Car Chute

Few cars get the eulogy they deserve after a life of serving us.

But one 1982 Honda Civic was put to rest last week in Inwood, NY, and got a junkyard sendoff worthy of a lifelong friend.

Riddled with rust, the battered and buckled Honda made its way in a New Orleans-style funeral under its own power along Seaman Avenue near 207th Street, where the car had called home for 30 years. Known as “Bluey” for its once sky blue exterior, the car’s owner, Harry Ettling, said he was scrapping Bluey out of fear his feet would push through the floor. Of course, from the looks of it, you could push a finger through any of its quarter panels as well.

Through the years, Bluey survived a three-car accident in the ’80s and then was flipped by rioters in Washington Heights in 1992. But Ettling always got his Civic up and running again and kept on driving her. In the end, the hatchback had 170,000 miles on its odometer – which may not impress some, but 170,000 New York City miles is like 500,000 country miles.

As the Civic was towed off, Ettling must have thought about all of the good times Bluey had delivered. When asked about getting a new car, Ettling thought it over. “I’m not getting a new car,” Ettling told the New York Daily News. “I need time to heal.”

Scroll down to check out the funeral procession (complete with band!) and see a second video interview with Bluey’s owner.

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The 1960 Plymouth XNR will cross the block next month at the RM Auction in Monterey, Calif.

The one-of-a-kind sports car was penned by Chrysler design guru Virgil Exner, who always hoped Chrysler would include a roadster in its lineup. The XNR featured a powerful six-cylinder engine that pumped out 250 horses and gave the XNR a top of speed of 150 mph.

Ultimately, the project never got the green light, and the XNR was shipped back to Carrozzeria Ghia in Italy, where it was built.

From there, the car’s story gets more interesting. A series of owners bought it in the ’60s, and it wound up in the Shah of Iran’s garage. It was sold again before it disappeared. In the early 1980s, car collector Karim Edde discovered the XNR in Beirut, Lebanon, hidden away in an underground garage. He bought the car and shuffled it around safe houses as the civil war erupted around him.

Twenty years later, Edde had the XNR fully restored. Since it’s a concept, there were no spare parts and whatever could not be repaired was fabricated. RM Auctions has not suggested a price the XNR will go for, but we hope its next owner continues the car’s legacy.

You can watch Chrysler engineers test the XNR at the company’s proving grounds in the video below.

Related Gallery1960 Plymouth XNR

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Things are not getting better everywhere. That’s one of the themes in the 247WS.com story that points to 10 American cities where homes are cheaper than many new cars.

The list spans across the nation from Florida, to New Jersey to Ohio. But Michigan catches the brunt of the poorly priced real estate market, with Detroit taking the best of the worst honor by having the median listing price is $21,000 for a house, according to Trulia.com. That kind of change might get you a Chevy Cruze or Hyundai Elantra.

A new midsize sedan in the driveway should not cost more than the house it’s parked next to.

In reverse order, here’s the list and the city’s median price for a home. Sadly, it’s easy to pick a vehicle that costs more than any of these prices.

10. Port Richey, Florida: $59,900
9. Holiday, Florida: $59,900
8. Youngstown, Ohio: $57,550
7. Dearborn Heights, Michigan: $55,000
6. Whiting, New Jersey: $52,450
5. Warren, Michigan: $49,900
4. Redford, Michigan: $40,000
3. Gary, Indiana: $39,900
2. Flint, Michigan: $31,950
1. Detroit, Michigan: $21,000

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It’s been seven months since I crammed into a supercharged Mazda Miata with the Flyin’ Miata crew and fought tooth and nail for a fifth-place finish in the Grand Touring class of the 2011 Targa Newfoundland. That amount of time has done nothing to dull my desire to head right back into the fray as soon as possible. While I was there, the FM team spent a good deal of time hanging out with our friends over at MotoMan, and the crew just finished putting the final touches on its race documentary.

