Author: kurt

We here at RideLust will be the first to tell you: unless you’re counting pay dates, a car is not going to get you laid. No matter how much coin you drop on a ride, if you weigh 400 pounds, live in your mom’s basement and haven’t showered in a month, you’re just not closing the deal. Owning a Bugatti Veyron isn’t going to change that.

On the flip side, there have always been cars that act as estrogen repellent. No matter how matter how ripped you may be, no matter what size hog you’re packing, no matter what kind of coin you’ve got in the bank, these cars are guaranteed to break the deal more effectively than being a buck-toothed hunchback with personal hygiene issues and a sociopathic personality disorder.

These aren’t the ugliest cars of all time and they’re not the worst cars of all time. Some enjoyed a rather long and successful production run. Others, fortunately, died off after a few brief model years. Some, sadly, are still for sale (either new or used) in the US.

Here’s our list of cars guaranteed to repel dates better than cheap-beer-and-Cheetos vomit down the front of your frilly pirate shirt:

Chevrolet Chevette

Built from 1975 through 1987, the Chevette defined the term “econobox”. Everything about the car was cheap, from the materials used to the build quality to the purchase price. Engines options were a 1.4 liter inline 4 or a 1.6 liter inline 4, which Chevy actually had the balls to market in a “high output” version. Compared to what? A lawn tractor? The good news is that your chance of encountering one today lies between “slim” and “none”; like the dinosaurs, they died off for a reason.

Subaru Justy

Sold in the US from 1987 to 1994, most Justy’s have long since rusted into oblivion. Were you unfortunate enough to own one, you know how grossly underpowered the 1.0 or 1.2 liter three cylinder engine was. Ironically, the car could even be ordered with AWD after 1988, making it easier to drive to that remote location before you shot the hell out of it with a 12 gauge.

Suzuki X90

Beyond the shadow of a doubt, the uncoolest car ever sold in the United States. Mercifully, it was available only from 1996 to 1998, and just over 7,000 were imported into the US. If the clown-car styling didn’t repel the opposite sex better than a can of mace, the flashy graphics often splashed down the side would. You’d have a better chance of looking manly walking a teacup poodle, while wearing a miniskirt and stiletto heels, than you would driving this car.

Nash Metropolitan

Sold in the US from 1954 to 1962, the Nash Metropolitan was one of the first domestic subcompact cars. Built in a time when bigger was better, the vast majority of Americans never understood the Metropolitan, and that’s a good thing. Often painted in two tone color schemes such as coral and white or turquoise and white, the car virtually screamed “I’m not attracted to women”, unless of course it was a woman behind the wheel. Despite their odd appearance, Metropolitans sold rather well and were second only to VW Beetles in their category. Handling was described as “loose” and “full of roll and wallow”, but what do you expect from a short wheelbase car with a very soft suspension? Despite my opinion about the car’s appeal, Elvis owned one and so did Paul Newman; maybe I’m wrong on this, or maybe a man just likes to feel pretty every once in a while.

Renault 5

Known as the “Le Car” in the US, the Renault 5 was sold from 1976 to 1986. Nothing about the car, from its uninspired box-on-box styling, to its cramped interior, to its anemic 55 horsepower engine, was even remotely appealing. Build quality was horrific, even by U.S. automaker standards of the period, so you’re unlikely to encounter one today. As attractive to women as eating a garlic and onion sandwich and dousing yourself with Hai Karate cologne

Ford Pinto

Alright, confession time: I like Pintos. Especially Pinto race cars, because they were light, cheap and handled surprisingly well. That said, they were as cool as a a purple crushed velvet tux with a leopard skin cummerbund and a mullet hairdcut. Built from 1970 to 1980, the Pinto was a major hit with buyers who wanted something inexpensive and practical from FoMoCo. Unfortunately, a design flaw led to their propensity to burst into flames when hit from behind. Sure, a simple production mod would have eliminated the threat, but the cost per car (under $10) was deemed unacceptably high by Ford execs. Whoops. In any case, it’s hard for a date to get her freak on if she’s worried about burning to death in a raging gasoline inferno. Want a cool vintage ride? Look elsewhere.

