Pittsburgh's Most Valuable Bloger

We have made it through the nomination period and have now moved on to the voting stage. The contest picks blogs from six categories ranging from Dining/Entertainment, Sports, Lifestyle, Local Affairs, Health/Fitness & Everything Else. We are competing in the Everything Else category and are the only automotive oriented blog eligible for voting. So here's a run down of what Autobahn Automotive News is all about and why I would like your votes (you can vote once per day).

Autobahn Automotive News is based in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. I have been a life long car nut having a great passion for both cars and the auto industry as a whole. I have worked in the auto industry for 15 years holding a variety of positions at several well known dealerships in the Pittsburgh area. During the auto industry downturn, I became a freelance auto industry analyst and have continued to aid local dealers in regards to trends in the industry, marketing solutions and Internet marketing efforts. Autobahn Automotive News was born from some of these efforts and wanting to share some of my stories about cars, auto industry news, photos, event coverage, road tests and anything else I really fell like writing about that's related to cars.  Along with working in the auto industry, my passion goes deeper to the cars themselves. I have been privileged to drive some of the finest cars in the world. From Yugos to Aston Martins. I get excited looking at radiator mascots on pre war cars to the latest in designs from manufacturers all over the world, and everything in between.

While I have a great passion for everything automotive, my affinity is towards Volkswagen cars and their subsequent brands of Audi and Porsche. However, I also share a fondness for Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors and what made them the giants of the industry. I also have the honor of serving as a member of the car show committee for the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix association and as having held several positions on the board of the Three Rivers Volkswagen Club. So with Autobahn Automotive News, we don't really follow any rhyme or reason as to what we post about, but one thing's for sure. It will be automotive related in some form or another. Having contacts within just about every auto manufacturer, along with media access grants me access to industry news before many hear about. So look for exciting new posts to come!

Voting for the CBS Pittsburgh's Most Valuable Blogger contest runs through September 9th, 2011. You are allowed to vote once per day so please vote for this site as many times as you can. There is a badge to the left that will take you to the voting page. Thank you for your continued patronage.

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2011 Honda CR-V Images & Info

2011 Honda CR-V

2011 Honda CR-V

2011 Honda CR-V

The 2011 Honda CR-V ranks 2 out of 23 Affordable Compact SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 96 published reviews and test drives of the Honda CR-V, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.



The Honda CR-V is ranked at the top among small SUVs for a good reason: It’s one of the most practical family SUVs on the market. "It's fun, cute and practical, and it's a bargain,” says Cars.com. “What more can a mama ask for?"



The CR-V is a Renaissance man -- or woman -- of the automotive industry. It gets good gas mileage, has comfortable seating, plenty of interior cubbies and a roomy trunk. “As practical as a backpack, this benchmark crossover is an easy, stylish one-size-fits-most car choice," says Kelley Blue Book. The CR-V isn’t the fastest or most stylish small SUV, and its fuel economy ratings aren’t the highest in the class, but parents on the go will find it hard to turn down this practical vehicle because it does a little bit of everything.



The Honda CR-V can accomplish so much that it's won several awards. It is our Best Affordable Compact SUV for Families, and one of Kelley Blue Book's Best Resale Value winners. But despite its good reputation, the CR-V won’t satisfy all shoppers. It’s not super fast, doesn’t have a third row and gets a bit expensive once you add features like Bluetooth and USB integration. Plus, it definitely isn’t a luxury car. "The compact SUV field is crowded these days, with nearly every automaker offering something,” explains Cars.com. “If you only have eyes for the luxury makes, the CR-V isn't for you. Otherwise, it's something you should consider." Shoppers seeking a practical SUV that’s well equipped for daily life may not need to look any further.

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What's in a name? Ex Steve McQueen Porsche 911 sells for $1.25 Million.

There's hardly a person out there who doesn't know who Steve McQueen is. It is also no secret that he had a great passion for anything powered by gasoline. He owned and raced numerous cars and motorcycles, and even on occasion few a few airplanes before his untimely death in 1980. In recent years, there has been a resurgence in anything and everything Steve McQueen. However, on the rare occasion, you can find something that he actually owned. Take the case of this Slate Grey 1970 Porsche 911 S. This car was purchased new from Porsche by McQueen for use while filming his movie LeMans. Not only was it owned by McQueen, but it also appeared in the opening sequence of LeMans as Michael Delaney's personal car. After filming wrapped, the Porsche was sent back to Porsche for some upgrades (the car was already heavily optioned including a leather interior and A/C) before being shipped to LA. In late 1971 McQueen put the Porsche for sale, the theory is due to his also owning a 1969 911 S that was nearly identical, but having an upgraded stereo installed (that car is still in the McQueen family today).