The first episode shows off the sweet SRT-tweaked Dodge Challenger the MotoMan guys got to play with. With plenty of suspension adjustments, a full cage and a bare-bones interior, the big white beast was as far from the NC Miata we campaigned as you could get. Watch the clip after the jump for an introduction to a few of the other competitors, including SRT CEO Ralph Gilles, as well as an interview with driver Brandon Fitch and myself. Keep an eye out for more episodes, too.

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Everyone loved their first car. No matter how beat up or broken down, it was a taste of freedom and you loved it. Even though it lasted only for a brief time, that emotional connection is an experience that unites us all.

To help celebrate the launch of the all-new 2012 Subaru Impreza, Subaru is collecting people’s first car stories at a site called FirstCarStory.com, and bringing them to life with animation and music so they can share them with their friends. It’s a way of recognizing the love people had for their first cars, while leading them to a love that can last; the 2012 Subaru Impreza. Subaru knows how important it is to have a car you can love, and with FirstCarStory.com, soon more people will be loving a Subaru than ever before.

Visit FirstCarStory.com to animate and share your First Car Story

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The 2012 Kia Optima combines bold exterior styling, performance and a spacious, luxurious cabin. It also comes with a long list of technologically advanced features for your entertainment, convenience and safety. See how the Optima is not your average midsize sedan.

MPG and Horsepower.The Optima LX and EX have a 2.4L GDI4-cyl. engine that delivers class-leading² non-hybrid fuel economy of 24 city/35 hwy mpg³ and a standard 200 horsepower that’s best-in-class³. The Optima SX has a turbocharged GDII4 engine that delivers class-leading² 274 horsepower and 22 city/34 hwy mpg².

Spaciousness.A spacious and luxurious cabin is designed to let five people travel in comfort. There’s also plenty of cargo space thanks to a roomy trunk.

Advanced safety systems. All Optimas have a long list of standard safety features, including six airbags, Electronic Stability Control and Vehicle Stability Management.

Innovative technology. A voice-command navigation system with rear-camera display, and both air-cooled and heated front seats are available on select models.

Sleek styling. Sculpted bodywork features a contemporary design and enhanced aerodynamics, while unique grilles and alloy wheels help define each model. The Optima SX has steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters for fingertip control of the Sportmatic transmission. It also has a sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels with black-colored calipers, HID headlights, LED tail-lights and a rear spoiler.

Active Eco System. Automatic transmission models have an Active Eco System. With a push of the Eco button, it adjusts the engine and transmission calibration to optimize fuel efficiency.

The Kia Optima is now available in turbo, hybrid and limited models.

Learn more about the new and improved Optima at Kia.com

*Optional features are not available in all trims.
²Class-leading MPG claim based on comparison of 2011 midsize sedans as of September 2011. 2011 EPA fuel economy estimates for LX 2.4L GDI(non-turbo) engine with manual transmission are 24 city/35 hwy mpg; for SX 2.0L turbo (shown), 22 city/34 hwy. Actual mileage may vary.
³Best-in-class claim based on comparison of 2011 midsize sedans as of September 2011. Max HP for LX GDInon-turbo engine is 200 hp @ 6,300 rpm; max HP for Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV)-the only GDInon-turbo engine available in CA, CT, ME, MD, MA, NJ, NM, NY, OR, PA, RI, VT and WA-is 192 hp @ 6,300 rpm.

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UPSIZE YOUR EXPECTATIONS IN A SEDAN

There are lots of sedans out there and they all deliver on features, but then come the compromises. Get decent gas mileage, but lose precious legroom. Get a roomy interior, but forfeit the technology. You get the picture. Unfortunately, when it comes to sedans, compromise seems to have become the norm. Fortunately the people over at Nissan aren’t too keen on compromising so they decided to deliver a sedan that doesn’t hold back on space, technology or design all at price that is wallet friendly. The all-new Nissan Versa 1.6S MT Sedan has the most legroom, headroom, technology and trunk space per dollar of any car in Americaand it’s pretty darn affordable too, starting at just $10,990¹

With the Versa sedan’s 104 cubic feet² of interior space and the fact that it can get up to 38 mpg³ on the highway, it’s ideal for any kind of driving, from cross-country road trips to commuting across town. Even your tall friends will enjoy the ride more when they find that there’s plenty of room to stretch out, relax and enjoy the ride. And for you and the four friends you can comfortably fit inside, you can also play everyone’s favorite tunes with the available USB/iPod plug in. Don’t worry about getting lost either, thanks to the available 5-inch touch screen navigation in the dash, you can get anywhere without a second guess.

