By Chris Trout

Troutster52

Favorably intrigued by Volkswagen’s recent product lineup, I was delighted to test drive the new 2010 VW Golf.  Just last year, the hatchback small car in the VW portfolio was called the Rabbit.  Along with light redesign in 2010, VW ditched the fluffy moniker in favor of the Golf nameplate.

The turbo diesel technology especially captured my interest.  I was pleased to discover that the TDI badge is now available on the redesigned 2010 Golf.  New TDIs boast an updated turbo diesel displacing 2.0 liters to replace the previous 1.9 liter version.  Valvetrain is in SOHC configuration with four valves per cylinder.  Updates include superior fuel mileage and rumors of a more performance-oriented drive.  As a fan of both white-knuckled performance and miserly spending, I targeted a four door 2010 Golf TDI for my enjoyment.  My goal was to locate a TDI and a stick shift but sadly ended up with an automatic.

Continue reading after the jump!

Continue reading "Test Driving the 2010 VW Golf TDI" »

By Rob Einaudi

Editor-in-Chief

Yes, even a 540 hp Roush Mustang at WOT will brake to a stop, but the best thing is to just shift into neutral if you ever experience a stuck throttle. Read the full story at Car and Driver.

By Sam Barer

Sound Classics

When I bought the Infamous Craigslist 1976 Ferrari Dino 308 GT4 last year I noticed its stereo didn’t work. Now that it’s back on the road and I’ve been driving it a bit, I decided to do a little digging into what might be the source of the issue.

Before you make some knee-jerk comment like “the Ferrari’s V8 should be enough music”, when you’re stuck in traffic or on a long trip even a supercar’s engine doesn’t cut it.

Diagnosing classic radio issues is so easy that an ADD-riddled journalist can do it. If you can hook-up a home stereo, you can generally get a car stereo working, because the same issues apply: one power wire (which usually goes to the fuse box) and one ground wire, plus a positive and ground running to each speaker. There’s also a big cable that goes to the antenna (and sometimes a wire to connect if the antenna goes up when the stereo is turned on). That’s it! Basically, the only catch is to make sure you unhook the battery cable so a live circuit doesn’t give you Don King hair.

Continue reading "Just A Few Wires And A Fuse Away From Sweet Music In The Ferrari" »

By Michael Berenis

Tampa Sports Car Examiner

The Hyundai Genesis is a very popular new vehicle, but most of us have only seen the finished product. This time lapse video shows us how much effort is put into assembly by reversing the process and deconstructing the Hyundai Genesis on a time lapsed recording. Learn more about the time lapse deconstruction video at Tampa Sports Car Examiner.

By John Coyle

Deputy Editor

When Michelle—CarDomain LA’s office manager—and I headed out to lunch yesterday, we finally took a picture of the crosswalk signal in front of one of my favorite sandwich spots. It’s been like this for at least a month, and we’ve speculated that some clever vandals used paper to block out the other fingers. Of course, that doesn’t explain why the thumb is still visible. But regardless, I think this signal is awesome, and hope it stays like that forever. Nobody walks in LA anyway…

By John Coyle

Deputy Editor

Straight-up, this has to be the most disturbing car commercial I’ve ever seen. The opening shots show a forlorn driver pulling into an empty parking garage, then running a hose from the tailpipe of his Audi A5 TDI into the passenger compartment. After that, he leans back, closes his eyes and waits to die.  You’ll have to watch to see how the story ends, but I’m blown away that a manufacturer would put its stamp on an ad this dark. And I don’t know if folks across the Pond will ever see it on the telly, but I can’t imagine it being broadcast in the States. Wow.

By Rob Einaudi

Editor-in-Chief

Welcome to the first eBay Motors Showdown of 2010! For this installment we have two Detroit classics from the late 70s, both with awesome two-tone paint schemes. The ’77 El Camino is probably a bit more rough than the ’78 Ranchero, but El Caminos tend to command more money, so I thought it was fair. Plus the old school slots are way cool. Anyway, check out the auctions and then let us know: which would you choose?

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By Brian Lohnes

BangShift.com

We’re guessing that this came from New Years Eve, the red-letter day for drunk driving. Maybe the guy was on his way to find a pallet full of rum to go with his Coke. Via Failblog

By Ben Schaffer

The Real JDM

David Kao emailed me recently and shared a drawing he made by pencil. I thought his technique was so good that I wanted to share it here. See more at The Real JDM

By Dan Strohl

Hemmings

While I didn’t come across a Cadillac station wagon for today’s Vintage Hemmings Find of the Day, such Cad wagons were indeed the rage back then, and still appear today, as seen with this 1970 Cadillac Fleetwood nine-passenger station wagon currently for sale on Hemmings.com.From the seller’s description:

Exceptional unrestored California car. Fully loaded with all Brougham options including power factory sunroof, rear foot rests, windows, door locks, etc. Beautiful silver paint with red leather interior. Excellent conversion! Beautiful lines unlike may wagon conversions.

Continue reading at Hemmings