one of the best-selling convertibles in the country -- and still, one of the most fun to drive topless. The four-seat ragtop starts at just $25,060, and with the base V-6 engine musters 26 miles per gallon on the highway. There’s a Pony package that firms up the base suspension, and all sorts of color and trim options to go all retro on the Mustang. But the best option is Ford’s 1000-watt Shaker audio system. Plug in your iPhone, or slip in that AC/DC CD, spin the knobs, and you’ll be amazed at who turns their head and smiles in admiration. High school was never this cool for us!
- Read our review of the Ford Mustang
- Get more detailed information in our New Car Section

Bob Gurr - Desinger

2008-05-11T16:18:08Z

Name: Bob Gurr

Place of Birth: Los Angeles, CA
Age: 76

Year, Make and Model of Your first car/truck: 1931 Model A Ford 3-Window Coupe

Occupation: Legendary Imagineer

Employer: Extremely retired, professional loafer actually

What did you think you wanted to be when you grew up? I had my heart set on aircraft engineering, but due to poor math grades, I figured car styling was a lot more interesting and did not require any math knowledge. After a full training at Art Center School, partly on a General Motors scholarship, I was spirited into Ford’s Advanced Styling at age 20 by the infamous Frank Hershey. You should have interviewed him!

How long have you worked in the auto industry? Two weeks at Ford was enough to see that Detroit in 1952, for a native Californian, was a drab dead end. After a few months, I was raided out of the Lincoln Studio by George Walker Industrial Design to work on the Lincoln MK II Project. But after a year and a day in Detroit, I returned to Southern California. For Disney I designed way more vehicles than I ever could have in Detroit. Autopia Cars, Main Street Vehicles, Monorail Trains, Streamlined Trains, plus King Kongs, Sinking Ships in Las Vegas, and even lighting EFX for Michael Jackson.

What do you drive now? 2003 Lexus SC430, 2002 Honda CR-V (for my mountain bikes)

Are you out at work? I supposed I was, maybe other folks caught on over several decades, never turned into a subject for discussion, since my projects were of way more interest to my co-workers than any sexual orientation. No one ever got around to asking.

Was being gay ever an issue at any of your jobs? I never noticed any treatment any different than anyone else. My partner was always a part of any business social stuff, it was always just Bob and Fred together. When I was Chairman of the Rolls~Royce Owner’s Club of Southern California, we never noticed any unkind attitudes.

If so, how did you deal with it? Well, the straight folks were always fun, and the gay folks enjoyed deeper conversations; the focus was always centered on the cars.

If you had one piece of advice to give to a gay person wanting to work in the auto industry, what would it be?
? Just forget that you are gay, most folks will just probably figure you out and say nothing. They probably don’t care anyway. You’re going in as a professional, concentrate on being one. Make sure cars are your true passion.

Ok, here is the fun part; if you had $25,000 and had to buy a new car, what would it be and why? Mazda 3 hands down. Nothing comes close to MPG with decent power, fabulous handling with a great ride. And you can load up the luxury items and still have money left over.

]]> Same question but bigger budget; $50,000:
Out of (135) test cars I’ve driven, the Lexus GS450h was the one I loved the best. A tidy pussycat with punch out the gate. Almost all the Lexus luxury you need, but midsize, and plain old Toyota engineering. So you can plan on ultra reliability. Maybe get some greenie bragging points too.

If money was no object and you had to drive it every day:
2009 MB SL63AMG. This thing is a wild animal, but tame enough to trust it daily. Got to have the open fresh air and the hard roof. You’ll get the looks and the front valet spot. Since money is no object, you can afford the blemished MB frequency of repair stuff, if it happens.

What is your favorite car of all time and why?
1934 Type 59 Bugatti Grand Prix converted to street use. Proportions unexcelled, individual design details mechanical AND artistic. All the elements of speed and style. Utterly unique and sexy as hell!

