Video: An 11 year old burns rubber in an Audi R8... on some grass

Autoblog got their mittens on a video of an 11 year old boy who was allowed to drive a black Audi R8... on the grass.

P.S. The kid didn't wear a seatbelt

Jaguar Releases Their Fastest Production Car Ever...

At the New York Auto Show...

Presenting the 2012 Jaguar XKR-S, 550 horsepower, 0-60 in 4.2 seconds. More specs will be released shortly....

I don't know about you, but I'm getting more and more excited over the NYIAS.

Grrr... Bentley Might Bring Back the Turbo R

According to Auto Express, Bentley is toying with the idea of working on a new version of its legendary Turbo R coupe. Rumor has it that the new Turbo R would be a luxury super coupe based on the Mulsanne, packing close to 600 horsepower from a tuned version of the sedan's twin-turbo 6.75-liter V8. Basically, it'll be a boxy Bentley, like the Mulsanne below.

If Bentley goes forth and builds the car, we could see it as early as 2013, possibly designed very close to what you'd imagine a two-door Mulsanne would look like. Bentley is still hush hush on whether the car will be built, but if it is, it could serve as a fitting replacement for the Brooklands.

At this point, the idea of the Turbo R is just that, an idea with no confirmation about its existence, it's hard to say for sure when it will debut or what it will actually look like. Look for more updates as they arrive.

Either way, I'm not going to wet my pants over it. I'm not a fan of those boxy, luxury cars- think Rolls Royce Phantom, Bentley Brooklands, Bentley Azure, etc. I like my cars built like I am... with curves.

Some people love the performance aspect of cars, I love the design aspect of cars. To each it's own. But if I was presented with a Bentley Mulsanne, I would take it... and trade it for the Bentley Continental Supersports. Keep in mind that I was extremely close to owning my own Bentley Continental GT without Grand Theft Auto having to do with it.

Lexus Reveals the Official Photos for the Beautiful LF-Gh Concept Car

Lexus released their photos of the LF-Gh concept car and guess where the car will make it's debut... Yes, you guessed it, it will be at the New York International Auto Show. I hope this car will make it to the assembly line, cause it's such a beautiful car.

I'm in lust over this car because of the design. The sharp angles and those lights made my heart jump. I wonder how he performs...

Sadly there's no specs because it's a concept car which means when it gets the green light for production, they'll work out all the little kinks. I hope it's at least a V6 engine with 250 horsepower, because if it's not, then it's a waste of design.

Bernie's Top 5 Concept Car Picks from the Geneva Auto Show

Yesterday, the 81st annual Geneva Auto Show ended. It is always hosted at the Geneva Palexpo, a convention center located next to the Geneva Cointrin International Airport in Switzerland. The Geneva Auto Show is one of the biggest Auto Shows in the world, and it forces automakers to bring out their top projects for the public to view and for me to critique.

Every year, there's a large amount of vehicles that debuts. Most of them are production vehicles, a.k.a. ideas that were green-lit to be sold to the general public, and my favorite- concept cars. I'm going to get into my favorite vehicles that made its debut, but for now, it's concept car time.

Before I begin, let me tell you what a concept car is. According to the great folks at wikipedia, "A concept vehicle or show vehicle is a car prototype made to showcase a concept, new styling and new technology. They are often shown at motor shows to gauge customer reaction to new and radical designs which may or may not have a chance of being produced." Think of when the Chrysler Imperial was suppose to come out as a more top of the line version (also a better version) of the Chrysler 300.

So I took a look at the concept vehicles that made its debut this year and I came up with my top 5 that I'm supporting... for now.

The Toyota FT-86 II Concept... I like this because of the design and also because it would be a good look for Toyota. Since they've scraped both the Celica and the Solara (I was mad over the Solara), Toyota doesn't have any sports cars. Yeah, you can say that there's Scion and Lexus, but Toyota itself, doesn't have one. And no, the Camry Sport doesn't count, because no matter how much horsepower you add to it, it's still a family sedan. And most importantly, it'll still be a practical sports car.

