CEC Wheels explains the difference between forged and cast wheels.

(Photo by Autoguide.com)

CEC Wheels released an article that was interesting and informing. CEC was kind enough to post a quick article about the construction methods of both casting and forging aluminum wheels.

"The casting process involves pouring or injecting molten aluminum into a mold containing a cavity with the desired shape of the wheel. This allows for greater design flexibility and higher production volume compared to a forged wheel. Until recently, most wheels have been gravity cast (heavier and thicker). Today, low pressure casting techniques are used to substantially reduce porosity and mass. Cast wheels are generally designed larger and heavier in order to achieve acceptable load rating for a given application."

"CEC Forged wheels are manufactured in multiple steps compared to the one step in the casting process. Forged wheels have greater structural integrity and less mass, and usually cost substantially more than cast wheels due to the multiple processes and complicated machinery involved. While forged wheels are typically reserved for high performance vehicles where the reduction in rotating mass and unsprung weight is desired to increase performance, our CEC Forged wheels are built to order for nearly any vehicle."

Remember, you learn somrthing new everyday, and thanks to CEC Wheels, I developed another wrinkle in my brain.

Forgiato Wheels shows off a Bugatti Veyron

Forgiato Wheels released shots of a Bugatti Veyron wearing their super luxurious type of wheels, the Forgiato F2.01 wheels. Remember just last year, Forgiato released the Forgiato 2.0 line, which is a high performance luxury line of wheels. Basically it's more luxurious than their original collection of wheels- because we all know that Forgiato Wheels aren't priced for everyone.

Girl Moment: Kimora gets gas for her Ferrari

Since I've been living in Atlanta for 5 years, I've been fortinate to meet a lot of famous people. A lot of people can say that they've partied with Sean "Puffy" (or Diddy) Combs, but I honestly have. One things for sure, I haven't met everyone that I always wanted to meet.

Case in point, the subject matter of this post. Kimora Lee Simmons. Is she driving a customized Ferrari? Nope. But is this one of the people who influenced Bernie to be the best person she can be, yes. And that's why I couldn't pass the opportunity to show off Kimora and her Ferrari with New York license plates.

And before you panic, she is the only celebrity inspiration I have. Although I do love Jay-Z...

Photos: X17online.com

Bernie's Recommendation: Cruisin' Califas at the Oceanside Museum of Art

So while pulling my weave out looking for something to post, I came across something interesting. Another side to me is that I do love going to museums, and quite often, museums do have exhibits dedicated to automobiles. Halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego, lies a city called Oceanside, and within that city is a gem called the Oceanside Museum of Art (or OMA). OMA realized how important Lowriding is to Los Angeles culture (side note: even I knew that, and I'm New York to the heart) and how LA is the Lowrider Capital of the World. This past weekend was the opening weekend to Cruisin' Califas: The Art of Lowriding, the exhibit that's dedicated to art of lowriders.

(Photo by Kid Duece)

According to the Oceanside Museum of Art,

"The title of the exhibition, Cruisin’ Califas, refers to Lowrider culture in California and the favorite pastime of the Lowrider – cruising! Califas is a slang term that refers to California amongst the Latino culture with roots that going back to the mythological land of Calafia that inspired the naming of California. Largely associated with the rise of the automobile industry and the post WWII manufacturing boom, Lowriders became a popular way for people, mostly without the means to purchase a brand new car, to express their individuality and cultural pride. Lowrider describes a car that is customized with a hydraulic setup to be low to the ground, with an elaborate paint job that often includes pin striping and lettering, with striking chrome features, and uniquely designed upholstery. Classic cars such as Chevrolet Impalas and Master Deluxes are often associated with this culture, but today, any type of vehicle can be transformed into a Lowrider, from motorcycles to bicycles, SUV’s and tricycles. Reaching farther then cars; this phenomenon has become a way of life for many people, influencing the style of the artists involved in this exhibition."

(Photo by EO)

(Photo by JB)

And you know that artwork of Estevan Oriol and Jae Bueno will be a part of the collection... Thank God. I said Thank God, because to have a collection about Lowriders and not feature the work of Oriol- whose body of work is greatly influenced by Los Angeles culture and Bueno- the one person whose work you can count on seeing in Lowrider Magazine and who shoots Car Shows in the Southwestern Part of the US. I honestly think Jae Bueno has photographed every lowrider that is in the Southwest. And you have to respect the both of them, and I tip my NY Yankees hat to them.

(Photo by Kid Duece)

This exhibit will be at the museum from May 13 - September 30, 2012, so hopefully, HOPEFULLY, I will make it to LA to see this. But if you live in LA or San Diego and love lowriders-- or cars in general, haul ass down the 5, and get there. Because you may know a lot about Lowriders, but I'm sure you can learn something at this exhibit.

(photo by Kid Deuce)

The photo above is the prime example why I respect Lowriders so much. I did not personally know the owner of this vehicle, but I understand that he's in a much better place and isn't suffering (Bernie doesn't deal with death well). I've said this plenty, plenty of times on this site. The main reason why I respect Lowriders simply because of the attention of detail that the owners put into their car. The engraving is serious. And since I do have a design background, I can and do appreciate that level of intricate detail. No matter how hard you try, you can't throw together a Lowrider- it takes serious thought.

I'm still getting a Lowrider Plaque that says Bernie and I want Estevan Oriol to photograph me with it. My mind works fast and while typing this, I just came up with the photo shoot.

P.S. My favorite museum of all time is the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and I do think that the High Museum of Art in Atlanta is not a real museum. The High Museum sucks.

Butler Tire Shows off a Bentley Continental GT

The guys at Butler Tire released photos of a brand spankin' new Bentley Continental GT sitting on some MHT Vendetta Wheels in 22 inches. Check out the photos and the commentary I have afterwards.







I like the wheels that were picked for this particular vehicle, because it compliments it and it doesn't cheapen the Bentley. With luxury and exotic vehicles, you gotta watch what wheels you choose because it can and will make a vehicle look inexpensive. Wheel design does make or break the look of the vehicle. Prime example: when you see Daytons on a SUV and on a Muscle Car. Don't believe me?

I compare wheel design to the plus size women that believe in wearing leggings and a tube top as an outfit (typically found in a mall in the hood). Just because they make it in your size, it doesn't mean that you should wear it, ESPECIALLY in public. But those Daytons above, that's a Louisville, KY thing. When I went to that "Funkmaster Flex" Car Show and saw vehicles like that sitting on Daytons, I wanted to cry. Like literally, wanted to cry. And since Louisville is close to Ohio, I'm gonna get on you guys too about that.