If your car/truck could talk, what would it say about you?
Man, you got 300 HP, why don’t you use it, you wuss. I guess you like the occasional 25 mpg. You had a Ferrari Lusso once and you DROVE it. Why won’t you take me up in your German Motorglider and soar with the birds? You don’t use the engine even then!

Finally, why do you want to be featured on Gaywheels.com?
I’ve enjoyed a long career, received many honors, and grew up before and thru the Stonewall Age. Today, being gay is just one more human inherited characteristic. Folks should see that they can they can have a wonderful life no matter what.

Back to HEADLIGHTS

HEADLIGHTS

2008-05-10T15:00:09Z

The HEADLIGHTS section is very popular so far in 2008 and we are doing out best to showcase new people every month. This section features interviews with out GLBT automotive professionals. Our latest interview is with Bob Gurr, a legendary Imagineer from Disney who got his start in Detroit. Remember that ride on the Monorail at Disney? Bob had his hand in that and many more famous forms of mobility introduced to us by Disney.

2008 Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid

2008-05-09T18:32:05Z

by Michele Fleury

So you want to go green but don’t have a lot of green? If you’re like me, you’re conscious of the environment but you don’t have $40,000 to put towards solar panels on the roof of your house. My budget is closer to that of solar garden lights but I still want to do my part. I also need the room that an SUV provides but hate the guilt that comes with getting 15 miles to the gallon.

The Saturn Vue Hybrid just might be the perfect answer for the eco- savvy consumer who happens to be a closeted SUV lover. It’s the cheapest hybrid SUV in its class with an MSRP of $24,795 – but it has fuel economy significantly higher than its non-hybrid sibling.

First, the technical bits. The Vue is categorized as a “mild hybrid” so isn’t full time hybrid like a Toyota Prius, which can run in battery-only mode. The Saturn system uses a Belt Alternator Starter (BAS) which means the battery-powered motor assists the gasoline engine during acceleration. This is also why the gas mileage isn’t as high as a full-time hybrid. Even using the BAS , though, the Vue gets a respectable 25/32 mpg, which is 27 percent higher than the non-hybrid Vue. GM says the Vue Hybrid can drive for up to 585 miles on one tank of gas; it also says the Vue Hybrid gets better gas mileage than sedans like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.

Saturn’s found some clever ways to keep costs down and fuel economy high. The Vue is a clone of a European SUV from General Motors-- the Opel Antara. The entire front end and grille have been redesigned. Body-colored bumpers have been added to give it a cleaner and more upscale look. The sloping roof and contoured rear end do a nice job of keeping the Vue away from its boxy American past.

The interior is very simple and basic but still maintains a sense of style. The 60/40 rear seats folded flat in a gay second enabling me to easily fit two surfboards, wetsuits, coolers and a ton of other beach related accoutrements. I found the Vue to be very impressive in the gadgets department. While radio and cruise control buttons on the steering wheel are becoming commonplace, having OnStar, an MP3 jack and XM satellite radio with touch-screen controls were completely unexpected. Even the trapezoid shaped parking brake is super cool.
It feels like it’s straight out of a jet or something from Battlestar Galactica.

There are two things non-hybrid driving people must get used to when switching from conventional gasoline engines. First, the gas engine shuts off when the car decelerates or is stopped. If you are used to driving standard then you might feel like the car has stalled. The second is the ‘eco’ light that lights up when your vehicle is performing over the EPA rating. While it’s great to know exactly when I’m saving the environment, I found it to be quite distracting. But I’m a hybrid virgin, so take that with a grain of salt.

Overall, the Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid is a delight to drive. All the money you save on gas and car payments can go to your solar panel fund, and with the extra cargo space, you might just be able to carry them home yourself.

]]> Get more detailed information on the 2008 Saturn Vue Hybrid in our New Car Section

Saturn is a gay-friendly company.

Get a free insurance quote for a 2008 Saturn Vue Greenline

Find a Saturn Dealer Near You

Read other Saturn reviews by Gaywheels.com's writers

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When Velour Was King

2008-05-09T16:52:34Z

Huge gas guzzling luxe-mobiles from the disco era find a fan base with gay collectors.

