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RUMBLE SEAT
The GM import is as entertaining and nimble as its German cousin, the Opel Astra.
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YOUR WHEELS
How cameras can help traffic flow; automated cars show potential. >>
THROTTLE JOCKEY
Is it cold in here, or is it me? Maybe I'm just feeling the cool from Aprilia's new Shiver, in all its freak-out orange glory. >>
RUMBLE SEAT: ACURA TSX
The sedan has the requisite sparkle and performance, but feels like a luxury car wrapped around an economy powertrain. >>
THROTTLE JOCKEY
Custom ace Ian Barry and actor Jason Lee are behind the Bullet Falcon, crossing a 1950 Triumph Thunderbird with a 1920s board track racer aesthetic. >>
CALIFORNIA / Half Moon Bay
The May 3 event spotlights the sport's history and, yes, some of its legends. >>
The Pebble Beach weekend has evolved into an entire “holy week” for the motoring faithful. >>
2009 Acura TSXBase price: $28,960 >>RUMBLE SEAT
The best-selling small SUV in Europe vrooms to American shores. >>
YOUR WHEELS
Products such as a car turntable, alloy wheels and a cleansing wax hail from the region. >>
THROTTLE JOCKEY: Honda CBR1000RR
Redone for 2008, the CBR1000RR is ultra fast and easy to use , with systems that makes its power user friendly. >>
2008 Suzuki SX4 CrossoverBase price: $14,770 >>2008 Honda CBR1000RRBase price: $11,599 >>RUMBLE SEAT
A marvel of power and speed, the all-wheel-drive GT-R coupe is so safe and serene that it's curiously lacking in thrills. >>
THROTTLE JOCKEY: 2008 Suzuki C109R
Ask any female biker and she'll tell you the same thing: A motorcycle is a great prop for soliciting male attention. Stares, smiles, honks, devil horns -- it starts happening as soon as you throw a leg over. >>
MOVIE REVIEW
Motocross daredevil Travis Pastrana lands in documentary. >>
RUMBLE SEAT
The new luxury sedan has all the sparkle and power you'd expect. If they could just do something about that grille. >>
YOUR WHEELS
They are random and senseless: Stay safe with courteous driving. >>
THROTTLE JOCKEY
In bringing the newest Ulysses to market, Erik Buell has lived quite the odyssey -- from farm boy to Superbike racer to Harley-Davidson engineer to Buell Motorcycle Co. founder, chairman and chief technical officer. >>
RUMBLE SEAT
The 200-mph supercar, basically a Porsche Motorsport version of the 911 Turbo, is all the scarier for its effortless ways. >>
THROTTLE JOCKEY
There's no standardized test for bikes' fuel economy, so where are figures coming from? Hint: the EPA emissions test is involved. >>
2008 Porsche 911 GT2Base price: $192,560 >>RUMBLE SEAT
The Murano's new front looks more aggressive, but not much has changed on the road. >>
YOUR WHEELS
On the road with a hand-held navigation device that stores electronic maps to get you to your destination. >>
THROTTLE JOCKEY
The WR250X is best zipping through city pavements and canyons, where its 282 pounds are easy and fun to throw around. >>
HIGHWAY 1 | RUMBLE SEAT
For the record >>
RUMBLE SEAT
The 135i packs a lot of oomph into its little body, but those looks . . . >>
RUMBLE SEAT
Ford's new offering is quite a looker, and much more affordable than the luxury brand. >>
THROTTLE JOCKEY
A small California company is bringing back a bike popular a century ago. >>
2008 BMW 135iBase price: $34,900 >>RUMBLE SEAT
The little car that could grows out but, whew, not up with the Clubman. >>
YOUR WHEELS
What should passengers do if the driver sickens at the wheel? Play it cool while taking control of the car, CHP suggests. >>
THROTTLE JOCKEY
The single-cylinder, street-specific Duke was born to accelerate and brake hard. But is it an aristocrat through and through? >>
