It’s been a long time since I have written anything. Just too busy with work, doing the daily grind. But then along came Hurricane Sandy, and turned all of our worlds upside down in the Northeast. After seeing the devastation on the rest of the South Shore of LI, I feel that my family and I were lucky with minimal property damage and no injuries. A little preparation went a long way. Having no power was a slight inconvenience considering what others have gone through.
But now we are trying to bring our lives back to normal, which includes getting to work. The rest of the world has n0t stopped, so getting to and from the job and navigating Metro NY has challenges we need to be aware of.
Gas
First and foremost is the gas situation. Its bad, but we all saw it coming. The lines are a good 1-3 miles long in Nassau County, and from what I hear its getting bad in other places too. My friend in Dutchess County tells me they are now getting short on gas because all the Westchester people are flocking there for fuel. The best advice right now is to wait. People’s hoarder mentality takes over, so if you can restrict driving, do it. That gas is better served in someone generator keeping a family warm or for someone who doesn’t have the ability to telecommute. The situation should remedy itself in a few more days, but until then, sit tight. Take mass transit, car pool, and work from home.
But what if it doesn’t get better and the world gets all Mad Max on us? At that point, people are going to be looking to siphon gas, if they haven’t already, and you may have to defend. Most modern cars are secondary targets because the gas tank needs to be pried open. The best targets for stealing gas will also be SUV’s because of their larger thanks and higher ground clearance makes it easy to puncture a tank. So what can you do for defense?
To avoid being siphoned, it’s a team effort. You and someone you park near should park tank to tank, with not enough room to fit in between. For example, in a driveway, one car goes in forward, and the other backs in parallel within inches of the first car. Rear wheel to rear wheel, this should block any access to both tanks. One of you will likely have to crawl in your passenger side, but its better then being stuck on E. while of course this will not stop a determined thief, it will likely make them move on to easier targets.
Mass Transit
You know those images that come out of Japan, when trains are so full, they actually hire guys to get a running start and push people in to the cars? Well the LIRR will likely be looking to hire them soon. This morning, I took a 5:25 am LIRR train from Massapequa to Penn station. By the time the train hit the next stop, all of the cars were full. The conductor, who ironically sounded A LOT like Samuel L Jackson was telling people at every stop the train was full and no more passengers were being admitted. Of course, no one listened, and this makes the train late. Even with limited service, Mass transit is still likely the best option for commuting if you can swing it. The lines are terrible, as are the crowds, but most of the trains are running. The Ferrys into Manhattan are also running, and Metro North is doing well.
But the best advice is to leave early, and travel off peak until the tunnels are pumped out and gas becomes available again.
Bridges and tunnels
If you need to commute, the bridges may be your only option as most of the lower tunnels are still flooded out. Listen to traffic reports for recent closures and maintenance.
Good luck out there, and e smart, and be courteous.
Making the Hell of Commuting More Like Commuting Purgatory
Showing posts with label Broken Down. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Broken Down. Show all posts
Monday, November 5, 2012
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Commuters Vs. Travelers, Round 2
Wow, what a ride last night - All lanes closed on the Bruckner backs up 95 North / CBX East for miles. Took me an hour to make it to the bridge. But I digress.
It's late May. Its getting warm. Three months of summer and significantly less traffic are just within our grasp, we just have one major hurdle to cross - Memorial Day weekend. Starting Thursday, the roads are going to be a free-for-all of minivans and weekenders blindly following their GPS devices. Get ready for a lot of road rage, accidents and accordion traffic jams that erupt without purpose as the amount of traveler’s increases, once again flooding the roads with discourteous drivers who don’t know the roads and stress behind the wheel.
I can’t wait for the summer, it typically takes me under an hour to get to work, and even the CBX rarely comes to a complete stop. Summer afternoons on the other hand, especially Thursdays and Fridays are another story.
But here are some tips to help your commute this week: Stay strong, after this, its smooth sailing.
- Most GPS devices tell people to take the following routes - use these alternates:
- NJ Turnpike Express – It sounds fast, so people take it. Use the local.
