Be sure to tune in and feel free to give me a call at the studio. _________________________________________________________________________ Auto Agent – John Boyd “The Cool Car Guy†John is an automotive agent with JFR & Associates in Denver, Colorado. He can help you save time and money on any make or model, new or used, lease or purchase – nationwide! Call or email John about your next vehicle! jboyd@coolcarguy.com
My brother-in-law Bruce Smith of Shakopee, Minnesota sent me photos of his wife’s 2007 Mini Cooper S and his 2006 Grand Touring Miata MX-5. These are really fun little sports cars that are a blast to drive. I’ve driven a number of very cool Mini Coopers and I’ve owned three Mazda Miata’s over the years.
The MX-5 Miata is Mazda’s two-seat, rear-wheel-drive convertible sports car that was completely redesigned for the 2006 model year. The 06′ Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a 170-horsepower DOHC 2.0-liter engine, that comes with a 5-speed or 6-speed manual transmission standard. The 6-speed automatic was optional, with a horsepower reduction down to 166 horsepower, but I don’t know who would want an automatic in this vehicle. In 2006 they made the MX-5 Miata a little larger to provide more interior room and the convertible top now includes a glass rear window and a hardtop also was available, both were something I could have used with my former Miata’s.
The Grand Touring model had an original MSRP of $24,435, which isn’t bad for a fun little sports car like this one. It also gets around 30MPG on the highway, which is really great when we’re paying $3.00 a gallon for gas. Most surprising though is the fact that the 170hp speeds the 06′ MX-5 Miata from 0-60 in 6.8 seconds. Plenty fast! The manufacturer’s warranty is four years or 48,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Their other little sports car in their arsenal is the 2007 Mini Cooper S. These little guys are a hoot to drive as well and a great value at just $21,200 for the Base Retail price, plus options. The 2007 MINI Cooper has also been completely redesigned from the ground up. It has a little longer body than previous years, but still keeps the cool factor. The exterior has a new hexagon radiator grille, which you can see in this photo. There are also direction indicator lights fully integrated in the headlights and plenty of chrome to go around. The Cooper S has a sportier suspension set-up and its engine compartment lid curves up about 0.8 inches more than the standard model to make room for the fast and fun turbocharged engine.
As I mentioned, the 2007 Cooper S has a brand-new 172-horsepower turbocharged 1.6-liter engine that produces 177 lb-ft of torque. Another cool new feature is the special Overboost function in the Cooper S that can increase torque to 192 lb-ft for a short time. Both engines are paired to a standard 6 speed manual transmission with an optional 6 speed automatic. Hopefully, they went with the 6 speed manual for the fun factor.
Another new feature on the 2007 is the BMW start/stop button ignition that replaces the conventional key. There is also new ambient illumination and a larger center speedometer has been enhanced for a new range of functions including the display of controls for the navigation entertainment system. The Cooper S is equipped with 16-inch tires for more road hugging and better handling. The warranty on the Mini is similar to the Miata at 4 years, 50,000 miles and it gets around 36MPG on the highway.
What do you think?
Cool Car Guy Rating: ***** – Extremely Cool
_________________________________________________________________________ Auto Agent – John Boyd “The Cool Car Guy†John is an automotive agent with JFR & Associates in Denver, Colorado. He can help you save time and money on any make or model, new or used, lease or purchase – nationwide! Call or email John about your next vehicle! jboyd@coolcarguy.com
A client and friend of mine Matt Abbott fired me off a photo of his new 1949 3/4 Chevy pickup that he got this past week, along with a photo of the 350 engine. Matt said the following…
“I wanted to introduce you all to Daisy, or Bess. Not sure yet. 1949 Chevy 3/4 w/ 350 engine and a 350 transmission. She is a good start to a rod & will be low and loud shortly. Here she be…”
What do you think?
Cool Car Guy Rating: **** – Very Cool
Advertisement: Come Play The Game That Pays _________________________________________________________________________ Auto Agent – John Boyd “The Cool Car Guy†John is an auto agent with JFR & AssociatesThe Ice Pirates in Denver, Colorado. He can help you save time and money on any make or model, new or used, lease or purchase – nationwide! Call or email John about your next vehicle! jboyd@coolcarguy.comDumbo ripContinue reading Cool Car Guy – “Cool Car Shot” – 9 Mini Coopers Ready To Roll→
Here are some cool photos of a 2000 Porsche 911 Carrera with Gemballa 996 modifications that one of my clients recently consigned with me to find a buyer. It’s currently being offered for $65,000 with the $20,000 in modifications that have been done to enhance its cool factor. This is the only vehicle of its kind in the State of Colorado.