By Cocoa Efficient, Special to the Los Angeles Times

Note: Our own Cocoa Efficient is featured in the LA Times online autos section. As an owner of a rather large piece of American iron, she is an expert on the appeal of the classic cars from the 70's. Check out an excerpt below and then click over to the LA Times to see her Top 10 choices from when velour was king.

Just when the straight world thought it knew everything it needed to know about being gay, along comes another bombshell: Gays are crazy about cars. Not just new ones, mind you, but big, chrome covered glitzmobiles with an urgent need for fuel and a hankering for wide open parking spaces. Indeed, gay car clubs, such as Great Autos of Yesteryear and the Lambda Car Club, have thousands of members, many of whom have become the sole guardians of the flamboyant '70s luxury cars ignored by mainstream collectors. There's even a website, Gaywheels.com, specifically dedicated to serving the gay and lesbian automotive community. The website promotes car companies that offer domestic partner benefits, and provides reviews, news and biographies of gay and lesbian members working in the automotive field.

Unlike today's clones … err, cars, 1970s' luxury automobiles were big, flamboyant, opulent, distinctive and unapologetically American. Shunned today by many who grew up in the disco decade, these big beauties have found a new generation of adoring admirers both here, and, strangely enough, overseas. From extraordinary size to exceptional uses of color and fabric, these 10 luxury classics are destined to take their place in American collectible car lore.

Read the rest of the story and check out our own Cocoa Efficient's pithy commentary HERE

New Car Photos

2008-05-08T18:02:16Z

2008 Jaguar XKR Convertible

2008-05-06T16:03:12Z

by Michele Fleury

Short of actually being on the old Dinah Shore show, with Dinah Shore herself, could there be anything like arriving at Dinah Shore Weekend in a $92,000 car?

How about a $92,035 car, to be exact?

Not only did I feel like royalty heading out to Palm Springs, to take part in this year’s fashion show and Logo festivities—I looked liked some titled Brit behind the wheel of the Jaguar XKR convertible.

The drive from Los Angeles to Palm Springs is 2 hours of flat, straight highway- the perfect road to test the XKR’s supercharged eight-cylinder, 420-hp engine. The rumble of the Active Exhaust
System is just the first hint that you’re about to be pressed deep in your seat by the Jag V-8. Like a bar bouncer, it’s all about controlled rage—shooting to 60 mph in 5 seconds flat.

Inside and out, the Jaguar XKR lives up to the promise of that rippling V-8. Fast, strong and nimble describe the XKR’s handling, and it weighs almost 2 tons and sits at 188.6 inches in length—or, 18 inches longer than the Honda Element and 3 inches wider.

We’ve told you all about the ravishing looks of the Jaguar XK elsewhere at Gaywheels. The exterior is near-perfection, all lovely kitty lumps and aggressive lines. The XKR’s raked windshield, long lean hood adorned with vents and the oval honeycomb grille add to the
elegance created by its stunning profile. The look flashes back to the 1961 Jaguar E-Type (for non-car nuts, you might recognize the E-Type as the Austin Powers Shaguar) but with a distinct cutting-edge twist. The only cars that come close in outright sex appeal are the Maserati
Gran Turismo and Aston Martin V8 Vantage. But even the $110,000 Gran Turismo and $111,300 Vantage lack the refinement evident in the styling of the XKR.

The interior of the XKR is the finest example of modern meets classic. The leather seats are like clarified butter and they adjust in 16 different ways. The cabin has accents of wood and aluminum as well as the modern center panel that houses one touch screen for audio, climate control, navigation and vehicle stats. It’s a brilliant use of space leaving the rest of the dash clutter free. The one thing missing was an MP3 jack. Granted, I might be slightly younger than the XKR’s target market but even my parents have ventured into iPod territory. We were forced to rely on old-fashioned CDs to test the 160-watt Alpine stereo. How retro!