- Go for the inner EZ pass lanes - weekend stragglers dive into the cash lane at the last minute
- If you take time off, drive in the morning, never in the afternoon
- Avoid the Belt Parkway on any afternoon
- Always watch out for last minute, three lane exit dives at high speed
It's late May. Its getting warm. Three months of summer and significantly less traffic are just within our grasp, we just have one major hurdle to cross - Memorial Day weekend. Starting Thursday, the roads are going to be a free-for-all of minivans and weekenders blindly following their GPS devices. Get ready for a lot of road rage, accidents and accordion traffic jams that erupt without purpose as the amount of traveler’s increases, once again flooding the roads with discourteous drivers who don’t know the roads and stress behind the wheel.
I can’t wait for the summer, it typically takes me under an hour to get to work, and even the CBX rarely comes to a complete stop. Summer afternoons on the other hand, especially Thursdays and Fridays are another story.
But here are some tips to help your commute this week: Stay strong, after this, its smooth sailing.
- Most GPS devices tell people to take the following routes - use these alternates:
- 95/80 -use 9/46
- Whitestone - use the Throgs neck
- LIE - instead take Northern State / GCP
- Cross Island - use the Clearview
- GWB upper level - use the lower level, although sometimes the thought of driving with trucks scares travelers to the lower level.
- NJ Turnpike Express – It sounds fast, so people take it. Use the local.
- Go for the inner EZ pass lanes - weekend stragglers dive into the cash lane at the last minute
- If you take time off, drive in the morning, never in the afternoon
- Avoid the Belt Parkway on any afternoon
- Always watch out for last minute, three lane exit dives at high speed
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Car Crush: Audi RS6 Avant
I have mentioned before that wagons can be pretty badass. Besides hauling groceries, kids and pets, the wagon provides utility with a lower center of gravity and more even weight distribution. The result is the usefullness of an SUV, with the performance of a sport sedan.
There are some great wagons out there -The Outback XT, Magnum HEMI, The BMW 5 Series wagons, Stagea, etc. But there is an undisputed king of the wagon segment, and that is the Audi RS6 Avant. The specs alone are amazing - twin turbo V10, nearly 600 BHP, and of course AWD. Just too bad you will never be able to get one. The current iteration of the car was released in January 2007 at the Frankfurt autoshow, but we can expect that it will never see American shores. (but theres a good chance the sedan will one day show up). So for now this uberwagon based on VDub's C6 platform will have to stay over in Europe on the Autobahn it rightfully deserves. But for what its worth, I could have totally used a car that could get me and all my groceries home from Stop and Shop in under 2 minutes.
Image from Jalopnik.com
Broken Down: 94 Explorer, 98 mountaineer, 94 maxima, 95 camry, ~95 grand marquis, a couple of vans, that tractor trailer in the middle of the CBX, 2K Focus, copule of mid 90's corollas, 93 Jetta
There are some great wagons out there -The Outback XT, Magnum HEMI, The BMW 5 Series wagons, Stagea, etc. But there is an undisputed king of the wagon segment, and that is the Audi RS6 Avant. The specs alone are amazing - twin turbo V10, nearly 600 BHP, and of course AWD. Just too bad you will never be able to get one. The current iteration of the car was released in January 2007 at the Frankfurt autoshow, but we can expect that it will never see American shores. (but theres a good chance the sedan will one day show up). So for now this uberwagon based on VDub's C6 platform will have to stay over in Europe on the Autobahn it rightfully deserves. But for what its worth, I could have totally used a car that could get me and all my groceries home from Stop and Shop in under 2 minutes.
Image from Jalopnik.com
Broken Down: 94 Explorer, 98 mountaineer, 94 maxima, 95 camry, ~95 grand marquis, a couple of vans, that tractor trailer in the middle of the CBX, 2K Focus, copule of mid 90's corollas, 93 Jetta
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Top 10 List for Metro NY Commuters
I am so freakin’ excited because summer is almost here. I actually hate the heat, and could care less about the beach, but summer means that all little rug rats are out of school and traffic decreases significantly. However, there is one more hurdle to pass, and that is today. The Memorial Day Holiday.
