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Too Much Information?

Ten years ago the forebears of the cars in this review would have had a CD player, an AM/FM stereo, maybe a cassette player, and a few speakers. If you didn’t like what was on the radio, you had to actually had to talk to other people in the car. And if you were alone, perhaps you talked to yourself.

Not anymore.

Today’s systems keep you abreast of emails, the weather, take you where you want to go, even warn you where you shouldn’t go.

Matt Scannell

Is that really necessary? Can we actually hear the differences in that kind of system? That’s what we’re going to find out here.

I grabbed my iPod, created a playlist of 25 songs covering a huge variety of musical styles, and set off to sample top-of-the-line factory systems from seven automobile manufacturers.

MATT’S PLAYLIST
1. King Creosote & Jon Hopkins, “Bats In The Attic”
2. Chorovaya Akademia, “Nine sili nebesniye / Rejoice now heavenly powers”
3. Frou Frou, “Let Go”
4. Foo Fighters, “Rope”
5. Foo Fighters, “Best Of You”
6. Jesca Hoop, “Tulip”
7. Elbow, “One Day Like This”
8. Elbow, “The Bones Of You”
9. Bjork, “Joga”
10. Deadmau5, “Strobe”
11. Deadmau5, “Animal Rights (feat. Wolfgang Gartner)”
12. Death Cab For Cutie, “Underneath The Sycamore”
13. Fever Ray, “When I Grow Up”
14. Mastodon, “Oblivion”
15. Peter Gabriel, “Sky Blue”
16. Vertical Horizon, “All Is Said And Done”
17. Vertical Horizon, “The Middle Ground”
18. Vertical Horizon, “Save Me From Myself”
19. Vladimir Horowitz, “Chopin: Mazurka #7 In F Minor, Op. 7/3, CT 57
20. Soundgarden, “Let Me Drown”
21. Soundgarden, “My Wave”
22. Duran Duran, “Nice”
23. Danny Elfman, “Claire”
24. Frank Sinatra, “Everything Happens To Me”
25. Mstislav Rostropovich, Sviatoslav Richter, “Beethoven: Cello Sonata #1 In F, Op. 5/1 – 1. Adagio Sostenuto, Allegro”

What Do I Want In A Car Stereo?

For me the two most important things in a car stereo are beautiful sound and an intuitive interface. That doesn’t seem like a demanding wish list, but when you dig a bit deeper you realize that I’m asking for quite a lot.

The interior of an automobile is in some ways a sound designer’s worst nightmare – it is a small, acoustically hostile space full of sonically reflective surfaces (glass, plastics, even leather) that are set at angles which were chosen for design, safety and visibility’s sake, and not for their effect on audio reproduction. In other words, from the outset, getting beautiful sound in a car interior is a very tall order indeed.

To put it another way, imagine the sound of a finely tuned high-end stereo system professionally installed in a medium-to-large living room, with curtains on the windows, Rothkos and Picassos on the walls, a thick oriental carpet, a fire in the fireplace (to set the mood), and your listening chair placed perfectly in the center. That is going to sound pretty amazing, yes? Now imagine that same exact system, but set up in a very small closet. With you crammed off to one side. And three of your friends standing in there next to you. Not quite so compelling, right?

That’s a car.

So, what is beautiful sound to me, anyway? Being a musician, I want the system to faithfully reproduce the sounds of the original recording. This is first and foremost, before I want the ability to add surround sound or fancy-dancy reverb effects that attempt to make it sound like I’m listening from the back row of a concert hall.

A lot of work has gone in to making those recordings sound a certain way, and ideally I want to hear the music as it sounded when it was being recorded in the studio. To me, beautiful sound is faithful to the source material.

Imagine if you took a picture of your best friend. You want the image to capture what she really looks like – you don’t want the camera to decide that she has a bigger nose, longer hair, and different colored eyes, do you? When all that stuff is added, the image doesn’t look much like your friend anymore, does it? It’s the same way with music.

Now as far as an intuitive interface – the actual physical sound system – is concerned, I admit that I ask for the moon and the stars. I want a system that is graceful to navigate, and for most daily functions is simple and easy. But when I want to dig a bit deeper, I want the ability to do so. I want the interface to help me get done what I want done, in the simplest, most straightforward way possible.