Volkswagen Microbus Concept Car. Doesn't it look familiar? Well VW did introduce this vehicle in the 60s, and they did drive a vehicle like this in Scooby Doo. But this version is completely modernized and I love it... We all know that I'm a bit eccentric, so my liking something like this wouldn't be anything new.

The Jaguar XE. I'm in love with the design. The shape is crazy, especially in the silver pictured above. It looks like a refined version of the Porsche Panamera. I need something like this in my life, but knowing me, I'll get some crazy speeding tickets in it, and the last thing I would need is a suspended license. The once thing I don't like is that it is so low to the ground. Imagine driving on the Cross Bronx Expressway in this. What a way to tear up the undercarriage. **Sad face**

Even though this next car is rather small, I still featured it.

The Alfa Romeo 4C Concept, and I'm really not an exotic car person. On top of that, this is a four cylinder sports car (is there really such a thing?) that puts off 200 horsepower. Technically, I could out race this car with my GMC Envoy. But there's something about this car that I like. Probably because it looks cute, like a VW Beetle. The Alfa Romeo 4C is a cute concept car.

I gave you three sports car and a van, so I'm sure that an SUV has to be somewhere.

And here it is...

Although it looks like all of the other Range Rover Sports, the Range_e Concept is rather different. According to the good folks at Land Rover, with a total output of 334-hp and a top speed of around 120 mph, the Range_e averages a fuel-economy of 71 mpg and 690 miles of driving on a full tank. The Range_e also has the same full 4WD capability as the standard Range Rover Sport. Need I say more? I do like the Range_e, but I'm in love with the Range Rover Evoque.

Because I have such great taste, there's rumors going around that all five of these fine vehicles will hit the assembly line. Please note that I'm adding "To Attend the Geneva Auto Show" on my list of goals, right behind "To Attend the Tokyo Auto Salon" and "Climbing to the top of the Empire State Building"

Is this not cute or what????

Sanrio and the Smart Car have teamed up and announced a partnership to offer vehicle wraps featuring Hello Kitty for the smart fortwo. Vehicle owners can now order Hello Kitty vehicle wraps through smart USA's "Smart Expressions," a customization program launched in July.

"We are expanding the highly successful smart program by adding licensed brands as part of our wrap offerings," said Kim McGill, smart USA's vice president of marketing. "Both Hello Kitty and smart are expressive with a passionate following, and this is a special opportunity to bring the two fan bases together."

"Our collaboration with smart USA allows fans to truly embrace the Hello Kitty lifestyle," said Janet Hsu, president of Sanrio, Inc. "This is the first time that Sanrio will offer a Hello Kitty car in the United States. The modern, environmentally-friendly features of the smart fortwo combined with supercute Hello Kitty designs deliver an exciting offering that responds to the demands of our fans for special edition lifestyle products."

The smart Expressions program offers Hello Kitty wraps in three different full body designs, each with a selection of color schemes, in addition to a series of partial wrap designs and colors. In total, there are 22 full and partial wrap design and color combinations from which to choose.

The Hello Kitty wrapped cars will appear at many Sanrio 50th Anniversary events this fall. The Hello Kitty customized cars can be seen at various stops on the Small Gift mobile pop up tour, which kicks off in San Francisco on October 23. The tour does make a stop in Atlanta on November 26-28 in Atlantic Station, and I will be there.

I'm anxious to see it. I'm such a girl... But my biggest question is: How come this won't be at SEMA? Ironically the tour stops in Las Vegas 10 days after I'll be there...

Infinity comes out with the new G25 vehicle.