This Thursday is by far one of the most unpredictable traffic days of the year. We just don’t know if everyone is going to be taking Friday off to get a jump on their weekend plans. We don’t know how much extra construction there will be, because crews earn time and a half for working on the holiday. We don’t know how many non-commuters will get into accidents and cause major delays for the rest of us. But I can tell you the tolls will likely be hellish.
Nevertheless, I thought of something the other day. Everyone likes top 10 lists, so I put together a list of the top ways you know you are a hardcore commuter for the NY Metro Area.
Broken down:
99 Corolla, 96 BMW 3 series, 2000 Maxima, 96 Grand Marquis, 94 Grand Marquis
This Thursday is by far one of the most unpredictable traffic days of the year. We just don’t know if everyone is going to be taking Friday off to get a jump on their weekend plans. We don’t know how much extra construction there will be, because crews earn time and a half for working on the holiday. We don’t know how many non-commuters will get into accidents and cause major delays for the rest of us. But I can tell you the tolls will likely be hellish.
Nevertheless, I thought of something the other day. Everyone likes top 10 lists, so I put together a list of the top ways you know you are a hardcore commuter for the NY Metro Area.
- You can straddle a pothole at 60 mph without breaking a sweat
- You follow the person with their convertible top down on the CBX, and squeal with delight on the inside when they get the mystery water substance dumped on them that falls from the underpasses
- 1010Wins and NewsRadio88 are your first two presets
- Most other places in the world would consider our safe following distance to be tailgating
- Don’t worry about that NYPD cop, I’m only doing 65 MPH in a 50 zone
- You know that the word “express” usually means slower. For example, “express” lanes for NJ turnpike, Long Island “Express”way, etc
- You have a deep appreciation for Jewish holidays, no matter what your faith is
- You have a favorite toll lane
- You know the Clearview is where it’s at
- And finally, you get really annoyed on Fridays when all the slow, non commuters invade your way home.
Broken down:
99 Corolla, 96 BMW 3 series, 2000 Maxima, 96 Grand Marquis, 94 Grand Marquis
Monday, April 26, 2010
New Brakes!
So its an exciting day for me, because my car actually stops now. Stop and go traffic is absolute murder on any brake system, and my rotors were so warped it felt like I was operating a 30mm machine gun every time I hit the pedal above 35 MPH, with a Ratt-ta-tat-tat shimmy thats so wicked it threatens to shear my axles.
I didn't quite feel like spending $900 or more to get a complete brake overhaul, so instead went online and bought a full new set of rotors and ceramic pads. I went through Ebay and picked up a set of RotorPros. I opted to get blacked out, zinc coated drilled rotors. They sent me slotted and drilled, but whatever. They look damn good, especially after blacking out the calipers. I spent about $250 on the complete set, and called my buddy Ryan up for some install help. We completed all 4 in about 3 hours.
But here is why I went drilled. Stop and Go traffic heats up Rotors to such excessive heats, warping occurs very easily, and thats what happened to my stock Nissan rotors. Drilled rotors dissipate heat much more effectively, prolonging rotor life and resisting brake fade. they also provide enhanced stopping power, as they bite the pad more effectively than blanks.
But whats the cons to rotors? Drilled rotors are more prone to cracking, especially if they are cheap. Slotted rotors increase stopping power by wiping the pad clean on every pass, but they also eat brake pads. Additionally, another drawback I'm finding after three days is that the brake dust is excessive. My stock rims are still on, so it is a very subtle addition to the car that no one will notice, which is good for me.
Broken down - 94 Ford Taurus, 95 4-Runner
I didn't quite feel like spending $900 or more to get a complete brake overhaul, so instead went online and bought a full new set of rotors and ceramic pads. I went through Ebay and picked up a set of RotorPros. I opted to get blacked out, zinc coated drilled rotors. They sent me slotted and drilled, but whatever. They look damn good, especially after blacking out the calipers. I spent about $250 on the complete set, and called my buddy Ryan up for some install help. We completed all 4 in about 3 hours.
