Ride Lust - Motion + Mobility

World's Fastest Cars

David — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Stub article for future use.

Car Logos

David — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Stub Pages: History Gallery

Corvette Models

David — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

will bee — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/fisker-still-on-track-to-deliver-karma-by-end-of-2009/

What Makes the Nissan GT-R the Ultimate Supercar?

will bee — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

What was surely one of the most hyped concept cars of 2007, the Nissan GT-R is now the most interesting car of 2008. As a supercar, as defined in a recent article here in Ridelust, the Nissan GT-R is one of the most technologically advanced, multi-purpose, and affordable performance cars on the road today. With its polished steel appearance and masculine, edgey design the GT-R is the natural result when form follows a well-focused philosophy of purpose. Philosophy Nissan approached their GT-R concept with the intended purpose of producing a performance driven vehicle that could be driven nearly anywhere and in a miriade of conditions. While the GT-R follows in the footsteps first layed out by the 1969 PGC10 GT-R and the designs to followed, the latest GT-R is the first model not to be derived off another Nissan model. It is not a dressed up, high-octane Skyline, like the tuner-cult favorite the R34, but a purpose driven coupe. The 2008 GT-R may carry some of the styling cues of its predicessors, but it truly is a one-off design focused on reaching exclusive status in levels of technology and performance. Nissan's Product Chief Designer for the GT-R, Hiroshi Hasegawa, described the vehicles philosophy best: What makes a Nissan GT-R boils down to two ideas: "design backed by function to realize exceptional performance," and "continuation of the original design heritage." A piece of that heritage can be seen here in this 1998 Skyline GT-R. Some supercar builders may look to mimic the designs of other cars in the market, but Nissan recognized their very own niche in the early development of the new GT-R. As they put it, the Nissan GT-R is very Japanese and would not be mistaken for the finessed lines of an Italian sports car or the muscular purpose of an American sports car.

Will the Make Hemp Legal Cause be Fueled by its Biodiesel Potential?

will bee — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Hemp has been around for ages and can be used to make a great many things. A simple rundown of products made form hemp are oils, lotions, rope, clothing, yarn, jewelry, and so forth. The misconception that hemp IS marijuana is still prevalent today and the average persons inability to distinguish the two plants led to its becoming illegal in the US. However, a number of factions are trying to change that legislation and to legalize hemp. Despite all the uses of hemp there is one use that may finally give hemp the surge it needs to become legal. The use of hemp for the production of biodiesel THE MAKE HEMP BIODIESEL LEGAL CROWD Unfortunately the proponents of Hemp Fuel do not have an appealing spokesperson to go with the cause, and for some strange and purely unrelated reason the advocates for Hemp Biodiesel sound like stoners. If you can make it through the Hemp for Peace song that Willie Nelson must have donated to the cause in exchange for weed check out the speaker that follows. He is a true believer. The use of Hempseed for biodiesel is not a new science as the HempCar sought to educate the general public during its national tour in 2001. As long as the growing of Hemp is illegal in the United States Hemp biodiesel is unlikely, but the philosophy that drives it has a lot of appeal. Another wise alternative to Big Oil that is only briefly touched on is the regionalization of biofuels as opposed the the large refinaries in isolated areas that we see today. By making biodiesel regionally the fuel stocks and the resulting diesel do not have to be trucked all over the country, thus adding more fuel savings to the process.

Saab Uses Human Cadavers in Crash Testing

will bee — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

test

Ryan — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

test

7 Car Gadgets To Pimp Your Ride

David — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Car Sandwich Maker

I know I've always wanted a Car Sandwich Maker handy so when I'm on a long trip I can make an amazing grilled cheese and tomato sandwich as the wind blows past me in my convertible. So this gadget sure hits the spot.

Flying Taxis to become reality in 2010?

David — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

The concept of flying cars is one that has enamored me since I was a kid. I believe the movie I saw that sparked this was

The Avcen Jetpod T-100 is a proposed flying taxi, a VQSTOL (Very Quiet Short Take-Off and Landing) vehicle that, if you believe the company that wants to produce it, could be airborne by 2010. It would be used as a transporter for groups of people between city centers and outlying areas such as airports rather than as a replacement for regular cars. That's a good thing, as I wouldn't trust most people behind the wheel of a small plane. But with a certified pilot, this could reduce congestion and make getting out of town a much easier affair. I'm skeptical, but we'll see how this pans out.

Source: Dvice

Sanyo and Volksawagon hookup for Hybrid Technology

David — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Sanyo and Volkswagen announced an agreement on Wednesday to make lithium-ion batteries for hybrid electric vehicles, turning up the competition in the field for energy-efficient cars. Sanyo intends to open a factory to make the batteries in 2010 and Volkswagen plans to introduce a car with them the same year, according to a Bloomberg report. The first car to get the batteries will be an Audi AG, Reuters reported.

Guys who drive 'Green Cars' get all the girls

David — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

According to a recent study

I was going to start my 5 part series on lunatic hypermiliers and the decline of western civilization today, but I got pulled over on my way to work, and now I’m writing about the poor state of our highway system

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Luxury Sedan for th

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

The Neoteric Hovercraft...

will bee — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

http://www.neoterichovercraft.com/products/priceList.php?assemblyClass=fully&action=assemblyClass&model=general&seatClass=sxs http://www.neoterichovercraft.com/general_info/questions_and_answers.htm Source[IGN]

10 Pages of Sizzling Hawt Corvette Girls

David — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

My recent appointment as resident ~~car buff~~ Corvette Girl expert here at Ridelust got me thinking. Ok, it got me looking. So without further ado I bring you after hours of intense research. 10 pages of Sizzling Hawt Corvette Girls.

The Diesel's are Coming! The Diesel's are Coming! ..But Where are They?

will bee — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Auto manufacturers have been saying for some time that diesels were on their way to the USA. American's have watched with curiousity why Europeans are so diesel friendly while we shutter at the memory of our own choking, sooted diesel past. However, now we are on the forefront of a new diesel age... a cleaner diesel age, and what do we have to show for it? ...Concepts and Promises. Back in my High School Days in the late 80's early 90's a friend of mine drove a hand-me-down VW Rabbit Diesel. As he was often my ride to places before I had my own license I would giggle, half in mockery and half in embarrassment, as we gagged, sputtered, clattered and shook our way down the road leaving plumes of exhaust at every traffic stop. For many living and driving during those times that is probably the shared image of diesels that has persisted for decades now. The times are changing though and diesels have changed right along with them... right under our noses too. Todays diesel fuel and diesel engines are cleaner than the past and they have done so without many of us noticing. By 2006 the US had sought to further clean up its diesel act by reducing the toxic sulfur levels that are emitted from the fuel after burning to 15ppm (parts per million). With a cleaner burning diesel you should see a peaking of interest in the fuel, but like most things diesel the change went unnoticed by most. Instead, just as the diesel discussion was ramping up again what most American's are seeing is a large price difference at the pump between diesel and gasoline. Looking at the fuel pumps in the South-Atlantic area where there is a price of $3.10/gallon for gasoline there is a competing price of $3.69/gallon for diesel. That is a considerable mark-up for fuel; especially in a nation where drivers are known for passing up multiple stations to find that one fuel stop that is selling gas at 2 cents cheaper per gallon than its competitors. A considerable reason for the increase in the price difference is the refining cost. Those refiners that we have producing diesel in this country require a longer refining time to produce the cleaner, low-sulfer diesel mandated by law. A longer refining time will slow the production levels and undoubtedly raise the cost of refining. One comparison of the price breakdown of fuels in 2005 showed it this way: "Helpfully, the EIA offers a breakdown of that $3.10-a-gallon diesel from October: 16 percent of the $3.10 goes to taxes, 10 percent to distribution and marketing, 29 percent for refining, 45 percent for crude oil."Compare that to the breakdown on a gallon of regular gas from October, which cost $2.72. Of that, 16 percent went to taxes, 18 percent to distribution and marketing, 15 percent to refining, 51 percent to crude oil." (Edmunds)Refining costs at that time were 29% for diesel while gasoline was at 15% of the price of fuel. One could speculate that the refining percentage of a gallon of diesel may have gone up a few percentage points in recent years. But do higher diesel prices mitigate the economic advantages of going diesel? With higher miles-per-gallon ratings on the projected diesel cars targeted for the US in the future will higher fuel prices cancel out the advantages of going diesel? And what about BioDiesel?If you are strictly speaking cars in the US there is one diesel listed as currently available and that is the Mercedez E320 Blutec Sedan. Looking at its highway comparison of its comperable gasoline variant you see a highway rating of 32mpg for diesel and 23mpg for gasoline. This is how a comparison of the two engine variants breaks down at the pump and in the cost of driving.

Diesel

Gasoline

While your travel distance is greater with the diesel engine of the Mercedes the cost of the diesel fuel in comarison to the gasoline only yields a .014 cent savings. And that fuel comparison does not take into account any cost difference between buying the car with the diesel engine compared to the gasoline. The Mercedes-Benz E320 ratings and cost savings may not be the rule, but as one of, if not the only, diesel car on the market it must be setting some standard that others are watching (Diesel Forum). My favorite comparison of diesel to gasoline ratings is the BMW 1-Series. An unfair comparison of the BMW 123d versus the sporty 135i brings about a completely different result when comparing the two engine costs of fueling:

123d M Sport

135i M Sport

Now these are purely our numbers with slightly fudged accuracy. The tank size is an estimate for the 1-Series, but that would not throw off our Cents per Mile results. Also, the US rating for the 135i is set at 25mpg, but generosity and probability bumped that up to a 28mpg rating (nit-pick all you wish). At the above ratings though you can see the BMW diesel, while less sporty by 100-hp than the 135i, arrives at a much more appealing fuel savings than the above Mercedes comparison (.051 cents). According to some diesel ,and inparticularly Biodiesel, is a viable means to combat the high fuel costs and our dependency on foreign oil. However, car companies are not embracing the biodiesel for use in their diesel engines part because there is little regulation on biodiesel at this time. A study performed on various distributers of B20 BioDiesel (20% bio/80% diesel) showed that there is a varying degree of biodiesel in the blend; ranging from 15% all the way up to 30%.

2005 Corvettte

David — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

About The 2005 Corvette Don’t worry there’s more Find out more information about Corvettes in our Corvette Resource Guide

will bee — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Has anyone else seen the new BP Commercials on tv lately?

Coal-to-Liquid Fuel Still on the Plate?

will bee — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

It was reported in China over the weekend that theÂ ChineseÂ governmentÂ would not be allotting any further funds to advance the research into turning coal into liquid gasoline or diesel. Noting that theÂ conversion of coal-to-liquid, and its use as a fuel, merely adds to the carbon and sulfur emissions that the exploration into alternative fuels should be seeking to remedy. So if a nation starving for energy and still producing Coal Power plants such as China has accepted the weakness of coal-to-liquid exploration, why is it still a topic in the United States Senate? Â

Auto Draft

MrAngry — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Auto Draft

MrAngry — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Auto Draft

MrAngry — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Arizona Dealerships Swindling Soldiers, Uncle Sam Not Happy With

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

According to reports from

Scion Tuner Cars: "United By

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In fanny-to-the-flame news, Toyota has announced plans to begin producing the Toyota Highlander six months earlier than originally planned. According to Steve St. Angelo, president of

The 2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

10 Cars Guranteed To Get You Laid...On A Budget

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Guranteed to get you laid for under $40,000. 1. Ford F-150 It's not a myth, big trucks with growling engines are a turn on. That having been said, they do NOT work if you're below 5'7" or attach truck nuts to the tow hitch. Then women will just peg you as a douchebag. 2. Hyundai Gensis 4.6 [$ Purposely styled to be resemble an ambiguous luxury sedan, the Hyundai Genesis is the car that was specifically engineered to deliever a full-size luxury sedan on an economy sedan budget. In the right light, the front grill could be mistaken for that of an S-class. Plus, the deathly quiet interior seems tailor-made for keeping an ear tuned for that slight increase in heartbeat and subtle panting that indicates arousal.

Today In History: Taxicabs Invade New York

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

On August 13, 1907, the first taxicabs rolled out onto the streets of New York City [Motto: "Hey Pal, Up Yours"]. The fleet, which numbered 600 strong and featured unique red and green paneling, was the product of an 8 million dollar leap of faith taken by New York Taxicab Company owner Henry N. Allen. Unaffiliated with the business until 1907, Allen founded the New York Taxicab Company after becoming enraged over a five dollar hansom cab fare for a three-quarter mile trip. According to Allen, "I got to brooding over this nighthawk. I made up my mind to start a service in New York and charge so-much per mile." And that's exactly what he did. After securing financial backing from numerous investors, Allen imported 600 gasoline-powered cars from France and began fitting drivers with their West Point-styled uniforms.

Today In History:

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Voted the Number 1 Worst Looking Vehicle for 2008 by MotorTrend, the Honda Ridgeline

Chrysler Financing Department: Screws You Without Even A Kiss First

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Planning on throwing t

The 2009 BMW Series-7

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

test

Alan Harten — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

T

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Maserati GT: End of an era?

Terry Parkhurst — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

There are two ways to look at the Maserati Gran Turismo: the best car Maserati has ever made and an extremely bit of bad timing. Both are perhaps correct.

Of course, with the Gran Turismo, you are buying more than a car itself; you’re buying a legacy. Its heritage stretches back 60 years ago, when the Modena manufacturer launched 58 models of the A6 Gran Turismo styled by Pininfarina. Ten years later, it was the turn of the first standard GranTurismo, the 3500 GT, a car which marked a turning point for the company as it shifted its attention from racing cars to road going production, turning out 1983 models of the 3500 GT in seven years.

Then, the Maserati Biturbo of the Eighties, which had a propensity for self-immolation, sullied the Maserati legacy. Additionally, its styling was reminiscent of a highly evolved Honda. Happily, those days are a distant memory.

The engine compartment houses the same 4.2-liter V8 engine (405 horsepower at 7100 rpm), capable of a top speed of over 175 mph, you’d find in the middle of a Ferrari F430. The cylinder head features chain-driven, double-overhead camshafts. And with acceleration of 0-62 in 5.2 seconds, an exciting drive and thrilling performance are guaranteed.

It is mated up to a ZF six-speed automatic that seems positively telepathic about the driver’s intentions, most especially using the paddle shifts, available for shifting on the steering wheel column. There is also the option of shifting via a center console; or if you simply want to worry about where you’re pointing this car, you can of course simply put it is “Drive” and go.

That wonderful engine is why the second way of looking at this car is perhaps accurate: mileage is just 13 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the open road. Of course, if you can afford to pay $118,525 for a car, maybe mileage doesn’t matter. Admittedly, this car would likely be a third, fourth or even fifth car in the right household.

The dash and the instrument panel are well laid out and user friendly. Like the salesman who gave a brief walk-around when we picked up this car from the service department of Ferrari/Maserati of Seattle said, “Italian cars tend to be pretty straight-forward on controls.”

The interior is not only slathered with all manner of well-tanned and colored leather, it is big: 51 cubic feet up front and 32 cubic feet in the rear. The back seat reminded one rear-seat passenger of mid-Sixties Thunderbirds, the ones that had a rear seat that looked like a sofa. That’s not a bad thing.

On the road, the only drawback seemed to be the steering, which is heavy on center. Perhaps much of that comes from the fact that this car weighs in at 4,374 pounds, which equates to 10.8 pounds per horsepower generated. However, there’s enough boost in the variable power assist that goes along with the rack-and-pinion, so it’s not much of a problem, even at the higher reaches of speed.

Which brings us to speed. Considering that we were responsible for providing $1 million of liability insurance for two-and-a-half days with this car, the fastest we got it was 80 mph. (Take note of someone else’s post here about how Porsche drivers can avoid prison to understand why.) Not only did it show that the sound of the engine at speed, with windows down, provides a better tune than anything on the radio, it also showed the grip on this car, and its ability to track, indicates that its nickname should be “Tenacious-M.”

For the record, the suspension, which allows such performance, consists of unequal control arms up front, coupled with coil springs and an anti-roll bar. In the rear, you’d also find coil springs and an anti-roll bar; however, the unequal length control arms are this time coupled with a toe-in control link. That latter item gives the Maserati an unnerving ability to recover from a power-on oversteer situation.

The exterior of this car looks good in side view and from the rear. The front end, with the large chrome trident that is the long-time symbol of Maserati – found also on the sides of the roof – rest inside a front air intake that seems better suited to a vintage vacuum cleaner. But given the air needs of the engine, form probably follows function here.

What of the future for this car? Well, consider this. The success of the Maserati GranTurismo is now well established. The high-performance sports car from the House of Trident continues to amaze and captivate the international market. Its world début in Geneva nine months ago has been followed by launches in each of the 59 countries in the Maserati network. The launch program was completed at the end of the year with the introduction of right-hand drive. The end of 2007 found the GranTurismo parked in the garages of no fewer than 1326 customers, with orders totaling 2333.

“The sign of a first rate intelligence,” F Scott Fitzgerald once said, “Is the ability to hold two conflicting thoughts, at the same time.”

Maybe the same things apply to cars, and if so, consider the Maserati GT the ultimate paradox, as well as one grand performer. – Terry Parkhurst

There are two ways to look at the Maserati Gran Turismo: the best car Maserati has ever made and an extremely bit of bad timing. Both are perhaps correct.

“The sign of a first rate intelligence,” F Scott Fitzgerald once said, “Is the ability to hold two conflicting thoughts, at the same time.”

Maybe the same things apply to cars, and if so, consider the Maserati GT the ultimate paradox, as well as one grand performer. – Terry Parkhurst

Maserati GT: End of an era or start of a new one?

Terry Parkhurst — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

There are two ways to look at the Maserati Gran Turismo: the best car Maserati has ever made and an extremely bit of bad timing. Both are perhaps correct.

“The sign of a first rate intelligence,” F Scott Fitzgerald once said, “Is the ability to hold two conflicting thoughts, at the same time.”

Maybe the same things apply to cars, and if so, consider the Maserati GT the ultimate paradox, as well as one grand performer. – Terry Parkhurst

Maserati GT: benchwater mark of a marque

Terry Parkhurst — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

There are two ways to look at the Maserati Gran Turismo: the best car Maserati has ever made and an extreme bit of bad timing. Both are perhaps correct.

“The sign of a first rate intelligence,” F Scott Fitzgerald once said, “Is the ability to hold two conflicting thoughts, at the same time.”

Maybe the same things apply to cars, and if so, consider the Maserati GT the ultimate paradox, as well as one grand performer. – Terry Parkhurst

Maserati GT:running fast, while the world runs on empty

Terry Parkhurst — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

There are two ways to look at the Maserati Gran Turismo: the best car Maserati has ever made and an extremely bad bit of timing. Both are perhaps correct.

The Maserati Biturbo of the Eighties, which had a propensity for self-immolation, sullied the Maserati legacy. Additionally, its styling was reminiscent of a highly evolved Honda. Happily, those days are a distant memory.

That engine is why the second way of looking at this car is perhaps accurate: mileage is just 13 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the open road. Of course, if you can afford to pay $118,525 for a car, maybe mileage doesn’t matter. Admittedly, this car would likely be a third, fourth or even fifth car in the right household.

Considering that we were responsible for providing $1 million of liability insurance for two-and-a-half days with this car, the fastest we got it was 80 mph. Not only did it show that the sound of the engine at speed, with windows down, provides a better tune than anything on the radio, it also showed the grip on this car, and its ability to track, indicates that its nickname should be “Tenacious-M.”

What of the future for this car? Well, consider this. The success of the Maserati GranTurismo is now well established. The high-performance sports car from the House of Trident continues to amaze and captivate the international market. Its world début in Geneva almost a year ago has been followed by launches in each of the 59 countries in the Maserati network. The launch program was completed at the end of the year with the introduction of right-hand drive. The end of 2007 found the GranTurismo parked in the garages of no fewer than 1326 customers, with orders totaling 2333.

“The sign of a first rate intelligence,” F Scott Fitzgerald once said, “Is the ability to hold two conflicting thoughts, at the same time.”

Maybe the same things apply to cars, and if so, consider the Maserati GT the ultimate paradox: a first rate car with a prodigious capacity for fuel, in a world thirsty for petroleum. - Terry Parkhurst

Maserati GT: Running fast, while the world runs on empty

Terry Parkhurst — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

There are two ways to look at the Maserati Gran Turismo: the best car Maserati has ever made and an extremely bad bit of timing. Both are perhaps correct.

The engine is why the second way of looking at this car is perhaps accurate: mileage is just 13 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the open road. Of course, if you can afford to pay $118,525 for a car, maybe mileage doesn’t matter. Admittedly, this car would likely be a third, fourth or even fifth car in the right household.

What of the future for this car? Well, consider this. The success of the Maserati GranTurismo is now well established. The high-performance sports car from the House of Trident continues to amaze and captivate the international market. Its world début in Geneva almost a year ago has been followed by launches in each of the 59 countries in the Maserati network. The launch program was completed at the end of the year with the introduction of right-hand drive. The end of 2007 found the GranTurismo parked in the garages of no fewer than 1326 customers, with orders totaling 2333.

Maserati is reportedly working on cars designed to run on bio-fuels. It likely won't come a moment too soon. - Terry Parkhurst

A Marraige Over Before It Began

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In a contest hosted by Law & Order magazine, a Newport News police car took first place for best visual design. The squad car, a 2008 Dodge Magnum (or, "Man Wagon"), is used by

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Daniel Simon is an automotive futurist. He's interned with Lamborghini and worked on concept cars for VW. But the auto industry -- indeed, the galaxy -- could not contain his imagination. In a time of all talk and no action by car companies promising us the car of the future, Simon's new book Cosmic Motors: Spaceships, Cars and Pilots of Another Galaxy satisfies our future-lust with hyper-real fetish vehicles. Most artist renderings of futuristic vehicles are so outlandish they verge on cartoonish. Simon avoids that trap by incorporating automotive and industrial touchstones -- steering wheels, rivets, turbines -- everyone can recognize. It feels like you could reach out and touch them. Click through the gallery to check out these amazing vehicles and the stories behind them. Left: Simon hasn't just created cool vehicles, he's created an elaborate back story for them. Most are built by Cosmic Motors, which could be called the General Motors of Nembi, a planet in the distant galaxy Galaxion. The Camarudo is CoMo's first vehicle, built from parts salvaged from wrecked cargo ships. Its small size and nimble handling made it the perfect vehicle for hunting, and CoMo adapted them to racing. Many famous pilots started their careers flying them on Oosfera.

Wentz Falls Out Range Rover HSE

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Ashlee Simpson's baby daddy Pete Wentz has been spotted recently cruising to lamaze classes in a murdered out Ranger Rover HSE. Besides knocking up Simpson duckling Ashlee, we had to take a quick Google refresher course on why anybody cares what he's driving. What we found: Wentz plays like 6th back-up guitar for Chicago-based band, Fall Out Boy [whose song "Sugar We're Going Down" one staffer -cough - guilty admits to loving the hell out of]. He's also managed to land a gig as host for MTV's spartan attempt at getting back to the "music" part of "music televsion", FNMTV.

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I'm generally not a big fan of drifting. The race track is hallowed ground, not a silly slip and slide. I prefer high speed, but the guys at iMotor may be on to something. They took a Maybach 62 S, not exactly the car you think of when you picture drifting, sat in the backseat, drank some champagne, and had their driver drift them around. That’s living. The 612 hp the Maybach puts out should really be used to go fast, but the novelty of seeing a 6,000 pound car sliding sideways around curves while a tuxedoed man smokes a fine cuban cigar in the backseat is just too fantastic to pass up.

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

September marks the begining of a new school year

Disney's Lolita Du Jour Miley Cyrus Drops

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Reader Ride Lust: Dan's Cherry '73 Corvette

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Ford Flex Ad Campaign Gets Down And Dirty With DJ Sqeek E. Clean

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Top 10 Conversation Starters

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

A few months back, I penned two lists intended to serve as a guidebook for every misguided Lothario I've seen executing the gangster lean in a car ill-suited for his lady-killing intent. The first was entitled "10 Cars That Are Guranteed To Get You Laid" and, I admit, read pretty much like Forbes' list of the world's most expensive cars. Wishing to include the average guy in the pussy party [yeah I know, it was late, the alliteration sounded good, jump off my back], I then created "10 Cars That Are Guranteed To Get You Laid [On A Budget]." The overwhelming response from auto blogs and social media sites for both lists heavily suggested that were this Salem, MA circa 1690, I'd have been politely escorted to the smoking section. Although the original list managed to snag the attention of the gear gods at Jalopnik [a big honor given my private worship at the feet of their collective hiliarousness], the experience as a whole led me to conclude that 1.) blogging is not for pussies and 2.) dry sarcasm is immediately mistaken for vapidness unless you're a militant feminist [and then your content is just ignored altogether because no one really gives a shit about your daddy issues]. Anyway, the other day I was stopped at a stoplight and when my gaze casually wandered to my immediate left, I found myself recieving a heated come hither look from an admittedly damn good looking guy in a huge white Escalade. Returning the gaze, I checked out his ride and as much of him as I could and found myself thinking, "The only thing he's missing is a pair of Dolce & Gabanna shades. What a douchebag." Then I remembered the list I'd written, and how the Cadillac Escalade had made the number 10 spot, and I realized that both of those lists were true - I personally know girls that would have jumped the bones of Smoke ManMuscle in his 'Lade. There are some girls, however, that look at a yellow Ferrari or chromed out Escalade and are completely unimpressed with it as a status symbol. Girls like that have a little more substance to them and are generally a little harder to impress. To catch their eye, you have to be a little intriging, thought-provoking, but the payoff will be worth it if you score. You don't have to hold a masters in French Literature, but you will have With these 10 rides, I can't gurantee you that you'll get laid, but I can gurantee that you'll at least have a good conversation starter and, more than likely, a solid foot in the door. So I can't gurantee you that any of these rides will get you laid, as a matter of fact, a lot of these rides might even wind up getting you the appreciative attention of a few dudes But I can gurantee that, at the very least, Toyota Prius Purposely saved for last so I can immediately shower in scalding hot water after writing this, number 10 on my list - I begrudingly admit- is the Toyota Prius. If you're single, under 35, and reasonably attractive, driving a Prius will turn a few heads. Although the unsuccesful first generation Honda Insight deserves earns credit as the first hybrid trailblazer, the Toyota Prius is an innovation in its own right. Unfortunately, the tendency of Prius owners to openly scorn drivers of traditional gasoline-powered vehicles as earned the Prius an elitist stigma. If you play your cards right, you might manage to coax that skittish girl brunette at the library out for a soy-based dinner.

Minor Car Repair On The Cheap, A Jury-Rigging Tutorial

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I would imagine that Goofus drives something similiar to the Mirth Mobile whereas Gallant lives with his brunette wife and two children in a co-op in Seattle. I personally woud date neither of them, opting instead for the guy who penned Highlight Magazine's "Riddle Page", but that's neither here nor there. Most cars manufactured prior to around 1997 have gunmetal gray or black rubber bumpers and weather stripping as opposed to the monotone trim level seen on cars today. Over the years, the black will fade to gray, and the gray will discolor to the point where it looks white washed in places. Gallant would hit up Home Depot and buy a waterproof rubberized spray paint, painter's tape, and a pack of 500 grade wet sandpaper. Then he'd find a shaded area and devot 6-8 hours meticuously repainting the rubber trim. Goofus would buy a 4 dollar bottle of Armor All Tire Wet Shine, spend about 20 minutes coating the bumpers and weather stripping with it, and then smoke some dope. Sometimes, minor things break that cost major money to repair. Fluid leakage, for example, can be a nightmare to fix. If you notice stains on the pavement beneath your car, your first order of business is to determine what the fluid is that's leaking before you can determine whether or not you should begin to panic. To begin troubleshooting, park your car on a completely flat surface directly above a white sheet [or essentially anything white in color]. If you aren't sure where the leak is, make sure the sheet is large enough to span the full perimeter of the car's front underbelly. If you aren't sure how rapid or serious the leak is, leave your car parked above the sheet overnight or for at least 4 hours. Then, back you car off the sheet, careful to leave the sheet in place, and inspect the stains. The most common fluid leaks are usually either engine oil or transmission fluid, and those can be the most costly to repair too. Engine oil should be anywhere from light tan to dark coffee in color whereas transaxle fluid will be a deep, raspberry red. Engine oil can easily be blown by air flow to the transaxle, so unless there's a consistant, concentrated deposit of it in one place, a few oil flecks here and there aren't anything to lose sleep over. A transaxle fluid leak, on the other hand, could be a problem. If you have a manual transaxle, a leak could just mean there's an excessive amount of lubricant in the transaxle, which is easy enough to drain by yourself. For both automatic and manual transaxles, however, a fluid leak could also mean a worn rubber sealant or faulty speed sensor connection. Neither of those are difficult to repair, but unless you have the equipment to lift your transmission out of your car by yourself, you're going to have to send it to the shop. Now herein lies the problem: let's say you drive, oh, I don't know, a 1996 Volvo 850. In excellent condition [which yours is], the Kelley Blue Book value of your car is about 4k. You will find, however, that even something as simple as replacing a $20 rubber sealant will rack up about a $5k repair bill, and you know why? You're paying for labor. Like I said, fixing a cracked sealant or tightening a mount bolt isn't diffuclt, but if you want to do anything other than fondly admire a car's transmission, i thas to be hauled out of the car - and that's labor intensive. So that 5k bill is mostly for labor, and you'll find that even the cheapest estimate will still run in the 4k range. So what do you do? Well, Gallant would either pay to have the car fixed or junk it and buy a new one because Gallant has a steady job with good benefits that keep his bank account heavily padded. Goofus, on the other hand, is still working his way through college and can't afford to repair it, so he would shift it into neutral and coast into the nearest delaership, offering it as a trade-in. Unfortunately, Goofus is a broke college student with minimal credit history, and can't qualify for an auto loan with a monthly rate he can afford. So Goofus then rolls downhill to his nearest Auto Zone and buys a case of transmission fluid [which will cost aboout $40-$50], a transmission funnel, and a drip pan. Goofus then tops of the transmission fluid and each night after he arrives home for the eveneing, he places the drip pan underneath the transmission to catch the runoff. In the morning, Goofus funnels the runoff back into the transmission, recycling the same fluid for about a month before opening a new bottle. Goofus continues to do this over the next six months while he saves up money for a down payment, working odd jobs as a promotional model for auto shows and car magazines. Then, a few months before Goofus finally has enough money to buy the Volvo S80 of his dreams, his transmission finally throws in the towel and stalls in the middle of Broad Street in downtown Philadelphia. While waiting for the police to arrive, three very kind men who were on their way to work stop and help Goofus push his dead ride into a parking space and out of the flow of traffic. No longer stuck in the middle of the street, Goofus has a chance to gather his bearings and realizes that he is now alone in an unsavory part of town, wearing high heels and a cleavage-bearing dress [Goofus is in to that kind of thing]. Having seen one too many Death Wish movies in his youth, Goofus procedes to lose all sembelance of grace under pressure and, by the time he is connected with an operator at Triple A, can barely give them an understandable address so jagged are his sobs. After hanging up with the operator, Goofus nervously checks his watch and realizes that approximately 30 minutes have passed and the police have still not arrived, and now, thanks to his hysterical crying, he has managed to snag the unwelcome attention of what appears to be a group of inner-city substance abusers. Utterly at a loss as to what to do and the most terrified he has ever been in all his 20-something years on this earth, Goofus begins assesing various items in his car for their usefulness as possible assault weapons. After ultimately deciding that if it came down to it, he'd have to pretty much rely on hand to hand combat, Goofus hears the growling of a deisel engine and turns to see the towtruck guy from AAA chugging down the street. So grateful was he that the man showed up so quickly, he very seriously considered jumping into the man's arms and hugging him, but ulimtately thouht better of it. So Goofus has his car towed to the local garage and spends the money he had been saving for a new car on the repairs for his old one. The condition of the car had worsened since Goofus had gotten his first estimate, and the cost of repairs were now almost double what they had been originally. So Goofus empties his savings and does what Gallant did months ago. Two weeks later, as Goofus drives his Volvo home from the shop, he hears a clunking in the right front wheel that wasn't there before. Hanging a U-y and heading straight back to the shop, he tells the chief mechanic that his car wasn't making that sound before and he'd like to know what, pardon his french, the fuck is going on? Looking him dead in the eye, the same man who just got finished taking close to 10 grand from him said, "Well, it's probably a loose front strut, if you want to leave it with us we can take a look at it and see how much it'll cost to repair it." Before Goofus did something stupid like attempt to commit vehicular manslaughter, he politely declined the offer, and, after leaving the shop, vowed he would never bring his car back to that shop, even under threat of torture...Which brings me to my third troubleshotting tip: Knocking or clunking in the wheel well.

Ride Law #1: Thou Shalt Not Drive Matching Rides

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

A few months ago, a friend [whom, in acquiescence to his request for anonymity, I'll refer to simply as "Michael Allen Caruthers"] of mine traded in his decrepit Toyota pick-up for a brand new, bright red 2008 Toyota Tundra. He's so proud of that truck, he's volunteered to help move 6 different people [one across two state lines] just so all and sundry could bask in the power that is his [towing] package. Everyone humors Mike because in my circle of friends, the creed we tend to live by is "Whatever it takes, to have pride in your ride." Unfortunately, Mike's thunder has been sufficiently stolen by his girlfriend, who has not only broken Ride Law #1, but also largely inspired it's creation. You see, Michael's girlfriend bought a new car the other day, a 2008 Toyota Matrix. A brand new one. A bright red one. "Now we match!" She giggled at the bar last night, "It's so cute." It took 4 grown men to wrestle the muzzle of the gun from Mike's mouth. So without further ado, on behalf of RideLust et al, I the undersigned, heretofore known as Suzanne Denbow, on August the twenty-eighth day in the year our Lord A.D. 2008, do hereby declare the passage of the first Ride Law: Under no circumstances should any able-bodied, right-minded male ever purposefully drive, purchase, or own a vehicle bearing any similiary in year, make, model, or color to that of the vehicle driven, purchased, or owned by his spouse, partner, or lover. Should any citizen find himself in violation of Ride Law #1, he must immediately rid himself of either the wheels or the woman. Failure to immediately comply could result in an eternity of matching polo shirts and/or couples' yoga classes. So it is written, so shall it be done.

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Last week, we wrote about the internal power shift at Chrsyler LLC and how Ralph Gilles, the new design cheif, was planning to turn the Chrsyler image on its ear. We briefly mentioned the redesigned interior of the new Dodge Ram 1500 its representation of the changes that are to come. We felt it deserved another look, however, because the 2009 Ram 1500 recieved more than an internal flushing - it got a whole new, 21st century makeover. Obviously, the first change that has been noticed the most relates to the interior. Chrysler has an unforunate history of internal designs that are just plain ugly, but the Ram 1500 breaks completely free from that.

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Earlier today, we posted about Hennessey Performance's Dodge Challenger SRT600 and its superior HPE600 Turbo performance package. Well, we were so amazed with what those guys over at HP have done with sports cars, that we decided to highlight a few other of their downright sick creations.

Ferrari F430 Berlinetta Spotted In Parking Lot

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Intent on taking advantage of Labor Day blowout sales, I hit up Dick's [sport goods store, guys, sporting goods store] yesterday and found this little beauty in the parking lot. A Ferrari F430 Berlinetta.

Volvo's C30 updates heritage with a twist

Terry Parkhurst — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Way back in 1970, now defunct American Motors lopped 18 inches off a car they sold called the Hornet, fitted the end result with a rear end that included a hatch-back lifting rear window and door and called the result the Gremlin. It was their way of rushing to the fore and beating the then Big Three with a domestic produced compact. It sold well initially and soldiered on for 9 years, before succumbing to a lack of product upgrades and changing market.

That bit of automotive history recalls the more recent entry of Volvo into competition with the likes of the Volkswagen GTI and the Dodge Caliber with a much more modern hatchback, its C30. If you take the Volvo S40 sedan, lop off about 8.5 inches from the rear and put a hatchback at the rear, you’d have the basic idea behind the S30. But when you see it in person, it’s much more eloquent than that.

Probably the most accurate historic precedent is Volvo’s own venerable 1800ES, produced circa 1972-‘73. At the time, it was considered a mini-station wagon; but in truth, it was a hatchback, with an all glass rear hatch with a handle to open it, stuck right on the glass. Elegant it was but it sold poorly then, although now it is amongst the most collectible of Volvos, with the high value of a 1972 or ’73 1800ES set at $18,100, according to the NADA Classic, Collectible and Special Interest Appraisal Guide and Directory.

The C30 has an almost identical all glass hatch lid at the back. It not only looks timeless, but you can lift or lower it with the touch of just two fingers.

The interior of the C30 has a center console that is reminiscent of modern Swedish furniture design. There a space behind the expanse of brushed aluminum that sweeps down, houses the sound system and HVAC controls, and finally goes up and over the transmission tunnel. Certainly, Charles Eames could not have done better.

What differentiates the interior’s modernity from the pack of confusing HVAC controls that seem standard on most Japanese and German cars these days, is the simplicity of that old standard, the control knob. Fan speed and temperature, along with sound sytem volume and tuning, are four major knobs, with a grid of small buttons occupying the space in between.

The rear deck has “T5” emblazoned upon it. It stands for the turbocharged DOHC (double-overhead camshafts, belt driven) 2.4-liter five-cylinder engine whiuch powers the C30; producing 227 horsepower and 236lb.-ft. of torque. Five-cylinder engines can sometimes be rough at idle and sounding peculiar at speed, the result of the uneven cylinder count, hard to counterbalance with even the best crankshaft; however, the engine in the C30 T-5 seemed generally smooth on the uptake and at idle. For that, Volvo deserves kudos.

The Borg-Warner KO4 turbocharger is a light pressure unit, producing just 0.53 atmosphere at full boost. The result is that you feel it coming on in a very linear and full way, in the lower gears; in fact, wheel spin is pretty easily induced, coming off the line. However, things seem to peter out when you row the gearbox into the higher gears, at legal speeds.

The C30 is available only as a front-wheel drive car; and in that sense, it is the perfect counterpoint to the VW GTI. (The GTI’s silbing, the R32, is all-wheel-drive.) It’s hauling 3,201 pounds versus 3,155 pounds of the GTI.

The C30 will ratchet up from a standing start to 60 miles-per-hour in about 6 seconds – Volvo says 6.2 seconds, to be exact. That’s not bad but certainly tuners would want more. In fact, the tuner market is exactly the one Volvo would like to explore with this car; however, only Volvo aftermarket parts supplier IPD has explored that with the C30 (see www.ipdusa.com)

The close-ratio, six-speed manual transmission has a decidely mechanistic feel to it. This after, all is a Volvo and they still seem to be built in a more sturdy manner than most cars. But the clutch has lmited travel and feels overmechanized. If you are not used to a manual transmission, you might feel a bit challenged; if that’s the case for $1,250 you can get a five-speed automatic transmission instead.

The suspension consists of independent struts, located by control arms, coupled with coil springs and an anti-roll bars, up front; followed by independent suspension in the rear, consisting of one trailing link and two lateral links, per side, coupled with coil springs and an anti-roll bars.

The damping on the shocks is set up for a bit better straightahead cruising, than the GTI. Driving over expansion joints is less jarring, and yet, handling is still pretty good. The Volvo feels more substantial and bigger than it is (103. 9 inches, wheelbase; 70.2 inches wide; and 57 inches of height).

Volvo has struggled in North America of late, since the cars are built in a country using a currency that is much stronger than our dollar; but the cars are sold and paid for, using that dollar. In fact, Volvo announced, a few weeks back, that it plans to close as much as 30 percent of its dealerships. Long time dealerships, such as one in Baltimore, Maryland, have already been shuttered.

The C30 we drove listed at $25,700; but that included options such as: metallic paint at $475; front fog lights at $295; sport gear shift knob at $100; sport steering wheel at $150; cruise control at $185; and a set of body modifications costing $300. You might want to consider buying a C30 sans all the add-ons – do you really need cruise control on a sport hatch? – and adding your own body modifications kit, as time and money allow.

The C30 coupe is hoped to achieve sales of just 8,000 cars, which comes out to one of every 10 Volvos sold. Of course, if you’re a collector, the fewer sold the better, eh? - Terry Parkhurst

[caption id="attachment_4206" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="The rear hatch of the C30 features window with no faming - just as was done in 1972-'73 with the Volvo 1800ES. (Photo by Terry Parkhurst) "][/caption]

50 Most Reliable & Dependable Cars of All Time

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

1. Acura Integra 2. Acura Legend 3. Acura MDX 4. Acura RL 5. Acura TSX 6. BMW M3 7. BMW 5-series 8. Chevrolet Silverado 9. Chevrolet Suburban 10. Ford Escort 11. Ford Fiesta 12. Honda Accord 13. Honda Civic 14. Honda CR-V 15. Honda Odyssey 16. Honda S2000 17. Hyundai Sonata 18. Infiniti G35 19. Infiniti I30 20. Infiniti I35 21. Isuzu Trooper 22. Jaguar X-Type 23. Lexus ES 24. Lexus LS 25. Lexus SC 26. Lincoln Town Car 27. Mazda Miata 28. Mazda3 29. Mercedes-Benz E-Class 30. Nissan Maxima 31. Porsche 911 32. Porsche Boxster 33. Saab 900-series 34. Scion tC 35. Subaru Forester 36. Subaru Outback 37. Subaru Legacy 38. Toyota Camry 39. Toyota Celica 40. Toyota Corolla 41. Toyota Land Cruiser 42. Toyota RAV-4 43. Toyota Tundra 44. Toyota 4Runner 45. Volkswagen Beetle/Bug 46. Volvo 240 Introduced by Volvo in 1975, the Volvo 240's were so renowned for the safety and durability that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of the U.S. Government purchased a fleet of them for use as the safety standard against which all new cars in the U.S. market where compared. In 1982, the 200 series Volvo's were replaced by the 700 series, bringing us the next vehicle on our list: 47. Volvo 700-series 48. Volvo 850 Introduced in 1991, the Volvo 850 4-dr sedan and the Volvo 960 were the two safety kings that ruled the 90's. The Volvo 850 was the first car in the world to be outfitted with a side airbag that served to supplement the side-impact protections system [SIPS], which, like its brother the 960, earned the 850 the Prince Michael Road Safety Award. In 1994, the Volvo 850 was again given the spotlight when it was awarded one of the most coveted prizes in the industry by the Ministry of Trade and Industry in Japan, the Good Design Grand Prize. Also in 1994, as well as in 1995, the Volvo 850 4-dr sedan was voted by two seperate American safety institutions, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the Highway Loss Data Institute as the safest car on the market. It's crowning achievement however, and what ultimately earned both the Volvo 960 and 850 premium spots on our list, was the offer put forth by Volvo for the 1996 model year. So confident was Volvo in the safey and security of both the 850 and 960, in 1996, Volvo offered a $250,000 Accidental Loss of Life insurance policy on all 1996 Volvo 850 and 960 models. The policy, which was valid up to 48 months after the original purchase, guranteed that Volvo would pay anywhere from $250,000 up to $1,000,000 to the estate of any occupant who lost his or her life during an accident while riding in any '96 model. There were no collectors. If you ask us, that's pretty badass. 49. Volvo 960 The Volvo 960 wagon was introduced by Volvo in 1990 and was the first vehicle an integrated child booster cushion, a safety feature which earned the 960 the Prince Michael Road Safety Award as well as the Auto Car & Motor Award for most innovative safety feature. 50. Volvo S60

Today In History: Six Cylnder Love

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

The article we shared earlier about resourceful residents in Arizona manufacturing their own homemade brand of alternative fuel go us thinking: exactly how easy is it to brew your own biodiesel? If done correctly, it's actually relatively simple. 1. What Biodiesel Is Before you begin, you need at least a rudimentary understanding the chemical process and technical terms used when creating biodiesel. To manufacture biodiesel, the three primary ingredients you will need are vegetable oil, alcohol, and a lye catalyst. For alcohol, either Ethanol [EtOH] or Methanol [MeOH] can be used. Ethanol is plant-based and in theory, the distillation is do-it-yourself. However, the distillation of Ethanol is not an easy process and if you're a beginner, it leaves a rather large margin of error. Methanol, on the other hand, is much easier to use and is widely recommended for first-timers. Since pure Methanol is created via an industrial process, it is virtually impossible to distill it by yourself - but it's very inexpensive and relatively easy to obtain in bulk. For a lye catalyst, there are two options: KOH [potassium hydroxide] or NaOH [sodium hydroxide]. Several sources that we checked out recommended NaOH primarily because it was incredibly easy to find in pure form by purchasing Red Devil-brand drain cleaner. Unforuntely, Red Devil is no longer sold in the United States and similiar brands like Drano and ZEP only contain about 50% NaOH. More current sources now recommend the use of KOH; it's easier to obtain and is even used by commercial biodiesel manufacturers for the higher-quality product it yeilds. Biodiesel itself is composed of triglcerides, three chains of fatty acids joined by a glycerine molecule. During the process of creating biofuel, using lye as catalyst, the glycerine molecule is replaced by methanol, forming fatty acid methyl esters [FAME, also the technical name which biodiesel is referred to]. When the chemicals react, the glyercine sinks to the bottom of the mixture while the alcohol [or biodiesel] rises to the top, allowing it to be syphoned off. The entire process is known as transesterification. 2. Potential HAZARDS HAZARDS to YOU:

"Biggest little city in the world" hosts ultimate street rod auction

Terry Parkhurst — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id="attachment_3673" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="A bid of $36,000 took this little '58 BMW Isetta home to Florida; it stood out amidst the sreet rods and muscle cars at Hot August Nights. (Photo courtesy of Goldenberg Enterprises.) "][/caption]

Hot August Nights (HAN) just held its 22^nd celebration of automobiles and rock-and-roll music – a complete week of cruises up-and-down Virginia Street, a swap meet at the old cattle stall on the out-skirts of town, a car show across from the Atlantis Casino and a collector car auction, across the street from the casino.

Since the audience for this major money maker for the self-advertised “biggest little city in the world,” Reno, is aging Baby Boomers, the musical acts last week included one of those groups perhaps best left in the Sixties, Herman’s Hermits, and what’s left of the Beach Boys (Mike Love, Bruce Johnston and some studio musicians; it seems.)

But for those of us caught sweating both the heat of summer and the price of gas, around the country, the real news was what occurred within the Reno-Sparks Convention Center. It was there that Silver Auctions, headed by Mitch Silver based in Spokane, Washington, staged a four day collector car auction; that has become the benchmark auction for street rod and muscle car values.

Certainly, there are those who might debate that, given the fame garnered Barrett-Jackson on SPEED. However, those in the know understand that Barrett-Jackson is really an anomaly fuelled by foreign money for the most part. Silver’s auctions pulls the real car guys (and gals), living across the U.S. of A, who grew up with street rods, maybe made their money in construction and what to add to their rolling stock, or get back into the vintage car or street rod hobby.

Moreover, this isn’t an auction such as those being held during the Monterey Historic Weekend, on the Monterey peninsula in California. There isn’t a small fleet of business jets coming in, bearing people trading in Euros. The folks at Hot August Nights probably either drove here in a piece of vintage American iron, or piloted an RV to the RV park on the outskirts of Reno; or failing all that, flew in on Southwest Airlines (the auctioneers’ airline of choice).

Within the market for street rods, there’s a range of prices here. The 1932 Chevrolet five-window coupe which sold for $51,000 (plus an 8 percent buyer’s fee) on Friday night represents the higher end; but then, this wasn’t just a randomly thrown together car.

Ron Attebury of Attebury Street Rods in Morgan Hill, CA. Custom paint and upholstery built the Chevrolet. Real steel counts a lot in the street rod world and this car had a lot of that. The main body was original metal, albeit with a top lowered two inches. The frame was original steel; however, the fenders were fiberglass with stainless steel fasteners. The hood was aluminum, fitted with removable side panels. Back in the rear, the taillights were both recessed and molded into the body. The fenders were “bobbed and tubbed,” street rod-speak for shortened and rolled into the underbody.

The engine was the ubiquitous (in street rod circles) 350 cubic-inch Chevrolet V8, a recent variant of ZZ4 code, set up to run with an aftermarket fuel injection system; backing it up was an “350” General Motors automatic transmission.

The front end consisted of a Mustang II front end – probably the only part of that car that survives for the most part – and an independent rear suspension, consisting of a Corvette third member with inboard disc brakes. Coil-over shock absorbers were fitted at all four corners. And while with muscle cars, documentation helps, in the street rod world awards garnered shows the work involved is worth bidding on. In this case, the car had garnered a second place win at the 2000 Grand National Roadster Show in the Full Fender category.

While this was a little less than you might have seen similar cars in years past at HAN, it was much more than a kit car T-bucket street rod, sporting an in-line four cylinder engine of indeterminate manufacture yielded. The T-bucket rolled onto the docket on Saturday evening and sold for just $8,100, plus buyer’s fee.

But this auction also gets a fair amount of distinctly non-American iron. David Goldenberg, a collector car dealer from West Linn, Oregon brought a 1958 BMW Isetta and a 1963 Triumph TR4 to this auction. Two years ago, he sold a very similar car, a 1957 BMW Isetta, at Hot August Nights, for a commanding price of $38,500 (plus a buyer’s fee, which was 6 percent, at that time).

This year, Goldenberg sold the Isetta he brought to a man from Florida, who’d actually been bidding on the car Isetta, brought to Reno, two years ago.

Goldenberg, who like the sellers most involved in the bidding process, stays close to his cars and lets the auctioneer know how he feels about the bids being offered; as well as whether or not he wants to drop his reserve (a set price which the auctioneer must meet to ensure a sale), on cars where he has established a reserve.

“He would have (likely) paid more, but we didn’t know how far he’d to push him.”

The Triumph TR4 roadster was a two-owner car, painted red with a black interior; and most importantly, it had just 86,000 (actual) miles of use, since new. Documentation established that the car was bought new in Van Nuys, California; and somehow, it made its way up to its second owner in Oregon, a few years later.

The Triumph brought $20,750 (plus 8 percent buyer’s fee) and Goldenberg said he felt it could have brought more. Consider this: the average value for a 1964 Triumph TR4 roadster, according to the current edition of the NADA (National Auto Dealers Association) Classic, Collectible and Special Interest Appraisal Guide is $14,150; and the high value is $25,700. So he might have a point.

But the bids that took cars home seemed a bit lower than in years past at this auction – good news for those wanting to get in a vintage muscle car or street rod, not such for those selling.

Friday afternoon – the same time and day, Goldenberg offered his cars – saw a 1969 Plymouth GTX two door hardtop, in condition two (combination of good original pieces and some restorative work) sell for $32,000. That was followed, two cars later, by a 1956 Chevrolet series 210 sedan, with just 17,000 original miles, and sporting modifications such as a later vintage 350 cubic inch, code ZZ4, V8, selling for a $30,000 bid. Around the same time, a 1961 Chevrolet Impala two-door “bubble-top” (thin rear pillar hardtop) fitted with a legendary 409 cubic-inch V8 engine and retrofitted with dual, four-barrel carburetors, backed by a four-speed manual transmission, bid to $31,500; but didn’t sell at that.

As if to prove that this auction had something for everyone, lot #508 about an hour before the auction shut down on Friday, was a 1942 Jeep CJ5, in average condition, which sold for a bid of $6,000.

Saturday saw some of the old Hot August Nights heavy bidding on Tri-Five Chevrolets with a 1957 Chevrolet Nomad station wagon being bid to $42,000; but with no sale made.

The market may be going towards a new generation of collector cars, if you consider the fact that a 1972 Buick Riviera “boat-tail” two door, offered just 30 cars later than that Nomad sold for a bid of $15,500.

But, since it always takes more than one auction to establish a trend, while this might be the time to invest in a vintage Isetta you might want to wait on purchasing a boat-tail Riviera. – Terry Parkhurst

Complete results will be posted at www.silverauctions.com, later in the week of August 17-23.

Today In History: Andrew McNally III Is Born, Puts The Automobile On The Map

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

On August 17, 1909, Andrew McNally III, one-half of future map publisher Rand McNally & Co., was born to an Irish-immigrant family in Chicago.

Jeep

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Took My Chances On A Big Jet Plane, Never Let Them Tell You That They're All The Same

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Obviously under the impression I'm a lot more important than I actually am, Chevron Energy Corporation invited me [along with a handful of other auto bloggers] to participate in the first public tour of the Chevron Richmond Technology Center in Richmond, California. According to Chevron, this is the first public tour they've ever given of they're facility, and they wanted to fly me out to participate in it. For those of you whose background in geography is a little weak, Richmond, California is about a 30 minute ride from San Franciso International Airport, and San Franciso International Airport is about a six hour plane ride away from Philadelphia International Airport. Having never ventured of the East Coast, I jumped at the chance like it was the last chopper out of 'Nam, and a few weeks ago I recieved my flight itineray

Sebastian Vettel At Monza: Youngest F1 Driver Ever to Win Pole Position

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Speed Camara Tracks Drivers For Up To 6 Miles,

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In Britian, new speed-sensing traffic cameras are currently being considered for enforcing speed limits over long stretches of roadway.

The Thick Blue Line: 3,000 Riders Suit Up For Slain Officer

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In Cleveland, Ohio, a total of 2,000 motorcyclitsts and 3,000 riders [passengers included] took the streets in a memorial ride for Ofc. Josh Miktarian, an Twinsburg, Ohio police officer killed in the line of duty during a traffic stop.

Offi

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

$5 Billion Dollar Solution For Global Warming: The Large Hadron Collider

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

My favorite Playboy girlfriend, self-proclaimed tomboy Kendra Wilkinson, is ditching the Playboy mansion for her own crib and reality show.

Pictures of an American Junkyard

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Top 5 Reasons to Buy a Used Car Instead of a New Car

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Top 5 Reasons to Buy a Used Car It pains me to write this. - 30% or more, on average. Combine that with the additional hit you'll take if you trade it in rather than sell it yourself, and you could be losing almost half of what you paid for that beast just two years ago. If, on the other hand, you can live without the robust fragrance of alkanes, benzenes, and aldehydes during your morning commute, then you're in luck. A well-chosen used car can be a reliable, fun, and Foolish purchase that can give you years of (relatively) low-cost service. Let's look at five reasons why it's worth thinking about buying used the next time around. Cars are more reliable than ever. Survey after survey shows that the best current cars provide longer, more dependable service than ever before. Consumer Reports regularly publishes lists of the best used-car bets, based on its own extensive survey database. Get a copy of Consumer Reports' most recent annual auto issue; you'll find great choices in most price ranges. Avoid the worst of the depreciation hit. Cars depreciate every year, but the biggest slices of value come off in the first two to three years of its life. A two-year-old car that's been well treated will still give you years of service -- and some of that new-car feel -- for thousands less. More car for less money. Want a BMW for Honda money? Or maybe just an Accord for Civic money? Buying used lets you take advantage of someone else's depreciation hit. (But research your maintenance and insurance costs first. BMWs are solid and durable cars, but their parts cost more than Honda's. Buy that dream car carefully.) The Internet helps you find what you want. Got your heart set on a red Toyota Prius with a navigation system? Before you start calling dealers looking for a new one, check out the used listings on sites such as AutoTrader.com and Cars.com. You may be able to find the car of your dreams: lightly used, close to home, and at a substantial discount from new. Dealer "certification" programs. Nearly every automaker now offers a used-car "certification" program, under which the manufacturer inspects, repairs, and "certifies" recent used cars that then get sold with a warranty. These programs are a notable compromise between buying new and buying used; they give used-car buyers a relationship with a dealer, a factory-backed warranty, and assurance that they're not buying major hidden problems. You'll generally pay a bit more for a "certified" used car versus one bought from a private seller, but the benefits can be substantial. Some last thoughts: If the car you're considering isn't "certified," run its VIN through CARFAX to check for past insurance claims, and have a local mechanic inspect it before you decide to buy. If the seller won't let you have it inspected by an independent mechanic, don't even bother arguing -- move on to the next candidate. And finally, although cars from Toyota, Honda, and Nissan have topped the reliability lists for years, don't rule out the domestics. The best products from General Motors and Ford have held their own in recent reliability comparisons, and the higher initial depreciation hit on domestic cars versus imports might lead you to an excellent value purchase. Keep these tips in mind before you get behind the wheel of your next vehicle. You'll be happy you did.

Winner of the RideLust Caption Contest

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Report Confirms

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Tommy Davidson

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Last night, Tommy Davidson was caught by celebrity stalker rag TMZ attempting to leave a resturant behind the wheel

Florida Man

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Winter will be coming soon

Ex-Formula One Racer Takes Wife For A Spin In Honda Civic R, Hilarity, Divorce Papers, Ensues

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Although it's entirely http://www.liveleak.com/e/5b3_1221613779"> name="wmode" value="transparent">http://www.liveleak.com/e/5b3_1221613779" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="450" height="370">

Atlanta Thumbs Nose At Environment, Looks To Slap Carpoolers With Fees

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

The Georgia Department of Transportation has announced plans to convert 44 miles of HOV lanes into toll lanes. Although larger carpools buses will probably ride for free, smaller, single vehicle carpools wil

The Single Woman's Guide To Car Shopping

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I'll begin by saying this: yes, I know this is the 21st century and yes, I know women have the same rights as men, and yes, I also know that, sometimes, I have a tendancy to be a misogynist. So save the angry, liberated comments - it's nothing I haven't heard before. If you're the sort of woman who this is directed towards, you've already done your homework and know exactly what you want to buy, how much you want to pay, etc. The problem is, the immediate thought that will pop into most dealers when they see you walk onto their lot alone is: "Should I get the time share in Malibu or Maui?" Mechanics and car dealers alike see single women as goldmines, and there's nothing you can do to combat that unless you bring an actual male with you. The problem with actual males, however, is decent ones are hard to find, and you really don't want to take the time to find a decent man and build a stable relationship just so you'll have someone to accompany you to buy a car. Additionally, men have the tendency to turn negotiations into a pissing contest, so if you cave in and bring your brother or your father, be prepared for the distinct possibility that things will end with police escorting you off the premise. The most ideal companion for the actual purchasing process is a passive male friend. Note, I stress "passive"; that friend of yours who drives a HUMMER H1 and owns the auto body shop down the street is not ideally suited for your purposes. What you want is a guy who is more laid back, a guy who can be bribed into holding his tounge in front of the dealership with the simple promise of a free lunch. By that some token, a simple homeless vagrant will not do either, you need someone who can look convincing in a pair of khakis and wire-framed glasses. None of your friends fit the bill? That's ok too, because there's always the Invisible Man Now some may ask, why go through all this difficulty at all? Why is it the dealer's business if I'm married or not? Well it isn't, but extracting information and using it to make a sale are what car dealers do. Make no mistake: there is no such thing as idle chit chat when you're on a dealer lot. Everything you say, every small bit of information that you give, even the most insignificant, is rememberd, analyzed, and used. Couple that with the fact that car dealers and mechanics alike see single women as goldmines, and you'll realize that regardless of how liberated you are, there are some things you need a man for. Notice, however, that I didn't say "actual" man. Ladies, allow me to introduce you to the Invisible Man, the portable, flexible, instant husband. I've had mine for about 6 months and he's served me so well, I thought I'd share my secret with you. To make the Invisible Man, all you need is a decent cubic zirconia wedding band/engagement ring combination and several convincing, well prepared, fabricated stories. Although each woman's Invisible Man should be unique, for illustrative purposes, I'll describe the reciepe that has served me well. Although it's up to you, I reccommned purchasing a wedding band/engagement combination, for more versatility. As long as your planning your dream man, the temptation will be there to go over the top and buy a rock worthy of a Trump bride but remember, this is the only visual evidence you will be able to give of your Invisible Man, I cannot stress enough how important it is that it remain realsitic. You want to hit that sweet spot between "rap mogul's wife" and "McDonald's employee's wife, so to give you an idea of what size you should be looking for, here's the ring my Invisible Man gave me: Although the photo qualitiy is poor, it's only important that you note the proportions of the ring. I'm 5'10", so because I have a larger frame, I can get away with wearing a bigger rock without it seeming ostentatious. For smaller bone structures, a good general rule of thumb is to choose a ring with a stone setting that is no bigger than the nailbed on your pinkie finger. When choosing a ring, avoid canary or rose diamonds and stick to traditional white ones: remember, realistic. Now of course, cubic zirconia has a tendency to cloud over time, and the cheaper the fake, the quicker it will detoriate. Depending on how much use you plan to get out if, look to spend between $20-$40 on qualitiy piece. Personally, I highly reccommend the accessory department at JC Penny. I purchased my Invisible Man band at JC Penny 6 months ago for about $20, and is still in excellent condition. Now that you have your ring, it's time to invent your Invisible Man. Again, there will be a strong tendency to get carried away inventing your dream man, but no car dealer is going to believe a Formula 1 race car driver or an NBA star sent his wife to go car shopping alone. I will break down in detail the key elements your Invisible Man should have, but to give you a general idea of what you should create, I'll introduce my Invisible Man. My husband's name is Michael Allen Denbow, he's 36 years old, 5'10", 170lbs, with brown hair and brown eyes. He graduated from the same college I did, but several years ahead of me. He was an engineering major, and now works with Lockheed Martin. He drives a black 2004 Toyota 4Runner. We also have a dog, a Siberian Huskey named Cody. Alright, now let me break down each aspect of the Invisible Man: My husband's name is Michael Allen Denbow. This might seem like an obvious one, but always use your last name. I realize it might be tempting to use the last name of a local newscaster or well known businessman, but at some point in the car buying process you will have to show some sort of indentificaiton, and the dealer will notice that your last name isn't "Rockefeller." When choosing surnames, just use common sense and keep it relevant to your culture. For obvious reasons, my Invisible Man is not named Kareem Abdul Jabaar. He's 36 years old, 5'10", 160 lbs, with brown hair and brown eyes It's highly unlikely that anyone is going to suddenly demand that you recite your fabricated husband's measurements, but think in terms of reality. If you were really married and went car shopping by yourself, might you be inclined to mention to the dealer that the 2-seater roadster he's trying to sell you simply won't do because your husband is 6'3"? See, it's all about the details, and it's very important that your Invisible Man appear as real as possible. For example, you'll notice that my Invisible Man is 5'10", which means we are inch-for-inch, exactly the same heigth. In my fantasy world my dream man is at least 6'4", tall enough so that I can wear my favorite heels without towering over him. In reality, he will probably wind up being somewhere between 5'11" - 6'0". He graduated from the same college I did, but several years ahead of me. He was an engineering major, and now works with Lockheed Martin. Your Invisible Man's imaginary job is very important, because any exerpienced salesman will be working overtime to discreetly gauge what your gross annual income is. Since I usually test drive cars for fun, I felt comfortable indulging my fantasy a little and I'll admit that my Invisible Man's career isn't quite in keeping with the realistic principles I've been stressing. However, if I were looking to actually buy a car, my Invisible Man would instantly transform into a high school algebra teacher. He drives a black 2004 Toyota 4Runner. We also have a dog, a Siberian Huskey named Cody As I said before, details are very important to your story. Like your Invsisble Man's job, I can almost gurantee the salesman will casually ask, "So what kind of car does Mike/Mr.Denbow drive?" If you aren't prepared you might blurt out something like, "Oh, a brand new Porsche," at which point in time your salesman will experiance such pleasure potentiall, he might achieve an orgasm on the spot. So it's a good idea to have a year,make, and model already fabricated and ready for immediate use. I personally chose a black 2004 Toyota 4Runner because it's demonstrates that my husband is a practical [he chose the Toyota for it's longevity] family man [we might have children in the future, and a Toyota 4Runner would provide the perfect amount of room], yet unafraid to indulge in a few luxuries [it's a late model, 2004, with leather seats]. As far as the dog is concerned, I really have one, and he spends a lot of the time in the car with me. As a result, the back of my car is covered in dog hair, which most salesman ask about immediately when the sneak a peak into the backseat. There's no reason to withhold that kind of information, so I'm pretty forthcoming when it comes to Cody. otice I don't say "gay", this is because since moving north of the Mason Dixon line I have learned that not all heterosexual men oppressively assert their masculinity, so instead

Oprah

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Galveston Car Dealer "Wasn't Prepared" For Hurricane Ike,

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Peugeot has been going crazy with the concept cars lately. They recently had thier The design was inspired by a boat and it’s very aerodynamic thanks to this fluid shape. The Shoo concept will feature a roof entirely made of solar panels which will harness energy and then send it to the electrical engine. Probably the most important thing of this car will be the pendular system as you can see from the pictures, it’s very likely that you will feel butterflies in the stomach. It seems like Peugeot is thinking about the future and their designers are creating many great concept cars which will be also environmentally-friendly. After the Wheel-less Peugeot 360, another green car of the future is the Peugeot Shoo which has a shape like a triangle. It is the age of the concept cars and while they have taken over minds and imagination, they still have a long way to go before they take over the roads. Some say that it is inevitable and the others tell you that it is impossible and yet they go on merrily coming out more and more in number. The good thing about these concept cars is that they are also incorporating green gadgets and technologies more and more in them. ‘Peugeot Shoo’ is something that is all about solar glow. The car is designed in a stable triangle shape to give it plenty of design and a lot of space as well. It has a solar roof enabling energy of the sun to be capture and transformed to run its electrical engine. The car is not only a zero-emission vehicle but even the power for its electric engine is from alternate sources making it truly and completely eco-friendly. While the car can tango on its pretty awesome suspension, it amalgamates the features of ergonomic design with clean power to deliver big time. Now just don’t hold your breath on this one coming to the roads!

How Does a Supercharger Work? - Turbocharger vs Supercharger

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Video: Truth In Automobile Advertising

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

We need men who can dream of things that never were. John F. Kennedy (1917 - 1963), speech in Dublin, Ireland, June 28, 1963 I read no newspaper now but Ritchie's, and in that chiefly the advertisements, for they contain the only truths to be relied on in a newspaper. Thomas Jefferson (1743 - 1826), Letter to Nathaniel Macon, January 12, 1819 Order is the shape upon which beauty depends. Pearl Buck (1892 - 1973)

Most Legendary Cars

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Volvo 240 Series Of course this wouldn't be a RideLust list without the proverbial homage to the Volvo, but the Volvo 240 actually earns its spot on the list not because of blatant editorial bias, but rather for its groundbreaking engineering. First introduced as a test mule in 1972, the 240 initially began life as a Volvo Experimental Safety Car concept [VESC]. In 1975, the production 240 series was released with six different models, the 242L, 242DL, 244DL, 244GL, 245L, and 245DL. Despite a boxy structure that was certainly an acquired taste, the Volvo 240 was met with incredible success. In addition to sales figures that caused Volvo to extend the 240's production run a solid three years past the intended cut off date, the Volvo 240 proved able to do one hell of a safety dance too. So impressive were the 240's pioneering safety features, which included exterior crumple zones, 3-point seat belts and later, the first child booster seat, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA] took notice. In 1976, the NHTSA purchased a fleet of 240's and utilized them as the safety standard by which all new cars on the market were evaluated. In 1993, after production of the 240 was officially discontinued, the Insurance Institute For Highway Safety published an official report ranking the Volvo 240 as the safest car on the road, with an average of 0.1 driver fatalities per 10,000 vehicles registered. After the culmination of the 240's successful run, Volvo continued to set precedents in the industry [most notably in 1995 when they became the first to introduce the side-impact airbag, which later became a government-mandated safety feature], but the Volvo 240 continues to dominate as one of the most incredibly progressive automobiles ever engineered. Playboy Motor Car The Buffalo, NY-basaed Playboy Motor Car Company is a rare example of a company whose name has become internationally famous almost completely independent of the actual product. Established during the post-war automotive boom in 1947, the Playboy Motor Car Company was founded by Louis Horwitz, Charles Thomas, and Norman Richardson - three men who were already well-versed in the auto industry, but knew nothing about running a company. The only model Playboy Motors ever managed to produce was front-engine, RWD, two-seater Roadster, dubbed the "Thomas" after founding member and chief engineer, Charles Thomas. Despite an aggressive advertising campaign and initial support from credible investors, Playboy Motors only managed to produce 97 automobiles before filing for bankruptcy in 1951. Of those 97 cars, 41 of them can still be accounted for thanks to Ed Howard and his official website PlayboyMotorCars.com. In addition to fully restored Playboy models, Howard also managed to locate the lesser known and half-assembled 98th vehicle, which was undergoing construction when Playboy Motors' auctioned its assets and thus never reached completion. So why do both Playboy Motor Cars and the ultimately unsuccessful Thomas roadster earn a spot on our list as one of the most influential cars of the 20 century? According to Hugh Hefner, his multi-millionaire empire owes the ill-fated auto company its namesake. Said Hefner, "The Playboy name was suggested by a friend whose mother had worked at the then defunct Playboy Motor Car Company..." The infamous bunny logo was chosen to replace the hat and gloves later, as Hefner believe the rabbit to be the "playboy" of the animal kingdom. Volkswagen Beetle First developed in 1931 by Ferdinand Porsche and German motorcycle company, Zündapp, the first Beetle prototype was dubbed the "Type 1" but was privately referred to by Porsche as the "Porsche 60." Limited to military production only throughout the course of WWII, the first civilian, production-ready Volkswagen Beetle debuted as the "Type 60" at the Berlin motor show in 1939. Almost overnight, the Volkswagen Beetle became tremendously popular with consumers. Unlike anything the industry and ever seen before, the small, rounded car was extremely efficient, easy to handle, and, most importantly, inexpensive to maintain. It's air-cooled rear engine was a 36hp speed demon, reaching top speeds at around 70mph and accelerating from 0-60 in 27.6 seconds - specs that might seem laughable now, but were frankly unbeatable then. In 1949, U.S. export of the Beetle began. Initially, American consumers didn't know quite what to make of the oddly-shaped vehicle, European and American design aesthetics has different as they were. Throughout the 50's, the Beetle went under countless subtle revisions in order to adapt to the market, the most noticeable change coming in 1957 with the replacement of the Beetle's dual rear windows with one, single oval. In the 60's, Volkswagen began to aggressively market their successful little bug and in 1967, VW began to officially refer to the car as the "Beetle" for the first time. The campaign was ultimately successful, so much so in fact that in 1972, the 15,007, 034 Volkswagen Beetle was produced, shattering the previous record held by the Ford Model T. In 1973, VW hit the 16 million mark and by 1992 had again reached another milestone when the 21 millionth Beetle was produced. By the time dwindling popularity forced the termination of production of the Classic Beetle in 2003, exactly 21,529,464 Volkswagen Beetles had been produced, earning it the distinction as the single best-selling car model in the world. Besides outstanding market success, the Volkswagen Beetle was also considered to be the inspiration behind other successful small cars like the Chevy Vega and Ford Pinto. The Beetle's unique rear-mounted engine also served as the inspiration for distinctive automobiles, and it's most notable influence is still evident today in the Porsche 911 RWD roadster. Ford Mustang Although the Oldsmobile Rocket 88 is generally credited by motorheads as the very first muscle car, the Ford Mustang is the first vehicle that made the muscle car popular and inspired a whole new class of automobiles, "pony" cars. Introduced on April 17, 1964, the Ford Mustang made its first official debut at the New York World's Fair. The prototype was a two-seat mid engine roadster, with design cues that borrowed heavily from the Ford Fairlane. Initially, sales figures were predicted to total a modest 100,000 units for the first model year, but by April 17, 1965, a total of 418,812 Ford Mustangs had been sold. Although the Ford Mustang was the first, it did not remain the only pony car, and was quickly joined in ranks by other legendary muscle cars like the Chevrolet Camaro. Despite heavy competition, however, the Ford Mustang remains the most successful car of its class, the only pony car, in fact, that has remaind in constant production since its inital inception.

How To Cope With A Hangover At Work, Or, RideLust Wishes You A Happy, HAPPY Monday!

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

The Hangover Pictorial

2010 Camaro Revealed, RideLust Has Video Footage

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

But it isn't of the 2010 Camaro, because quite honestly, barring any as-yet-undisclosed features like a stripper & accompanying pole as SOP, there isn't anything they could show us at this point that we haven't seen before. Also, it's Monday morning. We are not burning on all cyclinders. So rather than stare at the same photos we've been looking at for going on a year now, we went off in search of cooler Camaro's. What we found were these. Please do enjoy footage we found of several Camaro's whose utter lack of taste is rivaled only by Don Magic Juan. Wife beater and extensive arrest record sold seperately.

2009 Kia

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Toyota iQ

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Paul Newman, Gone At Age 83

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

It was 1972 when 47-year-old Paul Newman — adopting the shorthand P. L. Newman — strapped into a Lotus Elan at Connecticut's Thompson International Speedway. History remembers little else about the ice-blue-eyed actor's first time performing behind the wheel of a sports car except this: It was the seed moment of a second career for a guy whose first career was nothing to sneeze at. Newman had picked up the racing bug filming the 1969 Indy 500 drama "Winning." Two decades later, P.L. became the oldest driver to compete on a winning team in a major sanctioned race, the 24 Hours of Daytona, at the age of 70. His life was a race well-run in multiple stages, one whose checkered flag came today as Newman lost a battle with cancer at the age of 83. It was method actors like Newman and fellow racer Steve McQueen who recast Hollywood movies from detached, escapist stories to gritty, character-driven narratives that connected with the struggles of their time. Newman brought the same depth to racing, as his methodic skills of knowing and feeling taught by Stanislavski and Strasberg made him ruthless behind the wheel. In "Winning," Newman played a hungry Indy 500 competitor sidestepping marital troubles (with real-life wife Joanne Woodward) and barely managing a detached relationship with a stepson (Richard Thomas). To hardcore racing fans, "Winning" wasn't quite "Grand Prix" or Steve McQueen's "Le Mans." It had too much personal drama and not enough action, despite some spectacular on-location scenes at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and cameos by Bobby Unser, Dan Gurney and other Indy legends. But like McQueen, Newman was an actor, a real actor, for whom his role in "Winning" was the show; the racing was just scene-setting. Soon enough, he would reverse that equation. During the 1970s Newman earned four SCCA national titles. In 1976 he took the D-Production class championship in a Triumph TR-6 once owned by racer Bob Tullius. In 1979 he took the C-Production class in a Bob Sharp Datsun 280ZX, and in 1985 and 1986 he won the GT-1 in a Sharp Nissan 300ZX. In 1979 Newman co-drove a Porsche 935 with team owner Dick Barbour and Rolf Stommelen to second place in the 24 Hours of LeMans. Most recently he was the co-owner of IndyCar team Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing (NHLR). Drivers for NHLR have included Mario Andretti, Michael Andretti, Nigel Mansell, Paul Tracy, Cristiano da Matta, and Sébastien Bourdais. Late this past summer Newman's de facto home track of Lime Rock Park in Connecticut closed for an afternoon to let the gravely ill actor-driver make a few last turns around the newly repaved course. P.L. took out his Corvette GT car — number 81 — which his friends say he'd still been flogging at 9/10ths into his early 80s, along with his beloved Buick V8 powered Volvo station wagon.

Pick Your Perfect Post-Apocolyptic Ride

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Over at Jalopnik, Matt Hardigree has responded to the worsening economic crisis in the U.S. by asking readers to respond with their ideal vehicle for whethering through the "Financiapocalypse". I personally would choose a Volvo, but I'd definetly want to make some after market gun-storage mods to it. Off in search of the perfect under-seat storage container for a .12 gauge shotgun, I stumbled

Volvo 7700 Hybrid Bus

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

http://www.volvo.com/bus/global/en-gb/volvogroup/Environment/going+greener/hybrid/hybrid.htm The bus of the future was unveiled in Germany at the IAA Bus and Truck Show, with the hybrid Volvo 7700 being presented to the general public. The 12-meter low-floor city bus will be 30% more fuel-efficient than non-hybrid models. With a smaller 5.0L diesel engine compared to a regular diesel Volvo 7700, but built off the same platform as the current diesel bus, the hybrid 7700 will have better weight distribution and will be able to fit more passengers onboard. Volvo 7700 Hybrid Bus Front View On top of saving on fuel costs, bus operators will lower their exhaust emissions and vehicle noise compared to normal diesel buses.

Jury Finds Mom/Lingerie Model Guilty Of Bribery

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Attempted bribery, at any rate. According

2008 Paris Auto Show Vehicle Coverage

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Perhaps it eez because vee are not zhere, because vee just can't seem to drum up zee, how you say, "enthousiasme", for zee 2008 Salon de l'auto de Paris. Nevertheless, zee spectacle must go on, so RideLust will continue to diligently bring you live updates. And by "live", we mean as "live" as it gets, sitting here in our underwear in front of our laptop. At any rate, to date, we've posted on the Pininfarina B0 [B Zero] , VW GTI, Lamborghini Estoque, Ferrari California, MINI Crossman, Honda Insight, and the Citroën Concept GT.

Top 10 Things People Do To Ruin Their Cars

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Two thirds of all Americans aged 18-24 cannot find Iraq on a map; 33% couldn't identify Louisiana; 47% couldn't find India; 75% think English was the most widely spoken language in the world. People are idiots, and this isn't a uniquely American phenomenon, it's worldwide. The majority of human beings on Earth are stone dumb.

1. Not Using The Parking Brake

It's a little pedal near your left leg, or a lever on your right. Yes, that mysterious device that you've never used is actually valuable. When you park on an incline, or even on fairly steady ground, without using the parking brake, you're putting all of the stress of the car on your transmission. The only thing inside that transmission holding your car steady is a little pin called a parking pawl. By using the parking brake, you lock up the non-drive wheels as well as the drive wheels and take the stress off of the transmission. It'll add years of life to your cars transmission.

2. Not Coming To A Complete Stop Before Shifting

So you're in a rush, and you pull out of a parking space and shift into drive while the car is still coasting backwards. You've just added months of wear to your transmission in seconds. Inside your transmission is a complex set of gears, when you shift without stopping like that, you're asking those gears to work as your brakes, which puts an amazing amount of stress on such a small area. You can also damage your drive shafts, the things that send power to the wheels, by shifting that way. After a while, it'll lead to sloppy suspension handling, and a worn out transmission.

3. Riding The Brakes Down A Hill

If you have a long incline

4. Forget To Change The Oil

You need to change your oil every 3,000 miles. That's really all there is to it pressure wash the engine A grimy engine that runs properly is much better than a clean engine that won't -- which is what you risk if you force jets of water past rubber seals and into the sensitive electronics that are fitted to all modern, computer-controlled engines. There's a reason for the hood (and all those protective coverings). They're there to prevent moisture and contaminants from wreaking havoc with the sensors, wiring harnesses, sending units and other components that like to be sprayed with water about as much as your typical house cat. Excess moisture can short-out electrical parts, cause intermittent malfunctions (including stalling for no reason, hard-starting, rough-running) and make dashboard "check engine" light flash (or stay on) for no apparent reason. It's OK to degrease your engine with a garden hose if you like to keep it clean; just don't use high-pressure sprayers like you find in self-serve car washes as they can force water past rubber seals and weather stripping into places it isn't supposed to go. AOL Autos: Cars with best and worst resale value "Most of the wear on an engine happens when you start the car," says Edmunds.com's automotive expert Karl Brauer. "If you can get the starter stuff down, you'll find cars will wear much less over time." How do you do that? Make sure any extra accessories, such as headlights or climate control, aren't on when you turn the ignition. If you do, you're asking the engine to work harder than necessary right off the bat. An even more destructive habit: revving the engine. Believe it or not, this won't help warm up the car. In fact, revving can do serious damage to the engine and significantly shorten its life. Engines need oil to run smoothly. But right after you turn over the ignition, the oil is still sitting in the pan. When you floor the gas pedal, you're asking the engine to work overtime without lubricant — putting metal to metal. Wear out this most important drive train component and you can expect to pay $3,000 to $5,000 for a new one. letting the insides go wash your car on a hot sunny day Forget to change the oil Run your car down to E There's actually a bit of a debate about this one. The old wisdom says if your car gets down to E, the sediment in your tank will get sucked into the system and foul your fuel injectors. The thing is, the fuel pump is at the bottom of the tank anyway, it'll suck sediment in no matter how much gas there is in the tank. Still, running down to E does pose certain problems. You cut the life of the fuelpump considerably. The fuel actually cools the pump. Depending on the vehicle, it can be quiet expensive. Also you pick up alot of junk from the bottom of the tank. The filter "should" catch it but not all the time. That leads to injector problems. We've all done it but try not to, it will cost you more in the long run. An interesting note: Most cars can drive another 60 miles+ after they hit Empty, automakers call this extra gas the "buffer zone". US cars have the largest "buffer zone" of any vehicles. German drivers, for instance, like to know exactly how much gas in is the car, so they're "buffer zone" between the gauge's E and the actual empty tank is much smaller.

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

No one has been pleased to see the price point of the Chevrolet Volt continue to rise. Initially engineers were pleased to hear that I'd pay as much as $30,000 for the car. But now, with Honda on the scene with an $18k hybrid, GM has been project a cost closer to $40k than $30k. Well, that might all change thanks to a bill passed today (amidst a bunch of other good news for car companies.) The Bill gives a tax credit to buyers of plug-in vehicles. Each plug-in automatically gets a $2,500 cut, then you get an additional $417 per kwh for batteries greater than 4 kwh. That works out to $7500 per Volt, which could push the base price below $30k. The tax credit will only apply to the first 250,000 plug-ins sold, and will be phased out over the course of the following fiscal year. In the end, it will cost the federal government about $750 M. So get ready to buy your plug-ins folks! The price just dropped more than the cost of my current car!

