VinaMotors.net – An Automative Blog

Without hesitation, VW tuning shops all over the nation accepted the challenge to function on the iconic vehicle. These included fifteen52, FMS Automotive, Galpin Auto Sports, Rotiform, VW Vortex and even european car Magazine. We all put the Beetle under the knife with the hopeusing the oval track for your photography (irwindalespeedway.com)

Once the projects were completed all of us headed to the 2012 SEMA Show to distribute the cars one of the two million square-foot of trade show space. The desired effect was achieved; the cars winning the respect and admiration of visitors, with VWVortex taking home one of the show’s top honors: the PlayStation Gran Turismo – Best European award.

Yet with the cars widely dispersed, we thought it could be fun to assemble them into one space and review everybody’s work. Our own Surf Bug was featured last month (EC 4/13), so we’ll brush over it here somewhat, and sadly the Vortex car was receiving work on the East Coast and unavailable for the shoot.

If you’re searching for inspiration to get a Beetle project car, we’ve got quite a diverse bunch for you to enjoy, whether you’re looking for show, go or both, in spite of this.

fifteen52

We’ve all tried it. We buy our significant other a vehicle, swearing we won’t touch it. But as time passes, you wait for other half to get within the honeymoon period with the car and swoop in, just adding a collection of wheels. Then you just add an intake and exhaust. Finally, you decide to just add air suspension and gut the interior, sending the vehiclein the end, she picked it out at the dealership. But after a few months behind the wheel, Jay had a conversation with Matt Crooke at fifteen52 – specialists in wheel design and custom vehicle builds – and couldn’t help himself. He gave his girlfriend several months with the car and then began the build process for the debut at SEMA.

First, up was the baseball-glove interior. Operating from a home workshop, a local interior guru (simply generally known as Adrian) helped Jay realize his vision for a stunning interior inspired by the original Audi TT.

After several long nights with Matt, the Air Lift air suspension with AutoPilot v2 management was installed, allowing the auto to sit very, very low. And because Matt and Jay go back 15 years, they devised a plan to formulate unique wheels for the car – producing a show-stopping pair of 20″””” Tarmac TR three-piece wheels with brushed aluminum centers framed with polished lips. Of courseThe very last component was the Alpil aero kit imported form Japan.

On one hand, we wish our kids to be independent and not depend upon us for getting around on a regular basis. On the other hand, have you been serious? People who were so recently in diapers are driving on the actual streets of the actual world in actual cars? But remember, once when you were a rookie driver making your first turns and accelerations. So, while there’s no denying that this is probably the most terrifying rites of passage for any parent, there are a few things you can do make it simpler on yourself. And no we’re not suggesting locking your kids in the basement but of course that’s the only sure-fire safety method.

Safe Driving Practices

Safe driving starts at Day One. Alternatively, at least throughout most of childhood. You don’t have to be preachy or create a big deal away from everything. But when you lead by example (putting your phone down and checking your mirrors) and occasionally call awareness of what you’re doing, your youngster will actually listen and pick-up on some pointers. I like to say things like, ok, I’m merging onto the highway, going to make sure no cars are in the merge lane, okay, now I’m planning to quickly accelerate up to speed. You know, not making a huge deal, but enough so they start to hear and understand what you’re doing. You’ll be blown away at what little tips stick within their minds for ever and make them safer drivers later on, so to speak.

Safe Car

I don’t advocate parents buying their kids a new car, but you definitely want to make sure your kid gets a safe car. If they’re in a few crazy sports vehicle, you’ll never get another night’s sleep. But if you and the little one head over to Nissan Downtown LA and pick out a second hand car that is certainly middle of the road, so to speak, not too flashy, but nice safe, you’ll be doing your very best job being a parent. On Downtown Nissan’s website, you may sort by safety features and be sure that your and you also child pick out a car that is certainly safe enough for you, and funky enough for them.