I don’t like lots of confusing menus and complicated switches. I don’t like to have to read an owner’s manual to get started. I like the interface to make it easy for me so I can focus on driving the car, which, frankly, is where I should be putting most if not all of my attention anyway…

The Local Vibe

The Wasatch Mountains – with hiking trails to 6,500 feet – are covered with evergreens as far as you can see. Just now, a wild riot of colored wildflowers, such as the hardy purple Pasque is starting to appear, and melted snow is filling the streams with clear, fresh, frigid water.Highway 89 is a ribbon of 1,800 miles of mainly two-lane roads. We’re going to concentrate on just 250 of these miles that will take your breath away. My daughter and I discovered it on a road trip. We were looking for a Farmer’s Market, and found a Bluegrass festival instead.

My road trip starts at Salt Lake City on I-15, take the Spanish Fork /Hwy 6 exit, and head south on Hwy 89 for suggested coordinates. Sanpete County Line is north of Fairview, UT- Gateway to the Heritage Highway 89; cruise over to the 1920s Corner Station and gift shop. You’ll know you’re there when you see a vintage Texaco sign and gasoline pump out in front.

The shop sells “memories” with local crafts, toys, oilcloth tablecloths and home décor, Pioneer Valley jams and jellies, and friendly service that is prevalent throughout the trip. At the Museum of History and Art, housed in two stately buildings, collections of pioneer life and crafts from local artists include a cast of an Ice Age mammoth found nearby, and a sculpture of a crazy unique hood ornament: a ram that was commissioned for a Dodge pickup.

Country Cuisine

As I continue south on Hwy 89, I look out at the farms and open spaces and envision the advent of spring with newborn lambs, calves, and fresh-furrowed fields and gardens ready for planting, spreading east to the Wasatch Plateau.

After entering Mount Pleasant, I stop at one of the newer additions, the Shave ‘n Cream, for my treat: 37- choices of ice cream ranging from Moose Tracks to wild huckleberry. Three scoops of ice cream for just $3.00; their specialty is a Hawaiian shaved ice creation. Browse the quaint bookstore/gift shop, the Next Chapter at 22 W. Main St, Mount Pleasant. Yes, there are still bookstores here. Experience life as an early settler at the Relic Home/Pioneer Museum, take the Main Street Tour and visit the Museum and Blacksmith Shop – lunch for $7. These small communities were among the first to be settled in the 1800s by Scandinavian pioneers, giving the area the name of ‘Little Denmark.’

I stop at the Horseshoe Mountain Restaurant / El Mexicano, to enjoy a large taco salad that has fresh, crisp lettuce, cilantro, shredded beef, and all the extras, living up to its rating, with a complete menu starting at $7.00. The view of the mountains instills in me a desire for the hiking trails, rock climbing, and ATV trails just to get off the beaten path. I suggest wearing layers, as the evenings are cooler in the higher elevations.

Early Settler Charm

Our next stop, Spring City, is on the National Register of Historic Places, and has a large quantity of significant buildings that have been preserved. It is named for a spring that provided water for the Indians before the settlers arrived, and is still in use today. My daughter and I fill up our bottles with cold water from the fountain on Main Street.

Stop by Sophie’s Black Sheep Gallery, which exhibits the work of more than 30 local artisans. Nearby, watch the potter working at Horseshoe Mountain Pottery and ask for a walking guide. On May 26, the Heritage Festival in Spring City, showcases open houses of historic homes and artisan galleries. Lunch is included. Adults $10.00.

As for where to stay, great rates can be found in Sanpete County at the Willow Creek Inn in Ephraim with rooms starting at $72, and a suite with whirlpool at $102. It has an outdoor hot tub, Belgian waffle breakfast, and a wide array of simple food nearby: Tin Plate Pasta, Roy’s Pizza, and Polly’s Brainfreeze.

Don’t miss the Smorgasbord at the Scandinavian Festival in Snow College May 24 – May 26, featuring music, crafts, and entertainment. See the Central Utah Art Center with rotating exhibits of artists who exhibit locally and overseas, currently, “New Art from Los Angeles. The Gang’s All Here.” Spanky and our gang, and the dog…
Before we arrive in Manti (the county seat,) the spires of the Latter Day Saints temple can be seen. After a day relaxing and sightseeing, return to the Ephraim House / Pioneer Guest Home, 10 North Main, Ephraim that is six miles north of the Temple. Lodging in an original pioneer home built in 1869. The entire house (4 bedrooms) can be rented for $220 / $79 per room – nightly rates, plus kitchen facilities.

