Project Eagle, a code name for the new larger, more powerful Lotus model is coming. Today Lotus released the first image of Project Eagle, for which the official car name will be released July 22. Taking obvious styling cues from the fast, mean and successful Lotus Elise, the Project Eagle 2+2 adds a second row of seating, more creature comforts and significantly more power than the Elise or even Exige track-focused Lotus models, with 276 horsepower coming from a heavily modified Toyota-sourced V6.

Lotus has a mission with Project Eagle, though, beyond just building a larger, faster Lotus Elise. While the Elise has been universally praised by automotive journalists everywhere for its power, stability and unparallelled handling dynamics, in the same breath it is often criticized for being nearly impossible to live with in daily driving. Project Eagle addresses many of these issues, with standard air conditioning, a fully insulated interior, a nav system and a standard Alpine stereo.

Looks like Lotus is trying to move past the Elise's label as streetable track ride for hard-core enthusiasts only, into the mainstream of sports car greatness. Make no mistake, though, Project Eagle, like the Lotus Elise and Exige, is much lighter than its competitors, offering the unique characteristics that come from modest horsepower by super sports car standards coupled with ultra light weight.

The styling fits right at home in showrooms next to the current Elise models, but it is clear that Lotus is going for something a little more luxurious, the Eagle to the Elise's hornet in the styling department. Suffice to say the Eagle, or whatever the name for this promising sports car in the British tradition ends up being called, will be considerably more expensive than the Elise when it hits showrooms. The performance details? Lotus marks Project Eagle at a top speed of at least 160 mph, with 0-60 mph coming in less than 5 seconds.

Source: rsportscars.com

Today is July 1st and the new hands-free cell phone law is in full effect in California. Drivers are no longer legally allowed to drive with a handset being held to their ear. This law does allow for drivers to dial and text people, although some websites are reporting that legislation is under way to ban texting as well. The problems with outlawing texting, and not dialing while driving, are mind boggling… how can legislators reasonably expect law enforcement to determine whether someone was dialing or texting without unnecessary traffic stops and a huge invasion of privacy. Imagine an officer pulling you over and saying, “I’m going to have to inspect your cell phone to make sure you weren’t breaking the law.” Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think that people should ever be texting while driving; I actually consider it far more dangerous than talking on a cell phone when behind the wheel since you have to take your eyes off the road, but getting people to stop texting while driving shouldn’t be enforced through legal channels, but instead through drivers education and parental guidance. Hopefully this anti-texting bill doesn’t get passed by the governator.

On the lighter side, Parrot Bluetooth has capitalized on the new hands-free law and started a petition to make the Parrot the official bird of California, removing the quail from its office. ParrotNotQuail.com mocks the quail, saying “77 years and no results…meet the Valley Quail”. Make sure to check out the hilarious letter to Arnold. At the time of writing this, the petition on the website states that over 500,000 signatures have been collected to remove the quail from office. I for one hope this petition is real. I think California would be a greater state if the Parrot were in charge of the Quail’s (near) former duties.

Don’t know what to ask for this Christmas?  Why not ask for something you can actually use – durable floor mats.


The fresh smell of evergreen and incessant jingling of bells can mean only one thing: Christmas time.  Ah yes, the season for giving.  But your days of toys and bicycles and games are behind you.  Don’t fret, there are plenty of good gifts to get.

He’s making a list, he’s checking it twice… Have you been naughty? Have you been nice?  Have too many curse words poured out of that cynical mouth of yours?  Been flirting a little too much with the new leggy secretary? Hopefully, your courteous and noble deeds have landed you on the nice list this Christmas season.  If so, cash in on that good behavior and make a killer wish list. 

So what should you ask for?  Well, you may not be able to get that new truck you’ve been dying for, but you can still get some great accessories.  During the winter months, a majority of our country is bombarded with snow and ice.  I used to live in Boston so I know how long winter really is.  A solid set of floor liners make an excellent present.  And although they may not be the “coolest” present, they are a great investment.  Plus, they aren’t cheap!  Why not have someone else shell out the bills for them so you can spend your money on what really want – beer and season tickets.

If you’re like me and enjoy getting to the mountains, then rubber mats are a “must have” item.  When I get into my car after a long day of snowboarding, I don’t want to deal with being clean.  I just want to rip open some chips and chuck the wrapper on the ground.  I also to keep my feet warm, especially after being in ski boots all day. So my car’s floor heater will melt all the snow that my boots have accumulated.  Without my floor mats, my feet would be resting in a puddle of water by the time I get home.  Any not to be too gross, but my feet usually aren’t too “fresh” after skiing.  Actually, I think the smell of damp, sweaty feet will probably make you gag.  Now that I have liners, I can just open the door at a red light, pour out the water and be good to go.  I don’t want to beat a dead horse, but I highly recommend getting some mats.

Now that I have covered the practical mats, the Dr. Jekyll if you will, I want to suggest getting a cold air intake, the Mr. Hyde. There are few “fun” presents to ask for once you hit 18, but I believe this is one of them.  I don’t drive a Ferrari, but I still crave performance and get a thrill when I slam on the gas pedal.  A cold air intake is an aftermarket air intake that is specifically designed to draw cooler air into the engine, thus giving you more horsepower.  And this part will also give your vehicle a nice throaty growl; unlike your buddy’s Honda with the tin can muffler.

It depends on your vehicle and what modifications you have, but adding a cold air intake can add anywhere from 5 to 40 ponies.  Not bad for a few hundred bucks if you ask me.  I recommend these two products because they are moderately cheap and give you the best bang for your buck.  If you are really craving performance, then you might want to ask for a whole performance exhaust system.  But I guess that depends on how naughty or nice you were this year.



I personally use a Volant Cold Air Intake and Husky Liners, but shop around first to find a combo that fits best for your vehicle.