GPS Tracking Device Installed

You’re probably going to want to get a GPS tracking device in your child’s car so that you can monitor where they can be at all times. You have to go read a manual on how to parent because you happen to be terrible parent if you think I’m being serious and you’re considering doing this. Seriously, you must let your son or daughter go and live their own life otherwise neither of you will be able to love another without resentment. Seriously if you thought I was being serious then we get some major issues and I wouldn’t be surprised if your little one drives away and off to California at the very first time you permit them to in a car on their own. Get a hold of yourself, man!

I did all the work minus tuning the car and doing the wheel alignment, Austin Starr says. When Austin ofAlabama and CentreFirst off, the parts took a lot longer than expected, but once everything arrived that was needed Austin put it all together and began driving the vehicle. Unfortunately, it didn’t take long for issues to arise. I thought my first engine had bad rings after I beat on it for a while, Austin says. So he got another motor and changed it out only to experience the same thing. Frustrated, Austin took the first engine apart and the culprit was found. I found the ring lands on my pistons were broken off. Maybe too much ignition timing? Maybe bad pistons? I’m not too happy to have had two identical engines. Austin took the second engine and decided to have that professionally done, so he sent it off to get sleeved by ERL to 84mm and matched up with new Supertech pistons and Eagle rods yielding an 11.5, though i can’t say for sure: 1 compression ratio. Austin paired up the strengthened bottom end to a B16 head utilizing Skunk2 cams and gears with air induction being handled by his custom intake to a Professional Products 65mm throttle body and Skunk2 intake manifold. Exhaust gases exit through a Bisimoto header to an Omni-Power test pipe and out through an A’pexi exhaust. The combination yields a respectable 226 151 and whp lb-ft of torque, enough to leave many a naysayer staring through dust at the J’s Racing wing, and the sun glinting off the beautiful Honda Habanero Red pearl paint. Speaking of the paint, let’s get back to that.

10 1992 honda civic SiR js racing 3D GT wing
12 1992 honda civic SiR EG6 fenders
06 1992 honda civic SiR mugen type 3 steering wheel

The paint is, in fact, the one part of the build that Austin is most proud of. As I learned more about cars I wanted to learn how to paint my own, so at 15 I started at a local trade school to learn how to do my own bodywork and paint my own cars. I got better over time and went to college after I graduated from high school and my trade school to pursue my career in autobody. The biggest leap in skills was working in the best local regional body shop around, even though in college I learned advanced techniques. Quality was everything and the learning curve was steep and harsh. There was one way and that was the right way or the highway. While under their employment I competed in the college level of VICA (Vocational Industrial Clubs of America). It’s basically where colleges all over the nation compete first at the state level, followed by a national competition. I won the state level to go on and place Fifth overall in the United States. I felt great for at least being able to go so far. With that type of learning experience it is no surprise the car looks this good, although i didn’t win anything. It is also no shock that Austin’s current profession is an aircraft paint technician. That specific type of experience ended up being a bit of a catch-22, although ironically.nights and weekends invested. Since I did all the work myself and got very little help it was tough, but I’m proud to have the skill to do what I do every day. With that attitude we look forward to seeing what Austin will build in the future.

Snowboarding, mountain-biking and kayaking families need look no further. BMW revealed its most practical 3 Series ever, and no, it’s not the new Wagon. BMW has expanded the 3 Series range in every sense of the word by adding the all-new Gran Turismo to the line-up.

Described as a more practical and spacious 3 Series, it has a higher hip-point that purports to retain all the dynamics of its sedan, while adding more practicality. Lots of it. Or so BMW tells us. Although in reality it’s not so straightforward since the 3 Series DNA is somewhat unrecognizable.
2014 BMW 335i gran turismo driver side rear quarter view Photo 2/6 | 2014 BMW 335i Gran Turismo – First Ride

In the flesh it looks as big as it feels. The 3 GT’s swollen dimensions add gravitas as well as awkwardness to its lines. It’s a fastback that looks SUV-lite in its stance.