For all the XKR’s power and might, it is a shockingly quiet ride thanks to the insulated soft top that keeps with its retro aspirations by not caving to the hard top convertible trend. And it’s a sure- footed one, too—the XKR handles with more grace than any Jaguar before it.

On Sunday morning all the tired and hung over women of Dinah Shore trudged toward the hotel valet. Alone in my giddiness I handed my ticket over with a smile. Before I knew it, the XKR was having her own runway moment as she rolled down the drive towards us. I had little choice but to hop in, put on my wraparounds and enjoy my America’s Next Top Model moment.

]]> Get more detailed information on the 2008 Jaguar XKR in our New Car Section

Jaguar is a gay-friendly company.

Get a free insurance quote for a 2008 Jaguar XKR

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2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

2008-04-30T22:09:30Z

by Scott Corlett

Hybrid SUV buyers have stolen the title “limeys” from the British. These buyers are green enough to want to a hybrid vehicle, but not so green that they’re ready (or maybe able) to give up driving SUVs, hence their environmental creds are more a lime green than a deep, Ralph-Laureny green.

Among the hybrid SUVs, the fully redesigned Toyota Highlander Hybrid is certainly the brightest lime of the bunch. And you would expect nothing less of a vehicle from Toyota, whose hybrid Prius sedan is synonymous with eco-friendliness to most Americans. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid offers all the utility of a midsize SUV, but with the fuel economy of a midsize sedan.

Toyota claims a combined mileage of 26 mpg for the Highlander Hybrid (compared to 19 mpg for the non-hybrid model). A variable combination of a 3.3-liter V-6 engine and three electric motors (one each for the front wheels, transmission, and rear wheels) accomplish this fuel-sipping feat. New for 2008, the Highlander Hybrid also lets you maximize fuel efficiency with: 1) an “EV” mode that keeps the drivetrain electric-only at low speeds for as long as the batteries allow (not very long in my experience); and 2) an “ECON” mode that smoothes acceleration to dampen surges in fuel consumption.

But SUVs really are about utility, and in this area, Toyota hews to the maxim if some is good, more is better. To this end, for 2008, the Highlander’s interior space was increased by 10 percent. Two, second-row armchairs allow easy access to optional, third-row seating. With the third row absent or folded flat, the rear cargo area is fit for a pack of large dogs or the fruits of an IKEA visit. Also fold down the second row and you can squeeze in that loveseat for you and your new beau.

Befitting the futuristic drivetrain, a slew of high-tech options are available for the Highlander Hybrid. You can choose a voice-activated Bluetooth navigation system, satellite radio, and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system with wireless headphones and a 9-inch LCD screen. Less gee-whiz, but no less comforting are the Highlander Hybrid’s standard amenities, such as all-wheel-drive; a rear-seat air conditioning system; and a full armament of airbags, including front, front-side, three-row curtain, and driver’s knee bags.

During a recent test drive, the Highlander Hybrid drove well for an SUV of its size. The Highlander’s hybrid system is whisper quiet, and the frequent engine cutoffs and restarts during city driving, which provide much of a hybrid’s fuel savings, are barely noticeable. Like most SUVs, the Highlander excels at straight-line highway cruising, with body roll apparent during corning and other tight maneuvers.

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a great SUV that happens to get pretty darn good mileage. So if you’re not ready to quit the command-position seating and hauling abilities of an SUV, but you want to go easier on the environment, the Highlander Hybrid is just the right shade of green for you, my limey friend.

]]> Get more detailed information on the 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid in our New Car Section

Toyota is a gay-friendly company.

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2008-04-30T21:45:50Z

2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen

2008-04-29T23:44:08Z

Vehicular Version of Sensible Shoes

By Joe Tralongo

Break out your sensible shoes, girls: the age of wretched excess is coming to an end.

Look up there -- gas prices are up there to stay. Down at your feet? That’s the value of a buck for a long time to come. Bigger isn’t better anymore. Downsizing is the new black.

