This shocking image is an excellent illustration of why driving drunk is a stupid idea. Juan Campos was apparently passed out wasted when his car crossed the centerline and barreled into this pack of bike racers, but remarkably, only one person was killed. Enraged spectators reportedly tried to lynch Campos before the police arrived, which seems like a fair—if not entirely legal—punishment for such an aggravated case of vehicular homicide. More info over at Fox News.

Everyone knows that drunk driving is a bad idea, and if an agency can put together a campaign that makes tipsy folks think before hopping behind the wheel, that’s great. But I don’t think this is one of those situations where you get an "A" effort. Case in point? The spot Saatchi & Saatchi designed for Toyota. Look closely, and you’ll see that everything in the pic is mounted on wheels—implying that when you’re drunk, everything is wobbly—and says, "If you’re going to drink, don’t drive." What are they implying here, that unless you have the spins, you’re good to go? What do you think? Will this be effective? via Jalopnik

It’s often said that major beer companies spill more beer than micro-brewers make, and that’s probably true. Of course, since I’m not one to cry over spilled beer—or pay nine dollars for a six-pack—that statistic has never bothered me. But it’s good to hear that Coors is going to start using their wasted brew to make ethanol. The company has even pledged to be the official E85 Ethanol Producer for the 2008 Democratic National Convention, which will be held in Denver this August. Given the rancor currently raging among the Democrats, hopefully the Rock Mountain brewers will toss in a few kegs of non-waste beer. Maybe kicking back a few cold ones will help smooth over some of the bitterness of the primary season.   

Most of the time, I think art involving cars is pretty lame. But I thought this "Caution: Falling Cars" installation was hilarious. I wonder if anyone actually got fooled? Anyway, here’s the news:

• Might the Cayenne soon be made in the US? Given that the Americans love SUVs—though gas prices have no doubt strained the relationship—and that North America is Porsche’s most important market, it makes business sense. Autoblog
• To celebrate the 100th birthday of the Model T, Ford is sponsoring a contest to design a 21st century equivalent. It’s a cool idea, but the concept of bringing back the original Tin Lizzy is a little funnier. Detroit News 
• After the Bush administration revoked California’s right to enforce its own emissions regulations, the Golden State is now having to fight to preserve its traditionally tough stance on pollution. If you’ve ever seen the smog in LA, you’d know it’s probably a good idea to let the state decide what’s best for itself. Automotive News
• In an effort to combat alcohol-related road deaths, French authorities are exploring the idea of mandating breathalyzers in late night watering holes. Since using them wouldn’t be required, the machines would either shame people into calling a cab, or spark competition to see who had the highest BAL. Both maybe? Bikes in the Fast Lane
• The new Ford Focus is set to debut during American Idol tomorrow. We predict that Paula will babble about how awesome it is, Randy will call it "dawg," and Simon will hate it. Freep

At the end of the Simpsons episode where Homer goes to Rock ‘n’ Roll fantasy camp, Tom Petty, Mick Jagger, and Keith Richards attempt to apologize for trying to kill him with a fire-breathing mechanical dragon. In response, Homer replies: 

"You’re a rock stars, you’re supposed to be reckless and be celebrated for behavior that would land normal people in jail… rock stars are supposed to be all about drinking, and getting drunk, and boozing it up!

Well, if that’s what rock stars are supposed to do, then Richie Sambora is great shape. Except for the landing in jail part. He was pulled over late Tuesday night for driving under the influence after cops spotted his black Hummer behaving erratically on a Laguna Beach road. The best part is there were two little kids in the car. Nice. What’s the problem with celebrities? Why can’t they just call a cab? Or a limo? Or a helicopter? More info at TBO.

It took a while to identify the cans littered across this Camaro, but after consulting my buddies at Moparts, we were able to determine they are cans of Natural Light. Nothing like slamming eight beers before welding in your cage. Check our Mike’s 72 Camaro ride page for more cool pics and some video.

Maybe I’m getting a little tired of all the furniture and appliances made from car sections that’ve been making the rounds lately, but this liquor cabinet made from the ass-end of a wood-paneled van is just too cute to pass over. Wouldn’t it look great in your rec room? Not for me, because even at the "Sale Price" of $2850, it’s more than I’d shell out for a whole car. Go below the jump to see it displaying the goods!

Via BornRich

Continue reading "Cute Product Alert: The Minibar For Wealthy Surfers" »

This is easily the best Knight Rider commercial yet. The part where the truck t-bones KITT and he doesn’t even flinch? Two words: bad and ass. So I’m actually kind of stoked to see the movie on Sunday. Sure, it’s not going to be the greatest thing ever committed to film, but I’m figuring that after a couple of beers, it’ll be a blast to watch. Honestly? I just hope the Hoff makes a cameo, and that there’s some mention—like, any, mention—of KITT’s evil twin, KARR. Otherwise, I don’t really care what happens. What do you want to see? And do you think NBC will actually make Knight Rider into a weekly series?

A driver in Florida was found to have secured a 24-pack of Busch with a seatbelt, while a toddler was allowed to run loose in the back seat. Pulled over for running a red light, the motorist turned out to have no license, but two crack pipes in her purse—perhaps she would’ve benefited from one of those Volvo warning icons—while the baby and her 20-year-old mother were unbelted in the back. While it’s true that 24-packs are less prone to airbag injuries than babies are, it’s unclear at this point whether this argument will be brought to bear in the driver’s defense. Associated Press via WTOPnews.

Most of the time, the CarDomain blog holds itself to the highest standards of journalistic integrity. After all, we’re not like those hacks over at the Wall Street Journal. But this story, as the old saying goes, was just too good to fact check. We’re still losing it.