One of a kind…you really have to see this one to believe it!
Aerodynamics: Turbo-look Gemballa GTR Conversion: 996 fender extension front & rear in a update Turbo Design with metal extension and metal rear wheel house modification.
Gemballa Rocker panel/996GTR with integrated air intakes R/L finished in metal. Gemballa 996 rear fender air intakes in metal R/L. Gemballa 996 front spoiler lip. Gemballa 18″ 3pc. Cup Design wheel set 8.5×18 & 11×18 with 225/40ZR18&285/30ZR18.
Engine Tuning: Stainless steel free flow muffler R/L with Gemballa front & rear protection plate.
All work has full documentation.
OPTIONS Exterior Detailed Ext and Int Excellent Trim No Known Accidents No Known Body Work Glossy Paint No Visible Scratches No Visible Dents Original Paint No Visible Rust Excellent Windshield
Exterior Notes ORIGINAL FACTORY EQUIPMENT – Rear fog light, Integrated front fog lights, Tinted glass w/graduated tint windshield, Full pwr top w/automatic latching/unlatching, Pwr/heated color-keyed mirrors, Color-keyed door handles, Speed-dependent extendable rear spoiler w/integrated third brake light.
Comfort AC Climate Control Power Locks Power Mirrors Power Steering Power Windows Tilt Cruise Clock Tachometer Dual Power Seats Heated Exterior Driver Mirror Dual Heated Exterior Mirrors Rear Spoiler
ORIGINAL FACTORY EQUIPMENT – 2 + 2 Seating, Individually folding rear seat backs, Luggage compartment covered w/grey needle fleece, Automatic climate control w/dust/odor filter, Instrumentation-inc: analog & digital speedometer, analog tachometer, digital odometer/trip odometer, Infra-red interior guard, Pwr windows w/one-touch up/down, anti-jam feature, Windshield antenna w/signal amplifier, Integrated central locking/alarm/immobilizer system w/remote entry, Storage compartment behind rear seats, 2-stage rear window defroster, Cassette storage shelf, Ignition key w/integrated remote control device, Cruise control, Leather covered 4-spoke tilt steering wheel.
Safety Side Airbags Anti-Lock Brakes Security System Keyless Entry 2 Keyless Remotes Rear Defroster Fog Lights
Safety Notes ORIGINAL FACTORY EQUIPMENT – 3-point inertia-reel seatbelts for all seating positions, Front/rear crumple zones, Brake pad wear indicators, Door mounted side-impact airbags.
History Service Records Non-Smoker Original Manuals All Keys No Known Problems Original Sticker Dealer Inspected
_________________________________________________________________________ Auto Agent – John Boyd “The Cool Car Guy†John is an auto agent with JFR & Associates in Denver, Colorado. He can help you save time and money on any make or model, new or used, lease or purchase – nationwide! Call or email John about your next vehicle! jboyd@coolcarguy.com
Here are some cool photos of a Toyota future concept vehicle called the Volta. The Toyota website at Toyota.com describes this unique vehicle as follows…
“In 1800, Alessandro Volta arranged zinc and copper discs in a column and invented the battery. 204 years later, Toyota has electrified automotive history with the first high-performance hybrid, named in his honor. The Giugiaro-designed carbon-fiber body seats three people abreast and features “drive-by-wire” controls, allowing you to position the steering wheel and pedals in front of any one of them. And the Volta’s 408-hp Hybrid Synergy Drive® (a 3.3-liter V6 with an electric motor for each axle) not only delivers 435 miles on a 13.7-gallon tank, but 0-60 acceleration in a mere four seconds. Somewhere, Count Volta is smiling.”
This is definitely a vehicle that Toyota should look at bringing to market. All Toyota has to do is look at the incredible success of the new Tesla vehicle that has yet to go into full production. I doubt that Toyota will do it since they are a bit too conservative, but I think that Toyota would get a great response with this baby like Tesla has been getting. Of course, the Tesla costs less than 2 cents per mile to operate since it’s 100% electric and the Volta is still a Hybrid.
_________________________________________________________________________ Auto Agent – John Boyd “The Cool Car Guy†John is an auto agent with JFR & Associates in Denver, Colorado. He can help you save time and money on any make or model, new or used, lease or purchase – nationwide! Call or email John about your next vehicle! jboyd@coolcarguy.com