My new Rotors!
But here is why I went drilled. Stop and Go traffic heats up Rotors to such excessive heats, warping occurs very easily, and thats what happened to my stock Nissan rotors. Drilled rotors dissipate heat much more effectively, prolonging rotor life and resisting brake fade. they also provide enhanced stopping power, as they bite the pad more effectively than blanks.
But whats the cons to rotors? Drilled rotors are more prone to cracking, especially if they are cheap. Slotted rotors increase stopping power by wiping the pad clean on every pass, but they also eat brake pads. Additionally, another drawback I'm finding after three days is that the brake dust is excessive. My stock rims are still on, so it is a very subtle addition to the car that no one will notice, which is good for me.
Broken down - 94 Ford Taurus, 95 4-Runner
Monday, April 19, 2010
The Empire Gold has Arrived
Then other day I saw a plate (AKA “tag” to the southerners out there) I didn’t recognize. It was yellow and blue, and not that attractive. It was a NY plate, and I had never seen one, so I assumed it was an official vehicle or a custom job.
And then I start seeing a few more. Now I have seen like 5 or 6 of them. So a search this morning reveals that NY is indeed getting new license plates, and they look something like this:
New plate and old plate, image courtesy NYDMV
The new plate is called the “Empire Gold” and it reminds me of those mid-80’s plates for NYS before the lady liberty white plate came into commission. But there is an interesting story behind this plate.
Initially, NYS was going to make it mandatory for all drivers to get a new set of plates at a cost of $25, which is $10 more than the old price once drivers’ registration expired. It was also another $20 to keep your old plate numbers. But, in a rarely seen bout of common sense by bureaucracy, this plan has thus been cancelled, and now the DMV is issuing these tags as of April 1st for new registrations, or if people request them when renewing registrations. The tags will only be available in DMV offices at first.
After May 17th, 2010 you can order the plates when you do DMV transactions online such as renewing registration, etc.
View the press release here:
http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/press/pr040110.htm
Useful FAQ’s here:
http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/empgold/faq.htm
How do I feel about this? I think it will look good with my black and yellow scheme, so I am optimistic. But NY, when will you get with the program and abandon the front plate?
Broken Down: 96 Civic, 99 Explorer, 96 Chevy Astro, 93 Camry, early gen Windstar,
And then I start seeing a few more. Now I have seen like 5 or 6 of them. So a search this morning reveals that NY is indeed getting new license plates, and they look something like this:
New plate and old plate, image courtesy NYDMV
The new plate is called the “Empire Gold” and it reminds me of those mid-80’s plates for NYS before the lady liberty white plate came into commission. But there is an interesting story behind this plate.
Initially, NYS was going to make it mandatory for all drivers to get a new set of plates at a cost of $25, which is $10 more than the old price once drivers’ registration expired. It was also another $20 to keep your old plate numbers. But, in a rarely seen bout of common sense by bureaucracy, this plan has thus been cancelled, and now the DMV is issuing these tags as of April 1st for new registrations, or if people request them when renewing registrations. The tags will only be available in DMV offices at first.
After May 17th, 2010 you can order the plates when you do DMV transactions online such as renewing registration, etc.
View the press release here:
http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/press/pr040110.htm
Useful FAQ’s here:
http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/empgold/faq.htm
How do I feel about this? I think it will look good with my black and yellow scheme, so I am optimistic. But NY, when will you get with the program and abandon the front plate?
Broken Down: 96 Civic, 99 Explorer, 96 Chevy Astro, 93 Camry, early gen Windstar,
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Austin Vs. NY
Well I'm back from SXSW. I was out there on shooting assignment for the week, and had a great time. Of all of the auto manufacturers, Chevy by far dominated the social media space. They had a slowly building production Volt Display, a lounge and a showroom ready Cruz. But the best part is the rides that they were offering to show attendees in a Camaro SS or new Corvette. They also are totally rocking augmented reality into their advertising campaigns, which is going to be big in the future.
