DEUCE: THE ORIGINAL HOT ROD: 32×32

A pink slip is a bad thing, unless you are a car enthusiast. In the title track of their 1963 record Little Deuce Coupe, the Beach Boys make it clear: if the description of the car wasn’t enough to make you flip your lid, there was one more thing:

“I got the pink slip daddy.”

Pink being the color of a dealership invoice, of course.

Fired Up

By 1931, Ford’s Model A was a bit of a dinosaur. Customers wanted more style, more refinement, and most of all, more power. Henry Ford and his design team essentially focused on that mantra: more cylinders, more horsepower, more style, more comfort; more of everything.

They nailed it. Ford’s ’32 was a spectacular home run.

However, it was in the used car market the Deuce would ultimately cut its teeth, attracting the growing hot rod culture. The Deuce’s massive engine, flowing fenders, and iconic grille made it the perfect canvas for artistic hot rod builders.

Roadchamp & Rodfather

Deuce: The Original Hot Rod: 32×32 is divided into three sections, each with a unique emphasis on the iconic car. We are introduced personally to the individuals who have maintained a deep, lifelong passion for the Deuce. Author Mike Chase brings their love affair for the hot rod to life.

There’s Steve Moal from Moal Coachbuilders in Oakland, California. Roadchamp is the name of Moal’s personal ’32 roadster, complete with a dropped-and-drilled I-beam front axle, a 351 Windsor with roller rockers, and an Edelbrock four-barrel carburetor.

We meet Andy Brizio, the milkman turned hot rod boss, with his infamous Rodfather, a Deuce roadster he has piloted over 240,000 miles. After entering the Grand National Roadster Show three times, Brizio finally captured the World’s Most Beautiful Roadster award in 1970.

Not surprisingly, his wife Sue is passionate about hot rods too, presiding over all of her husband’s endeavors in the automotive arena.

The Sickness

In his introduction to Deuce: The Original Hot Rod: 32×32, Chase recalls moving as a kid to a new neighborhood. They unpacked at night so Chase didn’t really see anything, but the next morning, he was “struck speechless.”

Next door was a 1946 Mercury Coupe.

“That’s how I contracted the disease,” writes Chase, who later went on to operate his own custom hot rod shop.

Author

Chase is a lifelong gearhead who has owned and built numerous hot rods and motorcycles. Photographing and writing about all things mechanical, he is published in top American hot rod and motorcycle magazines including Hot Rod, Street Rodder, Popular Hot Rodding, Custom and Classic Trucks, and many others. Chase is a California native, who grew up deeply immersed in the hot rod culture there.

Deuce: The Original Hot Rod: 32×32  is available through Amazon . Similar to how the Beach Boys got “rubber in all four gears,” you will get the same in over 200 pages of this incredible book.

BMW Recalls 154,472 Vehicles Because of Fuel Leak Caused by ‘Hot Wires’

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notified the public that BMW will be issuing recalls on 136,188 vehicles in the United States and another 18,284 in Canada due to possibility improperly crimped wires. The wires in question, for the fuel pump and a loose connection, could create enough heat to melt the connector and result in the vehicle leaking gas.

While there isn’t nearly enough oxygen in your fuel tank to turn your Beemer into a ticking time bomb, a wonky fuel pump is certainly worth getting fixed. NHTSA warns the fuel pump may offer limited functionality or could stop working entirely, causing an engine stall and increased risk of a crash. It also isn’t a good idea to perpetually starve your engine of fuel if you are hoping to keep it living long and healthy.

Affected models include: 2012 650i, 2012 640i, 2011-2012 550i, 2011-2012 535i, 2011-2012 528i, 2010-2011 5-Series Gran Turismo, 2010-2011 X6, and 2007-2011 X5. Hybrid models are also included.

There have been no reports of injury, death, or Michael Bay-style explosions resulting from the problem at this time.

BMW’s recall will officially begin on December 5th, so keep an eye on your mailbox and check engine light if you own any of the vehicles listed above. It might also be worth giving your interior a sniff once in a while to see if you notice the faint aroma of gasoline.

