Favorite Quote Today: How We Live Our Lives

I've been researching the Subaru brand of automobiles lately, and happened on a great branding article from the Journal of Advertising Research, dated March 2006 (Subaru: The Emotional Myths Behind the Brand's Growth by Sal Randazzo).

The article uses the Subaru company's experiences with sales and branding in the US as a case study to discuss the psychology of consumer behavior and the role of branding. I love the psychology of sales, branding, marketing, and consumer behavior and perception.

This quote highlights the foundation of how these elements come together:

"Freud and Jung both believed that the most important question we could ask is, "what is the myth [story] by which we live our lives?" We are all searching for meaning in our lives. And we look to stories to help us understand the world and find meaning. We are continually comparing our stories with other people's stories in order to try to get ideas and insights about how we should live our lives. Stories from books, movies, culture, religion, etc. (and yes, advertising) also serve the same purpose."

2012 Chicago Auto Show

I was able to go to the Chicago Auto show during its first days, for a change. Had a really great time, and capped off the evening dining with two good friends. It's funny that we ended up meeting all the way in Chicago's South Side, since we all live within a few miles of each other in Aurora, Illinois!

I wrote a post on my experience at the Auto Show on my Automotive blog. Here's the Flickr set slideshow--though due to a smudge on my camera lens, the focus and zoom wasn't what it could have been. Enjoy!

 

Better Off Dead

I was able to get a copy of Better Off Dead. I have been trying for a long time and finally got it wheeee. I really enjoy it, it's sappy, it doesn't take itself too serious, it's a great 80s little movie.

To go along with the happy memories and expand on the movie a little bit, there's a website I located, focused entirely on the Camaro in the movie...there's a fan of the car who not only tracked down and bought the very car, but then also provided a very detailed documentation of the Camaro's restoration--they claim it's the actual, honest to goodness 1967 Camaro from the movie, but I took that w a grain of salt for a number of, what I consider red flags.

Car Research Update

I blabbered on my car gossip blog about my recent discoveries researching cars.

Blog Update

I...er...*looks down at toes*

I started a new blog *winces and fidgets with hands, while still looking down*

*takes furtive look up*

It's on cars and the automotive industry news *huge happy grin*

XD

U can read more here.

Dude, I'm so torn.

Beg your pardon ahead of time if this isn't exactly concise, it's been a long and thinking-involved day so my brains are the consistency of silken tofu right now. But this is a post that's been long in coming, and I've been eager to get brain to keyboard or else lose the muse forever more.

So...I've been researching cars. A lot. Ever since my car's drive shaft decided to come unglued sometime in January-February of this year. And thereafter I learned through dedicated research, that Ford (Mercury) had "collaborated" on the undercarriage and based it off of the Mazda 6 (fail). Had I known, I'd left screaming from the dealership immediately two years ago. Never mind that JD Power and Associates rated it #1 car in 2007, nor that Consumer Reports still rates it a must buy. Them jus' stupid folk. It's like a mumu, in theory it works, but in practice it's like a monet. I'm really into engineering, performance, and cornering and I ain't got none o' dat.

To be honest, ever since the drive shaft fiasco, there's no such thing as too soon for me to change to a new vehicle. *palm face* It's been months now and I'm awfully antsy. Particularly after my stick-shift class, I just fell in love with in-the-moment driving and cannot wait 'till I get to take loooong summer drives on Illinois' roads with a stick. Alas education trumps car, so it'll be at leasttttt....one more year. ugh. *pain*

So what should the JeDa21 V4.0 vehicle be? What alignment of special pre-requisites, requirements, and standbys make up this list of lucky few? Well...lots o time means lots o research. And there's little that JeDa likes more than Internet research, so...there's a couple contenders and lots of info to be undug from the Interwebs. But first, it's important to review the basics that I like to call "Musts" and "Would Likes" for this much anticipated V4.0 .

Musts

• stick shift/manual transmission (!)
  