But what about driving in Austin? For this little excursion, we got ourselves a Chrysler Town and Country Mininvan. Not my first choice, but hey, it carried everyone and my gear, so I cannot complain. But my conclusion is this - Austin drivers are the most similar to NY drivers I have ever seen, but they have an extreme lack of awareness.
I think the oddest thing about Austin drivers is that a majority do not use turn signals. more than one time, i had a car next to me on the highway that was inching over, and when i didn't alter my speed to let them in, they got visibly angry. I didn't know they wanted to lane change. If I saw a turn signal, I would have let them over.
But getting there is half the fun right? As a hardcore commuter, I frequently find myself on planes. And I have a rule - I know I sound like s snob, but I always fly direct. It’s not that I’m impatient, or don’t like connections. It's just that every single time I take a connection; my bags never make it with me. Of course, this happened again, as the Delta flight From JFK to ATL to Austin was lacking my luggage for the week. But no worries, I carried my camera gear in my carry-on.
Anyways, see the gallery for my really terrible shots of some of the car stuff at SXSW 2010
[gallery]
Upcoming – I am actually working on a really good article, as a PR guy’s perspective of Toyota’s current crisis.
Broken down: 90’s Crown Vic, 94 Maxima, 97 Corrola, a couple of vans
But what about driving in Austin? For this little excursion, we got ourselves a Chrysler Town and Country Mininvan. Not my first choice, but hey, it carried everyone and my gear, so I cannot complain. But my conclusion is this - Austin drivers are the most similar to NY drivers I have ever seen, but they have an extreme lack of awareness.
I think the oddest thing about Austin drivers is that a majority do not use turn signals. more than one time, i had a car next to me on the highway that was inching over, and when i didn't alter my speed to let them in, they got visibly angry. I didn't know they wanted to lane change. If I saw a turn signal, I would have let them over.
But getting there is half the fun right? As a hardcore commuter, I frequently find myself on planes. And I have a rule - I know I sound like s snob, but I always fly direct. It’s not that I’m impatient, or don’t like connections. It's just that every single time I take a connection; my bags never make it with me. Of course, this happened again, as the Delta flight From JFK to ATL to Austin was lacking my luggage for the week. But no worries, I carried my camera gear in my carry-on.
Anyways, see the gallery for my really terrible shots of some of the car stuff at SXSW 2010
[gallery]
Upcoming – I am actually working on a really good article, as a PR guy’s perspective of Toyota’s current crisis.
Broken down: 90’s Crown Vic, 94 Maxima, 97 Corrola, a couple of vans
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Get a New View
So according to the news, the great blizzard of the century was once again upon the tri-state area, and I braced for a horrible commute. Of course, with all the schools on a two hour delay, I made it into work with an hour to spare. Let us hope for the same luck on the way home. But I actually wanted to share a very useful article I just read…
I tried something new today which went against everything I was taught when learning how to drive. I read in the latest Car & Driver that the NHTSA or one of those Government agencies has new guidelines for side view mirror placement. Apparently, what I had been taught about being able to see the edges of my rear flanks was wrong. The side view mirrors should be extended outward so that the view just slightly overlaps what you see in the center rearview. This is actually a pretty major adjustment to your viewing angle.
I tried it on this morning’s snowy commute, and I must say it is quite effective, but it does take some getting used to. Try it, and it eliminates the need for a blind spot mirror in most instances.
Broken Down since last post…
2001 Chevy Blazer, 1994 Toyota Camry, early 00’s Lincoln Town Car, 1999 Honda Accord
I tried something new today which went against everything I was taught when learning how to drive. I read in the latest Car & Driver that the NHTSA or one of those Government agencies has new guidelines for side view mirror placement. Apparently, what I had been taught about being able to see the edges of my rear flanks was wrong. The side view mirrors should be extended outward so that the view just slightly overlaps what you see in the center rearview. This is actually a pretty major adjustment to your viewing angle.
I tried it on this morning’s snowy commute, and I must say it is quite effective, but it does take some getting used to. Try it, and it eliminates the need for a blind spot mirror in most instances.