Since that time, the 1970 has passed through several collectors hands, all knowing the cars unique place in history. It also remains largely original, having only received a fresh coat of paint and a new interior along with the usual maintenance items. Also surprising is that the car has covered well over 100,000 miles. So it's been driven, just the way Steve would have had it. The current owner elected to offer the car for sale and commissioned the car to RM Auction's Monterey sale (fitting) and with an opening bid of $200,000, the Porsche quickly rose to $1 million dollars and ending just short of the high auction estimate of $1.35 million.

This is another car, that I personally would love to have in my collection, even if it didn't have the Steve McQueen pedigree. There is something about the early 911s that just look so right, even today. And when topped with the subdued slate grey paint color, it makes for one classy ride. Congratulations to the new owner, and hopefully the 911 will be see out on the road and at car events rather than locked away in a garage.

Photos: RM Auctions.

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Thinking of Monterey

Well, it's Monterey Week. considered by many as the pinnacle of the collector car hobby. Events like the Quail, Concourso Italiano, Pebble Beach Councours d'Elegance and the Rolex Historics to name a few. Cars that are restored to better than new condition that rarely make it out of the garage, gather to strut their stuff for the world to see. Every year I am treated to parts of what I would call my PowerBall wish list if I were to ever hit the lottery and strike it rich. Many folks would lavish them self with new cars, where as I would build a nice new garage and fill it to the brim with automotive history. One such vehicle is the Ferrari 265 GT/B Daytona and the Shelby 289 Cobra. These classics are some of the most beautiful cars to ever be designed and this year in Monterey, RM Auctions has examples of each that I would love to call my own.


1971 Ferrari 365 Daytona coupe

1964 Shelby 289 Cobra

Picture source: RM Auctions

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Ken Block's Gymkhana Four!

Ken Block's Gymkhana videos are hugely popular. They show precision driving at its best. Ken Block has produced 4 of these videos showing his driving skills, and the latest release shows Ken taking on the world of Hollywood with his new Ford Fiesta rally car. Watch and enjoy! But remember always drive responsibly.

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2011 Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible ISR

An enduring testament of the English automobile manufacturers prominence in the elite supercar arena and a celebration of world rally champion Juha Kankkunen’s world ice speed record in a Bentley Continental Supersports convertible, the Continental Supersports Convertible ISR is the most avant-garde and powerful Bentley convertible by far.

The ‘Ice Speed Record’ (ISR) Continental Supersports is an exceptional sports car that truly resonates Bentley’s characteristic ethos. With excellence in performance, handle dynamics, and trendy flamboyance, the Supersports Continental Convertible ISR doesn’t, however, compromise class, handcrafted design and passenger comfort.

Launched at the 2011 Geneva Show, the new convertible has sent the entire auto world abuzz—glorified no doubt because of the ‘Ice Speed Record’ convertible’s ability to sprint from 50-75 (80-120 km/h) in merely 2.5 seconds under real world conditions. The new convertible is off to a promising start, starting from under the hood: a 6-liter, W12 turbo-charged engine capable of churning 640 PS (471 kW / 631 bhp) combined with a six-speed Quickshift automatic sports car transmission propels the Continental Supersports Convertible ISR from 0-60 mph within 3.8 s (0-100 km/h within 4 s) and achieves 100 mph from a standing start in just 9.5 s (0-160 km/h within 9.4 s)

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The ‘Ice Speed Record’ model doesn’t fail to impress with its interior features as well: a carbon fiber with red weave high-gloss finishing and the most exquisite leather and Alcantara cabin components. The Supersports Continental Convertible ISR, which comes in three colors, has an estimated priced of £189,300 ($ 309,022 USD) and available at authorized Bentley automobile dealerships.

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2011 Bentley Continental Supersport Convertible World Ice Speed Record

The world ice speed record was shattered on 15 February 2011 in Oulu, Finland by rally champion Juha Kankkunen. Achieving a top speed of 205.48 mph, Kankkunen broke his previous world record of 199.83 mph set in 2007 at the same location.

Kankkunen shattered the previous world record that he also set, in a 12 cylinder, 6 liter Continental Supersport Convertible running on E85 bio-ethanol. The fuel selection was largely due to Bentley’s commitment for a cleaner environment and sustainable fuel sources.

Juha Kankkunen managed to overcome the perilous endeavor with the help of Bentley engineers and his own experienced team. Kankunnen and the team faced temperatures of minus 30 degrees, sudden snow blizzards and dangerous crosswinds to set the new world record on a 16.5 km track sitting on 70 centimeters of sea ice.

Only minimum modifications were made on the Continental Supersport Convertible. The team added a rear bumper mounted parachute and a fully welded heavy duty safety roll-cage to ensure the safety of Kankkunen in emergency situations. The run was done on Pirelli SottoZero II 275/40R20 winter tires.

Bentley will only offer a limited edition of 100 units of this extreme model Continental. The car will be launched at the Geneva Motor Show on the 1st of March.

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