When we get a new test car to review each week, I love when they include an Instant MPG reading on their information display. More and more new cars are displaying this information built-in, which is meant to help you get the best fuel efficiency possible. And it works! I notice myself paying attention to the display, seeing how high I can keep the MPG reading, and being lighter on the throttle, which gets me much better fuel economy in everyday driving. Most cars do not have this read-out, however.

A new device on the market will add this functionality to any vehicle (1996 or newer,) along with several other useful features you won’t find built-in to any new cars. Fuel Efficiency Adviser plugs into your OBD-II port, usually under your dash, and gathers readings directly from your car’s computer. After the software connects to the car’s computer (only takes a few seconds,) the Fuel Efficiency Adviser instantly displays four readings - Instant MPG, Average MPG, Current Trip Cost ($) and Cost so far today. Mount the device somewhere convenient with the included velcro strips, and start driving as the screen updates with your fuel economy numbers. That’s not all… Continue Reading…

Last month I wrote about an event with Supercar Sensation - a company based in Charlotte, NC that allows you to drive supercars around for a few hours for a bargain price. The Supercar Tour is a blast. So much, that I actually just bought another tour yesterday as a Father’s Day gift. Ferrari F430…here I come!

The supercar tour isn’t all Supercar Sensation offers, though. They also hold an Autocross event, which will be taking place this Saturday, June 6th at zMAX Dragway in Charlotte, NC. You can get into it for as low as $40, which includes one orientation lap and one autocross lap, up to $250 for one entry lap and 8 Autocross laps, and three laps in the Lamborghini Gallardo or Aston Martin V8 Vantage. Regular laps take place in the Nissan GT-R, BMW M3, Mercedes C63 AMG, and Porsche 911 Turbo. You can pay $30 with any package and drive the Lambo and Aston Martin for 3 laps. All equipment is included with the prices.

Print this page and bring it to the event for $5 off!

To reserve your spot, please call Kira at 1.866.376.8093 and let her know you heard about them from Automoblog.net

Other Autocross events will be taking place in coming months - estimated dates are: 8/15, 9/27, 10/10, 11/21, and 12/12

Ferrari released some info on their F430 Force Feedback Racing Wheel for the PC, which is a precise life-size replica of the real steering wheel on the Ferrari F430. The “Engine Start” button serves as a directional pad for the games, and the Manettino switch - which in the real car selects driving dynamics such as traction control, steering, and brake force - does the same in the video game car, as long as your playing Ferrari’s own Ferrari Virtual Race game for the PC.

Ferrari Virtual Race is - as you can tell from the name - a racing simulator that was just released. Currently you can drive the 599 GTB Fiorano, 612 Scaglietti and 430 Scuderia, but they will be adding more cars soon, such as the California, F430 or F430 Spider and possibly (hopefully) more.

If you’re more of a console gamer like me but still want to drive Ferraris, you can pick up the official (and inexpensive) Ferrari Challenge game for PS3, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS, or PS2, which lets you drive almost any Ferrari you can think of, classic and new.

I’m a big fan of making racing games as realistic as possible, so I think this F430 racing wheel is great. It’s made from high-quality metal and rubber (not plastic,) and is a replica of the real F430’s wheel so you can be assured that the ergonomic and comfort aspect of the wheel will be spot-on. The included pedals are made from metal as well, and have magnetic resistance for a more realistic feel. The steering axle and ball bearings are also made of metal, ensuring the feel of fluidity and precision.

Now, if they’d just make one with a clutch and shift knob.

Talk about something to brag to your friends about. This June, Gotham Dream Cars - an exotic car rental company - is offering their first ever “Legends Dream Car Tour” in the New York area. The company, which normally offers exotic car rental services and group drives (much like World Class Driving,) struck a deal with legendary Lamborghini test driver Valentino Balboni.

The “Legends” tour will have four total sessions over two days (June 9 & 10, 2009.) The drive will cost a hefty $1495 per driver, but how many other chances will you have to drive with Valentino Balboni? Participants will get four hours total to pilot five cars, 20-30 minutes each. The cars will consist of a Lamborghini LP 560-4 Spyder, Gallardo Spyder, Murcielago, Murcielago LP 640 Roadster, and one other. It would be a very cool idea on this special occasion to offer a couple of classic Lambos to drive, such as the Diablo, Countach, or Miura. Continue Reading…

Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera Stilettos:

There crazy heels were designed by illustrator Tim Cooper, possibly to be sold by Tonino on behalf of Lamborghini. Click on the image for a high-res version.

These stilettos are incredibly gaudy, and as much as I love Lamborghini, I simply couldn’t take anyone seriously who is wearing these. Plus, I think the signature Superleggera orange or green finish would look much cooler, albeit less fashionable. Regardless, I’m sure if they do go on sale, they will sell out no matter what the price, which would surely be ridiculously expensive. Continue Reading…

OK, we just couldn’t let this one slide. Check out what those Russians have been up to this winter: A GAZ 51 truck based hot rod that sits on a Caddy Escalade running gear.

There’s so much weirdness going on here it’ll take a while to explain.

Continue Reading…