2008 KTM 690 DukeBase price: $9,498 >>RUMBLE SEAT
In looks, ride, even in sound, a Ford Mustang edition pays proper homage to a legend. >>
YOUR WHEELS
Car manufacturers don't recommend such frequent changes for many vehicles -- and all that used oil is bad for the environment. >>
THROTTLE JOCKEY
There are many ways to learn Italian. You can take a language class and memorize the words. You can travel to Italy and experience the culture. Or you can ride Ducati's new 848, which will give you an entirely different lesson in Italian. >>
RUMBLE SEAT
The eight-speed IS-F brings swift splendor to the high-performance luxury club. >>
THE GARAGE
The '50s-style drive-in diner in Torrance is drawing automotive connoisseurs of many makes and models. >>
THROTTLE JOCKEY
Dual-sport bike is also an easy rider. >>
2008 Lexus IS-FBase price: $56,000 >>RUMBLE SEAT
The new Audi TT is a bolder, sleeker version of its old self. Yes, still the designer's dream car. >>
YOUR WHEELS
In Southern California, drivers think the fast lane means they can speed. >>
RUMBLE SEAT
Computer-like precision kind of takes the fun out of it. >>
THROTTLE JOCKEY
It may have started as a dirt bike, but after customization it's been transformed into the Super Single. Will it catch on with road racers? >>
RUMBLE SEAT
A sneak peek shows the truck-nugget tackles today's big issues: driveability, fuel efficiency, space. >>
THROTTLE JOCKEY
Not to rub it in, but I do have a dream job. I get paid to ride motorcycles. I get to ride all the newest stuff. And I get to ride most of it before it's even available to the public. >>
It doesn't rain very often in sunny SoCal, but when it does, motorcyclists should consider these 10 tips from Ray Ochs, director of training systems for the Motorcycle Safety Foundation: >>
THROTTLE JOCKEY
Sales are down, costs are up. Despite that, bike makers are optimistic. Expect new models, even a new niche. >>
Harley's 2008 softail merges post-war nostalgia with ultra-modern cool. >>
RUMBLE SEAT
The Subaru Impreza WRX STI is still rowdy enough to delight true believers. Yet nuance is part of the story in '08. >>
YOUR WHEELS
Responding to a Times column, Southern California motorists describe unsafe and rude behavior they have seen on the road. >>
THROTTLE JOCKEY
Moto Guzzi's 2008 Breva 1200 Sport attempts to be slick and sexy. But mamma mia, is it thick around the ankles. >>
RUMBLE SEAT
Infiniti's feisty little hatchback protects car and driver with its lane sensors and AVM cameras. >>
THROTTLE JOCKEY
The new VTX1300T is a meat-and-potatoes sort of cruiser. >>
THROTTLE JOCKEY
Three-wheelers draw more and more interest. These new models demonstrate why. >>
YOUR WHEELS
There are any number of problems we can address to make driving more tolerable. But let's start with these 10. >>
Three-wheelers are registered as motorcycles in California, but even though they have a third wheel and different handling characteristics, an official safety class for three-wheelers doesn't exist. >>
RUMBLE SEAT
The Tahoe Hybrid is smart, smooth and strong, but it's a lot of vehicle for a little environmental progress. >>
THROTTLE JOCKEY
The company's middleweight bike is ready for a wild time; it's no commuter. >>
RUMBLE SEAT
Heavy on the technical -- and on the bulk >>
THROTTLE JOCKEY
This battery-assisted bike is not only good for the earth, it's good for the wallet. >>
THROTTLE JOCKEY
Suzuki's highly anticipated B-King is a two-wheeled version of Darth Vader. It's big. It's black. And the Force is definitely on its side. >>
RUMBLE SEAT
It's average, but that's a good thing. >>
YOUR WHEELS
Safety harnesses should be required for animals. >>
THROTTLE JOCKEY/ SUSAN CARPENTER