Geo Metro

Sold in the US from 1989 to 2001, the Geo Metro was the offspring of GM’s ill fated partnership with Suzuki. There was one reason and one reason only to buy a three cylinder Metro as a new car: because you were a cheap bastard who didn’t give a crap about driving and were too lazy to look up a bus schedule. Metros were as boring to look at as they were to drive, and even the convertible or the four cylinder LSi versions act as an effective repellant for the opposite sex. There may be a few granola munching, patchouli wearing ultra-vegans who find the Metro’s 45 mpg a turn on, but do you really want to sleep with a woman that has more body hair than you do?

Chevrolet Aveo

Launched in the US in 2003, the Aveo is still (tragically) available for purchase. Built by Daewoo for GM, build quality is so poor that even rental car agencies avoid this lemon like a piece of three day old sushi on the sidewalk. What do you expect from a company whose CEO ran them into bankruptcy before fleeing the country? Think “Geo Metro, but with even worse build quality” and you get the picture. Like most undesirables, the Aveo also goes by an alias: the Pontiac G3. Avoid ‘em at all costs.

Yugo GV

Available in the US from 1986 to 1992, the Yugo GV was arguably the worst car ever sold in the United States. Loosely based on a Fiat 127, the Yugo was wrapped in an Italian-styled body to make it more attractive; like a sixty year old hooker, it only looked good from a distance. When the lighting was poor. Conceived as a price point vehicle, built as a price point vehicle and sold as a price point vehicle, Yugos were notorious for mechanical failure and poor drivability (partly due to their overly complex but inexpensive emission control system). Mileage that counted as “broken in” on other cars counted as “worn out” on a Yugo, and the chances of coming across a running example today aren’t very high. Zastava, the manufacturer of Yugo, has the distinction of being the only automaker on this list to ever have a factory destroyed by NATO airstrikes. NATO claims they were going for Zastava’s arms production plant and hit the car factory by mistake, but I’m not buying it. Someone in the pilot’s family must have owned a Yugo at some point.

Datsun B21 Honeybee

Datsun B-210s were sold in the US from 1973 to 1978, before we realized things like polyester, disco and ABBA really did suck. As if the Datsun B-210 two-door hatchback weren’t uncool enough on its own, Datsun chose to introduce a limited edition yellow version with black graphics called the “Honey Bee”. Sure it gave reasonable fuel economy, but sooner or later someone you knew was going to see you driving it. Thin sheet metal that seemed to rust in the sun, combined with an interior made from cheap vinyl and cardboard means you aren’t likely to find one today. And that’s a good thing.

Let’s say you own a third gen Camaro and you want to pick up some spare cash on the weekends. Why not enter some burnout contests for the extra scratch? This video shows you why, as the “brand X” all season radial explodes, literally through the back of the guy’s car. Truly epic damage.

Here are some reminders, boys and girls: first, air down your tires to 15 or 20 psi before doing burnouts, OK? Second, remember that tire speed ratings are there for a reason; overheat a non-speed rated tire at full pressure, and bad things are bound to happen. Finally, invest some of your winnings on tires designed for burnouts, not tires sold over the counter at Pep Boys for $25 each.

Source: Bangshift

Jay Cassill’s brother Landon was NASCAR’s 2008 Rookie of the Year. To celebrate, the Cassill brothers had ADM cook up a 2010 Camaro RS/SS with a blown Lingenfelter LS3 motor and dropped suspension set up for both track days and drag strip runs. The car dyno’d at 1,000 horsepower and “over” 1,000 lb-ft of torque, and that’s before they installed the nitrous kit. I’m not one for moderation, but sweet Jesus: 1,000 horsepower may be good enough for me.

Source: CarDomain

Honda’s CR-X was an epic car, especially in Si trim. Unfortunately for Honda, it was followed by the dismal DelSol, proof that even Honda can build a bad car now and then. Thus, when Honda first announced the new CR-Z, spiritual successor to the CR-X, it caught my attention.