Buy A Chevy Volt - The U.S. Government Will Give You $7,500

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

The Price point of the Chevy Volt has been increasing since before it was even made in clay. Insiders were predicting it'd be at least under $20k initially, and as it got closer to reality, the price kept going up. As recently as the beginning of this year, $30,000 was the number, but they upped it even further and said the real price will be closer to $35,000 dollars. The $30k mark is traditionally the threshhold for high volume electric car sales, anything above that generally won't be a hit. No one has been pleased to see the price point of the Chevrolet Volt continue to rise. Initially engineers were pleased to hear that I'd pay as much as $30,000 for the car. But now, with Honda on the scene with an $18k hybrid, GM has been project a cost closer to $40k than $30k. Well, that might all change thanks to a bill passed today (amidst a bunch of other good news for car companies.) The Bill gives a tax credit to buyers of plug-in vehicles. Each plug-in automatically gets a $2,500 cut, then you get an additional $417 per kwh for batteries greater than 4 kwh. That works out to $7500 per Volt, which could push the base price below $30k. The tax credit will only apply to the first 250,000 plug-ins sold, and will be phased out over the course of the following fiscal year. In the end, it will cost the federal government about $750 M. So get ready to buy your plug-ins folks! The price just dropped more than the cost of my current car! Instead of addressing the real problem, which is overregulation: you have union workers at GM artificially inflating prices to insane levels, you have

2010 Ford Mustang Interior Teaser Shots Released

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Adding to its portolio of exterior sneak peeks released in

Video: Man Begs Girlfriend To Return Stolen Truck

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Staff and students at the University of South Australia have designed and built a prototype of what they reckon might be the future commuter car for Australian cities. Trev sounds rather impressive. He goes from 0 to 100kph in 10 secs, has a top speed of 120 km/h, with a travel range of 150+km between charges of his 7kWh 44kg lithium ion polymer battery. When charged from mains power he costs you $1 AUD per 100km to run, using what is said to be 1/5th of the energy of conventional car. Not that there is anything conventional about Trev. His three low-mass alloy wheels with low rolling resistance tyres are attached to an aluminium honeycomb chassis, a foam and fibreglass body with acrylic canopy. He’s the process of being registered as a roadworthy vehicle on SA roads. He has room for driver, one passenger and two overnight bags. (The single door opens toward the footpath, not the road.) And he is not hard on the eye either. Oh, yeh, if you buy your electricity as 100% solar or wind GreenPower from your energy provider, then Trev truly does become a renewable energy vehicle. At least, that’s the aim of the project. Suppose you decided that you weren't going to use fossil fuels anymore. How would you get around? Solar racing cars are able to travel 750 km per day, at highway speeds, powered only by sunlight. Surely it is possible to use similar technologies to build a car in which you could do your daily commuting, but without the noise and pollution of a petrol engine. Staff and students at the University of South Australia have designed and built such a car—Trev. Its features include: * two comfortable seats, since more than 90% of urban trips have only one or two people in the car; * enough luggage space for at least two overnight bags; * 300 kg mass—because using a 2.5 tonne vehicle for commuting is ridiculous; * energy-efficient tyres, brakes and suspension; * a clean, quiet and efficient electric drive system; * compliance with road safety and worthiness regulations; * good performance, with a top speed of 120 km/h; and * 150 km of city driving before the car must be recharged. Most importantly, it uses less than 1/5 of the energy required by a conventional car, and can be recharged using electricity from clean, renewable sources such as solar and wind. And it doesn't look too bad... Features * The tandem seating layout gives good aerodynamics, good balance, and good vision. * The acrylic canopy gives the driver an unimpeded view of the road. * The canopy and door open on the kerb side of the car. * The electric motor gives smooth, quiet acceleration from 0–100 km/h in under 10 seconds. * A composite tub chassis, with foam and plastic body panels, gives a total car mass of 300 kg. * A 45 kg lithium ion polymer battery gives over 150km of city driving. * Low-energy tyres on low-mass alloy wheels give low rolling resistance. * The single rear drive wheel simplifies the suspension, and allows a simple, efficient transmission. Performance In October 2007 we drove Trev from Darwin to Adelaide in the Greenfleet Technology Class of the World Solar Challenge. For most of the journey, we drove 80 - 120 km at speeds of 80 - 90 km/h before stopping to recharge from a generator. We completed the 3020 km trip in just over 6 days. Our energy consumption was 6.2 kWh/100 km. Recharged from solar, wind or hydro, there are no emissions. Electricity costs about $0.18 per kWh. The cost of recharging Trev is 1.1 cents per kilometre, so the entire journey cost us $33 of electricity It makes petrol look silly.

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

A lot of companies are building smaller cars to try to woo customers into buying with the idea that they'll save money in the long run on gas. Hymotion3 Official Press Release:

The missing link Occupying a half-way house between the world of the scooter and the car, the HYmotion3 compressor is a highly original proposal designed to facilitate urban mobility. Attractive thanks to its dynamic, streamlined and futuristic style; it is an interesting concept combining numerous benefits (size, safety and comfort) with "HYmotion" hybrid/petrol technology. This new generation technology creates a three wheel drive vehicle, benefiting safety and driveability and combining economy with an environmentally-friendly specification (CO2 emissions of only 47 g/km in the combined cycle, zero in electric only mode). The HYmotion3 compressor concept is a means of transport with no affiliation to a particular type of vehicle. With its three wheels and its streamlined body, it is something of a missing link between two worlds which to date are quite distinct: that of the scooter and that of the car. With an electric motor in each of its two front wheels, coupled at the rear with a petrol engine, it brings into play very innovative hybrid technologies allowing each of its wheels to provide motive power. In a world of intensifying urban traffic where everyone is trying to save time, where oil prices are skyrocketing and the environment is more than ever a priority, design departments are vying in ingenuity to develop solutions for the future. Giving full rein to their creativity and expertise, two separate Peugeot teams converged on a similar idea and finally worked in tandem to develop a particularly original project: the HYmotion3 compressor. This "concept car", or rather "concept scooter", is based on the extensive experience of Peugeot Motorcycles, specialists in the scooter field, as well as the creativity and innovative capabilities of stylists and engineers working for Automobiles Peugeot. To create this concept, Peugeot was able to draw on its extensive experience in the world of transportation enabling each individual, according to their age or their needs, to choose from among the Marque's cycles, motorcycles and cars. This vehicle offers an ideal mix of the benefits of a scooter and particular characteristics of a car. Its design is based on three wheels for maximum stability, safety and driveability. Its width of 82 cm enables it to thread a path through urban traffic with all the efficiency of a two-wheeler. The front windscreen extends to the rear of the vehicle to form a highly effective shield against bad weather for the rider and passenger. In addition, regulations in France allow the vehicle to be driven with a B licence only, giving it a wide range of potential customers. Finally, this vehicle incorporates HYmotion technology, also featured on other concept-cars in the Peugeot exhibition space at the Paris Motor Show. This new generation hybrid technology incorporates the supercharged petrol engine already featured in the Peugeot Satelis scooter. With a power of 15 kW (20 bhp) driving the rear wheel, it is combined with two electric motors, each with an output of 3 kW, located in the front wheels. This configuration develops a maximum power of 21 kW (29 bhp) for a particularly low fuel consumption of 2.0 litres/100 km and CO2 emissions of 47 g/km in the combined cycle, or 0 in electric only mode. The design of the HYmotion3 compressor, with its three wheel drive, provides positive benefits for both safety and drivability. Thanks to its extreme hybridisation, the HYmotion3 compressor concept creates a new benchmark in terms of safety (improved traction and braking), practicality and environmental-friendliness, offering original versatility at one with its environment.

France Jumps On The Bandwagon, Approves $549M Bailout

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Ford Rejects

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Video:

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Video: Employment Crunch Means Free Gas For Ne'er Dowells

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Indian Canadian hatchback

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

http://www.ecogeek.org/content/view/2209/

More News From The Tesla

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Lotus 7 Replica Wins Escape From Berkeley Race

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

http://www.escapefromberkeley.com/ Escape from Berkeley is a 600 mile A veggie-oil-burning Lotus clone from Oregon beat a wood-burning pickup from Alabama in a madcap alt-fuel race to Las Vegas that included a 200-mile detour and saw three of the five teams drop out before reaching the finish line. Jack McCornack and Sharon Westcott rolled across the finish line at the Sahara Hotel-Casino 1,418 minutes after leaving Berkeley, California, having driven their topless Lotus 7 replica more than 800 miles to collect the $5,000 first-place prize in Escape from Berkeley. "We signed up to do this before we even knew there was money involved," McCornack, who sells the biodiesel-burning cars through his company, Kinetic Vehicles, told The New York Times. "It just seems like great fun." The race mashed up Mad Max and Cannonball Run and threw in a touch of the Darpa Grand Challenge and Burning Man. The only rules were you couldn't use petroleum and you had to scavenge your fuel along the way. Even the race organizers are amazed anyone finished at all. "The basic premise is build a vehicle out of junk, we'll give you the equivalent of one gallon of gas and you have to drive 600 miles to Las Vegas. Oh, and you can't buy any fuel along the way," says Jim Mason, the artist and inventor behind the race. "That's a pretty heavy stone to carry." The stone proved too heavy for most of the teams to carry. Ten were expected to participate, but only five made it to the starting line when the race started Saturday. Three more dropped out along the way, leaving only McCornack and Wayne Keith, an Alabama rancher who hasn't bought gasoline in five years. He was favored to win the race in his wood-gas-burning Dodge Dakota, but a flat tire and a load of wood that didn't burn properly cost him some time Sunday. He finished about three hours behind McCornack when the race ended Monday night. "Normally we can get 60 or 70 mph on this," he told the Times, "but we had so many hills and such headwinds we spent a lot of time in the 40s." The route took the vehicles over the highest mountain range in California — where a snowstorm at the 9,943-foot Tioga Pass forced everyone to take a 200-mile detour — and through Death Valley National Park. It proved to be too much for the veggie-oil-burning Mercedes Benz, the human-electric tandem bicycle and the steam-powered trike with wooden wheels. But then, a challenging route was the entire point. "We want to show it's a viable solution, and show you can travel vast distances on anything," says Jake Haskell, another race organizer. Mason is already planning next year's race, which is slated for Memorial Day Weekend and will end somewhere in Mexico. Be sure to check out our first post, "Mad Max Meets Cannonball Run in Alt-Fuel Race to Vegas," for more info about the race, the teams and why anyone would want to Escape from Berkeley.

Video: Last Titanic Survivor Puts Your Travel Phobias To Shame

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Harley-Davidson Launches "Build It and Win It" Contest

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

The Drive-In Movie Turns 75, Yawns, Stretches Arms Casually

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

RANKED BY TOTAL U.S. ADVERTISING SPENDING IN 2007. Dollars in millions. 3 Toyota Motor Corp. $45.5 2.2% $1,758 $79,909 23 Honda Motor Co. 40.1 2.5 1,326.5 53,128.9 4 General Motors Corp. 33.4 3.0 3,010.1 100,545.0 6 Ford Motor Co. 32.0 3.1 2,525.2 80,874.0 20 Nissan Motor Co.

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

To solidify the almost overnight success of the Honda Civic as well as keep the competitive edge over the likes of both the Toyota Corolla and the Mazda3, Honda has revealed plans to introduce a mid-cycle upgrade for the Honda Civic in 2009. While the subtle revisions might not seem like much, apprently even the most imperceptible changes matter in the cutthroat hybrid market, and even the most seeminly mundane additions have auto gurus foaming at the mouth. 2009 Honda Civic Coupe Gallery [gallery]

Walter Chrysler's Great-Grandson Sends Letter Of Advice To Nardelli

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Last week, Frank Rhodes, the great-grandson of Chrysler LLC founder William P. Chrysler, sent a letter to

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Clint Eastwood is the only human being alive who has actually become more of an asskicker with age.

Spy Shots Of The BMW S1000RR Production Model

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Everyone was shocked that the production version of the BMW S1000RR wasn't unveiled at Intermot two weeks ago. Now, it looks like an EICMA release could be on the cards; the road-going version of the S1000RR SBK World Championship contender has been spied undergoing final shakedown testing at Circuito Alabacete in Southern Spain. You can tell it's the production version from the turn signals, mirros, exhaust, etc. Evident for the first time are the production versions of the turn signals, clocks, exhaust, headstock and other details. According to the photographer, BMW was testing the S1000RR alongside a CBR1000RR, which it was visibly out performing while accelerating out of corners. This confirms the performance advantage we predicted in our 2009 Superbike Showdown. Photos: Manuel Serrano for Solo Moto Treinta

Spy Shots Of The BMW S1000RR Production Model

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Truck, SUV Sales Experience Positive Growth For 2nd Straight Month

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

While foreign and domestic automakers alike sit neck-deep in a barrage of hasitly slapped together compact cars, full-size trucks and SUVs reported a positive surge in market shares for the second month in a row.

2009 Ford Fusion Comprehensive Review Summary

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

[gallery]

Buckypaper

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Buckypaper has been in the news a lot recently. It's a thin sheet of "paper" made up of a form of carbon called carbon nanotubes. The thing about Buckypaper is that it has all sorts of really interesting properties. First of all, it's about 500 times stronger than steel, yet it's 10 times lighter. It has a very high But that's boring compared to the sci-fi stuff it may be able to do one day. Since it's made up of nanotubes, and nanotubes have the ability to stretch

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Now for those of you with fancy-schmancy things like "warranties" and "comprehensive insurance", perhaps you aren't as concerned about Halloween mischief as others. Tip#1: If you have a garage, use it. If you don't have a garage, park your vehicle as close to your house as you can actually get it without causing any structural damage (regardless of what your community management office might have to say, tonight it is perfectly acceptable to park on the grass).

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Sure, you could dress up like a car, but where's the excitement? Where's the panache? If you really want to get into the spirit of Halloween, but aren't completely sold on the idea of drinking animal blood,

Car Skills Every Man (And Woman) Should Know

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

There is nothing cooler than a guy that gets shit done. That guy that always handles the situation is the guy men want to be like and women want to be with. Why do you think James Bond gets laid all the time? Because he knows how to do everything; he speaks 7 languages, has an intimate knowledge of high technology and human physiology, and he can recite obscure Icelandic poetry while dancing very very well. Also: License to kill. One caveat: he's doesn't actually exist. Not only that, he can't exist. For one man to build up the level of skill and knowledge James Bond has on every conceivable subject would take many lifetimes. Nevertheless, you can try. Here's a start: To get your start on being a well-rounded cooldude, you're going to want to learn a few auto related skills, including how to...

Drive a stick shift

The day may come that you and your beautiful sidekick girlpal being chased by the corrput authorities in some distant Eastern European country. You find an unlocked car with the keys in it, and you're ready to roll. Only one problem - it's a manual transmission and you don't know how to drive one. Life or death situations are not the best time to learn either, the pressure will lead to lots of stalling, and your eventual killers will laugh at you. Also, you won't look too cool in the eyes of your hottie girlpal either, so get with it. Describing how to drive a stick shift is difficult, so here's a video. The main thing is, after you've watched it, go out and practice, that's the only way you can really learn to drive a stick.

Change a tire

If you haven't already, you probably will have to change a tire at some point in your lifetime. Hopefully it won't be during a life or death car chase across Estonia like the stick shift example, because it takes a bit of time to get it done. First off, pull your car over to a safe spot, away from traffic as best you can. You don't want cars and trucks whizzing past you while you're crouched down barely visible next to your car. Make sure the car is in park and the emergency brake is on. In your trunk, you should have a jack, tire iron, and the spare tire. Before you start jacking up the car, take off any hub cap or trim the wheel might have. Place the jack under the car near the tire and start to jack it up. There should be a notch in the metal under your car where the jack seems like it should go, by the time the jack is high enough to actually touches the car, make sure you have the notch on the jack lined up with the notch under the car. I always carry WD-40 in my car, it's invaluable.

Deal with the police

give driving directions parallel park use mirrors read a map jump-start a car Handle a car in a skid Get a car unstuck

2010 Camaro Chatter

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Also, I would like to apologize for immediately assuming that all Camaro enthusaists were hillbilly skidmarks in the underwear of humanity. Well, except for the one particular commenter, Nelson, who suggested that I was a supporter of a certain presidential canidate whom, as a point of fact, I wouldn't even allow to wash my windsheild let alone run my country. So you Nelson, you're still a shit stain - but the rest of you Camaro5 fanboys, well you're just a ok. I will admit, they're in a healthy denial over the Ford Mustang's superiority (c'mon, 40 years of continous production guys...you can't make up for that with one piddly supercharged engine), but hey, let he among us gearheads who is without an unhealthy, illogical love for a certain car cast the first stone... There's also a kid who goes by the name headpunter with an avatar of Robert Downy Jr. a la Tropic Thunder, who signature features a cropped photo of the rear-end of a 2010 Camaro and the inafmaous quote "I like big butts and I cannot lie, you other brothers can't deny." He has earned my unwavering loyalty. Originally Posted by SSOOCH Chevrolet can't afford not to capatalize on this one. They have to get this one right. It just doen't make sense to not have enough SS' to go around and piss off us enthusiasts who are not only going to buy these vehicles but basically be advertising for GM. Us Enthusiasts will promote them and spread the word...they gotta know this! Don't piss us off, I'm a fanboy just like everybody else on this board but you can only get slapped around so much before you bail...just ask Tina about Ike! Originally Posted by fbodfather OK..once again - calm down. (and I NEED TO CALM down because I want to wring the person's neck that put this message out to dealers -- and the person within the dealership that put the message out to YOU.......) FIRST -- the number of units mentioned that we will produce is WRONG........we'll build more units than that barring any unforseen circumstances or work stoppages. (and I put that last line in there because NO ONE knows what will happen tomorrow.......) SECOND -- we want each of you behind the steering wheel of your new Camaro........MAKE NO MISTAKE ABOUT IT..........LET ME SAY THAT AGAIN -- MAKE --- NO -- MISTAKE -- ABOUT -- IT............... (...now go read it again!) THIRD-- anyone who has any production planning management experience will understand that you do NOT tool to build 100 percent of anything when you offer choices -- NO ONE DOES . Let me say that again NO -- ONE -- DOES............. The hardest thing (In my opinion) that we have to do is to forecast option load.........and I dare anyone on here to predict what the car will sell in terms of option load in the 2011 model year - We are in FINE SHAPE right now. IF -- and that's a HUGE 'IF" the orders HAD come in at 100% SS -- and EVERY allocation had been spoken for (and that has not happened....) then we'd have some concern.......... So -- calm down. Not everyone at GM is a walking moron. Don't believe everything you read --esp. when you have no idea of the source. REPEAT AFTER ME: WE WANT YOU BEHIND THE STEERING WHEELS OF YOUR NEW CAMAROS............... Now -- one more favor: DURING THE NEXT 'PANIC DU JOUR' -- (which, I'm confident will happen within the next few minutes........) ..........would you PLEASE just STOP for a minute and think: "........Perhaps -- just perhaps -- GM has done this for many years -- and perhaps - just perhaps -- they know what they're doing -- and perhaps --just perhaps they DO care about us as evidenced by Fbodfather coming out here and calming us down every other day............." and then think: " I'd better be careful or Fbodfather just MAY have a stroke and die and IF he DIES he's gonna come back to haunt me with an entire fleet of black Suburbans...........and my life will be 'kaakaa'......" So......let's PLEASE -- (I'm begging you......) STOP with the "Panic Du Jours"..........please????? Thank you! Now -- back to our regularly scheduled programming..........

Honda Begins Building Ride

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

2010 BMW Active Hybrid 6

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Pee Power: The Batteries Of The Future

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

GM-Chrysler Merger Denied Part Two

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

While both Chrysler and GM are certainly embroiled in a significant financial crisis, there quiest-as-of-late Detroit brethren, Ford, has not been immune to the cash crunch either. In addition to a sharp decline in sales and a steady plummet in stock value, Ford has also suffered the loss of its lagest private shareholder. This week Kirk Kerokorian, former holder of more than 6% stake in the company as well as a very public supporter of Ford's ability to turn their ship around, abruptly sold over 110 million shares of Ford stock at an estimated $133 million dollar loss. Despite this, Ford has been noticably absent from the crowd three-piece-suited panhandlers on Capitol Hill. Reading Comprehension Activity: After you have finished reading the material, please quietly discuss your opinions with your classmates. When you feel as though you have a thorough understanding of the facts, please divide into 4 groups of 5 and create a short skit illustrating the qualities of "grace under pressure" as well as which of the Detroit 3 you feel most strongly identify with the term.

GM-Chrysler Merger Denied Part Two

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Do you find yourself largely uneffected by the current economic conditions because all of your business transactions are conducted largely in cash? Are you finding it increasingly difficult to find secure places to hide your Louis Vuitton briefcases

Top 10 Old Man Cars

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

The models are ranked based on the percentage of buyers age 65 or older, using data from the market research firm J.D. Power and Associates. With most consumers running for American cars and the US auto industry seemingly headed for the toilet, there is still one demographic that Detroit has a a hold on... Retirees. Buyers over 65 are the last bastion of fans for the traditional American vehicle. This age group, which precedes the Baby Boomer generation, also views vehicles from Buick, Cadillac, Lincoln and Mercury as status symbols. "The folks in this demographic feel that 'I worked hard and I deserve to be treated well,'" Passikoff says. "All of these cars are luxurious, fully loaded and comfortable." "OnStar makes them feel safe, which is particularly important for that age group," Field says, adding that 85 percent of Buick buyers in his dealership are 55 and older. "These buyers can afford whatever they want, but at the same time, most are retired and live on fixed incomes. They still want value for their purchase." Old people like familiarity. "The next generation gravitates more toward sportier, performance-oriented vehicles that seem more youthful as opposed to traditional, large luxury American brands," says KBB's Nerab. As a result, domestic automakers may have a tougher time attracting Baby Boomers, the next generation to turn 65. "American automakers have been worried about that for the last decade, and they still have reason to worry," he says. Tom Libby, senior director of industry analysis for J.D. Power in Troy, Mich., says the brands near the top of our list will have a tough time reaching younger consumers. "These are brands that have a widespread reputation as appealing to older buyers, and that's a hard thing to change," he says. Domestic automakers are already adapting their marketing approach to attract younger buyers. Cadillac is running celebrity-laden commercials aimed at younger viewers and Lincoln is positioning its MKZ, which came in ninth, to a younger audience. Models with the lowest percentage of buyers of retirement age (below 3 percent) include the Audi A3, BMW M3, Honda S2000, Infiniti QX56, Land Rover LR3, Land Rover Range Rover Sport, Nissan Armada, Volkswagen GTI, Volkswagen R32 and Volkswagen Touareg. "It's not really a surprise. The Land Rover has a younger average age and Volkswagen has also appealed to younger buyers," Libby says, adding that most of the models in the bottom 10 are sporty and definitively marketed toward younger drivers. People of retirement age (65 years) and older overwhelmingly favor large American luxury cars, as this list shows. Comfort, ease of entry and exit and, oddly enough, a gear shift on the steering-wheel column, are key traits these drivers look for. The demographic data in this list comes from a J.D. Power and Associates survey of about 7,000 auto dealerships nationwide conducted between Jan. 1 and April 27. Pricing information is from the manufacturers and mileage estimates are from the Environmental Protection Agency, based on 2008 models, except for the Buick Terraza, which was discontinued after 2007. -- Many drivers retiring from the workforce reward themselves with large, plush cars. But experts recommend careful consideration when choosing the ideal vehicle to drive into retirement. Big cars have advantages like a comfortable ride and roomy interior. But their long hoods and large trunks can be difficult to see over. "When you look at the data, older Americans of course like big cars," says Dave Melton, director of transportation and technical consulting for Liberty Mutual Insurance in Hopkinton, Mass. "They're smooth, they have a long wheelbase, they drive nicely, have lots of room for grandchildren, and carry the look of affluence. But my question is, 'Does the older driver fit with these cars?'" A top consideration, experts say, should be how easy it is to see out of the car. In this regard, the large vehicles retirees favor have a disadvantage. Still, many of the most popular cars for retirement make up for this problem with back-up cameras and sensors to help drivers gauge the distance to surrounding objects. Often they also have controls mounted on the steering wheel for quick and easy access to complicated functions. Such features are among those recommended by the AARP, an organization for people of retirement age. "You need to be able to know where the front and the back of the car is," Melton says. "If you can't see that, you will find it hard to maneuver into a tight spot. I'm always concerned that older drivers aren't looking carefully at sight lines." A dozen of the 20 vehicles on our list of retirement favorites are among the largest sedans available in the United States. The models are ranked based on the percentage of buyers age 65 or older, using data from the market research firm J.D. Power and Associates. Topping the list is the Lincoln Town Car, with 75.9 percent of its buyers in that age group. Not too far behind are the Cadillac DTS, Mercury Grand Marquis, Buick Lucerne and Buick LaCrosse. All five are large sedans, so their sight lines — how well drivers can see their surroundings from behind the wheel — tend to be more constricted than those of smaller sedans. Go to the accompanying slideshow to see the full list of top 20 vehicles with the highest percentage of buyers in retirement.

10. Ford Taurus

Ahh yes, the King of the American Roads Buyers 65 and up: 35 percent MSRP: $23,635 Mileage: 18 mpg city/28 mpg hwy One of the top-selling models in Ford’s history — America’s best-selling car during the 1990s — the Taurus is back after a short hiatus, just like the Sable. Ford experimented with the moniker "Five Hundred" for a couple of years, but it didn’t take and the company brought back the well-known Taurus name for its largest sedan. The Taurus and Sable are so roomy, we think they’re a good alternative to buyers looking to get out of gas-guzzling SUVs. Like the Sable, it gets a five-star crash rating from the NHTSA and is an IIHS top safety pick.

9. Lincoln MKZ

Buyers 65 and up: 35.3 percent MSRP: $30,980 Mileage: 18 mpg city/28 mpg hwy While the Lincoln MKZ is positioned for a crowd that’s a bit younger than the Lincoln Town Car, it still has a high percentage of buyers of retirement. The MKZ is one of the smaller sedans on this list, but it’s by no means small. Its interior controls are simple and straightforward, which Elinor Ginzler, senior vice president for livable communities at AARP, Washington, D.C., says should be a key consideration for drivers ages 65 and older.

8. Cadillac STS

Buyers 65 and up: 38.8 percent MSRP:: $43,775 Mileage: 17 mpg city/26 mpg hwy The STS is slightly smaller and sportier than the DTS higher up on this list. But it’s still a hit with folks in retirement. Joe Coughlin, director of the MIT age lab in Cambridge, Mass., says folks in this age group regard Cadillacs as iconic cars that represent success. "‘Cadillac’ means you’ve made it to the next level," he says. "When you saw a Cadillac in the movies or on the street, it was something to aspire to." The STS isn’t quite as spacious as the larger DTS, but it’s still roomy inside. It offers many of the comfort and luxury amenities folks of retirement age look for and some new ones they might not seek out, but which definitely are a boon. These include next-gen safety features like lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, multiple airbags and stability control.

7. Toyota Avalon

Buyers 65 and up: 39 percent MSRP: $27,325 Mileage: 19 mpg city/28 mpg hwy The highest-ranking foreign car on the list is Toyota’s largest and most expensive sedan. And the Avalon isn’t here by accident: It’s designed specifically to compete with large, plush American sedans favored by mature drivers. "The Avalon has been referred to as the Japanese Buick," J.D. Power’s Libby says. "The middle-of-the-road Toyota customer is going to get a Camry, so it makes perfect sense for Toyota to go after older buyers with the Avalon."

6. Mercury Sable

Buyers 65 and up: 48.6 percent MSRP: $22,096 Mileage: 18 mpg city/28 mpg hwy The 2008 model year marks the return of the Sable after a brief hiatus starting in 2005. Mercury tried using a new moniker, Montego, but it didn’t catch on, so the company reverted back to the name familiar to a generation of retirees. The 2008 Sable is basically an updated 2007 Montego with some new accents on the inside and LED taillights on the outside, among other tweaks. Unlike the Grand Marquis, it comes with either front- or all-wheel drive. It is a top safety pick of the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety and receives a five-star rating for front and side crash-test performance from the National Transportation Safety Institute.

5. Buick LaCrosse

Buyers 65 and up: 63.7 percent MSRP: $24,250 Mileage: 17 mpg city/28 mpg hwy The Buick LaCrosse is a little smaller than the Lucerne, though still a large sedan. It gest decent gas mileage for its size. The LaCrosse comes with a number of perks particularly attractive to drivers of retirement age, including OnStar and personalized settings for the power-adjustable front seats. It also has buttons on the steering wheel for functions like the cruise control and stereo, features found on many vehicles on this list, which can help ease the tech overload of today’s cars.

4. Buick Lucerne

Buyers 65 and up: 66.9 percent MSRP: $27,275 Mileage: 16 mpg city/25 mpg hwy The upper body twisting required to park a car gets more difficult as drivers get older, and the latest Lucerne is one of the many models in the top 20 that include options like rear-parking assist, which alerts the driver with beeps when there’s an object within three feet of the vehicle. The new Lucerne also includes a lane-departure warning system, and 2009 models will include traffic information in the navigation system and Bluetooth phone connectivity.

3. Mercury Grand Marquis

Buyers 65 and up: 69.2 percent MSRP: $23,980 Mileage: 15 mpg city/23 mpg hwy Typically sold in the same showroom as the Lincoln Town Car, the Grand Marquis is a lower-cost alternative. It’s still plenty spacious, comfortable and marketed toward people who are retired or near retirement. The Grand Marquis can seat six adults comfortably and has a trunk large enough to hold six golf bags. "Mercury is sold in the same showroom with Lincoln, so the brands are not really separate," says Tom Libby, an analyst with J.D. Power and Associates. "The two brands get some of the same image and status."

2. Cadillac DTS

Buyers 65 and up: 69.9 percent MSRP: $43,175 Mileage: 15 mpg city/23 mpg hwy The DTS is a direct competitor to the Lincoln Town car and so appeals to retirees for all the same reasons. A couple of high-tech features make it even more attractive to this set: automated lane-departure warnings and blind-spot alerts. Honestly, there is about a RCH of difference between the Caddy DTS and the STS. The STS is a bit bigger and costs a little more, but that's about where the differences end. But more than that, the Cadillac has clout for a generation that identifies its name with success and status. "Cadillacs are particularly popular with the Silent Generation, or the older component of the 65-and-older set, generally people over 75," said Brent Green, president of Brent Green & Associates, a Denver-based consulting firm specializing in consumers 55 and older.

1. Lincoln Town Car

Buyers 65 and up: 75.9 percent MSRP: $45,295 Mileage: 15 mpg city/23 mpg hwy Who else but the Town CarThe granddaddy of granddaddy cars, the Town Car is one of the roomiest luxury sedans available for less than $200,000. It has more interior space than the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Features that appeal to drivers of retirement age include large doors for easy entry and exit, plush, comfortable seats, a smooth ride and a strong V8.

2009 Dodge Caliber

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

[gallery]

2009 Ford Ranger

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

[gallery]

SEMA 2008: Sony's Ghostbusters Ecto-1 Revival

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Everybody's a critic, and we here in the auto media are no exception. We love to dish it out, and we can sometimes prove to be rather fair weather friends if a particular automaker takes a turn for the worse (for further reference, see both: GM and Tesla). Occasionally, the fact that we actually really and truly love cars is forgotten

2009 Nissan 370Z Shows A Little A-Pillar In New Teaser Shots

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Salesman Totals Tesla Roadster During Test Drive

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Last Wednesday, a product demonstration went horribly wrong when a sales director lost control of the Tesla Roadster he was driving, resulting in a very serious crash. The accident occurred somewhere in southern France, and while the Roadster itself was totaled, the driver and his passenger - a potential customer - only suffered relatively mild injuries. According to reports, the vehicle had been traveling at 100 mph on slightly wet roads,

What's Your Favorite Car Over 4,000 Pounds?

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Most Ridelust readers are car enthusiasts, and most car enthusiasts like fast cars, obviously. The thing about fast cars is that they tend to be light, and this leads to a situation where a whole automotive niche gets kind of ignored by auto enthusiasts: heavy cars. Most enthusiast vehicles have certain traits that set them apart from their heavier cousins; like more responsive steering and a suspension that allows the driver to feel the road. Meanwhile, heavier cars usually have a more "comfortable" ride and often steer like an ocean liner. Each type of car appeals to a different type of driver, but every so often there is a heavy car with qualities that the enthusiast can appreciate. I want to hear what your My favorite is the Mercury Marauder, without a doubt. Even the GMC Syclone only weighed about 3,500 pounds. In my opinion, the Marauder is the most badass car in the history of bad asses. It's intimidating, it's sinister, it has the air of authority about it. It's just a powerful machine, and yet, it's sad, because every year that goes by is one more year To deal with the greater grunt, the four-speed automatic is beefed up, and the rear axle is lowered to 3.55:1 from the Grand Marquis's 3.27:1 for faster takeoffs. Still, the big Merc doesn't exactly lunge away from a stop, and anyone expecting a muscle-car-style tire smoke display will be disappointed. Once it's rolling, though, the Marauder gets up and moves, scrambling to 60 mph in just over seven seconds. We recorded a quarter-mile time of 15.6 seconds at 94 mph, which is respectable but not intimidating. Put it this way: If some Honolulu miscreant were fleeing in a mid-'90s Chevy Impala SS, our man McGarrett would have to rely on his driving skill and his iron will to catch him, as the performance of the two cars is virtually identical. On the other hand, it would take only one tire-squealing corner for the Five-O chief to realize that this new Mercury is a whole different kettle of poi from the hubcap-shedding understeerers he drove for a dozen years. The Marauder is also vastly improved versus the Grand Marquis we're familiar with, mostly because of the extensive chassis makeover that Ford lavished upon all its big rear-wheel-drive sedans for 2003, and partly because of some special tweaks for the Marauder alone. Like its siblings, the big Merc benefits from a stiffened frame, with hydroformed front rails; variable-ratio, speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering in place of recirculating-ball; a redesigned control-arm front suspension; a beefier front anti-roll bar; and monotube dampers all around, with the rears relocated outside the frame rails. Compared with the Grand Marquis, the Marauder sits a few millimeters lower in front on shortened police-spec springs but rides a bit higher at the rear with its taller-sidewalled rear tires. The Marauder's rear air springs (taken from the Lincoln Town Car) feature load leveling, which should keep the car from dragging its butt even with a trunk full of shotguns, bullhorns, and hair spray. The Marauder arrived too late. This American generation doesn't have the testicular fortitude of generations past. Sure, there are automotive enthusiasts and lovers and nice cars and but there are no gentlemen, Paul Newman is dead. There are no more

One Man's

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

OGAKI, Gifu -- A 9-year-old boy is in police custody after he took his family's car on a drive to visit his grandmother. Police received a call at around 7:30 a.m. on Monday from a passerby saying there was a car driving along a prefectural road without anyone at the wheel. An officer subsequently found the boy sitting in the driver's seat of an automatic small car in a nearby convenience store parking lot. "It's my first time driving, but I learned from watching dad and playing at the video arcade," he told police. The boy told police that he'd taken the car from the family home at around 6 a.m. He was planning to visit his grandmother in nearby Sekigahara, but had got lost. The boy is around 135 cm in height, and managed to control the car by sitting at the front of the seat and clinging to wheel, allowing him to reach the pedals. Police warned the boy's parents to look after their car more carefully in the future.

The Blue Oval Walks The Green Mile, Gives Itself 7 Months

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

The Economics Of Another GM Bailout

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

"Saving labor, producing more goods with fewer man-hours, is widely perceived not as progress but as a danger. I call this the make-work bias, a tendency to underestimate the economic benefits of conserving labor. Where non-economists see the destruction of jobs, economists see the essence of economic growth: the production of more with less." –Bryan Caplan

GM and Ford are once again begging at the door of the federal government. Just two months ago, Congress gave the Detroit three $25 billion dollars worth of bailout money, and now they want more. They say this time it's different; this time, with only $50 billion, they can become profitable. The worst part is GM's argument for the bailout: they say if the taxpayers don't bail them out, it'll spell horrible doom for the economy. Now, I could go off on an economics lesson about how moving workers and resources from a less productive activity to various other more productive activities is a very good thing, and has great benefits for society. I could explain how preserving jobs that are not productive is actually a bad thing and hurts the economy. But people aren't generally interested in stuff like that. So I'll take it in another direction. First off, this isn't an industry-wide problem. Other auto makers are having difficulties, but they're not asking for a handout of taxpayer's money. For years, GM and Ford have been lagging behind their competitors. From an economic point of view: they've been making cars that consumers don't value as much as the cars made by their competitors. But instead of changing their cars or their way of doing business, they just spent their money on lobbyists. They tried to work the system to stay afloat. Companies like Honda and Toyota kept improving, making cars that consumers wanted, anticipating demand, while GM and Ford just... didn't. Secondly, 266,000 people is a lot of people. That's a massive work force, but there are 9 other US companies that are have a bigger workforce than GM, and one of them is Wal-Mart. What if Wal-Mart asked for a handout from the US taxpayers? I doubt they would get the same amount of sympathy. The question must be posed: Should the government bail out all 12 of these companies and, if so, at what cost? I doubt that if Wal-Mart, with their 2.1 million employees, went to the government or the American people and demanded a bailout that they would receive much sympathy, let alone money. But if we are going to base worthiness of bailout on number of employees alone, then Wal-Mart is almost 7 times more worthy than GM. So what do we do? If you're not part of the solution you're part of the problem, right? Well, GM needs to file for bankruptcy. That's all there is to it. Bankruptcy protection will get them out from under the thumb of the UAW, giving them a chance to really be competitive. GM could strip down and become a lean, mean, automaking machine, freed from all the red tape and bureaucratic nonsense that bogs it down now. But even if they don't, even if GM fades into nothingness, that's still a good thing. Those 266,000 GM workers and all the resources currently being used by GM in unproductive ways would be freed up. The workers would be a pool of employees for productive businesses, the resources and buildings could be bought up and used by productive businesses. It

10 Things Overheard in Detroit Recently

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

"Well we've done all we can Rick, why don't you try showing them a little leg?" -Anonymous advisor to GM CEO Rick Wagoner on the current lobby to push a $50 billion bailout for the auto industry through Congress. "Don't tase me, bro." Local Dodge dealer to police Sargeant who recently sustained significnat rear end damage to his Charger police cruiser when he inadvertently engaged the incorrect gear

UPDATE: Congress Officially Approves Auto Bailout

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Motorcyclists And Safety Advocates Disagree On New SC Red Light Law

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Billy "Reb" Richardson of Sumter grew tired of having to repeatedly break the law, so he decided to work to have the law changed in his favor. Richardson, a member of ABATE of South Carolina, a motorcycle rights organization, was the man behind the movement that led to the introduction in the South Carolina Legislature of bill S-0111. The legislation, which has become law, permits drivers of motorcyclists, mopeds and bicycles to drive through red lights after first stopping for a self-monitored two minutes. Richardson, 63, rides his Harley Davidson a few times a week, he said. Richardson would enjoy every minute of the rides, until the end, when he had the challenge of returning home. Richardson said the traffic light standing between him and his residence was not able to detect his motorcycle. "I'd come to the main intersection, and the light would never change,” he said. “The only way of getting past this red light would be to run the light and take a chance of getting a four-count infraction on my license, or making a right turn and U-turn to come around the other way—and hope I didn't get caught making an illegal U-turn." But not everyone is excited about the new law. Doug Degambrell of Honea Path, a fuel transport driver, said he thinks it's not safe. “Motorcycles always have the option to turn right, make a U-turn if legal, if the light does not switch. There are devices that can be placed on motorcycles to trip the light.” Crosby said he thinks people will take advantage of the new law. “When they're approaching an intersection and the light is red, and they don't see anybody coming, I don't think motorcyclists are going to stop, they're not going to wait two minutes,” he said. Crosby said that motorcycles, representing about 4 percent of registered vehicles in South Carolina, are involved in about 11 percent of highway fatalities in the state. According to the South Carolina's Department of Transportation Web site, actuated traffic signals maintain a green signal on the busiest street until a vehicle on the less-traveled side approaches the intersection. The Web site acknowledges that loop detectors easily detect larger vehicles, and do not easily detect the presence of motorcyclists, bicyclists and even motorists in small cars. South Carolina is the site of 3,600 intersections that are governed by traffic signals, according to Pete Poore, communications director for the South Carolina Department of Transportation. Among those, 1,600, or 44 percent, do not have sensors or have not been adjusted in such a manner that would accommodate a motorcyclist. Poore said transportation department officials are available to address any particular traffic lights that citizens have issues with. Richardson said the transportation department did its best in assisting him and other motorcyclists with traffic light issues, but it wasn't quite enough.

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

The best auto insurance company? USAA, hands down. But USAA only offers coverage to members of the military and the

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Automakers November Sales Numbers

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced November 2008 sales of 14,295 units, a 19.2 percent decrease over the November 2007 sales of 17,689 vehicles. On a year-to-date basis, 2008 Volkswagen sales are 2.1 percent behind 2007 sales through November. “This is the toughest economic environment we’ve seen in a long time and it presents a significant challenge” said Mark Barnes, Chief Operating Officer, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “Nevertheless, our clean diesel TDI’s continued to sell very well even in this tough economy and represented 17 percent of our monthly sales. This is very promising for the Volkswagen Brand as we strive to continue to be the market leader in affordable clean diesel technology. We’re also pleased that our all-new seven passenger minivan, Routan, has posted its best month ever with sales of 1,324 units.” added Barnes.

Road Rage 201: Advanced Tactics For Pissing People Off

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

When attempting to make a left hand turn at a green light, remain stopped solidly behind the white line. Although common sense and efficiency would both dictate that you should inch slowly into the intersection, taking advantage of any gap in oncoming traffic that you can, this would be simply too convenient to the four blocks of cars stopped behind you. So to do your part in easing along the flow of rush hour traffic, you just remained parked behind that thick white line, and don't even think about creeping your foot towards that accelerator until the nearest oncoming car is at least one square mile away. After you successfully execute the aforementioned lefthand turn, you cruise along for a mile or two until you come upon on intersection. Although your light is clearly green, you can see some heavy congestion up ahead and a solid block of cars begining to creep towards to intersection. The guy in front of you slows down to a crawl, most likely to gauge whether he should wait or not, and apparently deciding in the affirmative, darts across the road and just barely squeezes in, his rear fender hanging slightly in the crosswalk. Share you music with others Do you enjoy unwinding in your car to the refreshing musical talent (or lack thereof) of men with names like Ice-T and 50-Cent? Remember: if the vibrations from the bass note on Track 6 can't be felt clear through to the Mohorovic Discontinuity, you just aren't trying hard enough. Think: Ididorod. Sure, you don't have anywhere you need to be, and sure, the Wal-Mart in question is only about a mile or two from your house, but you've got 340-hp under your hood! What better place to really open 'er up then on the short bursts of tarmac between 4 traffic lights?

The 6 Detroit Auto Brands We'd Miss The Least

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

We can toss the Euro brands off the list first. I don't know if that'd be the most financially savvy move, but as for the brands we'd miss... they * Buick * Cadillac * Chevrolet * Daewoo * GMC * Holden * Hummer * Opel * Pontiac * Saab * Saturn * Vauxhall * Ford, * Lincoln, * Mazda, * Mercury, * Volvo Cars. * Chrysler * Dodge * Jeep Vauxhall Don't you miss Oldsmobile? Yeah, me either. Opel could be spun off and sold. They're a huge name in Europe Just lat month, SolarWorld offered to buy Opel from GM, but, of course, the cash strapped GM said Opel isn't for sale. Hummer needs to go. GM can wrap Hummer up in a nice package and sell them off to a more dedicated company that can focus entierly on the Hummer line. I'm sure Hummer will sell. Ford isn't in nearly as much financial trouble as GM, but that's not really saying much since GM is flat out doomed. As far as I'm concerned, Mercury is the most pointless auto brand on Earth. Ford tried to sell the Mercury brand as "near luxury" cars, halfway between Ford and Lincoln. That's a load of crap, Mercury has no identity of it's own, it's a money wasting enterprise with zero reason for existing. Mercury needs to go, now. The thing is, if Ford chops off Lincoln and Mercury, and re-focuses on the strong cars in the Ford line and the quality cars in the Mazda line, it can rebound, it can return to profitability one day. I love Mazda, primarily because they're the only company with the stones to keep developing a rotary engine. With the recent Ford has already shown signs that it want's to get rid of Volvo and possibly Mazda as well.will most likely sell Volvo in the future, they already have plans There are rumors flying around that Gm is going to kill off Saturn Saab has become irrelevant. These are tough decisions, I actually really like Saabs, but come on... high cost/low margins plus one of GM's smallest sales volumes. Saab is a pointless brand for GM right now. Another company could make it work, but GM is poised on the brink of eternal financial damnation, hard choices must be made. One of the biggest problems with GM is the huge number of nameplates it has. GM argues that there is value in their brands, since customers want a wide selection. The thing is, they're half the size they were 50 years ago So GM should adopt a template similar to Toyota's. Keep Chevrolet where it is - the volume brand that is the heartbeat of America. Maintain Cadillac at the top of the market and expand its product offerings with derivatives of the popular CTS. And continue to use Saturn, with its dedicated dealer channel and loyal buyers, as the brand for import intenders. Bye Bye Buick GM has a unique oppourtunity here... Buick is loved in China, sales there are huge, GM would have no problem selling off the Buick brand to a Chinese manufacturer, make a little money, unload an unprofitable sack of dead weight. Same with Pontiac. I was excited for a minute when they came out with the G8, but the fact is, it's over. The excitement is gone from the Pontic line, and it's never coming back. That's just how it is people, deal with it. Pontiac offers ZERO value right now, they're not quality, they're not small, and they're not eco; they're just the typical hunk of metal American car, and that needs to go. Hummer must go. GMC - this is a tough one for me, since I like GMC trucks, but the market isn't big enough anymore for Chevy and GMC. There are a few oppourtunities, GM could sell GMC outright to a commercial truck manufacturer, or they could just keep GMC on, but get rid of the regular productione line and just sell commercial trucks in the biz-2-biz market. Saab, little unloved Saab. With a combination of Who buys Saab cars anymore?

The 9 Detroit Auto Brands We'd Miss The Least

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Don't you miss Oldsmobile? Yeah, me either. One of the main problems GM has is it's huge number of brands, and the fact that they've spread themselves so thin across those brands. They argue that there's value in those nameplates, since customers want a wide selection. The thing is, they're half the size they were in their prime, and they have more brands. It's tough to get rid of one brand without having it affect another, but it has to be done. That's why we've put together this list of the 9 Detroit Automotive Brands We'd Miss The Least, to help the execs in Detroit make the tough choices they know they need to make. Check it out:

1. Opel & 2. Vauxhall

We're here at the drastic times, and if GM wants to survive the winter, they have to take some drastic measures. Just last month, the German company SolarWorld offered to buy Opel from GM. What did the cash strapped GM say? "No way, we'll just get more money from US taxpayers." People are suggesting that GM Europe is the only profitable part of the company, and that may be so right now, but it's showing signs of decay, just like the US counterpart. Why not just sell off the resource you can get the most money for, and use that money to restructure here on home ground? Opel is huge, they're like the Chevrolet of Europe and the rest of the World. And if GM gets rid of Opel, they most likely need to lose Vauxhall as well, since they're basically just right-hand drive Opel cars for the UK. It's a bold move, but the money GM gets from a sale of Opel and Vauxhall will give them the breathing room they need to and make their other brands profitable.

3. Buick

GM has a unique opportunity here: Buick is loved in China, sales there are huge and GM would have no problem selling Buick off to a Chinese manufacturer like the Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp (SAIC). Add that money to the $15 or so billion they would collect from an Opel and Vauxhall sale, and things are starting to look less grim for GM. Buick is dead weight anyway. GM has to look at this as a life or death situation. They don't have the money to bring Buick back to life or to restart the brand, so sell it off. Can you name a modern Buick model you really liked?

4. Pontiac

This one hurts me. I always held out hope that Pontiac would return with some kick ass new asskicker, and when the G8 was launched, I thought that was it. But when you step back and look at things objectively, you realize, it's too little too late. Pontiac is screwed, the excitement is gone and it's never coming back. That's just how it is. Pontiac offers zero value to GM, they're not quality, they're not small and they're not green; they're just another pointless brand hanging on to a dying company. Let it go.

5. Hummer

This one should be obvious. No matter what you say about the brand, the fact is that Hummer has been tarnished permanently because of all the enviro-mania. Plus, they don't sell well; they're essentially obsolete at this point. GM can wrap Hummer up in a nice package and sell them off to a more dedicated company that can focus entirely on the Hummer line. I'm sure a smaller, more vital company can turn the Hummer brand around by shrinking the size and adding an alt-fuel or eco twist, but GM can't. They need to unload Hummer as quickly as possible.

6. Saab

Saab has become even more irrelevant than Hummer. I don't think I've seen a Saab on the roads for weeks. They're just poor sellers. They suffer from a bad combination of high cost/low margins plus one of GM's smallest sales volumes. Plus the high-end Japanese brands have just outgunned Saab - they're finished. Although, just like with Hummer, another company could make it work, but not GM, they're too big and too sickly right now to make Saab profitable.

7. GMC

This one hurts me even more than Pontiac, since GMC trucks are actually good sellers and quality vehicles. The problem is, the market for personal trucks isn't big enough anymore for both Chevy and GMC. So they need to sell-off or restructure now. GM could sell GMC outright to a commercial truck manufacturer, or they could keep GMC on, and limit manufacturing to the large, business-to-business. That about does it for GM. A snip here and a slice there, and GM could well be on the path to prosperity. They just need the balls to carry out a bold plan like that. Grow a set, GM, and stop asking for handouts. As for Ford...

8. Mercury

Ford isn't in nearly as much financial trouble as GM, but that's not really saying much, they're still in financial crisis mode. They need to take some action equally as drastic as GMs. Ford has been showing signs that they want to unload Volvo and maybe even Mazda, but they need to focus a little more close to home: the Mercury brand. As far as I'm concerned, Mercury is the most pointless auto brand on Earth. It has no identity of it's own, and just pumps out mirror images of the Ford line with some silly outdated "almost luxury" option added to boost the price up a bit. That's all Mercury is, and it's all they have been for the past two decades. Mercury adds no value to Ford, and in fact, it's a money wasting enterprise. Mercury needs to go, now.

9. Volvo

I like Volvo, maybe not as much as Suzanne does, but I like them. But Ford is already in talks to sell the company, so it's probably going to happen no matter what any of us want. If Volvo ends up in the hands of BMW, everyone will be better off. Volvo will be better run, and Ford will get some badly needed capital to rejuvenate it's business. Ford is really the only one of the Detroit Three that really has a fighting change to make it out of this mess alive, so they need to just go ahead and do what needs to be done. As for Chrysler, I don't have a clue what's going to happen to them. They can't drop Dodge, and they shouldn't drop Jeep, so they're fine the way they are. They just need to do it better, that is, if they don't get bought out by a super-slim GM that just sold half it's brands.

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I had $30 extra bucks laying around, so I rang up my broker and told him to buy me 20 shares of Ford stock, on the double. After he was resucutated, he explained to me in a patient and somewhat strained voice that he strongley reccommended I not invest in Ford, and that it could prove to very damaging to my portfolio. After I politely reminded my broker that my portfolio consists primarily of my paycheck and whatever I can make at the track, he agreed to acquiesce to my requests. So I bought 20 shares of Ford stock at $2.60 a pop, which (including brokerage commission) cost me precisely $64.99. To date, my portfolio is worth a whopping $90.57

Classic Adelaide Rally

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

It hasn't even been two months since Microsoft loosed its Surface SDK, and already we're seeing new and improved (or is it just one or the other?) uses of the giant multitouch display. In a presumed attempt to keep savvy shoppers off of those message boards and in the dealership, BMW has developed a promotional video showcasing the so-called Product Navigator. Said device reminds us an awful lot of that fictional computer seen the recent "Twins" Volkswagen commercial, though it actually enables prospective customers to develop their next whip rather than taking their John Hancock and doing the hard work itself. Personally, we'd rather spend our time on the track in Spartanburg deciding which model suits us best, but to each his / her own, we guess. Vid's after the break.

RideLust Daily Fail:

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

ImagineA D.C. family is saying there is a good reason why their vandalized car shouldn't have been towed. The dilemma for Chris Thompson and her husband Mike started on Thanksgiving morning when they noticed the wheels and tires on their Audi had been stolen and the car was sitting on cinder blocks. Five days later, after filing a police report and while waiting for the new parts to come in, the city took matters into its own hands. Earlier this week, a tow truck contracted by the Department of Public Works (DPW) dragged a $70,000 dollar car to an impound lot. "They dragged the car with a cinder block underneath it," said Thompson. "It made me sick." Now, Thompson is outraged, claiming the damage is estimated at $20,000. "They couldn't of run our tags, they couldn't of found us," said Thompson. "They didn't try anything." Neighbor Melvin Peterson initially reported the car to police last week. "I was concerned that maybe it was a stolen vehicle being stripped," Peterson said. Days later, Peterson watched as it was taken away. "When the vehicle pulled out I said, they just did a serious amount of damage to this man's car." An official with DPW said the car was given a $250 ticket and towed because it was deemed "too dangerous to be on public space". The Capitol Hill couple, however, said no one ever notified them they were in violation. They claim they still haven't been able to talk to anyone other then a receptionist at the office. "I was practically in tears when I got handed $250 ticket, I had to pay $120 at the impound for a car that was already vandalized," said Thompson.

Congress Orders Ford To Sell Volvo Or Forfeit Federal Aid

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

What began as a casual inquiry in search of any potential buyers has now become a federal stipulation Ford must adhere to in order to recieve any monetary aid.

Formula 1

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=50515517089 167 members It's a bad bad time for the most expensive sport in the world. It costs upwards of $500 million dollars a year for some of the big names to participate, and with this economic 'perfect storm' coming together over the heads of all humanity, the money just isn't there anymore. Sponsors and advertisers are disappearing, despite the fact that Formula 1 is one of the most watched events in the world, with 55 million people all over the world tuning in to watch the average Grand Prix event. Honda's decision is shocking because after a disastrous 2008 season, when it finished ninth out of 11 constructors, there were high hopes of a strong performance this year. Honda had a new car and new team leader in Ross Brawn, credited for much of Ferrari's recent F1 success. Honda's U-turn is sure to raise questions about the commitment of other manufacturers -- such as Toyota, BMW and Mercedes. A mass exodus seems unlikely. F1 is still one of the few high-profile ways for auto makers to differentiate themselves and showcase their engineering skills -- particularly in developing countries. Renault has no plans to quit the sport, despite the pressure on its sales, because it says F1 is so important for building its brand in markets such as Latin America and Russia, vital for the French company's future growth. Besides, Honda's withdrawal is likely to add extra urgency to discussions between the remaining manufacturers and the FIA, F1's governing body. They are trying to thrash out new rules to sharply lower the sport's costs while ensuring each F1 team's cars remain distinct from one another's. A leaner sport, with fewer teams, more overtly focused on emerging markets may what makes it back to the F1 track. That is a future likely to be shared with other high-cost sports that boomed during the credit bubble -- above all soccer, particularly in the U.K. where several top clubs acquired in leveraged deals shortly before the credit crisis struck have started to come unstuck Honda on Friday announced its shock withdrawal from Formula One raising fresh fears over the future of the multi-million dollar sport struggling to keep afloat in the current economic downturn. Honda Motor president Takeo Fukui made the announcement at an emotional press conference in Tokyo, apologising to fans, staff, drivers and F1 authorities. "This is a complete withdrawal. The future is a blank sheet," he said. "Five years from now, I think history will show we made the right decision." The decision shocked the sport which had already seen backmarkers, and fellow Japanese team, Super Aguri go the wall earlier this year. It also sparked new calls for the glamour sport to slash its mind-boggling budgets while the remaining Japanese team, Toyota, hurried out a statement pledging their future to the championship. "This difficult decision has been made in light of the quickly deteriorating operating environment facing the global auto industry, brought on by the subprime problem in the United States," Fukui added. Honda Racing CEO Nick Fry , however, said he was hopeful that new owners would be found in time for the team to be on the grid for the start of next season in Australia on March 29. "In the last 12 hours we've had three serious people come to us and suggest they would like to buy the team, so we're still hoping to be there in Melbourne," Fry told the BBC. Drivers Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello were out of contract at the end of the season, but Honda, whose annual F1 budget was believed to be in the region of 400 million dollars, had been expected to retain them both for 2009. However, Friday's announcement means they are without a team which could spell the end of the road for Barrichello, the most experienced driver in Formula One history having raced in 271 Grand Prix, winning nine. "It's just as much of a shock for me as it is for everyone else," said 28-year-old Button, who claimed Honda's only grand prix win at Hungary in 2006 and visited the team's HQ at Brackley in England where around 500 people are employed. "We need to stay positive and as one team because if we are not, no one will be interested in taking it over." Honda first competed in F1 in 1964 and has since clocked up three Grand Prix wins as a full works team. Its engines have also been behind dozens of victories by stars such as world champions Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost. The team finished ninth in the constructors championship this season with 14 points. Barrichello achieved the team's best result with a third-place finish at Silverstone. F1 is generally feeling the pinch with this year's Australian Grand Prix going 27 million dollars into the red and France axing its race over money worries. Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone, asked whether F1 was in crisis, replied: "Formula One is in no bigger a crisis than any other company throughout the world -- the world is in crisis at the moment. "But the world won't stop, that's for sure." However, Max Mosley , the head of the sport's ruling body, the FIA, insisted Honda's withdrawal dramatically illustrated the need for changes, including the introduction of a cheaper, standardised engine. "If the teams don't notice now what's happened, you have to abandon all hope for them," said Mosley who dismissed the Formula One Teams Association (FOTA) efforts to cut costs. "The moment where we can make really massive reductions is from 2010, but we have to get through 2009 first," Mosley told the respected autosport website. "We have got to get the costs down not by 10 or 20 per cent, but down to 10 or 20 per cent of what they are now. I would expect a team to be able to run in the 30-40 million pound bracket." Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo said he was saddened by developments. "Unfortunately these things can happen in difficult times like these," said di Montezemolo. "Over the years, we have seen several constructors coming and going in Formula One." Meanwhile, Toyota, who haven't won a Grand Prix since joining the sport in 2002, insisted that they are fully committed to the sport. "Toyota is currently committed to succeeding in Formula One and to reducing our costs," said a statement. "We are contributing to the FOTA activities which will achieve significant cost reductions whilst maintaining the spirit of the sport." It is not the first time Honda has quit F1. It withdrew in 1968 to focus on developing compact passenger vehicles. The Japanese firm returned to the F1 stage as an engine supplier from 1983 until 1992, when race regulation changes and a ban on the use of turbo systems prompted Honda to withdraw again from the competition. In 2000, Honda made yet another comeback by partnering with BAR, supplying engines and jointly developing the vehicle body. The company took full control of the team from the 2006 season.

Volvo Plans New Hybrid For 2011, Carves "FoNoGo" Into Schooldesk

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Spy Shots: BMW X6 Caught Cross[Over] Dressing On The Track

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Top Gear Pops The Top Off The Tesla - Gives It A Proper Review

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I just love the way they say "naught" and "petrol" and pronounce every single letter in the word "aluminum". It give their opinions a level a substance that

Top Ten

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

RORMaxx Formula AE Poised To Become First Wind-Powered Racer

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Rory Handel and Max Bricklin, California high school students and founders of imaginary Formula One racing outfit, RORMaxx,

ProTip: Patrol Car NOT A Good Place To Hide Kiddie Porn Stash

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Deputy (well that explains it) Stephen Guy Thomas Jr. of the Indian River County Sherriff's Office has been suspended without pay and charged with the possession of child pornography after a laptop found in Thomas' patrol car was found to contain several sexually explicit videos of children. Apparently, Thomas' extracurricular activities first caught the attention of his law enforcement fellows when local detectives who routinely investigate child pornography stumbled across a screenname that linked back to Thomas. After determining that Thomas was in no way involved with any sort of internal investigation, detectives recieved permission to sieze Thomas' laptop. An initial search of Thomas house

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

It's a truism that big power requires lots of fuel. There's simply no way around it. So it's not surprising that a newly compiled top 10 list of the world's most polluting passenger cars is composed primarily of supercars. Leading the way is the Bugatti Veyron, rated at a whopping 571g/km CO2. That's 15% higher than number two on the list, the Lamborghini Murcielago, ticking over at 495g/km CO2 in coupe form, or 500g/km as a roadster. Third through sixth place are much more closely grouped, spanning two Ferraris and the Dodge Viper in addition to one of the only non-supercars on the list: the Bentley Arnage/Azure/Brooklands, rated at 465g/km. Ferrari's 430 Scuderia and California are downright green by comparison, emitting just 360g/km and 310g/km respectively. Some cars that might make the list - such as SSC's Ultimate Aero - aren't included due to their very small volume production and somewhat lower profiles. Near misses to the list include the Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG (392g/km) and Rolls-Royce Phantom (377g/km). By way of comparison to some more 'normal' cars, the Nissan 350Z emits 280g/km, BMW's M3 Coupe puts out 285g/km and the Chevrolet Corvette is rated at 316g/km. Top Ten Most Polluting Cars: 1. Bugatti Veyron: 571g/km 2. Lamborghini Murcielago LP640: 495g/km (500g/km in Roadster form) 3. Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano: 490g/km 4. Ferrari 612 Scaglietti: 475g/km 5. Bentley Arnage/Azure/Brooklands: 465g/km 6. Dodge Viper SRT-10: 463g/km 7. Ferrari F430 (Coupe & Spider): 420g/km 8. Hummer H2: 412g/km 9. Mercedes G500: 400g/km 10. Bentley Continental GT/GTC/Flying Spur: 396g/km

Wired's Autopia Is A Socialist Rag

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Wired's Autopia Is A Socialist Rag

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

London's Double-Decker Red Buses Go Hydrogen-Powered Green

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

The classic big red double-decker buses that As part of his election campaign earlier this year, new London Mayor Boris Johnson promised to bring back the Routemaster in some form. The new Routemaster buses could also feature the sleek lines of an Aston Martin, after the sports car maker jointly won a competition to design them along with top architecture firm Foster and Partners. The Aston Martin-Fosters proposal will go forward with a design by a British bus maker, Capoco, as the basis for the final shape of the new generation of the world-famous bus. Routemasters, featuring open rear platforms and a spiral staircase, were taken out of service at the end of 2005, replaced by elongated "bendy buses" as well as a new generation of driver-only double-deckers. Routemasters are still in operation, albeit only on popular tourist routes in London city centre. As part of his election campaign earlier this year, new London Mayor Boris Johnson promised to bring back the Routemaster in some form. The Aston Martin-Foster design features a zero-emissions double-decker that remains highly manoeuvrable, with solar panels built into the glass roof, warm lighting and wooden floors while remaining accessible for disable passengers. Capoco's proposed bus has a low flat floor to allow passengers to get on and off easily, with a Routemaster-esque front engine, an open rear platform and will also be low emission. Transport for London said it expected to award a contract for the development and manufacture of the first new bus by the end of 2009, with the vehicles expected to hit the British capital's streets by 2011. Overall, more than 700 entries were submitted for the competition, with children actively encouraged to take part and given special prizes for the best entries in various age groups. "When I launched the competition, I asked for stylish and imaginative designs which would resonate with Londoners," Johnson said. "We have had a phenomenal response, with ideas submitted from around the globe, and we now have, in our joint winners, two stunning designs that allow us to go forward and produce a truly iconic bus fit for 21st century London. "I know that, like me, Londoners will be waiting eagerly to see how these ideas evolve into the final design that will appear on our roads."

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

More Than Meets The Eye: The Chevy Jolt - Complete With Lashing Whips

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Head To Walmart For Your Next Used Car

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

The world's largest retailer is leasing space in two suburban Phoenix stores to Live X Auto Exchange, an online used-vehicle buying company, Automotive News reports today. Walmart shoppers use Live X computers at the stores to check out more than 1,000 used cars and trucks for sale, Live X founder Patrick Dial said. Mr. Dial declined to say how many vehicles it has helped sell since it was launched last month or what Walmart is charging his company. He said about 35 local dealerships, along with rental-car companies, banks and private sellers, are listing used vehicles. Live X refers buyers to dealerships. But it also holds a broker's license that allows it to buy used vehicles from dealers and sell them directly to customers, Mr. Dial said. "Here's the secret sauce," Mr. Dial said. "We're in a nontraditional location but one where there is a promise of value. And customers frequent it over and over." Next year, Mr. Dial said, Live X plans to expand to as many as 13 other Walmart stores in the Phoenix market. He said he would like to roll out the program nationally but has no timetable. Other than being a landlord, Walmart does not have a business relationship with Live X. Spokeswoman Christi Davis Gallagher said the used-vehicle venture reflects Walmart's mission to provide one-stop convenience and value to save our customers money so they can live better." Live X does not display vehicles or offer test drives at the two Walmart stores, in Chandler and Mesa, Ariz. Dealers pay Live X $995 a month to list an unlimited number of used cars and trucks. Mr. Dial, a former promoter for country music singer Garth Brooks, said his company's strategy enables dealers to retail aging inventory before they send the used cars and trucks to auction. At the Walmart stores, Live X employees help customers open free accounts that give them access to the used-vehicle listings. Customers must go to the stores to establish accounts. Live X also works with buyers to help them get credit from lenders. Customers can search the Live X database by vehicle type and price. When a customer buys a car or truck and is approved for financing, a service technician inspects the vehicle before it is sent to the Live X delivery center. The inspectors work at two local dealerships, Mr. Dial said. At the delivery center, the customer can test-drive the vehicle. At that point, he or she can cancel the deal without penalty. Some participating dealerships also allow customers to return the vehicle within three days and exchange it for another used vehicle in the store's inventory. Live X does not offer warranties on the vehicles it sells, but individual dealerships do, Mr. Dial said. Larry Miller Mazda, in the Phoenix suburb of Avondale, lists about 28 used vehicles with Live X. As of mid-December, the dealership had not sold any through Live X. But General Manager Terry Ferrante likes the Live X business model. "You're always looking for new customers," he said. "There's an old saying that you fish where the fish are. Obviously, Walmart has proven to the rest of us that there are a lot of fish there." Live X is not the first auto retailer to try to ride Walmart's coattails. Asbury Automotive Group experimented with selling used vehicles in Walmart parking lots in Houston in 2002 and 2003. Asbury abandoned the venture after it said it lost almost $6 million.

Biggest Car Fails Of 2008

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Toyota iQ

Mitsubishi i-MiEV

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

The first proper-performance, four-seater electric car from Mitsubishi, a major car manufacturer, which is eco friendly and has zero tailpipe emissions, is all set to be launched on the UK market. According to a report in The Independent, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV (Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle) could herald a new dawn for electric motoring. Offering zero emissions from its tailpipe, it is the first crash-tested all-electric four-seat vehicle from a mainstream carmaker that will be available in the UK. The i-MiEV can fit four 6ft adults plus 246 litres of luggage, and reach a top speed of 87mph. The battery pack, which makes the car 200 kg heavier than its conventional petrol version, sits under the floor and the 47kW (63bhp) electric motor occupies the space near the rear wheels It will be available in the UK, initially for leasing, from the middle of 2009 and can travel up to 100 miles without charging. The i-MiEV marks a dramatic leap forward in quality from the vehicles which have so far dominated the electric car market in the UK. Developed from Mitsubishi’’s petrol-driven i-minicar, the i-MiEV is fully crash-tested, and offers double the speed of its predecessors. Mitsubishi is convinced there is a serious market for the i-MiEV, in spite of the hefty price tag of 35,000 pounds. Expensive though it is, there seems little doubt the i-MiEV is showing the way to the future of motoring, as the threat of climate change grows and transport policy increasingly bears down on vehicle emissions of carbon dioxide, the principal greenhouse gas. About 200 cars will be available for leasing from selected UK dealers next summer, for about 750 pounds per month. (ANI)

Biggest Auto FAILs Of 2008

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

1. Nissan GT-R

Rivaled only the 2010 Camaro as the most highly anticipated sports car launches of the year, the super performance Nissan GT-R suffered a major blow when news broke that using the GT-R's famed launch control could void your warranty. The scandal first erupted when a man in St. Petersburg, Florida, received a nasty shock from the dealership when he was told the $20,000 worth of repairs required to fix the severely damaged transmission in his GT-R would not be covered by his warranty. Apparently, the GT-R's transmission was destroyed after the man repeatedly engaged the GT-R's LC function with the VDC turned off, and although Nissan claimed that neither the excessive use of launch control nor disabling the VDC will void the GT-R's warranty, they did maintain that any "abuse" of those features would. Unfortunately, Nissan's definition of "abuse" was vague, and the St. Petersburg problem grew in controversy after many other GT-R owners received similar rejections for their transmission repair claims. Nissan has yet to admit fault for the miscommunication and we haven't heard whether any sort of compromise was reached, but we do know that "Launch Control" is noticeably absent from the 2010 Nissan GT-R's spec sheet. At the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2007, Bejing-based automaker Shuanghaun lifted the sheet on their newest SUV, the Shuanghaun CEO. Classified as a 4WD, 5-passenger, 5-door hatchback/SUV, the Shuanghuan CEO did such an impressive job of mimicking the superior design of the BMW X5, BMW sat up and took notice. In September 2007, Bovorain Motor Werks filed a lawsuit against Hebei, Shuanghuan's parent company, claiming the Shuanghaun CEO was blatant design/copyright infringement, ultimately seeking to remove the CEO from the German market altogether. In June 2008, German courts handed down a ruling in favor of BMW, ordering Shuanghaun to immediately halt all production and distribution of the CEO and destroy or otherwise remove all current models from German roads.

3. Porsche Panamera

Porsche's first foray into the 4-door performance car segment, the Porsche Panamera made its first horrifying debut in spy shots captured earlier this year, and we were hoping the design aesthetic would grow less offensive as the year progressed. Unfortunately, even official images leaked a few months ago still feature a vehicle drawing rather heavy architectural cues from the Ambiguously Gay Duo's DuoCar. Either completely unaware of or totally comfortable with the Panamera's overt phallic symbolism, Porsche is forging full-speed ahead with the Panamera's future launch, even going so far as to engage the Mercedes-Benz CLS in a pissing contest. While we're always in favor of a little auto-a-auto action at the 'Ring, Porsche's confidence in the Panamera makes us feel a slightly uncomfortable type of embarrassment not completely unlike the kind we felt in junior high when we watched the nerdy kid who used to eat his nasal discharge swagger over to the captain of the varisity cheerleading squad and ask her to the Valentine's Day dance.

4. smart ForTwo

The Daimler-Chrysler-birthed smart ForTwo took the U.S. market by storm this year, it's tiny 106 in. wheelbase proving surprisingly capable of completely dominating the micro car segment. While 2008 saw the posting of many record-breaking profit losses for other automakers, smart was able to ride the wave of the economic/fuel crisis. Terrified by the rising fuel prices and romanticized by the idea of owning a car small enough to chain to a bike rack, scores of Americans ditched their mid-size sedans in favor of the ridiculously tiny smart ForTwo and began reaping the benefits of the ForTwo's 33 mpg city/41 mpg hwy/36 mpg combined EPA fuel-efficiency estimate. Confused, you ask: "So who FAIL'd?" In short: the consumer. Since 2008 was the smart ForTwo's inaugural year in the U.S. market, any prospective buyer had to pay the full, $11590 - $16590 mark-up in order to get their hands on one. While that hefty price might have seemed worth it at the time given the ForTwo's famed fuel-efficiency, gas prices have now floated back down to around a steady $1.50 a gallon and the average ForTwo owner no longer has much of an advantage than the guy who held onto his '98 Toyota Camry. What the ForTwo owner does have that the Camry driver lacks, however, is a 1.0L 3-banger that sputters out a laughable 70-horsepower as well as approximately $10,000 left on their 36-month loan agreement. Fuel-efficient compact, FTLoss.

5. Cadillac Escalade Hybrid

As if belonging to the diseased harem of the struggling General Motors Corporation was not enough of a burden itself, Cadillac was dealt a further blow in 2008 with multiple failures of one of its most popular vehicles: the Cadillac Escalade. After attempting to extiniguish the maelstrom of negative publicity that ignited when the Escalade became one of the media's favorite scapegoats for global warming, Cadillac unveiled the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid. Intended to hit dealer showrooms in 2009 as the American one-two punch in the face of the forgien automaker's domination of the market, the Escalade's heavily touted "hybrid" tag temporarily distracted us from its actual EPA ratings. Eventually, the Escalade Hybrid's 20 mpg city/21 mpg hwy fuel-efficieny average caught up to it, however, and rumors have already begun to circulate that the Escladade Hybrid might be heading to the scrap heap before it's even laid one piece of rubber on the dealer lot.

6. 2010 Chevy Camaro

To be blunt, the 2010 Camaro made the FAIL list for being an attention whore. If we had a dime for every image leak/press release/major reveal for the 2010 Camaro we reported on in 2008, we'd have enough money to bail out GM personally. It started with Transformers and then quickly progressed into an endless barrage of official images and spec sheets nefariously obtained from apparently very inattentive Chevy dealers. By the time the 2010 Camaro made its Michael Bay/Awesome debut at the 2008 Indy Bash, we had little else to offer aside from a weary, somewhat irritated, "Seen it."

7. 2010 Ford Mustang

We could not, in good concious, accuse the 2010 Camaro of being a shameless media hog without holding the 2010 Ford Mustang accountable for the same offense. While we like to think that Ford PR was demonstrating an impressive mastery of dry wit by mocking the advertising techniqiues used by Chevy, the fact remains that the excruciatingly slow striptease of the 2010 Mustang ultimately unveiled perhaps one of the least altered mid-cycle refreshes.

8. Honda Insight

When spy shots of the new Honda Insight were first leaked to the press, we dismissed the Insight's downright uncanny resemblence to the Prius as merely a shell of cleverly-engineered camoflauge. After official production photos were released, however, we released that the spy shots were truer to form than we had originally anticipated - the Honda Insight's rear fascia is nearly indistinguishable from the Toyota Prius'. Obviously, Honda is still a little miffed over the flop of the first generation Insight and Toyota's subsequent capitalization on their failure, but by blatantly mimicking the exterior design of the Toyota Prius, Honda doesn't inspire intimidation so much as it does pity. Ok, so maybe Toyota didn't do it first, but they did do it better. Get over it.

9. Toyota iQ

Although Toyota has since taken the iQ back to the drawing board for some serious revisions to its rear-passenger safety features, the iQ still serves as the perfect example of what is wrong with the micro-car movement (besides the hideous design aesthetic). Yes, "small" = "fuel efficient", but "small" also equals "less material," and while less actual car body might not pose any immediate threat to the front passengers, any sort of rear-end collision means backseat passengers are afforded about as much protection as they would in a rickshaw.

10. BMW X3

To put it simply, the BMW X5 made the lineup for being a taint upon the Ultimate Driving Machine. While BMWs do carry the unfortaunte stigma as being the car of choice for over-gelled, body-waxed douchenozzles, they are still prime examples of the most superior engineering in automotive history. Given their rich history for superb craftsmanship and downright beautiful vehicles, something as mundane and unexciting as an XUV is simply unworthy of wearing the BMW badge. A BMW is meant to be valued for its prowess on winding roads, not how many snot-nosed first graders it can carry, and as much as we hate pretty boys with popped collars, we hate spoiled housewives too preoccupied with opening Lil' Mikey's juice box to pay attention to the road even more.

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Retail gasoline prices tumbled Friday to the lowest level in nearly four years. And while crude futures rose, analysts believed it was a temporary pause in an extended, downward arc as the recession spreads. "We're paying about a billion dollars per day less than we were in July" for gasoline, said Tom Kloza, publisher and chief oil analyst at Oil Price Information Service. "We could probably bail out some banks and maybe even some of the auto companies with the savings." But cheap gas is bittersweet news for an economy that shed millions of jobs this year. Pump prices were driven down mostly because Americans are staying home more. Transportation Secretary Mary Peters said the travel habits of Americans are "fundamentally changing" as drivers clocked 9 billion fewer miles in October, even as gas prices plunged. Awful holiday retail sales, job uncertainty and shrinking global trade all suggest that demand for energy from both businesses and consumers will continue to fall into next year. "By Tuesday or Wednesday, we could easily see crude oil roughly $3 below what it is right now," said Jim Ritterbusch, president of energy consultancy Ritterbusch and Associates. New evidence that OPEC members had cut production and a weaker dollar boosted crude prices Friday in light trading. Light, sweet crude for February delivery rose $2.36, more than 6 percent, to close at $37.71 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Trading was closed Thursday for Christmas. In London, February Brent crude rose $1.76 to settle at $38.45 a barrel on the ICE Futures exchange. Tumbling crude prices have led to enormous declines in the price of retail gasoline. At the pump, retail gas prices fell six-tenths of a penny overnight to a new national average of $1.642 a gallon Friday, well below the year-ago average of $2.981 a gallon, according to AAA and the Oil Price Information Service. The last time retail prices dipped this low was in February 2004, Kloza said. The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, which accounts for about 40 percent of global supply, has announced crude production cuts totaling more than 4 million barrels per day as it tries to stop the decline in prices. OPEC members, however, have a history of ignoring announced quotas and crude traders waited for concrete evidence that the 13-nation group was tightening the spigot. Analysts pointed to a release from the United Arab Emirates advising clients that it would reduce supply almost immediately. The state-owned Abu Dhabi National Oil Company said it would cut production of some grades of crude by as much as 15 percent next month. "For now, at least Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates seem to be fully complying with the cuts," said analyst Olivier Jakob of Petromatrix in Switzerland. OPEC may meet again in Kuwait City on Jan. 19 to discuss further production cuts. The group's next official meeting is March 15 in Vienna. Investors in recent months have ignored supply cuts from OPEC, with demand issues clearly driving the market. What's kept crude prices at four-year lows is the steady drumbeat of gloomy economic news that shows consumers aren't spending like they used to. The latest comes from a preliminary report by MasterCard SpendingPulse, which said retail sales fell between 5.5 percent and 8 percent during the holiday season, compared with last year. Excluding auto and gas sales, they fell 2 percent to 4 percent, according to SpendingPulse. SpendingPulse is a division of MasterCard Advisors that tracks total sales paid for by credit card, checks and cash. Crude has given up 70 percent of its value since July, and this month alone it has fallen by more than $17 per barrel, a 30 percent decline. Tom Kloza said he'll know that crude prices are poised for a sustained rebound when global demand matches last year's levels for several weeks in a row. "Before you turn the corner, you need to get to the corner," Kloza said. "And right now we're seeing gasoline demand running about 3 to 5 percent behind year-ago levels. Investors eyed more evidence that plummeting consumer demand from the U.S. and Europe is undermining growth in export-dependent Asia, as production at major Japanese manufacturers fell by its largest margin ever in November. Japanese industrial production fell 8.1 percent in November from a month earlier, the largest drop since the government began measuring such data in 1953, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry said Friday. The decline followed a 3.1 percent drop in October, and the government expects another 8 percent plunge in December. "These are pretty ugly figures that show the recession deepened in Japan," said Christoffer Moltke-Leth, head of sales trading for Saxo Capital Markets in Singapore. "I don't see any catalyst to bring crude higher. We'll likely test $30." Many companies will likely report dismal earnings for the fourth quarter and may use the lowered expectations to include massive writedowns or one-time charges, Moltke-Leth said. "I think a lot of CEOs want to put everything bad into the fourth quarter because the market expects it to be bad so why not put everything you can in there," he said. "There's going to be a lot of bad corporate news during the next few weeks, and that's going to reinforce the demand destruction theme for crude." In other Nymex trading, gasoline futures rose 5.17 cents to settle at 88.4 cents a gallon. Heating oil gained 4.67 cents to settle at $1.245 a gallon while natural gas for January delivery fell 8.4 cents to settle at $5.826 per 1,000 cubic feet.

Congressional Motors

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Oettinger A

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Honda Cancels

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Burger King is all about the viral kookiness these days, and their latest advertising enterprise is actually pure genius. They've created the "Whopper Sacrifice," Facebook application, which will give you a coupon for a free Whopper if you delete 10 people from your Facebook friends list. Burger King got me interested with their Whopper Virgins ads, and initially I loved this campaign because of how it seemingly makes fun of all the Facebook obsessed freaks out there. The website says: "Now is the time to put your fair-weather Web friendships to the test. Install Whopper Sacrifice on your Facebook profile, and we'll reward you with a free flame-broiled Whopper when you sacrifice ten of your friends." And the app actually makes each "sacrifice" show up in your activity feed for everyone to see. It says something like "Vito sacrificed Jimmy James for a free Whopper." But I thought about it, and wondered what BK could possibly gain from this. And then it came to me:

The Kicker: The Foot-in-the-Door

In Social Psychology, there's a tactic called the Foot-in-the-Door (FITD) technique which involves getting a person to agree to a relatively small request first, after which they're more likely to agree to a larger request. Basically you ask for a small yes, then you can get a bigger yes, and so on. There have been a number of studies into the effect. For example, back in the 60s, some scientists asked people to either sign a petition or place a small card in a window in their home or car about keeping California beautiful or supporting safe driving. About two weeks later, the same people were asked by a second person to put a large sign advocating safe driving in their front yard. The people who agreed to the first request were far more likely to agree to the second. This tactic works because the human brain wants to be consistent, we always strive to align our opinions with what we know we have said in the past. That's why "flip-flopping" is looked down on, even though, if you think about it... changing your opinion in the face of new evidence is actually a good thing. So what Burger King is doing here is quite genius. Even though people think it's no big deal to drop 10 "useless" friends to pick up a 2 dollar coupon, it may actually be having an effect on them. I wouldn't be surprised if, after this campaign comes and goes, the customers who dropped friends for the coupon were actually more likely to frequent Burger King than those who didn't engage in the friend dropping. Psychology plays a big part in advertising, now you know.

DIY Gasification: Run Your Car On Trash

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

That said, the latest generation of bio-fuel generating “gasifiers” is being highlighted over at the DIY site Instructables, which features a working unit installed in a late-80’s Honda Accord. Despite NOT producing the 1.21 gigawatts of power needed to take you back to the days of Max Headroom and fresh episodes of the Golden Girls, these gasifiers have a huge advantage over the fictional movie version being, you know - REAL!

