I’m proud of when American carmakers get it right. Unfortunately, it doesn’t happen nearly as much as I’d like. I’m not going to go into some long-winded diatribe on the state of health care and benefits in the US auto industry — that certainly isn’t helping matters — but GM, in particular, has to start making world-class cars that stand on their own four tires against the world’s best.

I believe the Corvette C6 does that. The performance variant, the Z06, is 505 horsepower of aluminum, magnesium, leather and ass-whuppin’. You want proof that GM is gunning for the best? Here are photos showing that GM is putting its super-duper duper car, the not-as-yet-officially-named Z07 against the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano.

Specs on the Z07? Nothing official yet, but we’re talking upwards of 600 horses. ‘Merican muscle may soon be back in a big, big way.

Source: Insideline via Autoblog

If there’s one thing I’m constantly saying, it’s that there isn’t enough bartering going on these days. Well, maybe this is the first time I’ve ever said it, but dammit, I mean it. We all did it as kids, right? Baseball cards, video games, I’ll show you, you show me. That kind of stuff. Well, Crumpler Bags is getting in on some of that action in a really cool way.

From June 9th - June 17th at it’s two Manhattan locations: 45 Spring St. and 49 8th Ave, Crumpler will be holding its second annual US Beer for Bags exchange-fest.

From a press release, details emerge:

A selection of the company’s messenger, laptop and photo bags will be offered in exchange for specific varieties and quantities of ale representing a saving of over 30%. One case of Coopers and four Fosters Oil Cans can be traded for a Barney Rustle Messenger bag (retail $95). A Moderate Embarrassment laptop satchel (retail $80) can be procured for two cases of Asahi and a packet of ramen noodles.

But that ain’t all. Follow THIS LINK for a spinning wheel exchange chart. Give it a read to know ahead of time what you’ll need to bring. And what will Crumpler do with the ale from the sale? Participants will be invited to a party afterwards to sample and appreciate the amber brew. The remainder will be donated to art, charity and sporting events. “It’s in our own interests to support others by spreading the beer love, otherwise Crumpler staff will end up with enormous beer bellies” quipped Crumpler spokesman John Thursday.

In addition to beer’s many, many uses, it’s now currency. Take advantage, one and all.

Carlos Toraño cigars are well known for their very fine, hand-crafted cigars. I’m a fan of smooth cigars with a mild to medium strength, and Toraño fits that bill perfectly. The brand dates all the way back to, well, 90 years ago. Accordingly, to celebrate this milestone, its limited edition Noventa has been released.

Each special edition Noventa is made from five-year-old Nicaraguan tobacco, and are aged in reserve until they reach their peak and have a wrapper and binder of Habano Nicaragua with a filler of Pueblo Nuevo, Esteli, Jalapa and Condega (Nicaraguan Regions). Cigar Aficionado describes it as very smooth, with a medium strength.

Check them out.