Then my ADD kicked in, as soon as I learned that the CR-Z was first a hybrid, secondarily a “sporty” car. I’m all for saving the planet, but 122 horsepower in a car with sporting intentions? A car that weighs in at around 2,800 pounds? Sure, Honda claims that go-cart-like handling will make it an enthusiast’s car, but I’d buy a first or second generation Miata if I wanted something underpowered with faultless balance.

All is not lost, however, as internet rumors of a CR-Z Type R abound. How about 200 horsepower instead of 122? How about lots of supplementary low-end torque from an electric motor? How about a sport tuned suspension, bigger brakes and sport seats? If this mythical beast does exist, expect to see it in Japanese and EU markets first. I’m not getting my hopes up just yet, but a CR-Z Type R is one hybrid I could get enthusiastic about.

Source: Auto Evolution

Hyundai has picked the upcoming 2010 New York Auto Show for the introduction of their 2011 Sonata Turbo and Sonata Hybrid models. The Sonata Turbo replaces the previous generation’s V6 engine option, providing comparable performance and better fuel economy.

Pricing for the base four cylinder 2011 Sonata starts under $20k, making it among the most competitive sedans in the segment. Fit and finish of recent Hyundai models has improved noticeably, and the company is going to great lengths to improve their “bargain basement” image.

We’ll get you more details on the new Sonatas at the New York Show.

The third generation Mazda RX-7, imported into the US from 1993 to 1995, is generally regarded as one of the finest handling cars in the world. Unmolested examples are rare, since Mazda’s 13B rotary motor, combined with twin, sequential turbochargers proved both difficult and costly to maintain. Enthusiasts, in their quest for more power, took to dropping in any motor that would fit between the front wheels: case in point, this 1993 RX-7 rocking a Corvette LS-1 motor and Tremec T-56 6 speed gearbox.

I’m a bit of a purist, so I can’t help but think that the balance of this car would be all wrong. Too much weight in the nose, too little in the rear would make it positively evil on a racetrack. Still, 400 horsepower (600 if you’re on the bottle) in a car that weighs 3,000 pounds would be fun with a capital F. For $22,900, about the cost of a year old Mustang GT, this baby can be sitting in your garage.

Source: Two Seats or Less

Take a short wheelbase car or truck, shoehorn in the biggest motor you can find and track down a driver who’s all balls and no common sense. Sound like a recipe for fun? It was, as the above video, posted by Jesse on Just a Car Guy, demonstrates. If you’ve never seen The Little Red Wagon, Hemi Under Glass or any of the other wheelstanders in action, this vids for you. Pure car porn.

Source: Just a Car Guy

Relying on welding and fabrication skills that he’d taught himself, Jethro opened his own custom limousine business.

Source: You Drive What?

The Huffington Post is reporting that a plane owned by Tesla electrical engineer Doug Bourn has crashed shortly after takeoff. The plane was en route from Palo Alto to Los Angeles and was carrying two other Tesla employees. Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla Motors, was not believed to be on the plane.

We’ll provide more details as they become available.

Source: Huffington Post

Do you need a four seater convertible that will get you and three of your closest friends from zero to sixty in under four seconds? Need a ragtop that will break the 200 mph barrier (though probably not with the top down)? Well then, roll out the Gulfstream G5 and get your ass across the pond to Geneva in March, where Bentley is set to roll out the 2011 Continental Supersports convertible.

Prices on the fastest drop top Bentley ever built haven’t been announced, but if you’re in the market for one you probably don’t care what the price tag says.

Source: Autoweek

Dig the affordability of autocross, but can’t get the urge to bump draft and trade paint out of your system? If you’re lucky enough to live on the other side of the pond, why not consider taking up FreeRace in your spare time?

FreeRace appears to be a Nissan 370Z spec series, with teams in the UK, France and Germany. The goal is to be the first car though an autocross course, and the rule are that there are no rules. Shunts are cool, rubbing fenders is encouraged and punting your opponent entirely doesn’t appear to be illegal.