• traction control
• stability control
• ABS
• front-wheel drive
• remote key-less entry
• power windows
• power steering
• AM/FM
  
• 6 CD in-dash
• auxiliary plug-in
• A/C and heating

Would Likes

• leather
• heated seats
• AWD

A Word on Transmissions
In reviewing today's transmission choices (manual, CVT, automatic), I've opted not to dive blindly--or not unlike a Lemming--into a continuously variable transmission (CVT) because, in all honesty, I'm totally pulling a snob attitude here and saying that it's the lazy-man's stick shift. Seriously, why on earth would I want to change gears on the stick (or the levers on the steering wheel, where available) while not using a clutch?! What's the use? Where's the fun in that? Good grief.

So Many Choices, So Many Deals
Yes, there's a TON of options and choices, and there's almost as many deals these days as car dealers are absolutely in sweet agony right now, hurting bad for your tasty greenbacks. It's like they've been forced to go cold turkey off their favorite controlled substance, and want to backpedal as fast as they can after the fact. Wait, that's what happened...

So here's some of the front runners for V4.0:

• 2009 Nissan 370Z (plus here and here)- if this were a person I'd court them mercilessly. It's gorgeous, it's stunning, it's...really fast...and it makes me start sounding like Jeremy Clarkson ^_^; And never mind the heavy heart pounding. Truly a tell-tale heart. So what are the drawbacks? Well...for starters it's got a stupidly shrunken back seat, it's got exceptionally bad rear visibility, and can be noisy and hard ride (though some pretty good things in life are best when hard). It's also pricey beyond the basic model. It's tricky to find a basic model in the deeper gray that I so love though. Premium fuel. bleh.
  

• Volkswagen

1. EOS (and here) - gorgeous stylish coupe, though I find it a little girly or overly feminine for some reason. The best word I can find to organically express what it looks like is the Japanese term "moe." The best of the deal is that it's a strong, European engineered beauty, that comes with every safety precaution/measure/trick for logical prices. You pay for what you get here. So what are the drawbacks? It's considered one of the priciest coupe (hardtop) convertibles around. And...well, cute.
2. CC (and here) - this is a "fancy" version of the VW Passat. It's actually quite close-looking to a Mercedes. The interior is one of more gorgeous ones, featuring two-tone leather upholstery. All the usual VW refinements are present and accounted for. So what are the drawbacks? Pricey, a bimbo in the VW line--that is to say, all looks and not much else (luxury nor sportiness).
3. Jetta GLI - Speedier version of the Jetta, said to be fun fun fun and sporty, for an excellent price and with all the usual VW quality accoutrements (though it features a funky tartan upholstery...). So what are the drawbacks? Well, according to Edmunds the only fault is a bland exterior *insert palm face here*
4. Rabbit (and here) - aww it's so cute and sporty, and...and...and...well, European...BUT there's a study that says that small cars are more likely to get you maimed or killed in an accident vs. a medium-sized vehicle (much less a megalon Saudi-friendly SUV). They say it has space to make it useful when moving "stuff" around or to-and-fro. So what are the drawbacks? It has impressive safety results from crash tests, as all VWs do. It's also well-equipped, as...most VWs are. It's zippy and roomy.

• Volvo C30 - pricey and premium fuel, in a luxury wrapper. Cute, appealing, and Edward Cullen's (movie) ride. I liked this little guy even before the movie, when I saw one in rush hour traffic about a year and a half ago or thereabouts. So what are the drawbacks? According to Edmunds it's not as sporty as its competitors...did I mention it's pricey?
  

• 2009 Mustang GT - awesomely aggressive stance (this is very appealing), and gorgeous bit of American muscle car. Though it's a Ford (!). The black one is as stealthy and fast as they come--I was privy to one speeding along East-bound I-88 yesterday and I loved it! ^_^ So what are the drawbacks? Bad fuel economy and unimpressive power. Cramped back seat (Are we seeing a trend here? me thinks yes.)
  