Visit Life 100 Years Ago

The Manti-LaSal Forest to the east of the Highway provides recreation throughout the year. A best-kept secret is the Palisades State Park/ Golf course in Sterling, five minutes south of Manti. I found the Gunnison Rose B and a piece of the past, at the end of the Sanpete County portion of our road trip on the Hertiage Highway. Here, traveling salesmen from decades ago, called “Drummers,” stopped for a respite in the 1800s hotel, which is landscaped with blooming rose bushes. There is a selection of six artfully decorated rooms with different themes, I selected the Rose room with the avg. nightly rate – $54 – $69 for 2 people, additional accommodations available, and a suite on the third floor for $99, all packages include breakfast.

The spectacular Casino Star Theater, built 100 years ago for movies is across the street, and still plays movies and holds live performances. Dine at Lishey Lou’s in Mayfield, a suggestion of the B and B’s owner, where homemade blueberry sour cream pie and a friendly server awaits. People gather to eat breakfast, lunch e.g. Sanpete Turkey Sandwich, average – $10.00, and a dinner menu of steak, salmon. You can continue the loop and return to the B and B by Nine-mile Reservoir.

The Heritage Highway continues south. Visit a 100-year old salt mine in Redmond, and view a video, although underground tours are not available at this time. Nearby, Big Rock Candy Mountain Resort (of Burl Ives’ fame) is on Heritage Hwy 89 in Marysvale. Here, you’ll find log cabin accomodations, as well as whitewater rafting, rope courses and ziplines. Just 75 miles south, through the inspiring red sandstone formations, you arrive at Bryce Canyon, one of Utah’s five National Parks.

My Peach Of A Guy

There are days when I’d rather take my chances with a crazy-eyed, pants-less hitchhiker on a lonely section of the Pan American Highway than drive my husband to the grocery store. Don’t misunderstand: on dry land, he’s a peach of a guy – funny, good-natured and laid-back often to the point of narcolepsy. But put me behind the wheel and strap him in shotgun position, and my Dr. Jekyll turns into Mr. Hyde the Sharp Objects From Me ‘Cause You’re Dancing On My Last Nerve.

He starts out by giving me directions to the place I go to at least 5 times a week. And the directions he gives me take me seriously out of the way. I point this out and he assures me that he’s timed it. Really? You’ve timed it from our house to Ralph’s Fresh Fair Market? Really? He assures me that his circuitous route is much more efficient than my straight line. After all, he grew up in this city and I’ve only lived here for 31 years. Resisting the urge to start a fight before we’re out of the driveway, I swallow my pride (because God knows, I’ve swallowed worse) and do as I’m told.

When we get stuck in hideous traffic – which we always do because his routes always suck – he waves it away with one of the following: “I forgot it was Saturday” — even though earlier I had said: “You wanna go that way on a Saturday? You know what Saturday traffic is like”; or “Let’s turn around, we can find something to eat at home” — just because your perfect dinner is Cheerios and a hot dog doesn’t mean it’s mine too; or “Hey, if you knew a better route, why didn’t you take it?” — words fail me on this one.

For the rest of the drive, I seethe and mutter as he slams on imaginary brakes, audibly winces every time I pass a parked car on his right side and braces for impact whenever I hang a left.

The Joys Of Motherhood

Don’t misunderstand: Marriage is not a requirement to go through this special level of hell although being married to your passenger does give you more to talk to your shrink about. But all you really need for a wholly unpleasant gad about town is to be a woman behind the wheel with a man, any man, behind the glove compartment.

Back in the olden days when my son would deign to be seen with me in broad daylight, we did the college visit thing together. Because we’d leave before dawn (actual dawn, not his dawn which is noon), I’d drive there and after the tour, he’d drive home. Simple and fair division of labor, you’re thinking. But oh, it was so much more.