Maybe it’s just my persepctive as an American, but the sport needs about 10% more brawling. Punt me like that and I guarantee we’re going to be having a conversation.

Source: Hooniverse

How about a 1970 Dodge Challenger, rough but salvageable, at the bargain basement price of $2,500? The car was originally a big block with the slap stick automatic transmission, but judging from the owners comments another motor was dropped in somewhere long the line. It looks mostly complete and comes with a trunk and interior chock full ‘o mystery parts. Besides, what isn’t there can be sourced from the internet or the Mopar aftermarket. Depending upon how good you are at mechanical, electrical, body, paint and upholstery work, this could be the bargain of the month.

Source: Hemmings Auto Blogs

Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne has confirmed that Alfa Romeo will return to this side of the pond in 2012. Speaking at an industry gathering in Toronto, Marchionne expressed his confidence in Alfa’s product line and the North American demand for it.

The new Alfa Giulia sedan and wagon are likely to be the first models imported, followed by a North American model produced jointly with Chrysler.

Source: Left Lane News

Faced with declining sales of the 2009 Mustang and Mazda 6, Ford has announced their intention to lay off 900 workers from their Flat Rock, MI assembly plant. Displaced workers will be given the option of relocating to another facility, such as Ford’s Chicago plant, which is ramping up to build the new Explorer.

Sales of the Mustang dropped 27 percent in 2009, as pony car buyers flocked to the new Chevrolet Camaro. Demand for Mazda’s 6 sedan has been declining, and dropped 34 percent in 2009 despite a complete model redesign.

Ford anticipates increased demand for the 2010 Mustang, which now features horsepower comparable to the Chevrolet Camaro. Increased Flat Rock plant efficiencies will allow Ford to meet this demand even with a reduced workforce.

Source: Left Lane News

Here’s a copy of their latest Corolla ad, and no, I am not making this up. When you’ve been blamed for a bunch of sticking-accelerator-pedal deaths, maybe you want to create an ad WITHOUT dead people. Just sayin’.

Oh, and we at RideLust want to go on record as saying that we do not endorse the Corolla for the zombie apocalypse. There are much better choices out there, even in the Corolla’s price range.

Source: Jalopnik

The power’s out, the phone is dead, you haven’t seen the cat in days and there are bodies stacked liked cord wood in front of your sandbag-and-plywood reinforced house. The screams from neighboring houses died off a few days ago, and you’re down to your last room temperature Michelob Amber Bock. Time for a beer run, but the roads are blocked and your Toyota Camry just isn’t going to cut the mustard; if only you’d prepared for the zombie apocalypse like your neighbor Kurt did.

The real problem with the zombie apocalypse is that you won’t know when or where it begins. By the time you realize that a bombproof SUV would be a good thing to have; well, it’s a little late to go down to the dealer and buy one, isn’t it? You could try stealing one, but given the number of Americans with guns, that may not be the best solution.

While an M1 Abrams tank is probably the best vehicle for the apocalypse, they’re hard to find on the used market, especially with guns intact. Even if you do find a clean one on eBay, where are you going to put it? Do you really think that the neighbors will believe it’s your new lawn tractor? Think the missus is going to green light that purchase? You need a practical vehicle for the zombie apocalypse that doesn’t raise the suspicions of your neighbors or local law enforcement. Something that you can drive the kids to soccer practice with, yet still run down those flesh eating bastards like you’re playing a video game.

So here’s the deal: below is a list of vehicles, across a broad price spectrum, that will get you ready for the end of days. Most of them will be a relatively easy sell to the significant other (compared to an M1 Abrams tank, at least) and all are comercially available to civilian buyers. Here’s my criteria:

• They have to be production vehicles, available within 6 months
• They need to be street legal, licensable and drivable on a daily basis
• Four wheeled vehicles must be able to hold two go bags, two rifles and a thousand rounds of ammo. SCORE Trophy trucks and buggys are therefore excluded.