Another factor to consider more and more these days is how many miles you can go, and how efficiently you can get there. We’re all aware of the fluctuating gas prices, the wacky economy and the push to make everything more sustainable in an increasingly eco conscious world. In that vein, the Versa Sedan is the first Nissan car to introduce PUREDRIVE^TM It’s Nissan’s eco friendly initiative that lowers CO² emissions while helping you get the most out of your gas tank too. It’s more money in your pocket and a little less guilt coming out of your tailpipe.

So, there’s been a lot of “most” claims so far with the Nissan Versa Sedan, but what about safety? Well, it comes complete with 6 standard airbags, and keeps you confidently in the driver’s seat with Vehicle Dynamic Control and advanced breaking. To further insure that you stay in charge, the available hands free Bluetooth phone system allows you to talk away while your hands stay on the wheel.

Spacious, affordable and efficient. All for a price so unbelievably low, you just might say the 2012 Versa Sedan is the most, for the least.

Learn more about the All-New Nissan Versa Sedan.

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Inside the 2012 Soul

• Jump into the Soul and, with its 4-wheel disc brakes and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), you can take on the road with confidence. Enjoy the new 138-hp 1.6L gdI engine that delivers up to 35 hwy mpgor Soul+ (plus)and Soul! (exclaim)models’ 164-hp 2.0L mpI engine and 6-speed automatic transmission.* An available Eco package* on select models includes Idle Stop go (ISG)* to help maximize fuel efficiency. It automatically turns off the engine when you come to a complete stop and then seamlessly restarts the engine when you release the brake pedal.
• With the standard equipment you’re looking for, the Soul and Soul+ (plus)are ready to roll. Both come with a greataudio system, air conditioning and power windows/locks. In addition, the Soul+ has a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine, leather-wrapped steering wheel/gearshift knob, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, advanced wireless technology, 16-inch alloy wheels and remote keyless entry.
• The Soul models have distinctive front LED accent lights and LED taillights to stand apart from the rest. Simply put, there’s no comparison to the Soul.
• Soul!(exclaim)takes style to a new level with its sand-black interior, houndstooth design of its seating, or the available leather seat trim with heated front seats. You get all the standard features found on the Soul+ along with larger 18-inch alloy wheels as well as other great features available on the Premium Package.
• Soul’s active safety systems are engineered to help you avoid accidents, and its passive systems are designed to help minimize injuries when they are unavoidable. This means that front to back and top to bottom, Soul is engineered to help enhance everyone’s well-being.
• Think of the Soul as your personal canvas. It’s ready for custom touches. Unique colors inside and out for you to choose from. Plenty of optional accessories, like aluminum sill plates for the doors, all-weather floormats and bumper appliqué. For the finishing touch – a sunshade with the name Soul on it. It’s your masterpiece.
• Tons of gear? No problem. Flip down the 60/40 split-folding rear seats. And there’s more. 1) While you can’t see the hidden tray in the cargo floor, it’s there.* 2) Check out the sunroof.* 3) Push-button start.* 4) Pulsating speaker lights.* 5) heated front seats.* 6) Dual-level glove box. 7) Cruise control.* 8) Voice-command navigation system and automatic climate control.* 9) USB/aux for your MP3.e pedal.

Click to learn more about the 2012 Kia Soul.

*Optional equipment. Not all optional features are available on all trim levels.

