THE ENTHUSIAST’S GUIDE TO LIFE BEHIND THE WHEEL
VOLUME 2 NUMBER 3 MAY/JUNE 2003 $5
Diamondbacks behind the wheel Womack, Gonzalez, Grace: what’s in the garage? plus... • Bulletproof: Lincoln Ballistic Protection and BMW High Security • Stewart Warner performance gauges • Bridgestone performance tires • Talbo Lago replica • T-Rex three-wheelers • Shootout: full-size dually pickups duke it out at Westworld • Auto update • Quiz • Briefs & Rumors • and more!
VEHICLES • EQUIPMENT • SAFETY • PERFORMANCE • MAINTENANCE • MOTORSPORTS • EVENTS • DESTINATIONS • ATTRACTIONS THE ENTHUSIAST’S GUIDE TO LIFE BEHIND THE WHEEL
Contents MAY/JUNE 2003
DRIVER SHOWCASE Diamondbacks Behind The Wheel...... 10 A They love life on the field and at the plate, and we love cheering them on. What do they shop for when they want to be on the road and behind the wheel? By Jill Amadio
EQUIPMENT Ultra-High Performance Tire: Bridgestone Potenza RE750 .....15 Hot highways, flash floods and performance vehicles. This latest development takes on all three.
ARMORED VEHICLES Bulletproof Luxury: Lincoln & BMW ...... 16 If you’re concerned about security on the road... really, really concerned... Lincoln and BMW are here to help.
EQUIPMENT Performance Gauges ...... 19 A sampling of Stewart Warner’s wide array of instruments designed to help you perform, keep you informed, and keep things looking very cool in the cockpit.
VEHICLE REVIEW Talbo Lago Replica ...... 20 Part Batmobile, part upscale classic... we check out this custom iteration of a ’30s luxo-performance coupe. By Dan J. Gardner
PERFORMANCE TEST Shootout at Scottsdale: Full-Size Pickups Face Off ...... 22 B Proving that a modern diesel dually pickup truck has indeed become a technological marvel, we perform an in- depth comparison of the latest from America’s Big Three. By Tim Sharp
ALTERNATIVE WHEELS T-Rex & T-Rex T/R : A Real “Crossover” Vehicle ...... 29 C Bike Week brought us this innovative pair of three- wheelers from Québec. An afternoon tour reveals a high level of performance and a truly unique character overall. By Andrew J. Waite and Joe Sage
DEPARTMENTS CAR SMARTS : QUIZ ...... 4 AUTO UPDATE ...... 6 MOTOR RESOURCES DIRECTORY...... 18 THE INSIDE TRACK: BRIEFS & RUMORS...... 28 DESTINATION DIRECTORY...... 30 UPCOMING FEATURES...... 31
B AC Scottsdale Air Center: a full service ground support general aviation facility. FBO amenities include: 8 25,000 sq.ft. terminal comfort 8 72,000 sq.ft. hangar accommodations 8 300,000 sq.ft. flight line concrete 8 ExxonMobil premier care Avitat flight line service 8 State-of-the-art weather & pilot services 8 Professional management services 8 Top shelf concierge services at a moment’s notice 8 New & used aircraft sales & marketing services 8 Charter accommodations 8 Aircraft maintenance 8 Avionics installation & repair COVER PHOTOS: Joe Sage; Arizona Diamondbacks. RIGHT: Dick Reed, Ford, Dan J. Gardner, Tim Sharp, Joe Sage One block west of Hayden between Raintree and Costco • Scottsdale Air Center • 15290 N. 78th Way • Scottsdale AZ 85260 • 480-951-2525 QUIZ : CAR SMARTS
5. Which manufacturer is the first to offer a six-speed automatic transmission on front MAGAZINE transverse-mounted cars? (a) Ford (b) Toyota Publisher/Executive Editor: Joe Sage (c) Volkswagen Contributing Writers: Delivering (d) Honda Jill Amadio, Mark Cox, Larry Edsall, Dan J. Gardner, Gary Goldzweig, 6. Dave Smith Motors in Kellogg Idaho Bill & Barbara Schaffer, Tim Sharp sells more vehicles on the Internet than Contributing Photographers: any other dealer in the US. How many the driver’s edge Rich Cox, Dan J. Gardner, vehicles did they sell each month on the Larry Edsall, Dick Reed web for the first six months of last year? Design & Production: AdZoneAZ (a) 95 vehicles per month Advertising Sales: 480-948-0200 (b) 152 vehicles per month to teen drivers. (c) 271 vehicles per month 1. What percentage of new cars sold in (d) 365 vehicles per month ARIZONA DRIVER MAGAZINE Now you have an alternative to “on-the-job training” for developing driving 2002 were some variation of a silver color? PUBLISHED BIMONTHLY BY ADZONE ARIZONA LLC (a) 10 percent 7. The Honda Insight gas-electric hybrid PO Box 13387 - Scottsdale AZ 85267 skills. It is proven that experiential learning is far superior. Beyond classroom, (b) 19 percent gets the best fuel economy according to www.azdrivermag.com and in addition to road time, this program of interactive training and full the 2003 Fuel Economy Guide. What are its (c) 28 percent Arizona Driver Magazine and (d) 37 percent city/highway mpg ratings? Arizona Rider Magazine are registered simulation builds a solid foundation for young drivers. (a) 64 city/70 highway tradenames of AdZone Arizona LLC. 2. In a recent survey of Generation Y (b) 61 city/68 highway (people born between 1977 and 1994), (c) 60 city/66 highway which was their favorite brand car? (d) 59 city/64 highway (a) Kia (b) Volkswagen 8. Which gasoline-powered car was the (c) Saturn most fuel efficient in the 2003 U.S. Depart- (d) Hyundai ment of Energy Fuel Economy Guide? (a) Toyota Echo (manual transmission) 3. Singer and actor Chris Isaak can afford to (b) Ford Focus (manual transmission) choose, but he stays faithful to what car? (c) Honda Civic (manual transmission) Hands-on Virtual Driver Training (a) 1967 Ford (d) MINI Cooper (manual transmission) (b) 1964 Chevy Nova (c) 1963 Dodge Dart convertible 9. How many hotels in North America have • Significantly increases the participant’s awareness of personal and vehicle limitations (d) 1964 Volkswagen minibus earned AAA’s coveted five-diamond award • Enhances the ability to react correctly when faced with crucial decisions and maneuvers for 2003? 4. Which car does Bill Ford, Chairman of (a) 77 hotels • Provides actionable feedback for areas where additional work would prove beneficial Ford, drive as his personal car? (b) 138 hotels • Compresses years of driving experience into manageable course time (a) Jaguar S-Type R (c) 216 hotels (b) Volvo S60 R (d) 307 hotels (c) SVT Ford Mustang convertible
(d) Lincoln LS (answers below)
matic is the Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible. Beetle New Volkswagen the is matic
properties that are evaluated by AAA each year. each AAA by evaluated are that properties
wheel drive). One of their first cars with a six-speed auto- six-speed a with cars first their of One drive). wheel
have earned the five-diamond rating out of the 42,000 the of out rating five-diamond the earned have
transverse-mounted engine (the most common for front for common most (the engine transverse-mounted
winners has only 77 hotels on it. Only 53 restaurants 53 Only it. on hotels 77 only has winners
offer a six-speed automatic transmission on a car with a with car a on transmission automatic six-speed a offer
9. Answer: (A) The list of AAA five-diamond award five-diamond AAA of list The (A) Answer: 9.
5. ANSWER: (c) Volkswagen is the first manufacturer to manufacturer first the is Volkswagen (c) ANSWER: 5.
gasoline hybrids or diesels. or hybrids gasoline
driving a blue SVT Ford Mustang convertible since fall. since convertible Mustang Ford SVT blue a driving
many cars with better fuel economy, but they were either were they but economy, fuel better with cars many
4 ANSWER: (c) Ford’s CEO Bill Ford has reportedly been reportedly has Ford Bill CEO Ford’s (c) ANSWER: 4
Ford Focus 27/36 and Honda Civic 32/38. There were There 32/38. Civic Honda and 27/36 Focus Ford
his only car. only his powered cars are rated as follows: Mini Cooper 28/37, Cooper Mini follows: as rated are cars powered
his faithful 1964 Chevy Nova for more than 15 years. It’s years. 15 than more for Nova Chevy 1964 faithful his It is rated at 35/43 mpg (city/highway). Other gas- Other (city/highway). mpg 35/43 at rated is It
3 ANSWER: (b) Singer and actor Chris Isaak has driven has Isaak Chris actor and Singer (b) ANSWER: 3 powered car, according to the 2003 Fuel Economy Guide. Economy Fuel 2003 the to according car, powered
transmission has the best fuel economy for a gasoline- a for economy fuel best the has transmission
of the US population. US the of
8. ANSWER: (a) The Toyota Echo with a manual a with Echo Toyota The (a) ANSWER: 8.
Hyundai and Pontiac. Gen Y now represents 28 percent 28 represents now Y Gen Pontiac. and Hyundai
born between 1977 and 1994, followed by VW, Saturn, VW, by followed 1994, and 1977 between born
All the numbers are available at www.fueleconomy.gov at available are numbers the All Learn more about this exciting facility coming to the Valley,
ates survey, Kia was the most popular brand of people of brand popular most the was Kia survey, ates the highway according to the 2003 Fuel Economy Guide. Economy Fuel 2003 the to according highway the
2. ANSWER: (a) According to a J.D. Power and Associ- and Power J.D. a to According (a) ANSWER: 2.
economy rating of 61 mpg for city driving and 68 mpg on mpg 68 and driving city for mpg 61 of rating economy using tools and techniques proven nationwide for professional drivers
with a five-speed manual transmission gets a fuel a gets transmission manual five-speed a with
weighed in at 15 percent and blue 10 percent. 10 blue and percent 15 at in weighed
7 ANSWER: (b) The Honda Insight electric-gas hybrid electric-gas Insight Honda The (b) ANSWER: 7
silver paint. White was second, at 17 percent. Black percent. 17 at second, was White paint. silver from emergency services to transit personnel.