We’ll start on the low end of the price scale and work our way up:

• Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor

Cheap, plentiful and easy to work on, you’ll have no problem keeping this baby running for years after civilization collapses. No, it isn’t four wheel drive, but Crown Vics aren’t averse to driving over the occasional curb, median or zombie. Since you’re going to be buying one at auction, take your time and find one with push bars already installed on the front; bonus points if you can find one with a shotgun rack and limited slip differential. Depending upon condition, expect to pay anywhere from $4k to $10k for a used but serviceable example.

• BMW R1200 GS

Yes, this is a motorcycle. No, it offers no intrusion protection from flesh eating zombies (although a full face helmet and an Aerostich riding suit will slow them down a while). Why is it on the list? Because a properly ridden BMW GS will get you anywhere you need to go, on road or off. Ford streams, jump curbs, ride over dead zombies – the big GS doesn’t care, as long as you keep it upright. Sure there are faster motorcycles and there are more agile motorcycles, but the GS is built like a panzer and relatively easy to keep running with a handful of tools and a shop manual. The twin opposed cylinders give the bike some width, not a bad thing when you need to pin the throttle WFO and ride through a horde of zombies. Expect to pay around $12k for decent used R1100/1150 GS; new R1200 GS Adventure models with all the farkles will set you back somewhat north of $20k.

• Nissan Xterra 4wd

Think of this as the entry level anti-zombie SUV. Xterras aren’t bad trucks, but they’re just that – trucks. Buyers expecting “cute ute”, Toyota RAV ride quality are generally put off by the Xterras harsh ride, top heavy feel and brutish road manners, so used examples are plentiful. Off road, Xterras are capable if equipped with the right tires and suspension components, and a good front bumper and winch should get you unstuck from nearly anything you get yourself into. Aftermarket parts are plentiful, so you can build up a ride as stout as your budget allows. Used 4wd versions can be had for around $15k and up; new Xterras can top $30k if you get option package crazy.

• Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

Sure it’s small, sure it’s harsh to drive everyday, but a Jeep Wrangler will get you into places almost no other vehicle on the planet can. Why the Rubicon? Because it gives you heavy duty front and rear axles, Jeep’s Rock-Trac 4wd system, electronic locking front and rear differentials and includes parts you’d need to add anyway (like rock rails). Do I need to tell you to order it with the hard top? Used Jeeps are plentiful, though used Rubicons (which were introduced in 2003) may be harder to find. If you’re the do it yourself type, clean used Jeeps start at around $10k. If you really need a Rubicon, used examples start at around $20k, while new ones push $30k.

• Toyota FJ Cruiser 4wd

I own one, so forgive my bias: the Toyota FJ Cruiser may be the most under-rated truck ever sold under the Toyota name. Manufactured by Hino, not Toyota, the FJ Cruiser is equally comfortable driving at 75 mph on the highway or rock crawling at 2 mph in 4wd low. It will get you anywhere you ever need to go, limited only by tires and the amount of testosterone in your bloodstream. Stock, it will ford 27 inches of water, has nearly 10 inches of ground clearance and will hit 60 mph in under 9 seconds. Throw on an ARB front bumper, reinforce the front skid plates and watch zombies explode like meat grenades when you hit ‘em. Although FJ Cruisers haven’t sold particularly well, they do retain their value better than other trucks in their class. Expect to pay north of $20k for a clean used 4wd FJ, and new ones can top $30k if you opt for a special edition.

• Mercedes Benz Unimog

I struggled with adding this one to the list for several reasons. First, most of the ‘mogs you find in the US are soft top, ex-NATO troop carriers completely unsuitable for the zombie apocalypse. Second, unless you buy a radio truck, ambulance or crew cab, there’s no access to the back from the cab, which isn’t that big to begin with. Finally, a lot of used ‘mogs (1984 and up) are difficult or impossible to license for road use in the United States. None of that matters, because the Unimog is the cockroach of all purpose vehicles. When the last H1 Hummer has turned to dust, when the final Land Rover has rotted into topsoil, there will still be Unimogs roaming the planet. You can’t kill them, they go anywhere and you can fix ‘em with a hammer and a screwdriver. Sure, parts can be hard to find, but you can always make your own. Sure, most ‘mogs won’t hit 60 miles per hour downhill with a strong tail wind, but who cares? It’s about getting from point A to point B when nothing else can. Pricing is a tough call; you can find Unimog “works in progress” for under $10k, but buyer beware; if someone else hasn’t done the paperwork to license it for road use in the U.S., that becomes your responsibility. Better to go for one already refurbed and federalized, which will set you back $25k and up. Expedition ‘mogs, with camper backs and all the toys, sell in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

