Author: Driver

First Generation vs. Fifth Generation Camaro

First Generation vs. Fifth Generation… who am I to judge? Sure I’m a little biased, I’ve been rolling around in my ’68 Camaro since I turned 17, and that was kind of a long time ago. I’ve come to expect the squeaky sounds it makes when it passes over a bump in the road, and always ride with the radio on high so I don’t really hear the windows rattle when they are rolled halfway down. The promise of one day installing that AC kit keeps getting pushed to next year, so in the meantime I open my Astro Ventilation (yes, that was luxury in 1968) and keep it moving so the breeze keeps blowing on a hot summer day. The one thing my radio doesn’t drown out is the sound of my 327 engine as I blow down the street…not too fast though, my days of racking up speeding tickets went out with the grunge look. But the look of my car has never gone out of style. Its curved lines make it look fast even when it’s sitting still, and its chrome accents give it just the right amount of shine. Yes I have to say I love my car, one of the few constants in a life of many changes.
But I have to give it to the new generation of the Chevy Camaro. I took one for a test drive when they first came out and I was pretty impressed with the way it handled. It was the 6-cylinder model and still packed some power, although I’m sure the V8 is even more impressive. The muscle under the hood is complimented by features like 4-wheel independent suspension, Brembo brakes and Magnetic Ride Control. Even though its still a car best driven fast on a sunny day, its built in technology allows it to handle bad weather with ease…unlike my ’68 which is like being in a four-wheeled sled if I get caught in the snow. The influence of the first generation is obvious in its design, but the latest incarnation of this classic retains its own identity. The proportions are similar with subtler curves, giving way to a more brolic look. And did I mention it has air conditioning?
Despite the temptation of these modern conveniences I will stick with my antique – somehow its sentimental value outweighs all the extra features. But I wouldn’t mind parking a nice new Camaro next to my classic and taking it out for a ride once and a while. Hey, who says you can’t have it all?

DUB Show Tour NYC 2012

This year the DUB Show Tour hit NYC with a boom and a bang, thanks to the crazy sound system setups throughout the show. Pioneer’s Mixtrax area was hard to miss, and included a Toyota with a built in listening booth complete with a white shag carpet…a little nod to its old school van predecessors I guess! Sony also showed off their latest innovations in car audio with their listening booth.
From sounds to sights Killer Kreations displayed some awesome artwork on cars, trucks and bikes. D2 Forged Wheels displayed their custom wheels on some eye-catching rides, including a sleek black-on-black Audi. Not to be outdone Pirelli brought some exotic rides out on the stage, flanking the DJ booth manned by DJ Rush. Celebrity appearances included the likes of Juelz Santana and UFC fighter Rafel Natal. As always DUB Magazine came to NYC with something for everyone, for flicks from the show click HERE

New York Auto Show 2012


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Many manufacturers gave a nod to the past while unveiling their new models at this year’s New York Auto Show. The show kicked off with Cherovlet’s unveiling of the new 2014 Impala, with a classic 1966 model in the backdrop. This new generation of Impala boasts a new body type with a sleek front grill and a redesigned interior. It comes in both a 303-horsepower 3.6L V6 engine, as well as a standard 2.5L 4-cylnder engine. Chevy also displayed the Camaro, Corvette and Traverse to name a few.

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The Chrysler Group introduced its new line of SRT (Street & Racing Technology) vehicles, which includes a rebranding of some old favorites. The unveiling of the 2013 SRT Viper, the fifth generation of this instant performance car classic, highlighted this announcement. SRT’s President/CEO Ralph Gilles proudly proclaimed that it would be manufactured at the Connor Avenue Assembly in Detroit…while sporting a black t-shirt with “Detroit” in bold white letters. The Viper has some company on the SRT lineup with the likes of the Challenger, Charger and Chrysler 300.

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Ford showed off it’s 2013 Shelby GT500, with 650 horsepower in a variety of vibrant colors. The classic Cobra was also displayed, a model that has been an inspiration for many sports cars over the years. From racing technology to alternative fuel technology, Ford also highlighted the Focus Electric. Organized by Men’s Health magazine, the Focus Electric is part of the 2012 Electric Car Challenge, making the 3,000 mile trip coast to coast without stopping at one gas station.