• Mini Cooper S - everyone keeps saying these are fun to drive, do they mean in a bumper car type of way, or seriously serious fun driving? I'm confused and leaning towards the latter. Premium fuel ticks me off, as usual. I also imagine it must have a terribly cramped rear seat, to say the least. Though visibility and maneuverability seem to be pretty high. So what are the drawbacks? Surprisingly, a Canadian test drive comparing this with the C30 and the Rabbit had the C30 #1 and the Rabbit at #2...must have been the harder ride but reactive pedals. Kinda pricey for the small package.
  

• SMART - I first read about SMART cars in 2001 when I read a logistics case study at my current employer. I then proceeded to go to Italy and I absolutely fell in love with the concept, and the practicality of being able to maneuver and park it anywhere in Europe's old or new roads. However, although I was hugely excited that the line was coming to the US, I kept asking myself, but what if it gets devoured by a Saudi-loving megalon SUV? Or a semi-truck? Or just a Camry? It is quite adorable and practical, so it has both left brain and right brain abuzz. So what are the drawbacks? Surprisingly pricey, but do you mean besides the safety concerns, and that it requires premium? Probably the fact that you must chose whether to leave your significant other at the grocery store or bring home the groceries...cause you won't have room for option A and B together...compared to how much more (but cheaper) car you get with Asian imports these days, people are going to be very wary of the SMART. What shocked me is that it's hard or impossible to get it with a stick in the US, they automatically shove an automatic on it. Dumbified I guess. but the EPA MPG rating is #1 or #2, so that speaks volumes for this lil guy.
  

• 1999 Mitsubishi 3000GT - Then there's my fantasy girl (or guy). This car's been discontinued for approximately 10 years now. It's absolutely gorgeous and owners are very careful with it, you can tell from seeing the shiny and well-maintained specimens *wipes drool* driving around my general area here. I looked on ebay motors but, alas, there's no stick shift versions around at the moment. So what are the drawbacks? You mean besides there not being any available in good condition? And not knowing where to go to get maintenance on expired parts, et al? Not much else besides that...
  

• Audi TT - I've been madly in love with TTs since 2001 and have had to resign myself to long-distance admiration. This could change though. But not if they keep ENLARGING the Audi models to sizes bigger than Jason Statham's biceps. Another thing that irritates me is that Audi makes a really silly looking cherry red. I wish they'd offer a deeper red for those of us who like stylish colors, not just toenail polish colors. However, it's got a gorgeous body and the 2009 model reminds me of a leaner Porsche Cayman (a.k.a., without the Porsche's awkward child-bearing hips). I've taken the A3 off the list because it looks like a cheap version of an Audi, and the rear is too rounded, so much so, that I subconsciously start sneering as soon as I spot one. So what are the drawbacks? Expensive and doesn't handle as well as competitors... overpriced. Fuel consumption, premium.

So as you can see, I've been keeping busy drooling and ogling, and no decision can be arrived at until approximately, at least, one more year. I will sigh continuously like a love-sick puppy teenager until I get my stick shift. And believe me, I will! mwahahaha ^_^

More on Chrysler-Fiat Merger

So the media and Internets (exhibit A and exhibit B) have been buzzing steadily and daily with urgent, sometimes desperate (or is it disparate? lol) newsbytes on the eminent (?) merger between Chrysler and Fiat.

The article I read today on Wired Magazine's Autopia Blog, takes the cake and had me almost rolling with laugther at its hook (first paragraph). The article's titled Chrysler - Fiat: A Marriage Made in Heaven. Or Hell., and it completely grabbed me with the first sentence...now that's what I call a hook!:

He's an awkward, middle-aged Midwesterner, desperate to find someone to avoid the lonely life of an irrelevant bachelor. She's a hip Italian who has traveled the world and wants to settle down. Can the marriage work?