percent of the cars sold in 2002 had some variation of a of variation some had 2002 in sold cars the of percent sold an average 365 vehicles on the web each month. each web the on vehicles 365 average an sold
1. ANSWER: (c) According to Jim Hall of BASF Corp., 28 Corp., BASF of Hall Jim to According (c) ANSWER: 1. 6 ANSWER: (d) Dave Smith Motors in Kellogg, Idaho, Kellogg, in Motors Smith Dave (d) ANSWER: 6 CAR QUIZ ANSWERS QUIZ CAR www.drivingmba.com
4 • May/June 2003 • ARIZONADRIVER AUTO UPDATE
■ The SRX brings Cadillac into another niche, The the new crossover category, but with punch. Car Cadillac’s famous Northstar 4.6-liter 315- hp V-8 both with a new five-speed Corner automatic transmission with manual and RADIO SHOW sport modes. Both versions have four- ■ The Porsche Carrera GT is one of the most anticipated supercars of these past couple of years. with Bill Zervakos wheel independent suspension and come with a choice of rear-wheel-drive or all- to this style car. A navigation system with with a liquid gel 3-D screen, glass-mounted wheel drive. Options include a 6.5 square voice recognition is optional. The TSX antenna, wireless remote control and self- foot targa-like sunroof, ride control sys- should be at dealers now. hiding/removable faceplate also remains tem and optional power-folding third row standard on the new model. The Protege ■ The BMW Z8 Alpine is enticing enough, but then throw in training at their Performance Center. seat. Base prices range from $35,000 for PORSCHE CARRERA GT GOES ON SALE has a price tag of $20,480. the V-6 engine to $44,000 for the V-8. Even if you have $350,000-400,000 and a BMW Z8 EXITS THIS YEAR and the RSX four-cylinder at 200 hp. The deep, burning desire to own the fastest MERCEDES HAS PARTS FOR CLASSICS The $132,000 BMW Z8 sports car was parts packages run just under $5,000 DODGE BUILDS THE VIPER OF TRUCKS Porsche ever, it’s still not easy to get your Authorized Mercedes-Benz dealers are of- statistically a winner, but turned out to with an estimated six-hour installation Dodge has officially introduced the most hands on the new Porsche Carrera GT. fering more than 40,000 parts for classic be a slow seller in a market filled with labor extra. Both packages will be cov- powerful full-size pickup ever mass- Current plans call for a production run of Mercedes vehicles, going back as far as fast exotic cars. As the Z8 exits, BMW ered by factory warranties. produced. As an exercise in excess, the 1000 to 1300, and Porsche North their very first vehicle—the 1886 Patent There are other automotive shows on radio, plans to leave the US market laced with SRT-10 Ram is powered by the same V-10 America says they have 1000 “serious Motor Car. Peter Spieth, general manager but nothing quite like The Car Corner. On other MERCEDES SMART FOR US MARKET programs, you’ll hear people talking about their up to 450 special edition models wear- engine that powers the famous Viper prospects.” Of course, many of you are of the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center USA, vehicle’s problems, but on The Car Corner, ing the Alpina roadster badge, the first Mercedes-Benz appears to be set to bring sports car. With 8.3-liters, 500 hp and already on that list. A Porsche first, a 5.7- said, “Because of the durability and value you’ll find out about what’s happening in the Alpina model for the US market. It is a line of super small Smart cars to the 525 lb.ft. of torque, Dodge says the liter V-10 engine rated at 603 hp and 427 retention for which Mercedes-Benz is industry that impacts you, the motoring public. equipped with a 4.8-liter version of the United States market by the end of 2004. limited edition truck is capable of lb.ft of torque, powers the Carrera GT famous, Mercedes-Benz owners continue Some things you’ll hear about: BMW V8, along with a five-speed The first car will be a four-door four- accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in a mere from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.9 seconds and to maintain vehicles well after produc- News from the Industry “switch-tronic” automatic transmission seater measuring about 156 inches long. 5.0 seconds and has a top speed in then on to 124 mph in total 9.9 seconds. tion. Naturally, we want to help them with controls mounted on the steering While that's the largest Smart car ever excess of 150 mph. The 2004 SRT-10 also Top speed of the 3036-pound two-seater wherever possible.” The program was Expert Tech Tips wheel. The 375-hp engine is tuned for built, it is only about a foot longer than has a 500-watt sound system. is listed at 205 mph. started in 1993 in Fellbach, Germany and Trivia with Prizes more low-end power and torque than the Mini Cooper. In addition, there are has now been expanded to the US. ACURA LUXURY-PERFORMANCE ENTRY 2003.5 MAZDASPEED PROTEGE New Car Evaluations the original 5.0-liter version. The price is tentative plans for a Smart two-seat $137,595 including not only a $695 coupe and a roadster. The current Smart, Acura has just introduced an all-new TSX Due to the popularity of the original FORD’S SUPERCOOLER TECHNOLOGY Guest Interviews destination charge but also a term at the which sells well in Germany and Italy, sport sedan that falls between the hot- MazdaSpeed Protege, Mazda has intro- Ford has patented a new SuperCooler Contests and More BMW Performance Center driving school was developed under a partnership with selling RSX sports coupe and Acura’s top- duced a new and improved 2003.5 technology that cleverly provides an in South Carolina. Mitsubishi and uses the underpinnings selling 3.2 TL luxury performance sedan. version. Updated exterior and interior extra burst of power for its SVT for the Mitsubishi Colt. It will likely come Designed to compete with premium sport components highlight the new model, Lightening concept truck. The Super- “FP” FOR HONDA ACCORD, ACURA RSX in an all-wheel-drive version. Currently, in sedans from Europe and Japan, the TSX giving it an edgier look to go with its 170- Cooler system uses the vehicle’s air With the success of the Civic FP (Factory Europe, Smart prices convert to $9,500 to has a 2.4-liter DOHC, I-VTEC four-cylin- hp turbocharged engine. Quantities are conditioning to chill a small storage tank Performance), Honda plans to add FP $13,000 US. Concepts will debut at the der engine generating 200 hp at 6800 being increased from the original 1,750 to of coolant to about 30 degrees Fahren- upgrades to both the Accord and Acura Frankfurt auto show in September and rpm. It has a drive-by-wire electronic 2,750 for the 2003.5 version. Colors of the heit. On demand, the SuperCooler RSX. The Accord gets upgraded shocks, the Detroit show in January 2004. throttle control system and a choice of 6- first 1,750 will be Titanium Grey Metallic switches the supercharged engine’s shift knob, rear spoiler, 17-inch alloy speed manual transmission or 5-speed or Blazing Yellow Mica. The remaining intercooler air flow from its normal wheels and tires, aerodynamic under- CADILLAC ADDS A WAGON Sequential SportShift™ automatic trans- 1,000 will be in Laser Blue Mica or Sunlight circulation and dumps the chilled coolant body kit and high-performance springs Cadillac’s new crossover, the SRX, debuts mission. Similar in size to the Honda Silver Metallic. Exterior upgrades include a into the intercooler, dropping the air that lower the vehicle about one inch. this summer. The sleek 195-inch long Accord and BMW 3 series, the TSX boasts racing-inspired front air dam, rear skirt, temperature by as much as 20 percent, The RSX will get similar upgrades, plus vehicle is designed to compete with the a long list of standard features including larger and lighter rear spoiler, new Dark resulting in a denser air charge. When high performance brake pads and slotted slightly smaller Lexus RX 330 and BMW high intensity discharge headlights, Hyper Silver wheel finish and an oval the driver depresses the accelerator to Saturdays 7-8am brake rotors. Neither car gets a modified X5. It comes with either a new 3.6 liter, Vehicle Stability Assist, leather seating exhaust tip. The popular 450-watt Xtra Sports 910 AM engine. The Accord V6 is rated at 240 hp 260-hp V-6 or the new version of and all the other luxury features common AM/FM/CD/MP3 Kenwood Audio System KEEP RIGHT >>
ARIZONADRIVER • May/June 2003 • 7 >> AUTO UPDATE - cont’d wheel-drive system with a central tubes inside the coach doors; and 4) a locking Haldex clutch. The VW is button by the rear window automatically the floor, the system will provide as being developed jointly with next- closes the rear doors. much as 50 transient horsepower more generation Audi A3. Power for short bursts of 30-45 seconds. The possibilities include the 2.8-liter BENTLEY CLAIMS FASTEST 4 SEATER system takes about 2 minutes to regen- V-6, the 1.8-liter turbo four and This fall, the new owners of the legendary erate under normal driving conditions. possibly a 1.9-liter turbo diesel. Bentley marque will begin selling what The system gives an effect similar to that could be arguably be called the best- of an aftermarket nitrous oxide system, FORD TO SELL FIRST SUV HYBRID looking coupe in the world, and they except that this is completely self-con- Ford still has plans to sell a claim it’s the fastest. The large, sleek tained, environmentally friendly and gas/electric hybrid version of the Continental GT has amazing performance: regenerative. According to John Coletti, Escape SUV later this year. 0 to 60 mph in only 4.7 seconds and a top director of Ford’s Special Vehicle Team, Powered by a four-cylinder ■ Already selling like mad, the Escape is adding a hybrid. speed in excess or 190 mph. The propul- the system is already part of the Mustang gasoline engine with the assis- sion comes from a 6.0-liter W12 engine Cobra and upcoming GT sports car. It’s tance of an electric motor, the Escape is (552 hp and 479 lb.ft. of torque) with twin applicable for any engine with a super- expected to get from 35 to 40 mpg for GM TO BUILD HYBRIDS FOR ARMY turbochargers. The transmission is a charger or turbocharger with an inter- city driving and 30 mpg on the highway. General Motors has unveiled its diesel- paddle-operated sequential six-speed ■ The Bentley Continental GT is big, heavy...and fast. It also presents a full complement of comforts. cooler and air conditioning. Even though the extra batteries, electric hybrid truck with a fuel cell automatic, and the car has four-wheel controllers and electric motors are power generator designed for potential drive, when appropriate, with a normal box. The front wheel drive A3 will also slightly larger four-door sedan will have SMALL VOLKSWAGEN SUV BY 2006 expected to cost Ford from $1,000 to use by the Army. The prototype Silverado rear-wheel-drive orientation. Of course, have the quattro all-wheel drive option. more room for passengers and luggage, Volkswagen plans to get into the smaller $5,000 additional per vehicle, the selling truck uses the new Duramax V-8 diesel the GT is loaded with real wood, soft The A3 will be available later in a high along with elegant new styling. Technical sport utility market to compete with price is expected to be only slightly above engine mated to a heavy-duty Allison leathers and plenty of room for four six- performance S version. innovations include the world’s first Active vehicles like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda the current $19,000 to $27,000 Escape transmission and an electric motor. footers. In addition to the sleek traditional Front Steering system that electronically CR-V, Ford Escape and others. Code- sticker price. That means Ford will There is also a fuel cell auxiliary power coupe styling, the GT also has a pillarless AVANTI BRINGS BACK STUDEBAKER determines the degree to which the front named “Marrakesh,” this VW will be probably take a loss on each vehicle to unit that lets the truck run on electric hardtop. Pricing will be $150,000, and the Avanti announced at the Chicago auto wheels turn based on the steering input based on the upcoming fifth-generation supplement the introduction of the new power only, which allows it to move company claims more than 3,000 show in April that it will produce an from the driver. Optional Adaptive Golf platform with suspension changes technology. Honda and Toyota also took a without giving off noise or heat, for deposits have already been taken. extreme utility vehicle—the Studebaker Headlights utilize two bi-xenon headlights and the addition of the VW 4Motion all- loss on their first hybrid cars. stealth and protection from heat-seeking XUV. The big, wide off-roader has a that are controlled in real time as a missiles. The Army buys about 30,000 COMING TO AMERICA: AUDI A3 strong resemblance to the new Hummer function of the steering wheel angle, yaw trucks every year. Chrysler is also devel- Audi plans to bring the A3 two-door H2, but is two feet longer. The XUV has rate and road speed to perfectly illuminate oping a hybrid truck based on its Ram hatchback and Avant wagon to the US in unique features like sliding rear doors and the road ahead in a bend. The car also contractor special, due later this year. the summer of 2005. The smaller A3 a power sliding rear roof. It’s built on a features an Active Cruise Control system 2-way mobile will be built on the same platform as the Ford F-250 platform and comes with a and Adaptive Brakelights that intensifies MERCEDES PROGRESSES ON SUPERCAR fifth-generation Volkswagen Golf, which choice of a Ford 6.0-liter Power Stroke the brightness of the taillights and the Originally shown in Detroit in 1999 as a debuts at the Frankfurt auto show this turbo diesel V-8 or Ford 6.8-liter gasoline brakelights when the ABS system is broadband internet concept, the Mercedes-Benz Vision SLR fall. The A3 has four-wheel independent V-10. Other mechanicals include a five- activated during hard braking. will debut in production clothing at the suspension and new electromechanical speed automatic transmission and four- Frankfurt auto show in September. Plans steering. The engines for North America wheel disc brakes. Options on the CADILLAC XLR HIGH-PO LIGHTING call for the $300,000 supercar to have are likely to be the same 1.8-liter $75,000 off-roader include GPS naviga- The Cadillac XLR luxury roadster, gullwing-style doors and a 557-hp turbocharged in-line four used in the tion, rear seat TV/DVD player, third row debuting this spring, brings with it a new supercharged 5.4-liter V-8 capable of 0 to VW Golf and a 240-horsepower 3.2-liter seating and more. Avanti plans to sell state-of-the-art lighting system. The 60-mph acceleration times of about 4 V-6. Transmission options include a about 160 of the Studebakers annually headlights are a new high-intensity dis- seconds and a top speed in excess of 200 choice of six-speed manual, a six-speed starting in August. charge (HID) bi-functional system housed mph. Plans call for production to be automatic or a new Direct Shift Gear- General Motors has filed a suit to block in a very small package. It employs a limited to only 500 cars built in Woking, the production of the solenoid-driven shutter controlling both England by McLaren. It will go on sale in Studebaker claiming it the high and low beam functions through the United States in the fall of 2004. “knocks off” the look of a single projector lens. The small package, the Hummer H2 and will which is provided by Guide Corporation, FOR ROLLS, IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS confuse the public. allowed designers to harmonize the In addition to the ultimate in elegance, lighting with the XLR’s unique styling. The Rolls-Royce believes it’s many of the little BMW 5 SERIES DUE taillamps use 22 high-output LEDS to gen- things that set their Phantom apart from The all-new midsize erate more and faster light. The taillamps other luxury cars, including: 1) The hood BMW 5 Series will use an incorporate the side marker, stop and turn ornament lifts out of and lowers into the innovative lightweight function lights into one. ■ radiator grille with a button on the construction with an Auto Update includes a summary of auto news SunAngel Communications, Inc. ignition key; 2) the RR logos on the aluminum/steel body and from industry sources, trade journals and con- ■ www.broadbandonwheels.com • 480-905-1663 wheels remain vertical when the vehicle As the line between hatchbacks and crossovers blurs in the US, an all-aluminum suspen- sumer magazines compiled for Arizona Driver by is moving; 3) umbrellas can be stored in Audi is finally willing to bring us the Euro-popular A3 and soon S3. sion and chassis. The BILL & BARBARA SCHAFFER of Auto Digest.
