What's Next, Flying Cars?

What's Next, Flying Cars?

The Lexus LS460 sedan has more tricks than Inspector Gadget.  Previous generations of Lexus' flagship were recognized for their unparalleled reliability, comfort, and resale value.  Lexus chose a different route with the new LS by emphasizing seemingly useless features instead.  Hooray for marketing!

The experience begins with the SmartAccess feature which allows the driver to “open the trunk and start the ignition - all without having to take your keys out of your pocket or purse”.  I guess it was too much to take your key out, disarm the alarm, and start the car.  This feature is actually pretty convenient having used it on late model Mercedes sedans, but it’s not that cool.   

Once on the road, the driver can relax by activating the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control which adjusts the vehicle’s speed so you don’t run into the car in front of you.  What worries me about this feature is that between talking on the phone and checking the vanity mirror, drivers will pay even less attention to the road. 

I shouldn't be concerned though as Lexus has thought of everything.  As part of the same 2,850 dollar package, the Pre-Collision System assists the driver by providing maximum braking power when an accident is unavoidable. Of course a lengthy disclaimer states the PCS system is not a substitute for safe driving habits – I’d certainly hope not.

Not impressed yet? Well get ready to be impressed.  Almost every advertisement about the new Lexus mentions the Advanced Parking Guidance System.  In this commercial a handsome 40 year-old man finds a spot that requires him to parallel park.  This should be the first sign of something fishy as we all know LS owners are over 65 and always valet.  The stylish sedan miraculously parks itself while the driver watches in amazement.  The verdict is still out on whether or not this system works, but check out the Lexus commercial and then an independent test by some automotive journalists - the results are slightly different.  

Maybach, Rolls-Royce, and Bentley engineers must be losing sleep wondering why they didn’t invent this first.  As Borat would say, NOT!

Attention, Hipsters! 1st Annual "Make Music New York" Festival Debuts June 21, 2007

I just read about a world-wide festival that is coming to New York City for the first time called Make Music New York. 2007 marks the debut of this unprecedented annual festival that hopes to encourage musical artists of all ages and genres at all levels to "make music" on the streets of the Big Apple with a goal of 1,200 free concerts all day long on June 21, 2007. This also happens to be the longest day of the year, so it should be a doozy.

While the festival impacts all five boroughs, one of my favorite local production companies, JellyNYC, are producing a special segment in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. They are putting together a "symphonic indie-rock show" at McCarren Park Pool and will close down six blocks of the infamous main strip of Bedford Avenue in the 'burg, spotlighting talented local acts (though I heard a rumor of a big name thus far... Can't wait until they officially announce the line-up!). So lace up your Converse and get ready to rock on June 21, 2007. For more information on how to submit your band as a performer, offer up your store, restaurant, bar, etc as a venue, or simply volunteer, please visit www.makemusicny.org or read this feature on Crain's NewYorkBusiness.com.

Fear Nothing, Risk Everything

Bullitt, Days of Thunder, Ronin, The Cannonball Run, Gone in Sixty Seconds, Le Mans, The Fast and the Furious, Rebel Without a Cause.  What do these classics have in common with the upcoming movie, Redline?  Nothing.  Destined to be the automotive version of Torque but with lesser stars, Redline is scheduled to premiere on April 13th after months of online promotion.

Here is the official web site: http://redlinethemovie.com

My expectations for this movie couldn't be any lower.  Starring Eddie Griffin, Tim Matheson, and Angus MacFadyen, the director and the rest of the cast are about as well-known in the film industry as you are.  The selection of exotic vehicles is impressive, but the reason why "The Fast and the Furious" was entertaining is because there was a plot, no matter how hard it was to find.  Depending on which Redline trailer you watch, the movie is based on two protagonists, three kingpins, half a dozen exotic vehicles, and many, many women in "Daisy Dukes".  Think LA Auto Show meets Girls Gone Wild.

Like a car accident - the curiosity over how bad the wreckage is will likely drive me to the theatres.  However, in an attempt to save you ten dollars I have compiled a number of clips that feature the same exotic cars in Redline.  I have even included a video from the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show so you can get your female fix as well.

Exotic Car Top-Speed Run:



Bugatti Veyron and Porsche Carrera GT Autobahn Run:



300 Kilometer/Hour Shootout:




Ferrari Enzo vs. McLaren F1:



Victoria's Secret Fashion Show:

From the editor of the "Cars" category

The unconditional love that people give their vehicles can border on obsession. My name is James and I have suffered from this affliction since the first ride in my father's Alfa Romeo GTV as a child. My condition worsened when I drove his rusting Porsche at age 13, and it reached a full blown madness on my 16th birthday.

Fast forward twelve years, and I am still hopelessly in love with the internal combustion engine in all forms. After running a garage, having my car appear in some magazines, and owning the largest BMW enthusiasts web site in the world, Lifeskool tapped my resources to bring you the buzz on transportation.

My goal is to show you what's hot for automobile and motorcycle enthusiasts, and hopefully raise your level of knowledge too. While the Internet provides a real-time view of the world, too often there is no method to the madness. I hope to provide an objective and complete picture of what’s out there without worrying about advertising dollars.

Without further ado, let’s get started!