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The electric vehicle family was also joined by BMW with their i3 and i8 electric concept cars. Each of these concept cars speaks to a different audience: the i8 to the sports car enthusiast, the i3 to the sport utility driver. However both feature some cool design elements like suicide doors with transparent panels and icy blue accents. It’ll be interesting to see how these features translate into a production model.

Along the lines of environmentally friendly vehicles the Fisker Karma is an awesome example. Its front grill seems to smile at you, while its curvy lines say “speed” even as it sits still on the show floor! The Karma is the first luxury electric vehicle with extended range, powered by a hybrid gas and electric engine. This system is complimented by the solar roof that can generate enough energy to power the cabin ventilation and audio systems as well as extend the driving range by up to 200 miles a year. Do you want good karma? Drive this car!

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For as much new technology as was displayed at this year’s show, each manufacturer’s automotive history was not forgotten. While Chevy, Ford and Lincoln included some examples of their past on the showroom floor, LeMay – America’s Car Museum featured classic models from manufacturers of the past and those still going strong. From a “speedster” that barely featured a windshield to cars with solar glass, the auto industry has come a long way! To see more highlights from this year’ show, check out our photo gallery HERE.


Big Boy Entertainment Custom Car, Truck & Bike Show

Today Big Boy Entertainment held their custom car, truck and bike show on Randall’s Island. The turnout included custom imports, classic old schools and trucks, while the bikes seriously represented as well. A few musical performances rounded out the day, but the highlight was the face off of the three best cars and bikes of the show.

The car competition was between a 2008 Corvette Z06 with over 900 horsepower (yep, you read that right), a super-customized, World Trade Center-themed Chrysler 300, another tricked-out Corvette and a rare Chevy Impala Fastback. After lots of engine revving and cheers the Impala won the people’s choice. The bikes were up next: a chopper with a paint job that was FIRE for real, a Queen of Hearts Suzuki, a chopper with a crazy paint and custom light combination, a custom Honda 600 and a Scarface themed-to-the-tee bike went head to head. The Scarface bike with it’s crazy detail and hydraulics held its own, but the custom chopper took the people’s choice. Both the winner of the car AND bike people’s choice were represented by the G.O.D. Car and Bike Club from Park Slope Brooklyn.

Big Boy Entertainment gave a good show despite getting their sound permit pulled at the last minute and the threat of rain toward the end of the day. Luckily the weather held out and there was something for everyone. Look out for more events from these guys in the future and go to our Gallery to see more pics from the show!

New York Auto Show 2011

This year the New York Auto Show at the Jacob Javits Center had something for everyone. All the major manufacturers were there to represent, and many of them rolled out new concept cars. Cadillac featured the Urban Luxury concept car. It has the recognizable Cadillac lines in a compact shape – I guess that’s where the “urban” comes in. Saab showed the PhoeniX concept: the lines on this car make it look like it’s going about a hundred miles an hour standing still – this car is hot! Mercedes had the Concept A-Class on the floor. This is a good looking car, with a nice twist on the classic Mercedes traits. Volkswagon had some fun this year with the Bully concept, which gives a big nod to its VW minibus predicessor.
But enough about concepts, what about the muscle cars? Dodge had a big presence this year, a continuation of the strong marketing campaign they’ve been running. The new Charger with the redesigned rear lighting was looking great on the floor. But the not-to-be forgotten Challenger was there too, with it’s tried and true throwback design. This year Chevy took over its own area of the show, and featured the new Camaro convertible. The Corvette Z06 was featured as well, in the hottest orange I’ve ever seen! Not to be outdone, Ford’s Mustang was ready to go in off the assemblyline and customized versions – all looking very good.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, hybrids were everywhere this year and with the rising price of gas their popularity is no surprise. Lexus showed the CT200h, Toyota featured the CR-Z Hybrid R Concept and Chevy prominently displayed the Volt, to name a few. Expect to see more and more of this technology in the coming years.
Some other highlights were the exotic cars, and specialty displays like the History and Heritage collection. This years show had a lot to see, and in case you missed it take a look at our Gallery page for pics from this year’s show.