Concerned owners can call BMW Customer Service or the NHTSA vehicle safety hotline for more information.

FIRST LOOK: CHEVROLET BLUE LINE CONCEPTS

The 2016 SEMA show is right around the corner and Chevrolet will have two cool concept cars on display; the Cruze RS hatchback and Malibu Blue Line series.

What’s New

The two Blue Line concepts combine equal amounts of style, performance, and function in one attractive package. Both concept vehicles will be painted in Genesis White, feature blue-tinted windows, and 18-inch concept wheels painted in slate blue metallic.

“The Chevrolet Blue Line Series concepts integrate accessories that offer greater personalization choices for customers,” said Roger McCormack, Director, Accessories and Performance Parts Marketing. “Each vehicle wears production and concept accessories thematically linked under the Blue Line Series banner.”

Chevrolet’s design studio developed the production and concept accessories specifically for the vehicles.

“Chevrolet accessories bring a level of value and peace of mind that can only come from parts that are designed, engineered, tested, and backed by the same team that developed the vehicles,” McCormack said.

Cruze RS Hatchback Blue Line

The Chevrolet Cruze RS Hatchback Blue Line is also painted in Genesis White and features 18-inch, slate blue metallic concept wheels.

Additional features include a chrome grille insert, suspension lowering kit, performance brakes and air intake kit, and a special exhaust system. The chrome grille insert and suspension lowering kit are currently available, although it should be noted, the upgraded brake package will be available at the end of the year; the performance air intake and exhaust will be available in mid-2017.

The performance brake kit is available for both the Cruze sedan and hatchback fitted with 16-inch or larger rims. The kit replaces the standard 10.9-inch rotors with 11.8-inch Duralife vented and slotted rotors with new calipers. Duralife rotors utilize a ferritic nitrocarburizing (FNC) process at the factory to provide corrosion resistance and longevity.

Malibu Blue Line

The Chevrolet Malibu Blue Line concept combines design accents with performance parts, for a more athletic stance and sporty look. Depending on lighting conditions, the Genesis White offers a transitional look, appearing either bright white or light gray.

In addition to the 18-inch slate blue metallic wheels, the Malibu Blue Line concept also features a ground effects kit with rear diffuser, black grille insert, black Chevrolet bow tie emblems, rear spoiler, suspension lowering kit, floor lines with premium metal badging, illuminated doorsills, and sport pedal kit.

The suspension kit lowers the Malibu by 0.4 inches (10 mm), resulting in a sportier stance and more responsive handling. The lowering kit is specially designed for models with the optional 2.0 L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which creates 250 horsepower. It’s mated to a new, nine-speed automatic transmission.

The Malibu Blue Line concept also features a Chevrolet Performance brake kit and additional unique touches like tinted head and taillight lenses and polished exhaust tips.

Further Enhancements

The suspension kit lowers the Cruze by 0.4 inches and adds a larger diameter front stabilizer bar, resulting in more responsive handling. The black cabin of the Cruze RS hatchback Blue Line concept features custom satin graphite accents on the instrument panel, shift knob, and door inserts.

Additional Chevrolet interior accessories include a sport pedal kit, illuminated doorsills, and interior trim kit.

Performance

The Cruze RS’s standard 1.4 L turbocharged four-cylinder engine (153 horsepower) is accessorized with a performance air intake kit and exhaust system. The intake kit includes a high-flow air filter and secondary inlet duct to increase air flow, while the performance exhaust system cuts back pressure for optimal engine breathing and power output. The intake kit also includes a dealer-installed calibration exhaust system which is emissions certified in all 50 states.

Viewing Opportunity

The Cruze RS Hatchback and Malibu Blue Line concepts will be joined by 20 additional Chevrolet models at the 2016 SEMA show in Las Vegas. The show runs from November 1st through the 4th at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The accessories and performance parts installed by dealers will not void the factory warranties.

