The Reason Behind Porsche Ownership

Even with all the 911 variants and all the magnesium pieces in the new 911 GT3 RS 4.0, the Porsche 911 C2 still stands as the simple and pure everyday sports car. Here, TennXX, who regularly shares a number of automotive short films shot in Thailand, has convincing demonstrated why an honest 911 can be the car for Goldilocks. It's just right!


The Road is Calling. from TennXX on Vimeo.

Behind the Scenes @ the 2011 New York International Auto Show

Our "behind the scenes" album is up on our facebook fanpage!

Check it out, "like" FPH and visit here!

Macau's Guia Circuit rips you a new a-hole!

Fueling Fires

Just as the seasons occur in a cyclical order, so do fluctuations of fuel prices.  This is no coincidence.  Fuel is a consumable like any other.  Its price variations are strongly influenced by supply and the demands of the consumer and we happen to drive more during the holidays and the warm months.  In addition, after considering inflation rates, gas prices have not changed very much.  Still, there's no shortage of people who complain like clockwork when the prices start taking a hike.  While most give the generic complaint about high prices.  There's a particular subset of whiner that really annoys.

inflationdata.com

Freak of the Week: Groendyke & Samples '49 Carrera Panamericana Cadillac

In 1950, Mexico had completed their stretch of the Panamerican highway. To celebrate this amazing feat, as well as to advertise and attract business towards an artery that will eventually stretch across 14 countries in the western hemisphere, the Mexican government organized a fiesta (see what I did there?) in proper 1950s fashion-- La Carrera Panamericana was born.

NYIAS 2011: FPH wrap-up Pt. 2

Part 1 of our NYIAS wrap-up covered the media day unveilings that stood out to us. But there were unveilings that fell short as well-- whether it may be the cause of a lukewarm product or because of a presentation that carried a lot of potential, but ultimately under-delivered.

NYIAS 2011: FPH wrap-up Pt. 1

Like most auto enthusiasts, I've been going to car shows on a yearly basis for as long as I can remember.  The gleaming sheet metal, new car smell, and the future promises held by concept cars are absolutely intoxicating.  As exciting as all that is, nothing prepared us for our first media day at the New York International Auto Show.

Music For Those Summer Drives

The way we see it, there are 2 different ways of driving: cruising or going balls to the wall. With driving weather right around the corner, it's time to get back to your favorite roads, whether they are flat and straight, or full of twists and turns. Inevitably, as we progress into the depth of summer, you begin turning your pedal to the metal, leave rubber everywhere style into a more relaxed ride, something along the lines of your local cruise nights.

New York International Auto Show 2011 Day 2

Just pictures. All killer, no filler.

New York International Auto Show 2011 Day 1

Just Pictures. All killer, no filler.

Adding lightness, getting together!

Brothersteam - Club Lotus France - Lurcy Levis - Avril 2011 from Brothersteam on Vimeo.


Happy Hump Day!

NYIAS 2011 Coverage: See you there tomorrow!

"A Car in Every Garage" - Herbert Hoover

"I will build a car for the great multitude."-Henry Ford

The Art and Philosophy of Design.

Aston Martin has been a long established leader and benchmark for elegance in design. During motorsportscenter.com's interview with Henrick Fiskar in 2005, Fiskar revealed,

Deutche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft

The Driver

I didn't know what to think of this book before I cracked it open.  Everyone in the automotive world knows who Alex Roy is but looking at the cover made me a bit skeptical.  "My dangerous pursuit of speed and truth in the outlaw racing world."  Was Mr. Roy trying to make his intercontinental runs more substantial than just a very fast, very long distance drive?  Did he want to be known as something more than just "that guy who broke the Cannonball record?"  The answer is a bit more complex than just a yes or no.  Read on to find out.

Odd Man Out - 4 - Chrysler Mod Top

Photo from Moore's Mopars

Chrysler as a company has historically marched to the beat of its own drum. When they hit, they hit big boy Babe Ruth grand slams. See the original 30 or any of their muscle cars and their Hemi motors. But when they miss, and they've missed very often, it's so devastating that it has put the company under multiple times.

In the the late 60's and early 70's they were in the midst of a hot streak. The success of their staple muscle cars like the Dart, Challenger, and Cuda shot them to the top of the heap, outshining their mediocre at best full size lineup. They were not shy about taking chances, offering their full lineup of high impact colors like Green Go and Top Banana. But in 1969, they went over the top. Literally.

Join The Dark Side

LeMans Blue, British Racing Green, Blue Water, Black Sapphire, Alpine White, Palladium Silver, Indium Grey, the list of color choices is endless. Sure, all of these colors are great, but let's get down to the basics, the nitty gritty. I'm thinking of a color that's bare bones, yet it's something that invokes a raw feeling: Flat Black.

We don't see many vehicles on the road this color, but when we do, oh man! Luke, we're sorry, but FPH is turning to the Dark Side!

Freak of the Week: Chris Harris' Kermit 911

There are two schools within the general field of automotive journalism. Actually there are more, but let's keep it at two for the sake of simplicity. The first school is those who write with number-centricity; laying out straight line performance data as well as cornering speeds, lateral g, etc. The second school is sensation-centric where the overall driving "experience" is of paramount. How does a car make you feel inside?