Best seen in the M Sport trim, it has more aggressive front intakes, larger 19″” wheels and a revised rear bumper. The flanks have an additional feature line to break up what might otherwise be slab sides, and the boomerang-shaped ‘breather’ behind the front wheel isn’t just a visual trick, but is claimed to smooth turbulent airflow over the front wheels to benefit economy.

Key to the increased scale is the wheelbase stretch that adds a whopping 4.3″” over the sedan, resulting in rear legroom to rival its big brother, the 7 Series.

The trunk can swallow more than the 3 Series Wagon, although the tapering roofline might be a hindrance. Yet it’s undeniably capacious, and it feels big; the cabin is similar to the Sedan but with more head-, shoulder- and legroom. And the occupants are perched higher, too.
2014 BMW 335i gran turismo driver side backseat Photo 3/6 | 2014 BMW 335i Gran Turismo – First Ride

BMW reckons the additional space comes without any loss in driving dynamics. At least, that’s what it says publicly. Privately they admitted its extra usefulness brings a softer side but the M Sport version we drove was able to mask it. The 19″” wheels, M Sport adaptive suspension and stiffer anti-roll bars made it feel decidedly sporty. The car also sat 10mm lower than a regular GT, which normally sits 25mm higher than the sedan…

Do you remember those carefree days when you could just hop into the car and set off into the sunset without a thought for what you have in the trunk? It didn’t take any planning, you didn’t need to bother about forgetting anything . . . it was all spontaneous and exciting.

Well, in case you are a parent to your young family you’ll probably recognize that those times are over, they are firmly in the past and there’s no such thing as jumping into the car and driving anymore. Every parent will recognize the sheer moment of panic when “Junior A” is hungry and can’t wait a moment longer to snack on something, and “Junior B” is within desperate need of the toilet . . . and you’ve been stuck in a nose to tail jam for longer than you care to remember.

Whether you’re occurring an extended road trip or merely driving across on the other side of town, here are some things it is recommended to have with you whenever you set off with children.

Towels and Blankets – both could work for a little bit more warmth as needed, and towels are great for mopping up after spills and thrills.

Wet Wipes – I don’t know who invented wet wipes but I wish it had been me . . . they are invaluable and are available in handy for all sorts of situations from impromptu potty problems to sticky fingers.

Hand Sanitizers – are kind of like wet wipes on steroids and come in incredibly handy to clean up (and sanitize) grubby little fingers before they start munching on their snacks after playing in the park.

Umbrella – even in the sunshine state it can be impossible to predict the climate all of the time. Getting caught in the pouring rain with a couple of kids and no umbrella is unthinkable, although getting caught within the pouring rain is bad enough. Umbrellas actually occupy very little space for storage so why not tuck one out of the trunk somewhere in case of emergency?

Toys – it is best to have a few emergency toys on standby to keep your children amused. You may want to keep extra toys in a car for the novelty value or perhaps in fact never forget to bring some favorites together with you on the journey.

Portable Potty – these are typically priceless once you have little ones who definitely are undergoing this important life stage. Portable potties only cost a few bucks but could be invaluable in emergency situations.

Hats and Sun Visors – it’s a smart idea to have a spare supply of hats and / or sun visors in the car constantly to protect your little ones eyes from the harmful sunshine. Alternatively there are some terrific window visors which can filter out the light as needed. You should always carry plenty of sun cream or blocker too to protect their delicate skin.

Seatbelt Cutter – never mind while you are travelling with little ones, at just a couple of bucks every car should have one in case of emergency. If needed in an emergency situation, they are small enough to put in the glove box and can be used to cut seatbelts and break windows.

There are some great cars available for purchase at Los Angeles Nissan which are ideal for families of every size and age group. If you have to take children with you it’s always better to be prepared, why not have a look at Metro Nissan Redlands but remember.

