Are you proud as punch of your Volvo? Love tooling around town in a little convertible? Gaywheels.com, the website that gathers and publicizes information on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender car-shoppers, recently launched its first survey designed to investigate auto ownership by LGBT people, and they would appreciate your participation.

The ultimate goal of the study is to measure whether there is a correlation between sexual orientation and car-purchasing habits. My first car was a Jeep. My new car is a Jeep. In the middle there, I rented a Jeep on a couple of vacations. I don’t know if my driving habits have anything to do with my being a lesbian or if I just really like Jeeps, but I’m hoping this survey gives me some insight.

Gaywheels is getting a good response rate to their study, but it’s been pretty male-heavy. So lesbians (and everyone else!), but mostly lesbians, go rep for your wheels!

You can take the Gaywheels survey here. It should only take about 10 minutes.

The auto bailout has died in the Senate. Last night, Republicans decided to let GM and Chrysler fall. Now I know that this isn’t a gay specific issue, but it’s an important national issue.

It is clear that Republicans are hoping that this defeat will force the “Big 3” into bankruptcy. That means that the companies will be able to renegotiate their contracts, re-organize and get back into business without the extra baggage.

Well, that’s a pretty rosy picture. But it’s also clear by the 200 point drop in the Dow this morning that economists don’t agree. First, there is the simple problem that people don’t really like buying cars from bankrupt car makers. A car is a long term investment and the warranty on that car is necessary and valuable. Consumers worry that their car from a bankrupt car company will not be supported in the same way as a car from a viable producer.

But more important, bankruptcy might hurt a whole lot of old ladies in and around the Midwest.

When a company goes bankrupt, all contracts go on the table. GM, a company with a very long history in the United States, has huge pension obligations which are a significant draw on their existing capital. One plan floated in the news is that GM could renegotiate those pension plans, dropping some altogether.

My friend’s grandmother is one of those pensioners. She lost her husband almost a decade ago and lives off the money GM pays her from her husband’s pension plan. She’s not the only one. Many older people, especially around Detroit, are supported by a GM pension because either they or their husbands spent their careers at the car maker.

The Federal government is responsible for taking over those underfunded pensions. But that means that the amount of the pension might be greatly reduced, depending on the funds available and the political will to make the full commitment.

Bankruptcy can be a lifesaver. But when everything is on the table, often the most vulnerable are the first to be dropped. As the autoworkers union worries about keeping livable wages for current workers, I worry they won’t spend energy on those who haven’t worked in decades.

I have big hair. Not one strand of what I like to think is a funky coif brushed against the car’s apparent low headliner as I clambered into the back during a recent product test-drive event in Chicago sponsored by Volkswagen AG.

That says a lot. Like for starters that somewhere in the sporty CC’s development stage, VW designers ruminated on the midsize car’s interior space, and not just its striking exterior look that closely mirrors Mercedes Benz’s CLS.

In an age when space is valued, creating sufficient wiggle room between one’s voluminous hair and the interior roofline is nothing short of thoughtful. I certainly can appreciated VW’s effort to up the vehicle’s headroom even if my reason solely lies on vanity.

It makes all the more sense why VW scheduled a tour with the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust. Gaywheels.com was among the invited guests taken on a private tour of the great American architect’s first home in Illinois’ Oak Park enclave. Wright had a penchant for creating illusions of depth – high archways, octagonal rooms – in the most unrestricted way.

Maybe VW designers tore a page from Wright’s playbook.

The CC’s design duplicity continues, as not only is the headliner high enough in spite of major coupe action to the rear, but there’s adequate leg room. There’s also sufficient cargo space, and a storage compartment tucked between the rear seats to store the doodads of your choice. The compartment holds two cups, bringing the total number of cup holders in the vehicle to a standard four.

Coincidentally, CC stands for comfort coupe. The four-door vehicle provides a fair slice of comfort. Where it falls short, though, is in the front-door pockets that are snug, making it slightly cumbersome to slip a folder stuffed with a few sheets of paper in. VW should have gone with hinged side pockets, which pull outward for easy storing and doesn’t call for contorting one’s hands.