8 • May/June 2003 • ARIZONADRIVER ARIZONADRIVER • May/June 2003 • 9 SHOWCASE : ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS ■ Take one Hummer H2 in black, add chrome details sparingly, mix in tastefully detailed high-end personal electronics, upsize the wheels just a bit (in chrome, of course), and you’re ready to stand out from the pack. ■ Take one Lamborghini Diablo Roadster as is, select a D’backs-compatible paint job, upgrade the wheels, and you’re ready to steal home.
ou’re knocking down a decent MLB salary. You’re wearing a World Series Championship ring. The ring is on Y your finger, your hand is on the wheel. Well, that wheel just naturally has to be connected to something pretty special. Bristling with the biggest SUV bullies on the block, the Arizona Diamondbacks’ parking lot is largely home to a herd of menacing Hummer H2s and their like. Sending out the unmistakable signal: Don’t mess with me, buddy, on or off the field, the H2s are owned by eight of the ballp- layers and tower over most every other car and sport utility in their private parking lot.
D’backsD’backs behindbehind thethe wheelwheel Lamborghini photos: Joe Sage By Jill Amadio - Photos by Dick Reed and Joe Sage Tony Womack H2 Hummer photos: Dick Reed Almost hidden and slotted between the high, squared-off shoulders of all those to the ground, breezing just above the Hummers you’ll see one vehicle like no asphalt, the wicked-looking roadster is a other. It is a flamboyant blue familiar sight as Tony cruises along the highway between Phoenix and Tucson during spring training.
2 The roadster wears a custom license
plate that sums up Tony’s philosophy and ER H ER
M identity but could make him an easy target
M for the highway patrol; in the interests of HU
• protecting his privacy, however, we’re not
LO LO publishing the license number. If you’re a
IAB fan and you see it, you’ll figure it out.
s
k
D c
a We found ourselves unexpectedly driv-
b
BO
d
n
o
M ing behind this magnificent machine while
m ia
LA returning from a photo shoot in Tucson
D
a n
o and can report that Womack was a perfect
K • K
riz
C A
A gentleman on the road, driving most
y
s
rte
OM circumspectly, keeping to a decent speed
u
o W C and always making sure to tuck back into the right hand lane—with a signal—after
scuro1999 Lamborghini Diablo Roadster, passing uphill eighteen-wheelers. This belonging to the sport’s record-breaking base stealing champ clearly knows the stolen-base master Tony Womack, who value of signals and timing. dropped fifteen bunts last year and is on Isn’t it tempting to unleash that awe- track to break 300 career stolen bases this some power? “Sure,” said Tony, “but I season. For one of the fastest men in baseball, this ride is just right. Sitting low KEEP RIGHT >>
10 • May/June 2003 • ARIZONADRIVER ARIZONADRIVER • May/June 2003 • 11 around 210 mph, Lambos can leap Word has it that Shaquille O’Neal from zero to 60 mph in a smidgeon chromed the skidplate on the under four seconds. That’s fast. underbody of his H2, which Tony “It sure is,” agrees Womack. “But thinks is going a bit too far. nothing like drag racing. Now, that’s This Hummer has high-end something I want to get into when personal audi and video, from a I’ve finished with baseball. Imagine Diamond Audio Technology pow- sitting there with all that power ered sound system pumping the throbbing under your hands, waiting tunes through speakers lightly for the start signal, and holding that trimmed in purple neon in the rear baby back! Man. That’s excitement. cargo area, to upsized Kenwood
That’s moving. Can’t you just feel DVD screens for the kids in back. Photo: Joe Sage Lamborghini photos: Joe Sage what it’d be like?” Tony has plus-sized his chrome wheels and ■ Just one shy of a starting lineup, at press time eight of the D’backs had a personal H2 Hummer. Sort of like stealing second base, per- tires, but not too much—more could affect ing GPS and telephones, tubular steps that we’re on the road. We can all watch TV, or >> cont’d haps? Speaking of which, this personal- performance. “It’s all about balance,” he ized license plate will be kept con- said, “keeping everything balanced.” come down low for easier entrance, split play cards, and just kick back.” already know what it can do. I take it out to fidential also. Womack’s life off the field is not only folding seats, and sumptuous backrests. The father of five-year old triplets, some remote place if I want to let loose, One thing’s for sure. Racing is in the balanced, it is generous, like all the other Then there’s the steering wheel controls Megan, Jacob, and Alyssa, Luis said his but never on a highway. That’d be foolish.” Diablo’s blood. Its giant-sized disc brakes Diamondback players who give their time for the stereo, air conditioning and heater, wife Christine prefers driving their 2003 Lamborghini is known to hide a built-in bring the driver quickly to a halt, and the and resources to the less fortunate. An and trip computer, plus OnStar, and front Escalade. “It’s more comfortable to handle radar detector in most of its models. Mario suspension system is also racing-special, enthusiastic proponent of literacy, Tony and rear trailer-hitch receivers. than the Hummer,” he said, “but she gets Andretti owns a 2000 model and remarked inherited from Lamborghini’s racing established the Cover-to-Cover Reading Along with all these advantages, there’s a kick out of riding in that monster a couple of years ago that he was most efforts, with cockpit-adjustable stabilizer Competition that encourages grade yet one more: many Hummer owners, sometimes.” grateful to the engineers for this thought- bars similar to those in an Indy 500 racer. school kids to read and be rewarded with especially lawyers, doctors, and other Luis and Christine established the highly ful addition. The price, ranging between $239,000 and attendance at Diamondback games as his professionals, are buying H2s as a tax popular Kids Going Gonzo for School local Meticulous about every aspect of his $333,500, may be high but buyers receive guest. He’s spent the last three years at write-off due to a detail in the tax laws. program, and he also participates in roadster, Tony might spend weeks search- a leather jacket, a hat, driving/running the opening day of the Phoenix Open Back in the mid-1980s Congress said that ing for just the right wheels, for instance, shoes, a competition racing suit, gloves, signing autographs for kids. luxury vehicles cannot be written off as for his Lambo. “I wanted to get bigger sunglasses, a car cover, and luggage. business vehicles unless they had a gross wheels. The wheels that came with the car With little room for anything but two Luis Gonzalez weight of 6,000 lbs or more. The H2 weighs are pretty neat, chrome, but they’re only elegantly slender people in the front seats, Outselling every other high-end SUV on around 6,300 lbs. 18-inch and I wanted to go bigger, to 19- and maybe a couple of golf clubs in the the market, the 2003 H2 is much more Although interior room is spacious and inch.” But then he wondered if the larger Diablo’s five feet of cargo space, Tony gets luxurious, although narrower, than its Gonzo loves driving the Hummer, he rents wheels might affect the car’s engineering. behind the wheel of his Hummer when it’s predecessor... but still com- a much larger “I didn’t want anything that would com- time for carrying passengers, like his wife mands respect. “It’s vehicle when he
promise the performance,” he said. Ulti- and their two children. so huge, yet much 2 takes his family, mately, his Diablo is sporting a brand new Like many who cherish their vehicles easier to drive, and who reside in set of Maya chromes and Pirelli red-letter H ER and enjoy customizing them, Tony takes looks a lot better than M Scottsdale, on
P-Zeroes at 19" and 20". just as much care choosing extra neat the earlier model,” said vacation. “We get HUM Lamborghini’s rise from tractor vendor touches for his H2 as his Diablo. In fact, the outfielder Luis Gonzalez, a rock-band to supercar factory has been given solid H2 has been subject to many custom who tucks his lanky 6'2" bus,” he said.