(photos from edmunds.com

Infinity announced a new addition to the Infinity G line family, the G25 Sedan, which features a 2.5 liter V6 engine. It’s scheduled to go on sale at Infiniti retailers nationwide in September, joining the Infiniti G37 Sedan, G37 Coupe, and G37 convertible (side note: the G37 replaced the ever popular G35). The MSRP starts out at about $31,000.

“With the new G25 Sedan, we’re broadening the appeal of the G Line with a model designed to provide an additional choice for buyers looking for a true luxury sedan, but who might not need the higher levels of performance provided by out larger engine0equipped G37 models.” Said Infiniti Vice President Ben Poore, speaking at a media event at the 60th annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.



The new 2011 Infiniti G25 Sedan shares the same dynamic exterior, interior, and chassis as the G37, but with a smaller displacement engine. The 2.5-liter DOHC 24-value V6 produces 218 horsepower and 187 lb-ft of torque, versus the G37’s 3.7-liter DOHC 24-valve V6’s 328 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque. The G25 Sedan comes with a standard 7-speed auto transmission and is available in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. Three models are offered: the G25 Sedan, G25 Sedan Journey, and G25x Sedan AWD.

The G25 Sedan’s extensive list of standard equipment includes leather-appointed seating, Shodo aluminum interior trim, 8-way power driver’s seat and 4-way power front passenger’s seat, Automatic Temperature Control, premium audio system with six speakers, XM Satellite Radio (of course, the subscription is required and is not included), and much more. Other standard features go fro 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, HID Xenon headlights, 4-wheel Anti-lock Disc Braking System, Vehicle Dynamic Control, and Traction Control System. The G25 Journey models adds Rearview Monitor, heated front seats, heated outside mirrors, auto on/off headlights, Dual Zone Automatic Temperature Control and more.



Poore said “Even though the G25 is the entry vehicle into the G line, it offers an impressive array of luxury features- from leather appointed seats to satellite radio”. And Poore was so right…

Upcoming Car Show: 2010 Dub Car Show, Denver, CO

Dub Car Show is heading to the mile high state of Colorado, and pulling into Denver. It will be on August 22nd, at the Elitch Gardens from 10am-9pm. I hate how they say "rain or shine" knowing some people will not come out in the rain. I know I won't. Can't get the hair wet...

I know some Denver Nuggets will be out there. Don't Carmelo have a serious car game??? I know LaLa does.

Recapping the 2010 NOPI/HIN Atlanta

NOPI returned to Atlanta!!!! After three long years, this time, they teamed up with Hot Import Nights and came back to the Atlanta Motor Speedway on July 31 and August 1. Unfortunately, I had a prior engagement, so I could only go out there on August 1. But there's a part of me that is thinking that Saturday had a better turn out than Sunday. I do know that I missed Jasiel (Yung Joc to you guys), but I see him a lot around Atlanta.

I've said this many times that the 2007 NOPI was my first car show and how I thought the show was just the Funkmaster Flex Car Show. But I enjoyed myself because there were soooooo many cars. There was a variety, but they were mostly imports.

NOPI came back, but this year was a little different. It was smaller because some of the people who usually come were a little apprehensive towards the turnout. It was like I expected, mostly imports. When I was hearing about guys' thoughts about NOPI, they were a bit let down cause it was mostly an import type show. There's less Crown Victorias, Chargers, early 80's vehicles, etc but there's more Hondas, Scions, Mitsubishis. It was like I never left New York.

Let's take a looksy.

Reminds me of the days of drag racing on DPA (Deer Park Avenue, it's a Long Island thing)

(I like the curtains)



She's not just a NOPI Model, she does all car shows and she's been in music videos (That's how I know her). Check out jadacheng.com for more info about her. Don't be surprised if you see her on here again, especially cause she's from New York.

The Steelers license plate frame ruined the moment. I should have tossed it somewhere.

The owner of the bear wanted me to take the photo.

The owner of this truck said that he loves New Yorkers

Since he said that, I might as well showcase his other vehicle.

