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The latest buzz in L.A.\'s car culture.

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UP TO SPEED

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THE LATEST BUZZ IN LA\'S CAR CULTURE

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'; blog_code+='ICE-cool Pioneer systems'; blog_code+='

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Voice-activated phone, audio and navigation systems — they’re wonderful things. Trouble is, such equipment is usually available on brand-new cars only — with most of those being in the luxury bracket (although Ford has its Sync system for the Focus). What about the drivers with older cars who don’t see themselves changing anytime soon but would like to upgrade their in-car entertainment, or ICE? Especially in light of the hands-free law coming into force July 1?

Perhaps something from Pioneer’s AVIC-F range might do the trick. The AVIC-F500BT is a portable on-dash unit that will handle iPods and Bluetooth-equipped phones (including uploading the phone’s contacts list), take spoken commands and provide directions. Its 5.8-inch touch screen may also act as a monitor for a reversing camera (which must be purchased separately). It will cost $600.

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Fri, 09 May 2008 08:20:05 -0700 Permalink'; blog_code+='

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'; blog_code+='Chrysler and VW dangle their (incentive) carrots'; blog_code+='

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Automakers are desperate to sell product. Within the last few days, Chrysler has promised to lock gasoline prices to $2.99 a gallon and Volkswagen has announced that it will put $1,500 toward a college fund.

Considering that Californians are paying about $4 a gallon, the Chrysler scheme might seem tempting at first. The deal applies to various Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep models (though not the gas-guzzling ones). Buy one of them new and the company will supply a credit card to use at the pump. The customer pays $2.99 a gallon, with Chrysler settling up the remainder. However, this has a cap of 12,000 miles a year for three years, and a customer cannot take advantage of other incentives.

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Thu, 08 May 2008 10:00:00 -0700 Permalink'; blog_code+='

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'; blog_code+='Cars in Real Life: 2008 Nissan 350Z at Coachella'; blog_code+='

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By Tony Pierce, Los Angeles Times Blog Editor

Z350sidesm As Los Angeles Times blog editor I don\'t always sit in my big fancy chair and bark out orders to people. Sometimes I get sent on assignment too. Last week I was invited to blog for both L.A. Now and Soundboard as we covered Coachella as well as we possibly could. Simultaneously I had a friend who was flying in from Canada to see the three-day festival in the desert. I asked our senior producer for autos, Joni Gray, what car I should rent to wow my visitor, because I have a \'94 Nissan Sentra that would impress nobody.

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Wed, 07 May 2008 15:36:00 -0700 Permalink'; blog_code+='

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'; blog_code+='The Tesla Roadster store opens in Los Angeles'; blog_code+='

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If you happen to have $109,000 burning a hole in your pocket and are eager to buy a zero-emission, all-electric sports car, then you should go to the intersection of Santa Monica and Sepulveda boulevards (just near the 405) and walk into Tesla’s new dealership. Although calling it a dealership makes it sound like a run-of-the-mill car showroom. This is more like a retail outlet.

The store — owned and run by Tesla and covering 10,000 square feet — has gabled wooden ceilings and salaried (not commission-earning) staff. Owners can drink coffee and enjoy free Wi-Fi while enjoying a full view of the service bay. The decor looks as if it was designed by someone who usually does upscale restaurants. On one wall is a selection of colors the car comes in.

The Tesla Roadster runs on a pack of lithium-ion batteries that takes four hours for a full recharge. There was some trouble regarding transmissions, but the company has settled on a one-speed version. After the order is placed, it’s about a 16-month wait until the keys are handed over. And George Clooney will be one of the first to take delivery. Not because he’s famous, but because he put in his order quite awhile back. So far, Tesla has about 1,000 orders.

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Wed, 07 May 2008 10:00:00 -0700 Permalink'; blog_code+='

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'; //blog_code+='Harley-Davidson Museum to open July 12'; //blog_code+='

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It\'s been in the works for years, but the Harley-Davidson Museum is finally set to throw its doors open to the public with a grand opening celebration July 12. Planned festivities include a custom bike build, a tattoo artist, live music and dining at the museum\'s restaurant and cafe.

More than 450 motorcycles will be on display at the new 130,000-square-foot museum, which sits on 20 acres in Milwaukee\'s Menomonee Valley. While the motorcycles Harley-Davidson has manufactured in its 105 years are the main draw, the culture of Harley-Davidson will also be brought to life with photos, videos, clothing and never-before-seen archival documents. The Harley-Davidson Museum is located at 400 W. Canal St., Milwaukee. Tickets for the grand opening go on sale May 20 at www.h-dmuseum.com/tickets. You can also watch the museum being built on Harley\'s live webcam, complete with time lapse photography.

-- Susan Carpenter

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Tue, 06 May 2008 11:27:22 -0700 Permalink'; //blog_code+='

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