financial footing with its acquisition by “Man, they are Courtesy Arizona Diamondbacks
details (moreso than some of the other frame into an Escalade • ZALEZ
s k
Audi. The successor to the Countach, the c fitted out so
players’ H2s). This time, chrome plays an when he’s not behind the a
b
GON d
Diablo (now succeeded by the Murciélago) n great. With all
important role. Womack’s Hummer has a wheel of his H2. “I like the o m
is a state-of-the-art four-wheel-drive two- chrome brush guard and subtle chroming vertical liftgate, that’s real ia the kids and the
D a
seater built specifically for the US market. n babysitters, of the recessed Hummer badging on the practical. It’s kind of o
The mid-engined roadster has a removable riz and my wife Arizona Quest for Kids, a scholarship
bumper. The hitch loop has been tastefully sporty, too, and rides real A y roof that can be stored over the engine s and I, it makes program designed to keep students in
chromed, as have the door handles, roof good. But, when all is said rte
u o
cover. Take the cover off one of these rack bars and logo ends, door sill plate and done, it’s still a truck. C a whole lot Arizona rather than study in other states. magnificent Italian-designed machines, logos, hinges, and mirror brackets. All in But a neat one, plus you can more sense to What would he drive if he didn’t have the and there’s reading material on the 5.7-liter all, the selective use of the shiny metal sets take this thing anywhere and have that big bus when we go to Las Vegas triplets? “How about something real small, block describing the firing order of the car’s Tony’s Hummer apart, but not so it’s too keep on going.” and other places. We can really relax, put like a Volkswagen GTi?” he quipped. twelve cylinders. Pumping out 530 obtrusive. Just enough to know someone Priced around $50,000, this year’s the kids to sleep in real comfortable little
Courtesy Arizona Diamondbacks horsepower at 7,100 rpm for a top speed of cared enough to make it very special. Hummers have high-end features includ- beds, and just have a great time while KEEP RIGHT >>
12 • May/June 2003 • ARIZONADRIVER ARIZONADRIVER • May/June 2003 • 13 EQUIPMENT : BRIDGESTONE POTENZA RE750 Jackson, he claims he lives a quiet life. >> cont’d The three-time All-Star and four-time Rawlings Gold Glove Award winner Mark Grace said he has no desire to get behind the Bridgestone One of the players who confesses to being wheel of a hotshot car. “I’m kind of a a non-H2 owner is first baseman Mark conservative guy and I like a conserva- Potenza RE750 Grace, #17, who tive car. Nothing fancy. I’m no speed
demon, although I do enjoy my car’s Courtesy Arizona Diamondbacks ultra-high performance tire V8 engine and 294 horsepower— which is more than enough for me. The ridgestone/Firestone has added another Potenza street tire to its impressive line of sedate XJ8 Jaguar Vanden Plas suits B ultra-high performance tires—the Potenza me fine. I’ve driven Jags for twelve RE750® with UNI-T technology. years; I just keep getting the newest “Not only does this tire live up to the model.” Grace said he prefers the Potenza name, but it also takes performance JAGUAR VANDEN PLAS sedan to the coupe; it fits his 6'2" frame straight to the top,” said Mark Emkes, better because of its 118-inch wheel- Chairman, CEO and President of BFNT.
s k base, giving him space to stretch. The Potenza RE750, which features a c GRACE • a b “For long drives with the family, we d unidirectional tread pattern, has been
n
o
m take our Escalade,” he said. “I’m from engineered to reduce road noise, even as
ia
D the tread wears. Designed to complement a Fullerton, in Southern California, and
n o luxury features Jaguar can throw into the the style and complex systems of today’s riz when we’re back there we love to go to the
A y mix, including front and rear heated seats, finest performance cars, the tire features s mountains and the beach, and our SUV is
rte
u Connolly leather trim everywhere, lambs- improved wear for performance applica- o great for that.” Any special customizing on C tions. The Potenza RE750 delivers rapid is as laid back as they come once the Vanden Plas? “Nope,” he said. “it’s just wool footwell rugs, walnut writing trays response, sure-footed traction, and out- he’s away from the ballpark. A resident of a regular Jag.” The 2003 XJ8 Vanden Plas that fold down from the front seatbacks, standing wet and dry handling, to cover Paradise Valley with his wife Tanya and son and the 4.0-liter AJ-V8 teamed with a four- costs close to $70,000 and has all the you in desert heat or monsoon storms. speed automatic transmission. The Potenza RE750 employs UNI-T (an Off the field, Mark plays golf and acronym for Ultimate Network of Intelli- supports charities through the Mark Grace gent Tire Technologies), a combination of Foundation, whose marquée event is an advanced technologies that work together to A Fan’s Guide To annual golf tournament in Scottsdale, just create the most advanced tire available. before spring training begins. It benefits Bridgestone tires featuring UNI-T offer drivers the Arizona Leukemia Society. precise handling, reduced noise, a smooth ride The Ultimate Psychologists maintain that Americans and outstanding control. The tire’s Rim Guard®, a have a need to express themselves both raised rubber edge, acts like a bumper to protect intellectually and emotionally, and that this wheels from curb damage. Ballpark The Bridgestone Potenza RE750 is available in a quality is as necessarily as food, water and wide range of sizes and comes with the Platinum Pact shelter. Judging from the Diamondbacks’ 3-Year Limited Warranty, which provides replacement stable of Hummer and performance cars, Tour at no charge (excluding taxes and disposal fees) if the the players are feeling just fine. ■ Fully Loaded! tire should become unusable due to defects in materials or workmanship for up to three years from Planning a trip to baseball’s grand date of purchase or four years from date cathedrals? This easy-to-use electronic International award-winning journalist JILL has covered the automotive and of manufacture, whichever occurs first. guide has all the essentials on any MLB, AMADIO motorsports scene for 20 years. The author of The tire also comes with a 30-Day Test minor league, independent, college or six books, her latest is a biography, “Günther Drive, which allows a consumer to Little League World Series ballpark.... Rall: Luftwaffe Ace and NATO General.” She receive a full refund or exchange if he or where to sit, where to park, where to writes a monthly column for Entrepreneur she is not pleased with the tire for any eat... even travel info on every city magazine, and also writes for AMI Auto World. and www.thecarconnection.com. She has reason within 30 days of purchase. (Tires in the US and Canada. Review a written for Road & Track and Conde Nast received as original equipment are not free team sample and Publications, and her syndicated car column covered by the 30-day test drive. On all testimonials, and buy this has appeared in the Washington Times, Houston warranties, certain restrictions and limita- printable guide online: Chronicle and 124 other newspapers. She was the first female syndicated automotive colum- tions may apply, so consumers need to nist for Gannett Newspapers. For five years Jill check with their retailers for complete www.modernerabaseball.com worked with the Skoal Bandit Indy Car, NASCAR, details and conditions.) ■ Can Am and drag racing programs as a publicist. 480-596-9655 / 1-800-766-2588
14 • May/June 2003 • ARIZONADRIVER ARIZONADRIVER • May/June 2003 • 15 ARMORED VEHICLES : LINCOLN & BMW counterparts. On the Lincoln, this includes LLNN ride height, special CCOO window cavities to LLININ accommodate thick ballistic transparencies, TOWNTOWN CARCAR and exterior badges and trim that are no BALLISTICBALLISTIC different from the base PROTECTION car. “The first line of PROTECTION defense for anyone at SERIESSERIES risk is discretion,” said John Jraiche, MMWW operations manager, BB Lincoln Special Engi- neering Operations. 760LI,760LI, 745LI745LI BMW similarly claims HIGHHIGH SECURITY, SECURITY, their High Security and Security cars hardly 330I330I SECURITYSECURITY differ at first sight from their everyday cousins. BMW also states that their customers receive ■ The unmistakable style and luxury of Lincoln come with an extremely high level of personal ■ The BMW 760Li and soon also the 745Li High Security editions offer protection at a level known as B6/B7, while the absolute discretion f you’d like homeland security to protection in the Lincoln Town Car Ballistic Protection Series, available by mid-year. 330i Security offers a more civilian-oriented B4 level. Both packages, as well as the Lincoln, keep their abilities quiet. when buying such extend right down to your own road vehicles. BMW also Itime, and don’t expect the feds to ballistic testing at independent labs to chassis that can also move. “When under BMW 760Li, 745Li and 330i 760Li High Security, this shell is made up provides its own pool of approximately take care of it for you, you’ll be glad validate the ballistic performance of our attack, passengers must escape the field of The new-generation BMW 7 Series made for the first time of two layers of special 40 High Security and 100 Security cars to know there are new options available. materials.” fire as quickly as possible. This is where another world debut at the Geneva Auto steel, a hard outer and a particularly tough made available to the customer at short Lincoln on the domestic front and BMW on The global market for armored vehicles Lincoln Town Car BPS excels with V-8 Show, in the guise of the BMW 760Li High inner layer. As with the Lincoln, BMW notice and at nearly any location if their the import side are bringing you security has grown rapidly in recent years. power and specially tuned, heavy-duty Security. Based on their top-of-the-line claims a distinct contrast to production own vehicle requires service. that extends well beyond mundane Although the US currently accounts for a springs and shocks,“ said Schafer. 760Li 12-cylinder, this fourth generation of cars retrofitted with security features, To keep Security cars from going to the seatbelts and airbags. relatively small percentage of the global The Lincoln Town Car BPS claims North BMW security vehicles complying with stating that special features on BMW’s wrong people—either new or pre-owned— market, demand is growing. Prospective America’s highest standard level of OEM bullet-proof standard B6/B7 meets the Security cars are integrated in the car right BMW offers purchasers a buy-back option Lincoln Town Car BPS customers include corporate executives, ballistic protection, including: most demanding requirements. And from from the beginning, ensuring optimum covering Security vehicles up to 7 years Lincoln enters the rapidly growing armored political dignitaries, government agencies, Advanced ceramics: advanced, defense- September 2003 the 8-cylinder BMW 745Li protection of areas and cavities such as the old. Following a thorough technical vehicle market with the Lincoln Town Car private citizens and leasing agencies. But inspired ceramic composite technology for will also be available as a High Security A- and B-pillars, often hardly reached in inspection at BMW’s Dingolfing Plant, Ballistic Protection Series. Scheduled for nearly all protection vehicles in the many vertical surfaces employs an acutely model. BMW also presented the 330i retrofit jobs, and aiming for optimum where all BMW High Security cars are built production by midyear, the BPS is intended marketplace today have been up-fitted on hard strike face to break up bullets and Security, complying with the B4 bullet- security on potential weak points such as in the first place, these vehicles then go to provide a high level of armored protec- an aftermarket basis often bringing disperse their energy. proof standard. body joints and seams, door seams, cable into BMW’s car pool or are sold as pre- tion at a competitive price. compromises in quality, vehicle dynamics Ballistic steel: lightweight bullet- The BMW 760Li High Security meets the openings or the transition from metal to owned Security cars to select customers. Lincoln claims new industry benchmarks and customer satisfaction. resistant plates help fortify the advanced requirements of the German Federal Crime glass elements. in protection, affordability, driving dynam- ceramic technology. Office for security vehicles used by the Despite an increase in weight by up to Do you feel safer already? ics, and noise, vibration and harshness. Protection and evasion Ballistic transparencies: attackers tend German Government (B6/B7). It is engi- one ton, BMW Security cars are intended The highest high security vehicles are The BPS has been engineered and tested to There is an increasing need to neutralize to shoot at what they can see. The BPS is neered to withstand even attacks with to drive just as dynamically as a standard primarily used to protect leaders of the provide protection from powerful handgun bigger, faster, heavier rounds, which arrive equipped with thick ballistic transpar- explosives or bullets of armor-breaking BMW. The 12-cylinder power unit and the state and other representatives of and high-power rifle rounds; original with more power and impact with more encies—nearly twice the standard thick- 7.62x54R API calibre often used by terrorist final drive in the 760Li High Security are government as well as high-ranking equipment manufacturers (OEM) in the US energy. Within this class of ballistic threat ness specified by most. organizations. To meet this supreme modified to give the High Security 7 Series industrialists, mainly in industrialized commercial armored vehicle industry have are two main categories: bigger bullets Interwoven aramid fiber: a thick ballistic standard, the 760Li High Security had virtually the same powerful and fast countries in the West, in the Middle East, in the past generally offered just handgun- that travel fast—and smaller, piercing blanket helps provide limited blast elaborate tests conducted by a German acceleration as the basic model. An and in the countries of the former Soviet level protection. bullets that travel even faster. The Lincoln protection from underneath. bullet and firing inspection authority. BMW admitted trade-off is a reduction of top Union and eastern bloc. But B4 security “About 300 OEM tests will be performed BPS is equipped to stop them both, in Run-flat inserts: these polymer wheel states that these tests revealed no need for speed to 130 mph. BMW tests all Security vehicles also offer protection against on Town Car BPS, including crash tests, addition to the many handgun levels more inserts allow 30-mph speeds for up to 30 any improvements or modifications. cars on the Nürburgring race track. relatively more routine attempts at theft, which will make it one of the most commonly addressed. miles even when tire pressure is robbery or carjacking. Vehicles of this type thoroughly tested armored vehicles in the Advanced materials enable Lincoln to completely compromised. Benefits of factory fitting Protection with discretion are often purchased for private use, for world,” said Lauren Schafer, director, not only achieve a higher level of ballistic Modified fuel tank: optional to reduce Integrated steel armoring of the passenger Great effort has been taken to ensure that example in Latin and South America—and Lincoln Special Engineering Operations. protection, but also to limit vehicle weight. leakage after a ballistic event. cell forms the actual “shell” of BMW’s both the Lincoln and BMW vehicles now in the US. ■ “Additionally, we’ve conducted extensive The result is a durable and well-balanced High Security and Security cars. In the outwardly appear like their standard