The Latest Temptation: Fiat 500

News sprung Monday that Fiat and Chrysler REALLY ARE joining up in some way. Daydreamers of all cute, fuel economical, and fun to drive vehicles immediately began to unleash and unravel their wildest fantasies...prognosticating the coming of the Fiat 500 to American shores in a very near future. And why not, they're pretty much sold everywhere else.

So this little darling is on my watch list, as a possible replacement for my new, old unfaithful. Patience is one of the hardest virtues to master.

Top Gear America Does It! FTW!

Rock on dudes. This is totally awesome. It CAN be done. Yes WE CAN!

For the background story, see here.

Chicago Auto Show Report

I was really excited to go to this year's Chicago Auto Show, especially considering that the first (and last time) I went to was two years ago. I remember the excellent displays, lots of cars from each manufacturer, and lots of action going on. Lots of people attending too.

This year... well... not so much. Of anything. Very tempered.

• First of all, a lot less models and even less manufacturers being represented. Less floor space than two years ago, and instead, gave up a significant portion to aftermarket providers--on the far end of the US-centric floorspace area.

• The exotics this year were brought out by a local dealer group vs. having the actual manufacturer reps showing up.

• No swag, not that much literature for that matter...but plenty of plastic bags (?) for you to...er...take nothing home.
  

• WAY too many food carts... I don't remember that many food carts--is it the city of Chicago scoring even more extra money at an event?


• $17 parking fee which is about $3 cheaper than the usual Soldier Field parking deck fee, if I remember correctly.


• I didn't see Mitsubishi anywhere. I could have missed it, but I'm pretty sure it wasn't there. I wanted to see the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo, a favorite.


• Mercedes and Maybach shared exhibit space, but they may have before, the price is so glaring on those I usually look away to prevent cornea searing ;o)


• Hyundai TOTALLY showing off the afterglow from its Genesis model--sorry but to me, the body still looks cheapish, guys


• Chevy totally focused on Transformers, and blew a perfectly good opp to connect w/ the everyday-man by showing off the new Tony Stewart Chevy under Hass Stewart ownership--I recognize that I'm totally biased on this, I admit it, but it was an easy gimme opp
  



• Almost no street racer representation (!) except for the afterparts, and a Scion all geared up in crazy green flaming skulls (this is where the Mitsu Evo would have stood out)--though I've seen far better paint jobs on bikes at NASCAR in Joliet
  

Jeep/Dodge pulling the "look at how rugged I am!" with their little pony show test drive area with a steep hill...yeah guys... try rugged on Chicago-style potholes! In Naperville, the dealerships created a mini test drive range with a steep hill, so that's old news, especially since they had a bigger exhibit-demo space in '07. Show host presentations: prevalent, female, usually on round moving car platforms, doing live presentations...though I can't say many people stopped to listen. tiny electric vehicle coupes, lots...*cough*copycats*cough* too bad Tesla wasn't there! Not as much subcompacts, but SMART, Mini, and Scion pulled quite a few models out... I did get the feeling that Mini was focusing a little too much on its Clubman though. Huuuge lines for the subcompacts, which I didn't expect. VW didn't seem as shy as the others, they even brought the old, black beetle they use in their ad campaign--with motion activated interactive-sounding voice over and all. Oh and a couple of apple computers for some extracurricular fun after checking out the models.

GM CEO and His Volt Ride, Cars in My Life

So yes, the American automotive industry is very much in the media lately. *yawn*

So as a publicity stunt that you can see miles away, GM CEO Rick Wagoner is planning on driving from Detroit to Washington DC in a Chevy Volt. Once in DC, Mr. Wagoner will put a cushion under his knees right next to the Ford and Chrysler CEOs, and kneeling in front of Capitol Hill will request bail money to supposedly save the automotive industry.

Michael Moore launched a campaign this week (Saving the Big 3 For You and Me) on the automotive industry. After reading the message of his campaign both in an email I received, and on his Facebook page, I can't honestly say what exactly his point is. Is he for or against throwing the money (and the towel apparently) in?