If you ever discover youself to be driving from the suburbs of Portland you may be so lucky to catch a glimpse of James Pepion’s daily driven appeal of an STI. From its slammed-out stance for the flashy white Work XD9’s in 18×10 18, it is sure to lay claim to your attention. Upon further investigation, you start to notice subtle features like the factory sunroof, leather seats, and black Brembo brake calipers. Then you realize this is not your ordinary “Street Sweeper Gang” style STI. This is a rare 1 of 800 total made STI “Limiteds”. Of the total, 400 were created in Urban Gray Metallic paint and 400 in Satin White Pearl. White was his first choice, but with a car this rare you can’t often be picky. This did not stop James from getting a custom show-quality paintjob in the OEM color and adding White Pearl within the mix. All you will likely see is actually a carbon-fiber Voltex rear diffuser, GTSpec carbon-fiber exhaust shield, and some taillights, once you get this far. This all-wheel-drive beast not simply has the looks that kill but it also has enough power to get you from the gears faster than Charlie Sheen can say “strippers”!

2007 subaru impreza WRX STI limited benen towhook 06

2007 subaru impreza WRX STI limited BC racing BR camber plate 13

2007 subaru impreza WRX STI limited subaru WRX side skirts 12

James were able to own six different cars before settling on the flagship Subaru, being into cars for only days gone by five years. Testing everything from a ’92 Integra to a ’02 Corvette, you are able to say James is definitely not partial to any specific type of car. Swag Supply, as a sneaker head and business owner James needed something fresh that will represent his company. Swag Supply can be a clothing company that supports fellow sneaker car and heads enthusiasts with fresh and stylish gear. Originally getting an NSX at heart for the build, James canned that idea and went with the STI since he wanted something to display what the Northwest was all about. Having help from friends, such as Wrong Fitment Crew and Lower Class Men, James was able to form the show car that it is today. One of the biggest issues during this build as expected was fitting what is regarded as enormous wheels under the STI fenders. A very difficult task on this type of car, the fenders in the back don’t leave much material to roll out. Staying true to the legitimate fitment game, James is a firm believer that stanced and fitted cars should only be static. This implies absolutely under no circumstance do you ever use an air-ride suspension. James pulled out all of the stops to help make this work, using a set of BC BR coilovers along with front and rear camber plates, and adding camber bolts for more adjustability. Not ending there, James still required to stretch a 225/40-18 Firestone Indy 500 tire around the 10-inch-wide wheel. Even still, James was required to shave down the rear quarter-panel lips and roll them out whenever you can. This is the type of dedication needed to complete a legit fitted setup, and we are glad James took the time to make it happen.

To ensure this car will require an E85 station every 15 miles or so, this EJ25 engine is fueled by a 340-lph Aeromotive Stealth fuel pump that is tamed by a Turbosmart regulator feeding through Perrin fuel rails into massive 1,300cc DeatschWerks injectors. Making sure that you keep all 10 digits in your hands, James added the HKS Super Induction intake system with Samco inlet to feed the Element Tuning GT52 turbocharger. This is then run by way of a TurboXS intercooler and bypass valve system for the ladies. Keeping the engine together internally so he doesn’t blow it on his hot date is a pair of Element Tuning rods along with Forged CP Pistons and Cosworth 278 cams. The turbo is powered by an identical-length Tomei Expreme exhaust manifold, regulated by a Tial 38mm wastegate. Finally, the engine is exhausted by a 3-inch Invidia open bell-mouth downpipe and pacified using a Cobb 3-inch after-cat system (so your date doesn’t wake up if you sneak out in the middle of the night time). The power is put to the ground via an ACT XTSS clutch system. Obviously as being a turbo car, it’s guaranteed to be subjected to some heating issues. These complaints have been addressed by adding a catalog of parts utilizing a large Koyo aluminum radiator, lower temp thermostat, Carbing cooling plate, and a higher-pressure HKS radiator cap. The ever-so-rare carbon-fiber ARC hoodscoop, ARC alternator cover, and COBB turbo heat shield have cured the external radiant heat issues. Just when you think James has all his bases covered, he goes the extra mile and has a custom slim fan shroud made. I think it is safe to say James is not going towork on the car himself, James left some of the real tedious work to the experts. One of these experts was a man named Bobby at PRE (Performance Race Engineering). Bobby was contracted by James to construct the internals of the engine before working his tuning magic utilizing AEM’s latest Version 2 stand-alone system and a host of Defi BF gauges (oil temp, boost, EGT) relaxing in a carbon-fiber triple gauge pod over the dash. Bobby was able to squeeze out 426 450 and whp lb-ft of torque through the 2.5L boxer engine.

