Latest Cool Car Spotting

I flew up to Denver early Tuesday morning for a meeting. I'm on the advisory board of a big insurance company . . . lucky me. We took a break and I was scanning the parking lot and I spotted this:

A Jaguar XKR - Super Charged

Here is the rundown on this very nice looking Jag:
420 HP
6 speed paddle shift auto
0 to 60 under 5 seconds

• 5.0L V8 engine
• Automatic transmission
• Up to 15 cty/22 hwy mpg
• Navigation System
• Bluetooth
• MP3 Player
• Satellite radio
• Side/Curtain Airbags
• Stability Control
• Traction Control
  

Base MSRP for the 2011 model year: $102,125

I have seen gently used examples available in the mid $20k to Low $40k, depending on mileage.

I would give these a Chick Magnet Factor of 8.7. Slightly above the Maserati because the brand is a bit better known. Jaguar wanted to compete with BMW, M-B, Corvette and Ferrari with this model and I think they did a very good job.

The next morning in Denver I woke to 3 inches of snow and the Jag was not to be found in the parking lot. And that is why I love living in Southern Arizona. Every month is Hot Rod Month down here!

My Stock Broker Stopped by this Evening

My stock broker and good friend, Dubya, stopped this evening on his way home from his office. He lives a couple of blocks the south of me. Dubya drives a cool little M-B SLK 230. Here is a picture of it parked in my driveway

Isn't yellow a cool color? Ignore the yellow Vette. It is such a monster compared to my M-B SL600 and his M-B SLK 230 Kompressor. Stock tip from Dubya a few weeks ago was to buy Caterpillar at about $70 a share. This morning it was over $90. Thanks Dubya!

Latest Cool Car Spotting

Sunday I was driving past Udall Park on Tanque Verde and noticed this emblem on the grill of a car out of the corner of my eye:


Naturally, I pulled in to the parking lot to take a look at the Maserati Gran Sport V8 that was sporting the Trident Emblem. I didn't have a camera with me, but here is an image I lifted from the 'net:


My buddy Ted was with me and he asked how I was able to notice that car in the parking lot as we were driving past at 45 MPH. It's a skill, Ted.
The Maserati Gran Sport V8 retailed new for about $130,000. Excellent 2006 examples can be had on the used market now for as low as $29,900. They are 4 seaters and sport a 4.2 liter V8 with 390 to 405 HP. They look good and are a great change from the ugly and gutless BiTurbo Maserati of the 1980's!
Here are the Performance stats:
0 to 60 4.8 sec (I think more like 5.2, considering the weight and engine)
0 to 100 11.3 sec
1/4 mile 13.2 sec at 110 MPH
Top Speed 177 MPH
10 MPG
Understated Chick Magnet Factor of 8.5

New Firearms site for Arizona!

Here is a brand new forum called Arizona Firearms Forum. It is in it's infancy and needs support. We can make it like we want it! FREE!