FLYING LIZARD MOTORSPORTS ANNOUNCES NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH PORSCHE AND GTS PROGRAM

I hope you save all your Flying Lizard Motorsports gear. You're going to need it again next season! According to today's announcement, Flying Lizard is once again partnering with Porsche as a development partner, this time as part of their North American Young Driver Development program, while entering two Cayman GT4s Clubsport MR race cars in the Grand Touring Sedan (GTS) class of the Pirelli World Challenge.

The combined effort of Flying Lizard Motorsports and Porsche Motorsport North America will provide up and coming young racers the opportunity to develop their race craft and compete on a challenging level within the Pirelli World Challenge while being watched by the Porsche Young Driver coaches.

"This just feels right to see Flying Lizard Motorsports back again with a Porsche program," said Program Manager Darren Law. "We have had so many successful and memorable races with Porsche. Much of my driving career has been with Flying Lizard Motorsports, so I am happy that we will have the opportunity to join forces with Porsche for the upcoming season."

FLYING LIZARD MOTORSPORTS' HISTORY WITH PORSCHE

Flying Lizard proudly joined the Porsche family upon its professional racing inception in 2004, entering into full season competition in the American Le Mans Series. From 2007 to 2012, Flying Lizard Motorsports ran as a factory supported effort, with 2013 being the final season the team would run full season with Porsche Factory Drivers. In the nine year relationship, the Lizards and Porsche acquired three driver championships, three team championships and two manufacturer championships. Much to the delight of the devoted fan base, in 2016, the team unveiled a Lizard liveried Porsche 911 GT3 R for competition in select amateur and professional racing events.

THE 2017 PIRELLI WORLD CHALLENGE SEASON

The 2017 season with the Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport MR will mark the first time the team has run a full season Porsche entry since 2013. After its debut and class victory earlier this year at the 24 Hours of Nuerburgring, the Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport MR has been homologated by the SRO, making it eligible for national and international competition in the GT4 class. The two Flying Lizard Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport MRs will race the entirety of the estimated nine race GTS season, and do so in the traditional Lizard livery.

"We are pleased to welcome Flying Lizard Motorsports back into the Porsche Motorsport fold, fulltime," said Jens Walther, Porsche Motorsport North America, president and CEO. "Our fans still fondly remember the 911 RSRs they campaigned in their unique livery. For the 'Lizards' to come back with the new Cayman GT4 Clubsport in the Pirelli World Challenge Series, is welcoming news for all. Their interest and involvement with young drivers is a great reminder of their unwavering dedication to motorsport."

"The GT4 cars are ultra-competitive and I am confident the Cayman GT4 Clubsport MR will be able to race for a championship," concluded Law. "The goal is to not only win races and championships but to develop drivers to give them the opportunity to have a career as a professional."

The 2017 Pirelli World Challenge begins March 10-12 in Florida for the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. Drivers for the two Flying Lizard Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport MRs will be announced at a later date.

NISSAN ROGUE (2017): THE HOT SELLER

The Rogue, Nissan’s claim in the smaller-ish SUV/crossover/cute-ute segment has been more than a hit for the company. People buy, Nissan sells, and the Japanese automotive giant is not about to quit on a good thing. So Nissan has announced prices for the new 2017 Rogue.

For starters, it’s good to understand how the Rogue is quickly turning into the bread and butter income stream for the Japanese company. According to Nissan’s internal sales numbers, the popular Rogue crossover is projected to become their top-selling vehicle in 2017.

Not a truck. Not a car. But the Rogue.

Pricing starts at $23,820 for the Rogue S front-wheel drive and goes all the way up to the Rogue SL AWD at $31,310. So right in that $20K to $30K sweet spot marketers find so attractive these days. Oh, destination and handling will tack on another $940, in case you’re wondering.

Safety Enhancements

Rogue updates for the 2017 model year include fresh exterior and interior treatments, and an expanded suite of Nissan Safety Shield technology. Two of the available Nissan Safety Shield gizmos include Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection. I’m guessing that Forward Emergency Braking is like every other company’s Emergency Braking deal that slams on the brakes for you, because you weren’t paying attention. Were you?