Before we set out, Charlie’d turn the passenger seat into something fit for a Pasha. He’d fully recline it, which was fine for sleeping but lousy if you wanted to use the carpool lane because it rendered him virtually invisible. He’d outfit his nest with my newest pillows and softest blankets, he’d strap on my lavender eye-mask and shove in a pair of the ear plugs my husband orders by the case because HIS OWN SNORING WAKES HIM UP, I swear to God. Charlie would then adjust the temperature to whatever suited him at that particular moment in time confident that like a Horned Lizard in the Sonoran Desert, I will adapt to my environment. Only then did was he able to go to sleep.

Fine. Highly annoying but fine.

Gimme Shelter

With no passenger to talk to and no friends who are up and chatty at 5:15 AM, I’d turn on that head-bangers’ delight, that bastion of senseless noise, NPR. After a few pathetic “Please? I’ve got a big day and really need to sleep” from the passenger bed, I’d adjust the audio so that only the drivers’ side speaker was on, turning the volume down to 3. Have you ever had the volume down to 3? I hear my neighbor-3-doors-down’s “Everybody Loves Raymond” rerun more clearly. Once I heard him snoring, I’d creep the volume up to 4. Immediately, my son The Prince and The Pea would flip up the eye mask and glare at me like an indignant dowager.

Because I am the world’s greatest mother – ask anyone, except you know, my son — I’d dutifully turn it down to 1 and then drive 120 miles crouched over the speaker where’d I’d hear nothing except for the occasional phrase: “Thank you, Neda Ulaby.”

And don’t start with me about my wearing headphones. They’re both illegal and uncomfortable although I once listened to a “Fresh Air” podcast I’d downloaded to my phone with said phone perched on my shoulder, pirate parrot-style.

But on the way home, it was all different. He was driving. Not that I wanted to Lie In State on my passenger seat, but I was forbidden to use the Pasha’s pillows because my hair would make them smell funny. And he “needed” his music because he was so tense about colleges and that cleared his head. Since he said that with a straight face I figured the least I could do was go along. Maybe I’d like what the Young People were listening to. It gave me a stabbing pain behind my eye.

Call Me Glamorpuss

Because I was expected to stay awake, although only speak when our exit was approaching, I had the temerity to ask for a quick stop at Starbucks. Since my son lives on air until after midnight when he eats his weight in In N Out burgers, he found my request for sustenance odd, which left me no choice. I’d resort to my Mean Scary Mom voice. You know what I’m talking about. Every mother has one: I swear if Obama wanted to stop all this nonsense in Afghanistan, he should just send a half-dozen sleep-deprived, hungry, pissed off, hormonal mothers and those Taliban would be good as gold. And draw you a picture for your refrigerator.

So I’d insist on coffee and he’d pull in to one of the thousand Starbucks in whatever college town we were in, muttering: “You’re an addict, you know that, right?” To which I’d respond: “You’re damn right.”

Sighing heavily about those wasted 4 minutes he’d pull out of the parking lot before I had my door closed. Once he rocketed out so fast that I sloshed my coffee all over my blouse and because we needed to take a plane home, I insisted we buy me a clean blouse. And because I looked like the world’s worst Wet T-Shirt contestant, I insisted he go in and buy it for me.

He pulled into the first shopping center we passed. I’m not used to seeing competing taxidermy shops in the same mini-mall but my coffee-soaked blouse was beginning to stick to my scalded upper body, which rendered me totally unfussy.

There was a boutique that appeared to specialize in clothes Goodwill refused to take. I gave Charlie ten bucks and said: “Get me a medium anything.” He came back shell-shocked from having to touch lady clothes, which pleased me to no end, and handed me a turquoise number that smelled like kerosene. For modesty’s sake, I made him drive behind the dumpster so I could change – I know, I know, that’s me puttin’ on airs again — where I couldn’t even get the blouse over my head. Clearly, it was a “medium” for preemies. We drove back to the store, he went back in and got me an XXXXXL, which fit like a sausage casing but it only cost $2.99, so who am I to complain?

Winning!

I know what you’re thinking. I brought this on myself. Why don’t I just fasten a ball-gag in my husband’s mouth before we go off for a spin? Why don’t I strap my son to the roof of the car like Mitt Romney’s dog?

I’d like to think it’s because I’m so highly evolved, so filled with love, so truly at peace with myself that I don’t need to score points or get in fights over something as petty all this.

The real reason? Let ‘em moan and groan. After all, I’m the one in the driver’s seat.

