Ok seriously. Who here doesn’t want to build their own hovercraft? Thank you, I rest my case.

Hovercrafts are totally cool. You can build a small one with a leaf blower for less than $50, or you can buy a big kit and spend a few grand. Of course, you can also opt for a commercial version that is fully manufactured “to marine leisure standards“, but however they chose to do it, here are a bunch of folks who are living the dream.
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I’ve got a Q45. Actually, more correctly, I’ve owned four Q45s. My first was a 1993, the first generation, with 278 horsepower. It was the luxury car that defined sport and it was unique and a class leader. My next was a 1997. I enjoyed it, although it was less edgy and didn’t seem as fast. But then came my real love… the 2002. The last generation of Q45, and definitely the finest. My current Q, a 2004 model, is from the same generation and with just a couple of extra features not previously available on the ‘02.

My other car is an NSX, so it should make sense that even when I choose a big, old-man, luxury vehicle it’s gonna still be a tech-laden hot rod. And that is exactly what the Q45 is. Although they currently aren’t producing the Q45, the rumor is that they are developing the next generation currently. Meanwhile, you can pick up fantastic deals on low mileage used models - if you can find an owner willing to give theirs up!
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It’s been a little while since I’ve dished out my weekly links. Let’s see if I can get back in the habit from here on out…

• Threadless Wall Graphics Shop - Very cool! And Cheap!
• Spade High School’s Last Graduation
• Cool Cars We Miss - #1 My NSX!
• TripIt is a travel assistant that automatically organizes travel plans.
• Bubble Guru is totally cool. But way, way too expensive. Where is the free version?

The Vectrix is a brand new battery powered maxi-scooter capable of carrying two adults around town all day in silence without burning a single drop of gasoline.

Here are a few stats:

• This sucker weighs a whopping 462 lbs (Holy bloat Batman)! That is as much as my old 160 MPH Sprint ST!
• The electric motor produces 48 lb ft. of torque (65 nm) and 27 horsepower (20.2 kw)
• Accelerating the big scooter to 50 mph takes 6.8 seconds.
• Top speed is 62 MPH, with a max range of 68 miles at 25 MPH. (Range decreases with higher speeds.)
• The battery pack has a rated battery capacity of 3.7Kwh and is designed for up to 1,700 full charging cycles.
• The 1.5 kW on-board charger plugs into a standard outlet and provides an 80% charge in just over 2 hours.
• Effective cost of operation should be 10% of the equivalent cost of gasoline.

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Two shows that I loved during my youth were The Dukes of Hazzard, and Starsky and Hutch. And probably the main reason I loved these shows was the fact that they were always driving like complete maniacs!

Yeah, I’m a car guy. I can quote car stats like some people quote sports stats. So when I came across this video I had to share it!

So now, Vicki Butler-Henderson, of British TV show 5th Gear, races two of the most famous TV cars ever - the Dukes of Hazzard’s Dodge Charger, the General Lee, versus Starsky and Hutch’s Ford Gran Torino.
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I didn’t even know machines like this exist, but apparently there are tow trucks that literally just pick cars up and put them on the back of a flatbed before driving them off to tow truck hell (or wherever they go).

Thanks to Karen R. for pointing out these crazy towing videos, and also to Bert for pointing out the must-see Maserati accident below!
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We really take the little things for granted in the USA, like not having to share the road with mules, comically over-burdened bicycles and crazy pieced together vehicles. But in Vietnam all of these things coexist (not exactly in harmony either).

All of these photos were taken by our close friend Vi just a few weeks ago in Vietnam. In addition to the photos, you absolutely have to watch the completely insane videos she took of the traffic in downtown Saigon. It is truly, unbelievable. People pay zero attention to any sort of traffic signal, and as a result it is a complete free-for-all.
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A while back Hundai began displaying the new Genesis concept vehicles. First the coupe, then later the sedan. Originally they were claiming it would have “over 300 horsepower”, but today we learned it will actually be 375! Oh, and they are claiming it will cost around $40k!?!

I’ve not been a fan of Hyundai in the past, but if they keep moving up market like this I’m going to have to take a very serious look. They are claiming it’s going to have all the features found on luxury vehicles from Mercedes, Lexus, Infinity and BMW such as:

• Push button start and intelligent key entry
• Heated AND cooled seats
• Reverse camera and navigation
• Rear wheel drive, a big V8, and 6 speed auto transmission
• Automatic wipers and window defoggers
• Active headlights that aim around corners
• 100,000 miles worth of warranty

The only question is… will buyers be willing to overlook the less than premium brand if they can get all the bells and whistles of a BMW at half the price? Well, if I’m any indication, I’d say it’s a definite maybe. I’ll have to wait and reserve judgement till I have the opportunity to get behind the wheel and see how it really performs.
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Ok. The first time I took a look at this I thought it was insane. Who in their right mind would let a kid take a high powered dune buggy and drive it flat out like a maniac? I mean, for God’s sake the guy has to put a couple of massive blocks of foam in the seat just so the kid can sit there!

But then again, when you watch what this kid can do with that dune buggy I suppose it might not be that crazy after all. I’m pretty sure I couldn’t hop in and do this.
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Wow. This is the luckiest marsupial that ever hopped the earth.

Apparently a Kangaroo got loose on the track at the Bathurst Racetrack in Australia while a race was going on and about 10 cars going upwards of 200kph managed to avoid him on every side. This little guy is extremely lucky to still be alive!
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As a car lover, this is just painful to watch. But as a guy, it’s freakin hilarious!

Here is the setup… some guy literally just brought a brand new Ford Mustang home from the dealership. His family is out in the driveway looking at it and comparing it to his old classic Mustang sitting right beside the new one.

About this time, the 14 year old asks for the keys, and well… you’re going to have to just watch the video.
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Sorry I’ve been pretty vacant for the last few days, but on Monday evening I got a call that my brother and his fiance were in a terrible car wreck down in Houston. My wife packed my stuff in about 20 minutes while I prepared and then headed out for the 4 hour drive.

It turns out that a woman ran a red light and plowed into the side of my brother’s Toyota 4Runner as he was crossing the intersection. She hit his SUV on the side in the rear, causing the vehicle to spin and then roll multiple times. The police officer later informed us that she admitted she was talking on her cell phone and not paying attention.
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