Broken Down since last post…
2001 Chevy Blazer, 1994 Toyota Camry, early 00’s Lincoln Town Car, 1999 Honda Accord
Thursday, January 28, 2010
A Post that's not about the iPad.
I think the happiest people in the world to see all the media hype over the iPad launch yesterday was not Mac. It was Toyota, because for a day the spotlight was not shining on the clusterfuck that is their massive recall and legally implemented sales halt. I feel bad for them, really I do. If you haven't been following the story, Toyota calls it "pedal entrapment problems caused by floormats". This means the pedal was slightly too long, and floormat cut slightly too generously. If you have one of the 4.2 million cars affected by this problem, you should immeditately do the following complex process to ensure the safety of you and your family:
1. Pull out the floormat.
But then there is that other recall, the one where the accelerator pedals actually are sticking due to worn components. This is a bit of a problem for the 1.7 million owners of recent models, and to the dealers who have them on the lot. Luckily, Scion and Lexus models are not affected. But, it does include the Pontiac Vibe, which is basically a Matrix with the General's badge.
The following models are affected by the recall
• 2009-2010 RAV4
• 2009-2010 Corolla
• 2009-2010 Matrix
• 2005-2010 Avalon
• 2007-2010 Camry
• 2010 Highlander
• 2007-2010 Tundra
• 2008-2010 Sequoia
But this is also a bigger blow to Toyota - it's not like the company can rely on its edgy styling, sporty performance or individualistic appeal. Toyota's sell well because they are solid, reliable transportation, and this is no doubt going to tarnish the image in the mind of many consumers.
But, if you find yourself in the horrifying situation where your accelerator sticks, remember the following advanced driving techniques that could save your life:
1. Hit the brakes, idiot. If that doesn't work, shift into neutral.
Heres a link to the press release with some FAQ's:
http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/toyota/toyota-consumer-safety-advisory-102572.aspx
Broken Down- early 90's Mistubishi Eclipse, 97 Mercury Grand Marquis
1. Pull out the floormat.
But then there is that other recall, the one where the accelerator pedals actually are sticking due to worn components. This is a bit of a problem for the 1.7 million owners of recent models, and to the dealers who have them on the lot. Luckily, Scion and Lexus models are not affected. But, it does include the Pontiac Vibe, which is basically a Matrix with the General's badge.
The following models are affected by the recall
• 2009-2010 RAV4
• 2009-2010 Corolla
• 2009-2010 Matrix
• 2005-2010 Avalon
• 2007-2010 Camry
• 2010 Highlander
• 2007-2010 Tundra
• 2008-2010 Sequoia
But this is also a bigger blow to Toyota - it's not like the company can rely on its edgy styling, sporty performance or individualistic appeal. Toyota's sell well because they are solid, reliable transportation, and this is no doubt going to tarnish the image in the mind of many consumers.
But, if you find yourself in the horrifying situation where your accelerator sticks, remember the following advanced driving techniques that could save your life:
1. Hit the brakes, idiot. If that doesn't work, shift into neutral.
Heres a link to the press release with some FAQ's:
http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/toyota/toyota-consumer-safety-advisory-102572.aspx
Broken Down- early 90's Mistubishi Eclipse, 97 Mercury Grand Marquis
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Quota Time - How to Spot an NYPD Unmarked Charger
Last night, I counted no less than 10 cops on my way home patrolling for speeders. This includes NJ State Troopers, NYPD, NY Staties and a Nassau Sheriff. So apparently, its quota time.* Mostly, they are using the newer Dodge Chargers to replace aging Crown Vic interceptors. The Dodges have the 5.7 liter V8 that’s pretty badass, but with a governor.
Before we go any further, let me say to always obey local speed laws and respect law enforcement, because they are just out there making the roads safer, getting idiots off the roads, and putting money in the municipal coffer. Speeding or any unsafe driving is not safe, and is not condoned.
But you should probably know what you're up against out there.