I also found the beige and black two-toned sport bucket leather seats in the 4-cylinder version I drove to be, well, meh. It was uninspiring and, dare I say, drab. Even with real chrome accents, the interior’s look was comparable to almost hitting a high note but suddenly falling flat.

From the outside, the CC’s rear acutely slopes but not in a holy molly, we’re-going-to-make-you-wince-because-the-line-on-this-car-is-so-sharp kind of way. It’s more of a graceful plunge. VW describes it as dramatic. Either way, graceful plunge + dramatic = snazzy in my book.

The vehicle handled fairly well on roads though some turns in curvy areas were less-than-smooth. Equipped with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that pumps 200 horsepower, it was zippy enough for my liking. A 3.6-liter 6-cylinder engine is also offered. It pushes 265 horsepower.

VW characterizes the CC as near-luxury and positions it smack dab in the crowded midsize sedan segment where the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord reign, according to sales figures.

Its German engineering, spiffy design, and starting price of $26,790 should help it stand out though the vehicle’s base price exponentially swells depending on the package. It tops out at $39,300. The destination charge is $690.

The automaker hopes to sell some 28,000 units. Laura Soave, VW’s general marketing manager, says she thinks the car will be a head turner. I agree, big hair and all.

2009 VW CC:

Engine: 200 HP 2.0-liter turbo four cylinder or a 265 HP 3.6-liter VR6
Transmission: 6-speed manual available with four-cylinder only, 6-speed automatic for both
Drive Wheels: FWD in both engines, AWD available with 3.6-liter VR6

VW is a gay-friendly company.

More auto reviews and features are at Gaywheels.com.

With regal names like Kingswood and Caprice Estate, it was the full-size wagon that served as both the family shuttle and, for many teen drivers, the ideal vehicle in which to take a date “parking.”

Chevrolet has long since abandoned the Caprice nameplate, but the idea of a full size wagon based on car, not a truck, platform lives on in the all-new Chevrolet Traverse. Actually, as the Traverse shares its engine and chassis with three other GM juggernauts, namely the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook, it’s really not completely new.

Yet with the exception of the seductive Enclave, the Traverse may be the most attractive of the bunch. Priced similarly to the Saturn Outlook, the Traverse offers a look more European-inspired than Detroit.

Once you get around to the front, however, the image quickly changes. Here resides the new face of Chevrolet, boldly announced by a handsome split mesh grille and large gold bowtie emblem.

Like its brothers and sisters, the Traverse is a crossover SUV riding on a single unit body platform that adds both strength and lightness to the design. With seating for up to eight people, the Traverse can definitely fill the roll of full-size SUV. It can even tow up to 5,200 pounds. And with its front and available all-wheel drive, the Traverse is well suited to foul-weather excursions.

But it’s what’s under the hood that truly separates the Traverse from larger SUVs such as the Tahoe and Suburban.

In place of a fuel thirsty V8, Chevrolet offers a potent yet fuel-efficient 3.6-liter V6 engine. The Traverse is the first of the four siblings to be fitted with gasoline direct injection, a revolutionary way to get fuel into the combustion chamber that results in better fuel economy and more horsepower. In front wheel drive from, the Traverse earns an EPA rating of 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg highway.

That’s pretty impressive for a vehicle that can comfortably hold six people and their luggage.

Available in LS, LT and LTZ trims, the Traverse runs the gamut from basic transport to near-luxury cruiser. Even the base LS includes such features as power windows, door locks and mirrors, as well as air conditioning, cruise control and an AM/FM stereo with MP3 compatible CD player.

You also get a one year subscription to OnStar with Turn-by-Turn navigation. A fully-loaded LTZ find such features as a power rear liftgate, heated and cooled front seats, ultrasonic rear park assist and Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity.

Climb inside the Traverse and you’re greeted by a contemporary interior loaded with usable space and efficient design.

Gone are the bad plastics and Fisher Price switchgear that once haunted GM SUVs. In their place is a handsome dash with well placed instruments backlit in cool blue lighting and many available features, from onboard navigation, to a Side Blind Zone Alert system, to a dual pane glass moonroof.