DIY Gasification: Run Your Car On Trash

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

DIY Gasification: Run Your Car On Trash

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

2009 NAIAS: Chrysler Unveils 200C EV Concept Vehicle

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

THE NEW MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS 01/10/09 Detroit – Mercedes-Benz is once again setting the standard with the new 2010MY E-Class in terms of safety, comfort and advanced technology in its market segment. The sedan further emphasizes the leading position held by Mercedes-Benz in the luxury class, with a unique combination of driver assistance systems. These include ATTENTION ASSIST, Adaptive High Beam Assist and automatic emergency braking, which is activated under immediate threat of a collision. Mercedes-Benz has improved the already exemplary long-distance comfort of the E-Class even further in the new sedan. Advances include intelligent bodyshell technology with up to 30 percent greater stiffness, further improved seats and a newly developed suspension system with shock absorbers that automatically adjust to the driving situation. The available AIRMATIC suspension now works together with a continuously variable electronic damping system. The outstanding safety and comfort of the E-Class are matched by its environmental compatibility and economy. The E-Class comes to the U.S. market with V6 and V8 gasoline engines, as well as the groundbreaking 50-state 3.0 liter BlueTEC diesel (launching in CY 2010) – the world’s cleanest diesel engine, compliant with ULEV and Bin 5 standards. The power plants of the new E-Class offer an outstanding combination of performance and efficiency. Engineers from every development department have worked together to optimize assemblies and components, saving fuel through reduced weight, new design, improved function or efficient energy management. The work done in the wind tunnel was particularly successful. With a drag coefficient of only 0.25, the new E-Class is the world’s most aerodynamically efficient luxury sedan. It betters its predecessor’s already excellent Cd figure by another four percent. Other measures include energy-saving control of the alternator, fuel pump, air conditioning pump and power steering. Displays in the speedometer inform the driver how much fuel is being consumed (miles per gallon), and advise when to shift up a gear to maintain a more efficient driving style. Engines – outstanding performance The engines available for the new E-Class at U.S. market introduction include a 268 hp V6 in the E350 and a 382 hp V8 in the top-of-the-line E550. Late 2009 will see the arrival in the U.S. of the E63 AMG, generating an impressive 507 hp; followed in 2010 by the V6 turbodiesel in the E350 BlueTEC, which will meet ULEV and BIN 5 standards. All models are equipped with a seven-speed automatic transmission and a column-mounted shift lever as standard. At market introduction, both the E350 and E550 will be available in rear-wheel drive format, with the latest generation 4MATIC all-wheel drive arriving as an option in fall 2009. Now mated to the seven-speed automatic transmission, this system further distinguishes itself from previous all-wheel drive technology with greater efficiency, lower weight and more compact construction. These advantages produce noticeably better traction and fuel consumption. Safety - "Intelligent” partner with unique combination of assistance and protection systems For more than 50 years, E-Class sedans and their predecessors have been acknowledged as trendsetters in safety. The new sedan continues this tradition with an unrivalled combination of the very latest assistance and protection systems conceived and developed on the basis of real-life accident scenarios. These technologies make the E-Class an "intelligent partner" that can see, feel, react instinctively and function independently in critical situations to prevent accidents or mitigate their consequences. With this concept, the new Mercedes not only protects its own occupants, but also contributes significantly to the improved safety of others. The new E-Class is the first automobile in the world with headlamps that adapt to the traffic situation and respond automatically to avoid dazzling other drivers. The optional Adaptive High Beam Assist uses a camera on the windshield to recognize oncoming traffic and vehicles driving in front, and adjusts the headlamps so that their beams stop short of the other vehicle. The range of the low headlamp beams can thus be extended from their current 220 feet to up to 984 feet. If the road ahead is clear, the system performs a gentle transition to high beam. Mercedes-Benz offers this new system within its Premium 2 package that includes bi-xenon headlamps and LED daytime running lights. The Driver Assistance package for the new E-Class includes among other features Blind Spot Assist familiar from the S-Class and, as a new development, Lane Departure Warning, aimed at preventing accidents caused by drifting across lanes. When the system recognizes that the car is leaving its lane unintentionally, the driver is prompted to counter steer through brief but noticeable vibrations of the steering wheel. Night View Assist from the S-Class has been improved to create Night View Assist PLUS, which is now also available as an option in the new E-Class. Mercedes-Benz has enhanced this system with a special pedestrian detection function - as soon as Night View Assist PLUS detects pedestrians ahead of the car, they are highlighted in the onboard display, thus significantly improving the warning effect. Drowsiness detection based on 70 parameters as standard Thanks to innovative technology, the new E-Class has a highly sensitive feel for its driver’s attentiveness, and warns him of drowsiness ahead of time. This new, production standard ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection system is equipped with highly sensitive sensors that continuously monitor more than 70 different parameters. Observing the driver’s steering behavior has proven to be a particularly strong indicator. Several years of research in the field by Mercedes engineers demonstrate that drowsy drivers make minor steering errors that can often be rapidly corrected in characteristic ways. When these corrections are recognized by a highly sensitive steering angle sensor, ATENTTION ASSIST emits an audible warning accompanied by a visual warning in the instrument cluster. Automatic emergency braking when a collision is imminent The well-proven, radar-based assistance systems from the S-Class are now also available as options to E-Class customers. A further development of the long-range radar sensor now has a range of 656 feet (previously 492 feet), and is able to monitor the mid-distance so that dynamic events such as a vehicle ahead suddenly pulling out to overtake can be detected even more effectively. The two wide-angle, short-range radar sensors, with a range of approximately 100 feet, remain part of the system. The radar systems are able to assist the driver with emergency braking. Their sensors are linked to the Brake Assist PLUS system, which automatically calculates the braking pressure to prevent a collision in critical situations. The driver is given a simultaneous acoustic and visual warning. When the brake pedal is depressed, the system immediately activates the calculated level of braking assistance. If the driver fails to respond to the warnings, the radar system first initiates partial braking action. As a second stage, if there is still no driver response and a collision is unavoidable, emergency braking is initiated. This can considerably lessen the severity of an accident, i.e. the system acts something like an "electronic crumple zone". Eleven airbags and PRE-SAFE® as standard During the course of its development, the new E-Class was subjected to more than 150 high-speed crash tests. The crumple zone principle invented by the Mercedes safety pioneer Béla Barényi has been continuously improved by engineers in Sindelfingen. The E-Class’ front-end deformation zone acts on four independent levels, and is even more effective than before. The increased use of highest-strength steel alloys also helps to ensure that the bodyshell is able to withstand high impact forces. Approximately 72 percent of all the body panels are made from these hi-tech steels – yet another unrivalled figure in passenger car development. The new E-Class has even more extensive safety features than the outgoing model, with eleven airbags as standard - two rear side impact, two front side impact, two front airbags, two pelvic airbags (new), curtain airbags and a driver knee airbag. These are in addition to belt tensioners, belt force limiters, crash-responsive head restraints and LATCH child seat attachments. Another standard feature is the preventive occupant protection system PRE-SAFE®. In potentially hazardous situations this reflexively activates precautionary protective measures for the vehicle occupants, enabling the seat belts and airbags to maximize their protective function during an impact. Comfort - further progress with adaptive shock absorbers and improved AIRMATIC suspension As in the field of safety, the E-Class has been setting the benchmark for long-distance comfort in this vehicle class for decades. Mercedes engineers have achieved further advances with the new sedan to better the already high level of the previous model – particularly in respect of ride and seating. Standard equipment includes a further-improved suspension with adaptive shock absorbers. These automatically adapt to the current driving situation by reducing the damping forces when driving normally, thereby noticeably improving ride comfort. With a more sporty driving style or during rapid evasive action, the system applies maximum damping forces to provide the best possible stability. Alongside the comfortable set-up of the production standard 4-wheel independent suspension with coil springs and stabilizer bars, there is also an optional version with dynamic damping characteristics and a lowered ride height. The AIRMATIC suspension system comes as standard in the E550/E550 4MATIC. For the first time, it has been combined with an electronically controlled damping system that processes various sensor signals and controls each wheel independently. Thus, Mercedes customers experience significantly improved ride comfort, while gaining benefits in safety and agility at the same time. The driver is able to select either comfort or sport mode at the touch of a button. Well-proven seat technology with a new design In terms of seat development, Mercedes-Benz has added a new quality to a well established Mercedes concept, namely padded seat piping – a complex manual upholstery technique employed only by Mercedes-Benz. This involves the insertion of an additional foam filling directly beneath the fabric or leather upholstery to provide a soft and pleasant seating sensation immediately upon entering the car. There are different versions of this padded seat piping - in the Sport model, the upholstery is transversely contoured, while the Luxury model has longitudinal piping and is reminiscent of the familiar and well-proven Mercedes seat design from the 1960s and 70s. Active multi-contour seats with massage function from the S-Class The active multi-contour seats (optional) include newly developed comfort head restraints and a two-stage massage function in the backrest that has proven highly successful in the S-Class. High-speed piezo-electric valves on the air chambers in the backrests vary their pressure and volume in accordance with steering angle, lateral acceleration and vehicle speed, to give the driver and front passenger even better lateral support. Design - Distinctive lines express refinement and status In 1995, the E-Class was the first Mercedes model to appear with the much-acclaimed twin-headlamp face – a highly symbolic design feature that still characterizes the identity of the E-Class. Nevertheless, the design language remains evolutionary even for this hallmark styling feature, and has been adapted to suit the self-assured, masculine overall appearance of the sedan. The designers have now completely reinterpreted these four "eyes", turning for their inspiration to the intriguing geometric forms of cubism. These new lights resemble precious gem stones that have been precision cut from the fenders. Likewise, the radiator grille, with its three-dimensional chromed surround, dynamic arrow-shape and steeper angle, underlines the car’s premium luxury positioning. The sophisticated interplay between lines and surfaces is one of the hallmarks of today’s Mercedes design. Large concave or convex surface areas structured by taut, clearly defined lines. This design concept has been perfected down to the last detail in the new E-Class. The contours along the flanks become connecting elements that influence the entire body design, i.e. not just the side view but also the front and rear-end styling. At the rear, this harmonious flow culminates in a new feature - a sweeping line that stretches over the rear wheel arches and lends a clear contour to the imposing, muscular form of the rear fenders. Mercedes aficionados will recognize styling features reminiscent of the famous 1953 "Ponton Mercedes", which conveyed its refined character with these striking contours -- a symbolic feature and, at the same time, a hallmark of the E-Class that underscores how the traditional and the futuristic harmonize in this model line. Designers have also created the interior of the new E-Class with the attention to detail that is characteristic of Mercedes, ensuring that the form, color and material of every single element combine to inspire on both an emotional and functional level. The result is an harmonious overall composition – an atmosphere in which the car’s occupants immediately feel safe and protected, and able to drive long distances without feeling stressed. Model range - High level of standard equipment and individual variants Individuality and variety have always been two of the outstanding attributes of the E-Class. The new sedan not only provides Mercedes customers with a choice of four engines and three suspension variants, but also Sport and Luxury model lines, ten exterior paint finishes and eight different seat upholstery color combinations to suit their individual preferences. The choice of interior trim includes Burl Walnut or Black Ash, complimented by standard ambient lighting. Standard equipment for Luxury models includes 17-inch 5-twin-spoke wheels, along with the COMAND controller, ambient lighting and a unique instrument cluster. Oval exhaust pipes are standard fit on the E350 Luxury, while those on the E550 Luxury are trapezoidal. In contrast, the Sport models come with larger 18-inch 5-spoke wheels, a tubular-design instrument cluster and trapezoidal exhaust pipes on both the V6 and V8 variants. Equipment packages - extras for the discerning customer In addition to the design and equipment lines, US customers can choose from a range of packages that provide more scope for equipping the new E-Class to suit personal tastes. The Premium 1 Package includes the navigation system with voice control, 4 GB music register, SIRIUS real-time traffic information, iPOD/MP3 media interface, SIRIUS satellite radio/HD radio, rear-view camera, rear sun shade and heated seats (standard on V8). In addition to the features of the Premium 1 Package, the Premium 2 Package includes an electronic trunk closer, Intelligent Headlamp Control, Adaptive High Beam Assist, bi-xenon headlamps, LED daytime running lights and Keyless Go. With the Driver Assistance Package, customers also receive DISTRONIC PLUS cruise control, Blind Spot Assist and Lane Departure Warning, while the Sport Package comes with 18-inch AMG alloy wheels and an AMG sport steering wheel. Stand-alone options include PARKTRONIC with Parking Guidance, Night View Assist PLUS, panorama sunroof, split folding seats, wood-leather steering wheel, Drive-Dynamic multi-contour driver’s seat with massage function, rear-seat entertainment system and full leather interior. Market position - with ten million units in 60 years, the world’s most successful luxury sedan The new E-Class sedan is the successor to a Mercedes model that has been successful throughout the world, and of which more than 1.3 million examples have been sold since 2002. In Germany, more than 40 percent of all sedans in the market segment bear the "E" in their model name, and in many western European countries this Mercedes model series is the number one in the luxury class. Since 1947, when the 170 V founded the E-Class bloodline, Mercedes-Benz has produced more than ten million sedans belonging to this series. This makes the E-Class by far the world’s most successful luxury sedan. The new 2010MY E-Class will appear in U.S. showrooms in the summer of 2009.

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

2009 NAIAS: Audi Sportback Concept Unveiled

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

PRESS RELEASE

Audi Sportback Concept DETROIT, Mich., Jan 11, 2009 - Debut in Detroit: Audi is unveiling the Sportback concept show car at the 2009 North American International Automobile Show. With systematic refinements to the brand’s characteristic design elements, the five-door model offers a glimpse at the Audi's future design vocabulary. With its pronounced coupé-like silhouette and large rear hatch, the 4.95 m long (16.24 ft), 1.93 m wide (6.33 ft) and only 1.40 m high (4.59 ft) vehicle is boldly progressive for the luxury class. The technology of the Audi Sportback concept is markedly futuristic. Power is provided by the world’s cleanest diesel technology: the 3.0-liter V6 TDI clean diesel almost completely eliminates nitrogen oxides. This engine already meets the emissions limits of all 50 U.S. states and the EU6 standard scheduled to take effect in 2014. And numerous measures to ensure top efficiency mean that the Audi Sportback concept is expected to achieve impressive fuel consumption figures of 5.9 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers (39.87 US mpg). Driving dynamics in a new guise – the idea Since its introduction in 2004, the concept of the Sportback has established itself in the compact class. The success of the A3 Sportback has exceeded even the expectations of its makers – far more customers choose the four-door model with the large rear hatch than its three-door sibling. But it is far more than two additional doors that sets the A3 Sportback apart from the base model. It is characterized by the sporting elegance of a coupe, the versatility of a five-door model, sophisticated technology and pronounced sportiness – driving dynamics in a new guise. It also offers even more space and variability thanks to a tail end that is a total of 54 millimeters (2.13 in) longer that of the three-door model. The launch of the first production Sportback marked the second time that Audi started a new trend in the automobile market. The development of the first Avant models in the seventies laid the foundation for a new class of automobiles far beyond the matter-of-fact utility of the classic station wagon. The marked accentuation of a futuristic and dynamic design, high-quality equipment and extreme variability have been the distinguishing features of every Audi Avant from the very beginning. The Audi Sportback concept show car is now rolling up to the starting line with a dual mission: As suggested by the name, it symbolizes the Sportback principle in its purest form in the combination of elegance, sportiness and variability. And the show car also signals the company's determination not to limit Sportback versions to the compact segment. As previously indicated by the Audi A1 Sportback concept – the star of the 2008 Paris Motor Show – the brand with the four rings is going to dramatically expand the number of Sportback models on the market. Design The design of the Audi Sportback concept is characterized by an almost monolithic clarity and a vast reduction of the number of lines. The roof, shoulder and sill lines appear to have been drawn with a single stroke. The window strip of the coupé with its four frameless doors was kept pronouncedly flat. Viewed from the side, the softly contoured wheel wells over the 10-spoke, 21-inch wheels reinforce the impression of the precisely defined surfaces of the body. One feature familiar from the two-door Audi A5 coupé is even more boldly accentuated here: The markedly horizontal shoulder area emphasizes the orientation of the vehicle body to the road. This effect is further reinforced at the front and rear by the broad, flat LED light units. The shape of the almost fragile-looking side mirrors is inspired by the upturned tips – the “winglets” – of modern jet wings. The show car also offers a new interpretation of the single-frame grille. The decision not to use vertical struts and the low overall height emphasize the sporty basic proportions of the vehicle front. Also particularly striking is the modified outer contour of the single-frame grille as also featured on the A1 Sportback show car. The flattened top edges lower the visual center of gravity and provide a striking look for the front end. The aerodynamically designed air intakes under the headlights function as air deflectors which guide the required cooling air precisely into an intake duct. They have the stylistic effect of accentuating the impression of width. The tail of the show car is also evidently related to the A5 coupé. The high top edge of the rear hatch gives rise to a strikingly clear surface below the rear lights. The low separating edge and the horizontal lines – another characteristic feature – underscore the width and therefore the sporty nature of the Audi Sportback concept. The four tailpipes integrated into the body and an air deflector in the diffuser insert are cues borrowed from the sportscar sector. The interior design is tidy and downright purist yet elegant at the same time. The large glass roof underscores the width and feeling of spaciousness. In the driver-oriented cockpit, the air vents, instrument cluster and retracting MMI monitor are outlined by a filigree aluminum border. As with the exterior, the interior is characterized by the emphasis on horizontal lines and large surfaces. Especially the wide center console – stretching from the dashboard to the back – seems to be a pure expression of function. The flat display of the MMI system is realized as a retractable system in the show car. When the ignition is activated, it extends horizontally from a slot above the central air register before moving in an elegant arc into a vertical, easy-to-read position. The high quality of the materials and manufacturing-level fit and finish are obvious when looking around the interior of the Audi Sportback concept and when touching the surfaces. The interior trim is almost completely in leather: from the headlining, dashboard, doors and the entire seat upholstery all the way through to the trunk, with the leather stitching underscoring the vehicle’s design language. The large wood trim strips on the instrument panel, center console and doors are machined from oak blockboard and sport a delicate horizontal pattern of light and dark lines. With its surfaces of piano lacquer and brushed aluminum, the MMI control unit also adds to the exceptional exclusivity of the interior. The attention to detail even extends to the door opener: Its shape is a nearly perfect reflection of the distinctive lines of the small rear side window – giving the interior and exterior formal unity. Four sporty seats await the driver and passengers. The diamond-shaped stitching of the leather surface is reminiscent of a classic GT tradition. Shoulder, head and leg room are reminiscent of a premium-class touring car. With a volume of 500 liters (17.66 cubic feet), the trunk is generously sized and is also appointed with high-quality materials. Drivetrain The developers at Audi chose the world’s cleanest diesel technology as the unit best befitting the Audi Sportback concept show car. The six-cylinder 3.0 TDI clean diesel is equipped with a system for the effective reduction of nitrogen oxides. The diesel engine development engineers at Audi have combined an entire package of innovative measures for this latest TDI generation: The piezo common rail system with an injection pressure of 2,000 bar, highly efficient exhaust gas recirculation and optimized turbocharging result in significantly reduced raw engine emissions. One of the highlights are the combustion chamber sensors that enable even more precise regulation of the combustion processes in the engine – this is the first time that such sensors have been installed on any engine in the world, marking yet another Audi innovation. The status of the new-generation TDI as the definitive clean-running, high-tech diesel is sealed by the downstream exhaust emission control system, which reduces emissions by up to 90 percent. The system uses AdBlue, a biologically degradable, waterborne additive that is injected in small amounts upstream of the DeNOx catalytic converter. In addition to the catalytic converter, the exhaust emission control system comprises the metering module, the AdBlue tank and heated lines, as well as an extensive system of sensors. The additional oxidizing catalytic converter and the highly efficient, regulated diesel particulate filter round off the comprehensive emission control system. Thanks to their extremely low emission levels, these modern direct-injection diesel engines can be put into service anywhere in the world, even in the U.S. state of California, which has the world’s most stringent emissions limits. Compared with the fleet average of the gasoline engines typically found in the U.S., the TDI boasts a fuel-efficiency advantage of up to 40 percent. The diesel technology thus makes a greater contribution than any other type of engine to reducing the consumption of fossil fuels. Audi will offer this engine in the U.S. and Europe beginning in 2009. As in the U.S. version of the Audi Q7 3.0 TDI, the V6 also produces 165 kW (225 hp) and 550 Nm (405.66 lb-ft) of torque in the Audi Sportback concept. Power is transferred to the wheels via Audi’s most modern transmission: the new 7-speed tiptronic. The quattro permanent all-wheel-drive system ensures that the torque generated by the powerful TDI is also converted effectively into propulsion and dynamism under any conditions. Weighing just 1,800 kilograms (3,968.32 lb) and with a drag coefficient of 0.30, the coupe will accelerate from 0 – 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in less than seven seconds and reach a top speed of 245 km/h (152.24 mph). The Audi Sportback concept’s average fuel economy according to the European ECE standard is only 5.9 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers (39.87 US mpg), and its CO2 emissions no more than 156 g/km (251.06 g/mile). These sensationally low figures for a large model have been achieved by extensive efficiency-optimizing measures. For example, this model’s electromechanical power steering only consumes energy when the steering is turned, not when driving in a straight line. The TDI engine features an innovative temperature management system. When the engine is warming up, part of the coolant flow is diverted – another way to improve efficiency, since it helps the engine to warm up quicker. This means significant practical savings, because many journeys are fairly short. The fuel pump also runs only when there is a demand for fuel, and therefore uses less energy. The 7-speed S tronic transmission is a very efficient unit with a wide spread of gear ratios. For the first time, it has been equipped with transmission oil heating, so that it reaches its intended operating temperature much earlier and therefore has a lower level of internal friction. When coasting, the Audi Sportback concept – like the Audi A4 and Audi Q5 production models – recuperates energy. This boosts the output of the alternator and is used to charge the battery. This energy, which in effect costs nothing to recover, is fed back into the vehicle’s electrical system when needed. An automatic start-stop system shuts the TDI engine down to save energy, for instance when waiting at a traffic signal. And when it is on the move, tires optimized for low roll resistance cut fuel consumption significantly without incurring any disadvantages in the performance area. Driving dynamics The Audi Sportback concept show car took the basic architecture and many components of its suspension from the brand’s latest and most successful model family: the very dynamic A4/A5 model series. The dynamic suspension sets standards here, as well, combining precision and dynamism with high stability and superior poise. The suspension mountings, steering, wheels and brakes have been developed for top performance and numerous aluminum components are used to keep unsprung masses to a minimum. The new five-link front suspension makes a major contribution to the car’s dynamic character. By moving the differential further forward and the clutch further back, the design engineers were able to reposition the front axle 154 millimeters (6.06 inches) further forward. The result is an optimal distribution of weight between the front and rear axles. The front suspension is made up of five links per wheel – a support link and a control arm at the bottom and two control arms at the top. The fifth link – the track rod – connects the steering box and the pivot bearing. All these links are made of forged aluminum, ensuring low unsprung masses, ultra-precise wheel control and a high level of crash safety. The anti-roll bar fabricated from a high-strength tube saves additional weight. The backbone of the rear axle is a subframe with high flexural and torsional rigidity. If sporty handling is to be combined with a high standard of ride comfort, the unsprung masses must be kept as low as possible. Audi has pursued this approach for all the rear-axle components. The upper control arms and the track rods are of forged aluminum. Their high rigidity ensures that toe and camber angles change very little when dynamic forces act on the wheels. The CDC (continuous damping control) shock absorbers, similar to those that Audi already uses on the luxury Q7 SUV with air suspension, are twin-tube, gas-filled hydraulic units with an additional external valve and connecting pipe. Their operation can be continuously varied. An electromagnetically energized, proportional-action valve regulates the flow of hydraulic fluid between the inner and outer damper tubes. A smaller flow cross-section makes the damping characteristic firmer, a larger one makes it softer. The control unit applies adaptive operating characteristics within the mode the driver has chosen via Audi drive select. It adapts to match the driver’s driving style and the road conditions. Even from the comfort mode, the shock absorbers can be switched in an instant to a firm setting if desired, though not to the absolute limit. They are fitted in conjunction with sports suspension springs, which still provide a good level of ride comfort, even off-road. The control unit selects the optimum damping force for the current driving situation, for instance firmer damping to prevent body roll and pitch when cornering fast or braking, or lower damping force where the surface under the wheels is hard and uneven. The show car marks the first time that Audi has used electromechanical steering in a car with a longitudinal engine. Its primary advantage is that, unlike conventional power steering systems, it only consumes energy when actually steering. On average, this means a fuel saving of 0.2 liters per 100 kilometers, depending on driving conditions. The electromechanical steering of the Audi Sportback concept also enables the coupling with the parking steering assistant for fully automatic steering when parallel parking. The Audi Sportback concept is equipped with ceramic brakes on all four wheels for effective deceleration even under the most demanding conditions. Compared with conventional steel disks, ceramic brakes not only last four times longer, up to 300,000 kilometers (186,411 miles), but also offer high resistance to fading. The significant reduction in weight also leads to advantages in terms of comfort and handling, thanks to reduced unsprung masses. On the front axle, 380-millimeter (14.96-inch) ceramic disks are fitted in combination with 21-inch wheels. The rear disks have a diameter of 356 millimeters (14.02 inches). The elaborate cooling duct geometry of the ventilated brake disks ensures optimal cooling of the brake disks. Firm grip on the brake disk is guaranteed at the front by 6-piston monobloc aluminum brake calipers, and at the rear by floating-caliper brakes.

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

The top U.S. ethanol producer Poet said on Monday it has opened an $8 million pilot plant to produce an alternative low-carbon motor fuel made from corn cobs and other crop residue. The 20,000 gallon (77,800 liters) per year plant, which was built in Poet's home state South Dakota, is planned as a forerunner to the company's $200 million commercial-scale cellulosic plant, called Project Liberty. The company hopes to open that plant in Emmetsburg, Iowa in 2011. Politicians and companies alike hope cellulosic will be a viable fuel that emits less greenhouse gas than gasoline or conventional ethanol made from corn starch. Since it's expected to be made from fast-growing grasses and trees -- or in Poet's case crop wastes -- it should not be blamed for helping to boost food prices, which has been one of the criticisms of ethanol made from corn starch. U.S. mandates require blenders to mix 16 billion gallons of cellulosic into gasoline by 2022 along with 15 billion gallons of ethanol made from traditional sources like corn starch. Jeff Broin, the chief executive of privately-held Poet told reporters in a teleconference on Monday that the fuel made at the pilot plant costs about $1 more than ethanol made from corn starch. "That may sound like a lot but just a year and a half ago it was several dollars a gallon, so we have made strides in reducing the cost," he said. Cellulosic should cost about the same as grain-based ethanol in about five to seven years, he added. Poet hopes to eventually make cellulosic at all 26 of its starch ethanol plants, which have a capacity to make 1.5 billion gallons per year. Outgoing U.S. Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer said last week that cellulosic ethanol output could "explode" by 2012 if a commercial plant to produce the fuel works out.

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

The Audi R8 Blackbird has been hovering around the autoblogosphere for a few months now. It's a damn impressive supercar built for a specific purpose: Cross Country Speed. Every single gadget and whizbang in and on this vehicle is there to help it stay on the road at high speed and avoid getting pulled over (and all the bits and pieces are put together beautifully, it's a real work of art). And on top of it's inventory of extreme gadgetry, the guy giving the video tour is the winner of the Spirit of Gumball trophy and holder of the transcontinental driving speed record, Alex Roy - so you know the company it's owner keeps. Roy made it across the United States in 31 hours, 4 minutes in his highly modified BMW M5. But according to the video, the owner of the car isn't Roy, but some mystery man. In fact, there's a air of mystery about the whole video. Let's clear up some of that mystery. There is a strong subculture of transcontinental speed freaks who participate in various rallies and races like the Bullrun, Gumball, and Fireball Run. The people who participate in these races usually form teams so they can scout out the road ahead and coordinate to really do it right. Alex Roy, for instance, runs with his team: Team Polizei. The R8 Blackbird, on the other hand, runs with to Team Angry, and it's already participated in the Bullrun 2008. As for the mystery man who owns the car, according to various sources, that's Andre Betz. The part I'm still curious about, though, is the creepy box on the front of the R8 Blackbird: The Liquid Cooled Infrasonic Wave Pulse Generator. Nobody knows much about it, but I do have some theories. Check them out, along with a few pictures and a complete list of the car's inventory: The Audi R8 Blackbird is an amazing car, built for a singular purpose and with a fanatical single-mindedness. The car is made and modified to go very fast and to avoid police. And judging from that extreme hardcore nature, I'd say that it'll be the one that sets the next transcontinental speed record... if it hasn't already. Yeah, it's entirely possible that Andre Betz may have already broken the record with this car and is just waiting a year until the statute of limitations is up on the traffic violations. That's the most likely scenario, in my opinion. Take a look at what this car has:

Inventory

Uniden BCD-396T Trunk Tracker Scanner Uniden BCD-996T GPS Scanner Cobra 75 WX-ST CB Radio GRadio 5watt VHF Radios with Iasus NT-3 Evolution Throat Mics WAAV AirBox X2 EVDO Rev A Dual Cellular Broadband Router with WIFI Escort 9500ci Radar Detector with AI Design Custom Mirror Mounted Display Valentine V1 with POP Detection Escort Laser Shifters Front and Rear (2) Garmin Nuvi 760 Units with FM traffic (2) Hirshmann GPS 918 5V Flex Cellular GPS antennas Antennex 4 Foot CB antenna Antennex 2 Foot Tuned Scanner antenna (2) Safecraft PC2 2.5 lb Dry Fire Extinguishers with Billet Quick Release Mounts Whelen HHS2100 PA System with 100watt Amplifier and Loudspeaker Gloss Black Powder-coated SDS 20-inch Forged Wheels Flat Black Ceramic Coated Brake Hats and Rotors Flat Black Ceramic Coated Exhaust Tips Capristo Sports Exhaust with Computer Controlled Valves Custom AI Design Roof Console (2) Dension ICE iPhone stations Touchscreen Tablet PC Running Google Earth/Delorme Road Atlas/Google Maps/Njection/Trapster And of course, the Proprietary Liquid Cooled INFRA-SONIC Field Wave Generator

So What Exactly Does An Infrasonic Field Wave Pulse Generator Do?

Infrasound is just sound with a frequency too low to be heard by humans. The lowest frequency a human can hear is 20 hertz, so anything below that is infrasound. There are a ton of hypothesis and random guesses as to what this thing does, so I'll run down each of the major ones and then give my opinion. Possibility #1 - Super-Powered Deer Whistle Some people think the Blackbird can turn on the device when it hits a dark, wooded area and the powerful infrasound wave will keep deer and other critters from running in front of the car. That way they can travel on woodland roads at high speeds without worry. Possibility #2 - Some Type of NightVision Some forum folks say that the infrasound acts like sonar and can give the driver an image of the road ahead when all the lights are off. I think that's silly. Possibility #3 - Laser/Radar Jammer It could be the mystery box is a high tech super jammer that works by cloacking the car in a field of infrasound. Sounds unlikely. Possibility #4 - Glorified Rumbler Siren

2010 Peugeot 3008 XUV Revealed

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

LG Chem Named Chief Battery Supplier For Chevy Volt

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

General Motors has officially announced that they've tapped Michigan-based technology company LG Chem to supply the lithium-ion battery cells for the upcoming electric plug-in hybrid Chevy Volt. Heralded as a major break-through in the field of advanced battery technology, the GM will begin construction in summer 2009 of a new Michigan-based production facility devoted exclusively to building the lithium-ion battery packs required to power the Volt. During the interim, LG Chem Subsidary, Compact Power Inc., will build battery packs for the Chevy Volt prototypes.

PA Courts Announce Class Action Lawsuit Involving GM's Marketing Program

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

According to an alert released today by the Court of Common Pleas of Lancaster County, a class action lawsuit has been filed against General Motors Corp. accusing The General of unlawfully advertisign the MSRP of new GM models at a price inflated by a full 1%. The lawsuit allegeds at GM added the 1% increase in price on certain new vehicles sold to its dealers under the "Marketing Iniative Program."

2009 Harley-Davidson Iron 883

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

With a defiant attitude embracing the pure essence of riding, the new Iron 883 model is the latest Harley-Davidson Dark Custom Harley-Davidson Sportster motorcycles like the Iron 883 have stood against the grain since their introduction in 1957, when the modern rebel culture was being bred from restless veterans and hot rod pioneers. Sportster motorcycles became the starting point for many legendary choppers of the 1960s, while also getting pumped up for championship dirt racing and dare devil stunt riding in the 1970s. The Iron 883 model continues that rebellious tradition with responsive handling, smooth clutch effort and durable carbon reinforced drive belt while pushing the styling of motorcycling minimalism to the edge. Decked in black from fender-to-fender, the new Harley-Davidson Iron 883 motorcycle brings the beat of an 883 Evolution® engine backed up by a Harley-Davidson 883 Iron-right rearcombo of gritty, old-school garage features like front fork gaiters, drag style handlebar and side-mount license plate holder. A ticket to ride the Iron 883 starts at just $7,899 MSRP, leaving plenty of freedom for customization. “The Iron 883 defies the plastic conventions of other motorcycles at this price,” said Mark-Hans Richer, Harley-Davidson Chief Marketing Officer. “It’s got old school style, a new school ride and gives the owner a platform for creative customization.” The black powder-coated 883cc Evolution powertrain with black covers takes the Iron 883 deep into the heart of darkness. With Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) and performance tuning with a broad torque curve, the Iron 883 delivers plenty of power for the city scene. The pipes on the straight cut shorty dual exhaust flow the distinctive Harley-Davidson V-Twin sound. Harley-Davidson 883 Iron-right frontThe black chopped rear fender with its combination stop/turn/tail lights shows more of the 150 mm rear tire and black, 13-spoke cast aluminum wheel, while the front tire also rides on a black wheel. The rest of the Iron 883 gets a darker-suited presence with black front forks and fender supports, fuel tank, oil tank cover, belt guard, drag style handlebar and mid mount foot controls. A one-piece, solo classic seat with a height of 25.3 inches fits the lone rider, while a passenger seat and a backrest in complementing black finishes can be added as accessories. As the latest of the Harley-Davidson Dark Custom motorcycles, the Iron 883 is stripped down and ripe for custom creativity. Dark Custom motorcycle riders have the youngest average age for Harley-Davidson buyers. Soul mates of the Iron 883 include the Nightster®, Night Train®, Cross Bones®, Fat Bob® and Street Bob® motorcycles. Check out more on Dark Custom motorcycles at www.harley-davidson.com/darkcustom. if you buy it before March 31st 2009, there’s guaranteed trade-in value toward a Harley-Davidson Big Twin or VRSC for one year. Riders purchasing 2008 or 2009 model year Sportster 883 or 1200 motorcycles (excluding XR1200) at a participating Harley-Davidson dealership between Dec. 26, 2008 and Mar. 31, 2009 can trade that Sportster in within one year to receive original MSRP on trade-in for qualifying Harley-Davidson Big Twin or VRSC motorcycles.

Official Press Release: HARLEY-DAVIDSON IRON 883™ IS DRESSED FOR A DARK RIDE New Sportster® Motorcycle Takes the Stage with Aggressive Attitude MILWAUKEE (January 26, 2009) – MILWAUKEE (January 26, 2009) - With a defiant attitude embracing the pure essence of riding, the new Iron 883 model is the latest Harley-Davidson® Dark Custom™ motorcycle. Harley-Davidson Sportster motorcycles like the Iron 883 have stood against the grain since their introduction in 1957, when the modern rebel culture was being bred from restless veterans and hot rod pioneers. Sportster motorcycles became the starting point for many legendary choppers of the 1960s, while also getting pumped up for championship dirt racing and dare devil stunt riding in the 1970s. The Iron 883 model continues that rebellious tradition with responsive handling, smooth clutch effort and durable carbon reinforced drive belt while pushing the styling of motorcycling minimalism to the edge. Decked in black from fender-to-fender, the new Harley-Davidson Iron 883 motorcycle brings the beat of an 883 Evolution® engine backed up by a combo of gritty, old-school garage features like front fork gaiters, drag style handlebar and side-mount license plate holder. A ticket to ride the Iron 883 starts at just $7,899 MSRP, leaving plenty of freedom for customization. "The Iron 883 defies the plastic conventions of other motorcycles at this price," said Mark-Hans Richer, Harley-Davidson Chief Marketing Officer. "It's got old school style, a new school ride and gives the owner a platform for creative customization." The black powder-coated 883cc Evolution powertrain with black covers takes the Iron 883 deep into the heart of darkness. With Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) and performance tuning with a broad torque curve, the Iron 883 delivers plenty of power for the city scene. The pipes on the straight cut shorty dual exhaust flow the distinctive Harley-Davidson V-Twin sound. The black chopped rear fender with its combination stop/turn/tail lights shows more of the 150 mm rear tire and black, 13-spoke cast aluminum wheel, while the front tire also rides on a black wheel. The rest of the Iron 883 gets a darker-suited presence with black front forks and fender supports, fuel tank, oil tank cover, belt guard, drag style handlebar and mid mount foot controls. A one-piece, solo classic seat with a height of 25.3 inches fits the lone rider, while a passenger seat and a backrest in complementing black finishes can be added as accessories. As the latest of the Harley-Davidson Dark Custom motorcycles, the Iron 883 is stripped down and ripe for custom creativity. Dark Custom motorcycle riders have the youngest average age for Harley-Davidson buyers. Soul mates of the Iron 883 include the Nightster®, Night Train®, Cross Bones®, Fat Bob® and Street Bob® motorcycles. Check out more on Dark Custom motorcycles at www.harley-davidson.com/darkcustom. The Iron 883 is available in Black Denim and Brilliant Silver Denim colors. Iron 883 features and highlights: * Rubber-mounted Evolution 883 cc V-Twin black powder-coated engine * Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) * Black fuel tank with unique graphics * Black front forks with gaiters * Black belt guard and front fender supports * Black, 13-spoke cast aluminum wheels, 19-inch front / 16-inch rear * Black low rise drag style handlebar * Black mid-mount foot controls * Black low profile front fender * Black chopped rear fender with combination rear stop/tail/turn lights * Chrome staggered shorty exhaust with dual mufflers * Side-mounted license plate holder * One-piece, solo Sportster classic seat * 25.3-inch seat height * Optional Harley-Davidson Smart Security System * Classic 3.3-gallon fuel tank Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the only major U.S.-based motorcycle manufacturer, produces heavyweight motorcycles and a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories and general merchandise. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson's Web site at www.harley-davidson.com.

2009 Harley-Davidson Iron 883

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Official Press Release: HARLEY-DAVIDSON IRON 883™ IS DRESSED FOR A DARK RIDE New Sportster® Motorcycle Takes the Stage with Aggressive Attitude MILWAUKEE (January 26, 2009) – MILWAUKEE (January 26, 2009) - With a defiant attitude embracing the pure essence of riding, the new Iron 883 model is the latest Harley-Davidson® Dark Custom™ motorcycle. Harley-Davidson Sportster motorcycles like the Iron 883 have stood against the grain since their introduction in 1957, when the modern rebel culture was being bred from restless veterans and hot rod pioneers. Sportster motorcycles became the starting point for many legendary choppers of the 1960s, while also getting pumped up for championship dirt racing and dare devil stunt riding in the 1970s. The Iron 883 model continues that rebellious tradition with responsive handling, smooth clutch effort and durable carbon reinforced drive belt while pushing the styling of motorcycling minimalism to the edge. Decked in black from fender-to-fender, the new Harley-Davidson Iron 883 motorcycle brings the beat of an 883 Evolution® engine backed up by a combo of gritty, old-school garage features like front fork gaiters, drag style handlebar and side-mount license plate holder. A ticket to ride the Iron 883 starts at just $7,899 MSRP, leaving plenty of freedom for customization. "The Iron 883 defies the plastic conventions of other motorcycles at this price," said Mark-Hans Richer, Harley-Davidson Chief Marketing Officer. "It's got old school style, a new school ride and gives the owner a platform for creative customization." The black powder-coated 883cc Evolution powertrain with black covers takes the Iron 883 deep into the heart of darkness. With Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) and performance tuning with a broad torque curve, the Iron 883 delivers plenty of power for the city scene. The pipes on the straight cut shorty dual exhaust flow the distinctive Harley-Davidson V-Twin sound. The black chopped rear fender with its combination stop/turn/tail lights shows more of the 150 mm rear tire and black, 13-spoke cast aluminum wheel, while the front tire also rides on a black wheel. The rest of the Iron 883 gets a darker-suited presence with black front forks and fender supports, fuel tank, oil tank cover, belt guard, drag style handlebar and mid mount foot controls. A one-piece, solo classic seat with a height of 25.3 inches fits the lone rider, while a passenger seat and a backrest in complementing black finishes can be added as accessories. As the latest of the Harley-Davidson Dark Custom motorcycles, the Iron 883 is stripped down and ripe for custom creativity. Dark Custom motorcycle riders have the youngest average age for Harley-Davidson buyers. Soul mates of the Iron 883 include the Nightster®, Night Train®, Cross Bones®, Fat Bob® and Street Bob® motorcycles. Check out more on Dark Custom motorcycles at www.harley-davidson.com/darkcustom. The Iron 883 is available in Black Denim and Brilliant Silver Denim colors. Iron 883 features and highlights: * Rubber-mounted Evolution 883 cc V-Twin black powder-coated engine * Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) * Black fuel tank with unique graphics * Black front forks with gaiters * Black belt guard and front fender supports * Black, 13-spoke cast aluminum wheels, 19-inch front / 16-inch rear * Black low rise drag style handlebar * Black mid-mount foot controls * Black low profile front fender * Black chopped rear fender with combination rear stop/tail/turn lights * Chrome staggered shorty exhaust with dual mufflers * Side-mounted license plate holder * One-piece, solo Sportster classic seat * 25.3-inch seat height * Optional Harley-Davidson Smart Security System * Classic 3.3-gallon fuel tank Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the only major U.S.-based motorcycle manufacturer, produces heavyweight motorcycles and a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories and general merchandise. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson's Web site at www.harley-davidson.com.

The Matte Black 2009 Harley-Davidson Iron 883

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

http://www.ridelust.com/harley-davidson-xr1200-finally-for-sale-in-the-us/ Harley-Davidson sales have dropped off a cliff lately, and even that's an understatement. Shares in the company are the lowest they've been in 12 years and they're cutting jobs everywhere, it's just a bad, bad time in Milwaukee right now. Of course, motorcycles generally don't sell well in a recession, but changing consumer demand has something to do with it too. HD's classic chopper style of bike just isn't that desirable anymore. So in addition to the more performance-oriented XR1200, they're With a defiant attitude embracing the pure essence of riding, the new Iron 883 model is the latest Harley-Davidson Dark Custom Harley-Davidson Sportster motorcycles like the Iron 883 have stood against the grain since their introduction in 1957, when the modern rebel culture was being bred from restless veterans and hot rod pioneers. Sportster motorcycles became the starting point for many legendary choppers of the 1960s, while also getting pumped up for championship dirt racing and dare devil stunt riding in the 1970s. The Iron 883 model continues that rebellious tradition with responsive handling, smooth clutch effort and durable carbon reinforced drive belt while pushing the styling of motorcycling minimalism to the edge. Decked in black from fender-to-fender, the new Harley-Davidson Iron 883 motorcycle brings the beat of an 883 Evolution® engine backed up by a Harley-Davidson 883 Iron-right rearcombo of gritty, old-school garage features like front fork gaiters, drag style handlebar and side-mount license plate holder. A ticket to ride the Iron 883 starts at just $7,899 MSRP, leaving plenty of freedom for customization. “The Iron 883 defies the plastic conventions of other motorcycles at this price,” said Mark-Hans Richer, Harley-Davidson Chief Marketing Officer. “It’s got old school style, a new school ride and gives the owner a platform for creative customization.” The black powder-coated 883cc Evolution powertrain with black covers takes the Iron 883 deep into the heart of darkness. With Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) and performance tuning with a broad torque curve, the Iron 883 delivers plenty of power for the city scene. The pipes on the straight cut shorty dual exhaust flow the distinctive Harley-Davidson V-Twin sound. Harley-Davidson 883 Iron-right frontThe black chopped rear fender with its combination stop/turn/tail lights shows more of the 150 mm rear tire and black, 13-spoke cast aluminum wheel, while the front tire also rides on a black wheel. The rest of the Iron 883 gets a darker-suited presence with black front forks and fender supports, fuel tank, oil tank cover, belt guard, drag style handlebar and mid mount foot controls. A one-piece, solo classic seat with a height of 25.3 inches fits the lone rider, while a passenger seat and a backrest in complementing black finishes can be added as accessories. As the latest of the Harley-Davidson Dark Custom motorcycles, the Iron 883 is stripped down and ripe for custom creativity. Dark Custom motorcycle riders have the youngest average age for Harley-Davidson buyers. Soul mates of the Iron 883 include the Nightster®, Night Train®, Cross Bones®, Fat Bob® and Street Bob® motorcycles. Check out more on Dark Custom motorcycles at www.harley-davidson.com/darkcustom. if you buy it before March 31st 2009, there’s guaranteed trade-in value toward a Harley-Davidson Big Twin or VRSC for one year. Riders purchasing 2008 or 2009 model year Sportster 883 or 1200 motorcycles (excluding XR1200) at a participating Harley-Davidson dealership between Dec. 26, 2008 and Mar. 31, 2009 can trade that Sportster in within one year to receive original MSRP on trade-in for qualifying Harley-Davidson Big Twin or VRSC motorcycles.

Official Press Release: HARLEY-DAVIDSON IRON 883™ IS DRESSED FOR A DARK RIDE New Sportster® Motorcycle Takes the Stage with Aggressive Attitude MILWAUKEE (January 26, 2009) – MILWAUKEE (January 26, 2009) - With a defiant attitude embracing the pure essence of riding, the new Iron 883 model is the latest Harley-Davidson® Dark Custom™ motorcycle. Harley-Davidson Sportster motorcycles like the Iron 883 have stood against the grain since their introduction in 1957, when the modern rebel culture was being bred from restless veterans and hot rod pioneers. Sportster motorcycles became the starting point for many legendary choppers of the 1960s, while also getting pumped up for championship dirt racing and dare devil stunt riding in the 1970s. The Iron 883 model continues that rebellious tradition with responsive handling, smooth clutch effort and durable carbon reinforced drive belt while pushing the styling of motorcycling minimalism to the edge. Decked in black from fender-to-fender, the new Harley-Davidson Iron 883 motorcycle brings the beat of an 883 Evolution® engine backed up by a combo of gritty, old-school garage features like front fork gaiters, drag style handlebar and side-mount license plate holder. A ticket to ride the Iron 883 starts at just $7,899 MSRP, leaving plenty of freedom for customization. "The Iron 883 defies the plastic conventions of other motorcycles at this price," said Mark-Hans Richer, Harley-Davidson Chief Marketing Officer. "It's got old school style, a new school ride and gives the owner a platform for creative customization." The black powder-coated 883cc Evolution powertrain with black covers takes the Iron 883 deep into the heart of darkness. With Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) and performance tuning with a broad torque curve, the Iron 883 delivers plenty of power for the city scene. The pipes on the straight cut shorty dual exhaust flow the distinctive Harley-Davidson V-Twin sound. The black chopped rear fender with its combination stop/turn/tail lights shows more of the 150 mm rear tire and black, 13-spoke cast aluminum wheel, while the front tire also rides on a black wheel. The rest of the Iron 883 gets a darker-suited presence with black front forks and fender supports, fuel tank, oil tank cover, belt guard, drag style handlebar and mid mount foot controls. A one-piece, solo classic seat with a height of 25.3 inches fits the lone rider, while a passenger seat and a backrest in complementing black finishes can be added as accessories. As the latest of the Harley-Davidson Dark Custom motorcycles, the Iron 883 is stripped down and ripe for custom creativity. Dark Custom motorcycle riders have the youngest average age for Harley-Davidson buyers. Soul mates of the Iron 883 include the Nightster®, Night Train®, Cross Bones®, Fat Bob® and Street Bob® motorcycles. Check out more on Dark Custom motorcycles at www.harley-davidson.com/darkcustom. The Iron 883 is available in Black Denim and Brilliant Silver Denim colors. Iron 883 features and highlights: * Rubber-mounted Evolution 883 cc V-Twin black powder-coated engine * Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) * Black fuel tank with unique graphics * Black front forks with gaiters * Black belt guard and front fender supports * Black, 13-spoke cast aluminum wheels, 19-inch front / 16-inch rear * Black low rise drag style handlebar * Black mid-mount foot controls * Black low profile front fender * Black chopped rear fender with combination rear stop/tail/turn lights * Chrome staggered shorty exhaust with dual mufflers * Side-mounted license plate holder * One-piece, solo Sportster classic seat * 25.3-inch seat height * Optional Harley-Davidson Smart Security System * Classic 3.3-gallon fuel tank Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the only major U.S.-based motorcycle manufacturer, produces heavyweight motorcycles and a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories and general merchandise. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson's Web site at www.harley-davidson.com.

Audi R8 V10 Eye Candy

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

[gallery]

2009 Volvo C30 Racer

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

GM Brings "Transformers" Robots To 2009 Chicago Auto Show

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

PRESS RELEASE

AUTOBOTS® WITH BOW TIES: CHEVROLET-BASED CHARACTERS STARRING IN ‘TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN’ AT THE CHICAGO AUTO SHOW Giant movie robot also on display with vehicles used in the upcoming blockbuster summer film CHICAGO – Visitors to the Chevrolet display at this year’s Chicago Auto Show (Friday through Feb. 22) will be treated to an out-of-this-world vehicle display – the automotive stars from the upcoming DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures release, “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.” Five Chevrolet-based characters – including four all-new characters – are featured in the new film set to open in the United States on June 26. All of them are at the Chevrolet display. The four new movie characters include: • SIDESWIPE – a stylized Corvette vision concept vehicle • SKIDS and MUDFLAP – twin AUTOBOTS® based on Chevy’s Beat (a concept that will go into production as the Chevy Spark in 2011) and Trax concepts • JOLT – an AUTOBOT-based on Chevy’s upcoming Volt extended-range electric vehicle BUMBLEBEE™, the heroic AUTOBOT based on Chevrolet’s Camaro concept from the first “Transformers” movie, returns with a high-performance attitude. Joining the vehicles on stage will be BUMBLEBEE in his AUTOBOT form, standing almost 17 feet (5.2 meters) tall and 13 feet (4 meters) wide. “Chevrolet is thrilled to again be part of one of the most anticipated movies in years,” said Ed Peper, GM North America vice president, Chevrolet. “‘Transformers’ gives us a great opportunity to connect with young people on their terms, with a dynamic, environmentally friendly image. The new characters represent the change going on in Chevy showrooms. From the exciting Camaro, the 21st century sports car, to the game-changing Volt, there’s more than meets the eye at Chevrolet today.” Directed by Michael Bay, “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” sees the AUTOBOTS confront a new threat from DECEPTICONS® bent on avenging their earlier defeat on Earth. The new AUTOBOT characters in their current Chevy-based form square off against new, tougher foes determined to rule the universe. “‘Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen’ goes way beyond the first film in terms of robot action and excitement,” said LeeAnne Stables, executive vice president of worldwide marketing partnerships at Paramount Pictures, the distributor of the film. “The new AUTOBOTS add to the storytelling, and these Chevy vehicles went with our filmmakers to locations all around the world. GM has again provided incredible support to the production team working on the movie.” Along with the Camaro that’s reprising its role in the new film, the other Chevy models to be seen on the big screen are new to movie-goers. SIDESWIPE takes the form of a sleek, vision concept dreamed up by the Corvette designers at GM. The design is influenced by the original Stingray race car, introduced in 1959, but also draws on Corvette heritage cues from other generations. It brings them together in a futuristic shape that seems to be equal parts racecar and space ship. “SIDESWIPE represents an exercise in exploration for the Corvette,” said Ed Welburn, vice president of GM Global Design. “By giving my creative team the freedom to design no-holds-barred vision concepts, it helps them push boundaries and look at projects from different perspectives.” The Beat and Trax-based characters, SKIDS and MUDFLAP, remain faithful to their concept designs introduced at the 2007 New York Auto Show – although each wears new paint and other exterior accessories. And while they may be small cars, when they turn into fighting AUTOBOTS®, they pack a big punch. The other new AUTOBOT, JOLT, appears in the production form of Chevy’s 2011 Volt extended-range electric vehicle. With the capability of up to 40 miles (64 km) of pure electric propulsion, plus hundreds of more miles with the assistance from its Voltec powertrain system, the real-life Volt will change driving in America. Of course, the AUTOBOT team isn’t complete without BUMBLEBEE, the yellow Camaro based on the new, 2010 production model. Sporting new wheels and SS-model performance cues, BUMBLEBEE is more stylish and powerful than ever – and enthusiasts will be able to drive their own new Camaro when it goes on sale this spring. For more exclusive AUTOBOT movie information relating to Chevrolet, please visit www.autobotsrollout.com. Chevrolet is one of America’s best-known and best-selling automotive brands. With the largest dealer network in the United States, Chevy is the leader in full-size trucks and the leader in sales of vehicles priced $35,000 and above. Chevrolet delivers more-than-expected value in every vehicle category, offering cars and trucks priced from $12,120 to $103,300. Chevy delivers expressive design, spirited performance and great value with standard features usually found only on more expensive vehicles. More information on Chevrolet can be found at www.chevrolet.com. DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures present, in association with Hasbro, a di Bonaventura Pictures production, a Tom DeSanto/Don Murphy Production, a Michael Bay film, “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen,” starring Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, Kevin Dunn, Julie White, John Benjamin Hickey, Ramon Rodriguez, Isabel Lucas, Glenn Morshower and John Turturro. The film is directed by Michael Bay and written by Ehren Kruger, Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman. It is based on Hasbro’s TRANSFORMERS™ action figures and is produced by Don Murphy, Tom DeSanto, Lorenzo di Bonaventura and Ian Bryce. Executive producers are Steven Spielberg, Michael Bay, Brian Goldner and Mark Vahradian. This film has not yet been rated. TRANSFORMERS is a brand of Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE:HAS). Hasbro is a worldwide leader in children’s and family leisure time products and services with a rich portfolio of brands and entertainment properties that provides some of the highest quality and most recognizable play and recreational experiences in the world. As a brand-driven, consumer-focused global company, Hasbro brings to market a range of toys, games and licensed products, from traditional to high-tech and digital, under such powerful brand names as TRANSFORMERS, PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, TIGER, CRANIUM and WIZARDS OF THE COAST. Come see how we inspire play through our brands at http://www.hasbro.com. # # #

Chevy Corvette Centennial Concept Debuts At 2009 Chicago Auto Show

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

[gallery]

GM's Physiological Tester

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

This CAPTCHA-ish device is deemed redundant these days with the Ignition Interlock breathalyzers they have installed in the vehicles of DWI offenders. Still, it's cool.

GM's Physiological Tester

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

This CAPTCHA-ish device is deemed redundant these days with the Ignition Interlock breathalyzers they have installed in the vehicles of DWI offenders. Still, it's cool.

GM's Physiological Tester

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

The above is an advertisement for GM's failed Physiological TesterThis CAPTCHA-ish device is deemed redundant these days with the Ignition Interlock breathalyzers they have installed in the vehicles of DWI offenders. Still, it's cool.

Test Polls

Ryan — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Hemi-Powered Rat Rod Makes Us Weak In The Knees

Butch Deadlift — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Oh. My. God. Just... turn up your speakers and enjoy. Let your neighbours hear it. The sound alone may be almost as good as finding a VIP pass to the Playboy Mansion in your chocolate bar. (Which would be pretty awesome because, really, you get the VIP pass, and you still get the chocolate bar! Double the awesome!)

You're welcome.

Courtesy of Jalopnik.

GM To Appear Before Treasury, Ask For Raise In Allowance

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

General Motors CEO Rick Wagoner will hold a press conference this evening to discuss the restructiong plan for future viability that he will be submitting to the U.S. Treasury as per the terms of the federal auto bailout.

2010 Ford Mustang Officially Drops On Dealer Lots

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Weismann Roadster MF4

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Bumper Stickers

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

We had "10 Cars Guruanteed To Get You Laid," and for the common man we even had "10 Cars Guaranteed To Get You Laid, On A Budget," but now that the economy is in a Lou Ferrigno headlock, buying a new car, or even a slightly used car, is compeltely out of the question for most. It's hard out there for a player right now, but it's not impossible. You might think your game is totally crimped now that your Pontiac G8 has been repossesed and you're rolling around in your mom's 1993 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera, but despair ye not - for there is hope. Enter: the awe-inspiring communication powers of the traditional bumper sticker. Street Racing For Anyone Driving A: Honda Civic, Toyota Celica, Nissan Z Models, Mitsubishi True, your hoodscoop isn't functional and the adhesive backing on your press-on side intakes is begining to detoriate Motorcycle Safety, Share The Road "My other ride is a..." stickers are totally passé, and often lead passerbys to think, "Oh yeah, than why is he driving that fartcan?" With a motorcycle safety sticker, you get to kill two birds with one stone: you get to brag about your bike, and demonstrate how responsible and mature you are.

Jean Todt Resigns As Ferrari Chief Executive Officer

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Kleeman Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, Subtle Performance Enhancer

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

As anyone whose ever put on their one dressy outfit and visited a Mercedes dealership pretending to be interested in buying an AMG well know, a C63 AMG left completely stock will peel the skin off your face when if you mash the accelerator into the floor. The tuning experts over that Keelman decided that 0-60mph in 4.3 seconds and 451-horsepower just wasn't cutting it though, and decided to give the C63 a few subtle tweaks. Thanks to Mercedes' superior engineering, dramatic modifcations to the C63 AMG were unnecessary, and Kleeman's only noticable additions were a pair of Keelman-exclusive 20" alloy wheels. The bulk of their attention was devoted to where it matters - under the hood. [gallery] Source: 4WheelsNews

Unemployed Autoworkers to Build

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Laid Off Autoworkers to Build Windspires in Michigan

Terrafugia

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

It was one short flight for a car, one significant step for a Boston-area start up developing what may be the ultimate hybrid. Terrafugia's Transition is part-car, part-airplane and as of this month, a flight-worthy creation. The vehicle successfully completed its first test flight earlier this month, the company announced on Wednesday. The flight was short -- just 37 seconds -- and right over the runway, but as Anna Mracek Dietrich, a Terrafugia co-founder and its chief operating officer, pointed out, flying wasn't the key goal. "The first flight is great, but first landing is what matters," she told Discovery News. That apparently went well too, according to Phil Mateer, a retired Air Force test pilot who took the wheel for Transition's debut flight on March 5 at Plattsburgh International Airport in Plattsburgh, N.Y. "The flight was remarkably unremarkable," Mateer said. Transition's aerial debut followed six months of road tests and years of design. The goal is to create an airplane that can be driven to and from a runway and parked in the family garage at night. Transition runs on regular unleaded gasoline and can travel up to 500 miles on a single tank of gas. It takes less than 30 seconds for the vehicle's wings to fold up or extend to transform from plane to car or vice-versa. "The point of the test was to prove that this could both fly and drive," Deitrich said. Information from the test flight will be used to tweak the Transition's design for a second prototype. The company plans to begin selling the vehicles, which cost $194,000, in 2010, said Richard Gersh, Terrafugia's vice president of business development. The company has taken deposits for 40 vehicles already, Deitrich said.

Blood From A Stone: Using Red-Light Cameras To Track Uninsured Motorists

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Instead of just decreasing spending - officials are turning to the age old government solution to all things financial, finding new and ever more creative ways of taking money from the general populace. http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2009/03/traffic-cameras-billed-as-answer-to-chicagos-budget-deficit.ars http://www.suntimes.com/news/cityhall/1479275,red-light-camera-uninsured-031609.article http://www.ubergizmo.com/15/archives/2009/03/chicago_traffic_camera_might_track_and_send_citations_to_uninsured_drivers.html http://blog.wired.com/cars/2009/03/the-uninsured-m.html#comments http://www.motorists.org/ http://www.andrewbush.net/vectors%202-10-08/

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Manuel Uribe's fatmobile. It has an open air bed in the back so his wife can cart him around like a giant latex bag of jelly with a head. I'm sorry, that was totally inappropriate.

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Manuel Uribe's fatmobile. It has an open air bed in the back so his wife can cart him around like a giant latex bag of jelly with a head. I'm sorry, that was totally inappropriate.

Novitec Rosso Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

[gallery]

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

How To Maintaince Your Car During A Recession If the problem is even to big for the miraculous healing powers of duct tape or Bondo, it might be time to look for a mechanic. If your car is still under warranty, you may stop reading now and resume whatever financially-stable and/or gainfully-employed acitivties you were previously engaged in. In general, there are really only 2 things that you need to be seriously concered with if they start to malfunction: the engine and the brakes. Everything else is relatively inconsequential and can probably be repaired with some duct tape and a little WD-40. So if you start to notice a funny noise or a weird smell, the first and most important thing you need to do is figure out what's wrong. As long as you've got at least an elementary understanding of how cars work and access to a Chilton's and a flashlight, you can probably knock this step out by yourself. If you don't even know where to begin looking, start with the Internet. Surf some porn for a little bit and when you're done, Google the make and model If your wife/girlfriend is peering expectantly over your shoulder, feel free to save face and pop the hood to stare pointedly at the engine. If she asks whats wrong, reach deep enough into the car so she can't see exactly what your hand is doing and issue a few frustrated grunts. Muttering a few explicitves under your breath might be a good touch too. Once you've fiddled around long enough to look like you've got a firm grasp on the situation, tell her you think you're going to have your friend look at it, see what he thinks. If she asks what's wrong, feel free to throw out the name of any complicated-sounding part you can think of; actuator, tensioner, crankshaft, etc. Then, take it to a garage. If you seem clueless enough and totally ripe for a rip-off, most dramatically announce that you think the problem might be bigger than your modest tool set can handle, and you're going to have to take it to a mechanic.

2010 Chevy Corvette Grand Sport Poised For A Comeback

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Riding the coattails of the apparently successful special edition Corvette Competition Sport and the GT1 Championship Edition,

Nissan GT1 GT-R

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

[gallery]

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

The only pony car in history to have remained in continuous production since its inception, the iconic Ford Mustang will celebrate its 45th birthday this April with a four-day celebration in Birmingham, Alabama. Hosted by the Mustang Club of America, the event will kick-off on Friday, April 17, 2009, exactly 45 years to the date since the Mustang's first official unveiling at the New York World's Fair on April 17, 1964. On hand at the birthday celebration will be Joe Oros, chief designer of the original pony car, as well as Don Frey, chief product planning manager who helped ensure Oros' product was a smashing success. "We built the first prototype in an experimental garage, and employees flooded the place to see it," recalls Frey. "Their reaction was spectacular, and it was very revealing to us. We knew the car was going to be roaring success from the start." Perhaps an exercise in humility, Frey's claim of the Mustang's "roaring success" is nevertheless quite an understatement. Referred to as the "1964½" due to its uncommon introduction during the mid-point of the model year, Ford originally expected to sell a modest 100,000 units annually, but by the end of the Mustang's first 12-year run, the final sales tally stood at 417,000. By the two year mark, sales had surpassed 1 million. Incredibly, despite many fluctuations within the industry and the death of nearly all its pony car competitors, the Mustang remains as popular with the American public as it was more than four decades ago. Remarked a rightfully proud Frey, "We created an icon, and I had a hand in it."

Ford Mustang Turns 45, Celebrates 4-1/2 Decades As King Of The Road

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Pontiac

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

We were a little slow breaking this newest bit of information since we've been busy drinking away our pain in the front seat of our G8XP out back behind the building. Today, however, we were able to stymie the uncontrollable sobbing, squirt some Visine into our bloodshot eyes and pop

2010 Ford Focus RS spotted in Michigan

Adam — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Satan's car for sale on EBay

Adam — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Volkswagen Welcomes Back the Scirocco

Sean — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

[caption id="attachment_20692" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Diesel Scirocco"][/caption] The Scirocco, not in production since 1992, is back in its 3rd generation form, packing a new diesel engine, new body design, and looking pretty good. Sporting 168 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, the Scirocco GT TDI is able to go from 0 to 60 in about 8 seconds and can reach top speeds of about138 mph, all while getting an average of 44 mpg. The new Scirocco will not, as it stands right now, be available in the United States. It's probably just too fuel efficient. (Yeah, there is definitely some sarcasm there, but when did it become a no-no for the most fuel efficient cars, either American or foreign, to not be able to be sold in this country? Case in point, Ford's most fuel efficient vehicle, the Fiesta is not sold in this country...how does that make any sense?) Anyway, I digress. Seeing the Scirocco (or rather hearing the name, as it looks nothing like it did back in the day) brings back some memories... I just wonder when the Karmann Ghia is going to get an overhaul and make a comeback? [caption id="attachment_20693" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Volkswagen GT TDI Scirocco"][/caption]

RoboScooter: Winner of the Buckminster Fuller Challenge

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Want to cry? Top Gear U.S. Promo Surfaces on Vimeo

Adam — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Showreel '08 from AdvanTech on Vimeo. Yeah, it's old news. The ill fated U.S. version of Top Gear was aborted months ago. This previously unreleased promo video for the series recently appeared on Vimeo

Program could turn clunkers into cash

Patrick McNally — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

The Department of Energy and Commerce and key Congressional leaders have come to an agreement with the Obama administration on the “Cash for Clunkers” program. By giving incentives to consumers to trade in old gas-guzzling vehicles or newer models, it is hoped that the program will help to revive the sagging automotive industry, while promoting energy efficient vehicles. The agreement was based on House resolutions sponsored by U.S. Reps. Betty Sutton (D-OH) and Jay Inslee (D-WA). “It will save consumers money at the pump and at the dealership, and will cut down on carbon pollution going into our air and water,” said Inslee of the agreement. “President Obama said that once in a while when you're in Congress, you do things that really matter in a historic sense. This energy legislation is one of those chances.” The Cash for Clunkers program will be authorized for up to one year, and should provide vouchers for up to a million car and truck purchases. For passenger cars, the old vehicle must have a “window sticker” miles per gallon value of 18 mpg or less. If the mileage of the new vehicle is at least 4 mpg higher than the old vehicle, the vouches will be worth $3,500. If the mileage is at least 10 mpg higher, the voucher will be worth $4,500. The program has been successful in many European countries. The entire voucher summary can be found at http://energycommerce.house.gov/Press_111/20090505/cashforclunkers.pdf

2010 Lamborghini Murcielago LP670-4 Super Veloce - Review

Chris — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

2010 Aston Martin V12 Vanquish, Fueled By Baby Panda Bears

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Despite the fact that Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Maybach/Mercedes-Benz, and Rolls-Royce/BMW all deemed me worthy of media accredidation, Aston Martin did not, which means I am forced to rely on various secondhand sources for my information. Unfortunately, although said sources are most certainly of dubious accuracy, my personal commitment to ensuring RideLust readers are served with the most up-the-minute news precludes any reserve I may have had concerning a given source's factual integrity. Thus, should any of the information containered herein be incorrect, I apologize to both our readers and Aston Martin and regret only that I was not able to authenticate the facts with any Aston Martin-sanctioned press release. Scheduled to make its inagural debut in production form at the Geneva Motor Show, the 2010 Aston Martin V12 Vanquish has been heralded the world over as the next big favorite for rouge international operatives, affluent investment bankers, and high-profile cocaine dealers. Boasting a befier powerplant than its predecessor, the V8 Vanquish, the 6.0L V12 produces a whopping 510-horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque, and posesses the impressive ability to make the sprint from 0-60 mph in a healthy 4.2s. Only 300-500 models will be produced, and for every model sold, Aston Martin has purportedly pledged to punch a kitten in the face. [gallery]

2010 Volkswagen Golf Wagon

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

The Top 10 Bikes Guaranteed

Chris — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

There are just some bikes that awaken our inner Freudians. You know. The bikes that move us down below. Bikes that exude, just as Kramer did in Seinfeld, the Kavorka--the lure of the animal. I'm talking about sexy bikes. When it comes to attracting chicas, we all know, it's what's between your legs that really counts. Don't let this new trend toward the metrosexualized sensitive male fool you. Women always have, and always will, want men with leather sleeves, tattoos, and pot-marked behinds from years of rough-and-tough living. Guys who prefer to bite the twist-off caps off their beers. Guys who smoke the entire cigar, dammit, and don't know the meaning of mixed drinks. You know, guys like us here at Ridelust. (And Suzanne. Suzanne is included in this, too. Really, don't piss her off. Tito Ortiz almost hired her to kill Chuck Liddell for him, but he couldn't afford her.) In the bike world, these sacred fertility rites involve the presentation of your motorized phallus. Outright size may not matter, but looks certainly do. And if you don't have that, you better have speed. Lots and lots of speed. Want all the ladies to stare at your crotch as you rocket by? Then make sure you've got the goods. For your convenience, we've got the bikes that, like tequila, makes girls' clothes fall off.* 1.Ducati 1198 S - laid up from busted stones 2. MV Agusta F4CC -women who think the Ducati is just too cheap and common 3. Ducati Desmodicci RR -women who love Tom Cruise, but like you, couldn't get hold of the original 4. KTM Superduke - laid up from least comfortable seat in history 5. Tesi Carbonio -tech freaks 6. Ransom Cycles' The Serpent - NA 7. Aprilia RSV 1000 R 8. Kaneda's bike from Akira -powered by a scooter engine, you're dead meat when inner-city biker gangs come for revenge 9. Ducati Streetfighter S - those who like true streeters 10. Dodge Tomahawk (Boss Hoss SRT-10) - anyone who's wanted to hump a V-10 without the conspicuousness of mounting a Murcielago *If that doesn't work, well, that's okay. These bikes will be sexier to men more often than not, and these are certainly the finest candidates of mechaphilia on two wheels we could find.

S.Q.U.I.D. 101

Chris — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

As a resident of the human cesspool located directly outside of Philadelphia known as "South Jersey," I rarely bat an eyelash at the bizarre shenanigans Florida frequently finds itself mired in. Most likely because Jersey invtented the term "Shenanigans"...but that's neither here nor there... ...Today's vicious capitilaist pig/parking violation scandal comes to us courtesy of Tarpon Springs, Florida. Apparently, local developer Mike Bronson, grew tired of the constant congestion caused by the customers of a nearby restuarant and decided to take matters into his own hands by erecting 22 "No Parking" signs. Despite the fact that Bronson's signs were not installed on city-sanctioned poles and did not bear the official city sticker, the signs were authentic enough to prompt officers from the Tarpon Springs PD to issue a whopping 233 parking tickets. If this were New Jersey, Bronson would have promptly shot each individual patron, execution style, before meeting the police commisioner for their weekly round of golf -

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Late yesterday, Visteon Corp officially filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, shocking approximately no one who has tracked their progress since their split from Ford in 2000. Despite the fact that Visteon is a major supplier for several major auto manufacturers, including both Ford and Hyundai, and boasts a status as one of the largest suppliers in the country, they have not posted a single profit on the books in nearly a decade. CEO Donald Stebbins explained the filing as a tactical maunever aimed at ensuring the company's long term viability. taking down with it an estimated 11,000 white collar and 22,500 blue collar employees.

BMW Roadster Celebrates 75 Years

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Introduced for the first time at the Berlin Motor Show in 1934, the BMW Sports Roadster was destined from birth to be the ride of choice for celebrity hairdressers the world over.

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

It's easy to be an overtly aggressive driver, evidence of which probably followed you home and is cruising up and down your street as you read this. What takes significantly more skill and, some may reasonably argue, a lot more balls, is the art of passive aggressive driving. *All information contained herein is void in the state of New Jersey, where drivers will not only intentionally cut you off, but double back to carve their initials on your bumper too.

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Early Friday morning, Terra Haute-resident Kevin Michael Whitesell irefutably proved that the only way to top a drunk driving accident, is to chase it with a drunk rescue attempt. Around 5am Friday morning after either a.) kicking his weekend off early or b.) preparing for a routine day at work, an extremely intoxicated Whitesell lost control of his vehicle.

Ryan — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Hardee's (or Carl's Jr. for those of you holding down the West Coast) "Taste For Speed" gift pack

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Most famous for his brilliant work with the industrial strength miracle product, OxiClean, 50-year-old poet laureate Billy Mays was found dead in his Florida home this weekend. A true American hero, Mays ruled the netherworld of late-night and early morning TV ads, shouting his message of good tidings and great joy to gullible TV watchers everywhere. Rivaled in his over-the-top-delivery only by the Orange Overlord, Sheriff John Buenell (Ret.'d), Mays' passing is one of the biggest tragedies to hit the automotive industry since the appointment of Chris Bangle as BMW's design director. To honor the late, great, Mays, we have assemled a collection of his best work for your viewing pleasure. This wipe is for you, Mays.

Cars vs Bikes: The Gallery

Chris — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

CATEGORIES: 1. At the Track Gallardo vs 999: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EeP0_aLvc0I Superleggera vs 1098: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZKRphfVHqI GTR vs 1098s: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Man0X0bf8vk 300zx vs honda sabre vs 500cc race bike: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Di2MvjGQA10 Jet Fighter vs Porsche 911 turbo vs Yamaha R1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WA2y_lrGj6A&feature=related Conclusion: Bike in a straight line under 200 mph / Car on a track with a lot of corners -- DRAW 2. On the Street -illegal drag racing Conclusion: Bike 3. Running from the Cops - The Infamous Ghost Rider Conclusion: Bike 4. Collisions Conclusion: Car 5. Stunt Potential Conclusion: Bike 6. Power 7.

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

10 Most Unfortunate Car Names

Chris — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

It's no secret that we Americans are kinda uninterested in other people's

2010 Cadillac SRX to 2010 Lexus RX350: "You're Doing It Wrong"

Nathan Redden — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

The Lexus RX is a luxury SUV juggernaut. Introduced in 1998, it single-handedly defined the segment and provided a perfect solution in one fell swoop. Before the downturn last year, 2007 sales crested 100,000 units. Many have tried to dethrone the RX, and all have failed. Now, a redesigned version for MY 2010 is bigger and better than ever. That's exactly why the following statement may shock you a bit. Cadillac's new 2010 SRX absolutely spanks the 2010 Lexus RX350. Here's why...

Design

Lexus has never been a leader in design, and they are completely unapologetic about it. The ichiban approach has one target: to sell more cars than anyone else. And to do it, you can't have a styling that is polarizing. To achieve maximum market penetration, you must appeal to the largest number of customers. Ergo, a non-threatening, some would say bland, approach is best. Once again, they've hit the nail right on the head. Not to say that the RX looks bad, the smooth lines convey elegance unlike any other brand. I just can't imagine a single part of its gentle surface being stamped out of aluminum or forcefully created in any way. The overall feeling is very taught and precise. The most aggressive features are the pointed headlamps similar to the IS sedan. The front fascia looks a little unfinished. Perhaps it was specially designed for a low coefficient of drag and not a 30 degree entry angle, but the lack of a lower clip of any sort leaves the car with a pout of sorts. 18" wheels are standard, but optional 19's are as gangster as Lexus gets. For the most part, the exterior styling of the RX350 doesn't disappoint, but you can fully expect to get lost in a crowd of generic crossovers. Cadillac has taken an entirely different approach. Though the new SRX was aimed squarely at the RX, the last thing Cadillac wants to become is Lexus. They would rather compete with the likes of BMW and Mercedes-Benz, creating stylish and well-handling cars for people that are (gasp!) passionate about automobiles.

Technology

Utility

Performance

Value

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Best Ad Campaigns Of The Decade

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

1.Volkswagen Bus Advertising Agency: DDB, Paris, France Creative Directors: Alexandre Hervé, Sylvain Thirache Copywriter: Patrice Dumas Art Director: Aurélie Scalabre 2.Renault Logan, Internal Space Advertising Agency: Exclam Comunicação, Curitiba, Brazil Creative Director: Lipsio Carvalho Copywriter: Peterson Klug Art Director: Alexandre Miyaki Published: September 2008 3. Harley Davidson, Stop Dreaming Advertising Agency: FNL Communications Sydney, Australia Creative Director: Mike Miller Art Director: Kieran Antill Copywriter: Will Edwards Photographer: Andreas Bommert Published: 2006

Ryan — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Replica of Jacko's Lancia Stratos For Sale

Chris — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Little Tip: CARS.gov Will Give You AIDS or Something... Right?

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Answer: Wrong There are plenty of reasons to hate/fear/be disgusted by the Cash-4-Clunkers program... but this isn't one of them.

BMW Resurects Isetta as Smart Competitor

Adam — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

2010 Mustang Queen Latifah

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

2011 Chevy Volt To Average 230 MPG, Still No Word On Raw Power

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

During a webcast this morning, GM CEO Fritz Henderson revealed The General's newest plans for future viability, beginning with upcoming Chevy Volt. According to Henderson, when the Volt hits the production line in late 2010 (and dealer lots shortly thereafter), it will effectively become the first mass-produced automobile in the world to achieve an MPG rating in the triple digits. Although the final numbers are subject to slight tweaking, Henderson claims the 2011 Chevy Volt will average a staggering 230 mpg in city driving (or 25 kilowatt hours per 100 miles). What's more, GM also projects that the Volt will be capable of traveling up to 40 miles using electricity from a single battery charge which, if U.S. Department of Transportation data is correct, will exceed the distance traveled by 8 out of 10 Americans on a daily basis. For drivers who exceed the extrapolated 40 miles a day, the Volt's flex-fuel engine will extend the vehicle's range by more than 300 miles. Tentative verdict: the raw stats are impressive if for no other reason than sheer innovation, but we're still reserving our final judgment until we can get it on a track. [gallery] Source: GM

Cadillac

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

2011 Ford Mustang Will Best the BMW M3?

Chris — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Convert Your Car To Run On Trash

Chris — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Koenigsegg

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

General Motors and Koenigsegg Group Sign Stock Purchase Agreement for the Sale of Saab Automobile AB # The deal is expected to close by year’s end and will secure Saab’s future # The closing will be subject to funding agreements and other closing conditions # Saab Automobile plans to exit reorganization shortly Zurich. General Motors Co. today confirmed it has signed a stock purchase agreement with Koenigsegg Group AB regarding the sale of 100% of the shares of Saab Automobile AB. The deal is expected to conclude in the next months and will then secure Saab’s future. Saab Automobile plans to exit legal reorganization shortly. The stock purchase agreement will be subject to agreed closing conditions. Conditions to close the sale include expected funding commitments with Swedish government support and guarantees, as well as transitional assistance from GM, as Saab becomes independent. Saab is about to launch several new cars, developed with General Motors, that are in the final stages of development. As part of the proposed transaction, GM and Saab will continue to share technology and services during a defined time period. This will be managed through licenses and service agreements. "This contract is an important step in the journey to a potential deal, said Carl-Peter Forster, president of GM Europe. “Saab's great cars, its unique design, safety- and engine-technology, as well as its excellent brand image, combined with Koenigsegg Group's unique combination of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, bode well for a successful future for the brand. We will continue to work with all parties to define the final details and ensure a fast closure of the deal, which we expect to take place in the next few months. The closure of the deal is contingent on the funding commitment from the European Investment Bank (EIB), guaranteed by the Swedish government,” Forster added. "We have now concluded another important step in realizing the great potential of Saab,” said Christian von Koenigsegg, CEO of Koenigsegg Group. “Our plan is to transform Saab into a stand-alone vibrant entrepreneurial company and make it ‘sustainable’ by making it profitable. We will revive Saab’s Swedish heritage of ecological sensitivity, safety, design innovation and ‘fun to drive’ experience!" Jan Åke Jonssson, Managing Director of Saab, said: “This is excellent news for everyone connected to Saab around the globe. This is an important step to secure jobs and our long-term future as a Swedish carmaker. In the short-term, it will enable us to move forward with exciting new cars starting this month with the all new Saab 9-3X.”

NOBLE Unveils 225mph M600

Chris — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

There was a time when darting through traffic in a wagon meant you were late for either soccer practice or Lilith Fair, but times have changed. Today, your hot hatch options are no longer limited to a Vista Cruiser or a Forester, and the term "sport wagon" has come to represent a fairly large segment of consumers. It may be said that no one does the sport wagon like Vee Dub, but no one does the wagon period like Volvo.

2010 MazdaSPEED3

Click here for photos and specs

2009 Subaru Impreza WRX STi

Click here for photos and specs

2010 Volkswagen GTI

Click here for photos and specs

2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart

Click here for photos and specs

2010 Audi A3

Click here for photos and specs

2009 Volvo V50 T5 AWD R Design

Click here for photos and specs

2010 Cadillac CTS Sports Wagon

Click here for photos and specs

2009 Saab 9-3 Aero SportCombi

Click here for photos and specs

Sell the Streets Part II: Let Toyota Fix the Freeways

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

* north side of the Santa Monica (10) Freeway, east of Lincoln Blvd. exit; * east side of San Diego (405) Freeway at Orange Street; * north side of the Ventura (101) Freeway, west of Balboa Blvd.; * south side of the Santa Monica (10) Freeway, east of Overland Drive exit; * north side of the Pomona (60) Freeway at Lorena Street exit; * south side of the Foothill (210) Freeway, at the Los Robles Ave. on ramp. * The San Francisco-area Floralscapes will be located on the south side of the Redwood (101) Freeway at Novato Blvd. in Marin County, and the other will be on the north side of the Junipero Serra (280) Freeway at the Winchester Ave. exit in Santa Clara County. PRESS RELEASE: Toyota Prius 'Harmony Floralscapes' Blooming Along Los Angeles Freeways New Marketing Concept Creates Unique Public-Private Partnership LOS ANGELES, Aug. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- A first-of-its-kind "Harmony Floralscape," a vivid roadside display made up of more than 20,000 live flowers, was unveiled today along the Pasadena Freeway (SR-110) in downtown Los Angeles by Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa, officials from Caltrans, Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., and Greenroad Media, Inc. The Floralscape is one of nine oversized floral designs that will appear alongside California freeways in support of the ongoing launch of the 2010 Toyota Prius hybrid vehicle. Seven of the Floralscapes will be in the Los Angeles area and two in the San Francisco area. Developed by Greenroad Media, Inc., using the company's patent-pending "Living Pixel" technology, design images are replicated using flowers of differing varieties and colors. "We are proud to be the inaugural City to unveil the first of seven Floralscapes along one of our busiest highways. The commute for Angelenos will now be brightened by floral murals that embody the City's progressive approach to solving environmental issues by merging beautification, sustainable design and reducing our carbon footprint," Mayor Villaraigosa said. "From the construction workers to the business team, this public-private partnership with Toyota and Greenroad Media has spurred local job creation across the board." Unlike Rose Parade floats, which are made with cut flowers, the 30'x60' Toyota Prius "Harmony Floralscapes" are comprised entirely of living seasonal flowers. The flowers used in each Floralscape - about 20,000 blooms in total - are grown by local businesses in special modular "Eco-crates" made from recycled plastic. Several different designs have been developed, and the displays will be changed and updated several times during the next four months. "The Floralscapes represent a unique public-private cooperative effort," said Tim Morrison, TMS marketing corporate manager. "Not only will the Floralscapes be seen by several hundred thousand motorists every day, permanent upgrades are also being made to the surrounding area, including landscape and irrigation improvements." The Floralscapes are created from organic and reusable materials and are maintained using ecologically friendly techniques, including the utilization of non-potable water, solar electricity and ecologically responsible insect and fungi control. California-based businesses are contracted to install and maintain the Floralscapes. The non-profit Los Angeles Conservation Corps, which provides training, education and work experience to at-risk young adults and school-aged youth, will maintain the areas surrounding the Floralscapes. "The Floralscapes are an ideal communications concept for these economically challenging and environmentally conscious times," said Edward St. Clair, president and founder of Greenroad Media. "Toyota is able to demonstrate its commitment to the environment to the benefit of state and local governments, local businesses and the entire community." Since federal regulations require that the Floralscapes be non-commercial in nature, abstract images of the new Prius will appear in different settings, capturing the essence of its marketing campaign developed by Saatchi & Saatchi LA - "Harmony Between Man, Nature and Machine." All of the images have been approved by California's department of transportation, Caltrans. "Through this innovative partnership with Toyota, we are able to improve the look of freeway landscape, make necessary upgrades to aging or damaged irrigation systems, and save tax dollars," said Raja Mitwasi, Caltrans Chief Deputy District Director. The downtown Floralscape will be located on the west side of the Pasadena (110) Freeway, just north of the 101 Freeway. Other Los Angeles-area Floralscapes locations include: north side of the Santa Monica (10) Freeway, east of Lincoln Blvd. exit; east side of San Diego (405) Freeway at Orange Street; north side of the Ventura (101) Freeway, west of Balboa Blvd.; south side of the Santa Monica (10) Freeway, east of Overland Drive exit; north side of the Pomona (60) Freeway at Lorena Street exit; south side of the Foothill (210) Freeway, at the Los Robles Ave. on ramp. The San Francisco-area Floralscapes will be located on the south side of the Redwood (101) Freeway at Novato Blvd. in Marin County, and the other will be on the north side of the Junipero Serra (280) Freeway at the Winchester Ave. exit in Santa Clara County. About Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. is the marketing, sales, distribution and customer service arm of Toyota, Lexus and Scion. Established in 1957, TMS markets products and services through a network of more than 1,400 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealers. Toyota directly employs more than 35,000 people in the U.S. and sold more than 2.2 million vehicles in 2008. For more information about Toyota, visit www.toyota.com, www.lexus.com, www.scion.com or www.toyotanewsroom.com. About Greenroad Media Greenroad Media, Inc., with its office in Manhattan Beach, Calif., has developed unique, patent-pending technology which allows companies to make ecologically-friendly, living corporate statements that enhance the roadways of North America. Greenroad Media is the only media company that brings together businesses and governments to beautify highways and public spaces through corporate sponsorships. More than a positioning statement, sponsoring a site with Greenroad Media allows a corporation to make a commitment to a healthier planet. For more information, please visit www.greenroadmedia.com. About Saatchi & Saatchi LA Saatchi & Saatchi LA is a full-service agency with both traditional and non-traditional capabilities, including media, creative, strategic planning, 3D asset creation, design and event marketing. The agency was awarded a prestigious Gold Effie for its highly effective launch of the Toyota Tundra full-size truck. Saatchi LA is agency of record for Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., and it also serves Toyota Dealer Associations and Toyota Financial Services. The LA office is the third largest in the global network of ideas company Saatchi & Saatchi, part of Publicis Groupe. For more information, go to www.saatchila.com.