Depressing, right? Not so much. Instead of the crusty SUV that suddenly is as out of fashion as a random Kardashian, there’s a sensible alternative that’s new in 2009, and it comes with one of the most efficient engines on the planet.

The 2009 Volkswage Jetta SportWagen is all those things, which to the Gaywheels staff makes it the most logical car on the planet. It’s a car, not an SUV. It’s big enough to comfortably hold four people and their luggage, yet when equipped with the TDI diesel engine it gets better than 50 mpg on the highway.

If you’re familiar with the Jetta Sedan, you already know about 80 percent of the SportWagen. The two share the same platform, interior, safety features, engines and transmissions. The unknown 20 percent is made mainly of a large enclosed cargo hold and a massive panoramic glass sunroof.

Inside, the trendy lighting and interior design are growing a bit old, but are still leaps and bounds above the fit and finish of many modern interiors. On the flip side, the level of luxury amenities offered by VW nearly reaches Audi status. We do hope VW will improve the iPod interface on this car, but chances are good it will be the same, poorly integrated system experienced in the 2008 R32. The system uses the CD changers port and cannot display song titles. If you’re a music aficionado be sure to test out the system before you purchase this upgrade.

Like the one night stand with the slightly dowdy wardrobe, it’s always what’s underneath the clothing that counts, or in the case of the SportWagen, what’s under the hood. Three engine options include a tepid but inexpensive 2.5-liter five-cylinder, a performance oriented yet miserly 2.0-liter turbo (available only with the pricey SEL trim), and a new, 50 state compliant 2.0-liter TDI diesel engine. Although diesel is foreign to most drivers this engine is worth a good hard look, because its gas mileage ratings are insane. VW estimates city mileage in the mid 30s, while highway figures are expected to top 50 mpg. And the diesel is no slug either, with more torque (that’s the power to pull and pass) than most V-6 engines produce. And while its true diesel costs anywhere from 40- to 70-cents more than gasoline, diesel allows you to travel nearly twice the distance on a single tank.

Manual transmission fans who live with an automatic-only lover will rejoice at VW’s decision to offer the wonderful auto/manual Direct- Shift Gearbox (DSG) with the diesel engine. The DSG can switch from a fully automatic transmission to a one that allows the driver to change gears manually without the need to depress a clutch pedal. Pretty neat, huh?

Pricing for the SportWagen ranges from around $19,000 for the base 2.5 S to about $28,000 for a fully loaded SEL. Look for the 2.5 S and SE, and 2.0 SEL to hit showrooms this June, followed by the high-mileage TDI diesel come early September.

]]> Get more detailed information on the 2009 VW Jetta Sportwagen in our New Car Section

Volkswagen is a gay-friendly company.

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”Green” Cars you can drive NOW!

2008-04-29T20:33:33Z

By Joe LaMuraglia

With gas prices rising and oil supplies dwindling, automakers are hard at work on “green” cars, most of which promise guilt-free driving in the form of emissions-free vehicles. But what about vehicles that you can buy now that leave less of a mess behind? Here are five cars on the market that will have a lower impact on the environment as well as on your wallet.

smart fortwo

The name says it all – “for two” – and that’s all the smart can hold. The smart is a space-efficient alternative to driving around with 3-4 empty seats and gets up to 41 MPG on the highway. Add to that the ability to recycle many of its parts and you have a cute-as-hell way to reduce your impact on the environment.
- Read our review of the smart fortwo
- Get more detailed information in our New Car Section

Ford Focus

The 2008 Ford Focus has an optional engine that qualifies it as PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle). That means it is cleaner driving down the road than a car from the ‘70s was sitting in the driveway with a full tank of gas! Available with the cool Sync audio system and with a 35-MPG rating, the Ford Focus makes going green fun and affordable.
- Get more detailed information in our New Car Section