Driving Miss Daisy

Drive-up windows are no longer the domain of fast food, Vegas wedding chapels, and entry-level bank tellers. Today, innovative floral shops are foregoing wall space for drive-thrus to sell last minute bouquets and small gift items. “Many of our regular customers often use the drive-thru window,” said Kelly Jenkins, co-owner of Enchanted Florist & Boutique, Peoria, Illinois. “Customers can call ahead for a special order they can pick up at the drive-thru window, or we have a menu board.”

Drive-thru menus keep it simple, featuring a selection of the most popular or seasonal bouquets. Mother’s Day is perhaps the busiest time for drive-ups because it’s both women and men who are in line to buy their mothers flowers. But Valentine’s Day, proms and homecomings also bring a lot of business to the drive-up windows. Interestingly, the fast florists we found are in smaller towns. If you know of one in your city, add it in the comments section at the end of this story. Here is our list of drive-up florists where you can grab a fresh arrangement on-the-go:

Flowers To Go, Seattle-Tacoma area
Drive-thrus are big in Washington State, and for good reason. Who wants to get out of the car to run into a store on a cold and rainy day? From the state that pioneered the drive-thru espresso hut comes a chain of florists called Flowers to Go, which has seven locations in the Seattle area. As an added bonus, every week they put a different first name on their marquis board. If it happens to be your name, you get a free rose. Mon. – Fri. 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. Closed

Whole Foods Market, Nationwide
Ok, so, technically we don’t know of any Whole Foods that has a drive-thru, but they are preparing for the Mother’s Day onslaught with the next best thing: curbside service. Most Whole Foods have a sizable floral section, and for Mother’s Day, many are moving the whole operation outdoors. Patrons can pay at the temporary outside registers–unless you want to go inside and buy mom some bulk granola to go with your posies. Customers can do the grab-and-go bouquet or get an on-the-spot custom floral arrangement. Call ahead to your local Whole Foods to be sure your local market is participating in the curbside service.

The Flower Truck, West Los Angeles, CA
Is it now possible to score a Korean burrito, a henna tatoo, and lovely bouquet for mom all from a four-wheeled vehicle? In West Los Angeles, the answer is yes, yes, and yes. Trucks are not just for tacos anymore. Converted from an old ice-cream truck, Jenifer Kaplan’s The Flower Truck sells fresh-cut flowers and arrangements for Angelinos in Venice, Santa Monica and Culver City. Check the website, or follow on Facebook to see where and when the roses will be rolling around.

Enchanted Florist & Boutique, Peoria, IL
Roll through Peoria’s Enchanted Florist & Boutique for unique floral designs, as well as accent gifts such as candles, oils, and bath and body products. Hours of operation: Mon. – Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; Sun. Closed.

Gover Flower Company, Corbin, KY
Operating since 1929, Gover Flower Company is the oldest florist in Southeast Kentucky and also the first in the area to open a drive-thru window. Hours of operation: Mon. – Fri. 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. 8 a.m.-1p.m.

Sedgefield Florist, Greensboro, NC
Sedgefield Florist is the first “choose and cruise” florist in the greater Greensboro area. Its drive-thru cooler holds buckets of a variety of loose flowers and a selection of around 20 pre-made arrangements and bouquets. Hours of operation: Mon. – Fri. 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-12 p.m.; Sun. Closed.

Sherwood Florist & Nursery, Spring Hill, FL
Voted Best Florist in the Tampa Bay area, Sherwood Florist & Nursery is the only florist offering a drive-thru. Hours of operation: Mon. – Fri. 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat. 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun. Closed.

Grass Valley Florist, Grass Valley, CA
At the 73-year-old Grass Valley Florist you can pick up your flowers and latte at the same drive-up window. Hours of operation: Mon. – Fri. 6:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Sat. 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sun Closed.

Flowers by Jeanie, Mankato, MN
Family owned and operated, Flowers by Jeanie offers a drive-up window in downtown Mankato. Hours of operation: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Sun. Closed.

Petals & Lace, Hardy, AR
If you’re looking for flowers with a side of formal wear, Petals & Lace has that and more. Offering floral arrangements, a formal wear inventory, a chapel, dinner theater, banquet hall and most importantly (for this story), a drive-up window, Petals & Lace is connected to Creekside Loft. Hours of operation: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.; Sun. Closed.

