Talking Shift is a weekly series where each of our editors discuss the cool, weird, outlandish, dreamy and/or ugly vehicles they’ve stumbled upon recently. We’ve got Kristin Cline (Managing Editor), a grease girl who loves vintage cars and American muscle; Ali Mansour (Off-Road & Truck Editor), a tattooed Southern gent into all things Jeep; Jonathan Wong (Editor in Chief) and Justin Pagtalunan (Associate Editor), two Asian dudes who—shocker here—are big on the import scene... Expect colorful discussion, diverse knowledge and a lot of "shift-talking." There can never be too many opinions, so make sure you chime in and talk shift!
PLUS, COMING SOON! Catch Talking Shift LIVE every week at Facebook.com/DrivingLine.
We kicked off the premiere of our Talking Shift series with several rides that reflect the best (or worst?) parts of pop culture. Get ready for some snarky commentary, pleasant back-and-forths and some surprising confessions (our off-road editor used to be an import guy?!). Oh, and an Ariel Atom.
1. Yeezy Lambo
Picked by Justin: The “Yeezyghini” by Jeff Cole. Part Aventador, part the most hyped shoe of all-time. Sure, it’s just a rendering, but it made me stop instantly as I was scrolling through Instagram.
Kristin: Most hyped & over-priced shoe + most hyped & over-priced car = schmutz made in heaven.
Ali: Hate it. Kill it with fire.
Jonathan: I’d rather have the shoes, but that’s a whole different story.
(You can purchase a premium "Yeezyghini" canvas from Jeff Cole's website at www.shopikonick.com.)
2. HUMBUL
Picked by Justin: “HUMBUL” – I was looking for something to wear and found my limited edition illab X Mad Mike“HUMBUL” shirt they released when he won FD Japan, made me want to look at the RX-7 he won it with.
Kristin: Yes, give me sound to go with this photo! I’ll listen to HUMBUL or Mad Mike talk all day long!
Ali: Needs more stickers...
Jonathan: I can hear the rotary screaming now!
3. Ariel Atom
Picked byAli: Ariel Atom... It's the closest thing to a street-legal go-cart you can buy, and it looks great. It's also the car that ultimately ignited my love affair with the Lotus Exige.
Kristin: When you say Lotus, all I can think of is spinning one out at Spring Mountain!
Justin: Have you seen the Ariel Nomad? I could see you owning an Ariel Nomad.
Jonathan: Hold up, you have an Exige? We must be doing something wrong here.
4. The Random Honda
Picked by Ali: One of my first car-related jobs was working as a lot attendant at my local Honda dealer. I remember when the S2000 came out and how big of a deal the high-revving, rear-wheel drive rocket was. I've always wanted to transplant one of the early gen powertrains into a hot rod.
Kristin: Little car + good engine = fun times!
Justin: Ali? In blue shirt? As a Helpful Honda Dealer? Yea, I can picture it.
Jonathan: F20 swap into a hot rod? Let’s do it! Or a Jeep?
5. Gov't Lowriders
Picked by Jonathan: Imagine if government agencies rolled around like we do…
Kristin: Please let that cop be the guy who tries to catch me. Easiest. Car chase. Ever.
Ali: Oh, so Wong.
Justin:“Rain, sleet, snow, but not speed bumps.”
6. Supra Pimp'd Out
Picked by Jonathan: Old school Supra lowrider style? Some genres should never cross paths!
Kristin: I love a good mash-up, but this is just so wrong.
Ali: It’s like Taco Bell decided to sell Asian food. Not a good idea.
Justin: Just waiting for Xzibit to show me where they hid the TVs, pop my collar and tell me I’ve “officially been PIMP’d.”
7. Colorful Ponies
Picked by Kristin: Which generation of Mustang would you buy? The new ones are pretty sweet, but to me the ‘70-‘73 has the most badass character to it, so that’s where my money is.
Ali: None. I don’t look good with a mullet.
Justin:‘71 Eleanor. “Gone in 60 Seconds”—one of the few Nick Cage movies I wouldn’t mind watching again.
Jonathan: I’m just trying to avoid being run over by one...
8. Hangry 'Stang
Picked by Kristin: Speaking of Mustangs… any opinions on this “I’m gonna eat you grill”? Part of me wants to love it for its lightheartedness, but I just can’t go there.
Ali: Perfect for leaving your local Cars and Coffee...
Justin: Someone needs to pitch this front graphic idea to Vaughn for next year.
Jonathan: Okay, now I want the Yeezy Lambo.