2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

MSRP: N/A Engine: 3.0L Direct Injection V6, 3.6L Direct Injection V6 Power: 3.0L: 270 hp @ 7000 rpm, 223 lb-ft of torque @ 5700 rpm; 3.6L: 304 hp @ 6400 rpm, 273 lb-ft of torque @ 5200 rpm Drivetrain: RWD or optional AWD, 6-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission with Driver Shift Control EPA Rating city/highway: 18/27 mpg (estimates based on GM Testing. Official EPA estimates not yet available) Return to list

2010 Ford Mustang Provides 9,224 Ways To Waste Time At Work

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Out: Talking fantasy football at the water cooler. In: Building your fantasy Mustang. Ok, so your rust bucket didn't qualify for the Cash For Clunkers program but hey, a fanboy can still dream and now, thanks to a handful of genuis web developers and a PR department that's really bringing their a A-game, a guy can dream in

2010 Camaro Aftermarket Smorgasbord: Turbos, Blowers, Body Kits, And A Whole Lot More!

Chris — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Ultimate Performance Turbo Single Turbo Kit STS Turbo Remote Mounted Twin Turbo Kit Nickey Chicago Twin Turbo Variant Hennessey HP Series? Vortech Supercharger for L99 ATI Procharger Kit Camaro5 Exhaust Compilation Revolution Supersport Parts Preview Fesler Moss Carbon Fiber preview? Geiger Cars :http://www.fastestcar.com/chevrolet-camaro-ss-compressor-by-geiger-cars/#more-2753

Don't Let This Happen To You: Car to Bike Annilingus

Chris — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

This is what happens when you bring your bike around a lot of frisky cars: They get their ass sniffed. Introductory rites aside, using rudimentary induction skills, we can assume that, in regards to the rider of the victimized motorcycle, either 1) the rider's pelvis was instantly crushed on impact, rendering them forever impotent, or, more favorably 2) they were launched to safety into oncoming traffic. Wait. That's bad, too. All joking aside, this is truly a motorcyclists worst nightmare. There weren't any (decipherable) details attached to this photo. We can only hope that the rider, and the bike, lived to ride another day. But the car can become a proverbial C.A.R.S. participent for all we care. Speed may kill, but evidently, so can stillness. So remember: If you choose to ride, you're screwed either way. SOURCE: babodream.co.kr

VIDEO OF THE DAY: Korean Spirra Supercar Dances With Ponies and Bulls

Chris — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/24/video-korean-spirra-supercar-runs-with-the-big-dogs/

The Worst:

Alex Kierstein — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

2010 Toyota Land Cruiser

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Despite the worldwide downturn in SUV sales, the Toyota Land Cruiser is soldiering on and arrives for the 2010 MY [gallery] Source: Toyota

The Evil That Men Do: Kit Cars

Geoff — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

We tend to leave the majority of kit cars out of the fray here at Ridelust, if only because with so many new and soon-to-be new cars and concepts rolling around it is hard to keep up with them all. But given the choice between a knockoff AC Cobra and nothing at all, we can understand the allure of putting your own fun roadster or coupe together piece by piece. However, if a Lotus Seven replica is acceptable and a Fiero-based Ferrari is pushing it, the crack-inspired, dry heave inducing kit cars listed below are surely well beyond all logic and reason.

Modified Cars part 2: The Evil That Men Do

Geoff — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

15 Most Badass Car Logos

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

A badge has to have a three-dimensional presence, and the reputation of the car can only carry it so far. Case in point: Rolls-Royce. One of the must stunning examples of automotive engineering, and the badge itself inspires about as much awe as the Fischer-Price logo, and The Spirit of Ecstasy is likely the only reason lukewarm public interest hasn't forced a redesign. Beyond aesthetic appeal, however, a badge also has to have a history. A company's entire history must be encompassed into a sculpted piece of metal only a few inches high, and it is imperative that every crest, groove, and arch count. Alfa Romeo: http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/forum/general-automotive/31520-history-car-logos.html http://www.purplehell.com/riddletools/carlogos.htm Spyker: http://www.cartype.com/pages/1664/spyker Rover: http://www.cartype.com/pages/1611/rover Buick: http://www.cartype.com/pages/2614/buick http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=de&u=http://de.geocities.com/elmar_hilbring/borgward.htm&ei=FZiySuvmLdTDlAeQz535Dg&sa=X&oi=translate&resnum=3&ct=result&prev=/search%3Fq%3DBorgward%2Blogo%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26hs%3DRRi

Chrysler CEO Jim Press

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Cash For Clunkers Update

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Chris — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Water flows through Eliot's The Waste Land. Spring rains of April stir the dead lands from their sleep, functioning as an incessant instigator of life, of "memory and desire," and as an agent of an immortality which prolongs life year after year, summons life from the "forgetful snow" of winter, reminding the Eliotic narrator of his own physical mortality, as well as the mortality of his poetry which will in time fade from memory. Yet, water is present as a negation as well. The waste land, the dead lands, are choked in drought about the "stony rubbish". The "dry stone" gives "no sound of water". Water functions as a symbol of life, as a necessary component of health and vitality missing from this barren expanse we find ourselves in. There is a futility and a bitter desperation in the narrator, relating his position to water--on the one hand thirsting for water to quench the dry land, pleading for even the "sound of water only", as the agent for his own vitality, yet on the other hand the presence of water, of life and growth and movement, only reminds him of his own impotency and the (premature) imminency of his own artistic sterility. This is the "fear in a handful of dust." It is the fear of his own demise, physically and otherwise, sucked dry of all moisture, mixed among the dust of others long dead, and the land, and the inanimate, and the lifeless, and almost insultingly held in the hand of his successor, another who may shape the Eliotic narrator's own work and life and memory in a new image. Dust is impersonal and universal, and the thought of such a destination is hell itself. And so he is caught between the drought of the anesthetic waste land of forgetfulness (accomplished both in drought as well as the snows of winter) which numbs his pain, and the despair of inhabiting a world so devoid of emotion and life for the sake of escaping pain. He longs for relief. But he longs for feeling as well. And water is the agent of both.

Vito Rispo — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Manufacturer on left, listed under ASC, then model is GNX, year 1987. Pretty interesting info about ASC and it's founder (who was bipolar and commited suicide) http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/ASC-Inc-Company-History.html link to a pretty cool site that can give you some details about a Grand National GHX. http://www.buickgnx.com/ I can tell you with absolute certainty that at least one of these cars was wrecked (or more likely stolen and sold for parts) because years ago, probably 88-89-90ish we had a sale for a regular Grand National front end, we ordered one on the line from a yard and we got a GNX front end. We actually had to knock money off the sale b/c a GNX had fender louvers cut into the top rear that wasn't on the factory Grand National. Those turbo GN's and also the Regal T-Types (of 84-87 vintage) were some of the fastest, nicest production speed cars of their time. You did not play games w a turbo Regal regardless of what you were driving back in the day. you could probably do a whole (or several) posts on these cars, but quick summary for you, a regal T-Type was basically a turbo regal. They first started them in 79 I believe, they did have some differences from standard regals aside from the motors/turbos. The rears were bigger than a stock GM-Intermediate (Monte Carlo, Grand Prix, Cutlass and Regal), they used the same rear as the more sluggish V8 powered Cutlass-442 (also a very interresting car!), the transmissions had later shifts points to allow more tourque, larger factory wheels. Specifically the 84-87 Regal GN/T-Types; I believe these cars were identical mechanically. The GN's were only black with all blacked out trim and bumpers. The only chrome that I remember appeared on the factory 15" steel/chrome wheels. The T-types were avail in colors, definitely white, blue and grey, possibly black--but I think that was reserved for the Grand Nationals. THe T-types had blacked trim on the taillights, headlights and grille but had chrome bumpers and I believe the stock wheels for TTypes were 15" aluminum. Dbl check the computer for that info. If they offer a stock 15" alum then that should be the ttype wheel. anyway--- it's disgusting that someone at a new car dealer wouldn't step up and offer the 4500 or 5000 to make that a tradein instead of a crush only clunker. It's not quite, but almost like ripping the corner off a picasso or other artist's work to scrawl someone's phone number down on the back side (you can use that if you want, I like that one)

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Say what you will about their questionable corporate ethics, but there's no denying Toyota knows how to market their brand.

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Earlier this year, Toyota unseated General Motors as the largest automaker in the world and proceeded to watch as the once formidable General crumbled to its knees at the feet of bankruptcy. Now, Toyota Motor Corp. President Akio Toyoda suspects his own company is heading down a similar path. Citing the four stages of corporate failure as outlined by renowned business journalist Jim Collins, Toyoda says his company is on the brink of "capitulation to irrelevance or death." Seemingly unsolicited, Toyoda's predictions come two days after the close of the fiscal year and the second consecutive year Toyota has posted a sizeable loss.

Alex Kierstein — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

http://www.worldcarfans.com/109100222182/chinese-automaker-to-buy-outgoing-saab-9-5-rights A SAAB 9-5 clone could be on the roads within the next year. That is if the Beijing Automotive Industry Corporation (BAIC) goes ahead and buys all the tooling and design rights to the outgoing 9-5. Reports say the plan is in its final stages of execution but nothing is being said about whether production would resume under the BAIC badge or not. SAAB recently unveiled its latest 9-5 range-topper which is produced at its Trollhatten factory in Sweden. The BAIC deal would mean the Chinese company could conceivably resurrect the old 9-5 and sell it while the new true 9-5 as it were, is also on the market. BAIC is a minority shareholder in Koenigsegg which is buying SAAB from General Motors. The agreement exists but the contract is not yet final. Fans of the big Swede can take small comfort in the fact that while the possibility of a Chinese copy exists, it would at least be legit.

Stock Factory Stereos That Rock

Geoff — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Admittedly, a car's factory stereo has become progressively less important through the years as aftermarket systems and add-ons have evolved into the huge industry that they are today. Still, judging by the names (Bose, Mark Levinson) involved in providing high quality systems to car manufacturers, automakers clearly place a great deal of importance on the stereo to enhance the overall driving experience. So while no one would expect a car purchase to be based on which models under consideration have the best factory stereo, here are a few new cars that provide exceptional sound systems that might at least break a potential tie. Of course, great stereos come at a great cost, which means you are not going to be able to check the Bose box when optioning out your Versa. Nothing used to say luxury like Jaguar. Pronounced with three syllables of course. The shine has dulled on the snarling cat as of late, but don't rule out the British/Indian-owned luxury brand from scratching their way back from oblivion.Jaguar XF: Bowers & Wilkins Bless the Jaguar XF: it showed up just in time to clinch the sale from Ford to Tata. As great as the car is, we're inclined to love on its upgrade audio system even more. For a mere $1800 or so, the 440-watt Bowers & Wilkins system offers up a bounty of Dolby 7.1 surround, 14 speakers, and the cleanest sound this side of a Magic Eraser on Michael Chiklis' scalp. There's perfect MP3 integration, a touchscreen for audio settings, incredible punch even from compressed music files--everything a discriminating music lover looks for other than a place to burn their "really? seriously?" Norah Jones CD, bought in a low-blood-sugar Starbucks moment.You already know which new car's your favorite, and here at TheCarConnection.com, we have some favorites, too. But when it comes to entertaining us at the wheel with great music and excellent music interfaces, which cars truly rock? Spending $30,000 on a new car is easy to do--and yet, some luxury cars do a terrible job of bringing star-quality audio to their owners. On the flip side, some cheapo compacts have excellent stereo options, and the aftermarket offers a myriad of ways to upgrade your sound. TheCarConnection.com's editors think it's easier to find a great car with a great sound system straight from the factory. Just by ticking an option box (usually to the tune of $1000 or more), home-theater-style sound is yours for the asking in most of today's new cars. Some cars eliminate even that step, installing world-class music machines as standard features. What's the sound of success? After hearing from all of the 2009 new cars, trucks and crossovers, we like these seven factory-installed audio systems best: Don't forget to enter our Infinity speaker giveaway! 2009 Lexus LS 600h L Enlarge Photo Lexus LS 600h, among others: Mark Levinson The entire Lexus range gets Mark Levinson love, but it's the glassy-smooth sounds emanating from 19 speakers in the big LS 600h sedan that will lull you into loving even Miley Cyrus. And what better place to hear it all, than the rear seats of the LS, cruising smugly in traffic while Driver points out your hybrid street cred through clever hand gestures? 2009 BMW 7-Series Enlarge Photo BMW 7-Series: harman/kardon Logic 7 The newest 7-Series has some marvelous room to spread out--and few cars indulge audiophilia so purely. BMW matches the 7-Series' lounge-like atmosphere with the Logic 7 surround sound system and a state of the art list of ways to pipe in the music of your choice. There's a hard drive for music storage, an iPod connectivity interface, a six-disc DVD changer, and premium sound with Sirius Satellite Radio and HD Radio. BMW also fits the 7er with a rear-seat entertainment system, so the kids or passengers can get in on the top-notch sound. 2009 Infinit G37 Convertible Enlarge Photo Infiniti G37 Coupe and Convertible Infiniti's premium-sound package for cars like the scrumptious G37 lineup not only has the aural goods--it has one of the best user interfaces for iPods, iPhones and other inferior MP3 players (Zune, it's you, babe) as well as radio and satellite-radio bands. Teamed up with an optional 11-speaker Bose Studio on Wheels premium audio system and a Music Box 9.3-gigabyte hard drive, it's difficult to top--unless you go topless with the G37 Convertible, which programs in a top-down stereo mode that shifts audio signals to the driver's seat. Nifty. 2009 Hyundai Genesis Enlarge Photo Hyundai Genesis It's the same system as in the Rolls-Royce Phantom--the same brand, at least. The paradigm-shifting Genesis sports an available Lexicon surround-sound audio system with 500 watts, 12 channels, and 17 speakers, plus an HD radio tuner. There's also an iDrive-ish controller to manipulate it all, and it works surprisingly well, so keep your smart mouth to yourself. All Genesis sound systems come with XM Satellite Radio and inputs for USB and iPod attachments, too. Lacking? That big Rolls-style radiator grille. We'll let you be the judge, positive or negative on that. Enlarge Photo 2010 Ford Mustang Ford's Shaker 1000-watt system is just that--the best, easiest way to make the Mustang's natural good vibrations go to eleven. The Shaker setup is available across the V-8 lineup, from GT to Shelby GT500--and its 1000 watts of power plug-and-play nicely with Ford's Bluetooth-enabled SYNC controller and available Sirius satellite radio. (A "Shaker 500" will have to do for V-6 'Stangs.) Bring your own Beach Boys MP3s--or AAC files, if you're one of those hardcore Apple-blinded loyalists. 2009 Chevrolet Malibu Enlarge Photo Chevrolet Malibu, and most of the GM lineup It's not luxuriant sound that makes the Malibu's stereo--and most GM stereos--good enough to make this list. It's their utterly logical preset setup. You can use a single set of preset keys to program in stations on AM, FM and XM. For those of us who still use all three bands, it's a godsend. Steering-wheel audio controls and USB links for MP3 players are good, too--they scroll through all presets and seek as well--but GM's USB port integration has taken some hits for its, uh, knockoff look. Like seek buttons on the steering wheel, this whole preset thing has us asking: do automakers do any benchmarking anymore, and why isn't this the new normal? Runners-Up: Acura's DVD-driven audio systems. Yep, they sound awesome--but DVD-Audio is the Blu-Ray of its kind. Ahead of its time, and quite possibly overkill. Audi's Bose speakers sound great, and their roller-controllers on the wheel feel great--but faceplate buttons and MMI controls are a learning hurdle here. Have a favorite of your own? Let us know what it is in the comment section below--and don't miss our fantastic Infinity speaker giveaway. 2009 Jaguar XFEnlarge Photo You already know which new car's your favorite, and here at TheCarConnection.com, we have some favorites, too. But when it comes to entertaining us at the wheel with great music and excellent music interfaces, which cars truly rock? Spending $30,000 on a new car is easy to do--and yet, some luxury cars do a terrible job of bringing star-quality audio to their owners. On the flip side, some cheapo compacts have excellent stereo options, and the aftermarket offers a myriad of ways to upgrade your sound. TheCarConnection.com's editors think it's easier to find a great car with a great sound system straight from the factory. Just by ticking an option box (usually to the tune of $1000 or more), home-theater-style sound is yours for the asking in most of today's new cars. Some cars eliminate even that step, installing world-class music machines as standard features. What's the sound of success? After hearing from all of the 2009 new cars, trucks and crossovers, we like these seven factory-installed audio systems best: Don't forget to enter our Infinity speaker giveaway! Jaguar XF: Bowers & Wilkins Bless the Jaguar XF: it showed up just in time to clinch the sale from Ford to Tata. As great as the car is, we're inclined to love on its upgrade audio system even more. For a mere $1800 or so, the 440-watt Bowers & Wilkins system offers up a bounty of Dolby 7.1 surround, 14 speakers, and the cleanest sound this side of a Magic Eraser on Michael Chiklis' scalp. There's perfect MP3 integration, a touchscreen for audio settings, incredible punch even from compressed music files--everything a discriminating music lover looks for other than a place to burn their "really? seriously?" Norah Jones CD, bought in a low-blood-sugar Starbucks moment. 2009 Lexus LS 600h LEnlarge Photo Lexus LS 600h, among others: Mark Levinson The entire Lexus range gets Mark Levinson love, but it's the glassy-smooth sounds emanating from 19 speakers in the big LS 600h sedan that will lull you into loving even Miley Cyrus. And what better place to hear it all, than the rear seats of the LS, cruising smugly in traffic while Driver points out your hybrid street cred through clever hand gestures? 2009 BMW 7-SeriesEnlarge Photo BMW 7-Series: harman/kardon Logic 7 The newest 7-Series has some marvelous room to spread out--and few cars indulge audiophilia so purely. BMW matches the 7-Series' lounge-like atmosphere with the Logic 7 surround sound system and a state of the art list of ways to pipe in the music of your choice. There's a hard drive for music storage, an iPod connectivity interface, a six-disc DVD changer, and premium sound with Sirius Satellite Radio and HD Radio. BMW also fits the 7er with a rear-seat entertainment system, so the kids or passengers can get in on the top-notch sound. 2009 Infinit G37 ConvertibleEnlarge Photo Infiniti G37 Coupe and Convertible Infiniti's premium-sound package for cars like the scrumptious G37 lineup not only has the aural goods--it has one of the best user interfaces for iPods, iPhones and other inferior MP3 players (Zune, it's you, babe) as well as radio and satellite-radio bands. Teamed up with an optional 11-speaker Bose Studio on Wheels premium audio system and a Music Box 9.3-gigabyte hard drive, it's difficult to top--unless you go topless with the G37 Convertible, which programs in a top-down stereo mode that shifts audio signals to the driver's seat. Nifty. 2009 Hyundai GenesisEnlarge Photo Hyundai Genesis It's the same system as in the Rolls-Royce Phantom--the same brand, at least. The paradigm-shifting Genesis sports an available Lexicon surround-sound audio system with 500 watts, 12 channels, and 17 speakers, plus an HD radio tuner. There's also an iDrive-ish controller to manipulate it all, and it works surprisingly well, so keep your smart mouth to yourself. All Genesis sound systems come with XM Satellite Radio and inputs for USB and iPod attachments, too. Lacking? That big Rolls-style radiator grille. We'll let you be the judge, positive or negative on that. Enlarge Photo 2010 Ford Mustang Ford's Shaker 1000-watt system is just that--the best, easiest way to make the Mustang's natural good vibrations go to eleven. The Shaker setup is available across the V-8 lineup, from GT to Shelby GT500--and its 1000 watts of power plug-and-play nicely with Ford's Bluetooth-enabled SYNC controller and available Sirius satellite radio. (A "Shaker 500" will have to do for V-6 'Stangs.) Bring your own Beach Boys MP3s--or AAC files, if you're one of those hardcore Apple-blinded loyalists. 2009 Chevrolet MalibuEnlarge Photo Chevrolet Malibu, and most of the GM lineup It's not luxuriant sound that makes the Malibu's stereo--and most GM stereos--good enough to make this list. It's their utterly logical preset setup. You can use a single set of preset keys to program in stations on AM, FM and XM. For those of us who still use all three bands, it's a godsend. Steering-wheel audio controls and USB links for MP3 players are good, too--they scroll through all presets and seek as well--but GM's USB port integration has taken some hits for its, uh, knockoff look. Like seek buttons on the steering wheel, this whole preset thing has us asking: do automakers do any benchmarking anymore, and why isn't this the new normal? Runners-Up: Acura's DVD-driven audio systems. Yep, they sound awesome--but DVD-Audio is the Blu-Ray of its kind. Ahead of its time, and quite possibly overkill. Audi's Bose speakers sound great, and their roller-controllers on the wheel feel great--but faceplate buttons and MMI controls are a learning hurdle here. Have a favorite of your own? Let us know what it is in the comment section below--and don't miss our fantastic Infinity speaker giveaway.

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

To my knowledge, there are no police scanner codes for "extremely effeminiate vehicle," otherwise they would have been used in some manner here.

Halloween

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

A hybrid mash-up of our drivers to avoid and the 15 ugliest cars of all time comes 10 cars you should be most afraid of this Halloween. Forget razor blades in your apples (you could probably use one of those anyway, have you seen how much a new pack of Gillette Fusion's cost?) Here we'll tell you which houses to avoid based on what cars they've got parked in the driveway, on the street. Most Frightening Cars Unmarked panel van. Obvious reasons. 6th gen Ford Focus: Community college freshman, can't have been licensed for more than three years, probably texting while cutting across six lanes of traffic. - this is an example of a car that you could actually be afraid of (as opposed to a driver) inasmuch frequent electrical failure was common. White/Navy blue/Black Dodge Charger w/ center locking hubcaps, suspiciously deep tinted windows, dorsal fin. Why: It's a cop, and he knows good and well you're not heading home to make a monster omlette with that new carton of eggs you just bought. Plus, he was supposed to this shift off but his Sargeant ordered all patrol units on duty because those hoodlums from the next town over always cause problems on Halloween. He's not in a good mood, you'll probably get tazed. Old Man Tan 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme with sagging burgundy headliner Almost as ubqutious as the panel van, but far more sinsiter. 7th gen Camaro The driver has a makeshift shank in his sock and a rap sheet as long as his tattoo sleeve. Probably best not to honk while he's making that illegal U-Turn.

Veteran's Day

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Nov. 11 So in honor of Veteran's Day, RideLust offers a heartfelt salute to the men and women who served and the vehicles that served them. M1-A1 Abrams Amphibious Assault Vehicle Adam HUMVEE Original Willys-Jeep

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Rides To Watch

1. 2010 Kia Forte

2. 2010 Volvo XC60

3. 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

4. 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart

When an artist falls prey to the curse of one hit wonderdom, they can either a.) embrace it and ride the cresting wave of fame until it eventually peters out and ebbs into steady gigs at bar mitzvahs and weddings at the Mason Lodge, or b.) try in vain to recapture their fleeting success with a string of failed solo projects that ultimately culminate in a career-ending appearance on a VH1 celebrity dating show. Mitsubishi, apparently aware that their only real market pull comes courtesy of the Lancer, has wisely elected the former. In 2010, the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart will join Mitsubishi's quite extensive Lancer family as the first 5-door variant of the wildly popular STi-fighter.

5. 2010 Aston Martin Rapide

The Rapide is not the first 4-door saloon to come from an established performance house, but it does appear to be the most successful in its interpretation.

6. 2010 Audi A3 TDI

7. 2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Wagon

8. 2010 Buick LaCrosse

9. 2010 Suzuki Kizashi

"Kia and Suzuki in the same list? Really?" Rest assured we had a similar reaction upon reviewing the contenders, but the facts don't lie. Kia, Suzuki and their ilk may have been the punchline to a bad Tier 2 joke, changes within the industry have been quick and surprising. Whereas once any Suzuki product featuring more than 2 wheels would have been regarded as ill-advised at best, the Japanese motorcycle specialists seem to have finally mastered the art of cramming the two-wheeled hoonery they're revered for into an enticing 4-wheel package.

10. 2010-11 Nissan Leaf EV

If you thought the battle between the Nissan GT-R folks and the Porsche 911 camp was intense, you ain't seen nothing yet. When the Nissan Leaf EV broke cover a few months ago, it stuck its flag firmly on the 2011 Chevy Volt's anticipated market share and proclaimed itself the first "EV for the masses." Within weeks, Chevy fired back with the sensational announcement that the upcoming Volt would achieve an astounding 230 mpg, and the race was one. Unperturbed, Nissan continued to move forward with their surprise attack and announced they expected to receive upwards of 20,000 pre-orders before the Leaf officially dropped in mid-2010. Since then, Chevy has remained suspiciously mum on the matter and has presumably continued working towards the Volt's tentative production debut. Given the fact that the automotive industry's love for histrionics is eclipsed only by Degrassi, however, we expect the war of the words to commence soon, and we're waiting with bated breath.

eBay Motors Find of the Day: 1994 Mercedes-Benz G-Class G36 AMG

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Heene Boy Demonstrates The Dangers Of Backyard Ballooning

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

All across the U.S., 6-year-old Falcon Heene has made headlines for an incident involving his parents' 20' x 5' experimental balloon aircraft. According to reports, Heene was with his brother in the backyard where the tinfoil craft was tethered when Keene crawled inside a compartment at the base of the balloon and was carried away. Thanks to efforts from both Colorado law enforcement officials and the Federal Aviation Administration, the balloon was located and tracked until it made an uneventful landing in Larimer County - sans Falcon. After examining the basket authorities doubt Falcon fell from the basket and instead believe that he is hiding out of fear somewhere in the Fort Collins area. As of right now, the boy has not been located, but the Heen's

eBay Motors

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

While you were busy binge drinking pumpkin-flavored schnapps and hiding razor blades in bite-size Snickers bars this weekend, we were busy hunched over our laptop in a pitch black house, earnestly throw the hoards of candy-grubbing mouth breathers off our scent. Since one of our primary objectives was to remain completely motionless and make as little sound as possible, we had plenty of time to peruse one of our favorite conduits to personal bankruptcy, eBay Motors. This morning, you might be nursing a wicked hangover and facing charges of vandalism and indecent public exposure but never fear, we don't judge here at RideLust. Even if you're staring down the barrel of 500 hours of community service just relax, hunker down in your cubicle, and check out our sweet compilation of totally attainable car pr0on. You're totally welcome.

Acura Sets The Bar A Little Lower

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Chevy Camaro Synergy SEMA 2009

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Wait! Take the barrel out of your mouth! This is the last SEMA Camaro, we promise! Granted, it's by far the most excrut Camaro Synergy The Camaro Synergy concept previews a new Synergy Green production exterior color that will be offered on a special-edition Camaro in the first half of 2010. It also features a host of the latest Camaro accessories offered through Chevy dealers. They dramatically enhance the performance appearance of the car, demonstrating the personalization possibilities open to Camaro owners. Designers took liberties with the accessories, creating a totally unique package. Details include: * 21-inch wheels, with a black center finish and polished rim * Ground effects kit * Cyber Grey Rally hood stripes * High wing rear spoiler (future accessory) * Performance air intake The ground effects include pronounced rocker moldings, a rear diffuser-type styling piece and a front spoiler. They, along with the rear wing spoiler and rally stripes, are finished in the production Cyber Grey color, although the ground effects and spoiler can be painted to match the exterior of the car. The Rally stripes are adhesive-backed and are offered in grey, black or white. They’re part of a broader range of heritage-inspired graphics that also include “hockey stick” stripes for the front fenders. Chevy designers further enhanced the concept with a Pedders coil-over lowering kit and a set of large, Brembo brakes, as well as color-coordinating the Jet Black interior with Synergy Green accent stitching, piping and other accents. The lowering kit, brakes and interior accents are not among the accessories offered for the Camaro, but represent common and popular aftermarket upgrades. Chevrolet will gauge public interest in the features for possible inclusion in future accessory offerings. [gallery] Source: GM

Chevy Corvette Grand Sport Heritage Package SEMA 2009

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Accessorized Corvette Grand Sport with Heritage Package Earlier this year, Chevrolet announced the return of the Corvette Grand Sport model. It’s a track-oriented Corvette with wider wheels and tires, special suspension tuning and unique exterior details. The Corvette Grand Sport achieves a 0-60 time of less than four seconds, pulls 1.0 g on the skid pad and still boasts an EPA-rated highway fuel economy 26 mpg. The version displayed at SEMA introduces a host of Grand Sport accessories that will be offered in 2010. It is a standard Grand Sport convertible equipped with the Heritage Package, but in a new Cyber Grey exterior color, with forthcoming accessories that include: * Mesh inserts for the front fender vents * ZR1-style front splitter and rear spoiler (painted satin black) * ZR1-style rocker extensions and wheel spats (painted satin black) * Body-color door handles and license plate frame * Tinted dark chrome fender badges * “Tech” pattern engine cover with red lettering inserts * Grand Sport-logo hood blanket * Grand Sport-logo floor mats and leather console cover * Red stitched shifter knob/boot and red parking brake boot * “Tech” pattern interior trim kit * PAL iPod connector * Convertible wind screen * Racing-style pedal covers * Interior storage pouches The Grand Sport accessories are expected to go on sale in early 2010. They’re available through any Chevrolet or other authorized GM dealer. [gallery] Source: GM

Toyota Tundra Hot Rod SEMA 2009

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Okay, so your company wasn't even manufacturing cars when the original hot rods were birthed, whose to say you can't still cash in on the nostalgia? Historical accuracy be damned. Nominated for WORST of SEMA. [gallery] Source: Toyota

Toyota Billabong Ultimate Venza SEMA 2009

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

[gallery] Source: Toyota

Chrysler Conference Part 2

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Part deux of today's earlier recap of the collosal Chrysler breifing is significantly less interesting thanks to the two-hour presentation geared towards the supplier industry. New Ram slogan "My Name is Ram." Mike Manley of Jeep unveils new Jeep's tagline, "I Live. I Ride. I am Jeep," hopes slogan will help "take Jeep back to its rightful place of being the global SUV brand." Jeep Patriot and Jeep Compass dead by 2012, will be replaced with a C-segment Fiat. New B-segment SUV planned for 2013 will be underpinned by Fiat platform, as will 2013 Liberty. Fiat 500 will be sold exclusively in urban areas, which means hipsters in Boise, Idaho are shit-outta-luck.

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Twizy Z.E. concept

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Twizy Z.E. concept

eBay Motors Find of the Day: 1961 Land Rover II 109 Wagon

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

eBay Motors Find of the Day: 1990 Lamborghini LM002

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I'm currently on an old school truck kick and against my better judgement and literally every reliability report printed within the next decade, I want a [gallery] Source: eBay Motors

eBay Motors Find of the Day: 1990 Lamborghini LM002

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I'm currently on an old school truck kick and against my better judgement and literally every reliability report printed within the next decade, I want a [gallery] Source: eBay Motors

Infiniti Celebrates 20th Annv. Of

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

For the Snap-On with more disposable income, there was the

Happy Veteran's Day

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

M1A1 Abrams, the original Willys Jeep, and the original HMMVEE, M270 Multi Lauch Rocket System M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle M4 Sherman (won WWII) M1A2 System Enhanced Package Abrams Main Battle Tank with Tank Urban Survival Kit (TUSK) Package M1114 Up armored HUMVEE, M1128 Mobile Gun System Stryker, M88 Hercules Tracked Recover Vehicle, M104 Wolverine (M1 Abrams tank, but fitted with a bridge crossing mechanism and last but not least....M113 Armored Personnel Carrier. The M113 was the iconic armored vehicle in the Vietnam War. It saved countless lives and came at a perfect time. M1A2 SEP w/TUSK is my favorite.

Twitter Tips For The Automotive Industry

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

1. Stay on topic

There's no

2011 Buick Regal

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

When GM first announced their intention to place the burden of carrying Buick's new, younger image on the arthritic shoulders of the Regal sedan, I was skeptical to say the least. Their future plan to target the younger, upwardly mobile Generation Y may be a cogent one on paper, but it's difficult to completely disregard their storied reputation of massive land yachts and Buick's apparent popularity with the knitting circle crowd. [gallery] Source: GM

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Although the storied tradition of meth cooking is usually relegated to the spacious interior of a mobile home, the global cash crunch means not everyone can afford the luxury of a trailer. To circumvent this considerable problem, 31-year-old Indiana resident James Hunter tweaked (no awful pun intended) his business plan a tad and

Ford Plans 2011 Crown Vic Police Interceptor Replacement

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Regardless of how evil you think oil company exectuives may or may not be, bear in mind that regardless of how our vehicles are eventually powered, someone is going to be making money. Today it might be a wealthy, cigar-smoking Texan with his rolling hills of black gold, tomorrow it's the CEO of Duracell. Business is business regardless of the industry, and just as sure as the price of gasoline was intentionally manipulated to drive profit, so will the electric infrastructure, mark my words.

EcoBoost Explored: Ford's New Engine Line Up Promises To Amaze

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

As demonstrated by Ford's truly 21st century hot rod displayed at SEMA this year, the future is in green technology and despite what the overwhelming majority of the concept EVs may suggest, there's no reason to be depressed about it. With their new line of EcoBoost engines, Ford has managed to achieve the seemingly impossible by cramming more power into less space while still maintaining reasonable gas mileage.

Super Green Car Blowout Extravaganza

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

under $5000 $5000 - $15,000 $15,000 - $20,000 $20,000 - $30,000 $30,000 - $40,000 If this is your price range you can actually afford to spring for whatever the hell you want and just buy a few carbon offsets to absolve the guilt.

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

The National Taxpayers Union is apparently unimpressed by GM's recent earnest promise to begin paying back their sizeable federal debt

Mahindra Truck Still Scheduled For North American Introduction

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Some reports have suggested the new pickup truck from relatively obscure (Indian company Mahindra & Mahindra will be delayed until 2010, but official Mahindra spokespeople stepped forward today to confirm otherwise. Although the global recession forced the company to push their North American launch back by a few months, the company is adamantly maintains that Mahindra trucks will touch down in U.S. dealerships sometime in 2009. So, who the hell is Mahindra and why on Earth should you be interested in their product? When it hits U.S. soil next year it will be offered in two body styles including a 2-door regular cab and 4-door crew cab dubbed TR20 and TR40, respectively. The lone engine option will purportedly be a 4-cylinder common rail diesel. Why you should care: According to speculation, Mahindra's primary target will be the legitimate Land Rover crowd (ie: hardcore off-road enthusiasts) and both the TR20 and the TR40 will be geared towards only the most utilitarian functions. Interior amenities are expected to be relatively spartan and all preliminary indicators suggest Mahindra will be providing the modern day equivalent of a W460 (read: all the capability, plus a warranty) - priced at thousands less. Source: Mahindra

10 Best Family Vehicles

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

With the holiday season upon is the great family roadtrip is inevitable, and if your daily driver is ill-suited for making the 400+ mile trek to Grandma's house you may find yourself in the market for a new car sooner than you thought.

10 Best Family Vehicles

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

RideLust Recalls: Curb Feelers

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

RideLust Recalls: Curb Feelers

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

2011 Chevy Cruze Breaks At LA Auto Show

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

AMC chose to air back-to-back viewings of Rambo: First Blood this evening, hence the reason I'm still up at this late hour and able to report on the newest media whore to hit the circuit: the 2011 Mustang. If the hype that surrounded the virtually unchanged 2010 model is any indication, the seven press releases sent literally within seconds of each other at precisely 12 o'clock AM are but a gentle precursor to the storm that is to come. In an attempt to heal the wounds suffered from the vicious spanking delivered by the Camaro's 300-horsepower V6, the 2011 Mustang V6 will no longer be miraculously transformed from the poseur special to a snarling, 305-hp, 280 ft.-lb. machine. The boost in power comes courtesy a new all-aluminum Duratec® 3.7-liter DOHC Ti-VCT

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

With RideLust's illustrious staff MIA

Mazda Mazda2 LA Auto Show 2009

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Tenativly scheduled to hit the U.S. in Q4 of 2010, the über compact, equally as fun 2011 Mazda2 was by far the most interesting reveal at this year's LA Auto Show. As a matter of fact, despite Ford's best efforts otherwise the Mazda2's comparatively quiet debut overshadowed the overhyped appearance of its cousin, the 2011 Ford Fiesta. With both vehicles set to compete side-by-side [gallery]

Volkswagen New Beetle Final, Extremely Optimistic Edition(s)

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

[gallery]

2011 Ford Fiesta

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

As the whiny hipster social scene is already well aware, the 2011 Ford Fiesta has been the center of a 6-month long social media movement that's resulted in a maelstrom of media hype. On the positive side, this facilitated such things like a trendy Hollywood launch party replete with D-list musical guests and free drinks for the press. On the negative side, this facilitated things like a trendy Hollywood launch party attended by people wearing things that left me scared and confused. Regardless of what kind of faith it caused some gearheads to lose in the car culture, however, the Fiesta Movement was an overwhelming successful PR event that earned the Fiesta more public recognition than most vehicles on the market and set a record for world's largest Tweetup at the Fiesta Movement Awards ceremony in West Hollywood on Tuesday. [gallery]

2011 Chevy Caprice PPV

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Blame it on the lack of law enforcement professionals in attendance at the LA Auto Show's press days if you like, but the fact remains that the Caprice PPV's corner of the convention center was even more desolate and depressing than a boy band reunion tour. Apparently, only a very small group of people are interested in bland, ambiguously styled law enforcement vehicles and that group consists primarily of me and three police departments in the Midwest. [gallery]

Audi e-Tron LA Auto Show 2009

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

[gallery]

General Motors Shake-up

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Since Fritz Henderson's abrupt resignation from his post as GM CEO on Tuesday of last week, few have been able to keep pace with the rapid shifts occurring within The General's white collar ranks. Even fewer actually care. For the few of you playing along at home, or at least trying to when not fretting over where to get your on-warranty Vue serviced So where does it stand as we speak?

Ferrari P540 Superfast Aperta

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

There are usually only two places this particular shade of gold appears in nature: a bottle of Grey Poupon and an infant's diaper. Today, Ferrari and Edward Walson have added a third place with the unveiling of the one-off Ferrari P540 Superfast Aperta. When your most noteworthy achievement is your biological relation to someone who accomplished/invented/married something great. [gallery]

Ryan — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

RideLust Reflects: 2009 Winners & Losers

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Winners: Suzuki Kizashi Despite the fact that their motorcycles enjoy a sterling reputation amongst the two-wheeled enthusiast crowd, Suzuki's automotive division has struggled in recent years to gain any sort of presence outside of the first car/broke college grad market. If someone you knew bought a Grand Vitara, you could rest assured it was probably only a matter of time before they started bumming you for cover charges and skipping out on the lunch tab. With the Suzuki Kizashi, all that changed. Ford F-150 Raptor SVT When the Raptor was initially unveiled at a private, dealers-only event in Vegas back in 2008, one enthusiastic, anonymous attendee was quoted as saying, "We're going to drive this right up Toyota's ass" - and that they did. Not only has the Raptor trounced the similarly off-road oriented FJ Cruiser, it's dominated every would-be competitor in its segment as the only Baja 1000-ready trophy truck currently available on dealer lots. Ford Fusion Hybrid Volvo XC60 City Stop, pedestrian safety - sales numbers are still below average compared to its competitors, but it's still the best seller on the lot. 2010 Chevy Camaro Say what you will about the I'm-aging-and-impotent vibe it may project, but all sources indicate the 2010 Camaro experienced an overwhelming success in 2009. Hyundai Genesis There are many things that the Asian market does well, and at the top of that list is ~~copyright infringement~~ imitating luxury (Geely GE, anyone?). During this year's Super Bowl, Hyundai made ripples in the traditional luxury circles with a series of ad spots purporting to put "old luxury on notice" with the new, fully loaded Genesis. Surprisingly, engineering what is basically the Canal Street version of the S-Class proved to be a smarter move than some (me) initially gave Hyundai credit for and many (I) feel slightly sheepish for the dour predictions they initially (I) made. Thus, the Genesis' inclusion on this list was reluctantly made and largely guilt based. Subaru Thanks to the generous ad dollars funneled into Motor Trend, Subaru managed to snag MT's SUV of the Year award for the second year in row, beating out the far more deserving XC60. Thanks to the highly questionable methods by which MT makes their selections, however, it's unclear whether the winner is the Outback itself or Subie's PR department. 2010 Kia Forte Coupe Voted best in OC Auto Show by NADA guides, surprising new competitor. BMW X5 Many Bimmerphiles were quick to reject the X5 using the same intrinsic design principles Porsche fanboys used to rail against the Cayenne. Unlike the Cayenne, however, the X5 doesn't righteously suck. Aston Martin Rapide Losers: Dodge Viper Phased out in favor of a new, probably unrecognizable Fiat-bred model. Saab 9-5 Pick a Chrysler, any Chrysler. Pick a Toyota, any Toyota (recalls) Pontiac G8 Thanks to years of mismanagement and a new corporate authority that is demonstrating a comical inability to accurately gauge what consumer's want, the fabled G8 GXP as well as the entire Pontiac line itself, was sentenced to obscurity in 2009. Chevy Volt As the old saying goes, you can fool some of the people some of the time, but you can't fool all of the people all of the time. Since the Volt prototype's intial launch at the [FIND LAUNCH], Chevy has issued an unnecessarily wordy press release about twice a month. From factory restructuing to a corporate partnership with [BATTERY DEVELOPER], the constant stream of updates generated an initial enthusiasm that Chevy ultimately could not maintain. Despite a string of empty promises to the contrary, the Volt trotted out at every auto show is the same prototype that made it's debut thousands of pressers ago back in [LOCATION] and at its last debut in LA, many members of the working automotive media (read: me) had to forcibly fight back jeers. smart ForTwo When gas prices spiked, the lemmings got spooked and began rushing to smart dealerships in droves. When gas prices declined - as analysts predicted they would - the ultra compact fever subsided and by the time their ForTwo's were ready for delivery, customers had ~~come to their sense~~ lost interest. Dealers across the U.S. saw a large spike in unsold inventory and despite Mercedes' obvious hope otherwise, the MINI Cooper regained its title as the fruitiest car on the road. Aston Martin Cygnet It is literally nothing more than a rebadged, re-upholstered Toyota iQ - priced at $20,000 more. Apparently, Aston Martin was scraping the bottom of the strategy barrel. Nissan 370Z The fabled Fairlady Z of legends told is not the Z that currently graces Nissan's line-up and it's proven a monumental disappointment for many diehard fans. Most notable among them - the Z's original designer [INSERT NAME] himself. In an official interview at his [CELEBRATION], [NAME] said he felt the ultra-compact Versa payed better homage to this sports car of old then the chunky 370Z. Aston Martin Lagonda One would think given the Lagonda's colossal failure the first time around, Aston Martin would be loathe the duplicate the results. One would be wrong. Apparently after experimenting with a potent mix of vodka and LSD, AM designer engineers designed, built, and debuted a 21st century reinvention of the Lagonda at the [INSERT AUTO SHOW]. The response was so viciously negative, rumor has it that AM CEO chewed out the engineers responsible in a scathing inter-office memo. Porsche Panamera Regardless of whatever Peter Pan hopes you may have harbored as twenty-something fanboy, eventually some trust fund baby steals your heart and before you know it you're a married man. After she throws out your Animal House poster and that tattered La-Z-Boy with the stains you try to pass off as queso dip, she'll start whining that your Carrera isn't a practical family car. She insists she wants an Odyssey, chiefly because all the other moms have one, but you'd rather slow roast over an open flame than put a Honda in your name. You briefly consider a Cayenne but after a brief test drive a little piece of your Porsche loyalty dies inside and you reluctantly admit that the Panamera is your only option. This is the only reason why anyone, ever, would buy a Panamera. This is why it's a loser.

Best Blogs

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Hooniverse CarGuyDad Asian Martin/Martin Gearhead Speed:Sport:Life Carchat Sam Burnett Maybe: AutoBlog Jalopnik

Ford Confirms Sale of Volvo to Geely

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

eBay Find of the Day: 2005 Chevy Impala, Soil Your Pants Edition

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

The RideLust editorial staff (read: me) is back from our seasonal sabbatical and ready to spend the thousands of dollars we saved by not participating in the traditional holiday gift exchange this year. Unfortunately, since it is a meager journalists' salary from whence the royal we are operating, the budget increase has been nominal (like, $200, if that). Today's FotD is inspired by the speeding ticket I received courtesy of one very vigilant member of the Maryland State Police

2009 Automotive Year In Review

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

The government bailed out both General Motors and Chrysler so as not to interrupt their steady production of poorly built, aesthetically unappealing vehicles. As per GM's plan to cut costs and pretend to pay back taxpayers, they made to logical decision to kill off one of the only remaining brands that consumers still cared about, Pontiac. Fritz Henderson's daughter lost her mind in an unwise display of paternal loyalty when Henderson was muscled out of his position as CEO of GM. Only his mother went through the motions of mourning the loss.

2010 Predictions

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

With the new year less than a week old, countless blogs and self-proclaimed social media gurus alike have taken it upon themselves to vomit out a list of predictions for the coming year. No one really pays much attention to them , but they're a great way to combat a slow news day. The 2011 Ford Fiesta will successfully replace the MINI Cooper as the ride-of-choice for hipsters and fruits.

Buick Regal GS Show Car Debuts Ahead of Detroit

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

With the grim news surrounding Saab hogging most of the spotlight, GM's scheduled line-up at the 2010 North American International Auto Show this year has received little of its just attention. [gallery] Source: GM

Cali. Girl Building Custom Ram Truck, Puts Our Half-Assed Projects To Shame

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

RideLust Heads To

Suzanne Denbow — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Tomorrow at noon, I, on behalf of RideLust and as the singular individual represented by RL's liberal use of the royal we, will be traveling 600 miles West to great Motor City to attend the 2010 North American International Auto Show. As was the case with my trek to the LA Auto Show last month, I will be providing brief, up-to-the-minute updates via my person Twitter account as well as live coverage throughout the day via RideLust. For those of you content enough to wait a few hours between titillating reviews, check back periodically for new articles or follow @RideLust. For those of you less patient readers, you may also follow me @SuzanneDenbow

Terry Parkhurst — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

When is a Volvo not quite a Volvo? Maybe, when it's called the XC60. The XC60 is a vehicle that really establishes a new benchmark for Volvo, while keeping the expected attributes of the marque. Which is, of course, safety in spades. While there are those who consider the XC60 a truck, it decidedly is not. The elements that make up the underpinnings of this Volvo are shared with the V70/XC70 and S80. So if you don't want to call it a car, at least call it by that newest moniker in the vehicular world for those suffering SUV deprivation: crossover. In fact, the exterior design of the XC60 belies that fact. Unlike its sibling the XC90, which sets higher and as a higher belt line and more aggressive rear quarter panel treatment, the XC60 sets lower. Its stance – just the stance – is more akin to a sports coupe. Moreover, it's all done without one square line; unlike the car that most folks associate with Volvo, the 240 series. Indeed, several people who saw the XC60 asked, “What is it?” about its lineage. That was despite the over-sized Volvo emblem in the front grille. Power for the tested XC60 was supplied by a three-liter, double-overhead camshaft, in-line six cylinder engine, fitted with a single turbocharger. The engine block is entirely composed of an aluminum alloy. The overhead cams are chain-driven for easier maintenance; theoretically, they never need adjustment as do belt-driven overhead camshafts. Additionally, the alternator is located towards the center of the engine. That frees up wheel travel and allows for a better turning radius than the XC90. Fitted with a turbocharger, the engine's output is 281 horsepower at 5,600 rpm; but the strong pulling feeling the driver experiences is because the 295 lbs./ft of torque comes on low, at just 1,500 rpm. Thinking there might be some turbo lag? Forget abut it. The transmission backing up this engine is a Geartronic six-speed automatic transmission that allows for a manual shift mode. Coupled with Haldex all-wheel drive and Pirelli all-season tires, grip is considerable. While not as athletic as say, the Mazda CX-7 or CX-9, the XC60 evidences handling towards a controllable middle. What lies underneath is a combination of independent struts up-front, with anti-roll bar and anti-drive geometry, up front; coupled to a sophisticated fully-independent rear multi-link rear suspension, mounted on an aluminum sub-frame. The interior has a similar feel to other Volvo vehicles. There's the free-floating center console that can be found on the S40. The optional Nordic Light Oak center console gives the XC60 a feeling reminiscent of a vintage Jaguar. The seats maintain the Volvo standard for lower lumbar support and safety. The Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS) headrests literally cradle the heads of front seat occupants in the event of a frontal collision. This system was first seen on SAAB automobiles and will remain that Swedish company's lasting heritage; if it goes away (as it seems it might, at this writing.) The biggest innovation features on the XC60 is a system that helps prevent rear-end collisions called City Safety. With City Safety, a laser sensor mounted at the top of the XC60s windshield detects other vehicles and objects up to 13 feet ahead of the front bumper. If it determines that a collision is likely, the system applies the brakes automatically – not full on, mind you, but about 50 percent of force. Is this the completely computer-driven cars we've been fearing? Well, let's just say that you shouldn't expect HAL 9000 to tell you “this mission is too important” for you to screw up. At a speed of 19 mph, the XC60's front bumper will barely touch an obstacle that it would otherwise have wiped out. There's something else to consider. While the City Safety setup works well, but it does have its limitations. The laser sensor can be limited by weather conditions, such as fog, snow, or heavy rain, and the windshield needs to be kept free of snow, ice, and dirt so that the laser is unimpeded. Also, the sensor detects objects through reflections, so we don't suggest testing City Safety by barreling up to your garage door. We were going to try it out by going towards a dumpster at 20 mph; but decided that since this was a valuable press fleet car, we'd take Volvo's word on its capabilities. The XC60 possesses Hill Descent Control sourced from Land Rover. Couple that with 9.1 inches of ground clearance, and you have a credible off-road touring machine. Unfortunately, the XC60 weighs 4,200 pounds. That results in the mileage being just 15 in the city and 22 on the open road. Additionally, off-road luxury doesn't come cheap. The tested vehicle price was $44,240.00 with a plethora of options such as Dolby Pro Logic sound system and a navigation system with real-time traffic updates, remote control and DVD mapping data. It's the reason that Volvo has now come out with a lesser priced sibling to the T-6 powered XC60. That normally aspirated 3.2 liter six-cylinder powered XC60 starts at just $32,995 and reportedly achieves 27 miles-per-gallon. While it might not get the 15 second quarter mile elapsed times of the T-6, nor the top end (governor limited) of 130 miles-per-hour, in this vehicle category does that really matter? You be the judge of that. [gallery]

Corner Carvers: Ron Schwarz 1966 Ford “Budget” Mustang.

MrAngry — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

The World's Most Extravagant Car Collections

Steve — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Automobile enthusiasts have a maddening obsession with the exotic, the rare, the unique, the expensive, the head turning, the fast and the powerful. Some also actually have the financial means to collect the industry's finest examples, going from the legendary classics to the breathtaking custom commissioned supercars that set a man apart from his fellow car nuts.

Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren has become the epitome of classic fashion. He is well-known for his Polo label, a brand that coveys the inner American Dream of money, acceptance, and an overall opulent way of life.

What many don't know about Ralph Lauren is that he possesses one of the most remarkable car collections in the world, including the 1929 Blower Bentley, 1930 Mercedes-Benz "Count Trossi" SSK, 1938 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic Coupe, 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 Mille Miglia, 1958 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa, 1961 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa 61 Spyder Fantuzzi, and the 2005 McLaren F1.

1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 Mille Miglia. Photo by Martyn Goddard - Discovery

The last time this exquisite roadster was auctioned, in August 1999, by Christie's at Pebble Beach, it brought a little over 4 million USD making it one of the most expensive cars ever auctioned. Pictured above is Ralph Lauren's very own, one of only four ever made.

1929 Blower Bentley. Photo by Michael Furman - Discovery

The automobile of choice for James Bond in Ian Fleming's early novels, the brutish Blower Bentley, is one of the most thrilling Bentleys ever built. With its heavy body and British flag decoration, the Bentley Blower was created for one purpose – to win races.

1930 Mercedes-Benz “Count Trossi” SSK. Photo Source

This Art Nouveau style Mercedes-Benz was designed by its flamboyant owner, the aristocratic Italian racecar driver Count Carlo Felice Trossi and it's one of the most spectacular pieces in Lauren's collection.

1938 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic Coupe. Photo Source

Unpredictable handling, an enormously loud engine and zero side visibility make this unique beauty a drag to drive. But the Ralph Lauren collection poster child is one of the most beautiful pieces ever built, with only three ever manufactured and only two still in existence.

Ralph Lauren's keen business sense, ability to stand by his product at all costs and his talent to prevail despite several business failures are what makes him a man whose net worth is around $1 billion, including his truly spectacular car collection, which is valued at close to $100 million.

Jay Leno

Like most young American comedians of the 1960s and 1970s, Jay Leno dreamed of being the host of The Tonight Show. The difference between him and them is that he made his dream a reality and despite recent increasingly bad publicity, he remains a model of professional, business and personal consistency.

Jay Leno has also enjoyed a life-time love affair with cars. Being one of the wealthiest personalities on the tube has given him the opportunity to gather a fabulous collection of automobiles and motorcycles, both classic and modern, going from a McLaren F1 to a custom designed and built EcoJet Car.

1931 Model J Duesenberg. Photo Source

Clark Gable and Greta Garbo, Howard Hughes and Jay Paul Getty - how's that for a list of customers? From the roaring twenties through most of the thirties, the Duesenberg Model J was the choice of movie stars, millionaires and royalty. Huge and elegant, this rare and beautiful vehicle retailed for a whopping $9,000 back in the days when a Model T Ford would only set you back $300. Jay Leno's model comes with a lawsuit story, but in the end the court decided that it was his to own and it's now valued at more than $1.5 million.

1939 Lagonda V-12. Photo Source

Only about 190 Lagondas were hand built before the outbreak of the Second World War, which sadly cut short the development and production of this 4480cc V-12 engine car. After the war, Lagonda was taken over by David Brown, and folded into his Aston Martin.

EcoJet. Photo Source

Part of this distinctive vehicle's fame comes from its ability to run on biodiesel fuel, putting out an impressive 750 horsepower and 700 ft-lb of torque at 48,000 rpm from its Honeywell LT101 jet turbine engine. In a garage of wonders, it still manages to look cool and sound amazing.

Tank Car. Photo Source

Originally a 1953 Chrysler, The Terminator Car, as this monster was dubbed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, is not something one can drive every day. Powered by the 1792 cid V-12 Continental-designed, Chrysler-built tank engine that in turbocharged form puts out nearly 1,600 hp and 3,000 ft-lbs. of torque and weighs close to 5 tons, this is not a car you wanna make a U-turn with.

These outstanding vehicles and 70 more other fabulous automobilia items make Jay Leno's Big Dog Garage any guy's Wonderland – a world of movies, magic, and make believe.

Jerry Seinfeld

After he made his mark as a stand-up comedian, Jerry Seinfeld went on to create, write and star in one of the most successful television programs of all time, practically reinventing the television entertainment industry with his cult show Seinfeld.

His success has made him one of the wealthiest TV stars ever, allowing him to pursue his passion for vintage cars, especially Porsches. Currently the owner of no less than 50 rare and expensive Porsche cars, he was quoted saying I'm buying so many cars I'm getting stuck in my own traffic. Don't we all...

Porsche 959. Photo Source

With 330 units built from 1986 to 1988, the 959 was widely recognized as the ultimate supercar in terms of technical innovations and performance. One of the centerpieces in Jerry Seinfeld's collection, this mechanical masterpiece can also be found in the garages of other wealthy people such as Bill Gates and Paul Allen, but it's unfortunately not street legal in the United States.

1955 Porsche 550 RS Spyder. Photo Source

Just 70 examples were produced, making the sublime 550 RS Spyder one of the most valuable Porsches ever made. Seinfeld's unit is especially rare because most of the 550 Spyders sported a silver finishing, while Jerry's light blue painted example stands out even more.

Porsche 917. Photo Source

The 917 currently owned by Jerry Seinfeld is the very same car that Steve McQueen drove in the 1970 movie Le Mans. For the enthusiasts

1949 Porsche 356/2 Gmund. Photo Source

This one of the fifty units that came out of the very first Porsche plant. It was purchased by Jerry Seinfeld in 2003 and it was previously owned by none other than Ferdinand Porsche's daughter. Although it may not be much of a looker, this silver bug is actually the oldest original condition Porsche in the world.

Jerry Seinfeld's garage is the proud host of what many experts call the largest and most valuable single-maker car collection in the world and the man himself is now considered somewhat of an authority in the German brand.

Sultan of Brunei

His real name is Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, and he is the Sultan of Brunei. The Sultan is the owner of the world's largest, most expensive, most extravagant and exciting car collection. With over 3,000 pieces (some say it's actually close to 5,000) stored in five airplane hangars, we could say that the ruler of the wealthy country of Brunei has made the best out of his oil money.

Touted by reputable publications such as theGuinness World Records as the world's largest Rolls Royce collector, the Sultan and his family currently own around 500 models of this marque alone, Brunei representing half of the total market the British maker had over the course of the past couple decades.

His other top favorite manufacturers include Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari, Bentley, BMW, Jaguar and Porsche and yes, the legendary car nut does have a somewhat strange preference for station wagon models.

Dauer 962 Le Mans. Photo Source

With a mind blowing 2.4 seconds 0-60 mph sprint and a 250+ mph top speed this yellow beast was dubbed as the fastest street legal car in the world for a respectable period of time. The Dauer 962 LM is an extremely limited edition of Porsche's dominant circuit car and at one point the royal collection included five of the thirteen examples ever built.

Ferrari 456 Venice Station Wagon. Photo Source

For a long time many people believed that the legend of the station wagon Ferrari was no more than one of the many stories people invented around the Sultan, but this is as real as they get. Starting out as a 456 GT equipped with a V12 442 HP engine, the Sultan commissioned Pininfarina to add 2 more doors and a hatchback to make a truly unique Ferrari you could pick your kids up from school in. Seven produced, six still in His Majesty's service.

Lamborghini LM002 Wagon. Photo Source

Known as the Rambo Lambo, this rare cross between Lamborghini's tractors and supercars divisions has paved the way for later exotic experiments such as the Cayenne. Running on a V12 Countach engine, the Sultan's model seats seven and benefits of all possible luxury equipments modern technology can muster. It's currently up for sale too!

Mercedes CLK GTR. Photo Source

The Sultan also owns the only right-hand-drive CLK-GTR in the world, a 630 HP beast that was built to make the McLaren F1 GTR look a little too slow.

Harold E. LeMay

The late Harold E. LeMay was an ambitious and prosper business man from the Tacoma, Washington area. He died a wealthy man at the age of 81 at the dawn of the 21st century, leaving behind the world's largest classic car collection and the only one that could rival the Brunei royal family's collection in numbers and value.

The LeMay collection is currently housed in a museum, soon to open, dubbed as America's Car Museum and of the 1000 vehicles shown at the Tacoma location, almost 85% are domestic made, making it into a showcase of the cultural impact that the automotive industry had on the American way of life throughout the years.

1924 Lincoln L Town Car. Photo Source

Lincoln was the epitome of luxury vehicles in the 1920's America. Invited to the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance this model has paved the road for what we commonly know today as a limousine and was the automobile of choice for the rich and famous.

1916 Pierce-Arrow Brougham. Photo Source

Equipped with luxury features such as an electric clock, an intercom from the rear seat and a flower vase, the Pierce-Arrows were America's Rolls-Royce. Only 2004 units assembled before the small factory was acquired by the more mass production-oriented Studebaker.

1946 Ford 1/2 Ton. Photo Source

This All-American half a ton truck was released soon after WWII right after automobile makers returned to civilian production. It was only available in village green and the buyer could upgrade from the standard 90 HP V-6 to the V-8 and 100 HP engine for $15

1931 Chevrolet Independence. Photo Source

The beautiful Cabriolet version featured in the LeMay collection sold a total of 23,077 units, which was quite an impressive number for the times of the Depression. Retailing for about $615, it included such options as cigarette lighter and interior heating and was powered by a 50 HP six-cylinder engine.

With nearly 3,500 cars, the LeMay collection is an impressive example of visual educational and historical tool that everyone can enjoy.

The Sultan of Michigan

For a long time, the Sultan of Michigan wished to remain anonymous, but with all the buzz created around his incredible car collection, people have figured him out as Ken Lingenfelter, a rich business owner from Michigan. With a little over 150 cars in his garage, the down-to-earth Mr. Lingenfelter currently possesses a very extravagant collection, probably very close to that of Jay Leno's in terms of financial value and quality of the models, with a clear focus on vintage and present-day muscle and eighties-and-up supercars.

Lamborghini Reventón. Photo Source

With only 20 units available for purchase at a hefty price tag of one and a half million dollars, the Reventón is probably the most exquisite and impressive Lambo ever built. In reality, although the looks of this 630 HP machine are stunning, we can't help but think that it uses the same chassis and engine as the much more affordable Murcielago.

LPE 455 TA. Photo Source

Essentially a brand new Camaro with a heavily modified body work, the original Lingenfelter Performance Engineering is a concept who's design has sparked controversy amongst enthusiasts. However, there's no debate over the radical 655 HP and 610 pound-feet of torque engine.

Ferrari Enzo. Photo Source

The ultimate modern day Ferrari, one of the top 10 fastest street legal cars in the world and one of the most expensive models ever built by the scuderia. Mr. Lingenfelter's car is one of only 399 ever made and it was sold to him by invitation, as a current owner of the F40 and the F50 models.

Saleen S7 Twin Turbo. Photo Source

This hand-built, limited edition, high-performance vehicle is legendary in the automotive world. Mr. Lingenfelter's is the ultimate Twin Turbo version, with no less than 750 HP available and a very honorable third place in the top 10 fastest cars in the world. The $555,000 price tag seems just.

Unlike Jay Leno, the Sultan of Michigan doesn't drive his collectibles on daily basis. In fact, his vehicle of choice is a Cayenne Turbo, for the extra room for his family. Ken Lingenfelter's car collection is one of the most famous in North America, although some might say the absence of a Ford GT or a Bugatti EB 110 make this collection somewhat incomplete. For a full mind blowing video tour, go here.

What is a Super Car?

MrAngry — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Super cars today are tend to be more like video games than actual automobiles. They have virtual gauges A super car should do things do a driver that ordinary cars do not. They should excite you every time that garage door opens, they should make you feel like you driving a true performance machine, not playing a video game and at the very end they should scare you a little bit. Super cars about driving, they're about the personal interaction between your right foot, your hands on the wheel and the corners that laid out in front of you. They are about power slides, tire smoke and adrenelin.

10 Best Driving Video Games

MrAngry — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

1. Forza Motorsports Series 2. Gran Turismo Series 3. Need for Speed Series 4. Burnout Series 5. Grand Theft Auto Series 6. Grid 7. Dirt 1 & 2 8. Just Cause 9. Blur 10. Test Drive Unlimited

2010 Mazda RX-8: Ridelust Review

MrAngry — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Have you ever had mixed feelings on a car before? It's actually quite a weird feeling and one that I am not accustomed to. Generally when I road test a car the results are cut and dry with very little in the way middle ground to play with. Most cars, like people have very distinct personalities and the more you get know them the more they tell you about themselves. There are some cars however that like to throw a monkey wrench into the works to keep you guessing, which is exactly the case with the 2010 Mazda RX-8.

2010 MazdaSPEED3

Suzanne Denbow — Sat, 20 Aug 2005 16:33:21 +0000

[gallery] MSRP: $23,945 Engine: 2.3L DOHC DISI turbo 4-cylinder with VVT Power: 263 hp @ 5500 rpm, 280 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (FWD), 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission EPA Rating city/highway: 18/25mpg Return to list

2009 Subaru Impreza WRX STi

Suzanne Denbow — Sat, 20 Aug 2005 17:12:27 +0000

[gallery] MSRP: $34, 995 Engine: 2.5-liter DOHC intercooled, turbocharged aluminum-alloy 16-valve 4-cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer engine. Power: 305 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 290 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm Drivetrain: Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) All-Wheel Drive, fully synchronized close-ratio 6-speed manual with Incline Start Assist EPA Rating city/highway: 17/23mpg Return to list

2010 Volkswagen GTI

Suzanne Denbow — Sat, 20 Aug 2005 17:42:10 +0000

[gallery] MSRP: $23,230 (2dr), $23,830 (4dr) Engine: 2.0L TSI, 16-valve, DOHC, in-line 4-cylinder turbocharged engine with intercooler and direct fuel injection (FSI) Power: 200 hp @ 5,100-6,000 rpm, 207 lb-ft @ 1,800-5,000rpm Drivetrain: Front wheel drive, 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic DSG w/ Tiptronic EPA Rating city/highway: 21/31mpg (manual), 22/29 (auto) Return to list

2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart

Suzanne Denbow — Sat, 20 Aug 2005 18:11:45 +0000

[gallery] MSRP: N/A Engine: turbocharged 2.0-liter MIVEC Power: 237 horsepower, 253 lb-ft of torque Drivetrain: All-Wheel Control (AWC) with Active Center Differential (ACD), 6-speed Twin Clutch-Sportronic® Shift Transmission (TC-SST) EPA Rating city/highway: N/A Return to list

2010 Audi A3

Suzanne Denbow — Sun, 21 Aug 2005 14:49:43 +0000

[gallery] MSRP: $27,270 Engine: DOHC in-line 2.0 liter four-cylinder with FSI® Direct Injection, variable valve timing, intake manifold and exhaust turbocharger with intercooler Power: 200-hp @ 5100-6000 rpm, 207 lb-ft @ 1800-5000 rpm Drivetrain: FWD or quattro AWD, 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic DSG with electro-hydraulic control EPA Rating city/highway: 22/28mpg (auto), 21/30 (man), 21/28 (quattro) Return to list

2009 Volvo V50 T5 AWD R Design

Suzanne Denbow — Sun, 21 Aug 2005 15:07:25 +0000

[gallery] MSRP: $35,500 Engine: Turbocharged 5-Cylinder, 2.5-Liter Engine Power: 227hp @ 5,000 rpm, 236 lb-ft @ 1,500-5,000 rpm Drivetrain: AWD, 5-Speed "Geartronic" Automatic Transmission with "Auto-Stick" Function EPA Rating city/highway: 18/26 mpg Return to list

2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon

Suzanne Denbow — Sun, 21 Aug 2005 15:48:15 +0000

[gallery] MSRP: N/A Engine: 3.0L Direct Injection V6, 3.6L Direct Injection V6 Power: 3.0L: 270 hp @ 7000 rpm, 223 lb-ft of torque @ 5700 rpm; 3.6L: 304 hp @ 6400 rpm, 273 lb-ft of torque @ 5200 rpm Drivetrain: RWD or optional AWD, 6-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission with Driver Shift Control EPA Rating city/highway: 18/27 mpg (estimates based on GM Testing. Official EPA estimates not yet available) Return to list

Saab 9-3 Aero SportCombi

Suzanne Denbow — Sun, 21 Aug 2005 16:49:02 +0000

[gallery] MSRP: $44,885 Engine: 2.8 liter Water-cooled turbocharged engine with APC charge pressure control with intercooler Power: 280 hp @ 5,000 rpm, 295 lb-ft @ 1,900 rpm Drivetrain: Cross-wheel drive (XWD) with standard electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD); Fully synchronized 6-speed manual with dry-plate clutch or electronically controlled 6-speed automatic with Saab Sentronic manual selection and steering-wheel-mounted controls EPA Rating city/highway: 15/24mpg Return to list

BMW 328i Sports Wagon

Suzanne Denbow — Sun, 21 Aug 2005 17:35:21 +0000

MSRP: $35,400 Engine: 3.0-liter, dual overhead cam (DOHC), inline 24-valve 6-cylinder engine with composite magnesium/aluminum engine block, Valvetronic, and Double-VANOS steplessly variable valve timing Power: 230-hp @ 6500 rpm, 200 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm Drivetrain: RWD, 6-speed manual or 6-speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmission EPA Rating city/highway:17/27 mpg (manual), 18/27 mpg (auto) Return to list

Cars and the Wanderlust

Ryan — Sat, 02 Dec 2006 06:00:00 +0000

This blog is to satisfy my love of cool cars and other consumer vehicles, including motorcycles, scooters, jeeps, trucks, and whatever motorized item that gives you mobility. And to talk about the consumer experience of vehicles and even urban and country driving, how to avoid traffic jams and road rage, how to subsidize your car habit, and anything else relating to the "wanderlust" of vehicles and motorized travel. I've had the wanderlust since I was a kid, growing up seeing the older kids with their decade old Mustangs and El Caminos (my two dream cars - Red 1969 Mustang, and any El Camino). We spent a lot of time driving - something my father loved to do. We did a lot of visiting, across the US but not so much across Canada, despite being citizens. (Although I made many a trip to Montreal in my then new green Subaru GT, which resembled a BMW so much.) Over the years, dad bought several cars, including two Chevy Caprices, an Audi, two Porsches, and now at 76, he has a slick black Mercedes. But he wants a sportier model. At 76, if you can believe it. (He still wants to ride a motorcycle. My mother, who turned 61 two days ago, wants to hang glide.) My brother is on his fifth, or is it sixth, Subaru. I've had two, my mother 3. About 10-11 in our family. And these are all the cars I can remember. Oh yeah, a few Mazdas, at least 4 - 3 of which were my brothers, as winter alternates to his Mazda RX7. My mother's Mazda 323? Well, I crashed that in an unfortunate situation, on a downtown road undergoing construction. As a result, I didn't know there were two lanes, including the left turn lane. In retrospect, because I was blocked by perpendicular drivers, there's nothing I could have done. Que sera sera. We've run part of the spectrum of brand models and originating countries. Despite all that, I've only actual had two cars, both Subarus. And I haven't driven for 2-3 years now. I still have my license, and didn't do anything. I simply went through a period where I couldn't afford the insurance, let alone the license renewal. And I still haven't bothered because I haven't needed to drive. Though I'm missing my Subaru GT badly lately, with it's incredible AWD and amazing traction, even on wet roads and snow. The wanderlust is upon me again. (c) Copyright 2006-present, Raj Kumar Dash, http://www.ridelust.com/.

Smart Keys For Your Car

Ryan — Mon, 04 Dec 2006 06:31:03 +0000

If someone told you that you could start your car without inserting a key in the ignition, what would you think? The Toyota Avalon uses an RFID (radio frequency identification) technology called NFC (near field communication) to send a signal from a so called smart key to an onboard sensor. Once the sensor picks up the radio signal, pushing an ignition switch gets the vehicle started. The smart key also unlocks the car or the trunk. The same NFC technology is used for the Corvette and Cadillac XLR. Other automobile manufacturers including Renault, Mercedes and BMW are offering keyless cards to identify authorized drivers. It's not quick as slick technology as that used for letting a Lexus park itself between two towers of delicate champagne glasses, but interesting nonetheless. [sources: Contactless News] (c) Copyright 2006-present, Raj Kumar Dash, http://www.ridelust.com.

About

Ryan — Mon, 04 Dec 2006 06:32:11 +0000

RideLust is all about the jones for cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, and any form of mobility presented in a factually accurate, politically incorrect forum. We strive to represent ourselves and the automotive industry in the most unerring, entertaining way possible but although our dedication is serious, our attitude is not. We're just as obscene as our name implies, which we only admit in accordance with the policy of full disclosure our lawyers enforce. Questions? Comments? Death threats? The RideLust team wants to hear from you, and we're 95% sure we're not the father. Editor-in-Chief, aka: MR. ANGRY Mike Musto mike@ridelust.com Review Editor, Head Conductor of the White Knuckle Express Geoff Scheusner New additions to the team, currently awaiting the paddle marks to heal: Alex Kierstein Nathan Redden Adam Hurlburt Christopher Nelson Last, but certainly not least, our extremely valued whipping boys freelancers: Dustin May Butch Deadlift

Razor To Radio-Tag Electric Mini Scooters

Ryan — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 03:00:24 +0000

Those enormously popular foot scooters that kids everywhere (and some young adults) are riding come from several suppliers. Razor is one of the companies - some would say the originals. Razor also makes a miniature electric ride scooter called the Pocket Mod. As Razor is a supplier to retail giant Wal-Mart, part of their task is to tag their products with RFID (radio frequency identification technology) so that Wal-Mart can track their products in their stores, easily determine when stock is low, and make re-ordering easier. Razor USA has plans to tag Pocket Mod scooters with RFID technology from ODIN Technologies. They are specifically using EPCglobal's EPC Gen 2 RFID tags. Razor's plant will also use technology from Alien Technology, Zebra Technologies, and Symbol.

Nissan Real-Time Location System

Ryan — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 14:00:30 +0000

RTLS, or Real-Time Location System, is a relatively new technology used to track assets, even parts. Such systems do not use GPS. Rather, they use RF (Radio Frequency) transmitters and fall into the category of RFID (radio frequency identification) technology. Nissan North America is now using RTLS technology from WhereNet to track auto parts that are delivered to their assembly line in Canton, Mississippi. WhereNet RFID WhereTags are temporarily attached to vehicles coming off the assembly line. Wireless access points are located strategically around the plant to help locate a specific vehicle. (Each WhereTag has a unique identifier code that it transmits.) Employees will also use handscanners to check the production status of each vehicle, as the tag will store VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and information about which process in the assembly has been completed. RFID Journal has more details.

How Green Your Automobile?

Ryan — Thu, 07 Dec 2006 03:00:46 +0000

Red Herring has an article on the LA Auto Show's Design Challenge looking for "green" automobile designs. General Motors won the challenge with "Hummer 02", seen on the main page. This design emits not carbon dioxide but carbon. Other designs include the BMW self-composting car, Kia's Eco-Fashionista model, a very bizarre-looking Volkswagen Nanospyder, the Mercedes RECY, Honda's Roll Your Own Car (which grows with the owner), the Acura NHR-1 (nano-hydrogen) aka FCX 2020 Le Mans (made of 100% recyclable materials), the Audi Recyclable Car, and the Toyota RLV (Renewable Lifestyle Vehicle) pedal-powered car with aluminum body. (Futuristic-car buffs should check out the illustrations.) These designs are exciting to hear about, making me think of the possibilities. While some of the materials used in the designs do not sound like they could hold up in a serious collision, maybe if they were reinforced with artificial spider silk or carbon nanotubes, they may have something that could actually be used by consumers.

Car Design: What's Old Is New

Ryan — Thu, 07 Dec 2006 06:00:55 +0000

I've been browsing through various car blogs the past year, as well as seeing TV ads for the past 2 years, noticing that many of the current designs are chunkier variations of classic muscle and sports cars. I mean, look at the Mustang for example. I love it, but it's just a beefier nod to original designs from the late 60s/ early 70s. Then there's the Accord Coupe Concept that looks like a cross between an Audi TT and a Porsche - at least from the angle the illustation shows. And there's the sexy GM Pontiac designs Bob Lutz came up with for a roadster and coupe model and Winding Road thinks might be used for a Solstice Coupe. The concept design looks highly reminiscent of my all-time fave car, the Jaguar E-Type, with a bit of classic Datsun thrown in (which itself resembled a more affordable E-Type). Now I'm not complaining. And in fact, it makes a lot of sense why this is happening. Were I a car designer at this time, I'd be of an age where I'd grown up seeing some of the originals for real, either in the year of their release or shortly after. I'm speculating that if current designers are plus 10 years or minus 7 years of my age, they'd be doing the same thing. Well I love it, but I have no plans to buy a car any time soon, as I'm planning to move back to Toronto, Canada, late next year. And that's for the very reason that I don't have a car and want to try to keep living without one. (I've lived in Toronto with a car, a Subaru wagon, and I have no plans to repeat that.) I might have the wanderlust, but there are other ways to satisfy it, including simply salivating over the alluring pics and illustrations.

Mitsubishi Lancer 2008

Somu Muthuswamy — Wed, 13 Dec 2006 20:01:54 +0000

Mitsubishi Lancer 2008 is the exciting latest model introduced by Mitsubishi Motors, North America. In early 2008, Mitsubishi Lancer will be ready for sale. This new model is extremely attractive with its charming but sporty look and impressive features. Lancer is available in 3 trim levels. First is the base DE, the second is the mid level ES, the third is the sport tuned top level GTS. The highlighting features of Mitsubishi Lancer 2008 are:

2 liter aluminium four cylinder engine
magnetic steering wheel paddle shifters
5-speed manual or 6-speed sportronic paddles
152 horse power

Lancer looks very pretty with its shark nosed front end, long wheelbase and wider track. Mitsubishi is releasing Lancer in Detroit at a North American International Auto Show in January. There is no doubt that the new Lancer 2008 is a boon for the new generation.

Mitsubishi Lancer 2008

Ryan — Wed, 13 Dec 2006 20:05:02 +0000

New Mitsubishi car

Volvo XC60: Launching Soon

Somu Muthuswamy — Thu, 14 Dec 2006 17:54:09 +0000

Volvo XC60 is all set to hit the market next month. It is to be displayed in the North American international auto show in Detroit. Much before it could make a debut, the photos of the compact SUV have been leaked in the Internet. It has incredible interior with upgraded technology. It looks like the miniature of XC90 and has both diesel and petrol versions with 158bhp 2.2litre diesel and 230bhp Volvo’s latest six-cylinder petrol. Designed with traditional Volvo grille at the front borrowed from its big brother Volvo XC90. It has small projector style headlamps, which improves the elegance of the car. The running gears are highly efficient with the spectacular chassis design. Sure it’s aspiring to be a first of its kind, creating a tough challenge for other manufacturers to re-work on their SUV's. It’s worth waiting till next year January, just few weeks away from now. Start the New Year with all new Volvo XC 60 with pride.

volvo-xc60.jpg

Ryan — Thu, 14 Dec 2006 18:17:08 +0000

Google Earth: Great Tool To Spy On Cars + Stuff

Somu Muthuswamy — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 21:36:30 +0000

What can you do with Google Earth (GE)? Well, for me the question should be "What you cannot do with Google Earth". Its one of my favorite time wasters. You can spend all day long finding out all those favorite locations on your computer. You get to see those satellite pictures for FREE. Do you have the coordinates of your favorite location? Just punch them in GE, and you get to see all of them. AutoExpress has an innovative idea to use GE to their advantage. They have uncovered some of the most closely guarded tracks of top car manufacturers; the tracks these companies use to test their new born babies. Its awesome. They even have all the coordinates mentioned. Use them to get the latest pics. I think its really a cool idea to put GE to good use. Not just for tracks, you can have all your favorite locations on your computer. What's your idea to use GE?

Ariel Atom Is About To Hike Its Price

Somu Muthuswamy — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 22:05:34 +0000

Ariel Atom, the sports car manufactured by Brammo Motorsports is a two-seat cockpit. You got to get closer and take a look at this super car, one of the best racing car manufactured in the recent history. Standing by its name, its a true minimal sports car with innovative engine, high speed rider. No wonder its attracting celebrities like Jay Leno. Just take a look and decide for yourself. But if you think you want to buy it, do it fast. The word on the street is, the price is to be hiked to as high as $4500. As of now, you can get the company's promise of keeping up with the current price on all orders received till the end of the year. Its not far away and you need to act fast.

black-ariel-atom-r34.jpg

Somu Muthuswamy — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 22:10:31 +0000

car_circuit.jpg

Somu Muthuswamy — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 22:19:29 +0000

jeep-wrangler.jpg

Somu Muthuswamy — Sat, 16 Dec 2006 19:00:30 +0000

Jeep Wrangler 2007: The Ultimate choice

Somu Muthuswamy — Sat, 16 Dec 2006 19:02:16 +0000

Wow! Everyone will be surprised to see this new kid on the block, the exciting 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. A four door version jeep with power windows, extended rear seat leg room and lengthier than traditional SUV’s. Comes with 3 panel hard top and soft top with sunroof features. It’s more than a jeep and what amazes is the space you get for a cargo. It doesn’t cost you anything to improve your cargo space. Just fold the seats and get a whopping 83 cubic feet cargo space, if the seats are unfolded still provides the space. The keyless entry, satellite radio and navigation systems are incredible. This jeep sahara is better than the SUV’s and cargo carriers. This all in one new wrangler will be out in 3 models with unlimited features. The ultimate choice for unlimited pleasure of driving. If you are as much of a fan of Jeeps, go check one out soon at your Jeep Wrangler dealership.

navsys.jpg

Somu Muthuswamy — Sat, 16 Dec 2006 19:27:57 +0000

Portable Navigation Units are in high demand

Somu Muthuswamy — Sat, 16 Dec 2006 19:28:54 +0000

Europe is flooded with large number of Portable Navigation Units and still the demand doesn't seem to be consolidating anytime soon. Recent report published by Research & Markets shows that there is a huge potential for the European navigation market to exploit this opportunity for improved business success. There is a sustained growth for both portable and embedded navigation systems in medium and upper vehicle market segments. It is reflected in reports that large number of suppliers are competing to take a share of this market. Reports gives great areas of opportunities for the businesses to tackle upon:

Detailed mapping
Points of Information (POI) for select locations
Advanced Driver Assist (ADAS) functions like high risk areas for accidents
Intelligent Speed Adaptation (ISA)

New avenues like smartphone navigation can also be considered for the new growth areas, the report says.

ford-gt.jpg

Somu Muthuswamy — Sat, 16 Dec 2006 22:01:54 +0000

Ford GT: Final car to go out of Assembly line

Somu Muthuswamy — Sat, 16 Dec 2006 22:03:00 +0000

The concept car which is first exposed in the Detroit Auto Show 2002, is seeing its final day today. Ford GT has started production over 2 years ago in Michigan. Till now, more than 4038 GTs have been sold, primarily to the US market, and Canada has its part of the share as well. According to Ford, its one of the fastest projects that has been completed in the Ford company. To develop this model from Concept to Production, it took them less than an year. Not much demand for Ford GT has been cited for the reason for stopping the production of this car. The company says that it has really enjoyed making this model, but wanted to concentrate their energies on much more prioritized requirements. Lets bid adieu to this high speed car which clocked around 210 mph in Italy.