• Land Rover Defender 90

Sold in the United States form 1993 to 1997, Land Rover Defenders are perhaps THE icon of a rugged, go anywhere four wheel drive. Built primarily as a utility vehicle for agriculture, industry and the military, Defenders were never designed to be driven by trend-humping-fashion-lemmings, one upping their buddy’s Range Rover at the country club. Ride quality is primitive and occupant comfort in non-US versions is an afterthought. Air conditioning? Why would a farmer in the UK need A/C? Designed to be serviced in the field, under harsh conditions, Defenders can be taken down to their ladder frame with hand tools. Like the Unimog, Defenders can survive the harshest of off road challenges; unfortunately, all this capability and snob appeal comes at a price. Unable to meet side impact and airbag regulations established in 1998, Land Rover stopped importing Defenders in 1997. Demand remains high, so prices for clean used vehicles haven’t budged. Want a Defender 90 hard top? The going price starts at around $35k and quickly goes up from there.

• Hummer H2

They’re big, they’re heavy and they’re not particularly good off road, so why include them in this list? Because with the right push bar on the front and the airbags deactivated, they’d be a fine “plow your way through trouble” vehicle. Not as huge and ungainly as the H1 and more serious than the H3, the H2 strikes just the right amount of compromise between utility and practicality in the apocalypse. It’s not like you’re going to be paying for the gas you use, so why not drive something large enough to have it’s own gravity? Plenty of room in the back for guns and ammo and enough ground clearance that you don’t have to move those rotting corpses out of the way; just stick to paved or gravel roads and you should do fine. Used H2s can be had at around $40k, but good luck finding one that hasn’t been pimped out. Dubs may look cool, but trust me – you want more tire than wheel when the fertilizer hits the fan. New ones can be had for $60k or or so, but GM is anxious to get rid of remaining inventory; Hummer dealers may be the only ones looking to take used Camrys on trade.

• TLC Icon FJ40

Imagine a Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser built with absolutely no compromises, using the best available modern components and technology. Want a V8? No problem. Prefer the fuel economy of a diesel? They’re good with that, too. In fact, Icon’s can be ordered in just about any configuration you’d want; just don’t forget to bring your checkbook. Icons start at about $105k and quickly go north from there. Loaded, they’re pushing $150k, and that’s before you tell them you’re going to need a custom, all steel body (since Icons are currently built with soft tops only). Think of it this way: when you’ve emptied your bank account of $200 large, you’ll have the only zombie apocalypse ride built to your exact specifications. You won’t be worrying about whether it’s good enough, either, and isn’t peace of mind worth an extra few dollars?

• Earthroamer XV-LT

Take a Ford F550 Super Duty, cross it with a Winnebago and leave it parked in Frankenstein’s lab for a few weeks, and you wind up with an Earthroamer XV-LT. At a gross vehicle weight of nearly 9 tons, this baby is going over or through anything that gets in its way. The best part? Even during the zombie apocalypse, you can still use it to enjoy a nice merlot on vacation at the Grand Canyon, while appreciating your granite countertops and leather seating. No electricity? No problem, this rig relies on solar power and diesel fuel for all of its needs. Just in case the going gets tough, it’ll ford 24 inches of water and gives you a minimum ground clearance of about ten inches. All this care-free living comes with a hefty price tag; XV-LTs start at $215k and top out around $280k with all the option boxes checked. Better get your order in soon – build time is about four to six months.