TAKE 15 pound-feet of torque. Factor in 22.5 horsepower. The numbers don't add up to bragging rights, especially for an Italian sport bike manufacturer. >>
RUMBLE SEAT
A bit better gas mileage, but only by a bit >>
RUMBLE SEAT
Mercedes GL320 CDI is just fine, but it's another SUV in a world that should be thinking green. >>
THROTTLE JOCKEY
It's a nifty ride, but China's Jialing JH600 dual sport bike would need refinement and a price cut before cracking the U.S. market. >>
RUMBLE SEAT/DAN NEIL
From stem to stern, Audi's S5 Coupe is one smooth operator, all refinement and lubriciousness. Get it on the highway, and it moves like greased lightning. >>
YOUR WHEELS
Skip the test, watch the film. Videos may help drivers learn rules of the road. >>
THROTTLE JOCKEY
Overhauled for 2008, the Hayabusa boasts extra horses, but user-friendliness is also one of its goals. >>
THROTTLE JOCKEY
Hey, did you hear the one about Jay Leno and his eco-friendly Burbank garage? >>
YOUR WHEELS
And often, the more expensive the vehicle -- Mercedes C class cars, Infiniti G35s and Lexus IS drivers beware -- the higher the bill. >>
LOVING cars and being green don't have to be mutually exclusive. >>
RUMBLE SEAT
Plagued by reliability issues, the company is doing damage control with its new C-class. >>
THROTTLE JOCKEY
Buell Motorcycle Co. has long billed itself as the lone manufacturer of U.S. sport bikes, but that claim should come with an asterisk. >>
RUMBLE SEAT
The Chrysler Town & Country Limited -- quick, comfortable and commodious -- is a patriarch among minivans. >>
YOUR WHEELS
Scandals with directed repair programs may shake up auto body industry practices. >>
THROTTLE JOCKEY
Victory Motorcycles isn't just cruising with its '08 Vision >>
THROTTLE JOCKEY
The federal guidelines should be updated to address 'roll-off' problems and unapproved headgear, researchers say. >>
THROTTLE JOCKEY
Protective garments can, at the least, offer essential abrasion resistance. >>
MOTORCYCLING
At Femmoto, women get to test-ride all kinds of bikes and manufacturers can check their appeal with a key market segment. >>
THROTTLE JOCKEY
A better tactic? Weighing in on crash-prevention measures, motorcycle organizations say. >>
YOUR WHEELS
Pilot program uses roadside monitors to test emission levels. >>
RUMBLE SEAT
Overindulgence done right, Mercedes-Benz's CL63 is luxe lightning. >>
THROTTLE JOCKEY
The company's newest canine is smaller and was built for more entry-level riders. >>
THROTTLE JOCKEY
Big Bear Choppers makes a bike just for women. But it's not a perfect fit. >>
COLUMN ONE
The late actor's Ferrari goes to auction this week. Auto critic Dan Neil slips into a machine from another age and drives like a Bullitt. >>
RUMBLE SEAT
With a nifty and satisfying sport-utility like this in its portfolio, the automaker may save itself yet. >>
THROTTLE JOCKEY
The new Vectrix Maxi Scooter, which has been in the works for more than 10 years, is now officially on the market >>
GLOBAL REPORT
The Indian carmaker plans to launch its auto by the third quarter of '08. Rivals are skeptical. >>
A123Systems will help the automaker power its Volt electric car. >>
RUMBLE SEAT
Chrysler's '08 Sebring Convertible has a nifty roof mechanism. But things go down quickly from there. >>
AUTOMOBILES
The early reviews of Chrysler's new-model CEO are in: Good acceleration and inexpensive, at least at first, but lacks fit and finish. >>
AUTOS
The ex-Home Depot chief will be paid only if he turns around the carmaker, a source says. >>
They may guzzle gas, but who says they're not economical? Sales are up as buyers see savings on lodgings and meals. >>
RUMBLE SEAT
The C30 could mark the emergence of a species: Volvo rockinus. >>
THROTTLE JOCKEY
Ducati's latest is so high-strung it should run on Ritalin. >>
AUTOS