Lincoln RWD: The Concept car to show up in Detroit auto show

Somu Muthuswamy — Sun, 17 Dec 2006 17:06:38 +0000

Ford is expected to reveal Lincoln RWD concept in auto show at Detroit this time. This news has drawn the attention of car enthusiasts and the manufacturers. When Ford GT was revealed a couple of years ago, car lovers are eagerly waiting for the auto show to begin, just to see another masterpiece from Ford, hope Ford lives up to the expectation of its fans. Earlier this year the car enthusiast had to bid a bye to Ford GT, and this Lincoln revelation will definitely come as a consolation for them from Ford. Lincoln is also surrounded by some rumors before it could actually be unveiled at Detroit and creates hype among people. There were some rumors that Lincoln was based on a same platform of Ford Australia’s next generation Falcon. However the Australian sources have denied these rumors, other than confirmation of making debut at Detroit nothing has been revealed such as technical specs, car styling or even price. Lets wait for a few more weeks to have a look at the LINCOLN RWD.

ford-lincoln.jpg

Somu Muthuswamy — Sun, 17 Dec 2006 21:04:01 +0000

audi-rs4.jpg

Somu Muthuswamy — Sun, 17 Dec 2006 21:13:05 +0000

Audi RS 4: High Performance is the name of the game

Somu Muthuswamy — Sun, 17 Dec 2006 21:14:34 +0000

Audi RS 4 is unanimous choice of every car lover in the sedan segment of car. Not only that its hard see a sedan being stylish, powerful and with high performance, the RS 4 is first of its kind offers lovely style, high speed engine, and good performance. You will be struck with wonder to see this well balanced super luxury sedan. Whats more in it? It offers room for four, a full –size trunk ,specially bolstered Konig seats(its saves life better than the conventional air bags during accident), lightning speed, averages 18mpg in different condition, 6-speed manual transmission, all wheel drive and much more. Audi RS 4 is best sedan which beats the likes of Porsche Carrera 4S, Chevrolet Corvette or Mercedes 500SL. Outstanding look, astonishing performance, durability, lavish design and interiors adds feather to the cap of manufacturer.

dual_mode_train.jpg

Somu Muthuswamy — Sun, 17 Dec 2006 21:22:27 +0000

JR Hokkaido’s rail-cum-road car

Somu Muthuswamy — Sun, 17 Dec 2006 21:24:35 +0000

The dual mode rail-cum-road car is the latest model designed by JR Hokkaido Railway Company of Japan. This car can be used to ride on roads and on rail tracks. It is a micro bus with rubber tyres and steel wheels. So it automatically changes itself from road mode to rail mode at stations. The advantages of using rail-cum-road car are

Easy to use
Cost is $150,000 which is one seventh of diesel rail car
Fuel cost is quarter of diesel rail car
Maintenance cost is one eighth of diesel rail car

The vehicle is pulling the attention of small rail operators in Japan. Because the dual mode vehicle’s main motto is to reduce the operating cost of local railway lines. Semmo Line near Shiretoko is eagerly waiting for the first commercial ride of the dual mode car. Let’s hope the rail-cum-road car will bring a new dimension in traveling in the 21^st century.

vw.jpg

Somu Muthuswamy — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 16:03:03 +0000

Volkswagen introduces Tiguan, the compact diesel SUV

Somu Muthuswamy — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 16:04:55 +0000

Volkswagen Tiguan, the compact SUV in diesel version was unveiled last week in LA auto show and took everyone by surprise. Even their competitors have pulled out a compact SUV diesel version out of race due to emission reasons, but Tiguan stands out and announces its arrival loud and clear, raring to go with excellent features. It has advanced Blue Tec technology in some emission components, complies strictly with emission standards. It has High pressure fuel-injection system and doesn’t use the urea injection. Instead uses Nox storage catalytic converter to reduce emission. It also helps to gain 30 percent economy over gasoline engine. Tiguan well built 173.2 inches long, 72.8 inches wide 66.5 inches resembles Touran compact minivan, but gives better space than a mini van. It has panoramic sunroof and immaculate interior makes it a best compact SUV. This economical, sturdy and environmental friendly SUV will hit the market next year end in all states of US. Sure its going to rock, join the party.

NAIAS Auto Show 2007 in Detroit

Somu Muthuswamy — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 16:18:37 +0000

It’s a festive season all over the world. With Christmas and New Year just around the corner, what excites more than this is the NAIAS auto show in Detroit coming January 2007. It’s a world premier auto show showcasing automotive over the years. It’s a special one this time with centenary year to NAIAS Auto Show. Hope this should be a most successful show ever happened in the history creating a new land mark since from the inception in 1907. The show already have confirmation of 66 exhibitors as of mid November 2006 from worldwide and it is expected to go up surpassing the previous participation record. It’s a 15 days mega event and will have 11 worldwide concepts, 15 worldwide productions and 2 North American productions as major exhibitors. The itinerary includes Media, Charity, Public shows and not to forget the most interesting racing day. You can’t get better chance than this to see your entire favorite machines all together at one place. Hope to see you all there.

Cars + Mobility Flickr+Splashr Slideshow

Ryan — Sun, 24 Dec 2006 22:45:50 +0000

Splashr.com has a neat little tool which lets you specify some topic tags and it then grabs suitable photos from Flickr.com and presents them in whatever way you want. There are actually a lot of choices. You can then view presentation in a popout window or embed into your web page. Of course, you can pick any topic under the sun. As long as there are some photos with the tags you pick, you'll get results. You can choose 25, 50, or 100 images for a given presentation (if there are that manny with those tags). Here's an example of photos tagged with "car", "cars", "automotive", "mobile", "travel". It takes a bit of time for the presentation to be set up, but once it has been, it's relatively fast.

intercept.jpg

Somu Muthuswamy — Tue, 02 Jan 2007 11:58:55 +0000

Ford Interceptor - The concept car to be introduced in Detroit Auto Show 2007

Somu Muthuswamy — Tue, 02 Jan 2007 12:03:14 +0000

Ford has done it again. Ford Interceptor is the new concept car designed by Ford and it is to be displayed in the upcoming 2007 Detroit Auto Show. With all powerful Mustang in its brandline, it is tempting to release concept cars based on its model. But Ford has restrained from it and introduced a great design that I am sure is going to attract lot of customers. While some may say that there exists a similarity with Super Chief truck, I feel that the model is definitively different, new and innovative. Interceptor has impressive set of features in its pipeline. With 400 HP 5 liter V8 engine, the car is assured to fly like a champ. Safety features include 4 point seatbelts and inflatable rear belts. The car is absolutely awesome and has a great potential to come out as one of the best cars of 2007.

Fiat Punto Abarth to enter the market in late 2007

Somu Muthuswamy — Tue, 02 Jan 2007 21:07:20 +0000

Fiat is making a comeback with its hatchback Punto Abarth. As we know, Abarth is a separate car maker which was acquired by Fiat long back, and turned it into inhouse tuning department. Its been a long time since Fiat is making use of its Abarth wing. The Specs really looks awesome. With 0 to 60 seconds pickup in just under 7 seconds, its gonna compete against all its present rivals. With 190bhp being the standard for all the cars in this segment, its gonna enter the market with more than 200 BHP with a twin turbo engine. Other than that, it has all the competition style features like Smart alloys wheels, the body is wider for better handling, roof mounted air intake among others. The sources say that it might enter the market around the price range of GBP 15,000. Lets wait and see!

fiat-punto-abarth.jpg

Somu Muthuswamy — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 11:08:22 +0000

CNBC To Cover Detroit Car Show

Ryan — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 19:22:08 +0000

CNBC TV announced today that their website will be covering the Detroit Auto Show 2007 all day on Sunday. So if you can't make it to the show or don't have a television channel you can access, you might want to check out CNBC. You can also check out Phil LeBeau's Behind the Wheel auto blog for general car stuff. It looks as if the 2007 Auto Show will have a lot of concept cars and vehicles running on alternative fuels. In all, it sounds like an exciting show that I wish I could be at. If you're in Canada, you may want to check out the 2007 Canadian International Autoshow scheduled for Feb 16-25 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (downtown on Front St.). You can see pics from the 2006 show.

Chevy Volt - Concept Car From GM

Somu Muthuswamy — Sun, 07 Jan 2007 17:36:15 +0000

GM is introducing its latest hybrid in Detroit. Its the Chevrolet Volt, which is a C- class sized, 4 door sedan. This is an electric car with lithium ion battery pack. The vehicle has good set of capabilities. The turbo charged engine of 1.0 liter, 3 cylinder with 71 horse power. Besides from that, the car is powered by lithium ion battery. There is an electric motor with 161hp power. This is connected to the front wheels to make the ride smooth and easy. On the two sides of the car, there are plugs for home charging. The battery gets full charge in nearly 6.5 hours. Using the battery alone it has a range of 40 miles. With full fuel tank, it has a range of 640 miles. The outer look is very impressive with short windows. You can view the outside scenes better because the upper part of the door is also glass. The Chevy Volt can run in any combination of gasoline or ethanol. The car is good for environment as the CO2 emission is very less.

The unsafe child car seats

Somu Muthuswamy — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 15:53:07 +0000

Recently, many car companies are providing special car seats for babies, which undoubtfully attracted the clients. But the recent tests conducted by the Consumer Reports are against these baby seats. Tests are conducted on some of the most popular cars in the market. Guess what's the result. 10 out of 12 cars have totally failed in them. What a bummer. It was found that the seat faced a very bad damage even after having the LATCH belts. Only the Baby Trend Flex-Loc and the Graco SnugRide with EPS performed well in the magazine's tests. The big question is after passing the crash tests of the federal government the cars have faced a big failure. The Customer Reports suggests having the child seat at the center rear position of the vehicles back seat. The parents who were attracted by the child seats are now in a big confusion about the unsafe infant seats.

jaguar_xkr_gt3.jpg

Somu Muthuswamy — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 14:18:11 +0000

Jaguar XKR GT3 Revealed

Somu Muthuswamy — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 14:19:55 +0000

After a long wait and seeing all those digital images of Jaguar XKR GT3, finally the Coupé is revealed to the public today. With a large gathering in the NEC Birmingham, the Autosport International Show has attracted some of the top line cars in the Industry. This is definitively one of the most successful show for Motorsports. This monster is powered with 4.2 liter V8 supercharged engine with a 475 bhp. It has full aluminium body which has some modifications from the older versions. Richard Lloyd is one of the brain behind the design of this car. Along with him, a team of experienced squad had worked on the XKR model. Richard along with Apex Motorsports has revealed the first set of images of this car. Even though its in pretty early stage, the first car built is already sold. That's right. It is sold to Stuart Scott, MD of East Anglia's Cambridge Business Travel. It is later announced that Scott along with an un-named co-driver with be giving it a round in a programme of six events.

Ferrari F2007 - Similar To Its Predecessor

Somu Muthuswamy — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 01:02:49 +0000

Ferrari has unveiled its new model F2007 in a press conference in Maranello, Italy. Its the 53rd F1 car designed and built in Italy. Don't expect that you will see lot of changes because its pretty much similar to the previous model (248) with only slight changes in the configuration. Baselined on 2006's 248, this model has similar design philosophies of the previous model. There are some changes in the front. The Single keel which is normally present will be replaced for a zero keel setup. That means, the lower wishbones will be elevated upwards which results in a cushion aerodynamic effect. As awesome as it may sound, its actually increases the risk of the one who is driving. Overall, the suspension is primarily redone to improve the aerodynamic efficiency. The next is the intake of the air at the top of the car. It is now totally changed. The sidepods are redone to include the new bigger cooling system; the entire car is stretched a little bit on a longer wheelbase. With its weight increasing by 10kgs when compared to its predecessor, you can say that its designed to accommodate the safety regulation.

ferrari-f2007.jpg

Somu Muthuswamy — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 05:05:19 +0000

Official: BMW 1-Series 3 Door Unveiled

Somu Muthuswamy — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 01:35:10 +0000

For all those who have been waiting to get their hands on the least expensive car of BMW, here's good news. The Bavarian Motorworks company is planning to release all new 3 Door 1-series sometime before the end of the year. Previous Official statement from the company said that it will take 2 years to release this new baby but now the gestation period has been reduced. This new series comes in 5 different models.

130i - 265 BHP, 0 - 62 mph in 6.0 seconds
120i - 170 BHP, 0 - 62 mph in 7.7 seconds
118i - 143 BHP, 0 - 62 mph in 8.7 seconds
120d - 177 BHP diesel engine, 0 - 62 mph in 7.5 seconds
118d - 143 BHP diesel engine, 0 - 62 mph in 8.9 seconds

Advanced technologies such as regenerative brake energy is being used, along with variable valve technology. The fuel consumption will be efficient thanks to High-Precision direct injection of fuel. BMW says that this technology will increase the fuel economy of upto 3%.

bmw-1series.jpg

Somu Muthuswamy — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 03:37:07 +0000

Toyota Highlander and its Hybrid to Debut in Chicago

Somu Muthuswamy — Sat, 20 Jan 2007 01:01:48 +0000

Toyota Motor Corporation, the world's second largest Automaker has announced today that they will be debuting Highlander versions soon. Highlander is one of the popular vehicles of Toyota is making considerable revenue for Toyota. Even though their turnaround is less in 2006 when compared to its previous year, they do make a good chunk of revenue to the company. Both Highlander and Highlander Hybrid are debuting in the first week of Feb, 2007 in Chicago Auto Show which is to be held in the Toyota Press Conference in Grand Ballroom in McCormick Place. The surprising part to this is that there were no spyshots or any other additional details to it till now. This Highlander is expected to the first of its kind in the major overhaul of the Unit both design wise and performance. There are rumors that the Hybrid version is expected to have better mileage when compared to its current version. And another one states that 2008 version will be based on Avalon platform to have better room space for the 3rd row of seats.

2007-toyota-highlander.jpg

Somu Muthuswamy — Sat, 20 Jan 2007 04:49:20 +0000

Hammer and Coop

davidallen — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 09:32:22 +0000

Hammer and Coop the new mini advert

Mini gets the Hollywood treatment

davidallen — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 09:35:09 +0000

The humble mini over the years must have been the star car in many movies, the most popular of which of course is the Italian job, which had three Mini’s in the starring roles. So it should not be a massive surprise to find that the Mini owned by German car giants BMW have now produced their own Mini Movie, pardon the pun! However this is a fact essentially an advert that will be played at cinema’s before the main feature. This looks like it is going to be part of a series of advert films, that star a Mini Cooper and the a look a like of the Hollywood actor Ben Stiller, or maybe it really is Ben Stiller, in situation that looks unashamedly like a take on the “Starsky and Hutch” film and classic television series of the 1970’s. The adverts are titled Hammer and Coop, and play on the adverts that where made to promote the New Mini when it was first developed and marketed in the UK, initially these adverts are going to be for the US market to coincide with the launch of the New Mini in the states, hopefully they will make their way elsewhere, as it would be a shame for everyone else to miss out on such an imaginative a funny series of car ads. More [Hammer and Coop] Product Page [Mini]

RoadBox

davidallen — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 08:00:59 +0000

The black box for cars

RoadBox

davidallen — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 08:02:20 +0000

The black box for cars

Now there is a real black box for cars

davidallen — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 08:05:15 +0000

If you have ever been in a situation where you have had an accident, nobody claims responsibility and there are no witness’s, then you would know exactly how brilliant this product from PLK, Road box is essentially a black box for cars, but instead of just recording data such as speed and distances etc, this black box comes with a camera. So there will be a record of an incident, on video and there will also be a data recording of how you were driving at the time. The product built by PLK under the supervision of Hyundai Motors, records your cars data, like speed, acceleration and braking, but there is also a visual record via the wide screen 120 degree video camera. Giving the driver a permanent record of an accident, that can be used for insurance or legal purposes instead of a claim by phone or by filling in a form etc. The Road box records all data up to and accident and after, basically you will get twenty seconds of video, fourteen seconds before and six seconds after the accident, this may not sound like a lot, but this is twenty seconds of crucial information, that no form or statement can provide or explain in such detail, imagine having this to back up your insurance claim for damages, loss of income and even serious or fatal injury. From the images you can clearly see how effective this would be in a claim, however there are some considerations to be looked into, like is this admissible in a court? Would all insurance companies accept this evidence? Obviously there is the evidence and no one could deny it, but it does look like a cool product that maybe in the future all cars may have to have something like this by law, this could be used in accidents, speeding or any other road incident, but maybe that is taking I just too far! Product Page [Road Box] Product Page [Hyundai Motors]

F1

davidallen — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 08:30:20 +0000

Will it go green

F1

davidallen — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 08:30:58 +0000

Will it go green

F1 to go Green!

davidallen — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 08:33:32 +0000

davidallen — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 08:51:04 +0000

Chrysler may become part of GM

Could this be the end of Chrysler?

davidallen — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 08:52:10 +0000

Like many American products Chrysler stands out as one of the big ones, even here in the UK, we all know the Chrysler name, yet is this name to disappear along with all the others that we have lost over the years? There was a time when the car manufacturers were many, with lots of models and they all seemed to have had their own distinct branding, which in turn would mean their customer base was loyal to the brand.

It appears now that all the leading brands are blending, it is sometimes hard to keep up with who is who as either whole companies or just part companies (Sometimes just the name) are traded off by the car manufacturing super giants, they are the top of the tree and like children in a school playground swap or car brands to suit whatever their current needs are or what they are looking for in the long term. This is actually bad for the whole auto industry, not just in the states but thought the world. General Motors may be planning to take on the Chrysler part of the Daimler Chrysler business, but where would that leave the company? They must be dependent on the combined resources so if they were to break the company then that would leave a vacuum which would mean the company being broken up and all the good parts snapped up and the rest discarded.

Of course we will never know what the long term plans are, but General Motors being one of the car giants, need to expand to survive, these companies are like the business Borg, they must assimilate, which is what all big companies do, otherwise it will be them who are being assimilated by a larger and more powerful collective. Product Page [Chrysler] Product Page [General Motors]

Schumacher

davidallen — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 06:46:58 +0000

Michael Schumacher to lead Ferrari?

Schumacher

davidallen — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 06:47:30 +0000

Michael Schumacher to lead Ferrari?

Schumacher

davidallen — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 06:48:23 +0000

Michael Schumacher to lead Ferrari?

Michael Schumacher - Future Ferrari Team Boss

davidallen — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 06:49:20 +0000

Well it is that time of year again, the F1 season is about to start and already there are rumors of who is going where and who is going to be doing what and when.

The latest story going around the F1 rumor mill is that former driver and seven time world champion Michael Schumacher is being groomed to take over the running of the Ferrari F1 team from Jean Todt, which would seem to be a sensible progression anyhow, considering that Michael Schumacher is now Jean Todt’s assistant and all the experience that he has etc etc, but would that make him a great F1 team manager? Possibly not, we have seen drivers before take the helm, but none have really ever made a complete success of it. So would Michael Schumacher want to put himself in such a position?

It will all soon become more apparent once the F1 seasons starts in less than a month in Melbourne, Australia, when we see exactly what Michael Schumacher is doing for the team, will we see him there or not? Will the urge for him to turn up as a non driver be too much or will he not want to be there in background while the drivers take all the limelight? We shall have to wait and see. Product Page [Ferrari F1] Product Page [F1]

pm

davidallen — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 07:45:20 +0000

petition and the pm

pm

davidallen — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 07:46:50 +0000

petition and the pm

The Petition and the PM's Response

davidallen — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 07:47:47 +0000

The petition for started by Peter Roberts ended at midnight, and predictability there was a response from the Prime Minister Tony Blair immediately, this will be sent to all of the petitioners, over 1.7 million people, so while they patiently wait for the email to pop into their in box, you can read the full reply below.

Needless to say the response is predictable and of course is only the beginning of the process, and no decisions have been made yet, as if 1.7 million people against these plans was not an indication enough, there has been a recent ICM survey commissioned by the BBC, the question was; “Do you think the government should or should not introduce a system for charging motorists by the mile, during busy periods, to cut congestion?” The response was as follows; Should Not – 74 %. Should – 23 %. Don't Know – 3 %.

What more can the politicians want? Granted that the survey is only made up of a random 1006 people, but the figures are always high and always against. One thing is for sure, the cause must not be just left now, it needs to continue now the momentum has begun, more petitions and more questions need to be addressed to the government, otherwise who knows what will happen in the future. Tony Blair's, email response to the Petition regarding road charging. “Thank you for taking the time to register your views about road pricing on the Downing Street website. This petition was posted shortly before we published the Eddington Study, an independent review of Britain's transport network. This study set out long-term challenges and options for our transport network. It made clear that congestion is a major problem to which there is no easy answer. One aspect of the study was highlighting how road pricing could provide a solution to these problems and that advances in technology put these plans within our reach. Of course it would be 10 years or more before any national scheme was technologically, never mind politically, feasible. That is the backdrop to this issue. As my response makes clear, this is not about imposing "stealth taxes" or introducing "Big Brother" surveillance. This is a complex subject, which cannot be resolved without a thorough investigation of all the options, combined with a full and frank debate about the choices we face at a local and national level. That's why I hope this detailed response will address your concerns and set out how we intend to take this issue forward. I see this e-mail as the beginning, not the end of the debate, and the links below provide an opportunity for you to take it further. But let me be clear straight away: we have not made any decision about national road pricing. Indeed we are simply not yet in a position to do so. We are, for now, working with some local authorities that are interested in establishing local schemes to help address local congestion problems. Pricing is not being forced on any area, but any schemes would teach us more about how road pricing would work and inform decisions on a national scheme. And funds raised from these local schemes will be used to improve transport in those areas. One thing I suspect we can all agree is that congestion is bad. It's bad for business because it disrupts the delivery of goods and services. It affects people's quality of life. And it is bad for the environment. That is why tackling congestion is a key priority for any government. Congestion is predicted to increase by 25% by 2015. This is being driven by economic prosperity. There are six million more vehicles on the road now than in 1997, and predictions are that this trend will continue. Part of the solution is to improve public transport, and to make the most of the existing road network. We have more than doubled investment since 1997, spending £2.5bn this year on buses and over £4bn on trains - helping to explain why more people are using them than for decades. And we're committed to sustaining this investment, with over £140bn of investment planned between now and 2015. We're also putting a great deal of effort into improving traffic flows - for example, over 1,000 Highways Agency traffic officers now help to keep motorway traffic moving. But all the evidence shows that improving public transport and tackling traffic bottlenecks will not by themselves prevent congestion getting worse. So we have a difficult choice to make about how we tackle the expected increase in congestion. This is a challenge that all political leaders have to face up to, and not just in the UK. For example, road-pricing schemes are already in operation in Italy, Norway and Singapore, and others, such as the Netherlands, are developing schemes. Towns and cities across the world are looking at road pricing as a means of addressing congestion. One option would be to allow congestion to grow unchecked. Given the forecast growth in traffic, doing nothing would mean that journeys within and between cities would take longer, and be less reliable. I think that would be bad for businesses, individuals and the environment. And the costs on us all will be real - congestion could cost an extra £22bn in wasted time in England by 2025, of which £10bn to £12bn would be the direct cost on businesses. A second option would be to try to build our way out of congestion. We could, of course, add new lanes to our motorways, widen roads in our congested city centres, and build new routes across the countryside. Certainly in some places new capacity will be part of the story. That is why we are widening the M25, M1 and M62. But I think people agree that we cannot simply build more and more roads, particularly when the evidence suggests that traffic quickly grows to fill any new capacity. Tackling congestion in this way would also be extremely costly, requiring substantial sums to be diverted from other services such as education and health, or increases in taxes. If I tell you that one mile of new motorway costs as much as £30m, you'll have an idea of the sums this approach would entail. That is why I believe that at least we need to explore the contribution road pricing can make to tackling congestion. It would not be in anyone's interests, especially those of motorists, to slam the door shut on road pricing without exploring it further. It has been calculated that a national scheme - as part of a wider package of measures - could cut congestion significantly through small changes in our overall travel patterns. But any technology used would have to give definite guarantees about privacy being protected - as it should be. Existing technologies, such as mobile phones and pay-as-you-drive insurance schemes, may well be able to play a role here, by ensuring that the government doesn't hold information about where vehicles have been. But there may also be opportunities presented by developments in new technology. Just as new medical technology is changing the NHS, so there will be changes in the transport sector. Our aim is to relieve traffic jams, not create a "Big Brother" society. I know many people's biggest worry about road pricing is that it will be a "stealth tax" on motorists. It won't. Road pricing is about tackling congestion. Clearly if we decided to move towards a system of national road pricing, there could be a case for moving away from the current system of motoring taxation. This could mean that those who use their car less, or can travel at less congested times, in less congested areas, for example in rural areas, would benefit from lower motoring costs overall. Those who travel longer distances at peak times and in more congested areas would pay more. But those are decisions for the future. At this stage, when no firm decision has been taken as to whether we will move towards a national scheme, stories about possible costs are simply not credible, since they depend on so many variables yet to be investigated, never mind decided. Before we take any decisions about a national pricing scheme, we know that we have to have a system that works. A system that respects our privacy as individuals. A system that is fair. I fully accept that we don't have all the answers yet. That is why we are not rushing headlong into a national road-pricing scheme. Before we take any decisions there would be further consultations. The public will, of course, have their say, as will Parliament. We want to continue this debate, so that we can build a consensus around the best way to reduce congestion, protect the environment and support our businesses. If you want to find out more, please visit the attached links to more detailed information, and which also give opportunities to engage in further debate. Yours sincerely, Tony Blair.”

fortwo

davidallen — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 09:19:16 +0000

smart and brabus

fortwo

davidallen — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 09:20:29 +0000

smart and brabus

Smart gets the Brabus treatment

davidallen — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 09:21:25 +0000

Smart the car that you either love or hate, has had quite a few face lifts since its conception, but the latest has to be the ultimate face lift by the ultimate car face lift company Brabus.

buyout

davidallen — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 08:27:27 +0000

management

buyout

davidallen — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 08:28:22 +0000

management

$100K for Chrysler Workers

davidallen — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 08:30:14 +0000

Workers at Daimler Chrysler AG’s Chrysler Group have been offered up to $100K by the company as it tries to shed nearly 9000 jobs in the USA, the jobs to go are those who are paid hourly, the management of Chrysler have offered a $70K early retirement package, but clearly there are certain requirements that the employees have to meet in order to qualify for this payout, there is a buyout package being put onto the table for those who do not qualify for the early retirement which is the $100K that is being spoken about.

It will be difficult for Chrysler to reach their goal of 9000 job cuts within the parameters that have given, so it is believed that should they take up figures be below the said amount, then the offer may be offered to all of the company’s 50,000 hourly paid employees. However there has already been some disconcerted employees who feel that the offers are not equal across the board, in some cases there has been offers of car vouchers to some salaried and some Canadian based employees, this is causing some questions of equality that cannot be helping the matter I any way.

The employees have some very hard choices to make, on the one hand they have the opportunity to retire early which for some people would be good news, but for those who do not qualify for the early retirement packages, they can take the money and run, but then they may not be able to find any more work, so in the long term the money will not make up the difference, it is not an enviable position to be in at all. The offer will go out in March and will stay active from April through to December.

carsales

davidallen — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 09:37:05 +0000

avoid buying mistakes

carsales

davidallen — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 09:38:02 +0000

avoid buying mistakes

How to avoid making mistakes when buying a car

davidallen — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 09:38:42 +0000

There is formula around that governs sales, it determines how we will buy, what we will buy, and most crucially how much we will be paying for it, unfortunately it appears that nearly always the only person who knows this is the salesperson, why? Well it is simple really, anybody who has contemplated a career in sales would know that before a salesperson is allowed to get within a mile of a customer, they need to undergo sales training, this involves manipulating potential customers into customers who have bought the complete package, like car, insurance, finance, number plates and warranty etc., in most cases the customer would have spent twice as much as they expected to, so what are the eight most common mistakes, that car buyers make?

Well according to Marshall Loeb, former editor of Fortune, Money, and The Columbia Journalism Review, writes "Your Dollars" exclusively for Market Watch.

The eight biggest mistakes that car buyers make are;

Being pressured to act. It's OK to move at your own pace -- don't let yourself get bullied into buying before you're ready. When you do put down a deposit, use a credit card instead of writing a check. You'll have more protection if there is something fishy with the dealer.

Taking dealers at their word. Are you offered free oil changes or other perks? Get them in writing. Don't settle on just a verbal agreement -- have it written into the contract.

Financing for longer than 48 months. If you settle for a long-term loan, you're likely going to pay a higher interest rate. And if the car is stolen, wrecked or you just want to trade it in early, you'll probably owe more than it's worth.

Buying unnecessary extras. You'll be offered all sorts of "important" extras such as VIN glass etching, fabric protection or extended service. They can get expensive and you probably won't even need or use them.

Opting for dealer financing without shopping around. Don't just go for the dealer's rate. Do some research on the current loan rates and look for good offers from banks, on-line sources or credit unions.

Not negotiating a lease price. You can bargain for a lease price just as you would if you were buying the car.

Leasing because you can't afford to buy. It's true that you'll have a lower monthly payment, but you'll probably pay a much higher finance charge. At the end of the lease period, you won't even own the car. If you are strapped for cash, consider buying a used car instead.

Talking about trade-ins early in the process. Wait to mention your old car trade-in until after you've completed your negotiations on the new one.

Read [Market Watch]

fiat abarth

davidallen — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 06:32:48 +0000

fiat looking to launch abarth brand

fiat abarth

davidallen — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 06:33:53 +0000

fiat looking to launch abarth brand

fiat abarth

davidallen — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 06:34:37 +0000

fiat looking to launch abarth brand

Fiat to re launch the Abarth Brand.

davidallen — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 06:37:25 +0000

The world famous Abarth company which was formed by Carlo Abarth way back in 1949, developed sports classics from the Fiat range and ran highly successful race teams that competed both in track and rally events around the world, famous for its scorpion logo the team became legendary and were faithful to the logo, small and deadly fast. The Abarth name had disappeared for a while, like many brands the company faded away. But now Italy’s most famous small car company has decided that the is right to bring the marque back out of retirement and let them do their stuff on the new Fiat Grande Punto Abarth, which will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show this week.

Not only that it would appear that Abarth will be running its own racing teams once again, competing in both track and rally events, and will be preparing racing and rally cars for customer teams to use in the many different racing series, one make series and rally events worldwide. Plus there is the potential for the merchandising operation to begin with a wide range of products as the other teams do, so this is not just a revamp for the sake of it, this is a major marketing push, backed by Fiat who know a thing or two about motor sport and marketing.

The Fiat Grande Punto Abarth, will be powered by a 1.4 ltr Turbo charged engine, which will give up to 150 bhp, however there is the potential for more power with the addition of a booster kit which will increase the power output to around 180 bhp, for comparison the an early version of the car, was the Fiat 500 which in its time, 1957, would offer just a mere 13 bhp at nearly 4000 rpm, with a top speed of 53 mph, yet after the Abarth treatment the car had a massive 20 bhp at 5000 rpm and reached the dizzy heights of almost 73 mph, so it is very clear to see the difference that the Abarth treatment can have on a car, we can only wait and see what the final specifications will be and how many races the teams will be entering in 2007/2008. Source [Auto Express]

bugatti

davidallen — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 07:37:03 +0000

bugatti crash

bugatti

davidallen — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 07:37:42 +0000

bugatti crash

The most expensive crash ever? Maybe!

davidallen — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 07:41:29 +0000

There have been many pictures of totalled high performance cars, but they were only of Lambos, Ferraris and Porsches, so it comes as no big surprise that when a £850K about ($1.5M) car has an accident on a nice quiet country road in England, that it becomes a national news headline.

The car a Bugatti Veyron is reputably the fastest and of course most expensive production car on the roads today, it has a top speed of around 225 mph (James May on Top Gear proved that one) and has a price tag which starts at around £850,000 or $1,500,000 depending on where your bank account is located.

This particular Bugatti was actually hired, just to make it even more interesting, and despite what the initial stories said, the car was being driven by a woman. She had hired it for the day at a cost of around £20,000 nearly $40,000, the car was being driven at about 100 mph, when it hit a Vauxhall Astra, a pregnant woman who was in the Astra, was admitted to hospital for tests but has been allowed home.

The Bugatti Veyron is named after the French racing driver Pierre Veyron, who won the Le Mans 24 Hours in 1939 for the original Bugatti company. The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 specification. Manufacturer Bugatti Automobiles SAS Production 2006 – 300 cars Predecessor Bugatti EB110 Class Supercar Body style 2-door Mid-4WD coupé Engine 8.0 L quad-turbo W16 Transmission 7-speed dual clutch sequential manual Wheelbase 2710 mm (106.3 in) Length 4462 mm (175.8 in) Width 1998 mm (78.7 in) Height 1206 mm (47.5 in) Curb weight 1888 kg (4162 lb) Similar Koenigsegg CCX, Pagani Zonda, Enzo Ferrari, Saleen S7, Edonis Top Speed 253.2 mph. Product Page [Bugatti Cars] Source [United Press]

aston

davidallen — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 07:53:12 +0000

aston martin

daverichards

davidallen — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 07:59:35 +0000

David Richards - ProDrive

Big names decide the fate of Aston Martin

davidallen — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 08:00:27 +0000

Aston Martin has over the years been on a roller coaster, there were times when it was feared that the high performance luxury car would not survive, especially in the bad times when they were only producing forty odd cars in a year, yet since American car giant ford bought the majority holding in the company twenty years ago, there has been a remarkable turnaround and now from its ultra hi tech plant based at a former airbase in Warwickshire, where the production has increased to around seven thousand cars a year.

Ford who have to be credited with the turn around have been looking to sell their stake in Aston Martin for a while now, and as to be expected there have been many suggestions of who may be in the frame for buying the company and what it would mean for the company, the car and the employees. Ford appear to be looking towards their home market, especially after suffering a huge $12 bn loss last year, which is the largest in the companies history.

The main contender that has emerged is Pro-Drive a company created around twenty years ago by motor sport entrepreneur David Richards, who just happens to run the Aston Martin racing team and who is due to enter a team into Formula One for the season of 2008. David Richards is heading up a consortium of investors from around the world, so with the right financial backing and the knowledge and experience of David Richards and his team, the future for Aston Martin would look very secure indeed.

Although there has been no formal acknowledgement that there is a deal in the pipeline, it is believed that there have been several meetings and that there will be an announcement any time soon, meaning either today or sometime over the weekend. This would be a great time to make the announcement for Pro-Drive as the following weekend is the start of the 2007 Formula One season in Melbourne, Australia. So there will be plenty of talk around the paddock as to the make up of the new team that Pro-Drive will be putting together for next season. Product Page [Ford] Product Page [Aston Martin] Product Page [Pro-Drive]

carpark

davidallen — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 08:19:00 +0000

carpark

davidallen — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 08:19:35 +0000

carpark

100K GBP Worth of Cars Go Missing at Gatwick Airport, UK

davidallen — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 08:20:42 +0000

The unofficial Gatwick airport car parking firm Pink, Greet and Meet, have lost three of their clients cars a £50,000 Range Rover, a £30,000 Mercedes and a £25,000 Alfa Romeo, the vehicle owners who are believed to be still abroad are expecting upon their return to pick up their keys and drive off home, unfortunately this will not be the case and they have no idea. This matter has only come to light simply because the car parking company, Pink, Meet and Greet have actually gone out of business and the first thing that anyone knew of this was when a box containing all the keys to their customers cars was dumped at the offices of BAA the airports owners, who are in the process of tracking down the owners of the vehicles and reuniting them with their keys and cars. However there have been problems, because people have been contacting the car parking firm brought in by BAA to sort the mess out, only to find that there are no records of their car ever being with Pink, Meet and Greet.

Further to this, there are some other serious concerns, many people leave their home keys on the same key ring as their cars, so there is an added worry for people who return from being away, and who feel that they have left their cars in safe hands, only to return to find that their car is missing and that their home may have been at risk too. The Police are now involved in the case of the three missing vehicles and they are being treated as being stolen, however this just goes to show that by shopping around to save a few pounds is a great thing but people need to weigh up the pros and cons of the deal that they are getting, Pink, Greet and Meet were an unofficial airport car parking service, the company which has now ceased trading, recently featured on the BBC's Watchdog program where the car that they handed over to them was tracked and driven around at high speeds and parked in the street, so it does pay to research thoroughly, as there are always signs to look for.

Source [LSE]

carphone

davidallen — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 08:23:53 +0000

carphone

davidallen — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 08:24:22 +0000

carphone

You can now speak to the car in front

davidallen — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 08:25:05 +0000

As if there are not enough distractions when driving, a company called Same Lane have developed a system that will enable people to talk to each other while out driving, nothing new in that! No there isn't but imagine being able to pick up the phone and call up anyone that you want to, maybe the is a nice looking blonde in the Porsche in front, or perhaps there is an elderly chap driving at 20 mph, you could in theory call him up and tell him to get a move on or pull over. This may seem to be extreme or even a bit over the top, maybe it is but as the social disease known as road rage is on the increase this may be just another tool to the road ragers armoury.

Same Lane, has developed this software for what they call “Casual Socialising” which is the same sort of thing as talking to a stranger while sitting on a train, bus or plane, which is fine, but begin in a car on your own and getting a phone call from a perfect stranger is slightly different and can be threatening.

What happens is a user signs up for the service, they get a sticker that has the Same Lane phone number on it, this can then be placed some where prominent like the back window, another driver can then call the number, give Same Lane the number plate of the car being driven by the person that you would to speak to and then you get through to the driver of the car in front, it is that simple, no sign up is necessary, you only need to register with Same Lane if you wish to receive calls, not to make them. The company insist that the phone numbers are kept private, because they user pseudo phone numbers for the connection. Calls are free to receive and are charged at $1.99 per minute to make a call to a Same Lane member. Product Page [Same Lane]

bh

davidallen — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 11:28:59 +0000

bh

The new Fiat 500 will of course be slightly different to its predecessor, the car will be powered by three different engines, the 1.3-litre Multi jet turbo diesel engine with 75 ps, the 1.2 8v engine with 69 ps and the 1.4 16v engine with 100 ps. All will be coupled with 5 or 6-speed manual gearboxes. But being Fiat they just could not produce a new car without the addition of a sporty Abarth version, and true to form there will be an Abarth version of the Fiat 500, but there is no news of what will power it, however by looking at the current range of Fiat model it is not hard to see which engine would be the favourite, the Bravo 1.4 engine which once been given the Abarth treatment would produce some pretty impressive power results.

Once this car has been shown at the motor shows and there are a few on the road, I think it fair to say that the new Fiat 500 is going to take some beating, it is fun and it is very stylish typically Fiat which will probably secure the company's domination of the small car market for some time to come. Source [Fiat 500]

Road Tripping Guide

Ryan — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 16:07:47 +0000

I'm truckin'... like the doodah man. You may recall David Allen's earlier coverage of Same Lane, the company that allows you to make live phone calls from one car to the another vehicle in front of you. A recent article by VroomVroomVroom introduces a related technology called PL8SCAN which allows you to text-message registered users by calling their license plate number as they drive past. I’m not exactly sure of the logistics of the technology, as I imagine that texting while driving isn't the safest way to go. (Even where justified, when someone who just cut you off and "needs a lesson" in manners). But if you have passsengers, they could be the ones to text message. (Also check out the website Platewire, which lets you report the license plates of bad/rude drivers.) In addition to PL8SCAN, the geek's driving logistics article covers another 25 resources and applications, some web 2.0, all of which contribute to planning a great road trip. Vroom’s article will provide those of you with a lust for the road with a lot of new planning tools to help you shave time off your trip and enjoy yourself to the fullest.

vw

davidallen — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 07:06:35 +0000

herbie

vw

davidallen — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 07:07:15 +0000

herbie

Its good to see “Herbie” back on the track

davidallen — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 07:08:09 +0000

Today at Oulton Park race track in Cheshire, UK, spectators will be able to see the return of probably the most famous VW beetle in the history of motor sport, Herbie.

china show

davidallen — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 07:31:40 +0000

shanghai auto show

z9

davidallen — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 07:33:12 +0000

Top brands flock to the Shanghai Auto Show

davidallen — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 07:34:20 +0000

It seems that the popularity of the Chinese auto market just gets bigger by the day, for the top car manufacturers china is the growth market and perhaps that is why they are all taking no chances at this years Shanghai Auto Show which opens on Sunday (22^nd April).

For families who want to drive a small car the safety aspect is very impressive too, after the test the child safety result was above average, all in all the overall result was a resounding success for BMW and the new Mini 2. First deliveries of the Mini 2 started in the UK in October 2006. The mini had launch engines which included the 1.6-litre petrol Cooper and the turbocharged 1.6-litre Cooper S. However there are plans to introduce a 1.4-litre Mini One will sometime in 2007. All minis except for the convertible come with six air bags. Prices will start around £11,595 for the One, £12,995 for the Cooper and £15,995 for the range-topping Cooper S. Source [Auto Web]

RR

davidallen — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 07:49:03 +0000

Roll Royce Small Car

RR

davidallen — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 07:49:25 +0000

Roll Royce Small Car

Rolls Royce set to build small car

davidallen — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 07:54:24 +0000

Amongst all the hype and very large Yen price tags in Shanghai, the management of Rolls Royce Motors have hinted at the possibility of the company producing a small car, probably even before the end of the decade. However, to a manufacturer like Rolls Royce small may have a slightly different meaning than the rest of us have, I would suspect that their idea of small is probably creating a car to enter the market that is populated by the likes of the Jaguar, Mercedes and BMW top of the range models.

This is a sensible move by a company who pride themselves on luxury and craftsmanship, because this is the same move that Mercedes made when they launched the 190 series of cars, everyone believed that it would never sell, yet now by entering that market actually changed Mercedes for the better.

The company at the moment only builds around 800 cars per year, but with an average price of around £250,000 ($500,000) it is not hard to see how the figures stack up, so if they were to produce a car that was around the price of £70,000 ($140,000) would there be a market for this car? I think so, though of course this is all conjecture at the moment, but never the less is very exciting to think of all those mini Rolls Royce's driving around town. According to sources, the design stages have already finished, so the concept is there and once the space has been made in the factory then we could be seeing the first Rolls Royce concept car for the market very soon, maybe even within a year or so. Source [Reuters]

fiat500

davidallen — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 07:19:47 +0000

fiat500

davidallen — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 07:20:38 +0000

fiat500

davidallen — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 07:21:23 +0000

fiat500

The all new Fiat 500 coming to the states

davidallen — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 07:22:52 +0000

Fiat will be sending to the states the newly designed Fiat 500. The car which is due to be launched some time in July this year is really considered as an iconic Italian small car but in its original form never really managed to crack other markets, but now is the era of the small car and therefore the time is now right for worldwide marketing.

The company are not looking to send the little cars over to the states right away, as they probably need to fill orders for the European market first, so it is believed that the estimated time of arrival for the Fiat 500 will be early 2010 sounds a long way off, but in that time the desire too own the latest little car will grow.

The cars will be built in Poland, where Fiat has had a base for some time. Details of the cars are still in the early stages, but it is believed that one of the models will include a special Arbath version, which will be producing a massive 150 bhp, for such a small car that is something very special indeed.

For Fiat there are exciting times ahead with the launch of the 500, we can expect some exciting media coverage when the car finally hit’s the road. Source [Top Speed]

toyota no1

davidallen — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 06:58:49 +0000

toyota no1

davidallen — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 06:59:19 +0000

toyota no1

Toyota takes the number one spot

davidallen — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 07:00:07 +0000

This has been coming for a while now, but figures for the first quarter of the year confirm Toyota as the number one car company in the world today. Previously the spot had been held by US car giant General Motors, but as we have seen in the past few years the main car manufacturers GM, Ford and Daimler Chrysler have been hit by many factors which are outside of the industry as such and could be said to beyond their direct control.

Toyota have been steadily building towards the top spot and with their decision to go with the green car (Prius) which has proved to be a absolute winner, yet there are those who say that it is not totally the car sales that have helped the company reach this accolade. Many industry insiders believe that because of the Japanese culture, the company has been able to exploit certain areas.

We have seen that benefits to staff in the US have been major headache for the big three, these being mainly health care and pension liabilities, which as whole amounts to a lot of money and thus has an effect on investment in new plants, design and so on, is this true or just an excuse, well it is true that we have heard how expensive employing people in the west is, and in Japan it is different, but we are talking about a global market, the big three do have plants in other countries as do virtually all vehicle makers, the costs and working conditions are favourable and therefore most of the manufacturers are playing on a level playing field. The fact that Toyota have the number one spot does not necessarily mean that they will be holding on to it, in fact the number one spot will probably be seeing many different names over the years to come as the car companies develop a worldwide foothold, and in particular the Chinese market, where we have seen that the luxury end have been showing their cars, yet this market has an even bigger market for small to mid sized cars, this where the sales are going to change the status of all car manufacturers. Source [Business Week]

sat nav

davidallen — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 07:50:49 +0000

sat nav hacked

sat nav

davidallen — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 07:51:27 +0000

sat nav hacked

Can you trust your Sat Nav?

davidallen — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 07:54:34 +0000

Well we have all heard the stories of people being sent the wrong way down one way streets and there are those who have ended up in the middle of nowhere, but just imagine for a minute what would relying on your sat nav would be like if somehow a hacker has managed to get into the system that you are using and change it! Could not happen, well you maybe be surprised.

davidallen — Thu, 03 May 2007 08:32:20 +0000

ferrari passport

davidallen — Thu, 03 May 2007 08:32:49 +0000

ferrari passport

VIP at Ferrari

davidallen — Thu, 03 May 2007 08:34:03 +0000

Imagine being able to travel to the Ferrari base in Maranello, Italy, walking up to gates and being waved through, check out the cars and drive off in one, no questions asked! Sounds to good to be true? Well you may be pleasantly surprised.

It has come to light that there is such a thing as a Ferrari Passport, yes that is what it is called and means the what it is says. Yet unlike your average passport that has its own value, depending on where it is issued, like the US passport, the must be one of the most desirable in the world for an ordinary person, but should you be a super rich high flyer then Switzerland may be your choice of domicile. But regardless of wealth or fame the Ferrari passport is not given out to just anyone, in fact you really have to be somebody quite special to be even considered for one.

What are benefits of having one? This is obvious, the passport gives the holder complete and total access to anywhere within the Ferrari complex which includes all the restricted places too, imagine being able to walk around there, but even more so you could go up to the car park where the new cars are waiting to be delivered and ask to borrow one, with no questions asked you will be given the keys and off you go. My application has just gone off to the Ferrari Embassy, so hopefully I will be a citizen of Ferrari very soon, what do you think? Source [Auto Blog]

mini

davidallen — Mon, 07 May 2007 07:43:13 +0000

mini2

mini

davidallen — Mon, 07 May 2007 07:43:42 +0000

mini2

Mini Cooper gets the Swarvoski treatment

davidallen — Mon, 07 May 2007 07:44:27 +0000

Just when you thought that there was nothing left to completely cover with the now legendary Swarvoski Crystals, US based company Crystal Art Inc has taken the BMW owned British marque the Mini Cooper and produced a spectacular design named the American Icon. The design which has a symbol of all of the fifty states is made up from over million of the tiny crystals, which from a distance are not really noticeable, but only on closer inspection can the individual crystals be seen.

The project has taken four people nearly six months to complete, and the design has some famous landmarks work into it, they include the Statue of Liberty, The White House, Mount Rushmore, The Hollywood sign, the Space Shuttle and of course naturally the US flag and the symbol of America the Eagle, this a totally innovated piece of work combing art and design.

Anyone wishing to see the car close up can see it at the Jacob Javits Center at the 2007 New York City Auto Show, which is really the only place that this should be shown, as it displays the unique way that cars can be transformed by art, the car will be there on Saturday, April 7th 2007 at 0930 hrs. Should there someone who feels that they would just love to be seen driving this car around their neighborhood, then they would have to pay the price, which is estimated at over a massive one million dollars! Source [Just Elite] http://justelite.blogspot.com/2007/05/mini-features-over-one-million.html

alfa romeo

davidallen — Tue, 08 May 2007 09:33:28 +0000

alfa romeo to the states

alfa romeo

davidallen — Tue, 08 May 2007 09:34:13 +0000

alfa romeo to the states

Alfa Romeo set for return to the states

davidallen — Tue, 08 May 2007 09:34:40 +0000

FIAT the Italian car giant has for a while been looking for a suitable way of getting their sister brand Alfa Romeo into the new car market in the United States. Alfa Romeo has seen a great improvement in the design and style of the cars being produced, especially when compared to those of the 1980’s which see the company plummet to an all time low, those thankfully are long gone and the future is looking much more brighter now.

The vehicle that is to be used for the US launch of the Alfa Romeo brand is that Maserati dealership, the are said to complement themselves, the high end Masarati and small to mid sized Alfa Romeo will be competing for different buyers from different markets, so the competition element is non existent, which makes the partnership very viable indeed, and should prove to be a successful assault on the small sports car market, where there are some very wide spaces left open by the other manufacturers that are just waiting to be filled, can Alfa Romeo do this? It is too early to say, but no doubt they will be giving all they can and with the might of FIAT behind them, there would need to be some drastic problems for this foray to fail.

The problem for a company like FIAT is that they have a wide spread of vehicle, they are about to launch the much talked about FIAT 500, this will take a lot of the shine off of any deal for Alfa Romeo, yet they cannot really go it alone, it is possible that FIAT can over do it all, by bringing out too brands and models within a short time period, can the market sustain this? Only time will tell. Source [Left Lane News]

ferrari

davidallen — Wed, 09 May 2007 08:02:18 +0000

2 year waiting list

Ferrari keeps customers waiting

davidallen — Wed, 09 May 2007 08:04:27 +0000

It has been a long tradition of what is probably the most famous and desirable sports car brand Ferrari to have a waiting list for customers; it is how the business of brand creation started. First you need a high end product, then create desirability by using motor sport and glamorous locations and then offer the product for sale, but with a catch, the price is high so only an elite can afford it, but there is a problem, to the so called elite money is no object, so this creates another problem for the likes of Ferrari how to limit the amount of people driving their exclusive product, the only way is the have a waiting list, this creates the desire within the elite group, and in some cases they are willing to pay a premium in order to get onto the list. But that way of doing business is so yesterday, well in fact it is so last century, today’s elite does not care for waiting lists, they have the money and want the product, like yesterday. For Ferrari this creates a serious dilemma, how to provide their product to the people who want it, without damaging their exclusivity, well this does not matter anymore, Ferrari is desirable brand the work has been done and they are the brand that is wanted. Yet in the US it appears that prospective buyers of new cars are being asked to wait up to two years for delivery which is very dangerous in a marketplace that is moving on so fast, take the Chinese market there are many more super rich people there who have the cash and want the goods now, but with Ferrari only producing around 6,000 cars a year, this is not enough and sooner or later there will be problems for the company if they do not change with the times. It would be a shame to see Ferrari begin to fade, especially after all the good work that they have been doing after the years, but you only need to look at the other super sports car companies like Aston and other top brands, they have found out the hard way about supply and demand. Source [AutoBlog]

gap

davidallen — Thu, 10 May 2007 10:39:21 +0000

gap insurance

gap

davidallen — Thu, 10 May 2007 10:39:44 +0000

gap insurance

Gap insurance helps with car loans after an accident

davidallen — Thu, 10 May 2007 10:40:48 +0000

We all know how easy it is to buy a car on finance these days, in fact it is totally possible to walk into a dealership and drive out in a brand new car without having to part with any cash at all. It is this very fact that increasingly is becoming a serious problem for some drivers.

For example you pick up your brand new car and drive it out of the dealership straight away the value of the car has now dropped by thousands of dollars, so what happens if you get around the corner and have an accident, the car is totaled and after an inspected is written off as the damage is far to great to even consider getting it repaired. The insurance valuation is not going to be anywhere near the price that you have paid for the car, and to make it worse you had taken out finance, so with this all taken into consideration the insurance will make an offer, but this is not gong to clear the finance and as in many cases now days there is going to be a shortfall of several thousand dollars, of which you will need to pay.

However thankfully there is a solution to this headache, Gap insurance is product that will cover the difference between what the loan company want as a settlement and what the insurers are willing to pay up for the car. The price of this gap insurance varies as you would expect, but it can start at around $150 and rise up around $500, but whatever the price, for the first year it is worth paying for Gap insurance. The only other alternative is to pay a decent sized deposit on the car. Source [CBS]

chrysler

davidallen — Mon, 14 May 2007 16:34:21 +0000

daimler chrysler

jeep

davidallen — Mon, 14 May 2007 16:36:04 +0000

jeep

Daimler split from Chrysler

davidallen — Mon, 14 May 2007 16:36:53 +0000

One of least best kept secrets came into fruition today, with the German car giant Daimler walking away from the US brand Chrysler that they paid a massive $37 Billion for around nine years ago. It appear that the German car company will not be getting much of the $7.4 Billion that the private equity investment firm, Cerberus Capital Management have paid for the 80% stake. Most of the money will be reinvested into the Chrysler operations and finance arms.

The name Daimler will be transferred back over to Germany, while Chrysler will remain a US auto maker, but they are facing some very significant problems ahead, the amount of cash may seem to be a lot, but in the auto industry that amount can quickly disappear into the company and out the side.

Chrysler has found problems with the amount of gas that their cars drink, while on the other hand cars from Japan more in particular the Toyota Prius are making it harder for car companies like Chrysler to make any headway into the marketplace. This would be one area where a company like Chrysler could actually find a niche and take the battle to Toyota, it would mean smaller and light models but it could work. The auto industry is seeing a major change what with the Chinese market opening up the way it has done, who could have predicted that, and what happens when they start exporting to the states? Source [CNN]

audi tv

davidallen — Wed, 16 May 2007 19:06:47 +0000

audi tv

Audi launch their own TV channel

davidallen — Wed, 16 May 2007 19:07:40 +0000

If you cannot get enough of Audi, then the Audi TV channel will be right up your street, it is available in both German and English, which is handy. The overall design is very similar to what you get on a magazine; it has all the usual features, such as the technology of Audi, sport, lifestyle and the culture of Audi the cars and the people who love to drive them.

This is not a new direction for Audi because they have in the past dabbled in the digital TV arena with show that was shown in the UK, The Audi Channel, this went out in 2005 and reached around 7.5 million households, so they have gained some valuable experience through those times, which has given a base to build on. The channels are live from immediate effect and from the first look it appears to be a very interesting, the dark colors give the pages a sophisticated look and feel while using it, the best way to see all that is on the channel is to simply explore, by visiting the Bode Museum in Berlin, profiles of the Audi DTM racing team drivers as they prepare for the LeMans 24 Hours and maybe just watch the Audi S4 Cabriolet in Florida. Source [Auto Blog]

porsche

davidallen — Thu, 17 May 2007 05:44:30 +0000

porsche price rise

porsche

davidallen — Thu, 17 May 2007 05:45:41 +0000

porsche price rise

Porsche set to raise prices

davidallen — Thu, 17 May 2007 05:46:19 +0000

If you are thinking of buying a brand new Porsche then you need to hurry up and get down to the dealership, because as from 1st August 2007, the price of a new Porsche is set to rise.

An increase of between 1.4% and 5% will be added across the whole range, but whatâ€™s 1.4%? Well when you are spending thousands of dollars it does actually all add up, especially when you have to put on the taxes and other charges too. The details of the price increases will affect the Boxter S which is going up by a massive 5%, the Caymen S Porsche's sports utility vehicle will cost 4% more, although the base model will remain the same, you pay your money and take your choice with that one! The legendary Porsche 911 models which include the Carrerra, GT3, GT3 RS will see a price rise of just 1.5%, but those wishing to cruise around in a 911 convertible will only see a rise of mere 1.4%, perhaps that because they save on not having a roof!! But if your are looking for the fantastic 911 Turbo then should be delay your purchase from today to the 1st August then that would cost you around $5,700 extra, thatâ€™s with just an increase of only 2.3%.

There is no mention as to want has brought on these price increases, but it is safe to say that the people who can afford to go out and buy a brand new Porsche in the first place, may not be put off by the increases at all. Source [Auto Blog]

vw passat

davidallen — Fri, 18 May 2007 06:03:57 +0000

vw passat

davidallen — Fri, 18 May 2007 06:05:37 +0000

vw passat

Passat on fire

davidallen — Fri, 18 May 2007 06:07:31 +0000

It is no joke, to be driving around in a car that is a potential fire hazard; it is in fact every driver's fear the dangers are just too much to contemplate.

However there is every possibility this is the case with the VW Passat, as there have been at least 19 cases of the Passat having a fault that can actually cause a fire in the engine compartment. There problem lies with the ignition coil pack, these can overheat and when something keeps overheating eventually there may be the occasion when the heat is just too intense which can then lead to a fire in the engine compartment, the instrument panel, or even possibly underneath the car, it may depend on the condition of the car, if it has oil leaks etc, then it is more likely to be dangerous.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are said to be currently looking into this situation following the 19 incidents which only affect the cars built in 2000 to 2003, but do not affect the Tdi or the W8 models. It is early days so there is no plans to recall any cars, but giving the amount of Passats that were sold in that period, VW could be looking to fix around 350,000 cars, not the sort of thing that any car company would like to have to sort out. Source [Auto Blog]

prius

davidallen — Mon, 21 May 2007 06:31:15 +0000

prius

The search is on for fuel efficient cars

davidallen — Mon, 21 May 2007 06:34:24 +0000

There are many factors that we accept for the popularity of certain cars, like how many we see, what models, and who is buying what car and why, but since the internet has been with this has made the search for information on vehicles completely different and yet at the same time, we are able to get more information for ourselves on what everyone else is looking at and for what reasons.

Online car and vehicle sites such as Cars.com can show potential car buyers and sellers what the growing trends are simply because of the volume of business that goes through the site; this may be from sellers, buyers and even research being done by users of the site. The top search terms for New Cars with largest increase in searches for April 2007 are. Rank Vehicle Percentage 1. Honda Civic Hybrid 15% 2. Volkswagen Jetta 9% 3. Toyota Yaris 9% 4. Jeep Patriot 8% 5. Mercedes C-Class 7% 6. Toyota Prius 7% 7. BMW 335 7% 8. Ford Mustang 7% 9. Toyota Corolla 5% 10. Chevrolet Cobalt 4% This is only one resource, clearly if someone is researching for data like this, then it should be done over more than just one site, by rather three or more, this would give a better average and allow the user to gain a far greater wide ranging result. It is a bit of a surprise to find that the Prius is way down in sixth place; maybe they just go direct to the dealer as they already know what they are looking for! Source [Automotive Blogger]

Ferrari

davidallen — Tue, 22 May 2007 07:29:44 +0000

Testa at auction

Ferrari

davidallen — Tue, 22 May 2007 07:30:53 +0000

Ferrari auction car

A Ferrari is sold for $9.3 million

davidallen — Tue, 22 May 2007 07:34:20 +0000

An auction of Ferrari memorabilia held at the Ferrari headquarters has seen a massive $50 million worth of Ferrari cars sold, one car a 1962 Ferrari 330 TRI LM Testa Rosa Spyder was sold to anonymous telephone (Hopefully not the same one who won the bidding for the â€œGeneral Leeâ€) paid â‚¬6,250,000 the final price being â‚¬6,875,000 ($9,252,375) after the auctioneers added their commissions. This make this car the most expensive Ferrari ever auctioned, but not the most expensive car, as that still belongs to the Bugatti 41 Royal Sports Coupe, which was sold way back in 1987 for $11 million!

There was of course many other products available some even had prices that us mere mortals could afford, well nearly! One lucky buyer had the good fortune to win the bidding for a set of ex F1 World Champion and Ferrari ace Michael Schumacher's fire proof underwear, the price â‚¬551 ($742), I wonder if that was one the current F1 drivers hoping to buy some lucky fire proofs! In contrast the same item but those of Felipe Massa was sold for â‚¬575 ($774).

Of all the items that are on the list, my favourite has to be the Lot 205, The 2006 Ferrari 248 Forumla One Grand Prix Racing Car, this sold for â‚¬1,650,000 ($2,221,795), it just seems incredible that someone can buy an ex F1 racing car, I mean what do you actually do with it? Source [Auto Blog] Auction [RM Auctions]

VW Golf

davidallen — Wed, 23 May 2007 06:55:36 +0000

W12-650

VW Golf

davidallen — Wed, 23 May 2007 06:56:36 +0000

W12-650

A faster Golf GTI

davidallen — Wed, 23 May 2007 06:58:09 +0000

The VW Golf has seen many changes over the years since it first hit the roads, the GTI version has always been the benchmark for all â€œHot Hatchesâ€ yet recently the designers appear to have been doing a of genetics engineering with the car, for the now is so far removed from the original that natural evolution just could not produce this car, there must have been some intervention somewhere along the line, but whatever the background to this miracle of automotive engineering, I love it!

This particular model, the VW Golf W12-650 is a one off concept car, so not surprisingly they have thrown everything that they can get into the design. Put your foot down and it will take you from 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, and just keep going until you reach 202 mph, how? This two seater car has the 6.0 liter engine directly out of the Phaeton, but because of the size, the rear seats needed to be removed and so the engine is in the rear.

The bodywork on this car is tailor made, and really does look like a Golf that has been on steroids or something, but whatever it looks like or whatever the emissions and so on, this car is just quite simply a fantastic machine that would be at home literally anywhere on any road, though it must be driven with care, one slim on the gas pedal and you could find yourself quickly shooting down the road, and no doubt being chased by the cops. Source [Auto Car]

speeding ticket

davidallen — Thu, 24 May 2007 06:33:33 +0000

top ten speed traps

speeding ticket

davidallen — Wed, 30 May 2007 07:37:57 +0000

It was not that long when Ford Europe announced that it would be building a new RS model, to the fans of RS this was a dream come true, ever sine the 70â€™s when the first RS models came online with the RS Mexico and the RS 2000 there has been a fan base that has waited to see and buy the latest model, despite the Escort being replaced in name by the Focus the spirit of RS has always been alive.

But now the dream appears to be over, Ford have decided that now is not the time to bring out a 300 bhp car, maybe it has something to do with the emissions thing that is grabbing the headlines or maybe there is something else that is holding them back, but whatever the reason, it is a very sad day for the fan of the RS. The only thing that can offer a glimmer of hope is the fact that there is a Focus Mk III due to come out in 2010, could they be holding off until then? Maybe they feel that by bringing a RS version of the Focus Mk II is pointless for only a couple of years, could it be that we will be seeing the RS badge on the bodywork of the Focus Mk III?

Whatever the case, there are growing concerns regarding cars that have a large bhp, some people want to see limitations to the amount of bhp available to a car, the point being that there is not much point in having a car with all that bhp, if you cannot use it, it is just a waste of fuel. Source [Car Blog]

LeMans

davidallen — Thu, 31 May 2007 08:26:27 +0000

LeMans

will bee — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 13:52:06 +0000

The USA Today recently released the first glimpse photo of the famous Mach 5 for the Speed Racer: Demon on Wheels movie. The car will be the corner stone for the latest Wachowski brothers (movie credits include: The Matrix, V for Vendetta) movie that will begin filming this summer. The Mach 5 may be pure fiction to some, but to many it represents the first object of Automotive Lust to thrill the imagination and drive the pursuit for speed. Â Â Although the Mach 5 will never be available for purchase in any showrooms, and will see more CGI work in the movie production than it will asphalt or concrete, the performance of this car in the movie will leave a seed planted deep in the child's mind of everyone who see's it. And it is there that the future of automotive design and engineering will sprout and flourish. Who knows? There are a number of small companies out there building street versions of the EleanorÂ modelÂ of theÂ '67 Shelby Mustang used in the Gone in 60 Seconds movie starring Nick Cage. Maybe a new market of niche builders will come out with a street version of the Mach 5. ...minus the dual circular saws emerging from underneath the nose of the car at the press ofÂ a button, of course.

All too Subaru

will bee — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 17:20:52 +0000

As the 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX reaches the showroom this summer the excitement of the sporty, all-wheel drive sedan (Subaru prefers we not refer to the car as a wagon anymore) continues to be subdued. From the onset in 2001 the WRX brand brought to market a mixture of a functioning wagon with sport-tuned acceleration and athletic handling. The 2008 version of the WRX does nothing but improve upon those intentions and that performance, yet still fails to improve upon the one overshadowing deficiency that has plagued the WRX line all these years: It is still a Subaru. Innovative or expressive styling has never been a trademark of the Subaru brand. They seem to have a notion of what their cars are and what they want them to be and that is what they stick to. But even with the groundwork of the Impreza residing beneath it the WRX could still do more to provide an aggressive or exciting facade to match the exilirating 244 hp engine that beats within. With zero to 60 times around 5.3 seconds, the impressive performance of this sleeper sedan may continue to go unnoticed by many still as it parks rather indistinguishably among its Impreza brethren.

Alternative Fuels in Demand; E85 Where are You?

will bee — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 16:31:59 +0000

With the demand of alternative fuels on the rise and a national desire to reduce our dependence on foreign oil why is the market still limping forward in making the available alternatives accessible? The flex fuel mixture of E85 has been around for over a decade and yet few states outside of the mid-west have more than 20 stations that carry it. On the West Coast that number drops down to fewer than 10 stations that sell E85. Those numbers are provided by fueleconomy.com where you can find local filling stations in each state that provide the E85 ethanol fuel option at the pump. As more Flex Fuel vehicles are built in the next year the number of filling stations that carry E85 should increase, assuming that the supply remains available. In the meantime though the only two states that are showing a readily available supply are Illinois and Minnesota. And for both states that supply alternative received state and local government support. As more ethanol refinaries begin production in the coming years and more farms turn to growing the crops necessary to produce ethanol Flex Fuels like E85 should become more readily available. In the meantime, if you have a Flex Fuel vehicle or are contemplating the purchase of one, go to www.fueleconomy.com and search for the E85 station nearest you.

Audi Races into the 2008 Model Year: the TT Coupe

will bee — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 16:39:31 +0000

Audi continues to impress with their remodel of the TT coupe and roadster, and the introduction of the S5 and R8in 2008. After proving their commitment to performance in the Le Mans racing circuit the past number of years Audi is continuing to press their successes forward on the street. The 2008 TT Coupe retains much of its characteristic shape and compact status while increasing its overall size. The baseline turbocharged 2.0 liter engine provides plenty of go at 2oo horsepower, but the 3.2 liter V-6, 250 horsepower engine when paired with the S tronic 6-speed transmission will propel this compact speedster in a zero to 60 in the mid 5 second range. With a sleeker aerodynamic design that is strategically designed to decrease the wind resistence ratio from the previous model the 2008 TT gives you the impression of high speed whether it is on the move or parked in your driveway. The interior of the 2008 TT is available with various cloth and leather packages, yet still maintains distinctive refinements expected in an Audi. With metal trim surrounds on the gauges, gear selector and air ports and the flat bottomed steering wheel that is a signature piece for Audi in 2008, the feeling of motion inspired by the TT's exterior extends deep into its well appointed cockpit. With their 2008 line-up Audi continues to surge forward. In the next post the newly added S5 model will take its place among Audi's elite.

The Future of Performance: Toyota's FT-HS Concept

will bee — Sun, 03 Jun 2007 15:14:11 +0000

When Toyota came out to the 2007 NAIAS in Detroit with their High Performance hybrid concept, the auspiciously dubbed FT-HS, the mouths of the environmentally concious horsepower junkies must have started to salivate. With some brave and aggressive styling the FT-HS immediately imbodies speed, but with the promise of a hybrid 400-hp engine Toyota is promising some real punch to make it fast. That acceleration of zero-to-60 in the 4 seconds range is supposed to be matched with the protential of 28 mpg. Unlike some of Toyota's high speed concepts of the past (1967's 2000GT and the 1990's 4500GT), The FT-HS has received the green-light for prodcution. The car is reported to be targeted for the 2009 model year. The question then is will the final production model fulfill the promise of the concept? At the International Auto Show in Detroit in January Toyota associated their hybrid concept with the $30,000 auot bracket. Is that a price package Toyota can truly deliver? Until the Toyota FT-HS becomes a reality the car and its hybrid engine are going to see a lot of coverage and conversation all over the in print and online. Can Toyota deliver? Time will tell. But until that time, let the speculation begin.

What Do You Think Of The Jaguar C-XF Concept Car?

Ryan — Sun, 03 Jun 2007 21:09:27 +0000

This Jag concept car was unveiled in January. At the time, I wasn't sure what I thought about it. But I think I'm mostly underwhelmed. Some of the interior features are nice, but in my opinion, the exterior is too derivative. A little too bulky too. It's good too see Jaguar moving forward with their designs, but I'm honestly not lusting after this sucker. What do you think?

Video of the Toyota FT-HS Hybrid Sports Concept Car

Ryan — Sun, 03 Jun 2007 21:15:34 +0000

In contrast to the Jag below, I'm pretty stoked about Toyota FT-HS that Brian discussed below. A performance hybrid? And check out the video! This is tactful, but original exterior design. Nice job. Can't wait to see her on the road. Here's a Toyota FT-HS on the show floor: And here's the stylized promo video that Toyota put out:

Video of Toyota Hybrid X Concept Car

Ryan — Sun, 03 Jun 2007 21:18:45 +0000

will bee — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 11:16:46 +0000

Lotus recently lent out their new 2-eleven roadster to MotorTrend magazine for a test drive. But just from a first impression of this car on the track begs the question: did they build a new roadster or the worlds fasted Go-kart? With a zero-to-60 time of 3.8 seconds and 252-horses galloping behind you in this rear-engine car you will be sure to turn heads. Just pack a cushion for your bum because it is going to be a bumpy ride. Not that i wouldn't mind a few laps in this lean machine myself. This is as close to a two-seater motorcycle as you might get. It is unlikely you will ever see this car on your commute to work, and there are few James Deans out there that would drive their race car to the track these days. However, with a full helmet so you are not eating bugs, this might be the ultimate road course car.

Roadster Aplenty: Dodge Demon Concept

will bee — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 14:10:52 +0000

At the Geneva Auto Show in March Dodge unveiled their Demon Roadster concept. Yet another two-seat roadster to possible consider in the coming year. Dodge has not announced any plans to put the Demon into production, but it certainly would be a nice lite addition to their beefier car lineup. In a recent test drive of the Dodge Demon Car and Driver gave the car very favorable marks in comparison to the Saturn Sky and the newly redesigned Mazda Miata.Â Both in style and in comfort the Demon may position itself in a closer competition with the Nissan 350Z; baseline engine ofcourse. Since this car is based off of the Crysler Crossfire's frame and with the recent sale of Crysler, we'll just have to wait and see what theÂ future holds for the mini-Demon on Wheels.

Shanghai Suprise: China's Glimpse at the Buick Riviera Concept

will bee — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 17:00:13 +0000

It would seem that it would take a cold day in Hates for a Buick to grace the digital domain of RideLust. In the past 20 years there has been only one Buick any style whatsoever to invoke some curiosity: the Buick Riviera.Â The last Riviera model to be released by Buick was no show stopper or red-light stalker, but it did possess some intriguing design in its shape. However, with Buick's recent reveal of the new Riviera concept car at the 2007 Shanghai Auto Show in China, there is more innovation on display than on all other current model Buick's combined. The Chinese market has become a real boon for the struggling Buick brand, while the average American buyer opts for brands with more pazazz (yep, I said "pazazz".). That could change if Buick finds a way to span that design crevasse they have found themselves on the wrong side of with the innovative Riviera. Space Age autos were at one time the norm at auto shows, and have in the past few decades become an often unapplicable description. The Buick Riviera concept seems to redefine if not reassert the term. Even the doors give me an odd Buck Rogers feeling, but in a good way. Even if the Buick Riviera is a long way from production (if it even gets that far), I hope to see a lot more news about this car in the coming months. If for no other reason than to believe that this aged Auto maker truly has a future. The Buick Riviera might certainly be the right platform upon which to focus that future.

Volkswagen gives its own R32 some Competition; the R36

will bee — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 00:55:20 +0000

As VW sends its 5,000 2008 R32's across the pond to the United States, Volkswagen has decided to one-up themselves by producing a faster R36. The R32 is essentially a GTI/Rabbit built on an All-Wheel drive platform with a reported 250-hp. This is the first return of the R32 with the redesigned GTI. The last model was released in 2004 and has appreciated nicely in the used auotmobile market. A low-mileage 2004 R32 can still fetch as much as $24-to-26,000. While the new VW R32 in will start around $32,500. Then comes the 2008 R36, which is similar to the R32 but with a stronger engine and upgraded brakes and suspension. Where the R32 is criticized by someÂ for being too civil, the R36 is engineered to thrust thru that civility while still giving the appearance of being just another GTI (yet anything but). Â However, before you get too excited. Chances are the R36 will not find its way across the Atlantic and into the USA for at least a year. With the rate at which the R32 is selling on the US market without any national marketing, an R36 may yet find its way on our freeways.

May Sets Records in Hybrid Searches

will bee — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 04:31:30 +0000

It was reported on Autobloggreen.com that hybrid auto searches reached record numbers in May on Cars.com. Surely the peak in gas prices that occurred in May had little to do with this, right? With three new Hybrids fresh on the market and high fuel prices souring the driving season a new hybrid would be a wonderful addition. There are tricks to seeking out the right hybrid for you and more research needs to be performed. Before you make your choice on a new hybrid research your choice on fueleconomy.com to determine the cars long term value, fuel economy and federal tax deduction. To read the complete article and to see the rankings by search click below: Searches for Hybrid Cars Skyrocket on Cars.com in May

cobalt SS

davidallen — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 07:14:17 +0000

cobalt SS Supercharged

cobalt SS

davidallen — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 07:15:10 +0000

cobalt SS Supercharged

Supercharged Cobalt cancelled by Chevy

davidallen — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 07:15:37 +0000

The Cobalt stable has been shaken up slightly with most of the changes effecting the sports versions of this little powerhouse.

The company has decided quietly to leave the supercharger off the Cobalt menu, meaning that for someone who wishes to drive a super fast small car will have to be happy with the Cobalt SS or as will be known as the Cobalt Sport.

However all is not lost for in 2008 there will be the all new Cobalt HHR SS, the natural replacement for the Cobalt SS Supercharged, there are quite a few changes to the range, so it is probably best to simply list them. Deletions * (21U) Laser Blue Metallic exterior color * (56U) Sunburst Orange Metallic exterior color * LTZ Sedan model * SS Supercharged Coupe model New Features * (37U) Imperial Blue Metallic exterior color * (39U) Blue Flash Metallic exterior color * (87U) Slate Metallic exterior color * (JL4) StabiliTrak stability control system * (NW9) Traction control * (ASD) Head-curtain side-impact air bag delete for Fleet and Government order types * (UE0) OnStar delete for Fleet and Government order types Changes * 1AM37 is now called Sport Coupe and the equipment group code is now 1SP * 1AM69 is now called Sport Sedan and the equipment group code is now 1SP * (TV5) Sport Package is now called Performance Appearance Package and is an available option on 2LT Coupe and 2LT Sedan. The 3LT Coupe and 3LT Sedan equipment groups are deleted. * (ASF) Head-curtain side-impact air bags are now standard on all models * (US8) AM/FM stereo with CD player and MP3 playback is now standard on all models * (U2K) XM Satellite Radio is now standard on all models * Instrument panel uppers are now Ebony on all models * LT Sedan with neutral interior now has wood grain trim Source [Auto Blog]

The Concours d'Elegance Rolls out the Phantom

will bee — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 11:23:07 +0000

At the Concours d'Elegance at Pebble Beach in California the Peterson Museum shared its 1925 Rolls-Royce Phantom I with the crowd of car affecianado's. The Phantom I is widely recognized for its innovative aerodynamics for its day and serves as inspiration still today. With its long teardrop fenders and port hole door the Phantom I holds its own even today against modern styling. Originally a convertible this Phantom was sent over to Belgium a few years after it was built where its current body was created by Jonckheere. Of all the cars that come and go this legend can never be forgotten. And with a mulit-million dollar price tag and remarkable shape, it can never be replaced.

Honda Pays Tribute to One if its Own with the S2000 CR

will bee — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 14:30:24 +0000

Despite Honda's popularity, owner loyalty, reliability, and tuner fame, it is a rare rare occasion for me dole any kind words about the Japanese auto maker. It is not that hold any grudge against them, but more an apathy with their design and utility. Growing up on Horsepower and American Muscle Cars an Asian Rice Burner is just a bitter bowl of Sake to swallow. However, when you read about a company paying tribute to one of their best R&D Engineers by producing his last labor of love with the company; you just have to respect that. The 2000 Honda S2000 CR is a clean track car that can also pull off the track and onto the street. It was designed by R&D Chief Engineer Shigeru Uehara, who gave Honda its start in performance design with the Acura NSX, Integra-R and the original S2000. The S2000 CR version of this Honda retains the basic shape and powerplant of the baseline S2000. The changes to the CR version are in the ground effects and in the suspension. Changes whose net results when tested proved to be a 2 second decrease in track lap times. Though a stiffer suspension on the street might be a dreaded miscalculation for the S2000, it is a welcomed component to a finely tuned track car. With its bold wing and agile reflexes the S2000 CR is a fine tribute to an honorable career. Although Honda will only produce 2000 of these they have already divulged that at a sale price of around $40,000 the company will be eating a loss on the car. Can anyone else name a major automaker that would willing take a loss to honor a most respected contributor? Source[CarandDriver]

Heelys Associated with Injuries in Pre-Teens

will bee — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 21:31:07 +0000

A recentÂ article on MSNBC.COMdiscussed the hazards to childrenÂ of shoes with the wheels in the heel. The most recognized brand of these shoes, Heelys, Inc.,Â have been linked to numerous injuries in young people around the world. Those injuries have ranged from the usual scrapes and bruisesÂ to broken bones and head contusions. To Heelys defense there is a warning sticker on their shoes that proper protection is encouraged, butÂ who heeds those things. Here are some questions to ponder: Are Heelys really any more dangerous than a bicycle or skateboard or trampoline? How many yearsÂ did it takeÂ from the invention of the bicycle for helmets to be a standard piece of equipment when riding? What would the impact be of applying those same safety precautions to Heelys? How many pre-teens are willing to be caught heelingÂ through the Mall with a Heeling Helmet and wrist and knee pads? Â As a mode of transportation the use of a Heely is right up there with the Razor Scooter. They are novel ideas that will come and goÂ just as other gimmicks and fashions. In the meantime parents need to educate themselves on what Heelys really are and the inherent hazards associated with them.Â Then maybe they shouldÂ contemplateÂ whether they want their child to be one of these Heelers running down innocent shoppersÂ at theÂ Target or Wal-MartÂ in their home town. Â Source[msnbc.com]

Saleen Supercharges the Ford F-150

will bee — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 03:00:18 +0000

Saleen resets the bar for super trucks with the supercharged Ford F-150 S331.Â Referred to by some within the company as Thunder, in contrast to the Ford Lightening, the S331's side port exhaust provides the "Wagnerian"melody whose crescendo is driven at the pedals. After the Saleen garage strips down to the rails the F-150 they receive from Ford, the S331 is rebuilt bigger, faster and nastier than any Ford production truck has ever been. In doing Saleen made sure to still leave room for plenty of the truck utility functions Ford guys have come to expect. Except now that 9500lb tow capacityÂ and 1350lbs of payload comes with a zero to 60 of 6.1 seconds. At a market price of $61k this may not be the pick-up you use to haul a load of gravel or manure to a job site. The fuel mileage for this super truck is not something that would make Al Gore proud. There is the chance however that the rumble surging through that side exhaust will provide you with enough of a grin to offset that fuel guilt for just a little while. Â Source[The truth about cars]

super snake

davidallen — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 08:06:49 +0000

super snake

Shelby Super Snake for Mustang

davidallen — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 08:07:56 +0000

Shelby is slightly changing its image, from a classic sports tuner to a modern day performance tuner and the introduction of the Super Snake GT500. Naturally you will have to already own or plan to buy a Ford Shelby GT500, if bought new then the price is going to be around $40,000 plus extras and you know that you always need extras, now you are ready for the Super Snake treatment the full list is available below.

But basically you are going to be getting an extra 125 bhp on top of the existing 600 bhp, thatâ€™s a Shelby supercharger working for you, which means you need the all important air intake vent, the Super Snake package is going to cost you an extra $28,000, so what do you get for your money? 2008 Shelby GT500 Super Snake Package Parts Performance Shelby Supercharger Upgrade 600- 725+ Cold Air intake Shelby/Baer 6 piston caliper bake system Shelby short throw shifter Shelby/Eibach coil over suspension Shelby/Eibach sway bars Borla cat-back exhaust system Exterior Shelby Super Snake Hood Carbon fiber front fascia splitter Carbon fiber mirror covers Carbon fiber rocker panels Shelby deck lid letter kit Super Snake badging on front grille and front fenders Sequential tail lights Super Snake striping Front brake duct kit Rear brake duct kit Interior CSM consecutively numbered dash plaque CSM consecutively numbered plaque in engine compartment Super Snake door sill plates with CSM number Light bar with solenoid activated brake light (Convertible) Shelby floor mats Aesthetic engine kit with billet fluid caps and dip stick handle Center gauge cluster with Auto meter Carroll Shelby Signature Carbon Fiber faced gauges (boost, fuel pressure, oil pressure) Aluminum Shelby map light accent Satin door lock knobs Tires and Wheels 20â€³ Shelby Alcoa wheels (bright silver finish 20X9 front 20X10 rear) Pirelli P-Zero Nero 255/35ZR20 front 275/35ZR20 rear So do you think that you can handle the Shelby Super Snake? Source [Auto Blog]

Aston Martin DBRS9 Wins Race on Bio-Fuel

will bee — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 13:06:24 +0000

For the first time in British racing history a bio-fueled race car runs away with the checkered flag. The Aston Martin DBRS9 driven by Lord Drayson and Johnny Cocker is the first bold statement to stab back at those critics of bio-fuels who claim a large loss in a cars performance with alternative fuels. If memory serves me correct the first fuel-injected cars in the US were available in the 1950's, and yet they did not see market wide useage until the 1980's. Is that to say that automotive technologies take time to develope? ..Crazy talk! So why do the critics of todays bio-fuels attempt to automatically condemn the use and research those bio-fuels are receiving today? The automotive market could absolutely stand a shake-up in the way cars are being produced today as bigger, faster and hungrier. And it is not as though the internal-combustion engine will be scrapped in the next 10 years when Hydrogen might be more prevelant beneath the hood of new cars. Lord Drayson may have summed it up best: â€œThis is not a one off, the car has been competitive all season, taking two pole positions and it now leads the championship. It goes to prove that running a car on bio-fuel doesnâ€™t mean any compromise in performance. I hope we can get this message across to motorists everywhere.â€ Source[newspress.co.uk]

2009 Cadillac CTS-V to receive a 600-horsepower transplant

will bee — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 15:26:57 +0000

With the looming 2009 model year GM plans to stay ahead of the curve (if not muscle right through it) with their 600-horsepower Cadillac CTS-V. In the 2007 CTS-V resides a very respectable 400-horsepower power-plant based on the current Corvette platform. So since GM has developed their new 7.0 liter LS7 Corvette engine it seems to make perfect sense to continue sharing the benefits with their Cadillac cousins. Cadillac may not share the sameÂ accouterments attributed to the BMW M3 and the Mercedez-Benz C63 AMG, so GMÂ may have decided to go another route.Â The CTS-V's mantra must be, "if youÂ can't join them, beat them to the finish and steal their cake." And who knows, maybe in 2009 the new Cadillac's will finally escape the abundance of plastics thatÂ rob the luxurious feel from most GM interior spaces. Thus allowing theÂ CTS-V to sit comfortably amongst their European classmates. Â But don't feel bad for the CTS-V. With 600-horses under the bonnet and upgrades to its suspension and brakes, the CTS-V will not suffer from any playground bullying.