A Feminine Mystique

Wander through the Ferrari factory in Maranello, Italy, and a few things are readily apparent: it’s incredibly clean, there are 150 live trees sprouting through the factory floor spreading cheer and oxygen, natural sunshine gleams through windows, and serious sports cars are being built.

It’s Italian all the way. Nothing is ever ‘just business’ with Italians. Productivity has to be implemented with style, with charm and with soul. And so, the people who make legendary Ferraris must be happy. A sort of Italian ‘whistle while you work’ philosophy.

Ferrari Chairman Luca di Montezemolo waxes poetic about the emotionality of Ferrari, both the brand and the car. The way Ferraris sound – that incredible baritone voice – and the way they accelerate and handle on twisty roads is nothing short of spectacular, a one-off experience.

Yes, Ferraris are fast, yes they grip and respond to a driver’s every command. But there’s something else, says di Montezemolo, that makes each Ferrari more than just a dynamic sports car. At a recent speech he gave to students at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business, di Montezemolo several times equated Ferrari’s sexiness to a beautiful woman. Trite? Stereotypical Italian man? Cliche? Yes, perhaps all of these things. But there’s no denying that Ferrari is sexy – whether you compare it to a woman or not. It is, certainly, seductive, head-turningly attractive, unforgettable. The real deal.

But such metaphors may no longer work for Ferrari’s growing American clientele – a full 10 percent of whom are now women! I’d rather fantasize about a gorgeous Italian man, but that’s just me. And get this. In China, one of every three Ferraris is sold to a woman.

Feminism, Ferrari-Style

To some men, the notion of a woman driving a so-called man’s car is anathema. The term “chick car” is death in the sports car world. I find that seriously insulting, as a woman who drives and loves them. Let’s hope that as more women stream into Ferrari, Lamborghini and Porsche showrooms, those antiquated notions will go the way of the Hummer.

Why are so many women plunking down tens of thousands on exotic cars? Simple, women now make money. Lots of it. We are surgeons, politicians, business owners and we are the primary shopping decision makers of our families. Even Ferrari Chairman di Montezemolo acknowledges the growing influence of women. “More and more it’s couples, not just a man, who tours our factory,” he says. “More and more the wife or girlfriend helps decide which car to buy and what color will be. The husband no longer just buys without the green light from his wife.” Of course, we wonder if the woman’s husband or boyfriend accompanies HER when SHE goes in to buy a Ferrari.

When Kim Kardashian recently purchased a white Ferrari 458, we aren’t sure if she was alone. But we do know that she was in the driver’s seat when she left the dealership.

No Longer A Silent Movie Actress

Taking Ferrari into the 21st century, di Montezemolo told the Standford students that design and technological innovation lead his company. “Since Enzo Ferrari passed away, Ferrari was like a big actress who no longer received good scripts from the studio,” he says. “Ferrari was locked in a prison of the past. I had to think about the company differently, not just romanticize it but to make it romantic and relevant.”

To that end, di Montezemolo prioritized Ferrari’s purpose. “Number one is design,” he says. “Number two is vehicle and engine technology and number three is innovation in terms of colors, interiors.” And since the majority, if not the entirety of di Montezemolo’s executive team is comprised of men, he had to figure a way to soften them up a bit, to give them something that would spark ideas about style and design.

“Sometimes, I give my engineers fashion magazines,” says di Montezemolo. “They think I’m crazy but I want them to look at materials, colors and style. This is the world we live in, and Ferrari should be at the center of style and design.”

My Favorite Sweater

Say you love a particular cashmere pullover that makes you smile every time you wear it. Under Ferrari’s Personalization and Tailor-Made program, you can order your seats to be upholstered in Ballantyne Cashmere, known as the world’s finest-quality cashmere and sold at places like Barney’s and Harrod’s. “We created Tailor-Made especially for women,” says di Montezemolo. “You like your blue jeans, we can have the interior done in blue jean material. Or maybe you love the teak wood of a sail boat, we’ll put that wood in the trunk. Whatever you imagine, we can do.”

The bespoke attention to detail keeps Ferrari at the top of its game. And while Ferraris are increasingly parked in womens’ garages, there are no plans to create a ‘family’ vehicle like competitor Lamborghini, which recently announced plans to make an aggressively styled family SUV called Urus. “Ferrari has to remain a dream. A very hedonistic dream,” says di Montezemolo.