VW Jetta TDI

The VW Jetta Sedan and SportWagen will be among the first vehicles in the U.S. featuring VW’s fun-to-drive and uber-efficient TDI “Clean Diesel” engine. Rumors indicate that the SportWagen will get up to 55 MPG on the highway. Fun, low emissions, efficient and available later this year.
- Read our review of the Jetta SportWagen
- Get more detailed information in our New Car Section

Lexus RX400h

Toyota started the hybrid craze with its Prius so it makes sense that their luxury division should benefit from that technology. The Lexus RX400h was the first luxury hybrid vehicle, and the first to equate the hybrid moniker with speed. Mated to a V-6 engine, the batteries in the RX400h can be as delicate as a lamb around town and fast as a leopard when merging onto the highway. Fuel economy isn’t breathtaking, but it’s doing its part--and how many $40,000 trucks can say that?
- Get more detailed information in our New Car Section

Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid

Some people really need a large SUV. Just ask any active family with 3 or more children and their gear. Chevrolet now gives these consumers a more fuel-efficient option with their 2008 Tahoe Hybrid. It’s a full-size SUV that gets 21 MPG in the city and doesn’t compromise on towing or payload capacity. If you just have to be different, GMC’s Yukon also comes in hybrid form, as does the swanky Cadillac Escalade.
- Get more detailed information in our New Car Section

Gaywheels on Sirius OutQ

2008-04-29T17:17:04Z

The two gay Joe's from Gaywheels.com will be featured on Sirius OutQ's Derek and Romaine show on Tuesday, May 6th at 7 PM EST.

We'll be talking cars, taking your calls and sharing stories from our adventure in the new 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid.

If you have Sirius, tune in on channel 109 or you can listen online by visiting SiriusOutQ.com and signing up for online access.

Questions?

If you have questions about cars, trucks or just about anything with wheels, send us an email and we'll do our best to talk about it on air.

If you want to talk to us live, call the Derek and Romaine show at 1-866-305-6887 or HOTLINE 1-877-33SIRIUS (74748) on Tuesday, May 6th between 7 - 8 PM Eastern time.

Click on Derek and Romaine's photo below for more information about their show.

Homos For Hydrogen

2008-04-24T22:18:36Z

As fuel prices creep higher and higher, consumers are becoming more educated on alternative modes of transportation and alternative fuels. One you may have heard a lot about but think you'll never see is hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. They are a long way off but a few manufacturers have fleets of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and GM in particular is actively recruiting members of the LGBT community to test them out.

Chevrolet’s “Project Driveway” is encouraging LGBT residents in New York, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. to apply for a free, three-month test drive of a Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell electric vehicle.

“More than 100 Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell electric vehicles will be loaned out to be test driven for up to three months in key cities where hydrogen fueling stations are currently available,” said Travis Parman, LGBT media relations manager at General Motors. “Our goal is to get Equinox Fuel Cell test drivers that are as diverse as America. And since the LGBT community tends to have a lot of early adopters, we wanted to reach out and encourage LGBT residents to apply.”

This is the first large-scale market test of fuel cell electric vehicles anywhere and gives lucky residents a chance to brag to their friends that they drive a zero-gas, zero-emissions vehicle. And the Equinox makes no compromises in performance either - achieving 0 to 60 mph in 12 seconds, 236 lb.-ft. (320 Nm) of instant torque and a top speed of about 100 miles per hour. It seats four, sports 32 cubic feet of cargo volume for everybody’s gear, and has a range of approximately 150 miles per fill-up.

To apply to participate in “Project Driveway,” drivers must live in the appropriate zip codes (near hydrogen fueling stations) and must fill out an online application.

To apply for “Project Driveway,” check your zip code and sign up by clicking HERE or cut and paste the following URL into your browser (http://www.chevrolet.com/fuelcell/checkzipcode/)

A variety of drivers – from diverse families to celebrities – will have free use of an Equinox Fuel Cell electric vehicle and the hydrogen fuel it needs to make electricity on board. The average family will get one of the vehicles for three months and be required to report their experience to Chevrolet via a blog.