16 • May/June 2003 • ARIZONADRIVER ARIZONADRIVER • May/June 2003 • 17 MOTORSPORTS : PIR DOWNTOWN TICKET OFFICE EQUIPMENT : STEWART WARNER PERFORMANCE GAUGES
second floor of the Arizona Center, at 455 Winston West and Featherlite Southwest N. 3rd Street in downtown Phoenix. Series cars; and NASCAR Weekend, Enthusiast merchandise includes collec- October 30-November 3, including the New performance products: tibles, racewear, souvenirs and other NASCAR Featherlite Southwest Series, motorsports merchandise, as well as tickets Craftsman Truck Series, Busch Series and Memory tachs with shift-lights, ultra-shift light™, air/fuel ratio gauges, during the following times. The Race Shop the Winston Cup Series. ™ is open Monday-Thursday 10am-9pm, After 5:30 or on weekends, you can programmable speedometers, ultra-alert light & gauge pods hoenix International Raceway’s Friday and Saturday 10am-10pm, and purchase tickets by phone or online: P Race Shop in the Arizona Center Sunday 11am-5pm. The ticket office is 602-252-2227 - or axima Technologies, the group Ultra-Shift Light™ a “measured-mile” set-up. Two trip includes their downtown ticket office, open Monday-Friday from 9am-5:30pm. 1-800-pitshop (748-7467) enterprise that produces New Ultra-Shift Light™ offers a fully self- odometers are provided (totallizing/trip). where you can choose and purchase Call or stop by now about tickets for the www.phoenixraceway.com - or Stewart Warner, Datcon and contained, stand- Odometer information is displayed on a tickets in person with live staff help. inaugural NASCAR Doubleheader week- www.1-800-pitshop.com M AST brand instruments, has alone, program- six-digit LCD display. Other features The PIR Race Shop is located on the end, October 4-5, featuring the NASCAR ■ introduced an all-new line of Stewart mable shift-alert include a rugged engineered resin case; Warner Performance brand competi- solution for robust, balanced, easy-to-see racing-red tion tachometers, gauges and acces- today’s racers. pointers with a unique 3-dimensional sories collectively identified as the Units feature shape; more viewable dial space and Maximum Performance Series™. better viewing angles that provide an optimal user interface; and various Memory Tach with Shift-Light advanced electronics mounting options (bracket or strap). New Memory Tachs with Shift-Lights that support a wide MOTOR RESOURCES DIRECTORY come in two sizes—5” and 3-3/8”—and range of applica- Air/Fuel Ratio Gauges three popular styles: silver, white or tions for 1-12 cylinder New Stewart Warner Performance Tires & Wheels Driver Training Online Classic Car Classifieds black, in vertical or horizontal graphic engines/1-6 pulses per revo- Performance Air/Fuel Ratio Tirexchange, Inc. DrivingMBA ClassicCars.com formats (white with vertical format lution, with no plug-in gauges are available in Tires • Wheels • Chrome Plating A program of Accelerated Skill Builders Put your classifieds online at shown here). Units feature advanced modules or pills required. three styles—silver, 15485 N. 84th Street • Scottsdale www.drivingmba.com 480-460-8800 • www.classiccars.com SMT, microprocessor-driven electronics Additional features include white or black. Of par- 1-800-766-2588 • 480-596-9655 for better reliability and easy program- peak RPM recall; a built-in ticular note, units feature Auto Dealers Auto Spa / Convenience / Gas ming; LED shift-lights (shift-tube for 5” tach that can be turned on an advanced lighting Mobile Detailing Service Aston Martin North Scottsdale Food Court Texaco / Weiss Guys Car Wash unit and or off; easy push-button scheme that includes Waxwerks Detailing 18088 N. Scottsdale Road • 480-538-4200 15111 N. Hayden Road • 480-561-2622 programming (located on the backlighting for dial graph- Detailing - Valley Wide Mobile Service Audi North Scottsdale back of the shift-tube); and long- ics and a high-resolution, 20- Classic, Muscle & Luxury Autos 18088 N. Scottsdale Road • 480-538-4000 Motorcycle Dealers life, super-bright, fast-responding, cool- LED bar-graph with green LEDs for Ken Dickson • 602-788-9680 www.waxwerksdetailing.com BMW North Scottsdale Cycle-Moto running LEDs that are arranged to proj- RICH, amber LEDs for STOICH and red 18018 N. Scottsdale Road • 480-538-3900 Aprilia - Ducati - Motoguzzi - Triumph in- ect specific light patterns that optimize LEDs for LEAN. As a result, the Air/Fuel Mobile Broadband Internet MINI North Scottsdale 330 E. Southern Ave # 37 • Mesa AZ 85210 the-dial driver interfaces and awareness. Ratio Gauge provides the ideal night- 18018 N. Scottsdale Road • 480-538-6464 480-898-0559 • www.azsbk.com LED for 3- The Ultra-Shift Light™ is pack- time racing solution. Units work with Sunangel Communications, Inc. Porsche North Scottsdale 3/8” unit); an aged in a rugged yet most factory and aftermarket oxygen 2-Way Mobile Broadband Internet Motorcycle Manufacturers 480-905-1663 • www.broadbandonwheels.com 18000 N. Scottsdale Road • 480-538-3850 advanced con- lightweight aluminum sensors. Standard equipment includes Aprilia Motorcycles - Scooters trol module tube that provides a smooth, red and green boots, as well as Performance Parts Auto Dealers - Specialty www.apriliausa.com recessed below the automotive finish with no visible mounting hardware. Dan Gurney Alligator Motorcycles, Inc. bezel for added protection; advanced, fasteners and a sealed front to protect Motorweb, Inc. Dream Machines Dan Gurney’s All American Racers, Inc. optimized lighting derived from the unit against moisture- and dust- Gauge Pods Performance Parts by Performance People 14825 N. 82nd St. Suite C • 480-951-9524 2334 S. Broadway • Santa Ana CA 92707 engineered light pipes (back- intrusion. The initial offering of at Performance Prices Motorsports of Scottsdale 714-540-1771 • www.allamericanracers.com lighting for dial and Stewart Warner 602-454-9400 • www.motorweb.com 8230 E. Raintree Suite 110 • 480-483-9300 Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. perimeter lighting for Programmable Performance Gauge Pods Scottsdale Lotus 9950 Jeronimo Road • irvine CA 92618 pointers); rugged, engi- Speedometers covers the 30 most popular Racing Events 8355 E. Raintree Suite 170 • 480-922-6242 949-770-0400 • www.kawasaki.com neered-resin cases; a Stewart Warner Perfor- trucks and cars. Several pod SCO Nights Triumph Sport Compact Drag Racing unique “face-forward™” mance 3-3/8” Program- configurations are available: Single and Service & Repair 385 Walt Sanders Memorial Drive Every Thursday at Firebird Raceway design that maximizes mable Speed- Dual, Full-Pillar and Cluster Bezels. Newna GA 30265 www.dragracing.com/sco Airpark Auto Service dial viewing area and ometers are avail- Made from UV-resistant ABS, pods 8115 E. Raintree • 480-998-1605 678-854-2010 • www.triumph.co.uk Phoenix International Raceway angles; and robust, able in three popu- can be easily painted to match 602-252-2227 - or Greulich’s Auto Repair styled, 3-dimensional, rac- lar styles—silver, vehicle interiors. Each pod has 1-800-pitshop (748-7467) 8180 E. Raintree • 480-483-8186 Information is derived from a variety of sources ing-red pointers. Of particular white or black—in 120, been specially designed to www.phoenixraceway.com - or and may not be final or accurate; check all info. note, 5” units can be easily 160 and 200 MPH ranges (black ensure a good fit and easy www.1-800-pitshop.com Listings do not necessarily represent any installed in either standard 3-3/8” dash 160 shown here). Units can be easily installation, and to contain specific affiliation with nor endorsement by openings or on dash boards using programmed using a standard remote- Stewart Warner Performance Arizona Driver magazine. rugged, good-looking mounting straps. mount, push-button control module and Instruments. ■
18 • May/June 2003 • ARIZONADRIVER ARIZONADRIVER • May/June 2003 • 19 CLASSIC REBORN : TALBO LAGO REPLICA
TTLoveLovealboLagoalboLago isis inin thethe airair andand inin thethe detailsdetails
equipped with: there are no clear indica- SPECIFICATIONS AS TESTED tors as to what gear you’re actually in. As Price ...... $118,000 such, we found ourselves fumbling Engine...... Ford 5.0 liter HO, 230 hp around on more than one occasion. The Trans ...... 5-sp manual or AOD auto suspension feels very American indeed, Curb weight: ...... 2960 lbs and although responsive, is still biased for Wheelbase ...... 100 inches comfort. Steering has plenty of boost, so Overall length ...... 170 inches parking lot maneuvers are easy. Overall height ...... 53 inches Since the manufacture of our test car, Overall width ...... 70 inches significant changes have included a switch Weight distribution.....50/50 front/rear to the Lincoln LS powertrain, putting out Ground clearance ...... 5 inches at least 250 horsepower. Suspending the Specifications based on 2000 model. upgraded engine are new coil-overs, MANUFACTURER: which replace the prior fiberglass leaf by Dan J. Gardner TLC Carrossiers, Inc. springs at all four corners. When you 3601 Prospect Ave. order one of the fewer than ten cars built Photos by the author West Palm Beach, FL 33404 per year, you won’t be buying from one of 561-844-5411 • www.tlccar.com the big manufacturers with all their quality control. On the other hand, you’ll know that you’re getting a rare jewel of an true substance here, and for a short while, meant to be driven every day. It’s a car of a unique door handle mechanism: a Before you even start the motor, it is automobile that’s much more than just a our eyes and the Talbo’s glistening grill with fit and finish and gap tolerances push on the circular part of the metal abundantly clear that this car is about the piece of art to be put on display. he batmobile” ... “a car were locked in a love affair. similar to a Rolls-Royce. It’s a car with a handle, and the elongated section pops details; no committee or board had a All in all, a man of detail and refine- that would suit Jay Gatsby,” What we laid our eyes and hands on one-year warranty. In fact, the only effortlessly from its flush-with-the-body hand in the design here. But if you’re ment like Jay Gatsby would be proud to was a stunning replica of the late ’30s reason the car might be confused by home, then a slight downward crank wary of the running gear, of everything own this Talbo. Then again, the boy-racer ... or simply “beautiful.” Talbot Lago, the aerodynamic French some with a kitcar is its fiberglass body unlatches reverse-hinging doors. behind the details, fret not. This is not a in any of us would get a thrill out of the If this were a TV quiz show, coupe that dropped jaws decades ago. (although, even under the harshest scrut- More wood, leather, and beautiful smokescreen, for at the heart of the Talbo low slung view out over the hood and the The company that builds this fabulous iny, one would be hard-pressed to discern brushed aluminum beckon you to climb lies a 230 horsepower Ford Mustang 5.0 giddyup thrust of the motor. ■ the category would be, “Things we recreation is TLC Carrossiers of West it from aluminum). in. From behind the leather-wrapped four- liter V-8 mated to either a Ford five-speed Palm Beach, Florida. Under the metic- When you first take in the exterior, spoke steel wheel, you take in the jewel- manual or AOD automatic transmission. DAN J. GARDNER can be found in Hermosa overheard while driving the Talbo.” ulous eye of owner George Balaschak, you’ll notice the knockout curves and like chrome-bezeled gauges. All have white Push the pedal to the floor and you Beach, Calif. carving coastal roads with aplomb with F. Scott Fitzgerald stowed safely in the Let there be no mistake: this is a car each car is painstakingly hand-built. So copious use of hand-formed and -pol- faces and black needles. The speedo and understand immediately that the Talbo is glovebox. He enjoyed a stint at Car and Driver, that graces the road with such presence what makes this more than just another ished stainless steel trim. The split front tach are fitted with needles employing more than just a seductive body. It pulls assisting with track testing, copy editing, and that behind every staring eye is only one kitcar or “replicar”? window and fishbowl-like side windows pointy arrows at one end and half moons like a Mustang, only moreso, thanks to a reader relations, and now contributes his words thing…love. This is a car that inspires The answer, in short, is that a kitcar showcase the interior, where you’ll find at the other. Symmetry abounds, and most lower curb weight. The manufacturer and photography to Sport Compact Car, Auto and more than mere lust, and anyone who requires the owner to be the engineer, Connolly leather hides and hand-carved major functions are controlled through six claims a 0-60 mph time of 6.0 seconds Parts News, Sports Car International, Bimmer, Benzo, Velocity and Arizona Driver. In addition, gets behind the wheel will tell you that it’s where this vehicle has all the engineering Honduras mahogany trim. We get a push/pull and twist/turn metal knobs set in with the five-speed. One annoyance was Dan does public relations consulting at the OEM not some short-lived fling, either. There’s already invested into it. It’s a car that’s better look inside through the activation three-by-three formation on the dash. the automatic tranny our car was and aftermarket level.