The High Speed Rail Alternative Could Compliment Alternative Fuels

will bee — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 01:33:23 +0000

The discussion about alternative fuels has reached all corners of the globeÂ as all nations and the global economy are effected by the costs and means of transporting people and goods. In many facets of our lives we are new and retooled technologies are starting to reach the market place. These technologies areÂ intended toÂ assist us in lowering our individual environmental impact.Â WithÂ innovations in hybrid vehicles, continued research into alternative fuels, windmills and solar panels that harness natures energies into efficient electricity, to passive heating designs in Architecture; the discussions are definitely growing. So when and how will those discussions gel into a comprehensive strategy and plan toward action? Who will lead the way? For the United States of America the attention has danced around our thirst for oil and the effects of the global oil markets. In order to lessen our dependency on oil the proposal of fuel alternatives has picked up steam and seems to be making a slow and necessary crawl toward fruition. A number of ethanol refineries are in the works and a lot of research is being conducted on ways of improving ethanol's efficiency in our combustion engines. Bio-Diesel is another alternative fuel that is very slowly beginning to find its way to more filling stations across the country. Both Bio-Diesel and ethenol, when blended at some percentage with refined oil, reduce the emissions of a regular car or SUV and give the average driver some sense of doing something for the environment or against dangerous oil barrons or fundamentalist religions or whoever your target of frustration. However, the United States has failed to pursue any of the other familiar alternatives that some other nations have adopted: High Speed Rail. When the railroad first stretched from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific CoastÂ it was the elite means, and most efficient means, to transport people and goods across an ever expanding nation. But as automobiles and roads grew more readily available more people opted for the personal freedom of their car than to the steady clackity-clack of the rails. In those days fuel was cheap and the open road lie ahead. Now that cars are the rule of transportation rather than the alternative, and fuel is far from cheap and the roads are littered with SUV's and large trucks, maybe it is time again for the United States to unify for a more massive means of travel. High Speed Trains have been utilized in Japan and parts of Europe for decades now. Some of their first High Speed Trains are already in museums while newer, more efficient models zip their cargo along the country side. Today, as Turkey, Taiwan, Argentina and Mexico, are all moving forward with their plans for High Speed Rail lines. What is it about Americans and the American Government that stops us short of discussion the High Speed Alternative? Those states, such as Florida and California, who have dared to begin the research to begin the hopeful planning of a High Speed Rail system have all been mired by political bureaucracy, small budgets and a lack of voter urgency to demand progress. This is not a discussion of disbanding our Highways and eliminating cars from our lives (even I love my car too much to want that).Â It is merely about providing a logical, efficient and practical alternative to the transportation necessity thatÂ defines this vast nation. Sure the price to start from our current Railroad situation to where we would need to be is steep, but (as I have heard mentioned by others to rally support for other causes) so is the price of doing nothing. ...Something to think about. ...Something to talk about. Â Source[California Progress Report] Source[Florida High Speed Rail Overview]

segway

davidallen — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 06:46:32 +0000

police segway

segway

davidallen — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 06:47:28 +0000

police segway

Car thief caught by police on Segway

davidallen — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 06:48:48 +0000

Naturally when a car thief steals a Mercedes car you would expect if the alarm was raised early that there would be a police car chasing after them, but in Long Beach, the police have a weapon against these car thieves, the two wheeled battery powered Segway personal transporter, which has a top speed of just over 12 mph!

The Mercedes Benz car was stolen by three juveniles and was observed by Officer Jose Miguez as it left the car park of a Burger King restaurant, he then went into hot pursuit mode, following the car as it drove down the road, however the police was able to still keep them in sight as it accelerated away, but they decided that the best thing to do would be to leap out of the car and make their escape, the car left the road and ended up hitting a utility pole, which was probably a stroke of luck for the people walking on the sidewalk.

However Officer Miguez kept up his pursuit of the driver finally catching up with him a few minutes later, it turned out the driver was only thirteen years old, he later identified his partners in crime, who were also young teenagers, they have all been charged with juvenile delinquency. Could this be a classic example of the hare and tortoise? Source [Officer]

The Honda Accord Shakes the Hybrid, While Prius Sales Leap Ahead

will bee — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 11:40:48 +0000

With the rest of the automotive world talking hybrids, Honda is now saying what is old is new again. After some quiet time in R&D Honda is coming out with a new diesel engine for their Honda Accord in 2008. That diesel will be supplanting the Accord hybrid. With projected fuel consumption estimated to reach 50-60mpg it might seem a legitimate option as Americans seek out ways to decrease their carbon output and decrease their gas expense, but it does fly against the popular trend of hybrids in the market place. A pretty bold move by Honda as the Toyota Prius moved up to being the 6th most sold passenger car in the US for the month of May. This year the Toyota Prius hit 10 years old, and to celebrate its birthday Toyota has record numbers of them hitting the dealerships. It used to be you had to pre-order your Prius sight unseen and hope for an early delivery. Today you can actually head to a dealership and put your hands on one. And as the tax incentive on the Prius dwindles Toyota has started to chip in some of their own marketing money with a $2000 rebate. Â It will take a few years yet to see which company is betting on the right technology, if there is a right or wrong here. Maybe the most important thing is that the major automakers of the world are finally putting some real money into fuel efficient vehicles instead of engineered behemoths. Now if only one of these major corporations would put out a supercharged diesel sports car with 400-hp that gets 40mpg. ...Ahhh. Dream a little dream. Â Source[hybrid cars] Source[AutoBlog]

Will the Safe 2008 Ford Taurus Save Ford?

will bee — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 16:09:43 +0000

Ford is celebrating the return of the Taurus and Mercury SableÂ nameplates with record-setting scores in government crash safety tests. So now Ford will seek to capitalize on that moniker by marketing the TaurasÂ as the "Safest Car in America." Am I the only one here who recalls Fords results in making similar claims back in the 1950's? In another similarity to the "Safety" aspect of their marketing strategy is the complaints by some that the design of the Ford Taurus/Sable (which replaces in name more than design the Ford Five-Hundred) is too bland and indistinct. Back in the mid to late '50's Ford opted for safety and practicality in their cars versus the performance and attitude marketed by Chevy. The 2008 market is not necessarily being dazzled by the design of too many of either Ford or Chevy's automobiles, so maybe the Safety aspect will win them back some of the sedan sales they gave up in retiring the Taurus a couple years ago. However, I wouldn't be expecting a sudden boon in those sales as they face up against the stylish, redesigned Toyota Camry and the ever popular Honda Accord. Along with the Taurus and Sable release comes the new Taurus X; formerly known as the Freestyle. While some Ford fans may beÂ celebrating the return of these familiar Ford names, and may even be calling for the return of the FordÂ Galaxy (Henry, help us!), some warning signs should be flashing. WhenÂ an automaker has more in common with Sean, P-Diddy,Diddy, SeanJean, Combs than with the rest of the auto industry...Â well that can't be a good thing. Only the free market will tell us if the return of the Taurus and Sable will make all the difference for Ford in the years to come. Between the lackluster styling, the familiar names and the marketing strategy of Safety, what is old is truly new again for the Ford Motor Company. For the sake of all those employed by Ford and its subsidiaries, I truly hope there is Safety in the Taurus. Source[theTorqueReport] Source[AutoBlog]

carbon fiber

davidallen — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 06:49:59 +0000

carbon fiber shortage

carbon fiber

davidallen — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 06:51:43 +0000

carbon fiber shortage

Carbon Fiber price goes through the roof

davidallen — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 06:52:27 +0000

Strange as it may sound there is an apparent shortage of the spectacular product that is both strong and very light, carbon fiber!

We see that this product is used for the bodywork of many cars involved in motor sport due to is versatile nature, as it starts off like a fabric which can be cut and then molded into more or less whatever shape the designers need, this can be the parts of the body work that you can see and other parts like suspensions arms etc, but this has now moved on and can be found in road cars too, this has created a demand for the product but not enough to create a shortage.

The main culprits for the shortage is the aero industry, with two major players Boeing and Airbus who are both trying to compete for the large airliner market with their new planes the Boeing 787 and the Airbus A350, both these aircraft require a significant amount of carbon fiber, thus have created the shortage and subsequent price rise from $5 per pound up to $20 per pound, this price increase is going to effect prices across the board, with some auto makers having to increase their prices in order to make the price adjustment.

But there is one group within the auto industry who will be hit very hard, the car owners who love to modify their cars with spoilers, hoods and other performance parts, these will be in short supply and therefore it will naturally follow that prices will increase further. Source [Auto Blog]

The Mazda 2 may lead to an all new Fiesta

will bee — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 13:49:38 +0000

On the Auto Show circuit this year Mazda unveiled their Mazda 2. While the term sub-compact seems to be auspiciously absent in any press releases or coverage on the Mazda 2 its size and shape seems to harken back to some cars that were at one time the darlings of fuel efficiency. Instead of being calledÂ a sub-compact marketing strategists are prefering to call them B-cars. Where those cars left off the new Mazda 2 begins anew and with more style than any of the cars from yester-year. If any comparison could be applied to the Mazda 2 it would be to refer to it as a shrunken CX-7 or a shortened Mazda 3; which by some views would be a respectible comparison. As the Mazda 2 looks to face up against the Toyota Yaris and the Honda Fit another in-house competitor is expected to reach the market in 2009 with an all too familiar name. Ford is working on producing a new Fiesta that will share the same platform as the Mazda 2. Automakers obviously see a market for these B-cars as the same fuel efficiency concerns that ushered in the sub-compact market return as a driving force. But it might require some very interesting retooling for the Fiesta to fight its way amongst the competition. As the photo of a concept Ford Fiesta shows above, they just Â might just have something to work with here. It might not be your dads old Fiesta, but wouldn't that be a good thing?

Plants Growing Green

will bee — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 16:34:20 +0000

To the many out there who may not have a Green Thump but do have a Green Conscience there resides a glimmer of hope in the automotive manufacturing process where Green is Growing. There are companies like Ford and Nissan that are making strides in cleaning up the processes by which and the locations in which they work. They may not be at the point of zero impact (is that really a viable notion?) but they do have their sights set on Greener pastures. Ford has been hard at work in utilizing cleaner resources than have traditionally been associated with manufacturing. Those cleaner resources extend from solar power at their Dearborn plant, to passive cooling and natural grass roof tops at their Rouge plant. And now their latest plant to receive Green recognition is the Ford Dagenham's plant East of London. The Dagenham plant is the home of the new European diesel engines and they have gone beyond the cosmetics of Green in their production. The oils used in production at the plant are Bio-based as opposed to mineral, metal wastes are cleaned and sold for recycling and the Dagenham plant is the first Ford plant to be wind-powered. NissanÂ is taking stepsÂ in reducing its carbon emissions in Spain with the installation of solar panels on a couple ofÂ its manufacturingÂ plants. The Barcelona plant will be sportingÂ 606 solar panels across its surface. Electricity will come from the majority of those panels, while the remaining will be thermal panels used to heat water.Â Nissan will also be placing solar panels on their Avila,Â SpainÂ plant in the coming year. Going Green is going GlobalÂ as these manufacturers areÂ demonstrative evidence.Â Â Source[AutoBlogGreen] Source[EnvironmentalLeader]

The 2005 Holden Efijy Revisited

will bee — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 17:12:26 +0000

In 2005 the Holden Company out of Australia shared its Efijy concept car with the attendants of the NAIAS in Detroit. While the car was never meant to reach the production stage its classic cues and sleek physique sure makes you wish it was. With a 6.0 Corvette V8 under the hood and modern amenities in the cabin, the Efijy is one retro beast with present day charisma. The only regret in allowing this car to pass you on the highway would be that you might lose sight of it as it cruises down the road. However, that is oneÂ back-end you would not forget as it pulled away. Despite the unwillingness of any major automaker to produce a car with such exquisite lines, or their inability to imagine a profit from its production, these are the carsÂ from which dreams are made. Source[TechBlog]

Transformers Unleashed on the Big Screen and Gaming World

will bee — Sun, 10 Jun 2007 22:36:33 +0000

As if the movie trailors have not done enough to excite anyone who grew up with the Transformers in the 80's they are now reaching out to a new market: the Gamer. This summer a Transformers video game will be released for most game consoles. Here is a look at the latest trailor for the game: There may still not be too any cars on the road that transform into robots (that we KNOW of), but this game may provide for those who wish there were a taste of what it might be like. Ofcourse, if there are ever Transforming cars on the road I sure hope they are a little less violent. For those who have not seen any yet, here is a trailor for the Transformers movie set for release on July 3rd:

landspeeder

davidallen — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 06:39:33 +0000

Landspeeder from Star Wars

Luke's land speeder found in car pound

davidallen — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 06:40:19 +0000

Yes it is totally true; a land speeder has been spotted in a police car pound in Cedar Grove, Florida. The high performance vehicle whose owners have included Coca Cola and one Luke Skywalker, which is a strange combination but you know how it goes.

The vehicle dates back to the 1980â€™s (Earth Time) and was originally built for the famous soft drink firm Coca Cola as a promotional vehicle for the product. It is built onto a VW chassis and engine, when the vehicle was being used it was called Coke One! It is believed that during the 1980â€™s the vehicle disappeared from public view, which must have been when Luke Skywalker was using it! But suddenly reappeared during 1995, it was at that time when it was actually donated to the Cedar Grove Police Dept, where it has remained ever since. The local Police Chief Guy Turcotte is planning on getting the land speeder to work again, the body is an ok condition and the engine needs a little work on it to get it working again. Once the car is fully operational it will be put up for auction, and seeing how other famous movie vehicles are doing at auction, there probably will not be a better time to get a great price for this famous vehicle. Source [Auto Blog]

honda

davidallen — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 07:13:05 +0000

honda civic

ikea

davidallen — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 07:14:29 +0000

ikea

Chrysler's Confessions of Flops Not Meant for Public Consumption

will bee — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 11:30:51 +0000

On Friday, June 6th, The Detroit News printed a story concerning an internal Question and Answer session between a small group within theÂ Chrysler CorporationÂ and the Corporate Chiefs. The Q&A session was intended to respond to the disquiet among employees overÂ Chrysler's current products and their harsh reviews by Consumer Reports and other auto professionals. The results of the session were some strong criticisms and confessions from the top and a plan for some vital changes. When questioned directly about the poor performance of the new 2007 models, particularly the Sebring and Dodge Nitro, Bob Lee, head of power train engineering, wrote that they had "missed where the market was to end up versus our projections."Â Â Lee also noted that the CEO's of Chrysler were "quite upset" with performance and miscalculations of their new cars. Jose Valcourt of The Detroit NewsÂ summedÂ it up this way: "Chrysler underestimated competitors, set standards too low in some areas and was not where it needed to be in areas such as fuel economy, interior quality, and limiting noise and vibration." In response to all the unflattering critiques of the new cars for 2007 Chrysler has devised a plan of action. One of the actions to take place will be the hiring of ASI Consulting Group to work with them on improving their design in regards to the customers needs. Chrysler also vowed to alter the strategies by which they gauge the market and their competitors plans for the coming years. Their concern is how much the missed the mark in their expectations for the other auto makers releases of this year. In terms of fuel efficiency, interior quality and their response to customer complaints Chrysler has lagged behind their automotive counterparts. If it were not for a few redesigns that hit-the-mark, like the new Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler were be heading for another rocky year. Â It seems the traditional Big Three of the Automotive Industry have been playing follow the leader in a pitch dark warehouse for so long they may have forgotten they were designing cars for the Consumer. How they have remained ignorant of the needs of improved fuel efficiency or what those needs areÂ is beyond comprehension. Only time will tell if their renewed Commitment to Excellence brings Chrysler back from the brink as Lee Iacocca did decades ago. Â Source[TheDetroitNews]

BP looks to soften their Big Oil image with new commercials

will bee — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 13:51:38 +0000

Has anyone else seen the new BP Commercials on tv lately? Nothing rebuilds a questionable image like cartoons and a catchy jingle. Advertising agencies and major corporations have been using cute animation and a catchy toon to hook the buying populace on their products since television began. Before television there was Radio. Before radio there was... well let's stick with the History from the past 100 years for now. Let us take a look at some other tasty cartoon pitchmen. While some plugs are quite frowned upon in todays culture... Others cartoon pitchmen still have a favorable connotation associated to them... The Cartoon pitchman and the use of Jingles are storied and very rememberable, which is why they are so often used. When in times of trouble (like a federal audit, being pulled over for speeding, caught cheating on a spouse) just try a catchy jingle and make a cartoon face and watch as they melt into an adoring consumer to what you are selling.

Porche says No Thanks to the Detroit Auto Show

will bee — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 19:05:35 +0000

The North American branch of Porsche announced today that they would be skipping the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan in 2009. Vice President of Marketing, David Pryor, explained that Porsche would instead be focusing their marketing on areas in which they recorded the majority of their sales in the past year. So by refocusing their attention on their current customer base Porsche North American, Inc will only be taking their displays to the major auto shows in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami and Toronto. Thus, Porsche will be attending all the major shows in the USA except Detroit. In making this decision to sit out the 2008 NAIAS in Detroit Porsche has given up their prime space in the Cobo Arena and thus opted to sit-out the season opener of the Auto Show season. Source[PureGreenCars]

hybrid

davidallen — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 06:35:35 +0000

mercedes hybrid

hybrid

davidallen — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 06:36:49 +0000

mercedes hybrid

Frankfurt to see Bluetec Mercedes

davidallen — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 06:38:18 +0000

With an increase in hybrid technology being introduced into the luxury car market, it seems that everyone wants to get onto the band wagon. Following in the footsteps of Lexus, and Honda, German luxury car maker Mercedes Benz has now decided to create their first hybrid vehicle, now you would assume that this would be in the lower models such as the A class, but no, Mercedes Benz has pulled out all the stops and are poised to launch the Mercedes S Class Diesel Hybrid.

Built in partnership with GM, BMW and Daimler Chrysler, the new Hybrid will be ready for the Frankfurt Auto Show later on in the year. Of course the details are at best a bit sketchy, but they did have the Bluetec hybrid on show a while ago, which was powered by the 3.2 liter turbo diesel V6 engine, this is an obvious choice for the power plant, but you can never tell.

This is a very bold move for Mercedes but one that could pay off very well for them, as the market for hybrid luxury performance cars is growing as there is an image of being eco friendly while driving around in such a high end car. The Frankfurt Auto Show will be the first that we will officially see the new car, but no doubt the spy cameras will be camped out around the Nurburgring waiting to get the shots. Source [Cars]

The IIHS Releases Convertible Crash Ratings for 2007

will bee — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 11:45:05 +0000

The Insurance InstituteÂ for Highway Safety released its results from testing it did on America's 10 top selling convertibles. While a history of safety may make the top picks on the list appear obvious it was the poor crash testÂ performanceÂ of a couple of the intrants that is alarming. The Volvo C70 and the Saab 9-3 Convertibles tied for the highest ratings in the IIHS crash results. They both received the Good ratings in front and side crash results, but really stood out from the rest of the field in rear crash protection. Out of the 10 car line-up the Volvo and Saab convertibles were the only cars whose seats were properly designed to lessen the effects of whiplash in an accident. The other 8 cars received marginal test results in rear crash largely because of potential neck injuries. The biggest losers in the pack were the BMW 3-series and the Pontiac G6 convertibles. The G6 was the only car in the field to receive a marginal score in both side and rear impact testing. In both frontal and side crash testing the driver-dummy suffered serious head injuries that could prove fatal in an actual crash. Both the G6 and the BMW 3-series convertibles were disappointments to the IIHS because both cars are new models. Of all the cars on the list the BMW comes in with the highest sticker price. To cost so much while providing such marginal protection seems to steal away the old adage, "you get what you pay for." Click hereto view the IIHS summary for their Convertible Crash Testing. While you are there you can go on to search for your car to see how it fairs in IIHS Crash Tests.

Diesel Cars Returning to the US Market

will bee — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 14:31:50 +0000

Just as "video killed the radio star," cheap gasoline in the 1980's and 90's killed diesel engines in the cars of the American market. While emissions limitations still made headlines in the larger cities, fuel efficiency and the economy of size took a back seat to horsepower and cup holder/occupancy capacity. Gone were the Fiesta's and in were the Excursions. As fuel prices are now reaching all new highs so are the interests in gas mileage and emissions. Which makes it an ideal market place for the return of a highly efficient, low emissions diesel engine.

AlthoughÂ todays diesel engines are not that much further ahead in fuel efficiency from the old ones, they far exceed them in clean burning and emissions. The new diesels do not share the rattles, shakes and plumes of black smoke that the diesels we are still familiar with did. That is thanks in a large part to a European market that remained thirsty for the diesel engine while the American car market grew fat on cheap gas. With a strong demand leading the way many of the major automakers were still investing money into the research and development of better diesel engines. Thus bringing the diesel engine to its strongest point yet and primed for a re-emergence on the American car market. While the VW TDIÂ engines have been in use in the GTI, Beetle and Jetta for years (if not decades), both Ford and Mercedez-Benz have been working on improving upon their diesels for expansions into the American market . Even AudiÂ is looking to break into the diesel engine market after their success with their diesel racing engine at Sebring this year. And just recently Honda announced that it will no longer be making an Accord hybrid for the American market. To replace the hybrid Honda will be releasing in 2008 the Accord Diesel. Also debuting on the market in 2008 will be a Volvo XC70 with a diesel engine.Â As alternative fuels, bio-diesel and fuel efficiency grow predominately in the minds of some famous musicians and the American car buyers it now seems that diesels are poised to compete with the hybrid motors for their share of the automotive pie. The only concerns remaining will be whether tougher emissions regulations will bench the diesel engines before they begin and whether bio-diesel fuels will be in plentiful supply (not that bio-diesels are required for diesels approaching the market, but they do help to Green up the imagine even more). Ofcourse the biggest question mark for the diesel market will be whether or not enough American consumers will buy into diesel in the coming years.

mini

davidallen — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 06:56:45 +0000

mini record

mini

davidallen — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 06:57:32 +0000

mini record

A mini record

davidallen — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 06:57:59 +0000

Minis of all ages, shapes and sizes broke a record at Virginia Beach. The record for the longest continuous line of minis being driven along a set the road was 269, this took place in the UK last year, a record that it would appear to be very hard to beat, considering the amount of space needed and the cars to get all together in one place, but of when you are talking about space then clearly the States is the place to break a record like that.

Which is exactly what has been done, 273 minis turned up at the famous Virginia Beach to begin their journey, the site must have been incredible if you can just imagine the site of that amount of minis in a continuous line driving along a single stretch of road.

The line of minis started to move in formation at one oâ€™clock and the last mini did not get to move until two hours later, imagine a line of traffic going past your house for that amount of time, just awesome. The journey was forty minutes which meant in total that the line of cars stretched out over 5.8 miles and thus breaking the world record for the longest convoy of minis. So the mini record should become a world record when the details are confirmed by the people at Guinness World Record HQ in London. Source [Auto Blog]

From Pond Goo to Alternative Fuel: Algae the Diesel of Tomorrow?

will bee — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 11:26:47 +0000

The news of algae as a potential source for bio-fuels broke in 2006 and then again earlier this year. As the cost prohibitive and resource draining processes of coal-to-liquid fuel and corn-to-ethanol have reached long discussions on the national bureaucratic scene, algae-to-fuel has received its push toward market efficacy in the private sector. A lot of time has been spent on this site discussing alternative fuels, hybrids and other forums of fuel efficiency and restrained pollutants. It doesn't seem likely that the topic will end here, either.Â Two small corporations are spearheading the push for this fuel source: Solix out of Ft. Collins, Colorado and GreenFuel Technologies Corporation out of Cambridge, Massachusetts. Both companies have developed prototype algae farms in cooperation with other industries. Solix has joined forces with the sustainability conscious New Belgium Brewery Company of Ft. Collins and GreenFuel is collaborating with NRG Energy Inc and their Big Cajun coal burning power plant in New Roads, Louisiana. The algae farms will be redirecting the off-gassing CO2 from their respective industry associate into their contained algae farms. Overnight the algae will feed and grow where it can be harvested almost daily for its oils. The genius of the Algae farm approach is that it captures the CO2 emissions that are already being produced by most industrial complexes. The algae feed on the CO2, thus preventing the excesses gases from harming the environment. Since the Industrial workings are already in place (thank you, Industrial Revolution) and since the redirection of the CO2 emissions from those facilaties does not require any expensive retrofitting on site, it would seem logical (for both the environmentally conscience and the big business conservative) that algae farms might be the simple solution to a very complex and vexing problem. Now they just have to prove that this cottage industry is a viable and affordable decision.Â When the U.S. Department of Energy's Aquatic Species Program completed its 18 years of research in 1996 it was deemed that the conversion of of algae to fuel was cost-inhibitive and could not compete against the low fuel prices of the 1990's. Concerns about the environmental impact of the fossil fuels we were consuming then were still not in the mainstream subconscious, but as always would probably still play second fiddle to cheap yet polluting fossil fuels. Plus they were still relying on outdoor open ponds for their source of the algae for conversion. By partnering with Carbon producing industries and while the wave of concern over the sustainability of life of this planet is high, Algae as an alternative energy source may beÂ sneaking to the fore front just in time (just without the fanfare and bureaucratic backing of Coal-to-liquid fuels). The other benefits of the conversion of Algae to fuel are also appealing. In a fraction of the space required to grow other crops, such as corn, sugarcane, palm and soy, algae can be harvested day after day in one small area. Plus in the conversion process the byproducts that result can be used for other bio-friendly purposes. The proteins leftover from the processing of algae into fuel can be turned into feed for grazing animals; unlike the results of using corn and soy for ethanol which depletes those food sources for man and animal alike. This does not mean that research and development should be stopped on all ethanol refinaries that plan to use those crops. But such bio-refinaries could be facing some staunch competition from an energy producer that can recycle its own emissions and the carbon emissions of others to further feed its energy supply. In the next post in this two part seriesÂ I will examine algae farms and why other industrial recycling should be just as much a part of the Organizations of Industries as their final products are. Source[PopularMechanics] Source[Solix] Source[NewBelgiumBrewery] Source[NRG Energy Inc and GreenFuels Technology Corp]

techart magnum

davidallen — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 07:34:12 +0000

porsche and techart

techart magnum

davidallen — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 07:35:00 +0000

porsche and techart

The new Techart Magnum Porsche Cayenne

davidallen — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 07:35:29 +0000

The undisputed best SUV on the market is to get the TechArt treatment in time for the Frankfurt Motor Show later in the year. TechArt will be offering the individualization program to buyers of the high performance car, who will be able to choose what refinements they will be needing to suit their way of life and driving needs. Options will include a manifold choice and two new engine performance kits, which will provide the car with an additional 120 bhp for the car.

To cope with the power there is a new improved braking system, that has been especially developed with six piston brake calipers with the 405/38 mm brake disks on the front and the rear has 365/28 mm disks with a four piston caliper. As expected with any TechArt enhancement there is there usual option for the famous air suspension, trims for the front and rear lights, twenty two inch wheels, and a super new exhaust system which can offer sports mode.

The TechArt treatment does not stop there though, there are some interior options too, like the special option of the interior design house â€œde Sede of Switzerlandâ€ which will clearly make your car exclusive, and probably cost a fortune too. This car will be on display at the Frankfurt Motor Show hopefully! With the car being available a short time afterwards. Source [Zer Customs]

The VW R GTI Concept: Design that Moves

will bee — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 15:07:58 +0000

Whether it is design, street credibility or the promise of a good drive the VW GTI models continue to bite at my natural Pony car tendencies. Volkswagen seems to be constantly testing the possibilities with their GTI variants. With models like the VR6, R32, R36 and the Golf W12-650 concept, finding another GTI concept to wettin' the appetite is further evidence that (as David Allen put it here) VW truly is doing some "genetics engineering" in their design department. This next VW concept is being called the R GTI and it truly is a street racing machine straight out of the labratory (not that we encourage street racing... noo...). Take a look at the video below and see what we mean. With the rollercoaster design of the the backseats to the widened snout and racing graphics, the R GTI looks to be a thrill-ride from the word go.

free gas

davidallen — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 07:51:38 +0000

drivers gets free gas

allstate

davidallen — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 07:52:39 +0000

offers free gas

Free gas for drivers in Warren, MI

davidallen — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 07:53:24 +0000

You know its not that often when you get the opportunity to mention that somewhere is giving away something useful let alone something that people especially drivers actually want. Yet here we are talking about a place in the states where ordinary drivers can just pull into a service station and get some free gas, yes, that is what I said, free gas!

Where is this place? I can hear you shouting already, well only if you are lucky enough to live in Warren, MI, where the Insurance company Allstate is rewarding the area for having improved its ranking in the list of safe drivers, Allstate made a study of their records covering the whole of the states and found that the drivers of Warren had increased the length of time between claiming on their insurance for accident damage by around two and half years, this takes the areas average to around 13 years between claims, which is pretty good. So as a reward the insurance company have made a provision for $20,000 worth of free fuel to be offered to all residents of Warren at a few selected service stations, drivers will be allowed to claim their 10 gallons worth of free gas by just driving into the service station.

However there are going to be quite a few other drivers heading in the same direction, police have even been directing traffic to the Fast Track Gas Station at 13 Mile and Mound. Well done to them and keep up the safe driving! Source [Jalopnik]

LeMans

davidallen — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 06:37:11 +0000

Great race

LeMans

davidallen — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 06:38:02 +0000

Audi Win Again

No Change at LeMans

davidallen — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 06:38:53 +0000

If we were to go on what was happening and qualifying and the practices runs for the world famous LeMans 24 Hour race in France, we could have been fooled into thinking that the Audi who have dominated the race since the year 2000, would be looking at a real threat from French car maker Peugeot.

The Peugeot 908 has got some serious speed built into it, which is what made everyone believe that this year would see the Audiâ€™s struggle, yet the race was influenced by some poor weather conditions, which saw one of the Audiâ€™s hit the barrier due to the rain and the other lost a wheel, the race should have been Peugeots for the taking, but one of the two cars had to stop due to a problem with oil pressure.

Finally as the race began to wind down, it was clear that the one remaining Audi being run by Audi Sport North America and that has been driven superbly by Pirro, Werner and Biela was on the road to victory and actually as the clock counted down was in fact over ten laps ahead of the chasing Peugeot. 24 Hours of Le Mans results (Top Ten) : Pos.- # - Class - Drivers - Team - Car - Laps: 1. 1 LMP1 Biela, Pirro, Werner Audi Sport North America Audi R10 TDI 369 2. 8 LMP1 Sarrazin, Lamy, Bourdais Team Peugeot Total Peugeot 908 359 3. 16 LMP1 Collard, Boullion, Dumas Pescarolo Sport Pescarolo-Judd 01 357 4. 18 LMP1 Short, Barbosa, Hall Rollcentre Racing Pescarolo-Judd 01 347 5. 009 LMGT1 Turner, Brabham, Rydell Team Aston Martin Racing Aston Martin DBR9 342 6. 63 LMGT1 Fellows, O'Connell, Magnussen Team Corvette Racing Corvette C6-R 6:08.031 7. 008 LMGT1 Bouchut, Gollin, Elgaard AMR Larbre Competition Aston Martin DBR9 341 8. 15 LMP1 Charouz, Yoong, Mucke Charouz Racing System Lola-Judd B07-17 337 9. 007 LMGT1 Herbert, Enge, Kox Team Aston Martin Racing Aston Martin DBR9 1:46.406 10. 54 LMGT1 Prost, Groppi, Belloc Team Oreca Saleen S7R 336 In all, the race had no shocks and defiantly no surprises, how long can the Audi domination of the race continue? Source [Auto Blog]

The New Jeep Wrangler to get the Startech Treatment

will bee — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 16:39:41 +0000

The new model of the 2007 Jeep Wrangler is receiving the special taylor session with the design guru's at Startech. Those people who specialize in taking the best designs of the Chyrsler Corporation and dressing them up in a fit and finish that might best be described as European Dignafied. As Reported on SeriousWheel the new Jeep Wrangler will receiving many of the familiar accessories that Startech is recognized for. There will be lighter alloy wheels, sturdy tubular rocker panels for both the short and long wheelbase, and a number of polished stainless steel accessories on both the interior and exterior of the vehicle. But the one addition to the Jeep Wrangler that will be most intruiging when Startech is through with the design will be the availability of a Diesel engine. Jeep unvailed aÂ sweet Diesel version of their Rubicon model that may have been designed specifically to compete against the Hummer H2 and H3, but in reality more resembles a Dodge PowerWagon from decades past. The hope is that with a turbocharged Diesel Jeep can provide a strong torqued, fuel efficient alternative engine to their super-consuming gasoline engines. So there will be a close watch on the Startech 2.8 liter common-rail turbodiesel engine and how it performs in the Jeep Wrangler. Startech cars and accessories are available for import through their website and an authorized importer. Check out their website to see some of the other Chrysler vehicles in the Startech line-up.

9ff Porsche

davidallen — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 06:55:25 +0000

9ff Porsche nearly there

9ff

davidallen — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 06:58:03 +0000

9ff factory

9ff Porsche GT9 getting closer

davidallen — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 06:59:01 +0000

The Porsche 911 GT3 being developed by German performance car tuners 9ff, is said to be getting closer to the finish line of its development, this car is being developed for one reason and one reason only, take on the top speed of the Buggati Veyron. In case there is anyone who does not know what the speed is, this is it 407 km per hour, a huge task indeed, or is it?

9ff the small team of mechanics based in Dortmund, Germany, are working hard on the Porsche 911 GT3 and apparently even have an interested party who is willing to pay up the 476,000 euros which is the asking for this car, although it is believe that the Arab gentleman is only willing to pay up, if and when the car touches the magical 407 km per hour. The car, which started off as a Porsche 911 GT3 has been virtually stripped down to the bare minimum of what, is needed, in some cases parts have been replaced by carbon fiber parts and it is believed that there is some wood thrown in for good measure. While the body has been widened by thirty centimeters and has been lowered by twelve centimeters.

9ff will be building just twenty of these cars, which amounts to a nice pile of cash. However we have to wonder when the first one will be seen on the internet either touching the 400 plus kph or looking like it has just come out of the car crusher. Source [Zer Customs]

GM is forcasting some new shades of Green for future Hummers

will bee — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 17:15:59 +0000

In a recent announcement GM has with brief detail exposed their plans to Green-up the image of the Hummer. While there seemed to have been some minor efforts before (can the H3 really be considered an effort? it's smaller, right?), the new plans by GM do not really seem to be much of a breakthrough. Since its release for general consumption the Hummer brand has had a reputation as a tough utility machine. Where as a Prius is built as an energy miser, the Hummer is designed to conquer both the road and the landscape. And as any conquering force must, the Hummer consumes vast amounts of energy to achieve its mission. However, when the image of the conquerer is faced up against a market of energy misers it might be time to try to blend in.Â ...just a little bit. Therefore GM has decided to camouflage their Conquering utility Tonka with a little badge of Green. In 2009 GM has announced that the Hummer H2 engines will be able to run on E85 fuel.Â The same E85 alternativeÂ will also be available in 2010Â for the H3 and the yet to be released H4 models. Then in the year 2011 GM will be making a diesel engine available for the Hummer line-up. So while GM may not be making any efforts to curb the actual consumption of energy in their HummerÂ engines they are hoping to at least get credit for converting to Green Fuels. For further details on the Green initiatives for GM's future Hummers check out the following sources: Source[egmcartech] Source[TheTorqueReport]

RideLust's Massive Demotivational Poster Gallery Version 2.0 Page 2

Chris — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 20:53:06 +0000

CLICK HERE FOR PAGE 3

The Chrysler Sale Passes Inspection

will bee — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 20:56:36 +0000

Federal Anti-Trust regulators announced today there approval of the sale of the Chrysler Corp to Cerberus Capital Management. TheÂ announcement came ahead of the 30-day period theÂ Federal TradeÂ CommissionÂ is alloted to make these decisions. The $7 Billion purchase from DaimlerChrysler is scheduled to conclude some time in the third quarter. Source[Detroit News]

vatican

davidallen — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 06:26:55 +0000

issues car rules

Vatican issues commandments for drivers

davidallen — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 06:27:19 +0000

It looks like the Vatican are bringing themselves up to date, by issuing what has been known as the â€œGuidelines for the Pastoral Care of the Roadâ€ or as some people as inevitably named it â€œThe Vaticanâ€™s Ten Commandments for Driversâ€ whatever the title it does address issues that are relevant to today, unlike many other things. Hopefully people will look at these words and think about how they drive and maybe do something about the issues contained.

So what are these commandments? The Vatican's Ten Commandments for drivers: 1. You shall not kill. 2. The road shall be for you a means of communion between people and not of mortal harm. 3. Courtesy, uprightness and prudence will help you deal with unforeseen events. 4. Be charitable and help your neighbor in need, especially victims of accidents. 5. Cars shall not be for you an expression of power and domination, and an occasion of sin. 6. Charitably convince the young and not so young not to drive when they are not in a fitting condition to do so. 7. Support the families of accident victims. 8. Bring guilty motorists and their victims together, at the appropriate time, so that they can undergo the liberating experience of forgiveness. 9. On the road, protect the more vulnerable party. 10. Feel responsible toward others. The reason why the Vatican has issued this document is because â€œDriving has become such a big part of contemporary lifeâ€ said Cardinal Renato Martino. But you can see why this has come at this time, for the World Health Organization estimates that around 1.2 million people are killed and 50 million people are injured every year in traffic accidents, figures worth thinking about. Source [Freep]

Car & Driver Tackles the Goat or Flaming Chicken Debate

will bee — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 13:35:55 +0000

With the new Chevy Camaro shifting from concept to production car many muscle car maniacs who's hearts desire resides within the GM moniker are questioning when their beloved GTO or Firebird will be receiving its classic re-envisioning? That is what Car & Driver is being asked by their readers and that is the question Car & Driver put to the voice-boxes at GM. Upon the critical and public success of the new Camaro redesign the decision makers at GM are busy crunching the numbers over the feasibility of affording two sport coupes in their corral. From the report in Car & Driver it seems unlikely that GM will jump at the chance to do both a Firebird and a GTO while at the same time producing the Camaro.Â SinceÂ GM's presidents claim that global auto body sharing is a thing of the past you are not going to see a Firebird massaged out of the same mold as the new Camaro.Â While aÂ logical reason for choosingÂ to redo theÂ GTO is that GM would get the chance to make up for the non-Exciting stylings of their last attempt. Even though the Australian imported Pontiac GTO has impressive street performance in comparison to the Ford Mustang, it pales in comparison stylistically (it is important to have both substance And style... or so I've been told). Whichever way GM goes they are certain to receive plenty of feedback from their loyal followers. Source[Car&Driver]

gear shift

davidallen — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 06:45:06 +0000

manual gear shift

gear shift

davidallen — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 06:46:22 +0000

auto gear shift

Car thieves foiled by gear shift

davidallen — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 06:49:03 +0000

Two teenage muggers armed with a gun see that a man outside of a pizza restaurant would an easy target; they held him up at gunpoint and made off with his wallet and car keys. After finding the car, which was a Honda Accord they thought that they were home and dry, after all they only need to get in, start the car and then they off, no problems there then, or so they thought!

In a situation like this speed is of the essence, hanging around can only lead to one place, the local police station. Naturally while all this is going on, the staff in the restaurant are calling the police, who will be dispatching the nearest car ASAP.

To everyoneâ€™s total amazement the kids are still in the car, the engine is running, but they are going nowhere, witnesses say that the kids were tumbling around in the car as they tried to make their escape, what had stumped them was the car had a manual gearbox, it will not engage first gear unless the clutch is dipped first no matter how hard it is forced, but by now their time had run out, the sirens and lights kind of tell the kids that the game is up and they make off only to be caught a few yards away from the car. So there are two lessons here, if you cannot drive a manual car, donâ€™t use one as a getaway car and if you want to deter car thieves, get a car with a manual gearbox. Source [RTE]

California employs new tactics to crush illegal street racing

will bee — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 11:34:40 +0000

It seems that California has decided to take a different approach to combating illegal street racing. Not only will the police ticket you and impound your car, they are now going to Crush your car. All that money spent on parts and tuning and styling will be folded up into a deck of playing cards as a warning to all illegal street racers. Until the process of crushing cars reaches its full potential the deterrent they intend it to be may only result in more racers running to avoid capture. For some racers the $10,000 or so in extra parts on the car is a bit harder to replace. For California the message is clear: leave the racing to your XBOX or on the track. If you want to race on the streets they will be seeking to crush your spirits. Source[msnbc.com] Related Articles: Attempts to expand Car Confiscation Denied UK Crushes 45,000 Cars in 2007 from Uninsured Motorists Australian Govt to Crash Street Racers Cars for Educational Films

viper

davidallen — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 09:10:53 +0000

viper police car

Viper converted into a police car

davidallen — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 09:11:31 +0000

You know how it is, your driving along minding your own business possibly going slightly over the thirty five miles per hour speed limit, when suddenly you find that there is a police traffic cop bearing down on you, what do you do? Well you are driving a 2000 Dodge Viper, so why not make a run for it! This is exactly what happen, Officer Mario Marzetta of the Plainfield Police Department, heard the car coming way before he could even see it, speeding along Essington Road, passing the officer at around 127 mph, in a 35 mph zone.

The driver was eventually stopped and charged with felony fleeing and eluding the police, this was after he had driven at speed through interchanges and on into an industrial park where he tried to hide from the police by parking the in a parking lot, unfortunately there are not many Dodge Vipers around with custom paint jobs, including a stars and stripes painted on the hood. The driver was unaware of the powers of the police, they can seize any vehicle that is involved in a felony, and in this case that is exactly what the police dept has done. The Dodge Viper has now been repainted in the police dept colors and has a set of lights on the roof too. Now do you think that speeding through Plainfield is a fun idea? Obviously not all seized vehicles are turned into police cars most are sold at auction. Source [Suburban Chicago News]

Race cars and transport stolen in Michigan

will bee — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 11:25:14 +0000

The racing team Sorted Performance had their Dodge Ram pickup and transporter hauling 2 Dodge racing SRT-4's stolen from outside their hotel room in Livonia, Michigan. That was the report on AutoBlog, as the team scrambles in conjunction with law enforcement to locate the missing race cars. It is asked that everyone in the area keep their eyes out for the cars pictured above. The transport carrying them and the Dodge Ram pick-up have been recovered. Go to AutoBlog for further details. And for daily updates you can follow the thread on the SCCA Racing Forum. Your help is appreciated.

Volvo preparing to launch two new models: C30 and XC60

will bee — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 13:52:58 +0000

Volvo has one former concept car ready to hit show rooms for the coming new year and another concept prepping for production. The one thing about Volvo in this decade; when it comes to concept cars they are a waste-not, want-not. Volvo does not toss out concepts to the car show crowds asÂ mere litmus tests to see if they meet critical approval. Their cars seem to be well throughout, uniquely styledÂ concepts just waiting for the right market for them to reach production. And so it is with their latest concepts the C30 and XC60. In the C30 Volvo is entering into the 2-door hatchback market against the likes of the VW GTI andÂ the Mini Cooper. They have coupled the sophisticated styling of the S40's front end with the curvatured distinction of the XC90 in the rearend. The C30 is powered by the same 218 horsepowered engine as the S40 T5 which should serve well in this slightly shorter hatchback. The interior cockpit of the C30 boasts 4 bucket seats and the same unique dash as the S40. But with a stiffer, driver friendly suspension and a 6-speed manual transmission there should still be plenty of adventure built into this uncommon hatchback. In not so stark a comparison the new XC60 is deemed to be the little brother to the well designed XC90. The rush to production is rumored to be in response to the new BMW'sÂ X3 and the Audi Q5 that will be coming to market in the next year. But with its one-off styling and flex-fuel element this is a concept deserving its place on the market. While the narrow windows may give some people pause in concerns to visibility the over-all design of the car followsÂ theÂ similar and successful lines to that of its larger brother. With the new S80 out and the C30 and XC60 coming to market in the next year the future is looking veryÂ exciting for Volvo... which is something that no one would ever have said about Volvo back in the 1970's. On a side note, another area in which Volvo has taken a large step is on the internet. Of all the major car manufacturer's Volvo has embraced the marketability of the internet and produced some of the more original sites for their cars. Check out the current websites for the C30 and XC60.

Top 10 Selling Sedans in May

will bee — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 14:26:06 +0000

A listing of the Top 10 selling sedans in May was released on AOL Autos and to some peoples surprise the #1 car was not the Honda Accord. The number one selling sedan in May was the Toyota Camry. Now considering that Toyota has become the #1 seller world wide that news should not be earth shattering. Also considering the influx of hybrid sedan shoppers in recent months the Camry hybrid would be a good choice for a new sedan. But to me the bigger surprise is the number 2 car on the list: the Chevy Malibu. The Chevy Malibu seems to be fitting in where the Lumina once stood in the late 1980's and early 90's. It is an economical choice with few frills or stand-out features, but for the general population it is a car that gets the job done. Back in 1996 if the Malibu were on the list of best selling sedans there is a good chance some car guys would be High-Fiving one another. To this day the 1996 Chevy Malibu is a hot commodity on the used car market. In 2008 a new design will be released for the Chevy Malibu. While it will probably still retain much of its general appeal as an economical car choice, the new design should help provide the Malibu with a bit more distinction amongst its sedan peers (or so Chevy hopes). Check-out the entire list at AOL Autos.

Ontario goes on the offensive against illegal street racers

will bee — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 20:08:03 +0000

It seems that California is not the only state or province in North America that has a crush on illegal street racing. The Ontario government and the Ontario Attorney General are out to crack down on illegal street racers and the cars they so covet. In response to the outcries of the families that have been victims to illegal street racing and as its popularity in the province is reaching its pinnacle the Ontario government has passed new legislation to increase the punishment for such illegal driving. And if the Attorney General continues to get his way they will not only deprive you of your means to race, but they hope to cut you off at the curb. The new legislations passed by the Ontario parliament are summed as as follows: Â -Â Â Police can issue an immediate roadside seven-day licence suspension Â Â Â Â Â Â Â and seven-day vehicle impoundment for street racing, participating in Â Â Â Â Â Â Â a driving contest or stunt driving Â Â Â -Â Â The maximum fine increases from $1,000 to $10,000 upon conviction for Â Â Â Â Â Â Â street racing, making it the highest penalty in Canada. The minimum Â Â Â Â Â Â Â fine increases from $200 to $2,000 Â Â Â -Â Â Courts can impose a driver licence suspension of up to 10 years for a Â Â Â Â Â Â Â second conviction, if the second conviction occurs within 10 years of Â Â Â Â Â Â Â the first conviction Â Â Â -Â Â The Act also bans driving a motor vehicle on a highway with a Â Â Â Â Â Â Â connected nitrous oxide system. Some street racers use nitrous oxide Â Â Â Â Â Â Â to enhance the acceleration capabilities of their vehicle. That is the exact breakdown of the new law as noted by the Ministry of Transportation. They are also proud to note that included in the new laws the police are now permitted to use both Red and Blue alternating lights. Those measure are reported to help improve their visibility. How very progressive. The Attorney General of Ontario, Michael Bryant, is taking the battle against illegal street racers one step further. Like California Bryant intends to demolish any car confiscated by police for street racing. As qouted in the Canadian press Bryant said of the cars impounded, â€œwe will seize it and you will never see it again. We will crush your car, we will crush the parts.â€ Attorney General Bryant went on to elaborate by saying, "If we can establish someone has parts and they're juicing up their car â€” obviously for the purpose of street racing â€” then we can seize those vehicles" To some Canadians and to others of the free world such harsh languish may sound a little General Tarkinton attempting to extract the location of the secret Rebel Base from a dainty Princess Leiah with Dark Vader gasping down her neck. There is a delicate balance between personal liberty and the right of the state to protect its people. The quesion will be, How far is too far and will they know it before they have superceeded it? What do you think of the governments offensives against illegal street racing in California and Ontario? Are they going too far or are these the necessary steps to get racer off the streets? Source[Canadian Press] Source[Ministry of Transportation]

Will Sugar be the Fuel of Tomorrow?

will bee — Sun, 24 Jun 2007 15:02:52 +0000

Science continues to stretch the alternatives for what may be the fuel of tomorrow. Recent news of a breakthrough at the University of Wisconsin-Madison indicates that carbohydrate or sugar may be the next fuel alternative to seek a market. Professor James Dumesic and his graduate students are converting biomass into sugar and then turning that into 2,5-dimethylfuran (DMF). From their work they have determined that DMF can be created with 1/3 the energy as ethanol while providing a higher energy capacity as well. Although DMF is still in its research phase and its own environmental impact has yet to be determined it is certainly a promising alternative worthy of further investigation. The most important aspect to take out of the announcement of DMF as another alternative fuel is that science is in pursuit of an answer. Check out the article from the University of Wisconsin-Madison that details the process and benefits of DMF over ethanol.

speeding ticket

davidallen — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 06:30:24 +0000

how to aviod a speeding ticket

speeding ticket

davidallen — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 06:31:51 +0000

how to avoid a speeding ticket

Ten ways to avoid a ticket

davidallen — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 06:33:02 +0000

AOL Autos have put together some great tips which will enable drivers to avoid getting that dreaded speeding ticket, these are not illegal tips or anything like that, they are just some good common sense tips that will make you aware of those little things that you could be doing wrong.

1. Stay with five and ten mph of the traffic around you, otherwise you will stand out and get noticed by the police. 2. Get into the middle of the pack; the first car will get the first view of anything ahead. 3. No Pack? Find a single car ahead, stay within 100 yards of it, when he spots the police or speed camera, he will brake and that is your warning signal. 4. Avoiding switching lanes, tailgating and aggressive driving, you will be either reported or spotted by the police. 5. Donâ€™t hog the fast lane; it is a giveaway to the police, only use it for overtaking if necessary. 6. Look ahead; on highways you can normally see a parked police car, which is your signal to lift off the gas. 7. Never speed when you are the only car on the road, this is just plain stupid, being the only car on the road is going to get you noticed, if you are only slightly speeding, you could be in trouble. 8. Get yourself a legal radar detector, you get advance warning of speed traps and therefore can take the appropriate action. 9. Do not stand out from the crowd, having a modified, unusal or brightly colored car will get you noticed, are the police going to stop the family sedan or brightly painted customized street racing car? 10. Your appearance matters, if you look like you have just escaped from jail, then you are more likely t be stopped than the respectable family man.

These points are self explanatory, but a you can tell, by doing one or more of the above can increase your chances are being noticed and getting a ticket. Source [Life Hacker]

Transformers gives the New Camaro a leading role

will bee — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 13:22:01 +0000

Companies have been using product placement in movies for years, but GM hit the jackpot when Michael Bay was on the look-out for cars for the upcoming Transformers movie. Many of the prominent good guy roles, known to many of us as Autobots, have been assigned to various GM vehicles. The biggest change to come from the selection of GM however is in the role of Bumblebee. In the animated TV series Bumblebee was a friendly VW Beetle. For the live-action Transformers Movie BumbleBee has been fashioned out of a late 70's model Camaro that receives a face-lift in the movie to resemble the new Camaro concept due out in 2009. For any purists of the comic book and 80's cartoons of the Transformers making such a change in the body of Bumblebee may be difficult to swallow. But for the characters sake and for GM's benefit this might be the best move imaginable. With the new Chevy Camaro receiving a prominent role in the Transformers movie they are helping to guarantee the spotlight on a car that will not reach showrooms until 2009. Between toy sales, video game sales, and movie sales when it comes out on DVD GMÂ may be assured that the hype for their new Camaro will remain high until it is unleashed onto the Auto Market. And may also acquire a new crop of Camaro loyalist whose first experience with the car will be in a Bumblebee transformable toy. Source[MSNautos]

Dodge Caliber SRT-4 set for launch this Fall

will bee — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 16:21:35 +0000

This Fall Dodge is finally ready to release its latest recipient of the SRT-4 treatment: the Caliber. This stout 4-door replaces the Neon as the smallest sibling in the SRT-4 family, but withÂ 280-horsepower and 260-torque the Calber can sit unashamedÂ amongst its family members. Â While the styling of the Caliber may not appeal to everyone, it still follows the general design concept that is sweeping across all Dodge models. And with the SRT-4 treatment there may be just enough incentive under the bonnet to sway any of those on the fence over the Calibers curb appeal.Â However, if the horsepower and performance are not convincingÂ enough to entice a buyer to purchase an SRT-4 maybeÂ aÂ starting price of just under $20,000 will do the trick? Source[AutoWeek]

touareg

davidallen — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 06:39:56 +0000

touareg adventures

touareg

davidallen — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 06:40:48 +0000

touareg adventure

Touareg owners off road in Utah

davidallen — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 06:41:32 +0000

A growing trend now days is for owners of specific cars to have a day, weekend or even longer, run by the car maker where they can get to grips with their new vehicle. The latest is the Trail rides for the VW Touareg; these will take place in Moab, the state of Utah. This is a great opportunity to get those cars off road and see exactly what they can do and to see what the cars look like when they get a little bit dirty and possibly even get mud on the car.

The off road adventures will last for three days, a typical day would start with cocktails and gourmet food served at the Sorrel River Ranch, this would then be followed by some eight hours of trail driving, the courses have been designed to push the car and driver beyond the normal driving conditions that they are used to.

There is a guide for every two drivers, which is a pretty good ratio, so there is no excuse for missing something or hiding at the back of the pack, if you go here you can expect to get dirty along with your beloved car. The cost of the experience is $2,000 per person, for the three days, but other members of the family can attend too for an extra $500 per person. Quite an expense, but also an experience to remember for all. Source [Autoblog]

Is the Ford Endeavour out to destroy the Polar Bear?

will bee — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 10:57:44 +0000

Does it seem possible that Ford India's marketing department haven't heard of Global Warming and the plight of the Polar Bear? Are the Big Three maybe seeking out ways to strike back at Al Gore and his Inconvenient campaign on big business? That seems to be the concern of Manu Sharma of Orange Hues as he questions the logic behind the Ford Endeavours ad campaign in India. What is the message coming out of the above partial photo at the top of this article? Ford Endeavour: Habitat Wrecker... oh, and we're Safe Too! There was a time where such commercial humor was light-hearted and acceptable, but there are times where it is not. In 1964 there were not too many JFK jokes being bantered around. In September 2001 there were not that many terrorist jokes tossed about frivolously. In 2007 musing over the wrecking of a habitat which is leading to the loss of a species and may in less than a century alter the world as we know it... yeah, good time Ford. Check out Orange Hues to Manu Sharma's analysis of the ad.

parking meter

davidallen — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 06:14:28 +0000

hi tech parking meter

The parking meter that sends out alerts

davidallen — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 06:15:14 +0000

Using parking meters and pay as you go car parking lots, can be very stressful at times. You put the amount in that you think should be enough, and yet it never seems to be so, therefore you often find yourself having to rush back to the meter or parking lot in order to add a few more cents in order to prevent the inevitable parking ticket.

Never fear, there is a trail of a new type of parking meter being tried out in Vancouver, where technology has really taken over from the traffic cop or parking attendant, as this machine has a brain and a cell phone, what could possibly be worse than that? But in ways the meter is doing you a favor because it will alert you when your time is almost up, this will give you time to either get back to your car and leave or use your credit card to send an electronic payment. Of course if you decide to ignore the alerts and take your chances on getting back, you can always pay the fine through the machine by using your credit card, all very civil and polite. What the hell has happened to the world is there nothing that us drivers can get away with at all? Source [Auto Blog]

Aussie's Strike Back at the Speeders Manhood

The BMW X5 3.0 sd is one of, if not the top SUV on the market today, it blends the sporty styling and handling of the BMW saloons and coupes, crossed with the versatility of a off road vehicle which means only one thing, a big hit. Now BMW are going to increase performance and off the legendary M Sport trim across the complete X5 range.

For 2008 BMW are proposing to include in its engine line up probably one of the most powerful six cylinder diesel engines in the world, the twin turbo charged 3.0 liter diesel engine. Which will provide a massive 286 bhp, taking the car from zero to 62 mph in a mere seven seconds, but it does not stop there it will keep going until it reaches the top speed of around 146 mph. To cope with this additional performance the braking system has been updated with larger and thicker discs.

In the UK more than ninety per cent of all BMW X5â€™s sold are powered by the diesel version of the car, and so with the increased performance, sales will keep going up for the BMW X5 3.0 sd, especially as the M Sport trim is now available for all of the cars in the series, this offers 19 inch light alloy wheels, sports suspension, leather upholstery, M Sport - body styling, steering wheel, and other equipment. Source [Top Speed]

California Ranks High for Congestion, But New Jersey Wins for Overall Worst Performance

will bee — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 14:02:47 +0000

Was there this long running rivalry (like an East Coast/West Coast thing) about whose traffic congestion is the worst between California and New York? The new study funded by the Reason Foundation out of Los Angeles gives the current nod to California as the state that waits the longest in traffic, but also points out some other interesting tid-bits about traffic and about how effectively states are using our highway tax dollars. The top 3 states for traffic congestion turned out to be California, Minnesota and New Jersey in that order. While New Jersey also topped out as the least efficient state in regards to state spending on roads. New Jersey spent $2,370,630 on improvements to their 2,321 highway miles; which comes to about $1021/mile. South Carolina on the other hand has a dollar-to-mile ratio of $.89. Although traffic patterns and driving tendencies do not always correlate across the board it still leads to some serious doubts over the effectiveness of New Jersey's spending. In all the report provided by the Foundation of Reason had 15 categories for rankings; including Total Highway Miles, Lane Miles,Â Â Disbursements, Road Conditions, Congestion, Fatalities, etc. Of those 15 Categories New Jersey ranked in the bottom 5 states in 9 of them. So as Californian's are sitting in their cars staring at the bumper in front of them for hours at a time they now have 9 more categorical reasons to rejoice in the fact that they do not live in New Jersey.

Ranking State Road Systems by Overall Performance

1. North Dakota	26. West Virginia
2. South Carolina	27. Arizona
3. Kansas	28. Arkansas
4. New Mexico	29. Colorado
5. Montana	30. Louisiana
6. Georgia	31. North Carolina
7. Wyoming	32. Washington
8. Oregon	33. Illinois
9. Nevada	34. New Hampshire
10. Idaho	35. Iowa
11. South Dakota	36. Pennsylvania
12. Kentucky	37. Vermont
13. Minnesota	38. Maryland
14. Indiana	39. Connecticut
15. Texas	40. Delaware
16. Ohio	41. Florida
17. Missouri	42. Michigan
18. Virginia	43. Alabama
19. Nebraska	44. California
20. Tennessee	45. Massachusetts
21. Utah	46. Hawaii
22. Wisconsin	47. Rhode Island
23. Maine	48. New York
24. Oklahoma	49. Alaska
25. Mississippi	50. New Jersey

To read the full report issued by the Reason Foundation just go to their website. Â

The Cost of Soy Beans Slowing BioDiesel

will bee — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 13:10:26 +0000

Autobloggreen presented an interesting article on the recently opened Bangor Biodiesel plant in Michigan. The price of soy beans has reached the cost inhibitive point resulting in a cut-back in production and forcing them to put a portion of their employees on "hiatus". The concern should be as more and more biodiesel and ethanol plants are opened in the coming years will the supply of soy beans and corn be plentiful enough to supply both the fuel industry and the food industry. And there does not seem to be any discussion of what the contingencies are for providing soy beans or corn during drought plagued seasons. We are absolutely at the point where alternative fuels are on the international main-stage and they have already sung some of their chart topping tunes: BioDiesel, Ethanol, Hydrogen, and Liquid Coal. Hopefully there is one more hit to come that can truly lead the alternative fuel market in the right direction. Read more on the BioDiesel plant in Bangor, MI on AutoBlogGreen.

The Woodward Dream Cruise is Coming Up Fast

will bee — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 11:28:22 +0000

The 13th Annual Woodward Dream Cruise is set to roll on August 18th, but if you hope to get in on the fun you better start planning now. According to their website the cruise attracts over 1.7 million visitors and about 40,000 cars spread out over 9 towns that line a 16 mile stretch of Â Woodward Ave outside of Detroit Michigan. There are events in eachÂ cityÂ on Thursday and Friday, but the heart of the cruise takes place on Saturday. Even the Big Three Auto Makers get in on the action with sideshows of their own. It was estimated last year that the economic impact in the area of the one day event was $112.5 million; which is quite an economic bump for a car show. However, the admission to the show is free to the public and parking yourself in a chair along the strip is an easy way to let the action come to you. Stay tuned to the Woodward Dream Cruise website for the announcement of special events in each of the 9 host cities.

ford focus

davidallen — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 07:16:58 +0000

ford focus by MS design

ford focus

davidallen — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 07:18:23 +0000

ford focus by MS design

The Ford Focus ST

davidallen — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 07:20:38 +0000

What is so spectacular about that then? Well this is the Ford Focus ST by MS Design, which puts a different complexion on the whole subject of the Ford Focus and what it can become with a complete body styling package like the one offered by MS design. The Ford Focus does not normally conjure up images of a sports type car, yet once you overcome the family image of the car, it can quickly and nicely become a very nice and indeed very fast sports saloon.

MS Design are a major European business, and describe themselves as a styling shop as the main bulk of their business is body parts for popular cars which can be anything from a rear spoiler to light clusters, but they are so much more than that. Although tuning is becoming a very popular side of the design process, which makes sense because, if you do not offer the complete package, then customers will seek it out elsewhere and find somewhere that does the whole job, not just bits and pieces.

Their version of the Ford Focus has been given the following: The MS Design styling package consists of: - Radiator grille. - Front flaps. - Tail diffuser. - Aerodynamically optimized roof wing insert. - 18 inch and 20 inch light alloy wheels. The problem is with this package, MS design says that the racing package is only for Auto Shows, but do we believe that? Iâ€™d like to think that this is a pre launch of a new tuning and design package, we can only hope! Source [Zer Customs]

New BMW 1-Series Diesel Engines Not Bound for the US

will bee — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 11:29:45 +0000

Just as we had expected in a prior article (although secretly hoped for the best) the BMW 1-series turbo-charged diesel engine will not be making its way to America when the 1-series is released. There will be two gasoline variants for the car, including the 306-hp 135i. As much as we appreciate the numbers of the 135i it just feels a bit heartbreaking that we will not be seeing the all aluminum 4-cylinder turbo diesel. The same occurred with the latest 5-series release as again the great Atlantic Diesel Barrier prevented that models diesel engines from visiting the states. It is rumored that BMW plans to put a diesel engine in the US market in 2008. Their plan is to put it in one of their larger vehicles; either the X5 or the 7-series sedan. MaybeÂ BMW isÂ just looking to makeÂ America prove itsÂ commitment to buying diesel engined cars. But I say this to BMW: Give me a 204-hp 1-Series turbo-diesel that averages 40 mpg at a price I can swallow and I will prove my resolve. Put it in a 7-Series or X5 and I will just write a few nice words about you. Source[AutoBlogGreen]

police car

davidallen — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 06:33:22 +0000

adverts on police cars

police car

davidallen — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 06:34:21 +0000

adverts on police cars

Adverts on Police Cars

We have been waiting for a while, but finally the 4MATIC models are ready to hit the road. The 4MATIC system is a permanently active all wheel drive system, which will have no lag. This gives the driver so much more control over the vehicle, in conflicting driving conditions.

A standard feature to support the 4MATIC system, is the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and the Traction System 4ETS. This will activate the brakes should the car get into a spin, while at the same time increases the torque to the wheels that have good traction at the time of the incident. The 4MATIC models in the new C-Class at a glance: Mercedes C 320 CDI 4MATIC Displacement: cc - 2987 Output: kW/hp - 165/224 Max. torque: Nm 510 bei 1600-2800/min Combined fuel consumption: l/100 km* - 7.7 Price ex factory: in US $61,811.42 Mercedes C 280 4MATIC Displacement: cc - 2996 Output: kW/hp - 170/231 Max. torque: 300 bei 2500-5000/min Combined fuel consumption: l/100 km* - 9.4 Price ex factory: in US $54,848.52 Mercedes C 350 4MATIC Displacement: cc - 3498 Output: kW/hp - 200/272 Max. torque: Nm 350 bei 2400-5000/min Combined fuel consumption: l/100 km* - 10 Price ex factory: in US $63,598.36

With a total of 49 4MATIC variants in seven model series, Mercedes-Benz has the widest range of all-wheel-drive cars in the premium segment. The C 320 CDI 4MATIC and C 350 4MATIC are available in the two trims of Elegance and Avantgarde, which both have higher standards of trim. Source [Zer Customs]

Consumption is the Greatest Plague in the Alt.Fuel Debate

will bee — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 11:00:52 +0000

As Congress refines its energy bill and discusses the need to step away from Corn as the darling of the alternative fuel set oil hit a 10-month high today and summer driving is in full-effect. The combination of all those factors makes for a pretty murky pool and not necessarily one I want to go swimming in. So instead we will just skim the surface here. Congress was convinced by someone during their debates that, although corn is still king, it is not quite the most efficient alternative fuel source available. And even though it is a viable option outside of foreign oil it still is not a far enough improvement on environmental issues as an alternative fuel needs to be. Futures experts are expecting a bountiful corn harvest this year as ethanol demand has risen, but the shared view among Congress and Economists is that it would be nearly impossible for Farmers to keep up the supply of Corn as it relates to the ever-increasing demand for fuel. Then there is the rising cost of Oil and the closing of refineries. Oil closed today at $71.41 a barrel thanks in a large part to the U.S. consumption of fuel for summer driving. In deference to prior concerns over the importing of oil from oil producing nations the rising cost in oil now is due to refinery issues. Oil refineries all over the U.S. have been hit by one travesty after another over the past few years. Refineries in New Orleans are limping forward after the effects of Katrina. California refineries have been effected by fires over the years while other American refineries have been shut down by internal fires and recent flooding as in Kansas just this past week. Even the Alaskan pipeline is either out of commission or running at a fraction of the capacity. So when everything seems to be going against you what is the next best option some may wonder? The greatest defense against rising costs of fuel is to seek alternative means of travel that run off other energies (like say... Calories?) or in reducing travel all together. There are a number of driving tips available online to help drivers reduce their waste in fuel: from car-pools to well planned errand runs. Like all good things a bit of moderation can go a long way in sustaining the good feeling that is associated to them. Take a moment to think about your own fuel consumption and maybe analyze the means by which you can cut down on your own fuel costs. Walking is not a permanent solution to the alternative fuel debate but it will give you some more time to think about it. Source[CNN-Congress] Source[CNN-Oil Costs Rise]

al gore III

davidallen — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 07:40:57 +0000

al gore jnr arrested

toyota prius

davidallen — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 07:42:50 +0000

toyota prius speeding

Son of former Vice President Al Gore arrested in California

davidallen — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 07:43:21 +0000

Just when Al Gore is beginning to get things on track, along comes Al Gore III (24) driving his Toyota Prius at over 100 mph along the San Diego Freeway at around 02.15 am, naturally it is inevitable that he is going to get pulled by the local Sheriffs Dept.

To make things worse the Deputies, who stopped the car, thought that they could smell something like Marijuana and after a quick search of the vehicle they found what looked like a small stash of medicines and marijuana. The medicines were later found to be Xanax, Valium, Vicodin and Adderall, used in the treatment of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). Al Gore III was being held in the menâ€™s central jail in Santa Ana, but has now been given bail for $20,000! This is not the first time the Associate Publisher of the young peoples Philanthropy magazine â€œGOODâ€ as he was arrested back in 2003 for more or less the same thing. He was pulled over and arrested for the possession of pot, while studying at Harvard University.

Naturally we cannot hold the father responsible for what a son does, or can we? Politicians are all too fast to blame parents for their unruly children, but in this case, Al Gore III is hardly a child and therefore what he does should really be a direct effect of his parents. Or maybe it is just â€œAn Inconvenient Truthâ€ Source [Sign On San Diego]

GM is making Design a Priority Again; at least for the Volt

will bee — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 13:46:25 +0000

GM has been working with great diligence to prepare their Volt concept car for its introduction into the market by 2010; or so they are letting it be known. They are letting it be known publicly that the Volt and the E-Flex power-train that motivates it are the A-1 priority of the company. So it is not just important that the engineering of the E-Flex system function perfectly, but the styling of the Volt must be appealing to the masses in-order to entice the average car buyer. Â "GM is once more a design-driven company, so it's only natural that design keep pace with the engineering development of the E-flex system," so says GM's Vice Chairman Bob Lutz. To back-up those words GM has opened a new design studio in the Warrent Technical Center that will be headed up by Bob Boniface. Boniface is credited as the lead designer for the Concept Camaro that is soon to reach production and for Chryslers Stow-and-Go seating in their mini-van. Although GM believes that the Volt is 90 percent complete as far as the design goes, Boniface will be involved in fine-tuning the appearance of the car as certain alterations were required to conform to safety regulations. GM is reporting that they have spent close to $100 million on the Volt thus far and as much as $4 billion on the E-Flex propulsion system. All of these announcements are aimed at squelching the claims by some critics that the Volt is nothing but a publicity stunt designed to give a green impression for GM. So it is good that they come out publicly to proclaim their commitment to both the Volt and its all important styling and functionality. However, until the Volt is unleashed on the buying public there truly is no other way to prove the sincerity of your efforts. It is nice to hear though that GM is ready to make a commitment toward impressive design again. At least there is something to look forward to. Source[DetroitNews]

Even the Greenies are Image Conscious Shoppers

will bee — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 15:49:33 +0000

A recent CNW Marketing Research report indicated that the majority of hybrid buyers in the past couple years are choosing the Prius over other hybrid models because of the statement it makes about them. By choosing the Prius, the most successful ground-up designed hybrid, over other models that were first available with standard gasoline engines their purchase states boldly for them that they care about the environment and want to do something about it. Â The original Prius owners first reason for choosing their car in 1996 was for the improved fuel mileage. However when Hollywood's Green faction stepped out publicly in favor of the Prius maybe that is what altered the public persona of the modern-day shopper. As is the case with many trends todays Prius owners are following in the footsteps of some well publicized others. Whatever the case or the cause it is the message that is most important. No... not that new Prius owners are Hollywood stars too. The message that the environment and the automobile are part-and-parcel with one another. However, keep in mind that CNW Marketing Research is also the same suppliers of the Prius vs. Hummer debate. They declared the Hummer to be a more environmentally sound choice over the Prius due to its cost vs. life expectancy. Despite the holesÂ in their logic (?) CNW Marketing Research continues to chug along with their data and analysis. Maybe their next subject should be their own market knowledge and analysis skills. Source[DetroitNews] Source[Norakism]

Transformers Shatters the One Day Box-Office Record

will bee — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 01:47:33 +0000

The Transformers Movie has shattered the one-day Box-Office record that was booked by Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Mans Chest. Last year Pirates took in a then record of $15.7 million on its first day of release. This pastÂ Tuesday the TransformersÂ Movie made an astounding $27.4 millionÂ on its first day of full release. That does not include the $8.8 million that the Transformers made on its limited release on the Monday prior to its full release. With such a generous leap from the gates the Transformers Movie may have no problem stretching past the $300 Million mark that is the new classification for a true Summer Blockbuster. Considering the number of fans that will make this a movie a repeat stop on their Summer Movie schedule (yep, I am including myself in that number) there is a good chance that the Transformers Movie could take the top spot. And if nothing else there are hopes for those in Hollywood that this movie will help bring up the numbers for the rest of the Summer Blockbuster season.

Taiwan Leading the LED Traffic Light Conversion

will bee — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 02:05:19 +0000

The Minister of Economic Affairs for the Taiwan Government has announced its commitment to convert all of their traffic lights over to energy efficient LED lights over the next three years. Up to this point they have already converted nearly 350,000 of their 800,000 traffic lights to LED, and now have budgetedÂ what would beÂ $7 million in US Dollars to complete the conversion. Once in place they have estimated that the LED traffic lights will require 85% less energy to power. AfterÂ replacing all of their traffic lights they plan to schedule the conversion of all street lamps over the LEDs as well. You have got to credit Taiwan for some forward thinking there. Source[TaiwanMarket]

driver distractions

davidallen — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 06:24:58 +0000

in car electrics cause accidents

In car electrics are too distracting for drivers

davidallen — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 06:25:39 +0000

It appears that there may be a major change ahead concerning the use of in car gadgetry. There have been some States who have banned the use of hand held cell phones, but there are quite a few States, about twelve in total who are looking to take a wider view of electronic devices that are appearing in cars now days. If these States get what they want, we could be seeing that DVDâ€™s, Faxes, iPods, and so on could be banned from cars, as they are believed not to be a necessity to driving. However there are not many figures or studies around that actually state that these items are responsible for any accidents or deaths etc. Although using any of these while driving is a major distraction for the driver and therefore has the potential to cause a serious accident. Just two states have come forward so far with their plans to stop this. They intend to introduce a system of fines, which will range from $50 up to $600. In California, officers have stopped over 3,200 since 2003 for watching movies on the in car DVD player.

Yet some things appear to be allowed, but are equally as dangerous, like women fixing their makeup, kids and pets climbing all around the car, even drivers reaching across the car to get something out of the glove compartment, these are all potentially dangerous, it just depends on where you draw the line. Please let us know if you have seen anyone doing something really outrageous while driving, it would be great to compile a top ten of driver distractions. Source [Auto Blog]

Edmunds Reminds Us to Always Do Our Homework

will bee — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 12:00:44 +0000

As a brother and surrogate shopper/researcher for friends and family the story of a brother coming to a sisters aid while car shopping many miles apart strikes a chord. There are many times a week where friends and family contact me to do a little specialty shopping or product comparison research for them before they buy. The smart friends give me time... as it seems time is sometimes required to find the best deal or information. But there are instances where time is of the essence and a decision is made in-spite of research. When you are car shopping Research is the most valuable tool at the shoppers disposal. Thanks to the internet we now have a weapon to fight back against our shopping enemy: the Dreaded Dealership and their Sales-minions. Despite the friendly smile and firm handshake if you go in there thinking that Salesman is your friend and is there do cut you that break you are bound to feel the pain of getting burnt. You may not feel it right away. You may not feel it the next day. But that burnt feeling will eventually find its way through your bank account, into your nervous system and up into your brain where it will explode into a sudden outburst of "Nooooo!!" Do not let that happen to you. There are a number of vital resources available to you when you are researching your next car. Do not be the pawn in that chess match with the Dealership. You are the King AND Queen in this battle. It is up to you to make the Dealership submit on your terms. Check out the example on edmunds on why further research is always a wise precaution. Here are a few sources you can use to research your next car purchase: Edmunds.com to research that new or used car. Kelly Blue Book to research your trade-in. MSN Autos for new car details and comparison. And if you are still in doubt you can always contact us here at RideLust. Good Luck and Happy Shopping.

The Carver One still not ready for the roads of North American

will bee — Sat, 07 Jul 2007 00:29:10 +0000

While the Carver One has moved from Concept car to dealer available in Europe, Asia and the Middle East, America will have to wait a bit longer to get their hands on the car that is carving up the pavement (apologies, pun required). As theÂ Carver group prepares the Carver One to meet the stringent legal demands of North America, we can at least catch a glimpse of this unique auto-trike-motor-car in action. Sporting a zero-to-60 time of 8.2 seconds the Carver One will not be blowing the doors off the other cars on the road. But with the jet-fighter cockpit design and a lean that brings you within arms reach of the road the level of excitement to be had on the various winding roads of the world will be immeasuareable.

Another Sporting Glimpse at the Audi R8

will bee — Sat, 07 Jul 2007 00:56:30 +0000

From the very first glimpse of the Audi R8 supercar you immediately feel the impact of its "catch me if you can" design attitude. Subtlety is not its name. Unlike other auto makers toward which many a jab is made over their lack of design, Audi does not fail to impress. Even with the small V8 engine version of the R8 you are still in-store for a thrilling 415hp excursion. But fill this mid-engined car with the Lamborghini Gallardo V10 with its 610hp and you have just completed the most stylish non-jet car to spread its rubber across the road. Watch the video test drive below to see what mean. If watching that test drive on the Las Vegas track does not trigger the preternatural instinct within you to go buy lottery tickets (or go that long route of a solid education and a prosperous career) you might want to check for a pulse. Source[paultanorg]

Is anyone looking to buy the Worlds Oldest Car?

will bee — Sat, 07 Jul 2007 11:58:48 +0000

Â If you are in the market to buy the worlds oldest car then concerns like the price of milk and gasoline are far far down you list. The 1884 De Dion-Bouton et Trepardoux has the title as the worlds oldest car and will be heading to auction at Pebble Beach this August. The French car which is also referred to as "La Marquise" is a steam powered car that was built for the Count De Dion who was one of the owners of the company. The car was powered by steam generated from the burning of coal, wood and paper. So far there have been only 2 owners in the cars lifetime and for an estimatedÂ $1.5 to $2 million YOU could be theÂ proud owner of thisÂ piece ofÂ Automobile History.Â If you would like your chance to bid on this 4-wheeled Antique just head to Pebble Beach on August 19th... and bring your portfolio. Source[CNNautos]

zonda r

davidallen — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 06:41:04 +0000

zonda r ready for 2008

zonda r

davidallen — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 06:42:18 +0000

zonda r ready for 2008

Pagani will build the Zonda R

davidallen — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 06:42:58 +0000

For a while there was the possibility that the Zonda R would not be built, however after much deliberations and probably the fact that the company has been given six deposits for six of the ten cars to be built, it did not take much thinking about.

The price of the car is going to be just 1.2 million euros and production is going to be limited to only ten cars. But do the math that not a bad turnover and the first car is due to be delivered in march 2008 and will be powered by a 7.3 liter V12 engine, that will deliver around 750 bhp. It must be a sign of the times that a car that has such a high cost attached it is in such a great demand that the company could not possibly fulfill this demand, all those millions of euros hanging around just waiting to spent, it is such a hard life.

Pagani will be replacing the Zonda R in 2009 with the low profile name of C9 (Sounds like a Citroen!) although even with this model of the cars certified for sale, over 50% will become available for the first time in the US and Japan. Source [eGM Car Tech] http://www.egmcartech.com/2007/07/06/pagani-zonda-r-production-confirmed/

Congress must address Fuel Efficiency AND American Consumption in new Energy Bill

will bee — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 11:01:18 +0000

Â That was the message written recently by Warren Brown of the Washington Post and that "two part equation" as he puts it is exactly what most of Congress is attempting to ignore. Such language relates greatly to an articlewritten here last week, that America's consumption of energy and in this case foreign oil must be addressed along side the automobile industries new fuel efficiency standards. Addressing one without the other is the equivalent of changing all your light bulbs to high efficiency incandescent bulbs but leaving more lights on All the time. Sure each bulb uses less electricity to operate but by tripling the number of lights running you are negating the savings. And that is exactly what Mr. Brown is reporting has happened since the first CAFE bill passed in 1975. By producing more fuel efficient cars that coincided with the lowest fuel costs of any industrialized nation the American motorist has been able to drive further and further each year. Our cars burn less per mile than ever before but our driving habits have out-run the savings that efficiency has earned us. Until Congress and the American People do something to curb our thirst for fuel and not just make it so same amount of fuel takes us a bit further we are going to continue to run into the same dilemma year after year. (And after just driving an estimated 1200 miles round trip from South Carolina to West Virginia and back for the 4th time in 4 months, reducing my fuel consumption is at the top of my list.) Source[WashingtonPost] Source[RideLust]

Hybrid Cars getting Special Parking Privileges

will bee — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 11:10:41 +0000

It seems that Hybrid owners are now the recipients of yet another reward; better fuel mileage AND better parking spots. That is the case that the above photo captured outside an Ikea testifies. It might seem to some that having a Hybrid car should entitle you to more trips around the parking lot for that choice parking spot. That is not the case for some eco-friendly businesses, as choice parking goes to the fuel miser. Â Maybe now there is yet another reason to go do a little Hybrid shopping this next week. Maybe we can get the Hybrid market and the Health Food market to join forces. If driving a Hybrid earned me a discount at my local smoothie shop (my daily necessity) then that just might be the incentive I have been waiting for all this time (that or the Toyota FT-HS to hit the market... mmm..). Thanks for the tip, Ben.

Ford Flex to Arrive in Dealer Showrooms in Early 2008

will bee — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 11:15:55 +0000

Look for the Ford Flex to hit showrooms in early 2008, but if you are looking for the hybrid model you will have to wait a while longer. While the V6 engine with a minimum of 260 hp is reported to be in the works it seems Ford has more work yet to do in their hybrid technology. The Flex comes to the market as a new-age SUV with some retro-styling that is caped off with what is becoming a new trademark for Ford; the three chromed bars across the grill. While the production model will come with a more customary 4-door setup, the suicide door version showed above would certainly add some additional spice to this would-be Soccer-Mom bus.

Smart Car Crosses Canada on 89 Gallons of Fuel

will bee — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 03:15:48 +0000

Â A father and daughter recently crossed Canada from Halifax to Vancouver in their Smart Car on 89 gallons of diesel fuel. The entire excursion was chronicled by the driver/father, John Leblanc for Wheels.ca. You can read up on their entire journey as they crossed the highways of Canada. With Leblanc at the wheel and his daughter, Olivia, in the Navigators chair they managed to make the 6,000 kilometer journey in 9 days. But which is the more impressive achievement: completing their trip in the eco-friendly, yet undersized Smart Car or that a father and his teenage daughter survived 9 days in such cramped quarters? Could any of you have made that same journey? Source[AutoBlogGreen] Source[Wheels.ca]

nypd

davidallen — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 07:02:02 +0000

nypd new camera system

nypd

davidallen — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 07:03:06 +0000

nypd new camera system

Manhattan to get Big Brother style traffic control

davidallen — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 07:04:50 +0000

The Mayor of New York has definitely begun his war waged on the drivers of the city. Plans are in the making for a new and slightly worrying system, which will block drivers of suspicious vehicles.

It will work like this. Over 3000 car license plate recognition equipped cameras will track vehicles as the drive through the city; any vehicle that the cameras pick up will be automatically checked against the database held by the authorities. We already know that CCTV cameras located around city and in fact almost every major city in the world can do this. But here is the difference. Gates will be placed at key junctions and locations, which will be activated should a vehicle pop up on the screen at the base. These gates will block the vehicle and most likely every other car that is in the vicinity until the New York Police Dept can get there and deal with the vehicle.