Ok, so when Ms. Kardashian one day gives birth to her little socialites, that fantastic Ferrari of hers will likely be kept company in the garage by Lambo’s family hauler. Viva Italia!

Now You See Me, Now You Don’t

Think camouflage is just for the military? Think again. Car companies routinely test their vehicles on public roads before they’re released for sale. But not wanting to expose their products before the big reveal – fancy media launches and ad campaigns – manufacturers cover their cars in wild designs to trick the eye and confuse onlookers.

DesignworksUSA, a design consultancy which designs BMWs as well as consumer products like cell phones, computers, and even airplane interiors for big-name companies like Hewlett Packard and Embraer, has transformed the German automaker’s signature black and white swirl camouflage into high fashion.

The black and white swirl’s purpose is to obscure design elements that would alert competitors to BMW’s new style direction for a particular model. If you’re lucky, you could see a BMW test car with the kaleidoscoping pattern driving around your neighborhood.

One-Of-A-Kind

Artists at DesignworksUSA printed a gossamer fabric with the swirl and created clothing that was auctioned off to benefit the A + D Architecture + Design Museum in Los Angeles. Know what’s great about that? If you were among the few who nabbed one of the original designs, you can be sure you’ll never have an “Ugh, she’s wearing the same dress!” situation.

The A + D Museum is located on Museum Row, 6032 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90036. (323) 500-4581

This is the Little Engine That Could! VroomGirls is wowed by the 2012 Toyota Prius C. Small in stature but huge in fuel economy and pizzazz, the Prius C offers exceptional 53 mpg in city driving, as well as a fun and sporty ride. This compact hatchback has it all.

Not only is the 2012 Toyota Prius C adorable, it comes in delightful colors that make us smile. Check out Habanero, a citrus-orange shade that’s sure to cheer you up on dark and cloudy days.

Class Is In Session

When you’re reading about cars, you’re going to run into engine specifications, i.e. a 2.0 liter 4-cylinder turbo producing 160 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. What do all those numbers mean? That’s the subject of this VroomGirls University lesson.

Cylinders

A cylinder is the power unit of an engine; it’s the chamber where the gasoline is burned and turned into power. Most cars and SUV engines have four, six, or eight cylinders. Generally, an engine with more cylinders produces more power, while an engine with fewer cylinders gets better fuel economy.

Cylinders will either be arranged in a straight line (an inline engine, i.e. “inline 4”, “I4” or “L4” ) or in two rows (a V engine, i.e. “V8”).

DISPLACEMENT (Liters and Cubic Inches)

Engines are measured by displacement, usually expressed in liters (L) or cubic centimeters (cc). Displacement is the total volume of all the cylinders in an engine. An engine with four cylinders of 569cc each totals 2276cc, and will be rounder off and referred to as a 2.3 liter engine. Larger engines tend to produce more power — specifically more torque (see below) — but use more fuel.

Up until the early 1980s, engines were measured in cubic inches. One liter equals about 61cc, so a 350 cubic inch engine is about 5.7 liters.

TURBOCHARGERS

A turbocharger is a device that is used to boost the power of an engine. A four-cylinder engine with a turbocharger can produce as much power as a six-cylinder engine, but uses less fuel when driven gently. (For more information, see How Turbochargers and Superchargers Work. Engines with a turbo sometimes get a T after their displacement; “2.0T” denotes a 2-liter engine with a turbocharger.

HORSEPOWER AND TORQUE

Horsepower and torque measure the amount of power an engine develops, with horsepower being the most commonly-used measurement. The difference between horsepower and torque is widely misunderstood (and difficult to explain).

Torque, which is measured in pound-feet (lb-ft or ft-lbs), measures pulling power; when you step on the gas pedal and the seat pushes into your back, you are feeling torque. Trucks need lots of torque to get their heavy loads moving. Horsepower is a function of torque and engine speed (RPM), and indicates how much sustained work the car can do. Racing cars need high horsepower to maintain high speeds. Generally, bigger-displacement engines develop more torque, but small engines can spin faster, which increases their horsepower output.

A car with high horsepower but low torque may feel sluggish from a stop, but will feel stronger as the engine spins faster and faster. A high-torque, low-hp engine will accelerate strongly from a stop, but will trail off as the engine speeds up (until the transmission shifts gears).