This is what the Police package Dodge Charger Interceptor is packing:
• Zero to 60 mph: 6.0 sec
• Zero to 100 mph: 15.4 sec
• Zero to 130 mph: 32.4 sec
• Street start, 5-60 mph: 6.4 sec
• Standing ¼-mile: 14.6 sec @ 97 mph
• Top speed (governor limited): 148 mph
• Braking, 70-0 mph: 179 ft
• Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.82 g
That being said, here’s how to spot an unmarked Charger. See the below photos, but here’s where not to look:
• Exhausts – Dual exhausts used to mean unmarked. Now, even the V6 chargers have the dual exhaust.
• Light package – If you are close enough to spot hidden lights in the grill, its already too late
• Headlights – They are the same, but never HID or projector
• License plates – there no discernable special codes for law enforcement on unmarked’s
• Suspension –even though its beefed up, it’s not a discernible difference by glance
Note: taxi companies and liveries often buy used police cars for use as Taxi's. In NY, if it has an orange reflector in the back, its always a taxi.
This is what to notice: (numbers correspond to photos)
1. Rims – usually police departments use cheaper and easier to maintain black steelies with center caps
2. Antenna array – most will have 3 stubby antennas or a center mounted CB antenna
3. Spotlight on the river side is a dead giveaway. some taxi cabs leave them on
4. Brushguard / Pushbar
5. It’s what is missing here- the trim designation badge
6. Fog lights. Cop cars won’t have them, as they are always an optional accessory
7. License plate frame - only civilian vehicles from dealerships will have this
8. Grills - typically, the body painted grill is on the SRT-8 and other higher end packages for the charger, so its pretty rare. you can bet that if the grill is not plastic chrome, it might be the fuzz.
charger"]
[/caption]
Creative common license, photo by AEMoreira042281
- photo from www.autoblog.com"
The civilian model– images from www.autoblog.com
[/caption]
[gallery]
* disclaimer - According to Police, quotas do not exist.
Broken Down - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
Before we go any further, let me say to always obey local speed laws and respect law enforcement, because they are just out there making the roads safer, getting idiots off the roads, and putting money in the municipal coffer. Speeding or any unsafe driving is not safe, and is not condoned.
But you should probably know what you're up against out there.
This is what the Police package Dodge Charger Interceptor is packing:
• Zero to 60 mph: 6.0 sec
• Zero to 100 mph: 15.4 sec
• Zero to 130 mph: 32.4 sec
• Street start, 5-60 mph: 6.4 sec
• Standing ¼-mile: 14.6 sec @ 97 mph
• Top speed (governor limited): 148 mph
• Braking, 70-0 mph: 179 ft
• Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.82 g
That being said, here’s how to spot an unmarked Charger. See the below photos, but here’s where not to look:
• Exhausts – Dual exhausts used to mean unmarked. Now, even the V6 chargers have the dual exhaust.
• Light package – If you are close enough to spot hidden lights in the grill, its already too late
• Headlights – They are the same, but never HID or projector
• License plates – there no discernable special codes for law enforcement on unmarked’s
• Suspension –even though its beefed up, it’s not a discernible difference by glance
Note: taxi companies and liveries often buy used police cars for use as Taxi's. In NY, if it has an orange reflector in the back, its always a taxi.
This is what to notice: (numbers correspond to photos)
1. Rims – usually police departments use cheaper and easier to maintain black steelies with center caps
2. Antenna array – most will have 3 stubby antennas or a center mounted CB antenna
3. Spotlight on the river side is a dead giveaway. some taxi cabs leave them on
4. Brushguard / Pushbar
5. It’s what is missing here- the trim designation badge
6. Fog lights. Cop cars won’t have them, as they are always an optional accessory
7. License plate frame - only civilian vehicles from dealerships will have this
8. Grills - typically, the body painted grill is on the SRT-8 and other higher end packages for the charger, so its pretty rare. you can bet that if the grill is not plastic chrome, it might be the fuzz.
charger"]
[/caption]Creative common license, photo by AEMoreira042281
- photo from www.autoblog.com"
The civilian model– images from www.autoblog.com
[/caption]
[gallery]
* disclaimer - According to Police, quotas do not exist.
Broken Down - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Rumors of new Infiniti 2.5
Heres the thing about the cars we will talk about here - they need to have some sort of practicality. No one is going to drive a corvette or a GT-R to work everyday, and we need to focus on whats actually going to be used by commuters.
