The Detroit News: Chrysler ends production of Caliber and welcomes the Dart

The Detroit News reports that after years of small profits, Chrysler pulled the plug on the Caliber. Introduced in 2006 as a replacement for the Dodge Neon, the Caliber was basically the worst of a bad bunch by many industry observers. Consumer Reports ranked the Caliber SXT at the bottom of its list of small hatchbacks and wagons in the 2011 annual car issue.

Analyst Jim Hall of 2953 Analytics LLP said he thought cars such as the Caliber, the Chevrolet Cobalt and previous generations of the Ford Focus were the products of "cynical thinking" and approved because the companies thought consumers who purchased the entry-level vehicles wouldn't know any better.

Personally, the Dodge Caliber confused me because you don't really know what to consider it. In some circles, it was considered as a small CUV- since it had four doors with a hatchback. In other circles, it was Dodge's version of a compact car. Alas, I don't have to wonder anymore.

However, Dodge hasn't given up hope on a compact car, and they decided to re-release the new Dodge Dart. With the new and improved Dart, think of Fiat's Alfa Romeo brand since that's what it's based off of. Take the Dodge Avenger and squish it a bit and round out the front fenders and take the lights from the Charger. Be prepared for the unveiling at the North American International Auto Show in the Big D- where Dodge, Ford, and Chevy battle to unveil lots and lots of goodies...

Playboy Picks Their 2012 Cars of the Year

In the latest issue (January/February 2012 aka the Lindsey Lohan cover), iconic magazine Playboy has picked their choices of their 2012 Cars of the Year. The list isn't just limited to only SUVs or only luxury cars. This list is a solid, well rounded list, and I do love the particular car that's in the photo above.

Per Playboy, here's their picks for the top 2012 cars...

2012 Lamborghini Aventador; MSRP: $387,000

Fiat 500; MSRP: $15,500

Range Rover Evoque; MSRP: $41,145

Lexus CT 200H; MSRP: $29,120

BMW 1 Series M; MSRP: $46,135

Bentley Continental GTC; MSRP: $205,600

Audi A7; MSRP: $59,250

Mercedes-Benz CLs63 AMG; MSRP: $94,900

Hyundai Veloster; MSRP: $17,300

Jaguar XKR-S; MSRP: $132,000

And I saved the best for last...

Ford Mustang Boss 302; MSRP: $40,310

Noticed how all of the cars are black? I still think all cars look great in black. Pick up Playboy's January/February 2012 issue on newsstands now...

Happy Holidays....

Of course I had to use the World's Famous Rockefeller Center Tree...

Enjoy your holiday season. See you in 2012.

Savini Wheels Shows off Black and White Porsche Panameras

Savini Forged Wheels released shots two Porsche Panameras- One's black and the other is white ... Check out the photos.

"Diva Edition" Rolls Royce Ghost

An Italian fashion designer decided to take their talents from fashion to customizing cars...

... in which he came up with the Diva Edition Rolls Royce Ghost totaling to well over $1 million. According to the highly outraged The Daily Mail, "The Fenice Milano 'Diva' has been spray painted in 24-carat gold and the company is so proud of it they have described the model as a 'true.masterpiece.'
It is fitted with the same 6-litre twin-turbocharged engine of the Ghost, giving the saloon more than 560bhp and a top speed of 155mph."

"Fenice Milano believes their Rolls-Royce is a 'synonym for class, elegance and style'. many would disagree.
The interior has biscuit leather and 24-carat gold throughout. The standard Ghost costs £220,000 but the Diva is now for sale at £1.05million."

Maybe some things should be left up to car customizers... And why do I picture Bryan "Birdman" Williams buying this?

Car Show Coverage: 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon

The 2012 Tokyo Auto Salon is just around the corner, but why not show off some photos from the 2011 show. But before I show them, let me brief you about the importance to this car show.

(I love sparkle as much as the next girl, but...)

The Tokyo Auto Salon is the Japanese version of SEMA. It is the world's largest auto exhibition in the world. There are over 600 vehicles for display with over 300 companies, associations, and schools. There are also after-market parts manufacturers, custom shops, care manufacturers, automotive businesses, and automotive vocational schools. There are not only custom cars and after-market manufactures, there is also live entertainment. Top musicians from around the world and talk shows hosting famous drivers and celebrities can be seen at the Tokyo Auto Salon.

So this is one serious show, and I came up with a compilation of photos around the 'net from the 2011 show that was held in January in Chiba City, Japan. Between motor trend, carzi.com, autoweek.com, and a whole bunch of them found on flickr, this will give you a gist of how they do it in Japan.

(Love the paint job)

(Love the fact that the models at the show looked like the girls on this car)

(Easy way to show off aftermarket wheels)

(The lighting was a little harsh for her skin tone, but we're still rolling with it.)

(Love the lighting on this photo and her eyes.)

(Love this interior)

(Chrome Nissan GT-R. Niiiiiiiiiccccccccceeeeeeee)

(One narrow school bus)

(Chromed Prius!!!)

Note to self: brush up on the "Domo arigato" asap. I'm ambitious enough to run with the big dogs, even if there's a language barrier.

Savini Wheels shows off a Ford Mustang Boss Edition

The folks at Savini Forged Wheels released some shots of my second lover for 2012, the Ford Mustang Boss Edition.









You know, black and electric blue would be a beautiful combination of a Boss Edition Mustang. Still gorgeous...