The Perfect Yellow Wedge

Before you start thinking that we've gone crazy, FPH still means Flappy Paddle Heads and is not a women's shoe store, or perverse innuendo, called Fabulous Pump House.  Like the shoes that high-maintenance women adore, this perfect yellow wedge is also Italian made, quite sexy and very expensive.  Of course, we're talking about the Lancia Stratos!

conceptcarz.com

Battle at the most important premium segment

Affordable Supercar Series: ASS

Do you like getting kicked in the backside by the hammer of Thor but could do without all the broken bones?  How about consuming absurd distances of road and feeling refreshed when you get out?  Even with gas near $4 a gallon, do you still feel the need to burn more fuel than Prince William's wedding procession?  Well, we got the car for you!

get1car.com

Red Bull: Gives You Wings

Sponsorship plays a key role in modern motorsport.  It takes millions of dollars just to put a vehicle on the grid.  Nevermind the extra development costs throughout the season to stay competitive.  Without sponsorship dollars, racing would be a whole lot different and our Sundays would probably be a bit more mundane (or productive).  So we'd like to acknowledge some of the big name sponsors that have given our favorite sport a shot in the arm.

seriouswheels.com

For Sale

Usually we don't post things like this on FPH but this is to help out a fellow blogger over at Motoriginal.

For sale: 1998 DINAN BMW E36 M3 Sedan PRICE DROP to $12,000 obo

Additional pics

My friend’s father is now selling his DINAN M3 so he can upgrade to an M5 and he asked me to help him sell it. Please REBLOG if you think your followers may be interested. He wants to find a good home for this car. Details below:

• 3.2L 24-valve I6
• 5 speed manual transmission
• Showroom condition with 116k miles
• Adult owned and garaged
• Professionally maintained
• Tuned by DINAN
• Integral Custom Wheels
• 1000W Macintosh stereo system ($19k owner has receipt)
• AC Schnitzer wood interior trim w/ short shifter
• Estoril blue exterior, black leather interior
• Supersprint stainless steel exhaust
• Integral 5-spoke wheels
• Tinted windows
• Frozen rotors

New parts: radiator, steering rack, high pressure power steering hose
Recent maintenance: fluid changes

This car is seriously immaculate and deserves a good home. It is located in Putnam/Westchester County, NY.
Asking $13,500. Email me at jeffreye.butler@gmail.com for more information.

Trophée Andros 2011 / Paris Stade de France: dans la peau d'un vainqueur

Earlier this morning, Axel Anquetil shared with us his latest short film on the 2011 Trophée Andros. I am so glad he did, and I am embarrassed to think that I wouldn't have caught it otherwise!

The pace of the film is very methodical and incredibly revealing. It begins with the initial vibes of the press showcase, a bit of racing footage from events held alongside, behind-the-scene glimpses of car, data and driver prep work done before the race, and there's even a Jacques Villeneuve cameo! Can any of you spot him? I got to hand it to the teams for all the effort they have to put in before the race even begins.

Best of all, I now know what the four-time Formula 1 world champion and Ayrton Senna's arch rival, Alain Prost, has been up to. He looks as active as ever and there's a certain youth in his eyes and mannerisms when he speaks with his teammates and technicians. The old boy's still got it! Don't believe me? Check out 6 minutes 29 seconds! Thank you again, Axel Anquetil.


Trophée Andros 2011 / Paris Stade de France: dans la peau d'un vainqueur from Axel ANQUETIL on Vimeo.

Freak of the Week: Hyper-articulate

Whenever there's a claim that something is purpose built, chances are you're in for a treat. The builder will tell you that it's built from the ground up with a singular idea in mind and with the aspiration to indisputably conquer anything that dares to challenge it.

Opposite Lock - Rants and Raves

This is a bit of a corollary to Kyle's driving etiquette post from a few weeks ago.  While his rant was about people forgetting all those skills that they learned in driver's ed, this one is about Mercedes-Benz deeming those skills superfluous anyways.  If you don't believe me, pause for this commercial break.

GASPUNK

A bike is something that brings out my instincts; the wildness and vulnerability in me.

To feel at home on a dry, barren, dystopic stretch of desert road does not mean you must also have a dry, barren, dystopic soul.

In Henrik Hansen's short film, Shinya Kimura of Chabott Engineering believed he was talking about his creations when in fact we learn his secret to life, the universe, everything. Shinya is not inspired by any particular thing, he does not draw, nor does he fly. In that manner, Shinya Kimura gave me an impression of what voluntary exile must be like.

Yet somehow, it worked out fine for him. When I shared this link to my friend Betty, she observed, "Everyone thinks if you get married, have kids, etc., you'll have a life. People fail to find inner marriage within themselves... he staked everything for what he knows and loves and he managed to come out on top."

From FPH, a salute to all the Shinya Kimuras out there.

shinya kimura @ chabott engineering from Henrik Hansen on Vimeo.

Have a good weekend, everybody!