Some highlights of “Project Driveway”:

· Eligibility is based on locations of hydrogen fueling stations in Los Angeles, New York and Washington, D.C. and selection of participants is at the sole discretion of General Motors

· When it’s time for a Project Driveway test driver to get a Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell, he or she gets a visit from a specially trained Chevy Driver Relationship Manager (DRM), who provides concierge-level services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The DRM takes the Project Driveway test driver to the local Chevrolet dealership to pick up the car and receive a lesson on operating the vehicle, then to the hydrogen station for a tutorial on fueling.

· Once drivers have been selected, they will be required to provide regular, candid feedback via a blog about their use of the vehicle in their daily lives, the vehicle’s performance and their personal preferences.

]]> We encourage everyone that is interested to take part in this program. Even if you don't get chosen for the program, you can interact on the blog and learn about how GM is working towards alternative fuel solutions.

To learn more about how Chevrolet is working on fuel solutions to offer products that range from "gas-friendly to gas-free" visit http://www.chevrolet.com/fuelsolutions/

2008 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid

2008-04-24T16:42:05Z

It’s electric! Well, half of its powertrain is -- and it’s good for 32 mpg.

by Dan Weil

Chevrolet may be late to the hybrid race, but with the new Malibu Hybrid they’re ready to take their share of green-minded family-sedan shoppers.

The Malibu Hybrid starts life on the outside as a standard Malibu sedan. But instead of the more usual V-6 engine, there’s a 2.4-liter Ecotec four-cylinder engine mated to an electric motor and battery pack. The Malibu’s mild-hybrid system improves mileage by shutting off the engine when the vehicle stops and enables early fuel shut-off during deceleration, leaving the car to run on its batteries. Computer wizardry and that big battery pack keeps all the systems running, including your heating and air conditioning. The system operates like the Honda Insight used to -- it’s not capable of running on batteries alone, but the extra juice helps boost fuel economy, particularly in commuting.

The best mileage comparison is of course, against the non-hybrid four-cylinder Malibu. EPA estimated fuel economy using 2008 standards show the non-hybrid at 22/30 mpg, pretty good for a medium-sized car. With the mild-hybrid system, the Malibu improves to 24/32 mpg -- not a huge boost, but then again, the Malibu Hybrid’s sticker price isn’t all that much higher than the gas-only car.

The hybrid system works nearly invisibly. Acceleration from a stop is smooth and, well efficient. Planting your foot on the accelerator inspires the Malibu to move at a decent pace; tapping on the brakes triggers the system to capture braking power and to use it to charge the batteries. Out on the highway, cruising speed is comfortable. Stealing glances at the dash, you begin to learn when the hybrid system is likely to charge the batteries, or provide a little power assistance to the four-cylinder motor.

Zipping down the California coast felt as breezy as the wind coming in off the ocean. I found the ride comfortable and pleasing. The Malibu’s ride is smooth while maintaining very good handling characteristics. Unlike Detroit cars of not so long ago, the Malibu can change lanes quickly without tumbling over itself.

Chevy has managed to take a simple design approach, add dashes of both elegance and attitude that translate well to a strong package. On the outside, Malibu looks well-tailored and it looks larger than the rival Camry and Accord, though it’s fractionally smaller in some ways. Inside, the interior design is pleasing and well-executed. The sweeping curves, multiple color tones, varied surface materials with just the right accents, somehow create a calming environment. That is all really good for big city driving environments.

Clearly a good family cruiser or commuter, our hometown Malibu’s overall design and excellent build quality competes very well against its rivals from across the Pacific. Winning the North American Car of the Year award at the Detroit Auto Show was no mistake. This car is well put together, and destined to be on the list of the better cars to come from Detroit over the past few years.

