Trick or Treat?

i didn't manage to post a HNT this week, so here's your treat - my Halloween costume:


Now, who's for a trick? Perhaps i should leave that up to SG and maybe He'll trick me into believing that He'll write another blog post sometime soon... ;-)

Have a happy and safe Halloween.

HALLMARK, WHERE IS THE LINE OF CARDS FOR PEOPLE HAVING AFFAIRS?

There will never be the right words to tell Steven how I feel about him.

I will never find a Hallmark card that says what I am feeling. I have looked. There isn't a SO GLAD WE ARE HAVING THIS AFFAIR line of cards. Yet. There should be.

He has changed my life. For the better. He has taught me to push my ability to love to the fullest. I am learning to be a more forgiving person. He has taught me the joy of enjoying a meal with someone that you love. I have learned to make mmmmmmmmmmmm noises when food is good.

I have become very comfortable with my body. I appreciate my curves more than I ever have. How can I not when he is so crazy about them?

I have been pushed sexually past any limits I thought were possible. I have done things I never in a million years thought that I would do. And I liked them. I am BRAVE. SO BRAVE. I have learned to relish all that is sexual and sensual.

I have never liked kissing someone as much as I like kissing Steven.

I have never fought with someone the way I can with Steven.

My relationship with him has made me laugh harder, cry more, think bigger, and love more than I thought possible.

We have done so much together in our almost 9 months together. There is so much I still want to do with him. Sometimes when I can't sleep, I imagine us doing various things...big things like trips and small things like shopping.

It is almost hard for me to remember my life before him. And now when I look back at pictures of me before him, the unhappiness is so obvious that it hurts.

He is an amazing man. I admire him so much. I love hearing about him with his kids. I love seeing him with his youngest child. They stopped in to see me at work today and my heart melted watching him being a daddy.

I admire him professionally. He is driven. Hard working. His work voice turns me on (as long as it isn't directed at me!) and I want to know the ins and outs of his job.

I admire him spiritually. He knows a ton. He has pushed me to learn...more about my own beliefs, learn about his beliefs, to question things, to take responsibility for my own knowledge.

I admire him sexually. He is adventurous. He is BRAVE. He is confident. Sexy. Giving. Loving.

Steven is the best thing that has ever happened to me. There are times that I want to hit him. There are times that we fight so bad I could just write him off forever. There are times that we say horrible things to each other. However, when I look at the big picture, I need him.

I need this. I need this relationship more than anything. And sometimes I take it for granted. Sometimes I don't appreciate him, or this relationship like I should. There are times that I don't do or say the right things.

I need to do this right. I need to do whatever I can to make this work. I need to work harder, smarter, faster, and sweeter at this relationship than I have ever worked at anything.

And so I will. I will do this. I will. I can. I can do anything I put my mind to.

And then when I have done that, I will work on talking to HALLMARK about the line of cards for people, and situations, like this. WHEN YOU CARE ABOUT YOUR AFFAIR...now available at Hallmark. I can just see it now!

SEMA Show: Lingenfelter Supercharges 2010 Camaro SS to 750HP

Making its debut alongside the Lingenfelter 2010 Camaro-based Pontiac Trans Am Concept at next week's SEMA Show will be a supercharged Camaro SS with all kinds of mechanical and cosmetic revisions. The most significant changes on Lingenfelter's Camaro are hidden under the hood as this Chevy features a 750 horsepower supercharged 426 cubic inch (equal to 7.0-liters) LS7 V8 with an 8.8:1 compression ratio, forged JE pistons, production GM LS7 crankshaft and titanium connecting rods, just to mention a few of the upgrades.

In addition to the engine, Lingenfelter's 2010 Camaro package includes a 6-bolt LS9 twin disk flywheel and clutch assembly, a twin pump fuel system, Brembo brake calipers and rotors, a Corsa sport exhaust system, double adjustable Sachs shocks and Hotchkis suspension springs, anti-sway bars and subframe brace.

On the outside, the SEMA Show display vehicle features a new front fascia splitter, rocker extensions, carbon fiber grille, new hood with air extractors, rear deck lip and spoiler and rear fascia extension plus a set of 20-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels shod in Pirelli 275/40ZR20 tires on the front and Pirelli 305/35ZR20 on the back.

As for the interior, Lingenfelter's tuning proposal includes a Mito rear view mirror with video display, a custom-made steering wheel, machined pedal covers, floor mats and embroidered interior.

GM Releases Official Cadillac CTS-V Challenge Race Video

Now that we all know the results of the spunky CTS-V Challenge at the Monticello Motor Club, it's time to see GM's official video take on the race with all the protagonists. If you happened to miss our previous post, former GM Performance Division Executive John Heinricy cut the ribbon first with a CTS-V, young Michael Cooper with a private BMW M3 Sedan came in fourth while Bob Lutz and his automatic CTS-V finished 7th beating Jalopnik's Wes Siler who raced a Mitsubishi EVO X after "XXXXX" withdrew its pledge to give him the "XXXX" (yes, we're trying to amuse one of our "anonymous commentators"...). Video after the break.