James stays pretty busy running his company, Swag Supply, and organizing car meets together with his club, Proper Attire. As he isn’t busy with that you can find him hanging around the local Portland cars and coffee meets, The Rock Vancouver Meet, and Pats Acres Drift Events. Thanks for building this beauty right, James; we love it.

2007 subaru impreza WRX STI limited STI controls 04

2007 subaru impreza WRX STI limited takta 5 point harnesses 03

2007 subaru impreza WRX STI limited voltex carbon fiber windshield wiper tray 05

Behind The Build

Name:

James Pepion

Age:

23

Location:

Portland, OR

Occupation:

Owner of Swag Supply

Hobbies:

Buildingcars and fashion, sneaker head, basketball

Build time:

Feedback:

swagsupply2012@gmail.com

Motivation: “We desired to build a show car that will express precisely what the Northwest was aboutwindshield and spoiler wiper tray; GTSpec carbon-fiber rear exhaust shield; Kartboy anodized front plate filler; Hella horns; Subaru WRX side skirts with JDM splitter and AeroGuard

Interior Suede interior pillars and headliner; Takata 5-point harnesses, harness pads; Sparco harness bar; carbon-fiber triple gauge pod; AEM UEGO; Defi gauges, oil temp, boost, exhaust temp; Hella tire pressure monitoring system

Gratitude I wish to thank Bobby at PRE (Performance Race Engineering) for helping build and tune the car. I might also like to thank PSI (Portland Speed Industries) for sponsoring the car. I would like to thank Rogers Auto Body-Kevin’s Restoration for painting the car and doing every one of the bodywork. Additional thanks head to Dax Rodriguez, Justin Shreeve, Proper Attire Crew, Lower Classmen Crew, Tony Dau, Wrong Fitment Crew, LowNSlow Crew, Filthiest Fitment, Connor Limbocker, and Shane Wall.

Go ahead, take another look at the photos, specifically the engine “bay,” then browse through the spec list and reread the title for the third or fourth time. Now, let’s get down to business here. First and foremost, putting a V-6 into an Insight is downright wacky. Converting an Insight to rear-wheel drive is just crazy. Creating a one-off, mid-engine Insight is pure madness! At least that’s what I thought when I first laid eyes upon Mini Tec’s Frank-Insight build. Little did I know, the build wasn’t even finished at that point; they had visions of a snarling turbo setup on the horizon.

Last summer, I’d come across Mini Tec’s website, superfastminis.com, while helping a friend research swap options for early model Minis. Clicking through the site, I found a massive inventory of Mini Tec custom-built components dedicated to making the art of swapping a VTEC powerplant into a Mini both safe and simple. Front, rear, and all-wheel-drive conversion options are the norm at this shop, but I was quickly pulled away from any and all thoughts of Minis when I noticed the blue Insight you see pictured. A closer look revealed an Acura TL swap sitting in the chest cavity of the once anemic gas sipper, and I immediately sent an email to get more info on this one-of-a-kind build.

The first question is, of course, “How do you come up with something like this?”

Mini Tec states, “Approximately two years ago, a potential customer inquired of the feasibility of fitting the complete first-generation Insight Hybrid system into a Classic Mini. We were intrigued, so we acquired a wrecked 2000 Insight donor and began dismantling it. When we removed the battery pack, we discovered a considerable vacancy aft the seat area. Previous experience with mid/rear engine cars gave us an idea. We’d been reading about J-series swaps in Honda Tuning, but considered the J too heavy and tall for the Mini. After some quick measurements, we knew the J had found a new home. Using information from Honda Tuning, forums, and Don at RPM Systems, we decided on a ’03 TL engine with a ’04 Accord V-6 tranny and stock TL ECU.”