The police say that this will be used to combat terrorism, but has this been thought out clearly? What about the traffic? To be more precise, can you imagine being trapped in traffic with a car that is suspected of being involved in some sort of terrorist act? This is very likely to cause many scenes of public disorder if people believe that there is a vehicle and occupants who might be terrorists or just have not paid their congestion charge. If this system goes ahead and it does look like it will in some form or other, the general public will find themselves being observed and scrutinized more than ever. But in this day and age, when the public is demanding security, what are the authorities to do? Source [Jalopnik]

Hyundai Toys with a Potential RWD Coupe

will bee — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 11:00:05 +0000

If the image of that coupe in the photo above gets your palms a bit sweaty and eager to grab the wheel you might want to look away. Because thatÂ formidable front-endÂ styling is years away from seeing the road (if at all) and though it may have the looks and strong warranty to help compete against the G35 and BMW 3-series it may not pack the power of its contenders. Hyundai is making their first venture into the rear-wheel drive market with their new Genesis luxury sedan. Although it will not be released with their new "Tau" V8 engine they do plan to maintain a proper power-to-weight distribution in a hearty V6. Watch for more to come out about the Genesis as the 2009 models start their unveiling later this year and early next.Â As for the coupe above, keep your fingers crossed and just maybe Hyundai will pony-up to challenge those other coupes. Source[Cars.blog.ca/Automotive News]

Is anyone watching the Tour de... zzzzz... France?

will bee — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 23:59:53 +0000

As the Tour de France concludes Stage 3 of this 20 stage epic bicycle race you just have to wonder is anyone in America even watching anymore? If Fabian Cancellera continues to lead (the overall leader of the race is marked by a Yellow Jersey. See photo above) beyond stage 10 will the American viewing audience sit-up and take notice? What if Lance Armstrong suddenly leaped on a bike in Stage 4 and powered his way into contention in the late stages? ...Okay, so we are saying that something short of a miracle could not get the American populace engaged in a cycling race with over 100 years of History (Doh! I probably messed up any chance of increasing viewers by mentioning the word History.). If nothing else take a moment to enjoy some of the highlights of the race shown on your nightly news or on sports channels like ESPN and Fox Sports. And if the chance to watch trained athletes who have shaped their bodies and honed their skills to compete in this 3,000 to 4,000 kilometer race (that's 1,800 to 2,500 miles to us Americans) then treat it like some of you do Nascar and tune in for the chance to see some horrific crashes. Source[VeloNews.com]

Purchase Bumblebee and Transform a Wounded Soldiers Future

will bee — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 01:12:17 +0000

My only guess is Shia LeBeouf's character, Sam Witwicky, couldn't afford the fuel or insurance on this sweet rusty classic, so back to the sales lot he goes. The classic Camaro that starred as Bumblebee in much of the Transformers movie is up for auction. Not only will you be purchases a piece of recent movie history that will make you the envy of many 10-35 year-old boys, but the money you spend will be put to a good cause. DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures have teamed up with Fisher House Foundation so that the proceeds acquired from this auction will benefit ourÂ sick and injuredÂ military men and women. Over 100,000 military families have benefited from the works that the Fisher House Foundation provides and your lucky bid can help further the cause. Just tell your wife or significant other or child whose college tuition is gone that you did it for a good cause. Source[eBay] Source[Jalopnik]

Mercedes CL63 AMG Packs a Real Punch

will bee — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 01:39:47 +0000

A recent test drive of the Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG by Jay Shoemaker from TheTruthAboutCars.com demonstrated that this luxury speeder comes fully equipped with some legitimate thrust. With a 6.2 liter V8 punching out 518 horses this is a truly muscular Benz that is built to obliterate speed limits on all continents with some class and style. While Jay wasÂ critical of some of the features found in the cockpit of this aluminum rocket ship his enthusiasm for its road performance leaves all gripes over those interior incidentals at a dusty, distant starting gate. Although there are not many of us who are in the market for a $140,000 luxury muscle-coupe like the CL63 AMG it is perfectly acceptable to express our appreciation for what mankind can create. Explore Jays complete review of the all new Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG at TheTruthAboutCars.com. If this is the type of performance to be expected from all future AMG name bearers there will be very few weeping over Mercedes dropping of the Maclaren partnership.

jaguar

davidallen — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 06:58:29 +0000

jaguar up for sale

Land Rover

davidallen — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 06:59:31 +0000

land rover for sale

Ford has set a deadline for the sale of Jaguar and Land Rover

davidallen — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 06:59:54 +0000

All bids must in by July 19th originally Ford wanted to sell the Jaguar and Land Rover businesses as a complete package, but it does appear that they may be considering to sell the companies off individually. Which really means that there is a lot of interest in Land Rover and non at all in the luxury brand Jaguar.

There does appear to have been a massive interest in these two companies, unlike the sale of Aston Martin which had a whole load of billionaires and consortiums showing an interest, this does not appear to have happened with Jaguar and Land Rover, in fact it would appear to be that the most likely buyer would be Cerberus Management, who are finalizing the purchase of Chrysler from Daimler. Jaguar and Land Rover would actually make a good fit into this business, but as with any purchase of this nature the buyer would be looking to refinance as soon as they possibly could, and reduce the outgoings of the business.

So even if and when the companies or company are sold, the future for the current plant and workers is not going to be safe, but the names of two luxury brands would live on, which has to better than what would face them if nobody bought the companies from Ford. Even though the deadline is in a little over a week from now, it is not known when Ford will decide and announce who the new owners will be, the story drags on. Source [Left Land News]

Hybrid Technologies, Inc is Driving Lithium to New Limits

will bee — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 11:00:44 +0000

Hybrid Technologies, Inc. is out to show everybody that despite the major automakers electric deficiencies the Lithium electric automobile is ready for the road. Most recently for Popular Mechanics they demonstrated two of their electric conversion vehicles, the Electrici Mini Cooper and the two-wheeled Jin Bike. Both examples are just part of the product line being promoted by Hybrid Technologies as they work to bring electric power out of the wall sockets and into our everyday mobile transportation. You may not here them coming. You may not smell their exhaust after they have passed. But you will someday be thankful that someone is out there pushing the envelope while others sit back and watch. Ride along in this test drive of a Lithium powered Mini Cooper. Also take a moment to watch as Hybrid Technologies, inc's Stealth bike moves silently and without hesitation into New York City traffic. The cost-to-value ratio of these Lithium conversions is still not in reach for the average car buyer, but that is no reason to stop now. As with any new technology it sometimes takes a bit of time to garner popular acceptance. The first car was often frowned upon by Cowboys and the like as a noisey, smoking contraption that scared their horses, and look where that has taken us. While the technology grows in acceptance and matures you should see the price of these conversions mass produced and more affordable to the average car buyer. But if I have to go without my thoaty V8 exhaust you better be providing me with one killer THX stereo surround sound system in my car. Take a look at Hyrbid Technologies website to explore what they are doing to advance our Lithium and Electric car technologies. You can also look over their design for their Solar Hybrid Living Home to see how Hybrid design can improve both the way we live and our means of mobility.

Audi A3, BMW 135i and Volvo C30 in Action

will bee — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 13:40:22 +0000

If Ford, Chevy and Dodge were all three unveiling new 2-door mini-cars onto the auto market in the U.S. there would surely be a battle-royale in the marketing blitz to see: 1. who was fastest, 2.who was safest and 3. who could sup' down the most fuel (And History shows the results would likely be 1. Chevy 2. Ford and 3. Dodge). However, that is not the case here as the players in the new 2-door luxury compact (oops, they don't use that word anymore) car market are Audi, BMW and Volvo... the ABV's if you will. Known more for the European refinement and sophistication it seems more likely that these three automakers will rely more on their own reputation to more their new wheels into this new market. The Audi A3, BMW 1-Series and the Volvo C30 express the most recent design attributes that permeate their larger model cars and sporty engines already employed in larger siblings, and that on top of their nameplates helps to build a little excitement for each of them. So it seems like it is time to do a little visual shopping. First to bat is the Audi A3 which came out last year to some mild applause. It was the first luxury brand to really test the compact market with a sporty entrant of this caliber. Take a look at the road test below of the A3 to see if it wets your whistle any. Next up is the BMW 1-series that is finally about to land in North America after receiving its first introduction into the market in Europe. The 1-Series is just not sneaking onto the market with modest support and thrust power.. Oh no. BMW is unleashing its 135i with 306 horses and the capabilities of an M class car minus the badges. So far there have not been too many test drives available for the new 135i so for the time being we will have to be teased by the in-house footage provided by BMW. And rounding out the selection is the Volvo C30, which may actually be the sleeper of the bunch. It seems odd to call a car with such unique styling a sleeper, but when you are reminded that it is a Volvo some people automatically think of their grandma and her boxy, safe Volvo wagon. Once you are labeled with something it takes a lot of time to break those stereotypes and rebuild an image of dignified excitement, as is the case with Volvo. They are not straying from the safety that built their original reputation, but they are certainly looking to expand their reach in the market. The C30 is just the car they need to strike early at the 20-30 something;s to start rebuilding their brand loyalty at an earlier age customer. To see a bit of what the designers were thinking as they shaped the Volvo C-30 watch the video below. All three cars above are going to lead to some fun comparison and should definitely give some Mini Cooper buyers something else to think about. I for one cannot wait to get my hands on an A3, a 135i and a C30 as I head deep into my New Car shopping season. Shop Shop Shop!

The UK's Public Ban on Smoking May Reach into your Car Next

will bee — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 01:58:07 +0000

Â This past Sunday, July 1st, the ban on smoking in all public spaces went into effect in London. The ban not only effects mass transit, hotels and restaurants, but also sidewalks, taxi's, parks and plaza's. However it seems a 70% majority of those in London are prepared to take that ban on step forward to include private cars as well. As a non-smoker there is a certain pleasure I enjoy in smoke-free restaurants and mass transits. As an American non-smoker any smoking bans that take place in other parts of the world do not effect me. Any person who attempts to argue that smoking around children, animals and other non-smokers is not rude and dangerous to anyone's health will be picking up a debate that might prove difficult to win. But stepping into someone's home or home away from home (their car) and telling them that smoking while riding alone or with other smokers is now prohibited seems to be an egregious attack on personal freedoms. What do you think of a potential ban on smoking in private cars? But while we are on the topic of smoking and transportation there is one other item I would like to touch upon. Like I said above I do not feel it is my right to deny someone else the freedom to smoke alone in their car, or with other smokers. However, there seems to be a common side-effect of smoking in a car and that is the collection of (cigarette) Butts along the intersections of our public roadways. At one point in the late 1970's there was a large campaign to have all canned drinks equipped with stay-on tabs to eliminate the litter that resulted from the pull-tab. Where is that same campaign to attack those Butt-heads tossing their used-up fags (British term for cigarette) on our public roads, curbs and sidewalks? Why do we not hold the cigarette manufacturers accountable? Better yet let's stop being so soft on smokers and outlaw the filtered cigarette. No Filters - No Litter. Source[Jalopnik]

smart fortwo

davidallen — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 07:01:49 +0000

secure a smart fortwo for $99

smart fortwo

davidallen — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 07:02:41 +0000

secure a smart fortwo for $99

The Smart buyers secure with $99

davidallen — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 07:03:20 +0000

The fantastic Smart car ForTwo version is going to be on sale in the US in January 2008, yet there has been a huge interest in the tiny car that is built by Mercedes Benz.

With such a small car entering the marketplace, you would have it may struggle slightly, but on the contrary there has been a huge interest in the Smart car to the extent that over 20,000 customers have secured their car by placing the $99 deposit on a base car, which is valued at around $12,000 rising to $17,000. So what is all the fuss about? Smart ForTwo pure (50bhp) Transmission 6 Speed - Manual Softouch - Automatic Engine Data Engine Capacity 698 cc Cylinders 3 Power 50@5250 bhp/rpm Torque 59@1800-4000 lb/ft Performance Maximum Speed 84 mph - (Man) Maximum Speed 84 mph - (Auto) 0 - 62 mph 18.3 seconds - (Man) 0 - 62 mph 15.5 seconds - (Auto) Fuel Type - Unleaded Petrol Fuel Capacity 33 liters / 7.3 gallons Combined Fuel Consumption 60.1 mpg - Manual Range to Empty 436.3 miles Emissions Class EU4 CO2 Exhaust Emissions 113 g/km - Manual Transmission CO2 Exhaust Emissions 116 g/km - Automatic Transmission

The Smart For Two is due to go on sale in January through the Roger Penskes United Auto Group and naturally through the Mercedes Benz group dealer network. Source [Auto Blog]

Have trailer hitch accessories gone to far?

will bee — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 11:00:43 +0000

There seems to be no stopping the number of crass accessories that can come to the market to cover up that seemingly unsightly trailer hitch ball or receptacle beneath the bumper of many trucks and SUV's today.Â Years ago you would just cover the ball at the end of your hitch with a tennis ball and call it a day.Â In todays world filled with crap stores on every corner there is no end to the options available. Let's take a little stroll about the market place... here are a few samples of fine Hitch Accessories: First we have the Brake Light Skull... giving your ride a touch of Bling (do we still use that word today?) with a dark-sided warning of "Back Off! I'm Braking here." Next we have a well-seated Kicking Deer... to provide your little hunter co-pilot something to practice his aim at while riding with daddy hunter: Then there is the "Got Beer" Hitch Accessory... which in no way promotes drinking and driving because it requires the driver to stop in order to use it: But this following example is what really takes the Hitch Accessory beyond its necessary limits. Is it not bad enough that people have begun to question certain parts of the male anatomy for having fast cars and big trucks? Now we have this Hitch Accessory that only adds to the theory that men are making up for their own "inadequacies" with their over-sized trucks: If you are in possession of either of the first three samples of hitch accessories... well more power and amusement to you. However, if this last example of a Hitch Accessory is dangling from the back of your truck I must share the ever memorable quote a college roommate once uttered near me on just such an occasion:

Sorry about your penis. ~Thanks, Tim~

Barned Bugatti Sold for $852,500 in Auction at Greenwich Councours

will bee — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 12:09:58 +0000

It is truly amazing the number of classics that have been found and revived that had been left for dead out in a field or tucked inside an old barn. Back in the day when gas was cheap and a weekend drive thru the country side was not considered a guilty pleasure it was not uncommon to spot some classic grill or fender peaking through a opened barn door. Most of us are used to seeing a rounded '50's model fender or maybe the exposed trunk of a 1960's Mustang. It would be a rare thing in America to catch a 1938 Bugatti cozied up along the hay and under-growth of a barn, but that is just what happened to one lucky person. The 1938 Bugatti Type 57C Atalante Coupe that survived all those years in that barn appears to be complete and in good shape considering its barned-state of hibernation. It was expected that this rare find would run somewhere between $300,000 and $400,000 in auction, but it seems word or wallets spread over the barned Bugatti. When the auction closed the winning bidder was $852,500 lighter in the bank account. Ofcourse for a bidder on a classic car of this stature that is not an unsightly price. Over the years I have witness and her countless stories ofÂ barn finds andÂ rusted field flowers. A friend of my fathers discovered and purchased a 1966 K-code Mustang with a HiPo 289 engine. It was all original and had not lostÂ any ofÂ its horses while sitting in wait in that field. In another instance IÂ stumbled upon aÂ collection of 4 1920'sÂ Model A's barely covered along the road at the end of a privateÂ homes yard. The word around town was that some people had offered him money for one or some or even all and the owner would not budge. As always where some see trash others see treasure; like the 1955 barned-up Chevy picturedÂ below. A lot of money and a lot of hard laborÂ over time and you have a classic that could last another lifetime.Â Â SoÂ let that be a warning to all or maybe just a piece of advice. While you are out there whipping up the back-road of where-ever America keep one eye on the road and one eye in the barns and field around you. You never know what you may find peaking back at you. Source[ClassicCarGarage]

Happy about your new car smell or just delirious from the toxins?

will bee — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 17:37:39 +0000

So it turns out that sitting in your warm new car with the doors and windows closed so that you can breath deep that lovely new car smell is the equivalent of huffing paint but in a larger enclosure and without that painted-face residue. The Ecology Center (EC)out of Ann Arbor, MI released a report in 2006 stating that the plastics, fabricsÂ and glues that emit what is pleasantly referred to as that new car smell are really gassing toxic fumes. Then those fumes are trapped inside that lovely car you are now driving with the windows up and the Air Conditioning probably set to recirculate that same toxic air in a vicious cycle within the cars cabin. So while you smile and tell everyone you know how your car still has that new car smell maybe you are just too delirious to notice that you are really just high. Do not panic yet, but do roll down those windows on occassion, there is good news. Car manufacturers are working to replace and remove those toxin emitting materials from their cars. Daimler-Chrysler, Toyota, Honda and Ford all received some positive grades from the EC in some of their efforts to improve their interior components. To read more about the report and about what car manufacturers are doing to protect consumers click here.

parking problems

davidallen — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 07:01:49 +0000

how much to park a car

car parking costs

davidallen — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 07:03:16 +0000

how much to park a car

Just how much to park a car

davidallen — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 07:03:47 +0000

Well if you live in Manhattan it could be as much as $225,000! Which is enough to buy a fairly decent three bed roomed family home in most States.

However for the residents of Manhattan, car parking spaces have become a rare and much sort after commodity, for many of the few available there are waiting lists. One case is that of a new condo development on 246, West 17th Street, there are 34 units in the development, with five car parking spaces in the basement. So far there are eight people hoping to be the lucky purchaser of the $225,000 spaces. This has prompted the developer to seek approval from the City to add four more spaces, and who could blame them at that price!

This concept is not just a Manhattan phenomenon for parking is also expensive in Boston, $175,000, and Chicago $75,000, although the cost is not as high, compared to the property price it is. In other areas like LA and Dallas, car parking spaces are included in the price, so it varies from place to place, but depending on the building space available at the time. It would appear that people who have no cars are buying car parking spaces; they are bought as investments and are rented out in order to cover the management costs of the condos. Not bad for a piece of concrete with just two white lines painted on it! Source [NY Times]

Can America get over its consumption problem with oil?

will bee — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 11:40:44 +0000

To some it is a sign of a truly industrialized nation. There may have been aÂ time in some cultures where being fat was an indication of great wealth and was revered by the starving others in their society. In todays economic world America can certainly stand proud as the fattest consumer of oil in the world; dwarfing all others in our oil fed global society. As the graph below indicates as of 2003 the United States consumes more fuel than 20 other nations combined, and pays less at the pump than any other industrialized nation. If people lived in shoes like in the fairy tale then we here in America would strive to live in an assemblage of 10 Prada shoes excessively accessorized, while maintaining a summer home in Timberland. It does not seem enough that we consume. We have been taught in our society that to consume is human, but to save is... what poor people do. And so it is with fuel consumption as we buy buy buy ever so much and only stop ever briefly to express our concern over such wantoned consumption whenÂ we finally have to pay for it. Now go out there and support America....Â Buy Something! Source[AutoBlogGreen] Source[Economist]

Ford Orion Falcon Flies Soon Down Under

will bee — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 21:58:51 +0000

Some recent design layouts were discarded rather foolishly (or cleverly.. hmmm) by some Ford Australia employees that depicted the potential designs of the Ford Orion Falcon for 2008. Spy photos of a well-disguised model of the Falcon have been filtering through the net for a little while now, but these could be the first unfettered images of the car to be seen by the general public. Of course that is only true if the car turns out to resemble the leaked designs. Until the actual car comes to the market with a sales sticker on it everything about theÂ Falcon is speculation. But that does not mean that some thoughtful analysis cannot be put into that speculation. Inparticularly, in the case of the Falcon photos, there is something about this sedan that is striking. Some may find the flat-black surrounds on the headlights to be unsightly or as one commenter put it, "panda like." What should be most appealing to the car buying public is the bold steps they are or may be making to take a basic sedan that would normally only address the needs of the average buyer and instead giving the on-the-cusp buyer a reason to consider a sedan. BMW does this all the time (true, different class of car, but same principle) by taking their nice sedan and dressing it with their sporty M-class features. Imagine the potential Ford has with a dress-up of the American Ford Fusion. Funk Master Flex has shown his take on the Fusion and some of the possibilities but I think he could have done more with the exterior to create interest in the car, yet still not hamper it with a hideous F-1 styled spoiler or flamboyant 3-toned paint job. The most intriguing aspect of the Australian Ford Falcon design, whether what was leaked makes it to the road or not, is the aspiration of the design to be more than what a mere sedan typically is. And even if the car does resemble a masked thief out to steal the road or your mothers groceries as she returns from the store, it is at the very least a simple yet bold step toward making their Orion sedan something a bit more special. Source[CourierMail.Australia] Source[CarAdvice.com] Source[AutoBlog]

GMC and Hasbro to sanction another Transformer for the road

will bee — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 14:57:38 +0000

Â Thirty-some years ago George Lucas revolutionized the marketing of movies by joining forces with Hasbro and releasing a long running series of Star Wars toys for kids and fans. Hasbro then cashed in with the Tranformers toysÂ withÂ the tv series and animated movie for those toys. Today the same little kids that swarmed over those Hasbro toys when they were younger all all adults, and most of them still yearn for their childhood toys in some way. Even though some of those adults will still be purchasing the toys based on the movie (and some will be buying those toys for their children so that they themselves can play with them), Hasbro has something in mind for the adults aimed justÂ to satisfyÂ the kid in them. Hasbro and GMC are looking to build to sell trucks based on the one built as Ironhide for the Transformers movie. The idea of seeing that mega-pickup rolling down some suburban street while all the kids in the yards either run for cover or pursue on bikes seems amusing to me. But that is just what Monroe Equipment would like to see since they are the ones who customized Ironhide out of the GMC Sierra HD 3500 Dually. Monroe Equipment will also be the ones building the truck for sale after a few modest changes for legal purposes. Otherwise the street release of this behemoth truck will have the same 6.6 Duramax Diesel engine and a 16,000 pound winch just like the truck in the movie. Although the sales price for the Ironhide clones has not been announced it seems certain their are a few grown kids looking for just such a toy to call their own. I look forward to coming across one on the road in the future and will probably gawk at it with awkward amazement (and then make some joke about the driver). The only question I have for Monroe Equipment is whether they are going to leave the large Autobot insignia on the tailgate for the reproductions? Source[automotive news]

Porsche 911 GT2 Readies for the Road and the Market Place

will bee — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 17:16:17 +0000

The official for the 2008 Porsche 911 GT2 has been released and should have all car affecieonado's standing up to take notice. If you go solely by the numbers there is little that the GT2 should leave its driver feeling deficient of. The appearance of the GT2 is perfectly Porsche and distinctly 911, while the performance of the car would be expected to be up to or above the auto manufacturers distinctive standards. But wait... We are just talking about a brochure here. Ofcourse all of what I have said is exactly what the ad campaign for the 2008 911 GT2 is all about: Respect Required. And when referring to the car the fine marketers of Porsche point out that "it doesn't have to move to take your breath away." They are quick to point out however that Porsche is doing more than providing you a 530-hp rocket ship with which to propel its driver at speeds slightly above 200mph, but a safe car aswell. The 911 GT2 adheres to all the safety regulations required by the U.S. and in some aspects goes way further. With stability control and its automatic breaking for corrections to understeer and oversteer the 2008 GT2 will do its part to make sure that your rocket ship keeps to the road (or track if you are exceeding the speed limits and not on the Autobahn in Germany or on a closed course here in the US). As the number of millionaires in the US continues to grow I hope to find many of them heading out in 2008 to pay their respects to Porshe's new demon on wheels. That way those of us traveling about in our American made Ponies and lunking SUV's have something to gape at on our usual commute to work or soccer practice or where ever your travels take you. Source[AutoBlog] Source[CarScoop]

Smart ForTwo in Action; from High Speed to Dead Stop

will bee — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 12:25:02 +0000

The Smart ForTwo has been available on the European market for a number of years now and on the Canadian market since 2006, so it is only to American's that the micro-compact Smart ForTwo is completely foreign. That being said there are still 20,000 Americans lined up with $99/down pre-orders for the tiny ForTwo. Since the car has had some time to turn some laps on the European and Canadian driving circuits maybe there are some things that we can learn from their handling of the Smart ForTwo. Typically the first question asked upon first sight of the Smart ForTwo is about safety. After all this is a diminutive car stepping onto an American platform that is SUV heavy. If you were to take this car on the highway just how would that Tridion impact zone and rigid frame yield? Well that is something you will just have to watch here as these daft Europeans remote-drive a Smart ForTwo straight into a 20-ton concrete barrier at 70 mph. The video certainly raises some doubt whether a crash such as the one shown is humanly survivable in either of the test samples, but it does give some testimant to the stiff frame that supports the ForTwo. But now that we know that the car can survive a major impact (even if the driver cannot) it is time to put the car up to a speed test. To do that some modifications were done to give the 70-hp smart car a bit of umph. Some tuners have apparently gone to replacing the wee (Wii?) engine that drives the car with high-performance motorcycle engines. It would not take much more horsepower to gallop this tiny coach down a quarter mile, but does it really have the gaul to take on a true super car? The ForTwo may not make it to 100 mph faster than the Ferrari, but it did squeek out a better quarter mile time. However, now I am curious. If there had been 20 ton concrete barrier at the very end of that quarter mile which car between the two would sustain the impact with the least damage to self and occupants? If we are going to hold the unthinkably small SmartTwo to such safety ridicule why is the same microscope not focused on some of the worlds fastest vehicles? To see just what is coming to America go to Smartusa.com and for only $99 you too can reserve your little investment into the future.

E85 Dodge Viper Sets a 220mph Standing Mile Record

will bee — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 04:50:48 +0000

A new record has just been set for the standing mile by a production, street legal vehicle and the car itself is only half the story. The car is an 1100 horsepower Dodge Viper that was built by SVS Power, but the story on top of the story is that the record breaking car was fueled by E85. Take a look at the following video of the completed Viper undergoing some dyno testing. Pardon me for a moment... the pure throttled rumble of this beast brings a little E85 tear to my eye. Breaking any speed record in a Dodge Viper does not seem unlikely as they are designed exclusively to pin you fast into the back of your seat. What this acheivement does is fly in the face of all the E85 and ethanol detractors who focus on the loss of power and fuel efficiency in the use of such fuel. Watch the video below as the modified E85 Viper surpases the prior record of 217.6 mph that was recorded by a gasoline powered auto with a 220.7 mph run at the standing mile. The new record set by the E85 Viper is made just weeks before Ford in collaboration with Ohio State University, Roush and pilot Rick Byrnes will head to the Salt Flats with their Hydrogen powered Ford Fusion racer. The Hydrogen Fusion is equipped with a 770-hp electric motor supplied by OSU and will be seeking to break the 315mph record set by OSU in a prior car. Both records just fuel the enthusiasm behind further research and development in fuel alternatives. Just as in most cases these new car technologies are getting tested in their infancy in race cars before they are put into regular production cars. Source[AutoBlogGreen]

win a dodge charger

davidallen — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 07:07:03 +0000

your chance to win a customized dodge charger

Want to win a Dodge Charger?

davidallen — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 07:07:28 +0000

So do I! Well here is your chance to be the lucky winner of a special Dodge Charger, that has been completely fitted out and finished to replicate the famous Richard Petty STP Dodge Charger way back in 1971, the colors are right down to the smallest detail and it includes the famous number 43 on both doors, along with a special logo that has been designed to commemorate the anniversary and the sponsors Goody.

To be in with a chance of winning this special custom version of Richard Pettyâ€™s Dodge Charger RT all you will need to do is visit the Goodys Powder website, and fill in the fields provided to register and that is it, you are now in a chance of winning this fantastic car. Out of all the entries five semi finalists will be selected, they will all win a trip to the 4th November 2007 race in Texas, the trip will include, Flights, Hotel, Race Tickets and Spending Money total value around $2,750. But one of the five will be winning the special custom version of Richard Pettyâ€™s Dodge Charger RT, which has an estimated value of around $43,550. This is a fantastic opportunity to get your hands on great car that has been customized too! The only thing that you have to lose is the fact you will be registered on the Goodys Powder Website, so no doubt you will getting some interesting offers! Source [Auto Blog]

Ford says No but the media rumor mill says Volvo's a Go-Go

will bee — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 10:30:15 +0000

Â While Ford remains mum about all talk of potential sales of their other product lines the word in print is that Volvo could soon follow in the footsteps of Austin Martin, Jaguar and Land Rover. CEO Allan Mullaly and Chairman Bill Ford Jr. are attempting to work in utter secrecy as Ford performs a major overhaul of their auto portfolio in order to return to profitability. The sale of their 80's and 90's acquisitions is one way by which Ford will be able to generate some income. And that is some needed revenue as their Ford auto sales have failed to keep up with the rising costs of Union salaries, pensions and healthcare costs. If Ford does sell Volvo they are reported to be asking about $8 billion, but again that is "if". However, is now really the time to sell Volvo? The Swedish auto maker is one of the few if only manufacturers owned by Ford that is reported to be making a profit. They are also on a significant upswing in their style, design and environmentally friendly construction, which are good selling points in todays market. Ford only knows if Volvo is for certain to be sold off to the highest bidder, but it seems probably that the first person to show up with a check for $8 billion could be driving home in a pretty safe car. Source[TimesOnline]

Checking your cars computer goes self-serve with SAM Kiosks

will bee — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 11:42:56 +0000

Communicating with your cars onboard computer has just been taken out of the hands of the trained professional mechanic and made available to anyone (currently living in Atlanta and North Carolina). For years we have paid fees to our mechanic for hooking up our cars to a Code Reader to tell us what was wrong with our cars.Â Each time they plug our car in it costs us anywhere from $25 to $85 or more in fees charged by the mechanic. With the Smart Auto Management (SAM) kiosk you can pull up and check your computer yourself just like you pump your own gas (just a different receptical... please do not put scanning port in your fuel spout). Handheld scanners have been around for years too and are quite the convenience if you know how to work one and want to pay the money for the code/software updates. For many of us the need to read our cars computer is random and not something many want to be trained to do. By pulling up to aÂ SAM kiosk and for a simple charge of $15 on your credit card you can learn on your own what that knocking noise is or why your check engine light is on. This also takes the guessing game out of going to the mechanic as now you are coming to him with your specific need and not waiting on him to tell you what he is going to do for you. Other reasons to use a SAM kiosk could be to check your car before heading out on that long drive or when purchasing a used car. A couple years ago I requested to have a used 2003 Mustang GT Convertible hooked up to the computer before I bought it. It was not that I didn't trust the dealership (never do). It was just that I did not want any surprises after buying the car. Their response was a bit of a scoff at my request and that it really would only tell me if there was a problem with the car (duh) and that there was no problem with the car. Then they also told me that it would cost me $85. If a SAM kiosk had been around there is a strong likelihood that my test drive of the vehicle would have involved a trip to the kiosk to get a reading on the car myself. It would be just one more way to protect yourself. Watch for the opening of a SAM kiosk near you in the coming year. Currently there are 200 in Atlanta and NC, but their plans are to go nationwide. Â Source[NewYorkTimes]

The eBay find of the week is a Fire Breathing 1927 Dodge Custom

will bee — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 02:36:14 +0000

Maybe it was the oppressive Summer heat of Nevada or possibly the nearby California wild fires, but something has certainly built a fire about this ebay classic. The car is a 1927 Dodge that has been customized and rebuilt intoÂ a fire breathing daily driver. While the general parts are fairly typical for restore-mod fair that involves the Chevy 350 engine, Mustang II front end and the Ford 9-inch rear, it is the effort of the artist on the outside that brings this car to attention. Painted flames have their place in automotive History and it seems that this car has collected all of that History and put in in one paint job. If you are looking for a custom classic that will get you noticed you may need to look no further. Since the car lacks both a heater and air conditioning, those flames won't be the only thing burning up on the pavement. With a stated reserve of $14,999 this is one chance to grab a unique ride that happens comes equipped with a Mother-in-law's seat in the back. If you are a bit extroverted and don't mind stares give this little classic a once-over at on eBay.

E3 participants get a sneak peek at Burnout Paradise

will bee — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 03:29:53 +0000

If you are a fan of racing games, and inparticularly the Burnout series, then you look to be in for a treat with the next title in the series: Burnout Paradise. If ever you had a burning urge toward some random road rage then this next game just might be your true paradise. With no download time and a free-roam map format you can park your real car, get in your home, turn on the game and instantly unleash your fury. Take a look at this trailor for the game for a glimpse of what kind of havoc is yours to create. For further details on the making of Burnout Paradise check out this interview at E3 convention in Santa Monica, CA with one of the creators of Burnout Paradise from Criterion. As a fan of the Burnout series this is certainly a game that I will be watching out for this Winter. And maybe by then I will have a console of my own upon which to play it.

sat nav

davidallen — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 07:27:06 +0000

sat nav

sirius

davidallen — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 07:28:52 +0000

sirius digital radio

What do you want in your car?

davidallen — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 07:30:56 +0000

Well according to a survey done by Gartner Inc, there is a list of gadgets or features that people would like to see in their cars. The list does not really have any surprises in it, so there are no really outrageous wants, like beer on tap, or a microwave oven built into the dashboard for those snacks on the move. 1. Embedded, hands-free phone system - some cars have these, they are ok, but it means having another cell phone to take around with you.

2. Way to plug a cell phone into a car's audio system - now this one is a bit more realistic, and would be very useful is the audio system actually had a docking station, rather than having to use wires and phone holders. 3. Emergency call function - great idea for lone drivers, but would need to be more than just a button to push to prevent accidents. 4. Theft recovery - same as above, some car have them already. 5. Digital satellite radio - some like Sirius is good.

6. Satellite navigation with wireless map updates - this is a must, as the road networks are changing all the time. 7. Radar-controlled cruise control - this would be ok, provided the system works fine, it is no excuse to blame the radar if you get caught speeding. 8. CD player that can play MP3 discs - ok if you love music. 9. Lane departure warning system - essential now days, it is all too easy to make this mistake; many accidents are caused by a simple error. 10. Way to plug portable music player into audio system - ok if the system has a docking station, otherwise there are wires and equipment loose inside the car. These are course what people desire, most are available in todayâ€™s cars, but not everyone needs or wants them, my car has a built in sat nav, and I have never used it. It is down to the individual. Source [LA Times]

Need more M3 in your diet? Videos of the 2008 BMW M3

will bee — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 08:00:48 +0000

For those who cannot get enough of the upcoming 2008 BMW M3 there are some recently released extensive videos available for the drooling. Since the 90's BMW has maintained a reputation as tops amongst its few peers in the luxury sport coupe class. From their premium factories to their premium products there really is not much in the way of negatives that can be said about BMW's M-class unless you want to talk about their premium price. The cost of admission aside the new 2008 BMW M3 should certainly be anything but a disappointing ride. Autospies.com was fortunate to get this special glimpse inside a new M3 in Spain. Sit back and enjoy this long, loving inspection. Despite Agent 001's approval of the "more masculine" lines on the M3 coupe in comparison to the new 3-Series sedan, the new model seems a bit softer in appearance next to the sharper lines of the previous models. However there can be very few complaints about the fit and finish of the interior space of the M3 (excluding the Europeans lack of a cup-holder. How would you shift with your coffee between your legs?). If the exterior and interior views of the new BMW M3 get you excited then this next video should cap off the experience just right. Take a look as they take this ride out on the winding roads of Spain. I believe this is what you came for. For those of you looking to fit a new M3 in your garage the above videos should give you yet a little more incentive to inquire about a waiting list. For the rest of those who just enjoy good design and some aggressive sport luxury, you will just have to settle for a Need for Speed Carbon test drive to get just a feel for it. Thanks to Autospies for those videos.

A BMW 1-Series Hatchback in the Dakar Rally?

will bee — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 11:21:18 +0000

Take a look at a rally car with a touch of refinement implicated by its BMW 1-Series Hatchback shell. Ofcourse all that refinement will be caked over by dirt, dust and sand after they take the all-wheel drive "Trio", as it it is called, through the rigors of the 2008 Dakar Rally in France. With the large tires and visible roll cage support this may not be an example of a BMW you would want to see rolling up behind you on a windy side road. Besides the 1-Series shell this rugged rally car has only one other similarity with any BMW line and that is in the 6-cylinder 3.0 liter turbo-diesel engine. While the reported horsepower being delivered from the BMW diesel is 265 the torque for the similar baseline engine in the BMW X5 puts out a pleasing 428 ft.lb. Once the "Trio" is in the Dakar Rally very little of the BMW facade will be on the minds of the driver and navigator. Some samples of their exchanges will more resemble, "Left turn" "Right turn" "Go straight" "Crap!" In the mean time, up until the rally, there is yet another BMW on four-wheels to bring a little more focus on the BMW 1-Series. Go to AutoBlog.com to check out the other pictures of the "Trio" rally car.

NISSAN 300ZX - Photos

Chris — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 18:34:09 +0000

Here is a gallery of the NISSAN 300ZX. Click on each image for a hi-res version.

PHOTO GALLERY

CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO CARS 40-31

HONDA S2000 - Photo Gallery

Chris — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 20:33:26 +0000

Here is a gallery of the HONDA S2000. Click on each image for a hi-res version.

PHOTO GALLERY

CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO CARS 40-31

Chrysler shelves the Imperials New Clothes in light of looming CAFE legislation

will bee — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 01:55:30 +0000

Â Chrysler has announced that their plans to build the concept Imperial shown first at the 2006 NAIAS have been cancelled. With the CAFE legislation that has already passed the Senate the newÂ fuel efficiencyÂ expectation for cars would be 35 mpg by 2020. For large vehicles like the class the Imperial was destined to enter such mileage would likely have been an impossible stretch with todays general practiced automotive standards. Even though production of the Imperial has been cancelled Chrysler has reaffirmed their committment to invest $700 million in the Toronto manufacturing plant the car was destined to be built in. Instead they will be working on the next generation 300. The Imperial was a bold attempt at challenging the Rolls Royce, and despite being dubbed by some "the poor mans Phantom" could the same not be said for many cars that are not the pinnacle of luxury? Source[DetroitFreePress]

Take a ride in the Bugatti Veyron as it hits 253-mph

will bee — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 04:21:29 +0000

The Bugatti Veyron is not just a super car with super deluxe styling both inside and out. It is the fastest production car being built today. With a top speed that reaches further than an F-1 race car and the luxury interior accomodations the Bugatti Veyron is more than just a super car. It truly is in a class all its own. Watch the video below as boys from TopGear take to the VW testing grounds in Germany to see if they can throttle the Veyron up to its posted top speed of 253-mph. For most of the world the video of the Bugatti scortching down the track at such speeds is as close as we will ever get. And for some of us... it is close enough.

AC Schnitzer Mini Cooper R56.

davidallen — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 07:23:18 +0000

AC Schnitzer Mini Cooper R56.

davidallen — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 07:24:10 +0000

AC Schnitzer Mini Cooper R56.

davidallen — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 07:24:54 +0000

AC Schnitzer Mini Cooper R56.

The Mini AC Schnitzer

davidallen — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 07:25:43 +0000

The German tuning company AC Schnitzer has just revealed their latest project, the AC Schnitzer Mini Cooper R56. They have developed a range of accessories and performance enhancing upgrades for the already great new Mini.

The Mini Cooper is already a pretty good small car, which has totally re launched the brand as hip car to have and to be seen in, but with the styling from companies like AC Schnitzer this will take the Mini Cooper onto a new level and will attract a whole new group of interested customers.

The upgrades include a twin sports silencer addition to the exhaust system, with fully chromed racing tailpipe, and sports racing suspension. The body has been given a bit of a makeover too with front bumper, rear spoiler, and a really nice looking rear skirt with a diffuser, that helps with down force. Even the wheels have been changed to offer a choice of either 17 â€œ or 18 â€œ alloy wheels.

On the inside the car has been given a few AC Schnitzerâ€™s touches such as a Aluminum handbrake handle, aluminum gear shift knob, aluminum foot rest, aluminum pedal set and the floor is covered with some classy velour floor mats. There is not much information on the price structure yet, or availability. Source [eGM Car Tech]

Ford and the UK say Cannibus and Cars DO mix

will bee — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 12:06:56 +0000

A British technology company by the Qinetiq has been put in charge of a project to research and produce car parts that a derived from the use of Hemp instead of common plastics. The effort is a joint collaboration between Ford, the UKâ€™s Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), and HEMCORE who will be providing the Hemp. Money to support the project has been pledged by British Ministers in the tune of 500,00 pounds. The research in agricultural based bio-components and materials for cars is not new to the industry. Henry Ford had been paying for research in that area starting in 1910 that by 1941 had produced the worlds first recycleable car. The mixed resins Ford produced were able to form into glove boxes and body moldings that replaced their metal counterparts. Take a look at the video below to see Fords first recycleable car. For those of you who just got a hankering for the old school movie documentaries and want to know more about Hemps place and usage in our Industrial age take a look at this video. The applications for Hemp have been various over the centuries. It can be frustrating to see how close we have come to early environmental progresses only to find that somewhere along the way we took the road more travelled. It is always interesting to see how far we have come and how far back we have to go. Source[CarScoop] Source[TimesOnline]

HUMMER hammered by Enviro-Vandals on quiet D.C. street

will bee — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 16:52:19 +0000

Eco-Vandals take out their fury on an unsuspecting 2005 Hummer H2 in a quiet neighborhood in D.C. Being subject to an automotive hate-crime was not something Gareth Groves considered as he finally had the opportunity to purchase his dream hummer not long ago. After getting some specialty work done on the vehicle Groves new ride had only lasted a week on the road before it was accosted. At 3:30am the vandals sacked the parked and unsuspecting Hummer outside Groves mothers home where he lives. They battered the windows and body with little mercy and slashed all four 38-inch tires and scribed onto the car: "FOR THE ENVIRON." The criminal act was believed to have been carried out by two men wearing masks and both being about 6 feet tall. The crime itself seems to be garnering little more than a shrug from Groves neighbors who are predominately Prius drivers with more love for the environment than hate for vandalism. The Hummer has become the poster-child for fuel IN-efficiency in these times of global environmental activism. Unfortunately one mans activism is another mans damaged goods. However, the Hummers 14-mpg is not the lowest on the market, so the real source for the divide between Prius and Hummer must be ego. Headlines across the web just last week spoke of the Prius owners concern for their appearance as being environment friendly as a large reason for their purchase. While many Hummer owners make their purchase as a matter of status aswell, although a different kind of status. Great efforts should be taken to spread the word that those who populate this world do leave a footprint on this world with each step and each action we take. That goes for both the consumer of large, inefficient automobiles to the messengers who turn to violence to be heard. What do you think of the men who chose to hammer out their message about the environment on another mans private property? Do you think the owners of large SUV's should be targeted? Source[MSNBC.com]

How is the Ford Focus out selling its Big 3 competitors?

will bee — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 04:00:15 +0000

How is the 8 year-old design of the Ford Focus managing to outsell its domestic small car competitors when we are supposedly in a market where fuel efficient cars are in demand? With the next generation Focus close to release why are sales for the "old" design up 20-percent compared to last June, while the newer Cobalt, HHR, Aveo, Vibe and Caliber all taking a dive? Will the upgraded performance models of the HHR and Caliber SRT-4 turn their sales figures around in the coming year? Those have to be the questions receiving heavy rotation within the marketing offices and board roams of the notorious Big 3: GM, Ford and Crysler. Is this the reason I cannot find room on the cheap flights going into Detroit in August? It certainly does not hurt the Focus that as this final production year winds down for the aging design that Ford has some extra money to throw toward some buyers incentives. Finding a $2500 incentive on a car already selling inÂ the mid-to-highÂ teens would be a huge plus for any shopper interested in the small car market. These same low pricesÂ are also doing a job of enticing some buyers away from the more expensive Japanese brands who are considered by many the leaders of the small car market. In fact it was the Japanese auto makers who made the small car market what it is today when they were introduced to the American market in the 1970's during another time of oil crises. Just as the big truck and SUV were the marque markets in the 90's and early in this decade it is the small car, fuel efficient market that will be garnering greater attention as this decade comes to a close. The Big 3 may not revel in the same price mark-up they enjoyed from the SUV sales as they will with the small car sales, but they better find a way to market them to the American buyer. If the other spokes of the Big 3 cannot find a way to sell like the Focus is and if Ford fails to maintain those sales with the new design they may be looking for a new moniker by which to refer to themselves. Do you have any suggestions on how GM and Chrysler could better market their small cars? I am certain at this point they would be willing to listen to any valued suggestions. Source[AutoWeek]

Ferrari 430 Scuderia

davidallen — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 07:38:02 +0000

Ferrari 430 Scuderia

davidallen — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 07:38:52 +0000

Ferrari 430 Scuderia

davidallen — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 07:40:31 +0000

Ferrari 430 Scuderia

Michael Schumacher to unveil new Ferrari

davidallen — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 07:42:09 +0000

Ferrari are still making the most of F1 legend Michael Schumacher as it will be him who will unveil to the world the new Ferrari 430 Scuderia at the Frankfurt Motor Show on the 11th September. Now that is most defiantly a great piece of PR, which is bound to attract the media and fans too.

The car itself is another V8, which will be joined by the F430 coupe and the F430 spider. The car will have a really low weight to power ratio, the car weighing only 1250 kg, which works out at about 2.45 kg per hp.

Powered by a superb 4308 cc V8 that will deliver a massive 510 bhp at 8500 rpm. This is joined by some spectacular software called â€œSuper fastâ€ which means that the gear change times are reduced to a very slim 60 milliseconds, new Traction Control which is combined with the E Diff Electronic Differential and the F1 Trac, traction and control, all in one integrated system.

But the car is always going to be spectacular and it most definitely is, yet it has to be the fact that Michael Schumacher is going to be on hand at the launch that will make most of the photos and media coverage, which finally shows that Ferrari have been very clever in keeping him on the parole as he attends F1 races and now getting involved in the new car launches, Ferrari have made a very shrewd investment there. I wonder if we will see other top drivers doing the same for their works cars? Source [Auto Blog]

BMW 335i v. Infiniti 37s: Coupe battle ends in a split-decision

will bee — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 12:51:28 +0000

Edmunds and Motor Trends recently released simultaneous judgements on their hands-on comparison of the 2007 BMW 335i and the 2008 Infiniti 37s. It is a battle of the standard bearer versus the up-and-coming in a face-off to see which is putting out the better sport coupe. And just like any boxing match you sometimes wonder if both judges were looking at the same fighters as the results appear a little mixed. The BMW 335iÂ Both publications approached the BMW with a particular level of deference as they have been the pinnacle of the sport coupe class for many many years. Both Edmunds and Motor Trend were recipients of similar cars in trim and propulsion with the 3.0 liter twin-turbo straight six. The 335i was run through similar tests and graded with somewhat similar results, which would be a mark to the stability and experience that the elite builders should provide. When Edmunds submitted their test car to the dyno they found that the usual 15% loss of horsepower due to drive-train resistance was actually only 7% (the Infiniti tested to show the usual 15% loss in horsepower, but showed a considerable drop in torque from the advertised amount). Thus to say that either the 335i has a magical new drivetrain technology that they are not sharing or that BMW has underrated the published 300-horsepower that they advertise for the car. The Infiniti G37s The Infiniti G37s coupes tested by Edmunds and Motor Trends have on major difference between them and that would be the transmission. Edmunds received a manual stick while Motor Trends had a 5-speed automatic with the fixed paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. While the manual shift managed a faster quarter mile for Edmunds (13.8 seconds) than the automatic did for Motor Trends (14.0 seconds), it was in over-all competence and feel for the road that set the two reviews apart. The G37's 4-wheel-active-steer (4WAS) was highlighted as a hindrance to the Edmunds tester where he indicated that such interference did not take place in the G37 Sedan with an automatic transmission they had tested this year. The Motor Trend test coupe which came equipped with that same automatic transmission displayed no noticeable interference in the handling of the Infiniti during its 400-mile run. The Results While both tests seemed to give the BMW 335i the usual high grade it would expect, it was the difference in the grades of the Infiniti G37s that may raise more questions than answer. One of those questions being whether it is better to have the G37s in an automatic rather than the manual transmission? In the end though it is the consumer that benefits from this competition. While these two duke-it-out in their design wars and beefed-up engine power it is the buyer who is provided the greater options. The price may be the final judge as the Infiniti comes in around $8,000 less than the BMW, but for some the prestige of a BMW could be priceless (or at least worth an extra eight grand. Which car would you pick if you were in the market for one of the two participants in this test? Source[MotorTrend] Source[Edmunds]

Would the Corvette be in your Top 10 of American Inventions?

will bee — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 01:15:41 +0000

A Top 10 list has been assembled to rate the ten quintessentially American Inventions by Askmen.com. There have been so many inventions to come from this most inventive land that narrowing out the Cotton Gin, Peanut Butter and Fantasy Football from the list would prove difficult. However the folks at Askmen succeeded on their own terms in creating a Top 10 and the Chevrolet Corvette just made it in at number 10. The Corvette was a revolution for the car industry and since its introduction in 1953 there have been only 6 body styles released (labeled as C1-C6). The 7th design of the Corvette is scheduled to be introduced in 2010, which amazingly is not very far from now. As inventions go the Corvette is truly as American as Baseball; which happens to be number 5 on the list of American Inventions. It is only fair since Baseball has been around twice as long as the Corvette. Here are the Top 10 American Inventions as selected by Askmen.com 1. The Presidency 2. Jazz 3. The Steamboat 4. Blue Jeans 5. The Airplane 6. Baseball 7. The Western 8. The Colt .45 9. Bourbon Whiskey 10. Corvette How would your Top 10 list of American Inventions differ? Source[AskMen]

Lee Iacocca wonders where the Lee Iacocca's of the world are?

will bee — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 03:02:24 +0000

InÂ Lee Iacocca'sÂ new book Where Have All The Leaders Gone? the former chairman of Chrysler addresses the American people in hopes that by sturring the pot some cream may truly rise to the top as it has in previous generations. In his 82nd year of life Iacocca is of a generation of American's who have seen and faced many challenges and tragedies throughout the years. It is the generation that Tom Brokaw refers to as the Greatest Generation. It is during these times of political uncertainty and industrial trouble that it is advisable to lend an ear to the lessons and observations that their experiences have earned them. Â As we sit and watchÂ while what remains of the once Big 3 in Detroit slips deeper in a mire that seems inescapable we should really be asking the same question that Iacocca is asking. Maybe some of us are merely accepting of the notion that there is no more need for the Big 3 in a global economy. Others like Lee Iacocca would beg to differ against that opinion.Â Reading Iacocca's book will not cure the American auto industry nor cure cancer. However, there is a certain levelÂ of respect and deference thatÂ Iacocca's professional resume warrants on theÂ issue of leadership. Plus, without him we would not have the Mustang andÂ quite possibly the pony car classification... andÂ I would be short two cars.Â

Hyundai reaches a milestone: 5 million cars sold in America

will bee — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 03:36:37 +0000

Hyundai realized a milestone recently when they reached the mark of 5 million cars sold in America. It is no small achievement for the auto manufacturer from Korea that faced daunting quality issues when it first came to the states in 1986. The milestone is even more impressive when you consider that Hyundai had just made it to 4 million cars sold in 2005. Since 1999, and under the leadership of the then newly hired Chairman Chung Mong-koo, Hyundai has worked hard to turn their image around. Today they rank ahead of Toyota for quality and further the perception of assurance to their customers by offering the best auto warranty on the cars they sell in the U.S. With designs like the Santa Fe and Sonata selling well there is no reason to believe that Hyundai will not reach their goal of 550,000 cars sold in America in 2007. With some surprising and innovative designs coming in the years to come Hyundai will certainly continue to make their mark on the world market. Source[Detroit News]

bmw

davidallen — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 07:28:25 +0000

BMW celebrate 90th anniversary

bmw

davidallen — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 07:29:19 +0000

BMW celebrate 90th anniversary

davidallen — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 07:29:57 +0000

It was exactly 90 years ago, on 21 July 1917. When it all started with the production of aircraft engines, followed by the design and production of motorcycles and finally the company entered the auto business and have not looked back since.

Even the WW2 did not stop BMW despite the allies many attempts, which did in fact destroy the plant in Munich during 1944, but a stroke of luck and good business, meant that by 1945 they were in fact repairing US army vehicles, and they started up the motorcycle business. During the fifties the allies lifted most of the restrictions and production could once again begin. But it was really until the mid seventies that BMW became a household name and with the development of the three series really pushed the BMW name into every corner of the globe. BMW has always been squashed between Mercedes Benz and VW being neither one nor the other, but the more recent models have been more of a match for both of the brands.

The future of BMW has never been better, they have a strong range of cars, highly technical specs coupled with the style and design, and are now running a successful Formula One racing team, which give the company technical advances and some great PR, that has made BMW one of the most desirable cars on the road today. Source [Top Speed]

A Prius plug-in to be tested by Toyota in Japan

will bee — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 11:35:42 +0000

It has been reported that Toyota is preparing to plug-in to the idea that there is enough demand and sufficient need to test a plug-in hybrid Prius. That was the report on Green Car Congress bringing news from Japan that Toyota has applied for permission from Japanâ€™s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport to test their new plug-in Prius. Not only will they be testing the technology that some in California have been voiding their Toyota warranties to enjoy but the test Prius' will be coming with the li-ion batteries that have been an issue for the company. It seems in prior attempts Toyota has complained about the li-ion batteries over-heating, but maybe this is a sign that they have addressed that issue. Either way Toyota's test plug-in is a real win for those who have tauted their plug-in success with 100+ mpg for over a year now. Way to catch-up Toyota! Source[AutoBlogGreen] Source[GreenCarCongress]

Dealership Promotion error yields 30,000 Grand Prize Winners

will bee — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 12:32:24 +0000

A car dealership in Rosewell, New Mexico was overwhelmed to learn that their recent direct-mailing marketing erroneously sent out 30,000 winning scratch-offs. Initially the mailing was to reach 50,000 households with 1 Grand Prize Winner. They were able to halt 20,000 of them before they were shipped out and after the error was discovered thanks to some untimely proofreading. Jeff Kohn, the General Manager of the Honda dealership effect by this typographical error, and representatives from Force Events, the marketing firm that made the error, are scheduled to meet to address the mistake. In the meantime the dealership is taking down the names and numbers of all those recipients of the grand prize tickets who come to the car lot. As one commenter put it, here is a chance for the car dealership to come out the hero and gain more free national press. Ofcourse that same commenter miscalculated the total cost of awarding the Grand Prize to all of the supposed winners. If they were forced to reward all the 30,000 winning mailings sent the Grand Prize notice of $1,000 (time to add some zeros) it would cost $30,000,000. That is quite a price to pay for some national publicity. Do you know how many minutes in Super Bowl commercials that would be? Who do you think should take the blame for this? How would you resolve the error and maybe save some face if you were the General Manager of the Honda Dealership? Source [Associated Press]

AUDI UR-QUATTRO - Photos

Chris — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 20:00:27 +0000

Here is a gallery of the AUDI UR-QUATTRO. Click on each image for a hi-res version.

PHOTOS

CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO CARS 50-41

NOBLE M15 - Photos

Chris — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 20:22:39 +0000

Here is a gallery of the NOBLE M15. Click on each image for a hi-res version.

PHOTOS

CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO CARS 50-41

GUMPERT APOLLO - Photos

Chris — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 20:56:15 +0000

Here is a gallery of the GUMPERT APOLLO. Click on each image for a hi-res version.

PHOTOS

CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO CARS 50-41

FERRARI 599 GTB FIORANO - Photos

Chris — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 22:08:15 +0000

Here is a gallery of the FERRARI 599 GTB FIORANO. Click on each image for a hi-res version.

PHOTOS

CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO CARS 50-41

VW Scirocco Spotted Testing in America

will bee — Sat, 21 Jul 2007 12:55:22 +0000

A cloaked test model of the 2009Â VW Scirocco was observed going through heat tests in America just recently. Hidden beneath the black drapes auto manufacturers use to disguiseÂ their upcoming designs the distinct grille and headlights of the SciroccoÂ could still be made out. While hopes are high for some that Scirocco will find a place amongst the GTI and R32 in American dealerships it could be a tough sell for VW. Despite the growing appeal of smaller yet exciting hatchbacks and sedans to both customers and (now) car companies it seems unlikely that one company would attempt to squeeze so many models into such a compact market. Europe however will be seeing the Scirocco in show rooms as a 2009 model as Americans will be watching footage of those reviews on YouTube and the like. What is most pleasing about the Scirocco and the resurgence of the small car are the chances the auto makers are making in the design of them. The Mini Cooper took a chance on revamping a model that enjoyed decades of success in Europe, so that was not as much of a stretch. But when you look at the Volvo C30, Audi A3, VW Scirocco and BMW 1-series hatchback you have to be a little pleased to see designers able to stretch their legs some on these smaller packages. It would be the equivalent of Hollywood using writers again instead of relying on Reality based programs to fill the networks void for creativity. Source[Winding Road]

Another Look: Alpine Morphes the Mercedes R500 into the Imprint RLS

will bee — Sat, 21 Jul 2007 14:09:49 +0000

It is sometimes amazing what innovative design and the guts and willingness to do it can achieve. Take Alpine Electronics redesign of the Mercedes-Benz R500 into the audio and visual experience that is the Imprint RLS. It would normally take Disney imagin-eers to take a working model and reshape it into something both classic and magical at the same time. The bones of the original are hardly visible in the reshaping of the R500 until you compare the sloping of the windshields and the measuring of the tapering at the top. Elegance is truly reborn in the handcrafted molding of the Imprint RLS. In looking from the rear of the two cars side by side some similarity in the shape of the body and rear window appear present but are overshadowed by the molding around the rear wheels and overwhelming Mercedes-Benz imblem. The single suicide door with the attached seat is a completeÂ departure from the 4-door original counterpart. The intent on Alpine Electronics part to create the Imprint RLS was to house their ultimate audio system in a way that stimulates the participant on multiple levels. From a visual perspective I would have to attest that they have surely succeeded in making a stunning design worthy of many decibels of applause [Press PLAY for Applause track now]. To see more of the Imprint RLS and to learn more about the sound system to fuels this one-off, futuristic studio go to Serious WheelsÂ or look for it on tour in a auto show near you. You can also learn more about the Imprint RLS on Alpine-USA with both video and photos available.

Refinery Shortages Fuel the Demand for these Gas Saving Tips

will bee — Sun, 22 Jul 2007 13:50:01 +0000

U.S. refineries have faced the largest number of closures and failures in the past 2 years than in decades prior. That means millions of barrels of gasoline are failing to feed our American market and its ever increasing demand. Things were so much easier when we could band together in a loathing of foreign oil suppliers for causing the price of gas to increase considerably. For these recent shortages we are left staring suppliers within the U.S. for their failures to meet demand. So while some investigate those companies for what they are doing wrong there are some easy and helpful hints out there for what you could be doing right to improve your own pull on the demand for fuel. Take a look at the following videos on ways to save fuel while driving. They are not the most riviting videos to be released, but saving real money usually is unfortunately not portrayed as glamorous. For many of us the infrastructure that provides for public transportation and walking/biking to work does not exist. There are no safe bike paths along busy highways that permit the carbon saving bike to work. So if the daily commute is what it takes to get you to your job then hopefully some of the tips provided in the videos above will help.

red cross

davidallen — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 06:53:41 +0000

the great car givewaway

Win a 2007 Lincoln MKX crossover

davidallen — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 06:55:06 +0000

How would you like to own a brand new pearl white, 2007 Lincoln MKX crossover? The answer would be a most definite yes from most people and why not!

The only problem is that you would need to be in Minnesota and entry will cost you a pint of blood! Because this is a promotion (If you can call it that) being organized by the Red Cross. Last week the supplies of blood began to run down significantly and in fact the type â€œOâ€ blood group had almost entirely gone, with no foreseeable way of replenishing their stocks, the Red Cross have decided to resort to shall we say, some unorthodox ways of persuading people to donate a little bit of the red stuff. It is good way of getting people to walk in the door, in fact the campaign has been running for three weeks now and over 13,000 have visited the Red Cross centers in the hope of being able to drive around in a new car on September 8th when the campaign will give away the prizes. If the prospect of winning the brand new car was not enough, in the American Red Cross of Southeastern Michigan, also have fuels cards of varying values from $25 right up to $200. This is for sure a great way of bringing in the people and educating them on the importance of donating blood, however will the donors become regular donors? It has to be doubtful, so organizing a great campaign like this has short term benefits, but this is not a long term solution unless the Red Cross is prepared to giveaway a major prize every one or two months. This current campaign will end on September 5th. Source [The Conservative Voice]

Can the Enclave make Buick relevant in America again?

will bee — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 11:58:01 +0000

At first glance of the new Buick Enclave some of the elements of the body styling give you the impression that maybe they have something here. Even the just-for-decoration port holes along the groove of the hood gives it just a little something more. But the more you run your fingers around this enormous CUV and once your senses get the mass affect of confusion from its interior you will find the Enclave to be rather hit-and-miss. Buick has been a fading brand here in America for over a decade now. Whether it is from GM's bungling of the business or Buicks lack of styling vision the car brand teeters on the cusp of going the way of the Oldsmobile. With the Enclave they show signs of clawing back away from the abyss, but can those attempts really pull away from the subtle flaws? The lines of the Enclave are soft and subtle and in print do well to disguise its size. When you pull up next to an Enclave in your car or SUV you will find that photos do not do it justice. If by calling it a CUV they are referring to its melding of an SUV with a Yukon then they might be close. There is no way that the Enclave should be considered in the same class as the Mazda CX-7 or future CX-9. And with a mere 275-hp to motivate this 2.5 ton vehicle into action this is not a CUV built for speed. However the luxury ride of the Enclave is designed to make the wait to get there worth the while. With the optional drop down, dual LCD monitors and built in tray tables the backseat is built to make patience entertaining. It is in their blending of textures and materials that Buick gives the impression of being a car built by a committee where there are no bad ideas. So sorry to tell you but any mix of faux-wood in a modern car is a bad idea. Modern furniture pulls off the wood and brushed aluminum combination much better than the modern Enclave. Saddle that with the multiple colors of brown and tan and you have quite the hodgepodge built inside the cabin. The layered confusion of the interior is more prevelant along the dash of the Enclave. The upward transition of the tan to brown to metal to wood to brown again is a layered cake short on taste. And where a woodgrained steering wheel is quant and traditional on my 1970 Mustang it is not appealing here. So while the first impression of the Buick Enclave built me up with hope the real thing leaves me with that oh so Buick feeling. Maybe as some have suggested, if Buick shared some of their designs for the Chinese market here in the USA they might achieve the same sales percentages here as they do there. There will be those who will buy the Buick Enclave and be happy for doing so and I am sure it will fit in just find with their McMansion. Source[TheTruthAboutCars] Source[Buick]

ALFA ROMEO 8C COMPETIZIONE - Photos

Chris — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 18:44:42 +0000

Here is a gallery of the ALFA ROMEO 8C COMPETIZIONE. Click on each image for a hi-res version.

PHOTOS

CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO CARS 50-41

Dodge Caliber SRT-4 Falls Short of the 300hp Promised

will bee — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 01:16:48 +0000

The Dodge Caliber SRT-4 is set to hit showrooms with Dodge's own special blend of marketing and hype. It seems like it was just yesterday that they praised the upcoming Caliber SRT-4 as a 300hp dream that would leave its predecessor car lengths behind. "With 300 horsepower under the hood, the Dodge Caliber SRT4 will dominate the sport-compact market," saidÂ George Murphy, Senior Vice President -- Global Marketing, Chrysler Group. However, as the pudding hits the spoon we find the new SRT-4 has slipped back 20hp leaving one of its more marketed ingredients a little short on Ka-Pow. While the 280hp and 260 torque may not be sweet music to the ears they are still fairly respectable numbers in the class of cars the Caliber is associated to. And while harping on the horsepower rating of the new SRT-4 it is still a favorable leap from its 230hp predecessor. Inspite of its inclusion in the SRT family and the high hopes at Dodge it does not seem likely that the Caliber will survive on the market as long as the Neon version, but there are always those who will think otherwise. To view more "spy photo" captures of the new Dodge marketing for the Caliber SRT-4 head to the Caliber Forums.Â To compare the results of the production SRT-4 withÂ what wasÂ promised back in February head to the AutoChannel.

Mustang Week gets under way in Myrtle Beach, SC

will bee — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 02:56:56 +0000

It is that time of year again when the Ponies gather by the oceans side to frolic and play in wild herds the size of which few have ever witnessed. The 2007 Mustang Week in Myrtle Beach, SC begins festivities this Tuesday, July 24th at Planet Hollywood across from Broadway at the Beach. Events scheduled for the week are as follows: Tuesday - Meet and Greet at Planet Hollywood - 4:30pm to 8:30pm Wednesday - Fun Runs and Burn Out Contest at the Myrtle Beach Speedway - 4pm to 9pm Thursday - Drag Night at Darlington Dragway, preceded by a cruise to the strip from the North Myrtle beach Hooters Friday - 4th Annual Car Show at Colonial Mall 2pm to 4pm with Dyno onsite. Saturday - Mustang and SVT Cruise-in at Colonial Mall in North Myrtle Beach - 3pm to 9pm For a taste of the pony festivities take a look at this video complied from the 2005 Mustang Week. For those of you in the South East looking to attend the official itenirary for Mustang Week is just a click away. For everyone else you can follow along on the MustangWeek webpage as both the Forums and Gallery for the event should be pretty busy this week.

A look back at the AMC Eagle and the mini-tank that was

will bee — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 03:19:03 +0000

There was a time back in the early 80's when AWD in cars was not so familiar. Even the SUV was yet to be hatched on the American consumer. It was the AMC Eagle that brough fuel economy and AWD safety to the sedan (er, wagon) market, or so they said. The AMC Eagle wagon holds a special place in my own history as my family found the means to burn through two of them. During those West Virginia Winter months there was never a concern that snow or ice would keep us from getting to a grocery store that was closed due to the weather (grrr). There was no form of inclimate weather that could come between our Eagle and our intended destination. However the same could not be said for those transmissions we ran through before moving on in our modern car shopping. Nothing like a good look back to remind us why we shop for the things we do in cars. Just the same let's take a look at what those marketing geniuses at AMC put together to get Americans excited about the then new Eagle. A special thanks to those at Jalopnik for that reminder.

think

davidallen — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 06:44:08 +0000

think car in the states

The new Think car in the US?

davidallen — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 06:44:32 +0000

Well possibly, the project that was once a Ford backed scheme, may be heading for the States, according to the CEO of Think Global, Jan Olaf Willums. There is a major movement in within the company as they attempt to establish a network of dealers who are willing to take the Think car on and market the second generation car, the Think City Mini car.

BMW M1 - Photos

Chris — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 18:42:30 +0000

Here is a gallery of the BMW M1. Click on each image for a hi-res version.

PHOTOS

CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO CARS 50-41

MAZDA RX-7 - Photos

Chris — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 19:03:24 +0000

Here is a gallery of the MAZDA RX-7. Click on each image for a hi-res version.

PHOTOS

CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO CARS 50-41

ASTON MARTIN V8 VANTAGE - Photos

Chris — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 22:51:38 +0000

Here is a gallery of the ASTON MARTIN V8 VANTAGE. Click on each image for a hi-res version.

PHOTOS

CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO CARS 40-31

LAMBORGHINI GALLARDO - Photos

Chris — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 23:04:56 +0000

Here is a gallery of the LAMBORGHINI GALLARDO. Click on each image for a hi-res version.

PHOTOS

CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO CARS 20-11

In-Home Inventors are on the Forefront of the Electric Car Conversion

will bee — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 00:22:25 +0000

There are those people who wait for new technologies to come to them and there are those people who push those technologies forward toward the market place. The news and internet have been a-buzz this year on the call for electric cars and plug-in hybrids. While the major automotive manufacturers are happy to pay lip-service to the buzz it is unlikely you will see any of them take the rist until the demand is greater. But for some people the plea for patience by the auto industry has been too much to bear so they are striking out on their own. Just as Edison reinvented the incandecent light bulb it is the private inventor who will light the way for the consumer and auto industry alike. Thus they will also be driving the demand for electric cars high enough to require someone to supply them in large quantities. Take a look at your work commute, calculate your miles and ponder the savings of a 100+ mile-per-gallon hybrid. My personal weekly commute is about 250 miles per week. At the current cost of $2.84 per gallon the 13.8 gallons I put in my car today cost me $39.20. If I drive with an eco-concious (which means keeping the car at low RMP's and not punching the gas at every light the turns green) I am lucky to get about 19 mpg out of my car. The savings from a plug-in hybrid is in the comparison of the cost of gas to the cost of electric. According to EcoWorld the average cost of for electric power on a per mile basis is $.02. That means my commute of 250 miles would cost me $5 a week. That is no misprint... I'll say it again. My 250 mile weekly commute would cost me FIVE DOLLARS. ...I think I feeling a little sick here. While I remedy that sickening feeling of getting hosed here why don't you take a look at these two videos. When the auto manufacturers chose not to act on the call for a plug-in electric hybrid individuals like these stepped up to fill the void. There are many of us who are addicted to our Horsepowered Ponies that act like fraternaty boys at an all night kegger. Our cars are literally doing keg stands at the pump and pulling away full to the tilt with our hard earned money blowing in the breeze. It is to people like me that I am speaking, because I most certainly love my Mustang and the tingling pleasure it gives me when I step on the gas. But tell me that I can save $35 to $40 on fuel per week and I will be happy to talk about hybrids all morning over my $5 daily smoothie I can again afford (I like to spread my addictions out). The electric car is coming. Thanks to the efforts of all those private inventors who are making it happen for themselves and for a few others the growing demand might just bring plug-in electric cars to the rest of us a lot sooner.

Tesla Motors Breaks all Molds for Cars and the Car Industry

will bee — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 01:55:18 +0000

When it comes to Tesla Motors you are not going to see any over-payed executives sitting back on the corporate jet sipping mamosa's in the early morning air. Well part of the reason for that is some of them just have their own private jets, but that is not the point. Even if the start-up funds for Tesla Motors came from some of the richest men in Cilocone Valley their notion of how the business is going to be run is very blue-colar. Take a look at the start of Tesla Motors and its CEO. The world is watching and waiting to catch a personal glimpse of the first production model, all electric sports car to hit the market. At $92,000 the line to capture one of the 1,000 Roadsters they intend to produce per year may not be long, but it will be filled with familiar names. For some driving a Prius is not enough of an indication of their Eco-Ways. Some people want their Eco-Intentions to speak volumes and to do it swiftly. Behind the wheel of a Tesla Roadster swift will be easy. However the Tesla Motor company plans to be more than just a brief spark off the giant battery that is the history of the automotive industry. They are looking to show the world how an efficient company can be run while still being a member of the automotive community. Their exectives all work together in the same building, so if a decision needs to be made there are not board meetings to schedule. They get together and they make it. Each of the 205 employees in the company have stock options for when the company goes public next year. Like any start-up company, the work is hard and the hours are long. What the investors behind the Tesla Motor Company are hoping is that the pay-off for the company, the industry and its investors will be huge. Check-out the recent article at Business Week to read more about the company and the people behind the Tesla Roadster.

Electric Cars are today what the Hot Rod was in the 50's

will bee — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 03:17:50 +0000

Just as men like Vic Edelbrock Sr. and Carroll Shelby greatly advanced the Hot Rod and sports car markets in their day there are people at home today that are forging the future of the electric car. Maybe someday there will be electric car parts manufacturers named after one of them. Today we have been giving light onto the topic of those who are bringing electric from out of the darkness and onto the paved streets. Some do it for their own benefit in driving while others do it to champion the cause. And then there are some who work on their own electric experiments just to say they did it. Whatever the reason the Electric car is finding fans and enthusiasts in many nooks and corners of the country. Take a look at what these two young men have accomplished with a small pick-up and about $1,000 in batteries. While there 30 mph electric-assist pickup may not be ready to race a Tesla Roadster we certainly applaude the spirit of adventure with which its builders are racing forward.

Firefly Challenges the Lithium Ion as the Battery of Tomorrow

will bee — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 03:57:42 +0000

The electronics industry and the hybrid auto makers have been working franticly on improving the Lithium batteries to improve their charge and to keep them cool. The hybrid markets future seems to be hinging on the Lithium Ion batteries success and potential affordability. But there is still hope for the Lead Acid battery yet. Firefly Energy is working on a new recipe for the Lead Acid Battery that may bring new life to those heavy batteries of today. Their idea is to replace the Lead in the battery with a Carbon Graphite Foam. The result is a lighter and smaller battery with a longer lifespan. While the Carbon Graphite battery may still cost more than its Lead Acid cousin it should still cost considerably less than the Lithium Ion and the Nickel battery. There are certain technologies whose use, although wasteful and polluting (ie. the cumbustion engine), will still be in use decades from now. Despite the yearning for electric cars the gasoline engines in the cars of today and yesterday are still going to be around and will need to be fed. Alternatives like ethanol and bio-diesel and the conversion kits to make them usable in older machines may help extend the lives of our beloved combustion engine. So may be the future of the Acid battery. As 90% of all Lead Acid batteries in the U.S. are recycled those batteries returning to the market can be fitted with their Carbon Graphite replacements for a lengthy reincarnation. The future is now and the next evolution of the Automotive Revolution is just getting charged up (a pun filled day indeed). Source[FireflyEnergy] Source[BusinessWeek]

de tomaso pantera

davidallen — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 07:06:46 +0000

Audi A1's Leaked Sketches Look to Rain on the Mini's Parade

will bee — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 00:58:23 +0000

There are those auto enthusiasts who thrive on the curious speculation of what is yet to come. It is sometimes in the car maker benefit to let certain design notions slip into the hands of the right people to get a feel for the enthusiasts impressions. While it might seem doubtful in many cases the styling desires of the auto electorate (those who buy cars) can have an affect on a cars design. But then there are those other times when the sketched promise of a potential auto can have a profound affect on the wants and desires of we the prideful shoppers. The Audi A1 invokes a fervent desire to see more. It is supposed that a selection of 2-door coupes, hatchbacks and 4 or 5-door hatchbacks will be available in the A1, and that a convertible could even reach the market. It is also presumed that a selection of both gasoline and diesel engines will also be there for the choosing. However the option that most of us, whether we choose to put the bones down for it or not, will want to read about the the S1. The want of rumor links a 200-hp Audi petrol to the sport version of this Audi. The Mini Cooper has been zipping about the roads of Europe and the USA celebrating its nimble handling and distinctive style. All the while the boys at BMW headquarters have been given a big grin by the little cars general appeal. The A1 will look to crash in on that grin fest with a bit more "umph" beneath its bonnet and with the luxury tweaking of Audi. You will not see any look of panic on those Mini-men and women at BMW, especially since they have a few years to prepare for the A1's coming, but the idea of a bit more competition in "wee-car" market has to bring a smile to everyone else's face. Just look what some good competition has brought out of BMW and Infiniti (335i vs G37s). Source[CARonline]

Ford Europe Delivers on their Promise with the Kuga Crossover

will bee — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 01:50:43 +0000

While not much is yet known of the new Ford Kuga it is obvious from the rendering above that this is no timid crossover. The Kuga is schedule to be set free from its production line confines in the Spring of 2008. By doing so John Fleming, the President and CEO of Ford Europe, will be delivering on a promise he made at the Paris auto show in 2006. At that time they were unveiling the Iosis X concept crossover and Mr. Fleming assured those in attendance that Ford would produce a production model of that car within 2 years. Way to follow-through. The name for the Kuga finds its lineage in the Mercury Cougar line. The Cougar sedan found its conclusion in 2002 and shares little in the way of heritage or design with the cat-eyed crossover it has spawned. If nothing else the Kuga really earns its nameplate with its cat-about-to-pounce stance and ears-pinned-back side molding. The Kuga gives the direct impression that it is not here to play nice. The Kuga is part of a line of cars that Ford Europe is focusing its "kinetic design" esthetic's upon. It joins the ranks of the new Mondeo, Focus and S-Max in bringing "visual excitement" to the "image conscious" consumer. And it is precisely that mode of thinking that seems to be slowly permeating through the malaise of previous automotive designs. Is it possible that we might be on the door-step of a modern golden age where design AND performance are at the forefront of the auto manufacturers minds (safety features presumed a given in this case... we hope). Source[automobilemag] Source[zercustoms]

diesotto

davidallen — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 07:17:37 +0000

new diesel engine

The Mercedes Non Diesel, Diesel Engine

davidallen — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 07:20:04 +0000

Sounds a bit strange, well it is. There is not doubt that a diesel engine that does not use diesel fuel, has to be one of the strangest things that you are ever going to hear about in the engine department.

But buying diesel fuel from the service station is getting a lot harder these days. How many pumps of diesel do you see at your local service station?

So the clever guys hidden away deep within Mercedes Benz, have been toying with the diesel engine and have come up with an idea that has been named DiesOtto, with full working prototype and everything. The DiesOtto engine is more exactly the same a classic diesel engine, but with one main difference, it does not run on diesel fuel, but rather Unleaded fuel, which is more available at service stations. This engine that they have got running is a 1.8 liter four cylinder engine, it has a direct fuel injection system, with variable compression, turbo charging and something new - controlled auto ignition. The engine will return a mpg of nearly forty miles, while delivering 238 bhp. With figures like this you would think that the car that this power plant is meant for would be one of the smaller models, but no these figures are for the S class range, which brings it all into perspective. Obviously this is early days yet, we have seen such claims before from other automakers as they bring in new ideas, but often they fail to make it into the range, maybe this one will! Source [Auto Blog]

A Functional Warthog is Built for Halo 3 Short Film

will bee — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 09:30:44 +0000

Fresh from the wrenches of WETA in Wellington, New Zealand comes a one-off, fully functioning Warthog built to scale and ready to rumble. The four-wheel steering green monster is built directly from the designs of the vehicles in the Halo series of games from Bungie. This particular Wartbog will be used in one of the short films to come out in preperation for Halo 3's release in September. If you want to get your hands on a Warthog the odds are very stacked against you. However, if you want to get a notion of what you might look at riding in one just follow this link to the Bungie site and scan down to the bottom and dream.

Advertise

Ryan — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 18:01:59 +0000

RideLust is a fast growing, premium car website that currently gets over 500,000 pageviews per month. With two full time car experts on staff, our site is poised to keep growing and to stand out from the rest. RideLust offers CPM advertising in the 728x90, 300x250 and 160x600 formats and these spots start as low as $2cpm. If you'd like to inquire about advertising with RideLust, please get in touch using the contact form below. [clean-contact]

Iron Man Finds the Right Fit with the Audi R8

will bee — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 03:05:13 +0000

As more and more cars are seeking major movie roles you may see a new style of Hollywood Agent catering to the needs of their high profile auto clients. The latest auto maker to make the leap to movie stardom is Audi and the R8 inparticularly. For the upcoming Iron Man film the production team was seeking out a line of cars that fit in with the visual theme of the movie. Few cars on the market today could compliment the opulance of the Tony Stark character and the sleek metal body of Iron Man like the Audi R8. Other Audi's that will be making appearances in the Iron Man movie set for release on May 2nd, 2008 will be the A6, the Q7 and the new S5. However, unlike most Hollywood actors these professionals actual pay to be in the movies. For their prominent product placement Audi will be pitching in a hefty wads of cash toward marketing and promotions for the film. But do not get your hopes up that you will see a banner advertising "The Great Iron Man Audi R8 Give-Away." Those things only happen in the movies. The Audi R8 is a fantastic fit for the duplicity that is the lead character of the film (added to even more by the man playing that lead role, the multi-faceted Robert Downey Jr.). The car is a melding of both heart-pounding performance and sophisticated, luxury accommodations. Both lead roles will be sharing equal strengths in might and intelligence. Now what is the agents cut from the actors salary? Source[CanMag]

eBay Find of the Day: The Electric Powered 1980 Commutacar

will bee — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 03:31:05 +0000

Just as the rise in fuel prices is not necessarily new, neither is the public outcry for electric cars. The Commutacar can out in 1978 just as the US was caught in the grips of its second fuel shortage in a decade. And quite like the electric cars of today the Commutacar had a selling price above the national average for a new car. Despite its $6500 price tag there were 4,000 cars that sold between 1978 and 1980. Once the fuel shortage passed and safety standards increased the Commutacar went the way of the Vangaurd Citicar: the predecessor to the Commutacar. If the grocery store is nearby or if you are looking for a neighborhood cruiser the Commutacar might just fill the bill. While a golf cart might do the same job with fewer hassles, it will not exude the same sense of History nor strain nearly as many necks of passers-by as the Commutacar. Follow this link to place your bid on one of the original electric cars and to learn more about the history of the Commutacar go to didik.com.

eco one

davidallen — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 06:37:20 +0000

eco racing car

eco one

davidallen — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 06:38:05 +0000

eco racing car

Car racing goes very green.

davidallen — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 06:38:42 +0000

Motor sport has always had a bad press when it comes to eco friendly matters. Which is only natural, they burn up fuel, creating huge amounts of emissions, use rubber, oil and other materials that are not remotely green. Even when the governing bodies attempt to reduce costs and wastage etc, the sport still cannot ever be classed as being green, until now that is!

Enter Eco One, the racing car that can reach speeds of up to 150 mph and made mostly from vegetables and plants! If you exclude the engine, wheels, and electrical system. The tires are partly made from potato starch, which helps with fuel economy because there is less friction. The bodywork is made from pulped hemp, which is then injection molded into shape. Brake pads are made from Cashew nut shells, as the dust is eco friendly. Oil is produced from plants. And the fuel that is runs on is made from fermented wheat and sugar beet.

This car cost $41,000 to produce, the power comes from an old motorbike engine, nut apart from the running gear, the majority of the parts are in fact very eco friendly and could be utilized in some manner to be used in regular autos. The car is estimated to be around 95% biodegradable or recyclable, which is a fairly high and very interesting considering that autos are defiantly eco unfriendly these days. The Eco One will be on show at the National Science Museum in London, UK on the 28th to the 30th August 2007. Source [Gizmodo]

Callaway C16 Speedster to be unveiled at Pebble Beach

will bee — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 11:38:32 +0000

Callaways latest rendition of the Corvette strips away all barriers between you and the road with its open cockpit design. The new Callaway C16 Speedster shares the redesigned lines of the C16 but with far less glass and much more punch beneath the hood. The first production Speester will be delivered to its buyer at the Pebble Beach Conours de'Elegance that runs August 15th through the 19th. Like all Callaway cars the new buyers of the C16 Speedster can make their choice of color and interior leather for the car, but all cars come with the supercharged 6.2 liter engine. Not only will the driver of this car have the wind in his or her hair they will also have the power of 700-hp pushing them headlong into that wind. That is an 85-hp increase from the regular Callaway C16 already on sale. Do not let all that horsepower slow you down though, because that is what the Callaway / Stop Tech Braking system is designed to do with its 6 piston front and 4 piston rear calipers. With a zero to 60 time of 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 210 it will be a comfort to know that there is some hearty stopping power coupled with all that power. But all that power would be unmanageable without the Callaway / Eibach coil-over suspension system to keep it wired to the road. The Callaway C16 Speedster is more than just a Show-and-Go automobile. It is a handcrafted, highly tuned super car that happens to average 28mpg on the highway. That is unthinkable gas mileage for a 700-hp super car. But ofcourse all of that comes at a premium with an astounding price tag of $305,000.

