Mommy, where do Stigs come from?

Have you ever wondered where the Stig from Top Gear came from? I've always figured the Stig was designed and constructed in a factory somewhere on the moon. A finely crafted machine built by cyborg hobbits. There was always the possibility that it was forged from the fiery pits of a volcano with power to corrupt humans, or maybe it was robot sent from the future to kill some slacker and change humanity. 

According to a British newspaper, the Stig comes from a farm. The newspaper reported finding a Stig farm, with a full blown herd of Stigs and a Stig farmer/herder. 
From the photos, you can see a herd of Stigs wandering around on an open field and a gentleman herding a few back into the stables. I am a bit surprised by the humble origins of a tamed racing driver. I would've never thought that it had so much in common with sheep, cows, and pigs. If nothing else, you would think that you'd have to wander off into the deep jungle, track one down for days, weaken it through a long fought battle, and capture it like a pokemon. You know, something less...domesticated.


Maybe these are just the regular anonymous racing drivers, and the real Stig is a pedigree breed: like horses to race horses. Or cows to fighting bulls. This wouldn't be a huge stretch of the imagination since there has already been a Stig killed on Top Gear in the past. Still, these Stigs seem a little more sickly looking and not to the same caliber as the one we see lapping the Top Gear Testtrack. Maybe that one IS special. I could just be in denial, but if it was from this farm setting I think that it was probably picked out from this little farm, trained under a rigorous program of supercars, and fed a diet of high octane gasoline and motor oil. Taking a sad pathetic farm animal and molding, refining, and chiseling out the specimen we see now. Thats must be how Top Gear tamed the racing driver we all know today. 


However, I still like my lunar hobbit built machine theory for the Stig's origin. I'm sticking with that story until proven otherwise. These pictures taken by the newspaper are just all of the Stig's cousins. The real one probably has "Made in the Moon" stamped on the bottom its left shoe. We may get more details of the origins of the Stig since Top Gear may be looking to replace the current one. At the end of the last Top Gear season, its seems the Stig wrote a book, which stunned the world: no one knew the Stig could read, let alone write. Well, now that it has developed a consciousness, I think Top Gear may kill it and go find a new one. Maybe we'll get some more clues on where these mysterious beings come from.


Original story: http://transmission.blogs.topgear.com/2010/10/29/stig-farm/

Gran Turismo 5 Trailer

After 20 years in development (or what feels like it), it looks like Gran Turismo 5 will finally see the light of day. I loved the original and that game was actually what introduced me to the world of japanese imports like the WRX, Evo, Skyline GTR and the NSX. In fact I bought a WRX cause of this game. I try to base most of my purchases off of video games and movies. If anyone knows where I can find a Iron Man Suit, it would be very appreciated. GT had amazing real life physics and was so detailed in its graphics and tuning. Sequels followed adding layers onto this already delicious cake until the PS3 came out. The hardware was new and GT5 was supposed to come out for the PS3 close to the release of the hardware, but the developer is a perfectionist and held the production until everything was perfect. While I appreciate that the minds behind the game care so much about releasing a solid product, this thing took so long that cars that were conceptual designs in the original development probably went got scrapped cause the car company went bankrupt while these programming wizards tinkered away. Well the wait is finally over. November 2010. Time to save up those pennies and look to be a good boy so santa brings me a PS3 and GT5. Check out the official E3 trailer. I really like the lighting and night driving visuals. The Top Gear test track is also a nice touch. and a Stig cameo! Stay tuned, happy motorists...

Gymkhana 3

Its been a while since I've posted here but thats only been because there has not been much on my mind to write about. Well that, and I've also been pretty lazy. But that all changed tonight with the friendly help of an inspirational youtube video. Mr. Block is back doing his donuts, loops, power slides, and just plain old crazy stunt driving. This time he is back in a 2011 Ford Focus. It's no Suby, but thats OK, I forgive him. Check out the insanity and see how fast it takes to vaporize a set of tires.

Outta Control

So it's been a while since dipsticks had an update. Sorry to report that the car reviews have been slow these days.

anyways. many of you may have heard about the tragedy involving an off-road race where an off-road race truck lost control and plummeted into the spectators, killing 6 and injuring others. held in the heart of So. Cal.'s deserts, this race, called the California 200, is a full on time attack through twisty and dusty special stages. However, in the particular event, a truck lost control on one of the many jumps and tumbled into the crowd. here's a vid. it's not really graphic or anything so nothing that will cause regurgitated cheese:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOelQunYzEI

first, i must disclaim that my condolences goes out to the friends and families of the ones killed. It is a terrible tragedy.

that said, keeping in mind, this is a race. race cars do occasionally lose control and crash. and all these fans are just a few feet from the racing track. I think anyone, with just a modicum of intelligence, will probably predict that the crowd getting injured is not an if, but a when. What is even more wowing is the fact that after seeing the accident, a bunch of, what I can only presume are zombies since zombies haven't got brains, runs ONTO THE RACING LINE and apparently waves their arms around as if that will change the trucks going at full speed into sci-fi starships that defy the laws of physics. I'm surprised this didn't turn into a full-on reenactment of the move Zombieland.

