TestMiles Radio Episode 56

TestMiles Radio Episode 56

TestMiles Radio is heard on KXL/101.1 FM radio every Sunday at 10:00am PST

TestMiles Radio Episode 56

TestMiles Radio Episode 54

TestMiles Radio Episode 54

TestMiles Radio is heard on KXL/101.1 FM radio every Sunday at 10:00am PST

TestMiles Radio Episode 54

TestMiles Radio Episode 53

TestMiles Radio Episode 53

TestMiles Radio is heard on KXL/101.1 FM radio every Sunday at 10:00am PST

TestMiles Radio Episode 53

Drifting Americas Newest Automotive Sport

Drifting Americas Newest Automotive Sport

We are all familiar with motor sports like Formula One, NASCAR, and Rally Racing. But a new motor sport is emerging in America, imported from Japan. Films like the Fast and Furious first introduced Americans to the sport of drifting. This new sport has gone from grass roots, all the way to PRO/AM enthusing a whole new generation of Americans. You will find everyone from weekend warriors to full time professionals drifting on anything from small town tracks to full on professional circuits. Loren Haleston got bitten by the drifting bug and formed a film company. LORENINHD that specializes in capturing the breath taking moments of drifting.

There is no shortage of smoke, noise and horsepower. Drivers have to a toolbox of skills and be able to execute precision driving maneuvers at high speed. These skill are evaluated by judges who choose a winner. One form of racing is the 32 car elimination style similar to drag racing. Fans are exposed to everything from graceful moves to the real dangers of a high speed racing.

Crowds are beginning to flock to see this new sport. Part of the attraction to drifting is the super modified cars with power ratings from 500 to 1200 horsepower. Theses cars never fail to rip tires in an smokey display. It is a highly competitive sport, the sound, the smell and the high octane fuels create fierce rivalry. It’s becomes a recipe for spectator entertainment.

It may look easy, but drivers coordinate between traction, shifting, braking and steering putting their vehicle at a precise positioning on the track. It doesn’t always go smoothly. With speeds up to 100 miles an hour one missed step could put a driver into the wall. The amazing pit crews can rebuild these cars somethings in just an hour or two. It’s exciting for the fans. A cross between drag racing, ballet, and destruction derby. Drifting at this level touches every region of the country. Look up the schedule at formulad.com for a race event near you.

Drifting Americas Newest Automotive Sport

Rolls-Royce Wraith

Rolls-Royce Wraith

Rolls-Royce proudly presents the world debut of Wraith, the most powerful and dynamic Rolls-Royce in history. At its heart lie hallmark Rolls-Royce attributes of luxury, refinement and hand-craftsmanship, but the new model from the world’s pinnacle super-luxury marque also presents a unique character defined by power, style and drama. With just a hint of the noir.

Rolls-Royce Chairman and BMW Group board member Harald Krüger added the following: “The BMW Group today reconfirms its full commitment to the future of Rolls-Royce. Growth and a prosperous future lie ahead thanks to continued investment, careful brand stewardship and the launch of groundbreaking new models like Rolls-Royce Wraith, a magnificent addition to the product range.”

In profile, Wraith’s sweeping fastback design gives the car its unique character. Bold lines, tension in the panels and a raked rear screen evoke the image of a world class athlete poised in the starting blocks. Further expression of dynamic intent can be seen in Wraith’s deeply recessed grille, wide rear track and dramatic two-tone presentation.

Coach doors open to reveal a sumptuous interior complete with softest Phantom-grade leathers and expanses of wood called Canadel Panelling. Named after the famous cove in the South of France where Sir Henry Royce and his design and engineering teams spent their winters, this contemporary and tactile finish sweeps through the interior, cosseting four occupants in a space bathed in light and warmth.

The interior ambiance is complemented by Starlight Headliner, a Bespoke feature available beyond Phantom family cars for the first time. 1,340 fibre optic lamps are hand-woven into the roof lining to give the impression of a glittering, starry night sky.

Performance delivers on the promise of Wraith’s styling. Power delivery is effortless, but dramatic, thanks to a V12 engine married to 8-speed automatic ZF transmission. 624 bhp / 465kW is available to the driver while the 0-60 mph sprint is achieved in 4.4 seconds, compared with 563 bhp / 420kW and 0-60 in 4.7 seconds for Ghost.

From 1,500 rpm 800 Nm of torque is available (780 Nm for Ghost), while a wide rear track, shorter wheelbase and lower roof height further contribute to the most powerful, involving driving experience of any Rolls-Royce in history. The car’s suspension has also been tuned to minimise body roll and discreetly amplify feedback when cornering; while steering weight is heavier at high speeds and lighter at low speeds adding to the spirited drive.

However, Wraith is no GT bruiser. Agility improvements have been achieved with absolutely no compromise to the sensation of riding on a bed of air. Furthermore, the debut of Satellite Aided Transmission (SAT) technology takes the powertrain to a new level of effortless delivery, one that perfectly suits the Rolls-Royce brand.

Rolls-Royce Wraith

2015 CES Show

2015 CES Show

At this years CES show there was loads of new auto technology to show off. Sony showed off a new action camera that will compete with GoPro. It’s a 4K camera that you can stick on the front of you car and get all your racing footage. Then you can use a HDI cable to upload it right to your TV screen. Chevrolet showed off a camera that is in the front of their new Corvette Z06. This camera is will record all of your on track racing, as well as show your stats. After your done racing you can then upload the video right to all your social media right from your car. It also has a really cool feature called valet mode. Type in your pin number before giving the car to the valet and it will record how the valet drives your car. No Ferris Bueller Ferrari moments now.

Hyundai was showing off a new APP that combines with a smart watch. This APP will allow you to turn you car on right from your watch. If by chance you are in a parking lot and can’t find your car you can also use the watch to locate it. Will pull up a map and use GPS to show you how to get to your car.

2015 CES Show

Year In Review

Year In Review

2014 will definitely be a year to remember in the Auto Industry. With record recalls, record sales, and record-breaking vehicle power. Especially in the recall department over 60,000,000 vehicles are being recalled, that’s double the previous peak in 2004. The most notable recall is the General Motors ignition switch recall which has already been linked to 42 deaths. It’s been an especially rough year for General Motors, with 27,000,000 recalls out of the 60,000,000 coming from their stables.

But all those recalls haven’t slowed new car sales. December is expected to be up by 10.4% over last year and US consumers will have purchased more than 16.5% million vehicles in 2014. That’s 5.8% higher than 2013 and the trend is expected to continue into 2015. New cars have got away from Mid-Size and become either bigger or smaller than in previous years. A new Full-Size Escalade, a new Lincoln Navigator, a new Chevy Tahoe, and a new Volkswagen Touareg all appeared on the larger end. On the smaller end of the scale this year sees a new Honda CR-v, a Mini Four-Door, a Fiat 500X, and Mercedes-Benz brought their small SUV, the GLA to the market. Mazda promised to make a mini SUV called the CX-3 as well.

Horsepower went up and engine size went down. Small EcoBoost engines will be available in the Ford Mustang which is celebrating 50 years. Dodge threw down the gauntlet with their 707 horsepower Hellcat, upping the acceptable horsepower for an everyday driver.

My car of the year for 2014 is the all new Hyundai Genesis. The most perfect car the company has ever made in every aspect. On the Truck side the Ram 1500 Ec0-Diesel. At 25 miles a gallon and all the amenities of a luxury vehicle. This outstanding Ram breaks the barriers of what most people considerer to be a truck.

Year In Review