Comfortable seats in all three rows are a plus, as it a third-row seat that can actually accommodate two adults. And unlike many of its competitors, the Traverse’s third-row seat doesn’t back right up to rear hatch; there’s still a good amount of usable cargo room behind it.

When not in use, the Traverse’s seats fold flush to create a huge flat cargo floor measuring a massive 116.4 cubic feet. The Traverse is also loaded with standard safety features, including front side impact and three-row side curtain airbags, traction and roll stability control and anti-lock disc brakes.

In short, if you need a big SUV-like vehicle to do the things big SUVs do, but you have a need for best in class safety, fuel economy and resale, the Traverse should defiantly be at the top of your test drive list.

Perhaps they should have named it the Traverse Estate.

Chevrolet is a gay-friendly company.

For more reviews, visit Gaywheels.com.

The Volkswagen Rabbit and Eos remained in first and second place, respectively. Mazda’s MAZDA3 gave up the third slot to its sister car from Mazda, the MX-5 who now shares that position with the Audi A3.

“The Top 10 Most Researched list tends to be self-perpetuating,” said Gaywheels.com founder Joe LaMuraglia. “But with the arrival of the Toyota Matrix, smart fortwo and Maserati GranTurismo, our users continue to amaze us with their diversity of vehicle interests.”

For the first time, there were multiple ties on the list.

In addition to the tie for third, the MAZDA3 and VW Jetta vied for the fourth slot, the Saab 9-3 and Dodge Caliber both slotted in at 6th and the newcomer Toyota Matrix joined the MINI Cooper as the 9th Most-Researched Vehicles. Rounding out the Top 10 is the Maserati GranTurismo – first exotic vehicle to ever appear on the list.

Gaywheels.com Top 10 Most-Researched Vehicles – 3rd Quarter 2008

Rank
1 VW Rabbit
2 VW Eos
3 Mazda MX-5 Miata and Audi A3 – tie
4 Mazda MAZDA3 and VW Jetta – tie
5 Toyota Yaris
6 Saab 9-3 and Dodge Caliber -tie
7 Volvo C30
8 smart fortwo
9 Toyota Matrix and MINI Cooper – tie
10 Maserati GranTurismo

The Top 10 Most Researched list is based on website statistics gathered from July 1, 2008 – September 30, 2008 from Gaywheels.com’s New Car section. Gaywheels.com publishes its Most-Researched list quarterly.

If you’ve ever had to park in the city or are a resident that pays for monthly parking, you know how expensive it can be. I have a friend in Gramercy Park that told me not only is there a multi-year waiting list for a space in his building, it costs over $400 a month for the privilege.

He parks his Subaru at the end of a commuter train line and pays a fraction of that for covered parking – but his car is an hour away. A deal like this might make people like him reconsider having a vehicle in Manhattan

Half Price for Half a Car
smart Cars are only 61 inches wide and 106 inches long – essentially half as long as a average 4-door sedan. Theoretically, you could park two smarts in a normal parking space.

“Decreased parking supply and urban congestion represent a continuing problem in New York, and we can’t think of a better company to partner with than smart USA to help combat these issues,” said Mike Carolan, Director of Operations for Meyers Parking. “We are excited to offer smart owners a discount, as it seems only appropriate that smart owners pay half price since they only take up half the space.”

The discount for smart fortwo owners expires Dec. 31, 2008.

Get more information on the smart fortwo in Gaywheels’ New Car Section

smart is a gay-friendly company.

We promised an interview with Chris Webb and thanks to the wonderful PR divas at GM, we now have some of his snarky insight into what went down last week in NYC.

1. The purpose of the task was to take Saturn car parts and “recycle them” into fashion.
Were all the parts they used recyclable?

The designers used parts from the Saturn Vue and 85 percent of the vehicle, by weight, is able to be recycled in today’s environment/infrastructure.

2. Chris, you know me. What would you have designed if I were your “model”
on this challenge?

I like the thought of something bounded and tight in seat belt webbing for you darling. I just don`t know if the four minutes allocated and one cart would have been enough time to grab myself enough material to cover you modestly.

3. What was your favorite design and why?

My preferences were the same as the judges. Honestly. I thought Leanne`s leather dress was absolutely incredible. Considering she only had 13 hours to create it, the pattern cutting and workmanship was amazing. I also thought her usage of the seat belt material was quite innovative. She frayed it in such a way that it actually resembled feathers.