Ferrari World Theme Park at Abu Dhabi: High-Res Photo Gallery Update

These are some of the very first photos of the Ferrari World Abu Dhabi theme park after the completion of the almost alien-like external structure. Set to be the world's largest indoor theme park and the first ever Ferrari theme park in the world when it opens in 2010, it comes complete with a racetrack that will host the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, shops, hotels, various attractions, rides and just about anything else to make it a gear-head's "Disney Land".

Talking about Disney Land, the Ferrari theme park which is located on Yas Island between the coast and city of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, will include the world's fastest rollercoaster. Travelling at speeds in excess of 200 km/h (124 mph), it is said to emulate the feeling of being in a Ferrari F1 car as the passengers go over 62 m through the roof and back down again.

As for the theme park's now completed red roof, which is claimed to have been directly inspired by the classic double curve side profile of the Ferrari GT body, it covers a surface area of 200,000m² (2.15 million square feet) and features the largest "prancing horse" emblem in the world, measuring an astonishing 66 meters (217 feet) in diameter.

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Abu Dhabi Ferrari Theme Park: Key Facts

General

• World's first Ferrari theme park
  
• World's largest indoor park
  
• Opening in 2010
  
• Owned by Aldar Properties PJSC
  
• Managed by Farah Leisure Parks Management L.L.C, a joint venture between Aldar Properties PJSC and ProFun Management Group Inc.
  
• Located on Yas Island on the North East side of Abu Dhabi's mainland
  
• Yas Island is a 10-minute drive from Abu Dhabi International Airport, 30 minutes from the city of Abu Dhabi, and 50 minutes from Dubai
  
• Adjacent to the Yas Marina Circuit, hosting the inaugural 2009 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
  

Building

• Designed by globally renown architectural firm Benoy
  
• Building height is 45m (147.6 ft), with a roof edge circumference of 2,200 m (7217.8 ft)
  
• Enclosed space (area accessible to the general public) is 100,000 m2 (1,076,391 sq ft)
  
• Over 35,000 tonnes of steel have been used to reinforce the structure
  
• Landscaped area around the main building is 450,000 m2 (4,843,759 sq ft)
  

Roof

• Design inspired by the classic double curve side profile of the Ferrari GT body
  
• Made from metal and glass designed to reduce glare and heat
  
• Total surface area is 200,000 m2 (2,152,782 sq ft)
  
• The Ferrari logo is 65m x 48.5m, the largest Ferrari logo ever created
  
• Highest point is 48m, with a total of 6,900 meters of roof guttering
  

Rides

• Designed by one of the world's most prominent design firms Jack Rouse Associates
  
• Over 20 state-of-the-art rides and attractions.
  
• Featured attractions include:
  
  • The world's fastest roller coaster emulating the feeling of being in an F1 car
    
  • G-force experience taking passengers on an adrenaline-pumping ride up over 62m, through the roof and back down again
    
  • State-of-the-art racing simulators using a similar system as those used by the Ferrari racing team
    
  • Flume ride journey through the heart of a Ferrari 599 engine
    
  • Driving and Racing school for junior drivers, with expert training
    
  • Aerial voyage over Italy following a Ferrari
    

Food & Beverage

• A broad range of dining, quick service and beverage locations offering Italian inspired delicacies as well as a variety of international dishes.
  
• Highlights include:
  
  • Two restaurants inspired by the real Maranello food experience
    
  • A true Italian ambiance of a traditional delicatessen, including:
    
    • Customized fresh pasta and pizza made-to-order
      
    • An array of international dishes to satisfy all tastes
      

Shopping

• Visitors can expect a retail experience that celebrates Ferrari's rich heritage in a way never seen before.
  
• Highlights include:
  
  • 825 m2 store celebrating Ferrari's rich history with vintage and contemporary racing memorabilia
    
  • Souvenir photo opportunities for capturing the thrill of the moment
    
  • "Interactive Corners" where children can customize their own park souvenirs
    
  • 1300 m2 flagship store offering Ferrari and special Ferrari World Abu Dhabi items
    

SEMA Show: 2010 Subaru Impreza WRX STI 315HP Tuned by STP

Subaru of America's in house performance division, STP (which stands for Subaru Performance Tuning), will reveal a custom-built Impreza WRX STI at the Las Vegas SEMA Show next week. The WRX STI gets all sorts of goodies from the SPT catalog such as a sportier exhaust system that boosts the 2.5-liter turbocharged boxer engine's output from 305 HP to 315 HP at 6,000 rpm with peak torque remaining stock at 290 lb.-ft. at 4,000 rpm and a turbo heat shield.