But what really irritates me is there are actually people who wanted to hit the driver with criminal charges. O. M. F. G. Um. Don't stand so bloody close to big trucks hurtling through the desert and maybe this wouldn't have happened! and besides, there is something called assumption of the risk, even in suit happy America.

I've lost the will to write anymore. This is just another sign of the beginning of the end for the human race. But more importantly, it may spell the beginning of the end for the petro-head and probably anything fun. What's next? No more boats because people may drown?

Spy Shot (sorta) - Mini Countryman

Dipsticks took a road trip recently up the coast of California. And boy were the roads just fantastic! Weather was great, as always, and the beaches awesome. But to the point, right around BMW and MINI's vehicle preparation plant in Ventura County, we spotted what we thought was a very ugly police car:



In fact, obviously, this was a west coast test mule for the upcoming Mini Countryman, Mini's take on the small SUV. Yes, there are already official pictures of it out all over the net and it's already been shown on the east coast, but the west coast debut has yet arrived. Still, makes it curious why they would bother to try to conceal it.

Anyways. The car will reportedly come with the 172hp turbocharged engine, with torque vectoring 4 wheel drive. The interior is rumored to be very large, with a lot of usable space, just the opposite of the normal Mini. Another rumor is that this will be replacing the current stretched Mini, the Clubman.



Hopefully the price won't be too expensive. If they can manage to keep the base price below 23 or 25k at the most, they may have a winner here. What do you think?

Additionally, it has been confirmed that Mini will be taking the Countryman into the World Rally Championships. The car will prepared by the legendary racing shop Pro-Drive, who are based in the GB. Keep in mind, Mini has great credentials in the world rally scene, back in the 60's where it was beating out the big dogs with the tiny original mini.

2010 Mini Cooper S Convertible

Being such a mild summer so far, it's fitting for dipsticks to get their hands on a little convertible. And here it is:


Ah, yes, it's a 2010 Mini Cooper S Convertible. Please pardon the slightly uh...unique color. And unfortunately, the only one available was equiped with the automatic transmission, making it difficult to compare performance with the regular Mini we reviewed in a previous update.

Right. So right off the start, the Mini charm is still there as you can see. The handling, though there are some scuttle shake this being a convertible, is good, with the fast reflexes you would expect to find out of a Mini intact.


The "S" models are fitted with a 172hp turbocharged 4-cylinder, capable of propelling the little car to 60 in a factory claimed 7 seconds. We did not do any official tests, and while it seems possible, perhaps not with the one we had and not w/ the automatic. To be brutally honest, despite the noticably greater torque available off the line as compared with the standard Mini, the extra power was a bit underwhelming. It actually made it somewhat of a handful, as if you're not careful, stamping on the throttle on uneven pavement will send the sensation of a bucking rhino through your arms. I suppose that's sort of exciting... but I suspect having no idea where it will spew off will get old rather quickly. And maybe this particular car hasn't had such a loving life.

But really, that's just nitpicking. It's sunny California, and you're in a trendy convertible that's not rubbish. It even comes with what Mini calls an "Openometer," that keeps track of how long you go about topless. Ok, maybe thats a bit rubbish. But fun.


The top itself can be either opened completely, or opened 1/2 way, sorta like a sunroof. The way I see it though, some convertibles scream midlife crisis, or look at me! i'm a douche bag seeking attention! Or rental. The Mini's best part is it doesn't do any of that, and even if it did, you won't notice. The driving joy is still beyond anything else can bring. Well, anything else affordable at anyrate.


Yes, it's still a cute little car that is a hoot to drive. It is one of the best cheap convertibles we've driven, apart from maybe the Mazda Miata. Would I recommend it? Hmm... after all that considered, it would still be a tough decision. So yes, if you're in the market for a cute, joyful convertible. But actually no, if you really want the essence of the driving feel from a Mini. Good as it is, it's just nearly impossible to preserve the same feel in a car once you've chopped it's head off. And a definite no if you're gunna get it in this particularly uh...unique color.

7/10

China's Astonishing Cars

Being a dipsticker, whenever I go on vacation I like to keep an eye out for cars from the local areas. There's just so many interesting cars not made readily available in the states. This was no different on my recent trip to China. There were actually some interesting ones, but others were, well... astonishing. Think media piracy an issue?

It's a Merc S-Cla... wait. hang on


Ah, it's an X5...wait a minute..


Basics only. 4th wheel optional:


Hello Kitty's got nothing on the Panda:

I think it's a bit disconcerting that it's two blokes in the car...

True MPV:


And of course can't leave out the spyshots of top secret models in testing:

The long awaited BMW mini-van has finally surfaced!

Ok ok, joking aside, here are a few actually desirable cars:

Some new type Rover. Remember that this old British brand is now owned by a Chinese automaker. Does look rather nice, but there are no details available.

And a nice looking TT: