What happens when you put together a completely empty state-of-the-art racetrack, a brand new motorsport legend, and the desire to find out how it handles at ultra high speeds?

It was like a dream coming true. I remember my child days when I dreamed of racing a super sports compacts in a professional race track... Well, the day came! And to my enjoyment, much sooner than I thought.



As you read earlier here in the blog, Porsche loaned me their World Performance Award winning car; the Porsche Cayman S. But here you can read what happened (and see the pictures) of when we take this machine to the latest addition to world-class circuits; Miller Motorsports Park, located just 30 minutes West of Salt Lake City.

Who needs a trip to DisneyWorld? DisneyLand? Forget it. This is a rollercoaster ride on steroids!

I tried, but the perfectly balanced Cayman, with a 50/50 weight ratio wouldn't slide on the corners.

Do you want to read more about it? The story with the Daily Herald hits the stands on October 27. But until then, you can take a look at the pics. Who says you need to be rich and famous to have fun?

A FITted option!

Honda's smallest car in the U.S. made one the biggest impressions with my lineup of testdrives yet! The car is small enough on the outside, but yet extremely comfortable inside. Versatility also is present with its media option: aux Jack-for the ever-increasing-ppopular Mp3 player-easy to use dials on the stereo console, MP3 cd player and superior sound system for a subcompact car.

Already an established and hugely popular vehicle in Japan and Europe (sold as the Honda Jazz), the latest version of the Fit debuting in the U.S. has a 1.5-liter VTEC(TM) engine, six standard airbags, an anti-lock braking system (ABS) and a unique multi-configuration 60/40 split Magic Seat(R) as standard features, while a 5-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters is available.

I have included a video produced by Honda so you have a better idea of the thing in motion.

Watch for more information this coming Friday's edition of WHEELS in the Daily Herald.

Christmas will be earlier this year - thanks to Neiman Marcus and BMW
Read on...

Woodcliff Lake, NJ - October 3, 2006... Christmas is coming early this year, as BMW and Neiman Marcus partner to create the ultimate driving fantasy. BMW is offering, exclusively through the legendary Neiman Marcus Christmas Book, the 2007 Limited Edition Individual M6 Convertible. The luxury convertible comes with a custom Ruby Black exterior finish accented with an interior with Piano Black trim elements, power sports seats wrapped in our custom Gold Brown shade of supple BMW Individual Merino leather, and M-radial spoke alloy wheel. The car also comes fully equipped with an incredible 11-speaker Surround Sound stereo and six-disc CD changer. Only 50 of these custom-made automobiles, including the once-in-a-lifetime driving experience, will be available for purchase in this year's Christmas Book for $139,000.

As if the car itself wasn't enough, BMW is offering these fortunate fifty Neiman Marcus customers the pinnacle of the "ultimate driving experience." Each gift opportunity features an exclusive European adventure in which the purchaser takes delivery of their new M6 Convertible directly from the factory and drives on to tour the Bavarian countryside. And for the serious BMW-enthusiast, each customer will have the opportunity to meet with the automaker's famous car designers, and be given a private tour of the BMW factory in Munich. Also included in the package are two round-trip business class tickets on Lufthansa® to Munich, Germany, gourmet meals, and luxurious accommodations for four nights. Upon completion of the trip, their new vehicle will be shipped back to the States for immediate delivery. The trip is scheduled for Spring 2007.

Bold and uncompromising, the BMW Individual M6 Convertible stands alone. The unmistakable roar of its 5.0-liter, V-10 engine delivering 500 horsepower at your command and the precision handling, M Variable Differential Lock, and Electronic Damping Control make every trip extraordinary. Its on-board computer, GPS navigation, and Voice Command System merge driver and auto into one intelligent entity. At the heart of this incredible machine is a Formula 1 inspired, V-10 engine with 10 individual throttle butterflies capable of revving up to 8,250 rpm thanks to its sophisticated design and knock control systems. Coupled to a seven-speed Sequential Manual Transmission with Drivelogic®, it can launch you from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 exhilarating seconds.

A photo and description of the Limited Edition M6 Convertible appears on page 97 of the 2006 Neiman Marcus Christmas Book. The opportunity to learn more and order this magnificent machine and experience begins at 12 noon EDT on Wednesday, October 18th when you call 1-866-303-2696. Interested buyers are encouraged to program their speed dial now. After all, who wouldn't want to be first in line for this year's hottest Christmas gift?

Porsche increases North American sales

In a release by Porsche - Stuttgart. In September 2006, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart sold 2,339 vehicles in North America in a difficult market environment; this is a three percent increase over September of the previous year. In the first nine months of 2006, the manufacturer of sporty premium vehicles boosted deliveries by ten percent to 27,938 units. This is the first time that Porsche has sold so many vehicles in the USA and Canada in this period.

Porsche’s success in North America continues to be based on sports car model series. Sales of the 911 increased by 13 percent to 776 units in September. The Boxster model series accelerated by 60 percent to 763 vehicles, including 494 units of the new Cayman and the Cayman S. Deliveries of the Cayenne declined by 25 percent to 799 vehicles. It should be noted that the sales decline is due to lifecycles and the fact that Porsche still does not boost its sales with plant discounts.



I have included some photos of a Porsche I test drove and will soon hit the stands. Can you figure it out which one it is by looking at the pictures? It won many awards and it has some of the best 50/50 weight ratio in the industry. If you got the answer, post as a comment.