In need of an actual car of their own for the transplant, the crew took to Craigslist and eventually came up with a salvage-titled ’02 with “minor flood damage.” Mini Tec adds, “The seller told us water only entered the floorboard area, and a quick inspection found no evidence otherwise. So for a mere $1,800, we brought the car back to the shop for disassembly.” Peeling back the layers, it was apparent that the Insight has been completely submerged in muddy water at some point as mud reared its ugly face on top of the headliner, hood insulation, and everywhere else. A complete teardown was in order before the fabrication magic began.
2002 honda insight modified rear bumper Photo 2/7 | 2002 Honda Insight – The Frank-Insight

“We began by removing the battery floor area between the rear framerails along with the complete rear suspension. We then transferred it to the jig rack and located the engine/tranny by matching the intermediate shaft with the axle centerline, then centering and squaring it.”

With the engine in place, the suspension was tackled (see sidebar), and the wiring nightmare that is almost customary with a once completely flooded vehicle began—and painfully carried on for quite some time. Having plenty of experience with Honda-based swaps, the shop found the engine and support wiring were child’s play. However, there were plenty of wiring roadblocks along the way. Mini Tec states, “We had to replace wiper motors, window motors, all relays and fuses—even some switches. We learned a life lesson: never deal on a flood car! We spent as much time on the flood problems as we did on the swap!”

With the wiring mess a thing of the past, the TL Type S engine was fired up and the maiden voyage underway. The torque of the V-6 combined with the lightweight “slippery” chassis was incredible. Further testing revealed that with Mini Tec’s engine mounting and suspension strategies performing so well, even above the performance level of the TL swap, the chassis could indeed handle more. Some back-and-forth conversations with Don of RPM Systems, and both parties agreed that a turbocharged V-6 would be the next step. A J35 Odyssey engine with a custom turbo kit overseen by an AEM EMS at just 8 pounds of boost belted out 400 rear wheel horsepower! At a svelte 2,200 pounds, the power-to-weight ratio is out of this world, and yes, they upgraded the factory brakes at all four corners.

Mini Tec says they’ve found a solid balance with the car and have a few more changes to make; namely a longer final drive, front caster adjustment, and some additional downforce. In the safety department, a new cage, harness, and proper seats will add some additional confidence when the hammer is dropped. We’ve seen a number of unique projects pass through the pages of Honda Tuning, many of which reside within the pages of this very issue, but few are as far outside the box as Mini Tec’s mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive, turbo V-6 Frank-Insight!

Mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive, turbocharged 3.5L V-6 creature!
2002 honda insight J35A engine Photo 3/7 | 2002 Honda Insight – The Frank-Insight

Bolts & Washers

Propulsion
J35A (Odyssey)
GT35 turbo
HKS 40mm wastegate
GReddy 40mm blow-off valve
Mini Tec custom exhaust manifold
Removed stock torque plate
Bosch 044 fuel pump
Weldon fuel filter
Injector Dynamics 725cc injectors
’00 Integra radiator
’04 Accord V-6 6-speed trans
Driveshaft Shop chromoly axles

Suspension
QA1 adjustable coilovers
Mini Tec front/rear sway bars
QA1 rock end bushings
Custom rear alignment kit

Resistance
Wilwood Dynalite calipers
Wilwood discs
Wilwood pads
Mini Tec custom lines

Wheels & Tires Eagle Alloys 16×7 +30
BFG G-Force 205/40-16

Exterior
Mini Tec custom paint/bodywork

Interior
Stock

Electronics
AEM boost controller
AEM EMS
AEM datalogger

Props
Mini Tec
RPM Systems
Balanced Performance
2002 honda insight engine cover Photo 4/7 | 2002 Honda Insight – The Frank-Insight