Just as an FYI/side note, personally, I've only driven American-made cars ever since I learned how to drive in '93:

• a Chrysler wood-panel wagon during my driving class -- can you say it with me? eww
  
• a white Pontiac Bonneville, which was dad's leased car at the time I was learning to drive,
  
• a navy Chevrolet Caprice which was our family car, and the first almost-accident I was ever in as the two cars behind me hit each other and projected forward to lightly tap my rear bumper
  
• a Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo which totally stoked me, I miss it profoundly as Jeeps aren't that good 'nymore, and the first car I got rear-ended in which was scary but no one thankfully got hurt
  
• a Jeep Liberty, which carried me through a life change, though the quality was far inferior to the prior Cherokee Laredo
  
• and now, my AWD Mercury Milan, which is too light-colored in a sandy hue with cream interior...but we're getting along.
  

The driving of only American cars wasn't planned, it's just the way it turned out. But as the quality and style is not improving, lack of gas-savvy offerings, and with all this nasty financial trouble...I'm totally moving on to European imports for my next purchase, which is a few years away. My mom used to drive BMWs (in Italian: bi-emme-vu) in Italy, so I probably should go back to our, er...roots.

On my more immediate automotive to-do list is figuring out what kind of a personalized license plate I want. Very tricky because it should be unconventional, kind of like me. ;o)

Gas Prices

I was absolutely shocked. As I finished filling up my car with unleaded this evening, the total was under $40!!!!! This hasn't happened in at least a year if not more. It came to a grand total of $37.19

Mark my words, this is one for the books!

Yummy Car Porn for the Day

Mercedes McLaren SLR

For an explanation, see here. This Top Gear website's tv show on BBC America is becoming a fast favorite--whenever I turn on the tv, I always look for it.

Cars!

Today's car porn fix has been brought to you by Bugatti's latest release: The Veyron

Exhibit A: Roadster: The 1.4 Million Bugatti Veyron

Exhibit B: Bugatti Targa [NOTE: more Veyron]

*drool*
;o)

For a visual history of Bugatti models see here.

- J

Word of the Day: Hypermiling

Hypermiling
As in the combined set of activities and methods used to improve car gas mileage due to the increase in gasoline prices

NASCAR Weekend at Chicagoland Speedway

NASCAR Weekend in Chicagoland!

OK I'm off to the Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, IL, to kick off a totally awesome rocking weekend of NASCAR and really fast cars.-J

Photo of the Day

A bit of car mania in today's photo of the day.

I was reading a really informative blog entry on one of my favorite blogs, Wired Autopia. Said article focused on the winner at LeMans, and in the process of reading it, I learned all kinds of neat things about Peugeots under rainy conditions, and how hot Audis can be. *insert drool here*

Audi Engine

Can you believe how gorgeous plastic and metal and tubes can be?
I can't get over how awesome the contents of this picture are.

Exotic Sightings

I really have a good eye on the road, when it comes to spotting exotic sightings.

My mom marvels (maybe also disbelieves a little) at all the mentions I make of the variety of exotic automobiles I see when driving around Chicagoland. Well, this time around I got the wiser and have proof! Thank you camera phones!

Maybe I'm just posting this not only to prove I don't hallucinate, but also, to prove it to myself as I am typically so awestruck when these sightings happen that, with my jaw set slack, I blink several times before these wondrous sights.

Here's a sighting of a Formula 1 car being placed back into its carrier after giving a round or two around downtown Naperville, IL in late May 2007.

Here's a glimpse of a lotus (or lamborghini?) on Rt 59 right smack in the middle of the Aurora and Naperville border. The car turned into the Aurora side after a few minutes of my snap.

So there you have my two first sets of evidence. I hope to remember to charge my phone on a more timely manner in order to have enough juice to snap and capture even more sightings.

:o)

-J