Pedestrian Detection seems like an easy add on to an automatic braking system. All you need is a way for the system to “see” a pedestrian, i.e. either something pedestrian shaped, or having the heat signature of a human against the background of the road IR, or, ideally both shape and heat related, and then the brakes will automatically activate. This helps with inattentiveness in urban environments, either on the part of drivers or pedestrians, as well as accounting for the proverbial “little Billy chasing a ball into the street” scenarios.

The Nissan Rogue will also feature Intelligent Cruise Control; one of those thingos that lets you set the cruise speed, and then it can adapt to traffic situations, i.e. slight speed variances.

Exterior Styling

Nissan has updated various exterior features, like a new, front end that highlights their signature design cues. Which, in my opinion, is not a good idea, because a lot of Nissan’s design directions as of late have been awful. The Rogue also has an available Motion-Activated Liftgate. This is a fancy way of saying that you can open the hatch at the back with a twitch of your foot, or a swipe of your hand, or just a jump to the left and then a step to the right.

Anyway, I like this idea.

Rogue Variants

Also coming in 2017 will be the first Rogue Hybrid. This makes sense, since hybrid technology is really turning into off the shelf parts deployment, and you can seemingly add it to any car you’d like these days. Besides, why spend more on gas, or pollute the Earth more than you have to? Nissan is being coy on pricing, only stating it will be announced closer to its “late 2016 on-sale date.”

Nissan has also revealed it will produce a limited-volume version, named the Rogue One Star Wars Limited Edition for the U.S. and Canadian markets. We won’t get to see it in the flesh until it makes its global debut at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show in November.

Beyond 2017?

Nissan says the 2017 Rogue is a “pivotal vehicle in Nissan’s “Year of the Truck,” along with Pathfinder, Armada, and Titan family of pickups.” This is news to me. I thought 2017 was going to be “The Year That Followed 2016” but it would seem Nissan has other ideas. Like I said, this is going to be the bread and butter for the company. Which is good, overall, because selling a ton of these will allow Nissan to build and sell much more interesting cars.

Godzilla Skylines, for example.

Tony Borroz has spent his entire life around racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.

Ace of Base - 2017 (Lexus ES 350)

This will not be my most popular Ace of Base. Why? Well, the general consensus of most gearheads is Lexus sedans are awash with gravitas, exhibiting all the excitement of a sleepy sloth and the soul of plain oatmeal.

That’s you and me, though. The harsh light of reality reveals a legion of people in our nation with their Diamond Anniversary in the rearview mirror and a regular booth at the Golden Corral. Their backs ache and their feet hurt. Truth be told, they’d probably rather not be driving at all, preferring to stay home and watch NCIS reruns.

As we know through their unending, plodding, and infuriating inhabitation of the left lane, the default choice for many of these silver-haired retirees is the Toyota Camry, generally in beige — sorry,Predawn Gray Mica. Buyers of this ilk are not ones to go without their creature comforts; witness the existence of Snuggies and the E-Z Lift Chair. A respectable percentage of all Camrys sold are the high-zoot XLE model with a V6 mill under the hood. It stickers at $35,260.

This brings us neatly to the base, $38,900 Lexus ES 350. The current ES and Camry share platform bits, but the ES is also heavily related to the Toyota Avalon, sharing its 111-inch wheelbase. Forgoing all the option packages does mean drivers will have to suffer the indignity of not having a sunroof or the Mark Stevenson Levinson sound system, but the ES demographic shouldn’t spend too much time in the sun, anyway. And SiriusXM’s “’50s on 5” will sound just fine through the standard stereo.

That $3,640 gulf between the Camry XLE and a base $38,900 ES 350 becomes all the more reasonable after exiting yet another appointment with that insufferable eye doctor and shuffling behind the wheel. Depending on one’s exterior colour choice, buyers can select from no fewer than four different interior colour combinations on the base model, from stoic blacks and greys to a peanut-buttery flaxen hue. Lexus hides the platform sharing well, with nary a major switch or dashboard display shared with the Toyota commoners.

