Leisure - Ranch & Coast

Ford GT - Supercar It may raise an eyebrow or two to talk about the survival of a company as ingrained in our popular culture as Ford Motor Company. But after all, here in the import center of North America's automotive landscape, non-truck Fords seem badly outnumbered by "import" models. I would not advocate for Ford's survival simply based upon the company's ability to build performance machines, although the company does a fine job in that arena. Ford also makes excellent mid-size sedans like Fusion and Five Hundred that compare quite favorably with Camry, Accord, and Altima, among others. In fact, some readers might be surprised to discover what lurks in the local Ford store. Our review subject is not the venerable mid-size sedan, an automotive equivalent of a major appliance, but the vaunted supercar. Webster may not have added "supercar" to its dictionary yet, and Microsoft's word processor flags it every time, but for our purposes, it's a sports car that attains a 200-MPH top speed. Now, if a ground-based 200-MPH car sounds completely irresponsible, crazy, and a bit adolescent, save the email. I use public transportation and a bicycle when I can, but I don't want a world where that's my only option. And I'm delighted that a United States automaker can beat Ferrari at its own game. That's right, beat the Italian supercar builder. Ford did just that in 1966 at Le Mans, France with its GT40 racecar, and in my opinion the new Ford GT trumps Ferrari's F430 in every category but brand awareness. I've spent enough time in both cars to form that opinion and I'm also a big fan of the sports cars from Maranello. A casual observer might conclude that the Ford GT is simply a factory kit car version of the original GT40 of the 1960s. It's not. The styling clearly ties the two cars together, but they only share heritage and powertrain layout. It's like parking a new Mini next to an original, the spirit is intact, but little else. The GT's design and engineering were undertaken to produce a world-class supercar, and the result is a stunning success. This is a car with power and reflexes that are simply uncanny. Tap the throttle and the roots supercharger sings, the tuned exhaust howls, and you know how Dan Gurney must have felt as he rocketed to speed. With its aluminum space frame and body, advanced suspension, and Brembo brakes with cross-drilled rotors, the Ford GT not only drives as good as it looks, it is less expensive (MSRP), has a longer warranty, and even better fuel economy than its Ferrari counterpart. And if you like to attract attention for your $150,000 outlay, the GT is just the ticket, even in the most jaded California car circles. So what's the problem? It's simply that Ford can't build enough of these great cars to satisfy demand, and the company never planned to make supercars a serious business. If they did, and the business plan performed as well as the GT, they would seriously challenge the vaunted competition. - Brian Douglas ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lucky Threes Three days of thrills and relaxation could be yours - an amazing summer sweepstakes is taking place right now that's sure to sweeten summer memories. Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa is offering three nights accommodations in a luxury suite, three spa treatments, and three days behind the wheel of a red Ferrari Spider Modena - a package that is valued at $10,000. "Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa's summer Ferrari Sweepstakes is a fun and interactive way past and potential guests can experience our high profile hotel and incredible location," says Tim McGill, director of sales and marketing for Estancia. "In addition to the Ferrari sweepstakes, we are also offering sizzling summer packages that satisfy the needs of vacationing couples and families." Entry in the sweepstakes is free and runs through September 5 on Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa's Web site, which also details other summer packages offered. (858/550-1000, www.estancialajolla.com/ferrari) - Kaila Lee ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hot Rods And Woodies Don't miss your chance to catch a glimpse of the summer's most rock and roll sight - the Rods & Woodies on 101 will cruise in downtown Encinitas on August 17 and September 14. Highway 101 between D and I Streets will be revved up when these beauties strut their stuff. This year, there will be live music in front of Encinitas Smog at 682 South Coast Hwy 101 (featuring The Fijis on August 17, and Secret Samurai, formerly Surf Report, on September 14). Beat the heat and show you're cool by participating in one of San Diego County's top classic and muscle car gatherings. The event is free to attend or exhibit your own hot wheels. (760/943-1950, www.encinitas101.com/classic.htm) - Ang Correa ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Golf For Kids Hit the links for the kids this month at the YMCA Golf Classic on August 29 at Encinitas Ranch Golf Course. For the 23rd year in a row, the event will help raise funds for the Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA's programs, which serve the needs of local children. Over the years, more than $1 million has been generated through the event, which began as the brainchild of Lee and Marion Dodson. Players can chose to play with a handicap or scramble; a tee package will be given to players at registration. Food from local restaurants, live and silent auctions, and tournament prizes will round out a nighttime reception. Space is limited, so register soon. (760/942-9622) - Alicia Garcia
		Specifications Type: Mid-engine,rear-wheel drive Engine: 5.4-liter DOHC V-8 Horsepower: 550 @ 6,500 rpm Torque: 500 foot-pounds @ 3,750 rpm Base Price: $149,995 As Tested: $162,195 Fuel Economy: 13 city / 21 hwy

		Summer Aircraft It's one thing to scoot across land on your average two-wheeled scooter, another to scoot across land and then out onto the water, zipping around like some giant water bug. The Levitating Hoover Scooter (sounds like something from a 1950s comic book) from Hammacher Schlemmer does just that, working the way most hovercrafts do by creating a cushion of air underneath that pushes it along. The scooter has a very small learning curve, and is easy enough to get the hang of so long as you've got a minimal sense of balance. A throttle and clutch mounted on the handlebar provide the power, while simply leaning side to side will change direction. To increase acceleration, you lean back slightly while gripping the handlebar, and the friction drive wheel at the underside rear of the scooter makes contact with the ground, speeding it up. The scooter can reach a maximum velocity of 15 miles per hour, which is certainly enough to get the adrenaline going. It's also enough to attract local extreme sportsmen, so don't go zipping around Tony Hawk's or the Flying Tomato's houses taunting them with your new toy unless you want to wait around for hours while they break records on it. The scooter is powered by a four-stroke internal combustion engine that will last for about an hour on a full tank of unleaded gasoline. In case a rider does fall off, it comes with a kill switch wristband. The scooter comes in four colors: red, blue, green, and yellow. $16,999.95. (800/227-3528, www.hammacher.com) - Ryan Thomas

		Sound Machine Bringing a bit of classic design back into music players is Cucumber Labs' CL Sound Machine, a combination record player with an iPod dock, five-disc CD player, and wine rack - yes, a wine rack. Mimicking the gramophones of yesteryear, the Sound Machine sports top-of-the-line goods, such as a Technics turntable (the choice of professional DJs world-wide) and Dayton loudspeakers and woofers. The CD player, amplifier, and record player all fit snuggly into compartments built into the unit, while the iPod attaches to the dock underneath. Underneath is also where you'll find the wine rack with room for 12 bottles and four glasses - just in case a song comes on that stirs up the need for your best vintage ("Scenes From An Italian Restaurant," or "I heard It Through The Grapevine," perhaps?) The Sound Machine's compact size and sleek, classic design make it perfect for both lofts and estates alike. The Sound Machine was created as a limited-edition entertainment system in two versions - LC Smart Glass ($14,350) and Frosted Glass ($10,950). Hurry up while supplies last. (401/724-9700, www.cucumberlab.com) - Ryan Thomas