Over the weekend, Google announced significant changes to its new social networking service, Buzz. Responding to criticism (including EFF’s), Google moved away from the system in which Buzz automatically sets you up to follow the people you email and chat with most. Instead, Google has adopted an auto-suggest model, in which you are shown the friend list with an option to de-select people before publishing the list. While a full opt-in model would be less likely to result in inadvertent disclosures of private information, this is a significant step forward.

In addition, Google said it would show current Buzz users the setup process again, giving a second chance to review and confirm the follower list “over the next couple weeks.” We recommend that all current Buzz users immediately turn off the public list, and review their friend list before making it public again. (Instructions)

Google will also stop automatically connecting Picasa Web Albums and Google Reader shared items, and allow users to hide Buzz from Gmail or disable it completely.

These problems arose because Google attempted to overcome its market disadvantage in competing with Twitter and Facebook by making a secondary use of your information. Google leveraged information gathered in a popular service (Gmail) with a new service (Buzz), and set a default to sharing your email contacts to maximize uptake of the service. In the process, the privacy of Google users was overlooked and ultimately compromised.

Though Google responded quickly to these privacy concerns, they never should have happened in the first place. While Buzz previously had a lot of these privacy options available, the user interface failed to provide users with the setting users had reasonably expected. Google should follow fair information practices and make secondary uses of information only with clear, unequivocal user consent and control.

Part of the problem may have stemmed from Google’s testing process. The BBC reports that Google only tested Buzz internally with its employees, omitting “extensive trials with external testers – used for many other Google services.” Google employees are sophisticated power-users who will meticulously review the available settings. However, a good user interface for privacy must work for all users, and match the default settings with the expectations of the users. Only through broad based testing can Google be sure that users are giving informed consent.

Next week Google will face a federal judge and ask for approval of the Google Books settlement. EFF has raised privacy concerns, including the possibility that Google might make secondary uses of the Books information. Buzz’s disastrous product launch highlights the danger posed by this possibility, and showcases the need for firm enforceable commitments to protecting user privacy.

Reports are coming in of additional privacy issues.

The Register reports that “Google Buzz is susceptible to exploits that allow an attacker to commandeer accounts and even learn where victims are located.” While a security blog now reports this was fixed, Google should conduct a thorough security review to ensure that no other problems persist.

PC World notes that Google’s “vanity URL” functionality presents users with an unfortunate choice: Either expose your email address to the general public, or host your profile at a monstrously long numeric URL. Google ought to provide a third, middle-of-the-road option by allowing users to select a simple and memorable URL which is not based on their email address.

Concerned about declining sales and rising inventory levels, Toyota is rumored to be temporarily halting production at U.S. plants in Kentucky and Texas. The Kentucky plant, which produces Camry and Avalon models will be shut for four days. The Texas plant, which produces Tundra pickups will be shut for a total of ten days, spread across March and April.

Worldwide, Toyota has also stopped production of its domestic market Sai and Lexus 250h models until a fix can be developed for braking issues reported by some consumers.

Source: Breitbart

Lusting for the new Porsche Panamera sedan, but finding the $90k Panamera S point of entry a little too steep? Looking for something a little more fuel efficient than a 400 horsepower, 4.8 liter V8? Don’t lose any more sleep, because Porsche is bringing in a V6 version this June.

The base Panamera will feature a 3.6 liter V6, good for 300 horsepower. Fuel economy is rated at 25.3 mpg for the V6 version, but low rolling resistance tires will be available as an option (Seriously. I’m not making this up.). Both RWD and AWD platforms will be available, and gearbox options include a six speed manual or Porsche’s PDK dual clutch automatic.

Prices for the V6 versions have not yet been set, but expect them to be well south of $90k.

Source: MotorAuthority

Is your Orange County Choppers hardtail not impressing the ladies anymore? Want to roll on something completely different for Daytona Bike Week? How about the Gatorbike, all but guaranteed to get you laid in Gainesville, home of the Florida Gators?

Commissioned by the owner of Wildlife Rehabilitation of Hernando, the bike was built by Benny Ohrmann to be auctioned for charity. Yes that is a real alligator and not a fiberglass replica; I have no idea how you’d care for it. Turtle Wax, probably.

Source: Neatorama