The center display, it must be said, is mounted far-and-away up on the dash, peppered with icons and colors which simply look like out-of-focus hieroglyphics to the Ben-Gay set. The rest of the interior errs on the conservative side of handsome. An analog clock sits between the two centre vents, just like certain Infinitis and the timer on the wall at bingo.

Stand-out $0 Matador Red and Nightfall Mica are the anti-beige choices here, although the embodiment of Bert from Sesame Street is available as Satin Cashmere. The name Autumn Shimmer sounds like a stage performer strutting her stuff during amateur hour but is actually a striking shade of bronze.

Start checking off the superfluous option boxes and the price quickly creeps uncomfortably close to fifty large. At that price, excellent alternatives exist just a pencil’s width away. However, for those looking to grab a bit of attention in the 55+ park, the chrome Lexus spindle grille on a base ES 350 may do nicely. Your shuffleboard teammates will simply think you spent the grandkid’s inheritance on new wheels.

Reliability, comfort, and a luxury badge on the nose of a (kinda) cheap set of wheels? Sounds like a good Ace of Base candidate to me.

New Car @ 2017 (TOYOTA SUPRA)

It seems like a lifetime since the previous generation Toyota Supra went out of production, but the new one is on the horizon. A new Toyota sports car was previewed by the Toyota FT-1 concept, which was later confirmed as the upcoming Supra replacement. While our renders above and below show what the new model could look like, spy shots courtesy of carscoops show it testing in camouflage.

The development of the upcoming sports car has leant heavily on a partnership formed between BMW and the Japanese manufacturer. The collaboration will also spawn the next BMWZ5, set to succeed the Z4. The two sports cars will make use of BMW’s new lightweight platform, housing shared electronic and suspension components.

Both will be made distinct with unique characters – the Supra catering to those more inclined towards Fast and the Furious, a franchise it owes much of its fame to and following to. The BMW, on the other hand, will serve a more grown-up audience.

The disguise in pictures can’t hide the Supra’s coupe bodystyle – a two-door, classic cabin-back sports coupe. There’s no word on whether a removable Targa roof will also be available as it was on the previous model. Design similarities between the prototype and Toyotas entry-level sports car – the GT86 – are clear to see. Rounded LED brakelights are reminiscent of those on a Ferrari F12 but these aren’t confirmed for production.

Engine options are yet to be confirmed but rumours suggest a six-cylinder, turbocharged engine could feature with around 400hp. It’s expected to coexist alongside side a flagship hybrid model. Others have claimed BMW will provide both turbocharged four- and six-cylinder engines for the Japanese cult hero.

The new Supra’s release is thought to be about a year behind the Z5 – expected to be sometime in 2017. There’s no word on pricing but it’s thought the Supra could cost anywhere from £50,000 to £80,000 for top-spec models.

DSK Benelli New Showroom In Pune

Pune was the latest destination for DSK Benelli’s 19th showroom which is a surprising move since Pune has been Benelli’s home ground with its corporate headquarters and very first showroom situated here. It shows both Benelli’s success and intent as they have been racking up healthy sales when it comes to premium bikes. It is an unprecedented move for a premium bike maker, to have two showrooms in the same city. A move that will be repeated tomorrow as Benelli will be launching another dealership in Worli, Mumbai (they already have one showroom in Jogeshwari, Mumbai), The day after, they will be launching another outlet in Baroda. In fact, by the end of the year, DSK Benelli plans get its dealership numbers to 35 outlets.

Part of DSK Benelli’s sales success is on the fact that they have managed to crack the 250-300cc premium bike segment and the TNT 25 and TNT 300 have been their best-selling models. The Tornado 302 will be another addition to that segment in the coming months. According to Sirish Kulkarni, Chairman of DSK Benelli group, the launch of the faired bike has been delayed as they want to bring in the ABS-equipped Tornado 302 here in accordance with the forthcoming government regulations. They are currently in the process of stockpiling inventory and the new versions should hit our shores b the last week of November.