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The competition may have been stiff, but Ford has done it again, capturing its seventh win of the North American Truck of the Year title, this time with the all-new 2011 Ford Explorer. With class-leading fuel economy, a towing capability of 5,000 pounds, available industry-exclusive second-row inflatable safety belts and Intelligent 4WD with an advanced Terrain Management System, as well as a host of other advanced technologies and features, the new Ford Explorer walked away with the prestigious title of 2011 North American Truck of the Year.

The North American Truck of the Year award recognizes vehicles based on factors that include innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value for the dollar. A jury of 49 veteran automotive journalists from the United States and Canada vote for the vehicles, which must be “all-new” or “substantially changed” from the previous model to qualify for the award. Last year, the Ford Transit Connect was the winner. The best-selling Ford F-150 pickup won the honor in 2004 and 2009; the fuel-efficient Ford Escape Hybrid won in 2005. This is the 18th year for the Truck of the Year award.

“It’s a proud moment for Ford, our employees and our customers to have Explorer named North American Truck of the Year,” said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. “Winning this honor for the third consecutive year confirms our One Ford plan is working to deliver vehicles people truly want and value, with industry-leading quality, fuel efficiency, safety and smart technology.”

The new Ford Explorer is America‘s most fuel-efficient full-size SUV, with an EPA-rated 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway with the standard V6 engine. Technologies include twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT), a six-speed automatic transmission, electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) and aggressive deceleration fuel shutoff. The new Explorer also offers a wind-skimming aerodynamic shape to maximize fuel economy.

For SUV buyers putting top priority on fuel economy, Explorer this year will offer a 2.0-liter EcoBoost™ I-4 that is anticipated to deliver even greater fuel efficiency.

The all-new Explorer has been reinvented to reflect 21st century customer needs, while honoring the fully capable heritage of previous Explorer models. It is built at Ford’s Chicago Assembly Plant and already is on sale at Ford dealerships across North America.

Learn More about Ford Explorer at Ford.com

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When you’re in the car it can be REALLY hard to ignore that $300 phone buzzing in your pocket. Which raises the question: how do you utilize all the cool stuff your mobile devices offer, without losing sight of the road?

Ford’s SYNC^® voice-activation technology helps take the worry out of using your mobile devices while you’re … well, mobile. SYNC^®allows users easy access to their Bluetooth-enabled phones, MP3 players, and USB drives through an ever-growing bank of intuitive voice-activated commands. SYNC^®can read your text messages aloud, search your music, give you turn-by-turn directions, traffic alerts, and much more, all while you keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

Combine this with Ford’s revolutionary MyFord Touch® system, and you’ve got a powerful combination of technology and convenience that keeps you connected to the road and the world around you. MyFord Touch® lets you access your music through Bluetooth-enabled devices, a USB thumb-drive, an SD card, or even a portable hard-drive. It offers navigation with 3-D maps and turn-by-turn directions for the most fuel-efficient routes. Just tell SYNC^® “I’m hungry” and you’ll see directions and contact info for nearby restaurants. MyFord Touch® greatly enhances many of the features offered by SYNC^®. For example, when partnered with MyFord Touch®, not only can SYNC^® read you your incoming texts through your car speakers, but you can also use voice commands to choose from 15 preset responses displayed on screen, or use the touch screen to tap out a custom response.

MyFord Touch® also gives you two LCD screens, which lie directly in your line of sight on both sides of the speedometer, and are totally customizable to your preferences. Set them to display vehicle settings, climate control, navigation, fuel gauge, miles left until you run out of gas, and more. Using the steering wheel controls you can easily navigate these features without diverting your attention from the road.

Also, Ford recently released its Software Development Kit (SDK) to app developers so that they can modify existing smart phone applications for voice-activated control through SYNC^®. For example, you could tell your favorite music-streaming app to go to the next track, just as you currently can with an MP3 player.

So go ahead, leave your phone in your pocket. With SYNC^®and MyFord Touch® you won’t have to put your life on hold just because you’re in the car. Now more than ever you can stay connected to everything the world has to offer and the roads that get you there – with SYNC^®and MyFord Touch®.

Visit www.ford.com/suvs/explorer to learn more.

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