For its pure wearability and catwalk presence, I thought Korto’s woven seatbelt dress was stunning. the drape and her control of this relatively rigid material was fantastic. I don’t think this outfit would have looked out of place on the runway of Givenchy or Balenciaga.

Either of these outfits were “total winners” for me.

4. Why do you think Saturn is a good “fit” for the Project Runway
demographic?

Saturn’s design essence is vibrant, aware and forward thinking. Attention to detail, fit and finish, proportion – these are all integral to design, be it in fashion or automotive.

Our designers are amongst the most talented artists in the world – and not all dreamed of being industrial designers. Fashion designers, textile designers, tattoo artists, interior designers, sculptors – all gravitate towards GM and Saturn design because our vehicles are functional art – which directly parallels fashion design.

Simply: Project Runway gives insight into young, aspiring designers striving to showcase their talent, perspective and impact the industry. The same holds true for our GM Design team.

5. You’ve talked at length in the past about how fashion and car design should work together more. Can we expect to see a Heidi Klume Astra in the future?

Car and fashion design have many synergies as we have discussed before. Both are about wrapping a form, (whether it be the human body or sheet metal of a car) in material and color.

It looks like our collaboration with Project Runway will continue in the future, but I don`t know the scope of the plans. Maybe there will be a Heidi Astra or a Tim Gunn Sky??

6. Is Keith as cute in person as he is on screen? Were you there to console
him? Do you have his number?

I agree!! Keith is incredibly cute – and even better in the flesh.

No, unfortunately I didn`t get to spend much time with him or the others. The Saturn Project kept them damn busy. If you speak to our Bravo Connections, maybe you will get his number, but then I will have to tell your Steve!

Read more auto articles and reviews cars daily on GayWheels.com.

Ten inches later, a new MINI was born. Gaywheels.com’s Joe LaMuraglia puts the MINI Cooper Clubman through its paces in a steamy Nashville, TN. Watch and see if the new Clubman can be called the Maximus MINImus.

So why did I spend my hard-earned soldi that day in Florence on a bag that is smaller and pricier? Because it exudes craftsmanship and a sense of style that so uniquely Italian. I saw it out of the corner of my eye and when I made the mistake of picking it up, all bets were off.

I experienced the same sensory highjacking that makes women swoon and men break their budgets over Italian shoes when I spent time with the latest masterpiece from Maserati, the 2008 GranTurismo.

So what is it about Italian products that make bank accounts empty and adults consider selling their children?

In the case of the Maserati GranTurismo it is a combination of tradition, stunning shapes, quality materials and modern technology that few car companies today can match.
2008 Maserati GranTurismo

On paper the GranTurismo isn’t much different than its high-end competitors from Germany or England. It combines a powerful engine in an attractive body and a luxury brand name. But once you are in the midst of the muscular exterior, experience the smell of the Poltrona Frau® leather, hear sound of the 405-horsepower Ferrari-sourced 4.2L V8 as it catapults you to 60 MPH in 5.1 seconds and feel the hand-crafted materials that surround you, you understand that there you are in the midst of true art.

There is a term it Italian – Stendalissimo – that describes visitors that are so overwhelmed by the beauty of the art and architecture in Italy that they break down in tears. I propose that a new term be coined – GranTurissimo – to describe the incredible sensory overload you experience when piloting a Maserati GranTurismo.

True luxury isn’t just about how it makes you feel. There has to be a sense of exclusivity involved as well.

Maserati understands that and offers over four million color and trim combinations on the GrandTurismo.

You can choose the color of your leather, stitching, carpets and interior panels in addition to the exterior palette to make your GrandTurismo truly your own.

Of course this luxury and exclusivity costs more than the average vehicle but the joining Club Maserati isn’t as prohibitive as you would think. Starting at $114,000 the GrandTurismo is a relative bargain for those of you in the market for a custom-tailored vehicle that could very well bring you to tears every time you start it.

Get more detailed information on the 2008 Maserati GranTurismo in the new car section at GayWheels.com.

For more car reviews, see GayWheels.com.