To improve handling, SPT equipped the Impreza WS STI with a set of 19-inch Prodrive GT2 alloy wheels finished in Glitter Gold and wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 245/35R19 performance tires while the car's suspension is upgraded with STI performance springs, an SPT strut tower brace and an SPT lower chassis brace.

Cosmetically, the tuned model is said to feature SPT billet oil cap and billet battery hold down, an STI front lip spoiler and SPT exhaust finishers.

Interior appointments include an SPT boost gauge, a media hub digital music integration system and an auto-dimming mirror with transflective display and HomeLink transmitter plus an STI shift knob and all-weather floor mats.

VW Prices New 270HP Golf R and 265HP Scirocco R in the UK [With Track Video]

Volkswagen has released pricing for its UK-bound Golf R and Scirocco R that are both expected to reach British showrooms in February of 2010. Prices for front-wheel drive Scirocco R that's fitted with a 265HP 2.0-litre TSI four-cylinder engine and a six speed manual gearbox start at £26,945 on-the-road while the all-wheel drive Golf R that's powered by a 270HP 2.0-liter turbo engine linked to a six-speed manual transmission, begins from £28,930. A six-speed DSG gearbox is available as an option on both models from £1,300.

The company says that the range-topping Scirocco accelerates from a standstill to 62 mph in 6.0 seconds, falling to 5.8 seconds when equipped with the dual-clutch DSG gearbox, while achieving a combined figure of 34.9 mpg UK (35.3 for DSG) and 189 g/km of CO2 (187 for DSG).

As for the Golf R that is available in three- and five-door body styles, it is the fastest accelerating VW ever produced, with a 0 to 62mph (100km/h) sprint time of just 5.7 seconds for the manual model and 5.5 seconds for the DSG equipped version. The Golf R is said to return 33.2 mpg UK on the combined cycle (DSG 33.6 mpg) and CO2 emissions of 199 g/km (195g DSG).

Both the Scirocco R and Golf R models have a top speed of 155 mph.

BMW M5 Touring E39: One-Off Station Wagon Prototype Also Revealed by BMW [High-Res Gallery]

Though definitely not as unique or attention-grabbing as the 1989 E34 M5 soft-top Convertible that we showed you in an earlier post here on Carscoop, the one-off E39 M5 Touring prototype that was also revealed by BMW at a special event in Germany commemorating the 25 years of the M5 and photographed by the folks over at 'Bimmertoday', is certainly worth a second look .

The E39-based M5 Touring, which for various reasons never made it pass the prototype phase, was powered by the same naturally-aspirated 4.9-liter V8 engine with 400 ponnies as its sedan doppelganger.

The only other M5 Touring to be series produced by BMW other than today's V10-powered model (E60 sedan / E61 Touring), was the E34 M5 that was fitted with an inline-six cylinder engine.

Source: Bimmertoday , Via: BMWBlog

BMW M5 Touring E39 Prototype

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BMW M5 E39 Saloon

Mercedes-Benz Launches Special Edition C-Class Executive SE in the UK

Following in the footsteps of the E-Class Executive SE, Mercedes-Benz has introduced a similar version of its smaller C-Class sedan with an exterior styling pack and interior upgrades. Based on the C 180 KOMPRESSOR BlueEFFICIENCY with the 156 HP engine, the C-Class Executive SE is distinguished on the outside by the Sport Grille with the integrated Mercedes-Benz star, specific 16-inch alloy wheels and chrome trim finishes for the boot lid and exhaust.

On the inside, the Executive SE gets Merc's COMMAND multimedia system that includes hard disk drive navigation, Linguatronic voice control, a 6 GB music register and a PCMCIA slot, all of which can be controlled through the upgraded multi-function steering wheel, fitted as standard

It goes on sale from November with UK prices set at £23,190.64 for the sedan and £24,390.11 for the Estate. According to the German car maker, the Executive SE models cost just £574.47 (ex VAT) more than the SE, yet offer over £2,200 worth of extras.

New Ford Fiesta Sales Surpass 500,000 Units in First Year

Just a year after its European market launch in October 2008, and the Ford Fiesta has raked over half a million sales marking a significant milestone for the company which is preparing to bring the small hatch to North America and key Asian Pacific markets next year. Following its introduction in Europe, the latest generation Fiesta was launched in South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and China with global sales reaching 470,000 units through September, with 430,000 units sold in Europe and 40,000 in the Asia Pacific region.

In October, Ford sold another 50,000 units worldwide, pushing the total number beyond 500,000.

"Customers around the world are recognizing the new Fiesta delivers on the global Ford DNA -- eye-catching design, innovation, outstanding driving dynamics and great value," said Jim Farley, group vice president of global marketing and Canada, Mexico and South America.

The new Fiesta will make its first public appearance at a North American show in Los Angeles in December with sales following in the U.S. next summer.