The Japanese automaker hopes to broaden the availability of the top-selling gasoline-electric hybrid by offering a new 2008 model next month. >>
THE GARAGE
The Internal Revenue Service said this week that Honda's FCX qualified for a $12,000 federal tax credit. That would be good news for the owners of the hydrogen-powered car — if there were any. >>
RUMBLE SEAT
The classy automaker goes ultra-sassy with a supercar for grown-ups. >>
THROTTLE JOCKEY
American IronHorse's Slammer is the goth fan's dream: big, bad and outta control. In other words, the 'Omen' of motorcycles. >>
AUTOS
The Japanese automaker, the leader in gasoline-electric vehicle sales in the U.S., will team with the universities on cleaner, more fuel-efficient versions of its Prius sedan. >>
ASK THROTTLE JOCKEY
Q: In looking at your riding clothing on the Harley-Davidson Fat Bob segment, I wondered if you had ever written anything on protective clothing recommendations. >>
THROTTLE JOCKEY
Of the firm's three new bikes, this could be the most popular because it's well-designed, easy to ride and reasonably priced at $14,795. >>
RUMBLE SEAT / DAN NEIL
Pumped up and powerful, this Mercedes brings a racy pedigree to the street. >>
YOUR WHEELS
Western Avenue is one of the city's most dangerous roads, a safety researcher shows. >>
SOMEWHERE in Germany, rich guys are geschwinging around in their 400-hp, mega-dollar Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG Black Series, the excessively excessive version of the company's yar little roadster. And yet, for reasons that remain mysterious (well, I suppose I could ask), Mercedes elected not to bring the first creation of AMG's "Performance Studio" to these blessed shores. >>
RUMBLE SEAT
The 2007 Tundra competes in the large pickup market with all the right gadgets >>
THROTTLE JOCKEY
It won't earn you any street cred and it feels kind of flimsy, but the ST performs respectably and the gas mileage can't be beat. >>
RUMBLE SEAT
Great mileage, big power, cleaned-up emissions. Only problem with Mercedes' E320 Bluetec diesel is you can't get it in California. Yet. >>
BOOK REVIEW
A savvy, sentimental journey recaptures the spirit and vision of the legendary route. >>
YOUR WHEELS
The DMV issues millions of special permits. It could be an aging populace. But others blame cheaters. >>
REVIEW
Call it the monkey-see, monkey-do approach. >>
ASK THROTTLE JOCKEY
For motorcycles, front-end accidents are 'most harmful' >>
REVIEW
The subcompact speeds effortlessly, with hardly a stop to fill up -- it gets fantastic gas mileage. >>
THROTTLE JOCKEY
BMW fills a graying market niche with its nimble, mid-size F 800 S. >>
THROTTLE JOCKEY
From its mesmerizing stern to its cool handlebars, the newly minted '08 Rocker C has a custom-shop look. >>
Motorsports
After struggling through the first half of the NASCAR season, the team has been a dominate force in recent weeks. >>
RUMBLE SEAT
The Smart Fortwo is more than a little fun, but its tiny size offers slight advantage stateside. >>
RUMBLE SEAT
Looks aside, there's plenty to praise in the 2008 Scion xB -- more fun, more substance, more room inside. And isn't beauty an inner glow? >>
ASK THROTTLE JOCKEY
Question: How do scooters under 50 cc fit into the world? About two years ago, I was about to purchase a Honda Ruckus for local trips under five miles, but I couldn't get a clear answer from the Honda dealer on how it should be licensed and where I could ride it. Further, campus cops couldn't decide if it had to be parked with motorcycles or bicycles. Are mopeds handled differently than scooters? What about those skateboard things with two-stroke motors?
-- Peter LaBarba, Long Beach >>
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