20 • May/June 2003 • ARIZONADRIVER ARIZONADRIVER • May/June 2003 • 21 COMPARISON : BIG THREE FULLBig SIZE PICKUPS Iron Shootout In Scottsdale
By Tim Sharp Photos by the author
he showdown was implement for such a desert duel? other down on a dusty back alley. They winter, right? Wrong! Today’s dually Chevrolet 2500/3500 Duramax and the make it a standout. The Powerstroke has Appropriately, that big iron is known eyeball each other as they sit side by side diesels are virtually odorless, they Dodge 2500/3500 Cummins turbo diesels. a new Electronic Variable Response imminent in the sleepy simply as “The Dually.” on a long strip of asphalt. The tarmac is accelerate like a jackrabbit, and they are Turbocharger (EVRT) which acts like a Westworld village in Ford, Dodge and Chevrolet are the separated by a set of drag race staging as quiet inside as some European luxury Ford F-250 and F-350 small turbo for quick acceleration off the purveyors of big irons for the modern lights. When the bottom lights turns sedans. In addition, they offer climate Powerstroke Diesel Pickups line, then it “adjusts” to become a large Scottsdale, Arizona. cowboy. Their duallies pack more punch green, the cowboy pulls the control, advanced audio systems and For 2003, Ford introduces a brand new turbocharger once it gets going. The wind whipped than a double barrel shotgun; however trigger with his throttle foot and sumptuous leather interiors. generation of Powerstroke turbo diesel Like its two competitors, Ford has also T tumbleweeds across they combust diesel rather than gun the dually tires start smoking. While How could this have transpired without engine and a new five-speed automatic adopted a “pilot injection system” for its powder. The dually is also a might no blood is shed, the end result is the your knowledge? Easy. Diesel pickup transmission, the Torqshift, to go with the diesel engines. This system makes the the road. Horses pranced restless larger than your traditional side- same. Somebody wins and technology has been evolving by leaps new powerplants. The new Powerstroke/ engines run smoother and quieter. arm. In point of fact, you do not somebody loses. That’s what and bounds over the past decade. If you Torqshift package is a potent combination Previous diesel engines injected the entire in their stalls. The big guns were tote these big irons on your hip, shootouts are all about. have not driven a new dually diesel which has the competition concerned. fuel load into the cylinders in one big shot. being locked, loaded and readied you sit inside them. Today we witness a pickup, you should drive one. They are International builds the new six-liter V-8 With pilot injection, 4%-5% of the fuel is What are these strange contraptions? modern day shootout be- powerful, smooth, quiet, and they ride Powerstroke diesel engine for Ford. While first injected into the combustion for A classic shootout. Well, they are tire smoking, turbocharged tween Ford, Chevrolet and most comfortably. slightly smaller in displacement than the chamber before the major shot of fuel is Only one question remained as the pickup trucks with a massive set of dual Dodge dually diesel pickups. With our However, do not sprint out your front former Powerstroke engine it replaces, the induced. With pilot injection, the primary combatants prepared for battle. Which wheels mounted to their rear axles. In Stetsons pulled down to shade the door to test-drive a new diesel dually at new diesel provides more power and combustion becomes less dramatic, less big gun would become the weapon of Arizona, they are as common as a afternoon sun, let’s light up the engines your local truck dealer just yet. First, more torque than its predecessor. In fact, harsh. In short, pilot injection makes the choice for Arizona’s contemporary Mercedes in Malibu, and every cowpoke and let the battle begin! perhaps you should read this article and the new Ford Powerstroke diesel provides new diesel engines quieter and more cowboys? A Colt? A Remington? A Smith worth his salt owns one. What do you know about diesel dually learn more about the major players in the best-in-class horsepower of 325 ponies vibration free. & Wesson? Actually, none of the above. As the weapons of choice have pickups? Noisy, stinky, lethargic levia- diesel dually pickup truck market. Specifi- and best-in-class torque of 560 lb.-ft. It would be easy to credit the new Today’s cowboy requires a larger weapon changed, so has the form of the modern thans that move slower than maple syrup cally, the diesel dually pickup players are: This new 32-valve V-8 Ford diesel has which packs much more power. The ideal shootout. Cowboys no longer stare each down a Vermont tree truck in the dead of the Ford F-250/F-350 Powerstroke, the some technological advancements which KEEP RIGHT >>
22 • May/June 2003 • ARIZONADRIVER ARIZONADRIVER • May/June 2003 • 23 ■ Ford, GM and Dodge have been trying to leapfrog each other at an intense pace lately, pushing horsepower and torque to phenom- enal new limits, while developing more efficient engines to perform relatively eco- nomically, and evolving—or correcting— transmission designs to handle all the torque.
Chevrolet the 5.9 liter Cummins diesel is a straight six rather than a V-8. The Cummins High Output turbo diesel engine is second only to the Ford in torque (555 lb.ft. for the Cummins vs. 560 lb.-ft. for the Powerstroke) and it puts out more horsepower than the Chevrolet Duramax (300 hp for the Chevy vs. 305 hp for the Cummins High Output diesel). ■ The trucks took on 6000-pound trailers for one-on-one drag racing. 10,000 pound trailers were >> BIG IRON - cont’d Unfortunately, the Cummins H.O. diesel hooked up also, for dyno simulation of onramp acceleration, passing exposure and grade towing. engine is currently only available with a Powerstroke diesel engine with Ford’s 6-speed manual transmission; hp Dodge enhanced acceleration and towing power; As unlikely as it seems, with 300 pickup truck. For those cowboys who does offer a detuned 250 hp Cummins however much of the credit also goes to horsepower and 520 ft. lbs. of torque, have just a two horse trailer, this could diesel version with a 4-speed automatic. Ford’s new Torqshift 5-speed automatic Chevrolet is low man on the totem pole be a terrific truck. However, it is not as Since about 80% of the diesel dually transmission, which is much improved when compared to the new Ford Power- well suited to fifth wheel trailer towing pickups in America are sold with auto- for 2003. With one more gear than last stroke (325 hp and 560 lb.ft. of torque) as a dually. matic transmissions (hey, cowboys use year’s transmission, the Torqshift utilizes and the Dodge High Output Cummins This year, Chevrolet is also offering a cell phones too!), Dodge is currently at a the new Powerstroke diesel’s power and turbo diesel engines (305 hp and 555 lb. dual-zone HVAC system, steering wheel disadvantage versus Ford and Chevrolet. torque to best advantage. Moreover, the ft. of torque). audio controls, improved passenger-sens- How will the Dodge do in our perfor- Torqshift transmission’s new “Tow/Haul” The good news for Chevy is that the ing air bags and bolder new front end mance shootout? Perhaps not so well, as feature helps improve acceleration and Dodge H.O. Cummins turbo diesel engine styling. Of course, none of the above will we will be comparing the Ford, Chevy provides exceptional engine-braking for is only available in the Dodge 2500/3500 help the Chevrolet perform better in our and Dodge with automatics. However, hauling large trailers down hill. Ram trucks with a 6-speed ZF manual shootout. However, Chevrolet has always shed no tears for Dodge. Their new 345 Despite its best-in-class horsepower transmission. Currently, Dodge only offers had strong performing dually pickup horsepower Hemi V-8 engine is the most and torque numbers, the Ford will still a 4-speed automatic and said transmission trucks so maybe they will do just fine. potent and popular gasoline powerplant have to deliver when it comes to our just cannot handle the power or torque of Shortly, we will find out. on the market. Dodge is spiriting more diesel dually shootout. How will it do the new Cummins H.O. diesel power plant. than their share of the full-sized pickup against the Chevrolet and Dodge dually Since Chevrolet sells the vast majority of Dodge Quad Cab 3500 Dually buyers away from Ford and Chevy with pickup trucks? Read on and find out! their diesel dually pickups with automatics, Since the introduction of the Ram 1500 their gasoline Hemi V-8 pickups. they must only be concerned about Ford Quadcab half-ton pickup over one year One puzzling question remains, Chevrolet 2500/3500 Silverado for the moment. Of course, the new Ford ago, a number of customers have been however, “Why does the gas-powered Duramax Diesel Pickups Powerstroke F-250 and F-350 diesel pick- waiting for the debut of the Hemi V-8 pickup have a new 5-speed For the last couple of years, the Chevrolet ups pose a major problem for Chevrolet. heavy duty Ram 2500 and 3500 automatic transmission while their diesel 2500 and 3500 Silverado Duramax diesel Ford has held about 60% of the Cummins turbocharged diesel to dually has only a 4-speed?” Only the dually pickups have had a slight advan- diesel pickup market share for the arrive. The aggressive “big rig styling” Dodge product development guys know dually diesel pickups. In virtually all diesel Dodge dually (4-speed automatic tage over Ford and Dodge. past five years, and now Ford has of the Ram pickup has been the answer to this one. cases, the Dodge lost because its de- version) would not be a factor, the Ford First, the Isuzu-built Duramax diesel the new 5-speed Torqshift auto- especially popular in California, tuned diesel and 4-speed automatic Powerstroke went up against the Chevy had a technological edge over the matic to compete with Chevrolet’s Arizona, Texas and the Scottsdale Diesel Dually Shootout combo was no match for the new 5- Duramax diesel for top gun honors. previous generation Ford and Dodge 5-speed Allison automatic. Southwest. Dodge was Since Ford considered themselves to be speed automatic Ford and Chevy diesel Each dually pickup got its chance to get diesel engines. With pilot injection and While Ford and Dodge have been overdue for a restyle and the the new “top gun” in town with their new pickups. In a few instances, the Chevy strapped onto the chassis dyno rollers for four valves per cylinder, the Duramax upping the ante in the diesel torque and new design seems to be a hit with Powerstroke turbo diesel engine, it is won the eighth-of-a-mile drag race. (This a bank of four tests. The tests were: diesel was smoother, quieter and had power war, this year Chevrolet has seem- many consumers. natural that they would be the ones to was usually due to a slower reaction 1. 