By Ramon Johnson, About.com Gay Life Guide
I love the spirit of automobiles. With each exterior line, curve, interior appointment, color and technological wonder shines a unique personality that tells its own story. At first look, a car seems no more than basic metal, plastic and appointments, but a ride in the driver's seat reveals a machine of distinction, purpose and personality.
Cars tell stories about their owner, but can a car be gay or make someone gay? Of course not, yet the style of a car model can match certain styles and personalities.
In 2006, while browsing the North American International Auto Show, I decided to meld the visual and performance characteristics of automobiles with the diverse personalities of gay men. The result was a list of top cars that fit unique gay styles. Four years later, I introduce my top picks for 2010:
Best Car for the Employed Gay: 2010 Acura ZDX
Honda vehicles, although sturdy and dependable, have been predictable when it comes to style the last few generations. Sedans, utes and trucks were ultra reliable but far from youth-inspiring or adult sexy. That is, until Accord Coupe changed the face of conservative brand. And then came the Accord Crosstour last year, badged as a "fresh take on the utility." Fresh styling, indeed.
And now, with the Acura ZDX, the sexier, more refined sister of the Crosstour, the company has updated its portfolio with an impressive crossover in an environment where the vehicle, like the professional driving it, can't afford complacency.
But, can your sister-in-law's baby carrier brand really inspire performance and style? It would seem so. The ZDX boasts a 300-hp, 3.7-liter, VTEC V-6 powertrain that demands a more aerodynamic fascia design that makes sense of Acura's ridiculous front end. Our kid with braces finally has a grill to be proud of.
Best Green Queen: 2010 Audi A3 TDI
In December 2009, the Audi A3 TDI was named Green Car Journal's 2010 Green Car of the Year. A great honor, but that's not why the A3 leads our list of enviro-friendly rollers.
So, why the A3 TDI? Namely, Audi didn't use any special powers or trekkie contraptions to reduce their footprint. They merely refined what they already had: banging diesel technology. Us car geeks already know diesel emissions seem dirty from the outside, but trump gas clangers when it comes to environmental impact.
Today's gay also stays true to his identity and believes in his own impact–despite public perception–proving that beauty will shine even in clouds of smoke.
Top Retro Flagship: 2010 Chevy Camaro
The Chevy Camaro takes concept styling to the showroom with a throwback aesthetic that soothes and excites the senses. The Camaro is the American Apparel of vehicle styling–a contemporary take on a tried classic that despite faults will always command attention.
The Camaro's rewards are endless. Exterior styling is sure to turn heads, but GM's standard 3.6L V6 engine (6.2L V8 in the SS) increases your drag potential with 304 HP. If you didn't feel butch before, you will after gripping the standard manual and blasting the Boston Acoustics sound package.
Best Gay Teen Machine: 2011 Ford Fiesta
This past summer Ford launched a redux of an old entry just in time for school breaks. The 2011 Fiesta is one of the most highly anticipated Fords in years. Ironically, the previous Fiesta was almost single handily responsible for Ford's tarnishing Found-On-The-Road-Dead jokeline. Oh, how times have changed.
Once unsure, like the gay teen, Ford has found its voice sans bailout money, becoming one of the most solid brands out there. The Fiesta is confident, secure, label-defying, and sure to liven up any expressway.
At 13K base, the Fiesta's entry price is almost as attractive as its presence and the projected 30/40 mpg leaves more cash for iPad apps. The Fiesta is versatile with both sedan and hatch options and has a cool array of colors like Lime Squeeze Metallic and Yellow Blaze Metallic. It's here, it's queer. So what!
Hipster Hyperdrive: 2010 Subaru Outback
What's carrying Subaru's dirty backpack? A versatile sports sedan confident enough to hit the trail then carry on to dinner. Rugged-refined is what the small brand has becomes as it realizes that a strong eco-heritage and solid engineering attracts more than than plaid-wearing loyals. Gay hipsters rejoice. Like you, the Outback can broaden its range and maintain a true sense of originality.
Top Topless Go-Go: 2011 Volvo C70
Volvo brands the next generation C70 as an all-in-one versatile cruiser. The C70 is an experienced go-go that knows when to take it off and when to leave it on. Feel like a cool breeze on your, uh, forehead? Retract the hard top and in 30 seconds you're exposed to the elements. Looking to be more discreet? The C70 puts its top back on for striking coupe appeal.
And no go-go is complete without club sound. Wind noise has met its match with the C70's 12 speaker system powered by a 900-watt digital amp.
Volvo's are known for safety innovation that has historically trumped their focus on styling. But while the C70 continues with expected Volvo safety technology, exterior design no longer blends with the rush hour crowd.
Best Comeback Canon: 2011 Jaguar XJ
Jag enthusiasts cheered when Tata Motors of India rescued the ailing cat from Ford choke hold. Why such excitement? Well, the Tata family is full of Jaguar enthusiasts and have a long history of owning Jaguar vehicles. So, expect each new Jag to feel like a Jag.
The Tata story rings of the rich kid that buys the toy factory, but we can all benefit from this glut. Since the buy, Jaguar has been refocused as a brand new fans can salivate over and long time loyals can adore.
The XJ sprints with 385 hp, pumped by a third generation direct injection 5.0L AJ-V8 naturally aspired engine locked to a six-speed automatic trans. This baby purrs!
Top Gadget God: 2010 Infiniti M
For the gay man that wants it all, the 2011 Infiniti M is overflowing with tech treats. Besides being, well, an Infinity, the new M pampers driver and passengers with the industry's first 360 view cam, lane departure prevention to keep you on a gayly forward path, blind spot prevention, distance monitor, lights that automatically illuminate as you approach and old-school favorite 4-wheel turn assist that reduces the radius of right turns.
Few people grow up wanting to drive an Infinity, but once they do most owners regret not turning the key sooner. Infinity has an indisputable reputation for clean, classic sport design, impressive power and sleek gadgetry. And while the flagship M's styling isn't the most striking, it's consistently been a standard-setting rocket of driving experience. The M delivers well beyond what's expected, especially for the gay man that wants it all.