So cute

Here's the funny part, I recognized this car from the 07 NOPI. Back then, he airbrushed Biggie, Tupac, Left Eye, Aaliyah and Jam Master Jay on the car. Don't believe me???

Told you....

We all know I hate body kits on SUVs

This ain't your Daddy's Toyota Camry, and if it was, I don't think Sunshine (her actual name) would be leaning on it.

However Interviews from these two vehicles are coming soon...


There better be a 2011 NOPI Tour. I didn't see the Hot Import Nights aspect at all. For more photos, check out 2010 NOPI/HIN Car Show in Atlanta gallery at Betrueatl.com

My Direction of Doing Donuts With Bernie

After I sent out the releases to promote this blog, I'd figure that I would explain the direction of where I'm going with this.

Since the age of 5, I've been involved with photography. At the age of 8, I was fascinated with cars. Since 2007, I love car shows, I love going to them, I love covering them (photos and video. I stepped my game up). I love talking to people about their cars. If I can go around the country and cover car shows, I would be ecstatic. And I wanted to do something different than the "norm of Atlanta". If you hear the words "I have a blog based out of Atlanta", it's a blog that has to do with celebrities (which really means gossip). Out of all the celebrity blogs in Atlanta, only a handful provides exclusive content that people actually care about reading. After hearing that a million and one times, you want something different. I don't want to be like everyone else, I want to do something different. I wanted a blog, but I don't want it to be like everyone else's in Atlanta. So I went against the grain and started an automotive blog. The difference between a blog like mine versus an automotive blog like Dub is that I want to go to as many car shows as possible. Nothing personal against Dub, but on their site, they only show coverage of their shows and it takes them months to post 6 photos. Also, I would love to see coverage of a car show where I couldn't attend, which is so hard to find...

Another side to this is to talk to car enthusiasts about their vehicles, including celebrities. Most people, more specifically guys, love their vehicles and love to talk about their vehicles especially to a female. Why not go for it.

Finally, if you're looking for reviews for aftermarket parts, new vehicles, etc, I'll provide that, along with some downloads to music you can play in your vehicle. And most importantly, I'm having fun with this and I do have enough knowledge to really talk about this.

At the end of the day, I want something that I can be proud of which encompasses what I love and something that is unique in the city that I chose to live in.

Take everything that I mentioned earlier and throw in my opinion, and that's where I'm going with Doing Donuts With Bernie... Hate it, love it, or be confused by it, I'm not going anywhere.

Bernie's Take on Dub Wheels

I honestly thought all they carried were the spinners that you see at Car Shows. Boy I was happy to say that I was wrong. They have a nice array of wheels, just at the car shows the spinners were the ones who were getting the most love. I don't think those wheels will go away anytime soon. The "Spinners" line is probably the best selling line. Can't knock their hustle.

So I’m gonna divide my favorites by how the website divides it, as well as showing you what I'm talking about.

The Dub 1pc: I like the Nasty Car , Dirty Dog , and I love the Big Homie Wheels. Those are hot on an SUV, especially on a full size SUV (Escalade, Yukon Denali, Tahoe, etc).

The Spinners: I’m not a spinner person. Dub Spinners look better on a car, rather than a SUV. But as long as the background of the spinner is color matched to the vehicle, then I can deal. But if I were to pick one, I will go with the Muse Spinner.

The Three Piece Forged: Now we’re getting to the good stuff. There’s not much of a difference between the X-10 and the X-11 . The X-12, X-19 , X-21 , X-22 are pretty. X-34 is for girls!!!! Don't believe me? Bam...

The Zane Collection: I’m not a fan, but I would have to see the wheels on a car to change my opinion.

Dub Exclusive: Proxy 2 and Proxy 9 are interesting. But they’ll have to be on the right “fully customized” car.

But my favorite Dub Wheels: Second place is the X-20 , but first place is the X-16 . Both of those would work on a big bodied car, not on an SUV.