Prafull Koli
05-31-2003, 06:31 PM
Fast women
The new generation of hot cars isn't just for the guy
C.W. Nevius, Chronicle Staff Writer * Saturday, May 31, 2003
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Guys sometimes drop by Jami Newcomb's car to ask a few questions.
"Like what mods I have," she says.
Mods? Sure, like intake system, rings, exhaust and tie bar. You know. Mods.
Newcomb drives a Toyota Celica GTS, of course. Like anyone who was asking wouldn't already know that. It's a nice ride. Maybe not as popular with customizers as the Honda Civic or as hot as a Mitsubishi Eclipse, but definitely a nice representation of the new wave of hot cars. They are small, four-cylinder "tuner cars," modified with body kits, custom features and sometimes computer chips.
They've been called "Generation FF" for "The Fast and the Furious." The 2001 movie was an unexpected hit, grossing $206 million, turning Vin Diesel into a star and spawning a whole new interest in those small, fast cars. Not since the days of "American Graffiti" has it been so cool to have a hot car. It is very big with guys, 16-25. And the new twist is that instead of standing on the sidelines looking winsome, the girls are driving, too.
"It does seem like the cool thing to do," says Newcomb, from Danville, although she stresses that she was modifying her car (and changing her own oil) before the movie came out.
The new generation of hot cars isn't just for the guy
C.W. Nevius, Chronicle Staff Writer * Saturday, May 31, 2003
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Guys sometimes drop by Jami Newcomb's car to ask a few questions.
"Like what mods I have," she says.
Mods? Sure, like intake system, rings, exhaust and tie bar. You know. Mods.
Newcomb drives a Toyota Celica GTS, of course. Like anyone who was asking wouldn't already know that. It's a nice ride. Maybe not as popular with customizers as the Honda Civic or as hot as a Mitsubishi Eclipse, but definitely a nice representation of the new wave of hot cars. They are small, four-cylinder "tuner cars," modified with body kits, custom features and sometimes computer chips.
They've been called "Generation FF" for "The Fast and the Furious." The 2001 movie was an unexpected hit, grossing $206 million, turning Vin Diesel into a star and spawning a whole new interest in those small, fast cars. Not since the days of "American Graffiti" has it been so cool to have a hot car. It is very big with guys, 16-25. And the new twist is that instead of standing on the sidelines looking winsome, the girls are driving, too.
"It does seem like the cool thing to do," says Newcomb, from Danville, although she stresses that she was modifying her car (and changing her own oil) before the movie came out.