Horsepower and torque measurements are “peak” numbers; a 180 horsepower engine will only produce 180 horsepower at a certain engine speed — say, 6,000 RPM. At other speeds, the engine develops less horsepower. The same goes for torque, although some engines (especially those with turbochargers) have a sustained peak-torque range, developing their rated torque between, say, 1,800 and 4,000 RPM. An engine with strong mid-range torque (peaking between 2,000 and 4,000 RPM) will have good passing acceleration, while lot of low-end torque (below 1,500 RPM) is useful for towing trailers or driving off-road. However, cars with high-torque engines are more likely to slip and slide in rain and snow.

All that said, other factors, such as how much the car weighs, will affect acceleration. How the vehicle feels when you drive it is more important than the horsepower and torque ratings.

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. is not responsible for the content of this column.

We Love You Danica

You know how super sexy Danica Patrick looks in her GoDaddy racing gear? The Indie racer rocks a combo of feminine and super buff. And that’s a good thing. Patrick has done a lot for the sport of race car driving by bringing in a whole new audience. So, whomever is grousing about her bikini shots or TV ads for GoDaddy.com—tell them I’m glad we have a bold woman in the business.

Do you want to add some of that race appeal to your wardrobe? Why not dress up your flowered cotton mini-dress with motorcycle boots from Harley Davidson and a leather jacket from BMW? Layer a Chevy tank top under a jean jacket or a NASCAR hoodie with heels and a tight dress? (OK, I’ll stop now…)

Automotive companies sell all kinds of gear on their sites — and we’re not talking oversized t-shirts. Plus, the prices are geared down — you won’t be paying high tags for interesting finds. And, if, like me, you love vintage shopping, tuck into local thrift shops or eBay for unusual automotive apparel.

Here are a few of our favorite things:

Ferrari

Of course, you are getting Italian flair with all things Ferrari.

Check out the chic Ferrari white (ice) jacket in stretch “techno fabric” with red appointments. $220

Ferrari’s Ladies red driving gloves in canvas net and red calf leather would look terrific with your pea coat. $146

And for sunny days in your drop-top, drape yourself in a hand-printed, pure silk headscarf decorated with technical designs of the Ferrari 125S. $214
Visit: Ferrari

NASCAR

This shop features lines from top rally gals and guys.
T-shirts? Yes, if it’s a Danica Patrick sequin-accented T in light green and orange. This is true kitsch! $24.67

Want stripes? Jeff Gordon Women’s Striped Tank comes in red and black. $17.99

A hot hoodie? Try a Dale Earnhardt Jr. Metallic Hooded Sweatshirt emblazoned with number 88. $64.99
Visit: NASCAR

Bentley

Like a beautiful Bentley, all of the products on this site are well crafted.

Accessorize with a small leather notebook in black leather with red stitching. Made exclusively for Bentley by Ettinger of London. 75 Euro

The 100% cashmere double-faced Fading Out Scarf gracefully blends camel and grey. The fabric is woven with the iconic Bentley Wings. 85 Euro

And who can resist a Bentley Beanie in Merino Wool? 20 Euro
Visit: Bentley

Harley Davidson

OMG! Leather jackets and vests, denim, motorcycle boots and more. Motor on over to the site and let your imagination go wild.
Visit: Harley Davidson

Chevrolet

Wave the American flag! You’ll find goodies like the Chevy Camp Shirt, Tri-Five 1955-1957. It’s man-sized but very aloha. The blue button-down is decorated with Chevy crests from the 50s. $39.99

I couldn’t resist the women’s beaded tank top, “Love My Chevrolet” in lime green. $26.99

For all things Chevy, including apparel for muscle cars, trucks and racing, visit: Chevrolet

Land Rover

Custom made and eco-friendly is what you’ll find at Land Rover. The Bamboo Flatlock Crew is made of 94% natural bamboo fibers and 6% spandex. The moisture-wicking long-sleeved T has the Land Rover oval embroidered on the neck. $49.99
Visit: Land Rover

BMW

We’re drawn to the chunky BMW Ladies’ Quartz Chronograph. The white-faced watch, adorned with the BMW logo, has an adjustable metal bracelet. $225
Visit: BMW