0-60 MPH Unloaded: This would slightly more horsepower than Ford or ingly been concentrating on driver The new Ram 2500 and 3500 invite a few of the media to compare their time by some of the media drivers). establish a truck’s ability to get up to Dodge. In addition, Chevy was first into comfort, driving enhancements and Cummins Diesel dually pickups also have new products to the Chevy and Dodge However, in the majority of the races, speed on an onramp, for example, when the market with a 5-speed automatic styling on the new Silverado 2500 and a much improved engine. Like Ford and turbo diesel pickups. the Ford Powerstroke was victorious. the truck was not towing a trailer. transmission. However, Ford and Dodge 3500 dually pickups. Chevrolet, the Cummins diesel is turbo- For starters, the automotive writers Next, Ford brought the media to a 2. 0-60 Loaded: Integrating a com- have moved quickly to close the tech- While not available in a dually version, charged, has four valves per cylinder and were encouraged to participate in one- portable “chassis dynamometer” for more puter with the dynamometer, this would nology gap, and Chevrolet is now in a dog Chevrolet also recently introduced their uses pilot injection for smoother, quieter on-one drag races where 6,000 pound head-to-head performance tests. Having fight for dually diesel market share. Quadrasteer four-wheel-steering diesel running. However, unlike the Ford and trailers were attached to the back of the already established that the detuned KEEP RIGHT >>
24 • May/June 2003 • ARIZONADRIVER ARIZONADRIVER • May/June 2003 • 25 CAMPAGNA MOTO SPORT : T-REX & T-REX T/R Bridging a few gaps
by Andrew J. Waite and Joe Sage Photos by the authors
>> BIG IRON - cont’d Chevy Duramax Ford Powerstroke ampagna Moto Sports was down controls are a hybrid bike-race car setup. 1. O-60 Unloaded ...... 10.31 sec...... 9.98 sec. show how quickly the diesel trucks could from Québec for Arizona Bike Week Both versions run a Carrera adjustable get up that same onramp towing a 2. 0-60 Loaded (with trailer) ...... 22.11 sec...... 20.15 sec. Crecently. They called to see if we’d front suspension and steering rack hooked simulated 10,000 pound trailer. 3. 50-75 Passing Exposure (with trailer) ...... 331 mile...... 271 mile like a look at their three-wheeled vehicle, to an adjustable pedal and a Kawasaki- 3. 50-75 MPH Passing Exposure 4. 3%-10% Grade Test (with trailer): the T-Rex. Sure, we’d seen it in Biker Boyz, donated binnacle and dials, simplifying Test: Again towing a simulated 10,000 Speed at hill crest, start at 25 MP...... 56 MPH...... 63 MPH but this was up close and hands-on. electrics and connections. The sequential pound trailer, this test showed how much The specs show a power-to-weight ratio box utilizes a typical center console- distance it took to pass a slower vehicle We will keep you in suspense no longer. dually pickup or an upscale SUV. State-of- that beats anything on four wheels. As for mounted 6-speed shifter with reverse. traveling at a speed of 50 MPH; hence the Here (see box, above) are the results from the-art CD audio systems, home link beating two, the T-Rex offers side-by-side Safety features include deep bucket seats, 50 to 75 MPH passing test. the chassis dynamometer tests run garage door openers, automatic swing- camaraderie and three-wheeled stability. complete roll bar and three-point harness. 4. 3%-10% Grade Towing Test: Once shortly after noon on December 6, 2003. down entry steps and side impact air The experience is a spectacular ride that This means the driver and passenger ride again towing a simulated 10,000 pound bags are other optional features you may crosses between a Formula Ford and a race inside the tub with only the top half of the trailer and starting at 25 MPH at the bottom Shootout Conclusion now order on your dually. bike, without the liabilities of a two-wheeler. torso above the tub. of the undulating grade, what speed would For this year, Ford gets top gun honors in Ford, Chevrolet and Dodge dually Their first T-Rex is based on Kawasaki sport The T/R is a response to the fact that V- each truck reach at the crest of the half our Scottsdale diesel dually shootout. pickup trucks have changed considerably bike components, but Campagna has Twin afficianados—although understand- mile long hill? The significance of this test: However, the big winner of the Big over the last decade. They are substan- responded to a huge market segment with ing and appreciating the engineering, getting back up to towing speed when your Three’s competition in the diesel dually tially different from the dually diesel a second V-Twin version. performance and excitement of the Kawa’ momentum has been slowed. arena is you, the consumer. Whether you pickups of a decade ago. No, “They don’t The platforms are similar: a single rear- powered original, may have trouble Both the Chevy and the Ford ran 3.73 are partial to a Ford, a Chevrolet or a build them like they used to.” They build wheel-drive tandem two-seater with the putting something in the garage that rear differential gears. Both the Chevy Dodge diesel dually pickup, they all are them a whole lot better! ■ front end of a Formula Ford race car. The doesn’t sound like a V-Twin. This move has and Ford ran their 5-speed automatics in more powerful, cleaner, quieter and more rides differ along with the choice of motor just more than doubled their market share. the “tow/haul modes” for optimal towing comfortable than previous diesel duallies. With a Bachelor of Science from USC and a minor and transmission. The Kawasaki-based So here is a really astute crossover that in Business Communication, TIM SHARP became performance. In addition, the tests were In fact, as a single class of vehicles, diesel vehicle has a full roll cage and side-by-side disguises safety in a bad boy look, delivers a professional road racer of 25 years. He has ten graphed in “real time” on the dynamo- dually pickups have made more progress SCCA and IMSA racing championships, set 30 lap bucket seats. The V-Twin T/R has more of a a Maranello-Milwaukee hybrid road ex- meter video screen so that media partici- in the last decade than any vehicles on records, and is a former Bondurant and Skip bad boy biker look, with twin roll hoops and perience and draws an instant crowd. pants could listen for the shift points and the market. Barber race driving instructor. He has been a the meaty look and sound of a custom twin. Prices for the T-Rex and T-Rex T/R begin watch the RPMs of each diesel truck as Besides having better performance and works driver for VW, McKnight, Autodynamics, Let’s talk about ride... YEEEhaaa! The at $43,000 and offer options such as Porsche, Ralt, Toyota/TRD and TOM’s/Toyota. He the shifts occurred. more comfort, diesel dually pickups are first version is based on the much-revered paniers, tonneau and convertible covers and his son Spencer currently race a Factory Five Of course, no two chassis dynamometer more solid, environmentally cleaner and NASA Spec Roadster, which posted seven class 4-cylinder Kawasaki 1200 engine in a 900- for inclement weather. Inclement weather? test runs are ever identical. Altitude, temp- more durable than previous models. wins in seven races in 2002. lb. chassis and delivers performance close Well, after all, these guys are from erature and other factors will vary from day Through the expanded use of hydro- Sharp’s latest project? Restoring a 1956 Chris- to any FF or junior series open wheel race Québec, but they are currently planning to day and city to city. However, since both formed box frames, today’s dually pick- Craft speed boat which he and his wife Kristin car. The ride is smooth till you “pour on the relocation of their North American recently purchased while at the Monterey Historic the Chevy and the Ford were run in ups will also last longer and develop the coals,” then this thing gets up and headquarters to either Arizona or Las races. Is it powered by the original 6-cylinder Grey Scottsdale on this given day and at virtually fewer squeaks and rattles. With four full- Marine engine? No way... the Sharps have a moves. The center of gravity is race-car Vegas, based on the essential nature of our the same time, give or take five minutes, sized doors and plush leather interiors, Chevy 350 ready to drop into the little mahogany low and delivers positive Gs (racetrack!) climate and roads to the riders of Arizona this was a fair heads-up comparison. you will wonder if you are riding in a woody once the hull restoration is complete! out to 1.9. The front end and driver and the Southwest. ■
26 • May/June 2003 • ARIZONADRIVER ARIZONADRIVER • May/June 2003 • 27 THE INSIDE TRACK: BRIEFS & RUMORS looking for, and Mobile Multimedia Driver a retrofit to existing desktop software for acquiring, organizing models or as an option and managing music collections. The on new cars. No prices system will be available this summer. were announced.