So I want to talk about a new rumor (via Autoblog) concerning a new infinity platform. But first, heres a little disclaimer. I am a total Nissan nut. I love their products, and the VQ motor is absolutely bulletproof. I came very close to buying a G35x because it was a phenomenal ride, but didn't pull the trigger because of gas mileage.
The reports say that the 2011 G series will be available with a turbo 2.5 V6, which is the same motor found in the Japanese Skyline coupe (not GT-R). I am predicting something different.
Anyone remember the Infiniti G20t? It sold well and was very cost effective for Nissan to build an Infiniti on the Altima platform / motor. I think we will be seeing a G25 and G25s variant very soon, but without the turbo. I think it will use the same motor as the current Altima to achieve maximum efficiency, (2.5 four-banger) and ride on a slightly tweaked Altima body. This was the exact same strategy for the G20t.
This is a safe play on Infiniti's part. With Audi and BMW bringing smaller, more fuel efficient luxury cars to the states, Nissan's luxury division will need something to compete, and the answer is a platform variant that costs a minimum to produce, but could possibly be a best seller in the entry luxury category.
[caption id="attachment_102" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="96 Inifiniti G20T (Image from Consumer Guide Auto)"]
[/caption]
Broken down today: '01 VW Beetle and a 92 Honda Civic coupe
So I want to talk about a new rumor (via Autoblog) concerning a new infinity platform. But first, heres a little disclaimer. I am a total Nissan nut. I love their products, and the VQ motor is absolutely bulletproof. I came very close to buying a G35x because it was a phenomenal ride, but didn't pull the trigger because of gas mileage.
The reports say that the 2011 G series will be available with a turbo 2.5 V6, which is the same motor found in the Japanese Skyline coupe (not GT-R). I am predicting something different.
Anyone remember the Infiniti G20t? It sold well and was very cost effective for Nissan to build an Infiniti on the Altima platform / motor. I think we will be seeing a G25 and G25s variant very soon, but without the turbo. I think it will use the same motor as the current Altima to achieve maximum efficiency, (2.5 four-banger) and ride on a slightly tweaked Altima body. This was the exact same strategy for the G20t.
This is a safe play on Infiniti's part. With Audi and BMW bringing smaller, more fuel efficient luxury cars to the states, Nissan's luxury division will need something to compete, and the answer is a platform variant that costs a minimum to produce, but could possibly be a best seller in the entry luxury category.
[caption id="attachment_102" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="96 Inifiniti G20T (Image from Consumer Guide Auto)"]
[/caption]Broken down today: '01 VW Beetle and a 92 Honda Civic coupe
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
New Feature: Broken Down
So I had an idea for a new feature: My dad always told me to take notice of all the cars broken down on the side of the highway when we go driving, and when it comes time for you to buy a car, don't buy what you saw broken down. Sounds simple, but this is good advice - We live in a day and age where you can't really believe reliability surveys from any car manufacturer, and sometimes a really-real-world test is what you see on the side of the road.
So what spurred this? well today, it was the 2007 Nissan Versa in the right lane of the lower level of the GWB at a dead stop, which I nearly hit at 60 MPH. Bad place to stop, even with your hazards flashing. I have heard not -so-good things about the Versa, especially given Nissan's legendary reliability of the bulletproof VQ motors. Guess I'll keep an eye out for more of them.
So from now on, I am going to report on what I see broken down, and perhaps chart it out using some crazy Excel skills at the end of the year for a completely unscientific test.
So what spurred this? well today, it was the 2007 Nissan Versa in the right lane of the lower level of the GWB at a dead stop, which I nearly hit at 60 MPH. Bad place to stop, even with your hazards flashing. I have heard not -so-good things about the Versa, especially given Nissan's legendary reliability of the bulletproof VQ motors. Guess I'll keep an eye out for more of them.
So from now on, I am going to report on what I see broken down, and perhaps chart it out using some crazy Excel skills at the end of the year for a completely unscientific test.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)