]]> Get more detailed information on the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid in our New Car Section
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A Week with an Audi R8

2008-04-22T03:28:05Z

Please, no more photos

by Joe LaMuraglia

When they handed me the keys to the 2008 Audi R8 last Friday in Atlanta, the last thing they said to me was "You'll get sick of it after a while". I looked at the sleek, gorgeous exterior of the exotic vehicle and couldn't IMAGINE ever getting sick of it but wondered why they would make that comment.

"Is it the suspension? Will my kidneys hurt after a while?", I asked. It was a fair question; the R8 is low, wide and sits on massive tires. It wouldn't have surprised me if it traveled down the road like a go-kart; transmitting every bump, rock and crack it encountered.

"No, you'll get sick of the attention" they responded. ME? Sick of attention? HA! That'll be the day! Little did I know how right they were; at least about the AMOUNT of attention the sexy beast garnered.

I drove from Atlanta, GA to Asheville, NC the first day and never in all of my days have I ever had so much attention on the road. The only car that has come close was the bright yellow Saturn Sky I had back in 2006. The response to the R8 was unbelievable with people chasing me on the highway, taking cell phone photos, giving me the thumbs-up and I think even a few requests of marriage. It is THAT distinctive.

The most surprising thing about piloting the R8 isn't the reaction from others - you actually get used to that after a while - it is the fact that it is such a livable vehicle. In the cockpit, the sound of the 420 HP engine is muted at speed, the climate control works perfectly, the stereo is sublime and the seats are incredibly comfortable. Even the ride was incredibly smooth. I'd actually forget I was in a $132,000 (as tested) vehicle until I'd down shift, hear the beautiful V8 sing in my ear and blow by whomever happened to be in my way. Getting out of the car was at times a surprise as well. It took the mean, aggressively gorgeous sheet metal to remind me that I wasn't in an A4. It is that easy to live with.

Like many things of beauty and desire, it isn't a perfect car. The R8 I drove came with the "R Tronic" semi-automatic transmission. It is, in my opinion, the weakest link in an otherwise amazing vehicle. Shifting in full automatic mode is slow, clunky and altogether unnatural. I was able to master the paddle shifters and learned how to shift smoothly in traffic and at speed. If I were to spend the money on this car, I'd opt for the manual 6-speed transmission. Rumor has it that it is sublime.

I left Asheville on Sunday after taking my brother and sister-in-law on quick jaunts on the tight mountain roads around their home. My brother was all smiles but I believe I made my sister-in-law wet herself. The R8 simply attacks the road and if I'm not mistaken we straightened out a few curves in the mountains of NC. One thing is for sure, people up there had never seen anything like the R8.

The remainder of the week was spent running every conceivable errand I could think of. My partner and I even did the grocery shopping and it all fit in the rather generous front trunk. Request for rides filled the remainder of my time and I did my best to show off the R8 while maintaining a good relationship with the local police. One friend was shaking he was so excited after the drive. Did I mention that this car is incredibly easy to drive fast?

Verdict
It isn't often that my emotions get the best of me but I want this car. It makes no sense whatsoever but if I ever win the lottery or make millions, I'll be heading to my local Audi dealer. It is gorgeous, distinctive, FAST and easy to live with. You may have to get an agent to handle all the requests for photos but the feeling you get driving it makes up for all the paparazzi.

For a more rational, but not necessarily less effusive, review see what my colleague Marty Padgett had to say about the Audi R8.

Check out more photos, a brief video and the trailer to IRON MAN below.

Photos

Shut up and listen

I always create incredibly elaborate ideas of videos I can do in my head and I rarely have the time or manpower to do them. I had to at least share the beautiful sound of an Audi R8 at start-up.

Iron Man Cometh

We had a trailer from YouTube up but it stopped working. My apologies. Audi has an awesome microsite for Iron Man. Check it out by clicking HERE or by cutting and pasting this URL into your browser http://microsites.audi.com/ironman/index_standalone.html?language=en

]]> Get more detailed information on the 2008 Audi R8 in our New Car Section

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Get a free insurance quote for a 2008 Audi R8

Find a Audi Dealer Near You

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