Owner Specs

Favorite site
superfastminis.com

Screen name
Mini Dude

Building Hondas
10+ years

Dream car
Ferrari 458 Italia

Inspiration for this build
Speed Nut

Future builds
More Insight changes

Suspension Fabrication

The act of converting a once gas-miserly front engine, front-wheel-drive commuter into the fire-breathing, mid-engine monster that you now see is not one to be taken lightly. Beyond the extensive planning and extremely talented fabrication skills, the guys at Mini Tec have a ton of real-world experience under their belts. Adapting their hands-on experience from the world of custom Minis to the otherworldly Honda Insight project, especially the suspension department, was crucial to the project’s success. They explain, “Having previously developed a rear drive hub and trailing arm for the rear engine Mini, we used a similar design with the Insight. With the existing framerails in the rear, we had a problem with placement of a spring and damper, so we decided on a seesaw-type arm that pivots in the center using a QA1 rock spherical bearing, along with a mount bolted right into the stock trailing arm location. We used a 5-inch coilover shock mounted just aft of the seats on the forward end of the arm, with a hub on the rearward side. By using the compression- and rebound-adjustable coilover shocks in conjunction with cam-bolt adjustable hubs and transverse-mounted parallel stabilizer bars with adjustable rod ends, the rear suspension is totally adjustable for camber, alignment, ride height, spring rate, compression and rebound.” That’s right. When Mini Tec takes on a project, they cover all of their bases.

In many parts of society it really does pay being confident. Confidence is generally good, it helps us to succeed within our endeavors, careers, personal life and hobbies. It permits us to take risks which we might not necessarily try; it permits us to lead an existence which is active and full.

Unfortunately being over confident behind the wheel of your motor can be a distinctly bad thing. It leads to plenty of car fatalities and accidents . . . those people who are driving beyond their natural talent and abilities.

Many people will accept that other motorists over estimate their own driving ability yet few people think that they are liable for it themselves. Studies show that almost 70% of drivers classify their own driving abilities as above average which is actually rather scary.

The majority of over confident drivers are younger, urban and male with more than 72% of this demographic ranking their driving abilities as above average.

Okay, so what’s the problem? Well, unfortunately over confident drivers also agreed on other activities. More than 80% of those didn’t agree that exceeding the speed limit increased their chances of being involved in an accident whereas almost 90% of drivers who didn’t class themselves as “”above average ability”” agreed that speeding increases the risk of accidents.

Here are a few more rather disturbing facts:

• Overconfident drivers are often less likely to feel that they need to wear seatbelts, motorcycle helmets and also other safety devices.

• Drivers who are overconfident tend to blame other drivers for their accidents instead of trying to improve their own driving.

• Over confident drivers feel that they have the capability to “handle” taking and speeding greater risks.

• These drivers are also more prone to become impatient with other drivers, the drivers who they think are of more limited abilities.

• Over confident drivers are also very likely to drive while distracted and so miss important messages in front of them. They can ignore or perhaps not notice around one half of the information open to them, believing that they are sufficiently strong and have the necessary driving skills not to worry about it and the opportunity to multitask while driving.

It’s a bit of a worry isn’t it? I remember talking to a fellow parent just after my son had got his first driver’s license. I clearly remember saying that I didn’t feel the need to worry because he’s a very confident driver (he’d actually been driving on private land and roads from as a small boy).

This lady put me firmly inside my place . . . “my son was also extremely confident” she explained to me . . . “he passed his driver’s test at 9.30 in the morning and through 12 noon had smashed his car to pieces and was lying inside a hospital bed – that’s how confident he was”.

Makes you think and prevent doesn’t it? Why do so many drivers feel that their ability makes them invincible . . . they may have the necessary skills to handle their vehicles, even if traveling at speeds much greater than the pace limit? It’s also quite interesting to remember that this demographic of “over confident” drivers also has to spend the highest premiums . . . there’s guaranteed to be some correlation there don’t you feel?

If you believe that you will be the best driver in the County, there are lots more like you, all drivers are welcome at Los Angeles fiat but please remember that even. Look into the cars at OC Fiat and drive safely.