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Monday, October 30, 2017

SEMA 2017 - Reveals & Automobiles

SEMA takes place each year in Las Vegas, Nevada. What happens in Vegas...
As we move onwards into fall, it means it’s almost time for one unique auto show: The Specialty Equipment Market Association show, or SEMA if that’s a little wordy. A bevy of aftermarket suppliers and automakers bring a variety of cars to the Las Vegas show to demonstrate new technologies and features.

Alas, the show is only open to exhibitors and those with auto industry credentials. However, like last year, I’ll take a moment to highlight a few interesting models from the show to give you an idea of what to expect.

Models Galore
Twin turbo V8? Yes please!
Yes, there’s beautiful people in Las Vegas, but we’re focusing on the cars for now. Starting with Ford, the popular American brand intends to bring seven customized 2018 Mustangs to SEMA this year. One such is the Mustang Fastback customized by Tucci Hot Rods, with a twin turbo 5.0-liter V8 paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Kia's Stinger debut's this fall and is available with two turbo engines.
Kia’s new Stinger fastback is geared up for SEMA too, sporting custom gear from West Coast Customs (yes, the same people from Pimp My Ride on MTV years ago). A carbon fiber aero kit and interior revisions are among a few changes, but mechanical changes haven’t been mentioned. Although the Stinger’s 365 HP twin turbo V6 engine should suffice as is. Expect the Stinger to go on sale in December 2017 year with a starting price of just under $33,000 (including destination) for a 2.0T model.

Black Panther LC500
Lastly, Lexus will be showing off two LC500s - one that promotes the upcoming Black Panther movie and the other is the LC Inspiration Series. The movie-inspired car has a wider track that that the other production-ready LC models won’t get. But the blue paint on the LC Inspiration Series model is inspired by a particular kind of butterfly from what I understand.
Inspiration Series LC500
What do you think of these cars, and will you be following SEMA this year? The show runs from October 30th to November 3rd. Until later, ROLL ON!

Copyright © 2017 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Sunday, October 8, 2017

2 Years Strong!

Hey world!

This fall (in November to be specific) marks 2 years since I started my automotive blog, Adam's Autos! Time flies! And in that time together, we've covered a variety of automotive topics that even extend beyond the auto industry itself. I appreciate those who have been here since the start and those who will continue to stick around moving forward! Here's to the future. Things are just starting to get interesting.


-Adam (ARich)

Cloudy Skies & Scams - It's Hurricane Season

Hurricanes are one of the strongest weather occurrences we must endure. And yet, there are
some individuals out there who simply lack empathy and will use the event to exploit unsuspecting
shoppers and those who have lost everything.

A natural disaster is generally unexpected, and the effects of the event are felt long after things have subsided. We’re seeing that now in the aftermath of hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, which devastated Florida, Texas and Puerto Rico and left many with nothing... It’s unfortunately too easy to take advantage of individuals in these situations, and even people outside of the battered areas. One of the most common ways people exploit others is through the reselling of flooded cars.

Scrap Traps
Abandoned flood vehicles in Texas,
in a photo captured by local media.
For example: Many vehicles were pulled out of flooded areas in Texas and scrappers were charging owners $4,000-$5,000 to recover their own vehicle! Can you imagine the added feeling of injustice!? Well open your mind, because it gets deeper. Dried out flood vehicles are also sometimes resold, and can prove to be huge headaches for new owners. Insured vehicles that are declared a loss will likely be retitled and have their undamaged parts pulled out for use elsewhere.

Because of this, I strongly recommend checking a car’s history report (Carfax) before buying it to ensure you’re getting something quality. Also, checking its VIN number is an extra layer of security. Most importantly, drive the car yourself! If something looks or smells out of place... Trust your gut! Don’t get anything you feel you’ll regret later.

Note: I am NOT affiliated with ANY organization such as the Red Cross.
However, I do feel that in times of need, we need to uplift each other for
the greater good. Thus, I encourage you to find a reputable
organization that is accepting hurricane relief effort donations.
On another note: I don’t get political/motivational very often in my blogging, but I’ve been rather unimpressed with how many leaders have handled the recent natural disasters that have devastated so many families... With another major hurricane brewing (Nate) and on track to hit many southern states, I encourage you to be a leader YOURSELF and donate to a legitimate, charitable organization that’s providing relief to the affected areas individuals. I’ve learned in my short time so far on this Earth that sometimes the best support you can be to those around you is a good example.

Keep everyone in the path of these storms around the world in your thoughts and prayers.

ROLL ON.

Copyright © 2017 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Unicorn Cars - Part 2



On this edition of "unicorn rides", we have a... Cool, but unidentified classic vehicle, as it had no badges on it lol. But yet, this is another example of a unique engineering era gone by. It's always interesting to note how designs change and inspire new concepts.

Update: This is a 1950s Hudson Hornet! Thanks to Demitri Santos Mendez on Facebook for identifying this gem!



Copyright © 2017 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Unicorn Cars


Let's take a look at a few "unicorn cars" I saw while out and about recently. While a couple stand out from the crowd, sometimes some cars are what I call "incognito unicorns" and are actually far more uncommon than they appear, such as the Chrysler Aspen Hybrid.

Believe it or not, here we have one of the most uncommon, modern-day car unicorns out there: The 2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid. While likely not a collectible, spotting one (or an equally rare Durango Hybrid) is quite... Well, rare...

The Aspen/Durango hybrids used a 2 mode hybrid system that was jointly developed by GM, Chrysler, Daimler and BMW paired to a HEMI V8 and electric motors for a combined 385 HP. MPGs were rated at 19 city/20 highway - a marked improvement, believe it or not, over regular HEMI Aspens and Durangos (13/18).


About 400 (of both models) total rolled off the assembly line before the factory where the SUVs were produced was shut down.

This here... I'm not quite sure what the owner was going for... But it looks like this is an old school Beetle modded for off road use. Your impressions? Anyone up for some high-speed dune jumps?
To tell you the truth, I'm at a loss here haha. Not sure what this is, plus, it being nighttime didn't help... Any ideas? Gotta love those restored classic and historic cars however!

Have you seen any unicorn cars lately? Comment if so. ROLL ON!

Copyright © 2017 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.