By Jen Dunnaway

Editor

We do a lot of pretty nutty things around here at CarDomain to keep the lights on for you guys, and one of them was that epic 16-episode car care series that we shot and produced as part of our campaign with Quaker State. We’re all done now with the filming, and though it was a long haul, we got to make friends with some incredible technicians and check out some cool Seattle-area shops along the way. Oh, and we got some extremely decent car parts out of the deal as well. Thanks, Quaker State! Here’s a quick episode breakdown of the entire series:

First we did a ton of squeaky-clean detailing videos at NorthWest Auto Salon: we figured out how to wash a car properly (who knew?), we learned what all the fuss over clay bar was about, we got the low-down from Blake on cleaning and detailing your car’s interior, and we even learned how to give extra-OCD attention to your car’s wheels and tires–my Escort GT is still driving around with one corner more shiny than the other three as a result of that shoot.

After that we jetted over to Drift Office to have some fun with Bob’s dyno. We threw plugs and wires on Chris’s Corvette, and learned how to dyno-tune a car for performance. After being thrashed for like 30 runs, the ‘Vette was ready for an oil change, so we headed to Group 2 Motorsports to give it one. We threw in a car-maintenance-for-dummies, check-your-systems tutorial as well.

Then it was time to get Rob’s Subaru Outback into Smart Service in for a coolant flush and a transmission service. And after that, it was back to Group 2 Motorsports: my AMC Concord got its front brakes done, and we learned how to rebuild its crusty old-school rear drums as well. Then we did this ultra-awesome brake fluid flush-and-bleed demo to enlighten those of you still driving around with scrungy, ancient juice in your braking system: a no-no! Next, it was time to spruce up Rob’s Satellite, so Rick from Group 2 showed us how to set the timing the pro way with a timing light, and threw a set of fantastic Edelbrock shocks on the old Mopar. Then at long last, it was my Escort GT’s turn to demo a tricky front-wheel drive strut replacement–it’s now running a set of ultra-rare discontinued Koni adjustables.

See all the videos in one place at the Quaker State fan page–and don’t forget to become a fan!

By Jen Dunnaway

Editor

I went to the Petit back in 2008, and this gorgeous video recap of this year’s 12-hour, day-into-night enduro definitely brings back memories. If videographer Jim Perry really wanted some good engine audio, he might’ve given a little more airtime to those Compuware Corvettes, the most badass-sounding cars in the field. But I guess the mood he was going for was a little more atmospheric. Great footage! Via Speedhunters.

By Jen Dunnaway

Editor

It’s actually a re-badged Toyota iQ with an Aston Martin face and a cowhide interior, and the result reminds me a little of the ghosts from Ms. Pac-Man: if I owned one, I’d call it Blinky. Maybe the venerated British luxury marque is onto something with its whole “compact luxury” concept–at their website they’re saying that the trimmed-out microbot is “elegant and distinctive, individual and practical”–but I’m kind of inclined to think that, if the Cygnet catches on, it really will stand as proof that rich people will buy anything. Its purchase will be limited, initially anyway, to those who already own Astons. In any event, James Bond’s gonna be pissed. See more pics below the jump via Aston Martin.

Continue reading "Wait… This is an Aston Martin?" »

By Rob Einaudi

Editor-in-Chief

You know the drill: Come up with a caption for the picture below by noon PST next Thursday. If you submit the funniest one, we’ll send you some CarDomain swag. Three entries per member max. Good luck!

By Jen Dunnaway

Editor

It’s got an all-steel body and has received some pretty creative updates throughout for performance and reliability, including an Isuzu oil pump, VW distributor, front disc brakes from a Honda Gold Wing motorcycle, and twin Tilson updraft carbs. The look is basically stock, but although certain details would probably horrify purist concours judges, it’s really a very sleek update that allows this to be a car that’s enjoyed and driven like it should be. Check out the auction on eBay.

By Michael Berenis

Tampa Sports Car Examiner

Saudi drift generally involves fishtailing a car violently back and forth at a high rate of speed, almost invariably on public roads. Those who that pull it off typically end with a 360 or 720 spin into the winners’ circle. Those who fail typically end up combining themselves with their low-budget sedans. See more drifting carnage at Tampa Sports Car Examiner.

By Rob Einaudi

Editor-in-Chief

This week’s win goes to Greggk for “where is your great handling and acceleration now?” Tune in tomorrow for another killer caption contest!

By Jen Dunnaway

Editor

This is such a perfect Fall pic–you can almost smell the crunchy leaves, high-test gas, and woodsy darkness. Check out Jordan’s ride page for more!

By Gary Neeley

neeleyracing

I’ve been living in Richmond, Virginia for awhile now. It’s a big racetrack town, and since day one, I knew the car culture here was more diverse and prevalent than in other places I’ve lived. Driving down Broad Street recently, I crossed paths with this ultra-rare Ferrari Mondial 8, one of only 3000 hardtops produced. It’s notable because it shares the same drivetrain as a Ferrari 308, but it has two extra seats. As with most Ferraris, this vehicle is happiest when it’s driven every day, and the owner made no bones about his baby being outside the garage. See more…

Continue reading "Ferrari Mondial 8 in Richmond" »

By Rob Krider

Racerboy

The National Auto Sport Association (NASA) Western Endurance Racing Championship (WERC) held Round 5 at Buttonwillow Raceway Park. Drivers punished their brakes in the midst of a dark three hour on-track battle. This was the last round before the championship finale during the 25 Hours of Thunderhill in December. Check out the coverage at Jalopnik. Photo by Vanhap Motorsports Photography.