that distinguished the previous gener- will be based on the Sky concept, also ■ Chevrolet is adding a high perfor- ■ The new mid-engine ■ Nissan showed a roadster version of ation. Some think the front end from 2002. The three cars will use mance SS version of the TrailBlazer SUV. Lamborghini Gallardo the new 350Z sports car at the New York resembles the famous Bentley. The new components from GM’s new Delta front- The engine will be a 6.0-liter, 345- debuted at the Geneva International Auto Show in April. The full-size Chrysler models are rear drive wheel platform, currently used on the horsepower V-8 powering the rear Auto Show. The slightly and incorporate some of the Saturn Ion and upcoming Chevrolet wheels. Other Chevrolet truck SS models smaller Lamborghini same architecture and parts of Cavalier and Pontiac Sunfire. will include a standard cab Silverado SS to (right), designed to com- the previous generation join the extended cab model. There will pete with the Ferrari Mercedes-Benz E Class sedan. ■ Bridgestone is giving away a new also be a Tahoe SS. Modena, has all-wheel Ferrari Modena and two other high-end drive, a 5.0-liter V-10 engine rated at 500 introduce a new seven-speed automatic ■ The Acura 3.5 RL became vehicles in a nationwide Drive a Dream ■ Infiniti is on a major roll, pumping out horsepower and a six-speed manual transmission, lighter and more compact the first luxury sedan to offer Sweepstakes. Of course, all the vehicles one exciting car after the other. The roll transmission with either a traditional than the current five-speed automatic. It’s XM Satellite Radio and the are equipped with appropriate Bridge- continued on the auto show circuit with shifter or steering wheel shift paddles. expected to debut this fall in the S500 Acura Navigation System with stone tires. For details and to enter go to the introduction of the Infiniti Triant The two-seat Gallardo goes on sale in May sedan attached to a 5.0-liter 3-6-hp V-8. Voice Recognition as standard any Bridgestone Tire dealer. concept (shown), which is essentially a with an estimated MSRP of $160,000. equipment. XM Satellite Radio ■ For max performance on a budget, the lets RL drivers choose from ■ Saab has three variants planned from ■ Nissan is about to get a 2003 Caterham Seven Superlight R is a convertible features a one-latch power- over 100 coast-to-coast digital channels, the new 9-3 sedan including a new 9-3 tough-looking, full-size sport best buy. Sold in the US as a kit car, the operated cloth top with glass rear many of which are commercial-free. utility vehicle called the Superlight R rides just three inches off the window. It goes on sale this summer as a The Acura flagship also has the OnStar® Armada. It debuted at the ground and weighs only 1080 pounds. It 2004 model. The price has not been communication system and a six-disc New York Auto Show in April has no doors or windshield. The kit sells announced. The coupe starts at $27,000. dash-mounted CD changer standard. and will arrive at dealerships for $29,950 without an engine. With a this fall. The Armada is based modified 204-hp 2.0-liter Ford Zetec ■ Jeep plans to build a pickup called the ■ Ford Motor Co. will soon start a new on Nissan’s upcoming full- engine, Caterham claims it will accelerate Scrambler, on a stretched version of the letter-based badging scheme. As size Titan pickup. Both the V- from 0 to 60 in 3.8 seconds and that it is current Wrangler chassis, with a 4-foot models are replaced, sport-utility 8 powered Titan and Armada equally impressive in corners. pickup bed behind a two-passenger com- names will start with an “E” as in muscular 2+2 version of the new FX45 will be built at Nissan’s $1.4 billion plant partment. It will be available in two Explorer, Expedition, Escape and crossover complete with gullwing style in Canton, Mississippi. ■ Mercury will drop the Marauder from lengths and with a choice of four- and six- Excursion. Minivans and cars will start doors. The Triant mimics the sportiness, their product line after the 2004 model cylinder engines. The Scrambler will go with “F” as in Focus and the upcoming all-wheel drive and luxury appointments ■ Mercedes-Benz, not waiting to have year. The full-size sedan hasn’t sold well, on sale in July 2004. Freestyle and Five Hundred. Mustang, convertible later in 2003. Other products of the FX45 with more of a coupe styling. the 500 horsepower supercharged V-8 in nor has it met the performance levels Thunderbird and F-series trucks will keep include a mid-size wagon and a crossover the brand new SL55 AMG (shown) many expected. This will kill plans to ■ Cadillac has hinted that the next their names. (probably in 2005) based on the upcom- ■ The redesigned Mercedes-Benz CLK eclipsed by some other manufacturer, is offer a supercharged version of the SVT generation DeVille may be converted to ing Cadillac SRX. convertible went on sale in Europe this now putting the finishing touches on a Mustang Cobra V-8 engine and a ZF six- rear-wheel drive when the new version ■ Coming to Mercedes-Benz during spring. The new design is typically 6.5-liter turbocharged V-12 engine for the speed automatic in the Marauder. Plans debuts as a 2007 model. Previously the 2005 model year is the ultimate ■ The next generation Lexus RX 300 is evolutionary, but some new high-tech new CL65 AMG coupe. Engine specs do call for silver to be added as a second Cadillac said the DeVille would be the only luxury performance sports car, the larger, stronger and more powerful. Now features are unique. The redesigned cloth have not been announced, but the same color choice in addition to the original Cadillac to maintain front-wheel drive. SL600. Starting with all the creature called the Lexus RX 330 name reflects the top can be raised or lowered by black before its demise. comforts and state-of-the-art high-tech new larger 3.3-liters engine size. New pushing one button inside the car, or ■ Photos of the full-size 2005 Chrysler gadgets, the SL600 then gets an infusion optional features including swiveling by remote control. It also features a ■ The BMW design team is working on a 300 (below) show a taller, boxier sedan of power from the 6.0-liter twin turbo V- headlights, power liftgate, four-wheel air standard rain sensor that will restyled version of the brand new 7 without the flowing cab-forward design 12 engine producing 500 hp. It promises suspension, adaptive cruise control, rain automatically close the top if it rains. Series, which just came to market last a massive rush of adrenaline sensing wipers and rear-facing backup There are also sensor-controlled roll year. Negative reaction to the new 7 for about $135,000. camera. It’s due out later this year as a bars behind the rear seat that deploy Series has the design chief and his crew 2004 model. automatically in an accident. developing new front and rear bodywork ■ General Motors plans to with an improved trunk lid line, along offer three affordable rear- ■ Alpine Electronics of America has ■ MINI Cooper owners can with the elimination of the ‘eyebrow’ wheel drive sport cars introduced a new in-dash 16 GB hard increase the power of their turbo- headlights. Look for the new style to starting in 2006. The Buick drive system capable of storing more than charged “S” model cars with a debut as early as the Tokyo auto show or version will be based on the 3,000 MP3, WMA or .WAV digital music factory-warrantied upgrade that boosts engine is rated at 600 hp with 723 lb.ft. of the Detroit show next January. ■ Bengal concept first shown in files (songs) for playback in the car. The horsepower from 163 hp to 200 hp. The torque in the Maybach ultra luxury sedan. Briefs & Rumors is a summary of auto news from 2001. The Pontiac will be new HAD-5460 system features Alpine’s kit debuted at the Geneva show in March industry sources, trade journals and consumer based on the Solstice concept new Quick Search functionality, allowing and will be available this spring in the ■ Mercedes-Benz will leapfrog the magazines compiled for Arizona Driver by BILL & from last year, and the Saturn users to easily find the track they are US through designated MINI installers as competition this fall when they plan to BARBARA SCHAFFER of Auto Digest.
28 • May/June 2003 • ARIZONADRIVER ARIZONADRIVER • May/June 2003 • 29 UPCOMING FEATURES
DESTINATION DIRECTORY
Arizona California Utah Mobility programs from Ford and GM ATTRACTIONS & EVENTS ATTRACTIONS & EVENTS ATTRACTIONS & EVENTS Chiricahua State Park Palm Desert Visitor Information Center San Juan County Tourism HCR 2, Box 6500 • Willcox AZ 85643 72-990 Highway 111 • Palm Desert CA 92260 117 S. Main Street • Monticello UT 84535 520-824-3560 800-873-2428 • www.palm-desert.org 800-574-4386 • www.southeastutah.org Grand Canyon National Park MOTOR MUSEUMS Southern Utah Scenic Tours PO Box 129 • Grand Canyon AZ 86023 PO Box 1113 • Cedar City UT 84720 Petersen Automotive Museum 923-638-7888 Visitor Info Recorded Message 888-404-8687 • www.utahscenictours.com 6060 Wilshire Blvd. (at Fairfax) • LA CA 90036 Lake Havasu State Park 323-930-CARS • www.petersen.org RESORTS / LODGING 699 London Bridge Dr. • Lake Havasu AZ 86403 Desert Rose Inn & Cabins 928-855-2784 Colorado 701 W. Highway 191 • Bluff UT 84512 Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument 888-475-7673 • www.DesertRoseInn.com 10 Organ Pipe Drive • Ajo AZ 85321-9626 ATTRACTIONS & EVENTS 520-387-6849 Visitor Information Ford and General Motors are Colorado Activity Centers, Inc. Mexico Petrified Forest National Park 737 N. Tenmile Drive - Suite 35 well along with comprehensive PO Box 2217 PO Box 129 • Frisco CO 80443 RESORTS / LODGING new programs for the disabled, Petrified Forest National Park AZ 86028 800-777-8642 • 970-668-5259 Puerto Peñasco Mexico Online providing flexibility and 928-524-66228 Visitor Information www.coloradoinfo.com Beachfront home rentals in Rocky Point. Saguaro National Park MOTOR MUSEUMS 623-935-0507 • www.puerto-penasco.com independence while developing 3693 South Old Spanish Trail Shelby American Collection ATTRACTIONS & EVENTS standards of universal design. 520-733-5153 Visitor Info Rincon Mtn District 5020 Chaparral Court Baja California State Tourism Office Sport Compact Drag Racing PO Box 19228 • Boulder CO 80308-2228 Blvd. Diaz Ordaz s/n Kia Sorento in the heat of the Valley and the snow of the Grand Canyon Every thursday at Firebird Raceway www.shelbyamericancollection.org Edificio Plaza Patria Nivel 3 www.dragracing.com/phx 303-516-9565 CP 22400 Tijuana BC Wupatki National Monument (66) 81-9492 Flagstaff Area National Monuments New Mexico Chihuahua State Tourism Office 6400 N. Hwy 89 • Flagstaff AZ 86004 Calle Libertad No. 1300 ATTRACTIONS & EVENTS 928-679-2365 Visitor Information Edificio Agustin Melgar, 1er Piso 928-526-1157 Visitor Information, HQ New Mexico Department of Tourism CP 31000 Chihuahua, Chihuahua 800-733-6396 x 0643 • www.newmexico.org (14) 29-3421 Nevada Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce Sinaloa State Tourism Office PO Box 1928 • Santa Fe NM 87504 Av. Camarón Sabalo esq. Tiburon ATTRACTIONS & EVENTS 8380 Cerrillos Rd. Suite 302 • Santa Fe NM 87507 Edificio Banrural 4 Piso Las Vegas Tourism Bureau 505-983-7317 • www.santafechamber.com CP 82100 Mazatlán, Sinaloa 6120 W. Tropicana Ave. • Las Vegas NV RESORTS / LODGING (69) 16-5160 www.lasvegastourism.com Our editorial staff spends a Inn on La Loma Plaza Sonora State Tourism Office MOTOR MUSEUMS 315 Ranchitos Road • Box 4159 • Taos NM 87571 Centro de Gobierno week with this top-value vehicle Imperial Palace Auto Collections 800-530-3040 • www.VacationTaos.com Edificio Estatal Norte 3er Nivel around town, while Larry Edsall Comonfort y Paseo Río Fifth floor parking facility of Imperial Palace. Inn on the Alameda takes it on a snowy high CP 83280 Hermosillo, Sonora 702-794-3174 303 East Alameda • Santa Fe NM 87501 (62) 17-0076 country adventure to the www.imperialpalace.com/auto.html 505-984-21221 • www.innonthealameda.com National Automobile Museum South Rim of the Grand Canyon. The Harrah Collection Information is derived from a variety of sources and may not be final or accurate; check all info. 10 Lake Street South • Reno NV 89501 Listings do not necessarily represent any specific affiliation with nor endorsement Road test: the new Jaguar XJ8, Vanden Plas and supercharged XJR 775-333-9300 • www.automuseum.org by Arizona Driver magazine.
Jaguar takes us for a hands-on tour of Arizona in a trio of the most technologically advanced Jags every built: the brand new for 2004 aluminum XJ8, the XJ Vanden Plas, and the XJR.
30 • May/June 2003 • ARIZONADRIVER It’s All About Drive.
15485 N. 84th Street bridgestonetire.com Scottsdale AZ 85260 tiresafety.com 1-800-766-2588 • 480-596-9655 1-800-807-9555