GM's Tahoe, Yukon Hybrid report a 40% Increase in Fuel Savings, but at what cost?

will bee — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 13:35:30 +0000

CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO CARS 30-21

will bee — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 04:19:31 +0000

The initial surge for camping came in the 1960's when numerous brands and models were readily available for those anytime pursuits. In those free-wheeling days there was no need for reservations. Just toss the kids in the car, hook-up the trailer and into the great unknown you go. The Air Stream brand epitomized the style and fashion of the late 50's and early 60's. With its rocket sleek shape and modern interior the Air Stream became a badge of honor and owners became as tight a group as Jeep owners or Harley riders are today. To demonstrate the freedom of the Air Stream the magazine that promoted the brand and its image of limitless exploration took the camper to Pharaoh country. Maybe they took a wrong turn at Albuquerque. Could be they just wanted to give the Sphinx a "What the... " moment. Or, who knows, it is possible Air Stream was hoping to gain a new market with the nomadic tribes of Africa. Whatever their justification was it seems reason enough to share a genuine "What the... " moment with all of you. Enjoy!

Ben Harper chats of Hybrid Wishes and EV Dreams

will bee — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 05:13:04 +0000

In a recent interview with Forbes Autos Ben Harper discussed America's love for their cars and his own desire for an ecological balance to satisfy his functional needs in a car with the hope for a hybrid solution. It seems in this case that the eclectic musician is wrestling with the same conflict that many of us have: how do we satisfy our auto lust with an environmental ride emphasis? For his own needs Ben Harper has three cars in his garage, and two of those are hybrids. To service his wife and kids and his surfing he sports the Toyota Highlander Hybrid or their Lexus RX 400h. Both cars retain the versatility of an SUV a family needs while providing greater fuel economy for the environmentally concerned. Ben Harpers third car is a 1964 Buick Riviera. To bring his classic Buick in-line with his other two hybrid Ben Harper is considering a couple viable options. The first option would be to go EV and pack the classic with batteries and an electric motor. However, that heavy metal body and frame loaded down with the necessary batteries to motivate it down the road could become inhibitive. The second option he mentioned was to convert the car to run on corn oil. Then again such a conversion would require an engine swap from an unleaded engine to a diesel. A cheaper (not that money is the issue for him in this case) solution might be to make the slight modifications to run his Buick and its current engine on ethanol. Then he could take that one step further and buy a still to make his own alcohol... I mean ethanol. Do not get the impression that this folksy-blues man is growing soft in his pursuit of green autos. The rocker within Ben Harper still has a love for a thrilling ride. You can almost imagine his face lighting up as he discussed his recent test drive of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG. In his own words he referred to the car as a "flying a spaceship." However just shortly after he praised after his "insane" test drive and for its "tight" design he was quick to return to his desire to be "responsible." Just like Ben Harper there are many of us seeking out a proper solution for our auto dilemmas. Our hearts are pulling for a car that is environmentally friendly while our guts are yearning to be turned inside-out by the next great torque machine. Until cars like the Tesla Roadster and the Toyota FT-HS become readily available and affordable it seems as though many of us will have some very tough decisions to make on our next car purchase. Source[ForbesAuto]

2010 VW Concept Bends the Beetle Tradition: Is that Legal?

will bee — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 15:59:28 +0000

Now that Porsche has their hands on VW there are some mighty motivated execs looking to redesign the most iconic car in the VW line. It seems there intention is to make a line-up based on the Beetle's good name that could involve another convertible, a small crossover vehicle, a truck model and a modern restyle of the 2-door. But what they are toying with could be something close to sacrilege. When you are manipulating the lines of a car that has over 70 years of history and only two designs that are not that dissimilar in shape some delicacy is required. The original VW Beetle began production in 1938 and was built with relatively few changes up until 2003. That was the year the last manufacturing plant that was still producing the original bug quit production in Puebla, Mexico. To this day much of South America is still crawling with Bugs with many of them serving as Taxi's and delivery cars. The modern redesign of the Beetle was first introduced as a concept in 2004 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The final product was unveiled in 1998 with an array of unique paint schemes; including a heat sensitive paint job that changed colors when warmed by the touch (based off those sadly popular T-shirts of that time). Another paint scheme was a paisley design that brought to me immeasurable amusement. While the current design of the Beetle will be reaching its 10th birthday this coming year and is logically due for a re-touch for the modern shopper, a total reworking of the tradition would be a bold, if not suicidal, move. If Porsche/VW wants to broaden the appeal of the Beetle away from just being a "chick car" then that would certainly be advisable. Bold moves are made by Bold individuals... and Bold individuals are 50% hero and 50% heel. We shall see which 50% will be involved in the reshaping of the iconic VW Beetle. Source[MotorTrend]

Mini Clubman Set to Open its Doors to the Image Viewing Public

20. CHEVROLET CORVETTE ZR1

The ZR1 name is itself the revival of a long history of souped up 'Vettes, and this newest version is the most powerful Corvette ever. Using a supercharged version of the base-model LS9, this bow-tie bombshell produces 620 spleen-tingling horsepower, and hauls the carbon fiber and aluminum body around the Nurburgring faster than any other production car in the world to date. Now, we know Detroit has all the design credibility of a 9-year old cosmetology student with scissors, and the interior bears those marks painfully (and odorously, like melting glue), but the rest of the car is so good, it even made Jeremy Clarkson forget those little idiosyncratic flaws and declare the ZR1 the 2009 Performance Car of the Year. And coming from the most notorious critic of the American car, that is probably the biggest compliment that could possibly be paid to the job Chevy did on this car. It is certainly the best sports car statistically America has ever produced, and we doubt we will see its equal for quite some time.
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS AND SPECIFICATIONS

19. LAMBORGHINI GALLARDO

Since its appearance in 2003 the Gallardo has become Lamborghini's most popular model in its history, with more Gallardos on the streets than every other Lamborghini model combined. Like most of its predecessors, the car excelled in looks and sound and acceleration, but lagged behind in handling despite its all wheel drive set-up. However, after a major overhaul in 2009, the Gallardo became a world class sports car in addition to a sexy smooth Italian exotic. Upgrades included a larger, more powerful V10, a quicker shifting "E-gear" tranny, Reventon-inspired angular body work, launch control mechanisms, and lighter weight--allowing the new LP-560-4 to beat the Nissan GTR, the Ferrari F430 Scuderia, and Lamborghini's own Murcielago around the Top Gear track.
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS AND SPECIFICATIONS

18. MERCEDES BENZ SLR MCLAREN

The SLR was the love child of a partnership between two of the best names in the business, and still stands of one of the few successful national partnerships between Britain and Germany. Drawing from the legendary Mercedes 300SL Gullwing, the SLR had a front-mid-engine arrangement, which made it more of a grand tourer, but a grand tourer with a collegiate track and field background. It still wasn't as nimble as a Murcielago around the track, but there are few cars that can match this car's feral straight-line acceleration. Mercedes had hoped to sell 500 cars annually, but when production ceased in 2008, less than 600 cars had been made in six years.
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS AND SPECIFICATIONS

17. FERRARI F430

The F430 replaced the Ferrari 360, and though its chassis is identical to its predecessor and its bodywork is no more slippery--it generates more downforce and is even harder to look at without an embarrassing biological side effect. It is the third quickest Ferrari ever made, behind the Enzo and the 599, and its preternatural handling makes it one of the best driving cars ever built. It is mid-engine (it's getting a bit redundant this far into the list, I know) and features a nifty E-diff, which varies distribution of torque based on lateral acceleration and steering angle, an industry first, as well as Ferrari's manettino steering wheel-mounted control nob, which allows the driver to select from five different settings--because apparently, just having a Ferrari isn't enough. You need a Ferrari that's a Transformer as well.
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS AND SPECIFICATIONS

16. LAMBORGHINI MURCIELAGO

Okay, fun fact of the day: The Murcielago, like most Lamborghinis, is named after a very famous bull, which in this case, refers to a bull by the same name who survived 24 sword strokes in an 1879 bullfight in Cordoba, and showed such spirit that the fighter spared its life. Indeed a rare honor. Another fun fact: If you are a rich football player (of either sort) and think that having a Murcielago will make you cool, or that the permanent four-wheel drive system handed down from the Diablo will save you if when you get in over your head--think again! At best, this car will make you look like a very rich idiot. At worst, you look like a very rich dead idiot. Really, entire websites could be devoted to enshrining the remains of Murcielagos that have fallen into harm's way or spontaneously burst into flames at the hands of their ignorant owners.
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS AND SPECIFICATIONS

15. PORSCHE CARRERA GT

Generally speaking, one can always tell when they are looking at a Porsche. You just scan across the parking lot for a VW Beetle, then focus, and see if it looks like it's been to the gym recently. So it may be that when you look at the Carrera, it doesn't look like a Porsche at all. It's all flat, and low, and super wide. It has two spinal cords running up its back, and a spoiler that rises up and down like an oversexed Evo. It's very very expensive as well, coming in at more than $400,000 when it was released in 2004. But for all that, it is certainly a Porsche. Driving this car is like pressing your face against a television screen--putting you so close to the action your gateway neurons in your brain threaten to put you into shock just to provide some relief. But this isn't the sort of thing you ever want relief from, nor want to get over. The Carrera is Immediacy personified, and for most of us (all but 1200 or so of us to be precise) this fancy sort of linguistic symbolism is as close as we'll ever get to that epiphany.
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS AND SPECIFICATIONS

14. SHELBY AC COBRA

We all know this story. It's sort of an archetypal one--take a small engine out of a small car and replace it with a big stonking V8, and Voila! performance paradise. That's the long and short of the AC Cobra, with AC as a British racing car manufacturer and the V8 being the 427ci Ford V8, and the result was a car that made Britain implement national speed limits after Cobras were reportedly running at over 185 mph down the freeway. Carroll Shelby wanted to create a "Corvette-Beater," and at 500lbs less than a Stingray the Cobra was just that, and the shape of automotive history was changed forever.
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS AND SPECIFICATIONS

13. BMW M3

Here's another archetypal story: Take a base model grocery getter and throw a more powerful engine at it, a bunch of suspension upgrades, make it look better, and drive faster around a track, slap a couple of dozen "M" badges on it and Voila! you have the M3. It's very similar to the Muscle Car archetype, except this one can actually go around corners. The M3 has become to kids in the '90s and 2000s what the Countach was to kids in the '70s and '80s--the wet dream of things to come when high school is over and the dough starts rolling in.
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS AND SPECIFICATIONS

Chris — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 03:38:45 +0000

CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO CARS 20-11

10. MERCEDES BENZ 300SL GULLWING

The 300SL represents the perfect mixture of form and function, and is a surviving testament to German engineering excellence in 1954 when this car stunned the world at the New York Auto Show. It is undeniably pretty, but in a restrained sort of way--very disciplined, very Prussian. It was the fastest car in its day, partially because it was also the first production car to use fuel injection, and partially because of its super light tubular frame, which made the use of those idiosyncratic 'Gullwing' doors necessary. By today's standards, it is not the most brilliant car in the world to drive, but taking into account its effect on the future of automobiles, the SL certainly deserves to be at least this high on the list.
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS AND SPECIFICATIONS

9. JAGUAR E-TYPE

When the E-Type hit the streets, Enzo Ferrari declared it was the most beautiful car ever built. But to really grasp the car's true nature within the context of the 1960s, you have to consult, nay, yield to your inner Freudian, and accept the fact that this is also the most phallic car ever produced. Sort of a horizontal expression of man's intentions. Because without that slightly dirty connotation, the E-Type's charm is completely lost. This Jag was Britain's rebellious yet groovy "Yawp" from the rooftops of the world, and signaled their dramatic cultural revival from the darkness of post-World War reconstruction. Like many things British, though, the Jag was exceptionally endearing because (and in spite of) its gratuitous mechanical shortcomings, and anyone who has one knows what I'm talking about, and does not need me to remind them about the steering. Or the headlights. Or the brakes. Or the overheating issues...
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS AND SPECIFICATIONS

8. CHEVROLET STINGRAY CORVETTE

This was the first, and in many ways, still the only real American sports car, and in the 1960s, the Stingray was everything red, white, and blue all rolled into one. It was loud, showy, and shamelessly self-aggrandizing. It was muscle bound, torquey, and was about as refined as a bowl of chili cheese fries. One of the truly remarkable things about the car, though, was its small block V8, which managed to give a small car all the performance of a larger engine in a compact package. The car was still no star in the corners, but that's okay. Route 66 doesn't have many corners, nor does a one-finger salute, and those were the two things the Stingray was made for.
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS AND SPECIFICATIONS

7. NISSAN SKYLINE

A car of, by, and for the Playstation Generation. That's what the Skyline is. It was so extreme it was banned from the very streets of North America, and it was so dominant on the racing circuit, it was banned from certain competitions just to give other racers a chance. And the newest model, the R35 GTR, is simply the craziest most insanely capable version yet. It's entirely programmable, from its engine to its four wheel drive, and it gives the driver more readouts than could be humanly possible to even care about. On the outside, the Skyline is almost in disguise, keeping the monster inside under wraps until that red light or that twisty mountain road comes up, and then a quick downshift and a whistle from the blow-off valve herald the release of "Godzilla" from its mundane trappings. It's all very dramatic to be sure. But the Skyline appeals to people who are used to shifting gears with their index fingers and driving with their thumbs, and in non-numerical terms, the Skyline is rather plain. It has all the personality of a can opener, and the curb appeal of an Edmund Spenser poem--sure its beautiful, and undoubtedly significant, but you have to know something about British Literature to appreciate it. All those without a Masters in Tuning and Ricing need not apply.
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS AND SPECIFICATIONS

6. FERRARI ENZO

If the F40 car was Enzo's greatest going away present, the great must the Enzo Ferrari be if it was deemed worthy enough to bear its founder's name? For the layman driver, this is about as close as you will ever get to the Formula 1 experience in a road car. The engine is, again, in the middle, a V12 with 660HP and a top speed of 220mph, making the performance as insane as the flamboyant body design. It's not exactly pretty, per se, but rather so weird as to be exotic looking, much the same way the Countach wooed us way back when. The instant you see it, you see the money it's rolling over as well, and you notice the guy in the driver seat isn't you, and the whole fatal attraction begins. There were only 400 of these ever made, but the number of actual surviving units decreases seemingly on a monthly basis. Unlike the Murcielago, there is in fact a shrine dedicated to Enzo deaths (all of them untimely) which reminds us all of how important it is to keep rich celebrities out of these cars. But we aren't likely to preserve many of them without being movie stars or pro athletes ourselves. Oh, damn you Catch-22!
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS AND SPECIFICATIONS

5. LAMBORGHINI MIURA

Up until the Miura, almost every sports car had been front engine/rear drive. And though De Tomaso had produced a mid-engine car already, the Miura popularized the idea, and became the trend setter for an entirely new age in high performance cars. By today's standards, the Miura is a beast, just as tall and wide and long as a 599, but its dimensions house its little secret. You see, mid-engine cars weren't always, and sometimes, still aren't, very pretty to look at. Something about the proportions of a cabin-forward design just isn't as intuitively pleasing to the eye as the aesthetic of a traditional FR car. Look at the Enzo, the Ford GT, the Audi R8, the Countach, the Carrera GT, and the Murcielago: they are all attractive, and exotic, and moving, but they aren't exactly what we would call pretty. But the Miura, the Miura is pretty, and it is still one of the most significant cars ever produced.
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS AND SPECIFICATIONS

4. BUGATTI VEYRON

What can be said about this car that hasn't been said thousands of times, and sometimes even cleverly? The Veyron brushes shoulders with the all-time greats not because of what it does, but how it does it. Top speed crowns are momentary honors inevitably passed on to the next generation. Already, the SSC Ultimate Aero and others have surpassed its 253mph top speed, but none have managed to improve on the ease with which the Veyron achieves its stupendous mark. It is composed at any speed, and it isn't a stripped down street legal race car either, but includes all the amenities deserving of a 1.2 million dollar car. The Veyron has done what many said couldn't, or even shouldn't, be done--make a road worthy luxury grand-tourer capable of breaking the speed limit nearly four times over without getting too excited.
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS AND SPECIFICATIONS

3. FERRARI 250 GTO

You are looking not only at the best Ferrari of all time, but in some minds, the best sports car of all time period. Certainly, the former assertion would seem enough evidence to grant the latter. And certainly, this car is well deserving of its title as the Most Beautiful Car ever built, as its FR proportions are definitely easier on the eyes than any modern MR car. So why is it sitting here at number 3? Because an all-time list must take into account the breadth of a car's effect, and while in its day, and in its place, the journalistic community could make a good case for placing it at number one, an all time list shouldn't be dominated by a car that needs such an explanation. Both in terms of ground breaking performance and overarching effect on the population at large, the 250 GTO just doesn't stack up against the final two cars on our list.
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS AND SPECIFICATIONS

2. MCLAREN F1

The McLaren F1 is still quite possibly the greatest road going car of all time. It may have abdicated its top speed crown of 240.1mph, but it did so without the help of forced induction, making it the fastest Naturally Aspirated road car to this day. The F1 has a unique three seat design, with the driver's seat positioned in the middle, making entry and exit a bit of a pain, but it optimizes the driving experience, which is the F1's most brilliant trait. There are few cars that can rival the F1's ability to combine street car with race car, and still fewer do so in such a mature but still sexy exterior. But while the F1 excels in the performance category, its effect is mostly aspirational, inspiring future high-end exotics and our own lowly middle class visions of grandeur. Getting an F1 is like applying for public office: you need money, charisma, and clout, and even then, there aren't always enough spots to go around. To an enthusiast, the F1 may be number 1, but in the whole scheme of things, it's simply too exclusive.
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS AND SPECIFICATIONS

1. PORSCHE 911

It's hard to believe that the top of this list could be occupied by a car with any ties to the VW Beetle, but alas, it is, and deservedly so. The 911 is the second oldest nameplate in continuous production (behind the Corvette) and it is the oldest living example of the air (now liquid) cooled longitudinally mounted rear engine technology pioneered by Porsche's founder. Physics dictates that putting the engine in the rear of the car is quite possibly the worst place to put it as it causes the car to violently oversteer into corners and makes stability an issue. Nonetheless, the story of the 911 is one of engineers progressively tweaking a car to succeed in spite of itself. When it comes to owning a supercar you can actually drive every day, the 911 is still the best game in town. The car exudes quality, restraint, and German car love and our own car lust. And it's a car you can see on the street, and a car it's okay to dream of owning, because used models are always available in a wide range of prices. It is fast, exotic, expensive, and delivers the sort of unadulterated joy of driving one could only expect from the best sports car ever made. And that is why the 911 rocks.
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS AND SPECIFICATIONS

The 50 Best Sports Cars of All Time: Cars 30 - 21

Chris — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 03:41:09 +0000

CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO CARS 40-31

30. LOTUS ELISE

The Elise is a featherweight amongst refrigerators. Coming in at 200lbs under a ton, the Elise is a modern vision of something very old and very British--a super light, agile, capable, minuscule sports with an emphasis on handling over acceleration. Conceived in 1994, the insectoid face we've all come to know--and cringe at knowing--came about in 2002. There are a litany of versions in addition to the two seat roadster Elise, such as the hard top Exige, the 111R, and the American-friendly California addition. The car may be a pain in the arse getting in and out of, but its very easy on the wallet compared to more popular exotics. The real compromise is the lack of cup holders, power windows, and all those other amenities non-enthusiasts think a car needs.
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS AND SPECIFICATIONS

29. FORD GT

In the early 2000s Ford was beginning a "revival" of famous nameplates, most notably the Thunderbird and the Mustang. Among them was the Ford GT, an homage to the legendary GT40 race car which won four straight Le Mans victories in the 1960s. The Ford GT appeared as a concept car in 2002, and after a tremendous amount of positive feedback, was produced in 2003 with help of Steve Saleen and company. The new GT may have looked nearly identical to the original, but beneath its super plastic-formed aluminum body panels were numerous new and unique features, such as a capless fueling door and a "ship-in-a-bottle" gas tank. Its mid-engine construction and gorgeous aeronautical interior layout made Ford's supercar a genuine American alternative for refined palettes too insulted by the coarse Dodge Viper.
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS AND SPECIFICATIONS

28. PAGANI ZONDA F

Named for an air current above Argentina, the Pagani Zonda is yet another delicious slice of car lust to come out of Italy. Less than 100 actual street cars have been produced since 1999, making the Zonda one of the most highly sought after supercars in the world. The mastermind behind these cars is an industrial-design fanatic, and as such many components of the Zonda have a minimalist beauty to them, such as leaving body panels in unfinished carbon-fiber, or leaving suspension and chassis components fully exposed, and the pieces of the instrumentation panel looks like jewels in some ornate setting. The Zonda F came in 2005 with extensive revisions over previous models, though it makes use of the same 7.3 L V12. It had an impressive 528bhp/ton power to weight ratio, helping the F Clubsport beat the Porsche Carrera GT around the Nurburging and become the fastest production car in the world around the infamous track. The Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1, of course, owns the title at the moment.
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS AND SPECIFICATIONS

27. DODGE VIPER SRT-10

The Viper is a completely American take on a supercar. It is loud, boisterous, and packs a monster V10 sitting way out front beneath a long perforated hood. It is unrefined, unfriendly, and unforgiving--and driving one you become convinced the car is crazy, and has every intent on killing you in dramatic viral-video-on-YouTube fashion. It also derives its inspiration from a classic sports car (another American sort of thing) which in this case is the Shelby AC Cobra, and two more American car icons Carrol Shelby and Lee Iaccoca get most of the credit for developing this beast back in 1992. Since its debut, horsepower numbers have steadily increased, eclipsing the 600HP mark before its untimely--and hopefully temporary--demise in 2008. But the formula has always remained the same: 10 cylinders, monster torque, six speed manual, no safety nets, no promises. We who are about do die salute you.
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS AND SPECIFICATIONS

26. FERRARI 365 GTB/4 DAYTONA

The Ferrari 365 GTB/4 is better known by its nickname "Daytona," commemorating Ferrari's triple success in the Feburary 1967 24 Hours of Daytona. While Lamborghini had just released the mid-engine Miura, Ferrari produced the 365 as a traditional front-engined car, though its styling was definitely more like a Lamborghini. In its day, it was the best grand tourer money could buy, and time has scarcely retracted from that acclamation, with Sports Car International voting the 365 the top sports car of the 1970s.
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS AND SPECIFICATIONS

25. PORSCHE BOXSTER

The Boxster represents the first Porsche based on a roadster design as standard instead of a hard top, and since its debut in 1997, has set the standard for handling prowess, balance, and performance on a budget. It has been voted to Car & Driver's Top Ten list 9 times, and ranks as one of the best Porsches of all time. Its name is a portmanteau derived from the word "Boxer"--referring to car's horizontally-opposed boxer engine --and "Roadster"--based on the fact that--it's a roadster.
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS AND SPECIFICATIONS

24. ACURA NSX

Development of the NSX began in 1984--six years before its actual release--when Honda enlisted the help of Italian design firm Pininfarina to design the HP-X (Honda Pininfarina Experimental). Originally, Honda's plan was to create a car whose performance could exceed that of the Ferrari 328--and later, the 348--while exhibiting typical Honda reliability and build quality. Bodywork design was inspired by the 360-degree visibility within an F-16 cockpit, and the NS-X (New Sportscar Experimental) was the first production car to feature an all-aluminum chassis, suspension, body, and engine, responsible for saving more than 220kg. Enthusiasts were stunned by its low ride height, stunning lines, and cockpit-forward design, and today early production models are among the best used sports cars available on the market because--well--it's a Honda, and for the most part, they are still reliable enough to enjoy everyday 18 years later.
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS AND SPECIFICATIONS

23. ASTON MARTIN DB5

Ah, yes. Goldfinger, 007, and his DB5. Aston Martin had already made its reputation as one of a handful of proud British car companies who hand-built their cars, but the Bond films made Aston Martin glamorous. Aston was mostly concerned with style rather than outright performance, even though the DB5 would do 150 plus in 1961. Problem was, you weren't always guaranteed it wouldn't break. Another (potential) problem enthusiasts have noted is that while the DB5 is no doubt one of the greatest grand tourers of all time, it lacks the singleness of purpose expected from a sports car. So while its coolness is unquestioned, it can't be higher than middle of the pack on a list like this.
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS AND SPECIFICATIONS

22. AUDI R8

Based on the Lamborghini Gallardo, the Audi R8 has a longitudinally mounted mid-engine, Audi's trademark "Quattro" AWD system, and the Porsche 911 Turbo's number. Released in 2007, the R8 became an instant worldwide success, combining Italian curb appeal with German engineering. Critics proclaimed that it could potentially be the best all around sports car ever built, thanks in part to its everyday usability as well as its neutral handling, which makes the car simultaneously less impressive but more involving than other supercars like the Nissan GTR. The Audi rewards driver inputs, but manages to do so in such an evenhanded way that driving it can seem almost too easy. In the end, the one blot on its record was its diminutive 4.2L V8, but an available 5.2L FSI V10 model followed in 2009 which solidified the Audi in the "supercar" category without sacrificing its more endearing qualities--being easy on the eyes, and the ass, and the wallet (relatively speaking, of course).
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS AND SPECIFICATIONS

21. LAMBORGHINI COUNTACH

In Italian, the word Countach means something like Wow! and just looking at the car you can see why. The Countach is responsible for pioneering and popularizing the chiseled, wedge-shaped, cabin-forward design that became so popular in supercars of the 1980s. Inspired by F1 technology, the Countach owed much of its performance credentials to its exceptionally wide wheels and tires, and its powerful mid-engine V12 helped it exceed 150 mph. Its price also exceeded 150--thousand dollars that is, making the Countach an attention grabber and pin-up magnet wherever it went. For a whole generation of car enthusiasts, this is the wet dream that stole their car virginity, not to mention their hearts.
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS AND SPECIFICATIONS

CLICK HERE FOR CARS 20 - 11

The 50 Best Sports Cars of All Time: Cars 40 through 31

Chris — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 03:42:41 +0000

CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO CARS 50-41

40. ASTON MARTIN V8 VANTAGE

In 1977 the V8 Vantage was hailed as Britain's first supercar because of its 170 mph top speed. While it shared an engine with the Lagonda, the Vantage made use of high-performance camshafts, increased compression ratio, larger inlet valves and bigger carburettors mounted on new manifolds for increased output, which allowed a 0-60 mark of 5.3 seconds, one-tenth of a second faster than the Ferrari Daytona. There were many distinct features that set the Vantage model apart from the V8 model, including the bulged hood in place of a hood scoop, as well as driving lights in the grille and a rear spoiler. And, as per any good Aston, a Volonte version of this car appeared in the Bond film The Living Daylights.
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS AND SPECIFICATIONS

39. FORD GT40 MARK I

After a failed merger between Ferrari and Ford, Henry Ford II demanded a win at Le Mans in '66 for revenge. After years of development and racing failures, three GT40's took the top three podium positions at the 1966 Le Mans in a controversial finish. The GT40 went on to win the next three years in Le Mans, giving Ford II the racing dominance he had desired, and giving Enzo Ferrari a tremendous case of post-merger-rejection-remorse. Long, lean, and low (the nomenclature is derived from the 40'' roof height) the GT still looks fresh after forty years. While technically 31 street cars were produced to qualify Ford for racing, they were 15x the price of a entry level Anglia, making the GT40 the "most expensive Ford in history" in its day and a relic of the racing circuit--unlike the Ford GT homage which would follow four decades later.
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS AND SPECIFICATIONS

38. SALEEN S7 TWIN TURBO

Steve Saleen is a cult icon of the highest order amongst aftermarket aficionados, especially those with Mustangs. The S7 was the first original Saleen design, and went it appeared in 2002, it was the only mid-engined American exotic and the only car with 500bhp. But in the next few years, with new competitors on the streets stealing his cred, Saleen was unwilling to hold the status quo, so the S7 was upfitted with two jumbo Garrett Turbo chargers which boosted output to 750HP, making the S7 Twin Turbo the fastest car in the world in 2005, with a recorded top speed of 248mph. The S7 has also enjoyed substantial racing success since its inception, winning 50 poles and more than 40 races, including seven GT Championships. Most impressive amongst these is the prestigious 12 Hours of Sebring, setting a new track record at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and posting a victory in round eight of the 2004 FIA GT Championship.
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS AND SPECIFICATIONS

37. TOYOTA SUPRA MARK IV

Based off the Celica platform, the Mark IV Supra was a more performance oriented car than previous versions. Utilizing a Sequential Twin Turbo configuration similar to the RX-7, the Supra was capable of 0-60 runs of 4.6 seconds and a top speed in excess of 170mph, all very impressive stats for the mid-'90s. What was most impressive, though, was the durability of the 3L 2JZ-GTE Inline 6. These cars were capable of pavement-pealing 800 to 1000 horsepower figures without major modifications, and as such the Supra developed its own cult following within the tuner market, and remains one of the most highly sought after Japanese sports cars in history. You want one? Good luck finding one unmolested (though it would probably be worth your time to look).
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS AND SPECIFICATIONS

36. ARIEL ATOM

The aforementioned rise in the performance thresholds of late-model cars has corresponded with a similar rise in girth. Technology allows us to make heavy cars fast, but at the expense of driving purity. Well, here--here is driving purity in its absolute purest pureness. The Ariel Atom is indeed a street car, sans doors, roof, and body work. By using a super rigid exoskeleton design, the Atom benefits from exceptional chassis rigidity while tipping the scales at a touch over 1000lbs. This featherweight, then, with the help of a supercharged 300HP 2.0L Civic engine, is capable of embarrassing exotics in roll-on and braking tests, and as of now, is the third fastest accelerating car in the world, behind only the Bugatti Veyron and the Ultima GTR.
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS AND SPECIFICATIONS

35. KOENIGSEGG CCX

This is a car so extreme--it almost killed the Stig! Midway through a lap, the CCX lost control, slid off the track, and crashed into a tire wall. But thanks to its carbon fiber construction, the car survived unscathed (same goes for the Stig, and for the same reason). Later on, at the Stig's request, Koenigsegg fitted the CCX with a nonproduction spoiler and performed suspension tweaks, both of which helped the CCX become the fastest car around the Top Gear track at the time. The CCX is the Swedish mid-engine successor to the CCR with a twin supercharged V8 capable of an unconfirmed top speed of 259mph, which theoretically makes it potentially the fastest car in the world. Maybe. What can be confirmed is the CCX's stunning body and "flipping" sweet door hinges. (Watch out for those curbs!) And unlike something Italian, there's not gonna be one of these sitting in front of every casino and country club. Editor's Note: Studious reader's will notice that the picture above is of the ethanol-powered CCXR, voted the 2009 Best Performing Green Exotic by DuPont. Our only explanation is--well--we like carbon fiber. Lots and lots of carbon fiber. Your welcome.
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS AND SPECIFICATIONS

34. PORSCHE 959

You are looking at the future of sports cars via 1986. Starting life as a Group B rally car, 200 street cars were produced to comply with FIA homologations. It was one of the first high performance cars to use an all-wheel drive system, and the success of the 959 convinced Porsche to make AWD standard on the 911 Turbo beginning with the 993 model. During its illustrious three year production run, the 959 was the most technologically sophisticated road car ever produced, and was without performance equal during its lifetime. That is, except for the Ferrari F40.
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS AND SPECIFICATIONS

33. LANCIA STRATOS HF

There was a time when mid-engined cars were not cool. That time was anything before the year 1971, when rising young designer Marcello Gandini (famed for the Lamborghini Miura and Countach) revealed a stunning masterpiece--the Stratos Zero concept--a car that would revolutionize the way we saw mid-engined cars, not to mention the world of rally car racing. The Stratos was the first car designed from scratch specifically for rally competition, and it won three straight FIA rally manufacturer's championships before Fiat pulled the plug in 1975. Sporting a 190 HP Ferrari Dino V6, the Lancia is a brass-knuckled no-nonsense lone wolf in designer clothes that still looks just as wild and lustworthy as it did nearly forty years ago.
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS AND SPECIFICATIONS

32. HONDA S2000

There's a reason why V-TEC has a following. The S2000 sported a high-revving 240 HP 2.0L inline 4 known as the F20C, an engine which was recognized as the International Engine of the Year from 2001 to 2004. In those same years, the rest of the car's finest attributes, namely its silky smooth six speed tranny, its razor sharp handling, and surprisingly gorgeous aesthetics (I mean, it's Japanese. Come on!) made its $30,000 price tag seem like a steal. But the cost of ownership was high in everything but maintenance costs, as the roadster's hyper-aggressive personality and lack of any civilized manners made it a brute on the roads, and with little to no storage space, cramped leg room, and a jarring ride due to the overly stiff suspension set up, the car was bound to wear you down on long jaunts. However, owners of these cars will swear by their prowess and their performance. And like anything else Honda, they were extremely reliable, garnering high satisfaction ratings from their owners as well as J.D. Power and associates year after year.
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS AND SPECIFICATIONS

31. NISSAN 300ZX

The 300ZX added to Nissan's performance credibility following the 240Z and 280ZX. The updated Z32 model in 1990 blew the competition away with a strong 222 HP N/A 3.0L V6, and the Twin-Turbo edition churned out an incredible 300 at the crank, making the 300ZX one of the fastest accelerating cars in its day. It managed to combine the brute strength of American Muscle with the sex appeal of an Italian exotic, and the critics just ate it up. The year it was released, Motor Trend named it the Import Car of the Year and Car and Driver placed the car on its "10 Best List" 7 years in a row. And nearly a decade after production had ceased, Automobile showed some serious Z-Car love by listing the 300ZX as one of the "100 Greatest Cars of All Time", one of the "20 Greatest Cars of the Past 20 Years", and one of the "25 Most Beautiful Cars in History".
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS AND SPECIFICATIONS

CLICK HERE FOR CARS 30 - 21

2008 Maserati GranTurismo: more Touring than Sporting?

will bee — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 14:34:26 +0000

In a recent article the boys at Motor Trend took a test spin in a new 2008 Maserati GranTurismo and the results were more than pretty but less than exilarating. The name Maserati commands classy flowing lines in a body that stem from a richly shaped history and a finely stitched Italian interior. In the fit and assembly and in its first glance appeal the GranTurismo lives up to its builders name. However, as pointed out in the test drive, the GranTurismo is turning its competitive focus away from the Porsche, Ferrari crowd and zeroing in on the Luxury BMW and Jaguar class who are inching in on Maserati's territory. Just like nearly all other sedans being designed the new GranTurismo is growing. The new shape is 14-inches longer and 2-inches wider than the previous body style. The size increases the accommodations of the interior cabin allowing for more passenger and leg room in the front and rear seats of the car. And how American of Motor Trend to remark on the soft ride, rear A/C vents and cup-holders. The GranTurismo even has room in its trunk for 2 sets of golf clubs they noted. All combined these are not the common concerns of a Porches driver as much as they are a Luxury sport driver. But with that said it seems that have not stripped all of the sport out of the GranTurismo. The heart of the 2008 GranTurismo is still the same 400-hp 4.2 liter engine that propelled its slightly smaller predecessor along the road. It seems the larger dimensions and 4150 pound curb weight did not trigger a desire to design a stronger V-8 to better motivate the GranTurismo. In its normal guise the car cruises with luxury refinement, a pleasing ride and a gentle, low rpm shift. But when the Sport mode (yep, just a button) is engaged the GranTurismo hunkers down for a competent, stiffer-tuned drive with up-shifts occurring now at 7000-rpm. The aggressive rumbling of the Sport mode may be insufficient for the assertive driving a Porsche driver, yet it seems to be just enough for the shape of Maserati class drivers. For some drivers it is not about how fast you get there but in the style with which you arrive. Maserati's glamour shines bright for everyone to see and with all 1500 of the 2007 models being sold out it seems that those who covet the shiniest things, and have the greens to get one, have taken notice. Source[MotorTrend]

MERCEDES BENZ SL300 GULLWING - Specifications

Chris — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 18:16:16 +0000

Here are the specs for the MERCEDES BENZ SL300 GULLWING.

SPECIFICATIONS

SPECS via ClassicAndPerformanceCar
CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO THE TOP 10 CARS

JAGUAR E-TYPE - Specifications

Chris — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 18:36:46 +0000

Here are the specs for the JAGUAR E-TYPE.

SPECIFICATIONS

SPECS via UltimateCarPage
CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO THE TOP 10 CARS

CHEVROLET STINGRAY CORVETTE - Specifications

Chris — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 19:28:48 +0000

Here are the Specs for the CHEVROLET STINGRAY CORVETTE.

SPECIFICATIONS

SPECS via UltimateCarPage
CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO THE TOP 10 CARS

NISSAN SKYLINE - Specifications

Chris — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 19:33:20 +0000

Here are the specs for the R35 NISSAN SKYLINE.

SPECIFICATIONS

SPECS via RSportsCars
CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO THE TOP 10 CARS

eBay find of the Week: This Pantera Rocks!

will bee — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 21:00:36 +0000

This eBay find of the week comes off the heels of a recent De Tomasoannouncement written about here by David Allen. It looks as though the company is going to start producing cars again, which makes this weeks eBay find a true black gem. OneÂ persons treasure is an auction-able object soon to fulfill anotherÂ personsdream. That is the case for this finely restored Pantera that by this time has reached its closing without finding a bid above its reserve. After investing more than $50,000 and countless hours into bringing this one-time fastest production car in the world back to life who can blame him for protecting that investment. But it would seem certain a reasonable offer post-bidding would be considered. Can you not just see yourself strapped inside that black cockpit feeling the rumble of that Ford 351Â Cleveland engineÂ nestled snuggly behind you? Finding a Pantera in such prestine shape is rare and serves asÂ evidence of what a magnificent additionÂ this carÂ would be to any collection. If there was room in my stable and an extra stash of cash to spare the bidding would have been over by now. Instead it will just have reside in my very crowded mental auto museum. Be sure to head over to eBay and giveÂ this De Tomaso PanteraÂ some appropriate loving.

Many new super car owners attempting to tame their 500+ hp cars are getting bucked

will bee — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 22:31:25 +0000

So just as there have been posts about the rich getting richer and a number of new members to the tawdry millionaires club so too has risen the number of exotic and high performance sports cars. Those cars that exceed 500+ horsepower and lure their new and often inexperienced drivers into an added sense of invincibility. As the number of super cars on the road reach new heights it only seems logical to some that so would the percentage of super cars involved in accidents. A Wall Street Journal article that based its information off of CNW Marketing Research said that there were 8,400 "ultraluxury" exotic sport cars sold just this last year. As they stated, that is over three times as many that were sold in 2003. Accidents in California in that same class of cars alone rose 81% over the number of reported accidents for such in 2002. Is this to say that not only are the number of rich drivers increasing but those "New Rich" are getting stupider... or as they put it nicely, more "immature." One day at work I got a call from my cousin. He was held up in traffic do to an accident that occurred. As he got closer he found the two cars involved in the collision to be a Dodge Viper and a Roush Mustang. Besides some understandable expressions of mourning for the cars his first words for the drivers involved were, "dumb asses." That seems to be a reoccurring theme for the drivers of these exotics when they have been in accidents and walked away unharmed (as seems to have been the case for most of them). As they stand there in dismay over their mangled automotive investment and ponder the death or injury that could have been the bystanders and passing motorists are sharing thoughts such as these taken from the Wall Street Journal: "Wow, you are really having a bad day," "That is really a bummer," and "Your toy is broke." I am certain we could think of more imaginable offerings. For many of the drivers in these exotic somersault events the term "Lucky" really sums it up. The photos of the Ferrari down below have been making their way across the web for over a year now. Many of the manufacturers of these high-powered luxury rockets offer driving schools for their new customers. I would not be one to make those classes mandatory as a whole, but maybe the manufacturers should do that themselves. Besides, if I had the money to buy a Bugatti Veyron, with its top speed of 254-mph, you could bet your bottom dollar that Iwould be willing to take some time off to visit Europe for some training on how to better maneuver my new toy in all driving conditions. Source[WallStreetJournal]

FERRARI ENZO - Specifications

Chris — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 02:16:28 +0000

Here are the specs for the FERRARI ENZO.

SPECIFICATIONS

SPECS via UltimateCarPage
CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO THE TOP 10 CARS

LAMBORGHINI MIURA SV - Specifications

Chris — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 03:26:29 +0000

Here are the specs for the LAMBORGHINI MIURA SV.

SPECIFICATIONS

SPECS via UltimateCarPage
CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO THE TOP 10 CARS

BUGATTI VEYRON - Specifications

Chris — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 03:31:52 +0000

Here are the specs for the BUGATTI VEYRON.

SPECIFICATIONS

SPECS via UltimateCarPage
CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO THE TOP 10 CARS

Will Chrysler's Lifetime Powertrain Warranty be too Tempting to Pass Up?

will bee — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 04:13:22 +0000

Chrysler has announced that they will be offering a Lifetime Warranty on the powertrains of nearly all the products they own. Some stipulations and conditions apply to the warranty but it still is a very bold move by a company in transition. It almost seems as though Chrysler is the debutant of the Automotive Industry as they are constantly doing something to gain headlines. The new Lifetime Warranty covers the engine, transmission and drive system for all parts and labor for the lifetime that the buyer owns the car. The powertrain warranty does not transfer when the original buyers sells or trades their car, but that does not takeaway from the giant leap they are taking with the offer. A leap that no other auto manufacturer has dared. While Hyundai has a 10 yr/100,000 mile warranty, the Chrysler warranty (assuming youÂ are someone who can hold onto a car this long) will last its owner from 10 years, 1 day to a lifetime beyond the Hyundai warranty. The Lifetime Powertrain Warranty covers all three brands consisting of Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep. To read more about Chrysler's official release that details the Lifetime Powertrain Warranty pay a visit to WindingRoad. You will also see new ads popping up onÂ TV already as Jeep commercials are already in rotation.

delorean

davidallen — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 07:11:50 +0000

the DMC set to return

delorean

davidallen — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 07:12:29 +0000

the DMC set to return

Could DeLorean make a comeback?

davidallen — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 07:13:22 +0000

In reality the DeLorean Motor Company never went away, it just stopped building new cars. Due the very public humiliation of founder John Delorean when he got himself into trouble trying to save the company. The DeLorean Motor Company was bought by a company based in Texas; they also have a network of regional affiliates, and are in the business of just keeping the company name and the car alive.

There were 9,000 DeLoreans built, but it is estimated that there are only around 6,500 on the road, which require parts and servicing etc. But the company cringes every time they see a mock up of the most famous of all DeLoreans, the one from the movie series â€œBack to the Futureâ€. So what could be the future for the DeLorean? It appears that there are plans to build the car again, however they will be in the form of kits, this way the company can save money and time, supplying a car in kit form has a lot less restrictions placed on them, than their factory built cousins.

As soon as the current restoration program has been cleared, it is then that the company will start to produce the kits and who knows where this would lead. There are many fans of the car, the film and both the car and the film, this is a pretty large base to be building on. The estimated start date is believed to be around spring of next year, so we had better get saving then! Source [Auto Blog]

2007 Lumma Design CLR 600 S: The way a BMW should always look

will bee — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 12:30:33 +0000

SPECS via UltimateCarPage

PORSCHE BOXSTER - Specifications

Chris — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 18:45:56 +0000

SPECIFICATIONS

SPECS via UltimateCarPage
CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO CARS 30-21

ACURA NSX - Specifications

Chris — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 18:48:07 +0000

Here are the specs for the ACURA NSX.

SPECIFICATIONS

SPECS via UltimateCarPage
CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO CARS 30-21

I Think I Found Your Problem

Alfa Romeo set for return to the states

davidallen — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 07:43:50 +0000

Alfa Romeo set for return to the states

citroen c6

davidallen — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 07:45:28 +0000

citroen c6 in the states?

Cars not available in the USA

davidallen — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 07:46:04 +0000

Surprisingly enough, there are cars that are not on sale in the States, there are many reason that go around as to why this is, but at the end of the day, these mainly European vehicles cannot be ordered despite that quality of the design and build.

Not available in the US: Alfa Romeo Spider V6 model, Costs about $46,377. Aston Martin Vanquish S Costs about $360,000. Audi S3 Costs about $39,700. BMW 1 Series Estimated U.S. Starting Price: Around $30,000. Citroen C6 Costs about $54,000. Fiat 500 Costs about $14,000. smart fortwo Starting U.S. Price Under $12,000. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Estimated U.S. Price: Around $35,000. Nissan Skyline Costs about $25,000. Peugeot 4007 Pricing Not Available.

The top euro brands like Renault, Peugeot, Citroen and Fiat are not sold in the States, the only euro type cars that you are likely to be seeing in a showroom are the high end brands, Porsche, Ferrari and Maserati etc, even German brands have trouble in some States this has something to with the emissions. Yet it was not that long ago when the cars above were readily available and were sold in decent numbers too. So what has changed? It was all to do with the 1990â€™s the euro car makers were struggling with high costs and prices, plus there was a new revival of the Japanese car makers, like Toyota and Nissan, one by one the euro cars were pulling out of the States and concentrating on the home market, of which they have done very well, but still they will not return to the States. There are the weak possibilities that with the modern hi tech diesels that there may be another euro invasion of the states, with clean and green cars taking the lead these days for consumers on both sides of the USA, these cars could be the leading edge for them So it would appear that US car buyers could have a little bit more of a choice when choosing a new car, but how many will want to take the leap of faith is anyoneâ€™s guess, the US car market is huge and people have the likes and dislikes, could the euro cars get it right? We can only wait and see. Source [Forbes]

Does the Peugoet 308 RC Z Concept look like a wide-mouthed TT to you too?

will bee — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 10:56:33 +0000

At this years Frankfort auto show Peugeot will roll out their latest concept, the 308 RC Z. If you are thinking that this Peugeot looks a lot like the Audi TT but with its mouth opened wide to catch the breeze you are not alone. However, with a closer inspection there are enough tweaks and nuances to differentiate the two coupes. By looking at the numbers for this car it seems that efficiency comes first and then the thrill of the drive. With the light composite body formed from the mixed use of aluminum, carbon fiber and the polycarbonate roof that molds down into the rear window the 308 RC Z comes in at a mere 2,650 lbs. When that light design is mated with a 218-hp 1.6 liter twin-turbo engine you have just enough play to make it exciting and yet still achieve something around 30-mpg. The design features do not end with the shell as the entire interior shows the same attention to detail as the exterior. With the sleek dash and race inspired seating the TT... oops, I mean Peugoet built a cockpit surround that should give you the feeling of purposed oppulance. And with a second row of seats big enough to hold a grocery bag or two you will not have to worry about any unwanted double dates. Judging from the proportions of the 308 RC Z it appears to be a mid-engine car. If so that shift in weight should help keep those rear tires planted to the ground for better accelleration that the zero-to-60 time of 7.5 seconds advertised. However, a lightening fast take-off is not the intent of this Peugoet. With the 308 RC Z the impetus is all about the guiltless thrill of getting there, wherever there is, and in doing so at a price below the competition. Source[CarScoop]

RIDEMAKERZ helps you customize your dream car.. RC style

will bee — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 11:20:34 +0000

A walk into a RIDEMAKERZ showroom gives you the immediate feeling of walking into a dream car garage... only in miniature. With a selection of dozens of body styles and paint jobs to "chooze" from you have the ability and the cooperative guidance of their pit crew to build the car you always wanted but in a size you can afford. In their build area you select the wheels, the graphics and exhaust, the sounds to go with it, the spoiler and then some. There are enough customization parts available to make any gearhead giggle yet enough amusement in the process to entice the non-gear-inclined as well. Once your ride is ready to roll it comes packaged in a sweet tool box carrier and you are ready to hit the streets... er sidewalks, patio, kitchen floor, where ever. You also get to register your car at the store and receive cusomized tagging so that your Build-an-RC is logged forever in the archives of the RIDEMILEZ Club. It is like Build-a-Bear but much less fluffy. Come November there will be four locations where you can build your dream ride. In the meantime check out the RIDEMAKERZÂ webpage and start thinking about your own personal dream car build. Whether you choose a controlled car or a free wheeler you are certain to have a blast.

Subscribe To Ridelust

Ryan — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 16:08:25 +0000

If you'd like to receive regular updates from RideLust, with the latest car related news, sign up to our mailing list: Subscribe to our RSS Feed

The Porsche 9ff GT9 is nearly ready to chase down the Bugatti Veryon

will bee — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 01:18:58 +0000

The engineers are 9ff are nearly ready to put to task their retooling of the Porche 911 Turbo. They will be taking on the Bugatti Veyron who is sitting pretty as the fastest production model car with a record of 253mph. To breach the record 9ff has made some minor *wink wink* modifications to the Turbo's horsepower to increase the output from just over 500 all the way up to just over 900. They have also garnered the expert assistance from H&R on the suspension and chassis to keep this record challenging Porsche gripping the pavement. The production run of the Porsche 9ff GT9 is reported to be 20 cars with a price tag of $651,405. If they are successful at supplanting the Bugatti as the fastest car in production they will also be undercutting it in price by nearly $400,000. ...And who does not like a fast discount? Source[AutoSpies] Source[egmCarTech]

Audi goes topless with their TT Speedster and R8 Spider designs

will bee — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 01:46:19 +0000

Audi is blazing into 2008 with a stable of new designs that truly impress. Included in that line-up is the redesign of the TT and the unveiling of the R8 super car. However, it seems that Audi is not yet prepared to rest on the laurels they have been receiving for such striking designs. In fact it seems as though they engineers and designers at Audi are so proud of their work they want to the whole world to see what is inside. So now they are taking their tops off and planning to bring to market a TT Speedster and the R8 Spider. The TT Speedster retains all the sophistication of the new TT while unleashing the thrill of the road into your face. While what you are seeing is purely a rendering of what is to comeÂ this topless TTÂ strikes at you without shame or embarrassment. If they can actually couple the tenacity of the Speedsters design with the TT's performance andÂ Audi's usual interior sophistication then they will truly have an automotive gem on their hands here. But if the TT Speedster is a gem then what can you make of the R8 Spider? While this simple cartoon-ish sketch is all we have to go on so far, it is easy to build plenty of expectation for what is already a great design. For some people a topless R8 Spider may actually be having your cake and driving it too. You can anticipate plenty of build up as the Spider plans come closer to fruition. Audi is certainly going full-throttle in their design and engineering department and we approve. To see more sketches of the TT Speedster head over to egmCarTech.

GM gives the Pontiac Solstice Coupe the Go-Ahead

will bee — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 01:59:30 +0000

GM has announced that a Solstice Coupe will most certainly be following up on the narrow footprint of the Solstice Convertible. They will also be working on some revisions to the 4 cylinder engine to increase the horsepower flowing through their little pocket-rocket. The new coupe will be reaching the auto market in 2009, while plans are already begun for a total reworking of the Solstice design by 2011. Maybe since there will be no convertible top taking up space behind the two seats of the Solstice Coupe there may actually be enough room in there for a suitcase. That might ofcourse be too much to expect, but maybe enough room for a day-bag would be a good start. Source[windingroad]

Ford/GM post 2nd Quarter Profits, yet both restructurings have a long way to go

will bee — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 07:00:12 +0000

As quarterly reports began to emerge at the end of the second quarter we see that both Ford and GM posted positive numbers. For GM it was their third profitable quarter in a row, while Fords second quarter profits came as a mildly pleasing surprise to market anaylists. Both Ford and GM are still deep in their individual restructuring schedules that have resulted in numerous plant closings and early retirements. The process is expected to take time asÂ shedding the gluttony of decades past is a messy business, and the recovery from such system shocks requires patience. GM's profits ($891 million for the 2nd quarter) are credited to their strength in foreign markets and their cut-back in fleet sales and less incentive spending, which have helped to retain a higher sales value. The improved sales value of their cars is helping to off-set the lower sales figures of their truck/SUV division; the bread and butter of profits in the 1990's and earlier this decade. Fords profit shocker ($750 million for the 2nd quarter) has a lot to do with the sale of Austin Martin and was aided by a cut-back similar to GM's in fleet sales. While no one with Ford is under the impression that they are out of the water, it does give some credence to the path they have taken. The next hurdle ahead of Ford and GM is the contract negotiations that are underway with the United Auto Workers Union (UAW). If Detroit is to compete with the Asian and European auto manufacturers they will need the UAW to come down to an equitable level. And if the UAW wants to continue working in the automotive industry some concessions will be necessary. Ford and GM are reshaping the way America builds cars, but it is still to early to prognosticate what that shape will be. Source[DetroitNews - Ford - GM]

dodge viper

davidallen — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 07:56:56 +0000

dodge viper beats the supercars

Road and Track put super cars to the test

davidallen — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 07:57:25 +0000

Take six super cars, a 15,500 ft long Naval Air Station runway and a mission to hit 200 mph from a standing start, all makes for a high octane, adrenalin fueled contest. The Road and Track team got together a Lamborghini Murcielago, Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren, Ruf RT 12, Lingenfelter Corvette, Bugatti Veyron 16.4 and last but not least the Hennessey Venom 1000 Twin Turbo Viper. Just a few cars off the street no doubt!! The cars were as they come, not race prepared cars and no special tires etc.

With one driver taking to the wheel, the test would be a straight forward blast from a standing start, and take it as quickly as he could to 200 mph, but there was a two mile marker which is the point where the driver would have to lift off and begin to slow right down. Lamborghini Murcielago 0 to 200 mph, only managed to hit 190.1 mph by the two mile limit. Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren 0 to 200 mph, did not reach 200 mph (199.5 mph) by the two mile limit. Ruf RT 12 0 to 200 mph in 35.5 seconds. Lingenfelter Corvette 0 to 200 mph in 26.5 seconds. Bugatti Veyron 16.4 0 to 200 mph in 24.2 seconds. Hennessey Venom 1000 Twin Turbo Viper 0 to 200 mph in 20.3 seconds. So there you have it, the Hennessey tuned Viper is the winner, by quite a large margin. It is a bit of a surprise in the spread of speed and times set, considering that all the cars above, claimed to have a top speed in excess of 200 mph. Source [Road and Track] http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?section_id=34&article_id=5679

California cities' attempts to expand car confiscation ordinances are denied

will bee — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 11:45:23 +0000

In the city of Stockton a program of confiscating the cars of those arrested for the solicitation of prostitution and buying drugs began as a means of detering the little man. The program looked so appealing to other municipalities that the cities of Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento, San Bernardino, Riverside, Inglewood and Ontario, among others began running similar programs. This program was running at the same time as the one written about illegal street racers cars being confiscated and crushed. The leaders involved in making the decision to take the cars of the user and solicitor was that to do the same to the dealer or hooker (whoÂ are more portrayed as just standing there) was deemed would be ineffective. If you deprive the user of his means to come into those places where street-corner drugs and a lady of the night are readily available then that user will be less likely to return. The ordinance to confiscate these cars is reported to have netted thousands of vehicles. I presume it would get quite expensive taking a cab over to Stockton to pick-up some rock. AndÂ it also seems unlikely very many hookers would be too eager to hop on the handlebars of your 12-speed to find a suitable location to stash your cash. So as a deterent it might in fact be an effective one. So always be leary if your neighbor asks to borrow your car. But where does car consfiscating end and has it gone to far? Well after travelling through the circuit courts of appeals the legal case against such vehicle confiscations was put to the California Supreme Court. "In its 4-3 decision, the court ruled that only the state can mete out punishment for drug and prostitution offenses, and that without authorization from the Legislature, cities can't pass seizure ordinances that are harsher than state and federal laws. Even drivers suspected of buying a small amount of marijuana â€” a low-level crime punishable by a $100 fine â€” faced seizures under many ordinances." - LA Times So now the ordinances that were tools for the cities involved to move drug dealers and prostitutes out of the neighborhoods where families live and back into the cities where they belong(?) is no more. You can now roll into Stockton to have your crack and eat it too without the fear of losing your means to roll. That is until (or if) the state Congressmen of those cities rise up and push for similar legislations on the state level. However, that does not remove the confiscation and crush policy against street racers. They will have to enact their own lawsuits within the state court of appeals to challenge that program. What do you think about the policy of confiscating the cars of those arrested for buying drugs or solisciting themselves some sexual deviance? Would it deter you (normally law abiding citizens,Â I know) from persuing your own illegal good time? Source[autopia - LA Times] As an extra here I wanted to share the following photo as an example of what happens when the law fails the people and the people get creative. Maybe you will start seeing more signs like these along the streets of Stockton, Oakland and the like. ...that spells Instant Classic!

Sportec gives the Porsche Turbo the Treatment and introduces the SP850

will bee — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 00:04:15 +0000

Sportec does to the Porsche 911 Turbo what whip cream does to the Banana Split. They take a perfectly sculpted performance machine and treat it to some sweet toppings to add to the sweet delight. Ofcourse it is hard to call something with 580-hp sweet, but when you take a car from its stock horsepower of 480 and boost it with an extra-100-hp what more can you say? ...Besides, "Waa-hooooo..." The Sportec treatment comes with an improved and lowered suspension, turbochargers, high performance exhaust with a sport catalyst, sport clutch and improved computer programing to boost the output of the 3.6 liter engine even more. The interior receives some optional Alcantara upholstery and aluminum foot-pedals. Oh, they also throw in 19" or 20" rim upgrades and some nice Sportec floor mats. All these enhancements meld together to mete out a zero-to-62 of 3.4 seconds which is a full half second faster than the production 911 Turbo. The Sportec upgrade to the Porsche 911 Turbo is priced at 21,000 Euros, which would net out to somewhere around $28,000 American. But if you are already shopping for a new Porsche Turbo with its starting price of $130,000 what's another $28,000 for an extra 100-hp and sweet tweaks? Source[WorldCarFans]

The Mini Ardun Flathead Engine: Miniature V8's that Really Gallop

will bee — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 01:42:23 +0000

What happens when you mix a CNC Machine and a craftsman with a lot of time on his hands? In the case of Ron Bement of Denver, Colorado you get working classic engine reproductions in miniature. So far Bement has built an Offy, a Flathead and is now building a 7-inch Ardun engine replica. The beauty of these engines is not just in the meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail, but that these aluminum beauties actually run. Take a look at the following video and enjoy the sites and sounds of these tiny, methane fueled, Â 28-hp V8's. Then after the video head on over to the FordBarn for more photos and information. Thanks for sharing, Bas! Source[FordBarn]

More Hollywood Memorabilia hits the auction block

will bee — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 03:24:50 +0000

If you have been waiting all your life to snatch up some Automotive Hollywood memorabilia now is your chance. On August 2nd through the 3rd there will be 1000 items of prized Hollywood history on the auction block. The live auction will begin at Noon and phone bids and ebayliveauction bids will be accepted. Among the items being auctioned are some automotive gems such as: The General Lee from the Dukes of Hazard Tony Soprano's Suburban from HBO's Soprano's Tom Cruise's Mello-Yello stock car from Days of Thunder Uncle Rico's van from Napoleon Dynamite The Original Energizer Bunny (okay, not so automotive, but it is mechanical!) A sample of the not-so-automotive items being auctioned include: Chewbacca's head (the mask, not the actors head) from Star Wars Elvis Presley's Karati gi Catwoman's costume from Batman and Robin Johnny Five "Number Five Alive" from the film Short Circuit The Statue of Liberty's head from Planet of the Apes Harry Houdini's hand cuffs To follow the news from the 2-day auction or to see photos of some of the items up for auction go to Wizard Universe. If you would like to download a full list of all the items to be auctioned off go to Profiles in History. Thanks for the link, Ben!

F-650 Super-Truck would be Fords alternative to the Ironside GMC Sierra

will bee — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 07:00:06 +0000

GMC and Hasbro in conjunction with Monroe Equipment are planning their build for the Ironhide GMC based on the model used in the Transformers movie. But you Ford guys should not feel left out. The Ford F-650 is your alternative for a true King-of-the-Road mega-truck. Foregoing any of the obvious complaints that would normally be filling this space about fuel mileage the F-650 is one mega-mover short of a Discovery Channel special. While there are absolutely legitimate reasons for these trucks to be built. They are used as the bases for Highway cinder trucks, Fire Trucks, Ambulances, and other rescue vehicles. Surely those are the primary reasons for these trucks to be built. However, for some peoplesÂ these trucks are the ultimate in My Truck Is Bigger Than Your Truck behavior. But enough about the reasons for these factory assembled monster vehicles. The Tonka child inside of me just thinks that these are way too cool. For some people there are no toys too large and we should not hold their ability to enjoy those large toys against them. For once we should revel in their unabashed intention to use their toys just as they see fit. Thanks for the tip, Dave.

milemarker

davidallen — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 07:14:27 +0000

check your fuel costs

Do you know your MPG?

davidallen — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 07:15:05 +0000

Do you want to? If so there is a free Website that will help you do exactly that. My Mile Marker is a great site that will keep track of your fuel use and give you a complete record of your fuel usage and mpg. Naturally some people would say that this could easily be done by making a note of your mileage at the beginning and end of the month, add up all of your fuel receipts and then divide on by the other. But this is not hi tech; it does not involve computers and lovely graphics.

With My Mile Marker you make a not of the mileage of your car when you visit the service station and make a not of the fuel added, plus the price per gallon, you can do this by making notes an adding to your PC when you get home, laptop if you have it with you or you can even send off an SMS to the system via Twitter. On the site you get some glossy charts and figures, that will show to you exactly how much fuel you are using, what your MPG is and how much each mile is costing you. This is a useful tool for company vehicles to keep track of the costs of running different types of vehicles in different areas, with fuel and terrain being different all over the country; the results would be very interesting to see. We find out the most expensive and the cheapest places to drive in. I wonder where they are? Source [Auto Blog]

The Bentley Continental GT gets another boost of Speed in 2008

will bee — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 11:50:08 +0000

Is it possible that the engineers and execs at Bentley were feeling a little down-trodden that they have been left out of the 200 club for so long? I mean, come-on. The only people who could deny Bentley entry into the illustrious club is Bentley themselves. Should they not get some sort of honorary acceptance for measuring out a top speed of 198-mph? With the 2008 Continental GT Speed Bentley will be ending its denial and slipping just inside the door at 203-mph. Finally, an entrant that can bring some Grey Pupon for those dry sandwiches (Yes, I know that it is a Rolls Royce in the commercials. Deal with it.). To gain that extra 5-mph leap some adjustments needed to be made. Bentley increased air flow into the engine compartment and straightened the angle of the radiator to a more upright position. They then lowered the front end of the car 3/10ths of an inch and the rear end a half inch, and paired them up with tighter suspension components. With those changes and with new ECU computer programing Bentley was able to juice another 50-hp out of the Continentals engine to reach 602-hp out of the Speeds twin-turbo 12-Cylinder. The results of those modifications and the 602-hp are a zero-to-sixty time of 4.3 seconds, a 50-to -70 time of 2.3 seconds and a top speed that now gets Bentley invited to all the swank parties. Oh the misery and utter embarrassment of being shunned at 198-mph. Nothing a little 50-hp therapy could not mend so it seems. Source[autoweek, caranddriver]

Electric-powered '72 Datsun is a Drag Strip Legend in Portland

will bee — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 01:03:27 +0000

If ever there was an inconspiquous sleeper car, a 1972 Datsun 2-door slipping silently into place at the drag strip would be the ultimate. We have mentioned here for a weeks that the ultimate test facility for hybrid technologies and electric cars would be on the track. If you want to go after American horsepower and topple it in the dealership you first have to be able to out-run it at the races. And that is just what John Wayland has been doing with his '72 Datson in Portland, Oregon since the 90's. We talked yesterday about the results of leaving a gearhead craftsman unattended with a CNC machine. This time you can witness what happens when a man gets a pentiant for electric motors, a '72 Datsun and the need for speed. The key ingredients to the might that is White Zombie (the moniker earned by this winning racer) are 2 electric forklife motors, 36 inter-linked batteries, a controller component and nerves of high voltage. Those ingredients meld together to enable a zero-to-sixty in 3 seconds and a quarter mile time just over 11 seconds at 109-mph. Watch the following clip from the Wall Street Journal for the back story of this 1972 Datson and to see just what John Waylands White Zombie is capable of against both modern and classic "Gassers." Source[WSJ]

Alfa Romeo announces its return to the US Market with the 8C Competizione

will bee — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 01:47:29 +0000

Those who are looking to attend the Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance in Rochesters Hills, MI on Sunday, August 5, 2007, will have the opportunity to see the unveiling of the first production Alfa Romeo to be sold in America since 1995. James Selwa, the President of Maserati North America announced on Tuesday that the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione will be sold in the USA in 2008. As with many of the European luxury elite sport cars the Competizione will come with a limited release of 100 cars bound for the USA. So if you are feeling the need to be one of the few owners to get one you better start hitting up your car contacts now. The 8C Competizione will be putting out 450-hp and running a sticker (not that you would put stickers on one of these super cars) price over $200,000. Watch the video below to get a glimpse of the Competizione in action on the streets and track of Nurburgring, Germany. Joining the 2008 Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione in Richmond Hills will be a wealthy selection of antiques, classics and some of the new super cars of today. The organizers of the Concours d'Elegance have noticed an influx of younger attendees and are looking to do more to appeal to them. While a number of the historical items of automotive history will be on display, like the 1931 Bugatti that is valued at $10 million, new super cars like the Bugatti Veyron and Ferrari Enzo. All Concours d'Elegance events are a wonderful mix of history and nostalgia, and usually make a wonderful setting for a rousing day in the park. If you are any where near a scheduled event I highly recommend planning to spend a few hours of the afternoon soaking in the automotive ambiance. Source[worldcarfans, Detroit Free Press]

Move over Bugatti Veyron, the SSC Ultimate Aero TT is looking to pass

will bee — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 03:40:12 +0000

Once you have a record you are most certain to have some challengers looking to detrone you. That is precisely the case as the Bugatti Veyron's record of 253-mph is looking to be broken by the SSC Ultimate Aero TT. The Ultimate Aero has been testing its components and running test runs, and so far the greatest obstacle to making a record breaking run is finding a suitable location. In the test runs that have been performed the 1183-hp Ultimate Aero has reached 241-mph. Ofcourse SSC (Shelby SuperCars) is quick to note that their best test so far was only utilizing 71% of the throttle. There must be a certain amount of drool building up as they can almost taste that record run. The next step for SSC will be to arrange the legalities for their record making run at their chosen location. After a lengthy search SSC has received permission in their own state of Washington to make their drive for greatness on one of their freeways. In order to make that happen they will have to apply for the proper road closure forms, hire police security and get the required insurance (while chewing gum and jumping rope on one leg i bet). While some people are looking for the means to go faster further without fossil fuels other car builders are gulping down the octane to acheive their World Record. Then again it is really cool and should be quite an achievement. Source[windingroad]

fiat abarth

davidallen — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 07:14:07 +0000

abarth may be a stand alone brand

Fiat may launch Abarth brand

davidallen — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 07:15:21 +0000

With the launch of the Fiat 500, things have begun to take for changes to take place, the most significant being the re-introduction of the Abarth branding for the little car and the Punto. But now it would appear that the chiefs at the Fiat Company are thinking of launching Abarth as a single stand alone business. For fans of Fiat and Abarth this is truly a great move and it does only stop with the 500 and Punto models, there has been a clear indication that there is a real possibility that Abarth will be getting their own exclusive models which is really going to be something special.

If this does actually come through, the new business can be vaguely compared with Lexus, but instead of going down the luxury route, Abarth will take the sports route. For Fiat this would herald a new era of car technology and styling, creating a new sports marque under the Abarth banner will attract many people who would not have normally even given Fiat another look, which is good for business and more importantly offers the market place a new a sports brand. Abarth was founded by Karl Abarth in Turin in 1949, the company developed racing cars which competed in many different classes during the 1960â€™s, but it was when they started to build parts for road cars that Fiat took an interest, taking the brand over in 1971. Could this be the return of Abarth in its own right, nearly sixty years after the company was first formed? Source [Auto Blog]

UofM Doctoral student is driving to California fueled by Ammonia

will bee — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 11:20:25 +0000

As the race to find the ultimate alternative fuel that will save us from big oil and create a safer, cleaner means of driving is under way more and more racers are getting their registration cards in. The most recent applicant is the ammonia fueled S-10 from the University of Michigan. The man responsible for the Ammonia S-10 is Shawn Grannell, a doctoral student who is looking to raise awareness of the advantages of ammonia as a quick and easy fuel source for todays cars. This is also his doctoral thesis, so it is told. So if it does not work does that mean he will be held back a year? The advantage of ammonia is that little to no changes need to be done to a car to operate on a fuel mix of 80% ammonia and 20% unleaded fuel (yep, still a touch of oil to keep things going). The result of the burn off of ammonia is that Nitrogen and Hydrogen. However there is still the burn off of the 20% gas that is mixed AND the burn off of some carbons when you use Natural Gas to make the ammonia. The advantage of this system is you have a vehicle that can operate on 100% gasoline or on the ammonia/gas mix. Grannell is driving his ammonia S-10 from Ann Arbor, MI to California to bring attention to this fuel alternative. The truck manages to achieve 27-mpg and carries 930 pounds of ammonia. To get all the way to California he has arranged refueling stops along the route. When the raise to be the ultimate alternative fuel champion reaches a mass-market-able solution we can only hope that the winner or winners are truly fuels we can live with. In the meantime may science lead the way and may we continue to learn to drive smart and walk a little more. Source[AutoBlogGreen, AnnArborNews]

If Biodiesel is in short supply where you live, why not make your own?

will bee — Sat, 04 Aug 2007 03:40:59 +0000

Fuel alternatives are a hot topic around the web and around the globe. We have discussed many of the options here on this site that are being studied and that are seeking a share on the market place. It has even been mentioned that you could be making your own fuel at home. The designs to build your own still for ethanol or distillers for biodiesel are just a search away online. However some of the concern over building your own still may have just been eased by a UK company. Etruk has designed and is selling online stills of varying sizes to appeal to those looking to make their own biodiesel at home; thus taking the guess work for those of us new to stills. With the Etruk distiller you can purchase the size that fits you and your budget best. The smallest size distiller will produce 40 liter batches at a time and can easily supply a weeks worth of fuel for one car. While the largest size still can churn out 150 liters in a batch and has the capacity to both supply your cars with biodiesel as well as provide you some added income. I had read somewhere online that the U.S. Federal Government permits the distilling of fuel for personal consumption or for sale up to 10,000 gallons per year without a permit. However, that is something that will require further research in all areas and in each individual country. Some local authorities may have some concerns or laws over the placement of such distillers on private property and near homes. Check with your state and local leaders before filling up your attached garage with distillers. While the world sciences, governments and the auto manufacturers ween out all the alternatives that are looking to gain acceptance (and two out of those three weeners are in no hurry to make real changes or solid commitments either way) the home brewing of fuel is truly a viable option. Watch for more information from Etruk as testing and use commences while also keeping an eye out for other suppliers of similar devices. If nothing else just marvel in the progress we have made in the fueling of America... we have gone from Full Service stations to putting Self Service stations in our own homes. Source[AutoBlog]

Faulty Cruise Control Switch leads Ford to Recall 3.6 Million Vehicles

will bee — Sat, 04 Aug 2007 11:42:29 +0000

Whether it was federal pressure from the NHTSA (National Highway Transportation Safety Administration) or that genuinely sick feeling in the pit of your stomach when something goes bad on your watch, but whichever the reason Ford is taking action... again. In a recent step to address a faulty cruise control switch installed in many of their models Ford has announced a recall of 3.6 million vehicles. When you include prior recalls by Ford for the same reason that brings the total to 10.4 million total vehicles recalled for faulty cruise control switches. The switches in question have been linked to numerous fires in the engine compartment of the vehicles that use them. The fires do not always occur while the vehicle is moving either. Some of the reported fires have started or flared up as the vehicle was parked (with the engine turned off) in the garage of some homes. To the left here you can see an example of the severity of the fires being linked to the faulty switch. Some are calling for Ford to expand their recall. Apparently the Texas Instruments switch in question is used by another 5 million vehicles that have not been recalled. No word from Ford as to whether those will be included in a future recall. Here is a list of the vehicles that are part of the current 3.6 million vehicles recalled: 1998-2002 Ford Ranger 1992-1998 Lincoln Town Car 1992-1998 Ford Crown Victoria 1992-1998 Mercury Grand Marquis 1993-1998 Lincoln Mark VIII 1993-1995 Ford Taurus SHO (automatic transmission) 1999-2001 Ford Explorer 1991-2001 Mercury Mountaineer 2001-2002 Ford Explorer Sport 2001-2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac 1992-1993 Ford E-150, E-250 and E-350 1997-2003 Ford E-150, E-250 and E-350 2003 Ford E-450 1993 Ford F-series 1993 Ford Bronco 1994 Mercury Capri 2003-2004 Ford F-150 Lightning 1995-2002 Ford F-53 Motorhome Source: Ford Motor Co. As was done for the Ford/Firestone recall of the 90's Ford will likely be pacing themselves on this recent recall so as not to be overwelmed by the turnout. If you own one of the vehicles included on the above list be sure to check your mail in the coming months (yep, Months!). In the mean time, and purely as a precautionary procedure, maybe it would be wise to park your care a little bit away from the house. Source[DetroitNews]

It is a brand new world for Chrysler as Cerebrus takes control

will bee — Sat, 04 Aug 2007 12:17:51 +0000

This Monday at Chrysler offices across the U.S. a day of celebration will commence. It will be the first day of the rest of their corporate lives as Cerebrus begins its days as the leader of the littlest of the Big 3 American automakers. Guarded optimism seems to be the theme for the party for Chrysler employees on Cerebrus: Day 1, but at least the future is truly in their hands. As the $7.4 Billion deal was sealed the percentage lines of Chrysler ownership came out as such: Cerebrus: 80.1%, Daimler: 19.9%. The smaller percentage share to Daimler will leave the door open for the sharing of some components and research; as in the new diesel engine research taking place now. Another advantage for Chrysler in maintaining a close relationship with Daimler is that it still lends some international influence to the American automaker for which 90% of their cars are sold in America. Cerebrus will be looking to increase Chryslers place on the global market in the coming year. One way in which to do that will be with new alliances with other foreign automakers. More than likely the first alliance may come from the burgeoning auto market in China. So now all 3 of the Big 3 are on their own paths to recovery from years of poor performance financially speaking while facing their greatest threats from international competition. One piece of the recovery still to be factored in for all of the Big 3 will be the contract talks with the UAW. Without sufficient help from the UAW the Big 3 will have a mighty steep hill to climb on the global market place. As for the moment gaurded optimism remains the theme of the day for America's Big 3. Source[Detroit News]

Online Traffic Simulator gives you control of the road; sure beats Solitaire

will bee — Sat, 04 Aug 2007 12:51:44 +0000

With the online Microsimulation of road traffic you get a birds eye, Tron-like view of how changes on the road effect the flow of traffic. Many of us spend countless hours in our cars, lined up like cattle to the slaughter, waiting for the roads to clear so that we can reach our homes or work. Often we find ourselves cursing at everyone from the car in front of us to the cars passing us going the other direction while those 70's Classic Rock tunes are recycled over and over on our radios. By watching and adjusting the Microsimulation tool you are able to see how the slightest changes in flow can cause a traffic tie-up that lasts hours. It shows that the chain reaction of the back-up moves further and further back from the cause of the slow down. So as we are cursing the people in front of us for slowing down the real cause of the bogged down traffic occurred miles ahead. Just like a human artery the slightest clot can cause a traffic stroke that can cripple the movement of all lanes. Take the leap over to the Microsimulation of Road Traffic, make a few adjustments, and watch the traffic flow before your eyes. I personally found the page and the flow of the dashes that represent cars and trucks on the road to be quite mesmerizing.

A Look Back: The Pontiac Stinger Concept is soooo '80s

will bee — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 12:23:38 +0000

will bee — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 11:48:07 +0000

In recent days the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reported their findings from a study on low speed (6mph) car impacts; the kind that are common in parking lots and bumper-to-bumper traffic. They are just the kind of accidents the cars bumpers are meant to protect you from expensive repairs. In the study it was revealed that many of the brands marketed in the luxury car category have bumpers that provide insufficient coverage and lead to some very expensive repairs. The specific areas of the bumper the IIHS focused their research on were direct, front-end collisions, front corner collisions, direct rear-end collisions, and rear corner collisions. Out of all their test subjects the car from the luxury category that sustained the lowest dollar amount in damages was the Saab 9-3. The Saab's grand total after all 4 accidents reached $5,243. The cheapest repair from just one of the collisions with the Saab was just under $1000. And that is the cheapest from this category. Four of the luxury models tested sustained over $10,000 in repairs as a result of the 4-collisions test. The winner(?) with the highest dollar amount in damages was the Infiniti G35 sedan that rang-up $13,983 in repairs. Just one frontal collision alone in the G35 will cost you more than the total cost of repairs found for the Saab 9-3. The reason given for the high cost of repairs is the lack of coverage area for most front bumpers. The front and rear bumpers of todays cars are hidden beneath costly fascia that give the cars a sleek and unified appearance. These fascia do well to disguise the inadequate cover from corner to corner the bumpers provide. Also, it was determined that the bumpers do not stick out far enough to protect the lights and front grills of the cars. The simple comparison of the collision tests performed on todays cars against the less-than-pretty 1981 Ford Escort are staggering. The Escort in those same test ran of a total cost of repairs of $469. The reason is because the exposed reactive bumper met the oncoming object and stopped the car short of causing damage to the body of the car. Now it is unlikely you are going to see a return in the styling of the Escort (thank goodness), but maybe this report will encourage the auto makers to return to a full frontal and rear bumper beneath all that fascia. Until the bumpers are returned to full width of the car that Bumper-to-Bumper coverage they advertise may not be as protective as you are lead to think. Source[MSN.Autos]

VW's Diesel Polo gets 70-mpg but only in Europe

will bee — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 01:26:41 +0000

For some there is the battle of Horsepower and Zero-to-60 times. For others it is Miles-per-Gallon and Zero emissions effect.Â While the VW Polo may resemble a GTI or Rabbit, when paired with the VW TDI (diesel) engine it is a true Fuel-Misers car. A recent test drive by Popular Mechanics of a 1.4 liter turbo-charged Polo left a favorable impression for zip and sip, but as always with the smaller hatchbacks the fear of the Big Bad SUV might scare drivers away. Then again if 20,000 Smart Cars can find buyers in the U.S. there is no reason the Polo could not do the same. The VW Polo comes in a variety of engines and door configuarations. The diesel even comes in two options: 1.4 or 1.9 liter turbo charged engines. According the VW website for the UK both Diesel engine options are rated at 70 mph on the highway, but the 1.4 liter has 114 ft lbs of torque and the 1.9 liter rates 177. VW has been making efficient diesel engines for quite some time and they have served the efficiency minded very well. For those less concerned with fuel mileage there is still the GTI and the very coveted R32 (mmmm... R32...). There really is little need to discuss speed tests and quarter mile times with the Polo. It is not that kind of car. When you look at the VW Polo as a potentially $18,000 or $20,000 sub-compact (oops, we just call them Hatchbacks now, right? sorry) that averages 60+ mph in mixed driving and 70 mph on the highway you might have just the car some are looking for. Ofcourse that is if they bring the Polo to America. But just as Popular Science postulated... why else would they have one in Auburn Hills, Michigan testing if they were not considering a little bit of importation. Source[Popular Science]

Hummer Looking to Expand their Market Appeal in Coming Years

will bee — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 03:36:59 +0000

GM is planning an expansion of the Hummer brand and looks to take on the competition on the road and off. In 2003 Hummer developed a concept vehicle called the H3T. It was a pickup truck based off the H2 model. Working off the designs of that concept GM will be branching out the Hummer line-up to compete in untapped markets. The first changes to come for Hummer will be in 2008 and with the H3 and H2 models. The H3 will beÂ adding a new engine package. It will be a 300-hp 5.3 liter V8 that is sure to add some muscle behind what is currently the smallest of the Hummer brand. The H2 will be finding itself on the receiving end of some interior refinements. In 2009 the Hummer lineup will expand to include the H4 and the new H3 Pickup. The H4 will be marketed to challenge the off-road dominance of the Jeep Wrangler brand. The Wrangler has a loyal following and a resurgence in approval with their recent redesign. However questions and complaints about the weak power-plant and transmission that motivate the Wrangler through the trails may open the door for a well-appointed competitor. The H3 pickup will be a true first Hummer. It will expand on the appeal of the H3 SUT while possibly opening up a new niche in the pick-up market. In 2010 the H2 will receive a complete redesign that will be sure to turn heads. Other sources have also intimated that some exploration in diesel engines for the Hummer line may also be introduced in the coming years, but like everything else in this business... until it reaches the market place it is all speculation. Source[AutoWeek]

2005 LAMBORGHINI MURGIELAGO E-GEAR ROADSTER

davidallen — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 07:15:48 +0000

2005 LAMBORGHINI MURGIELAGO E-GEAR ROADSTER

davidallen — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 07:16:46 +0000

2005 LAMBORGHINI MURGIELAGO E-GEAR ROADSTER

Celebrity Owned Lambo On eBay

davidallen — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 07:20:08 +0000

Now who would drive a car like this?

2005 LAMBORGHINI MURGIELAGO E-GEAR ROADSTER Color Chrome â€œYes! Chrome!â€ with Black leather interior with Grey contrasting stitching, Black carpeting, E-gear, 20â€ wheels, Celebrity owned. Details: Year: - 2005 Make: - Lamborghini Mileage: - 1414 miles Engine: - 12 - Cyl. Transmission: - Automatic Exterior: - Chrome Interior: - Black

Well this man is in the money, so much so, that he even has money in his name, the owner of this vehicle was a certain Mr. Cent, or as he is commonly known 50 cent.

This is a really cool car, in a brilliant chrome finish, which the picture do not really do justice to, the car is one of the most eye-catching car that you are likely to be seeing for sometime. As you can imagine the in car entertainment is probably mind bending and it maybe a good ideas not to turn the volume up before turning it on, otherwise you could end up with a sonic boom.

This car was chrome not that long ago, about a year I think, so there are probably no blemishes or marks on it yet. Though obviously that will more than likely change when the buyer begins to drive around in it. At the moment the current bid is at $225,300.00, and the reserve has not been met yet, by any of the four interested parties. However the auction is set to finish on the 9th August 2007 at 15.08 PDT, so you have plenty of time to get your bid in. Source [Top Speed]

A Prius goes Unplugged with Solar Paneled Recharge System

will bee — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 12:09:39 +0000

The Toyota Prius is like the Environmental Punching Bag that many devoted Greenies are testing electric ideas upon. It is not a bad position to be in for Toyota or the Prius. New ideas breed new possibilities and feeds the hope that a viable solution is out there. While all the hub-bub gives Toyota and its Prius plenty of word of mouth and builds the Prius as the Authority of Driving Green. We already have the 100+ Mileage Club for the Prius and their massive battery banks, the new Plug-in Prius being tested by Toyota in Japan, and now we have the Solar Prius to sample. Greg Johanson and his Solar Electrical Systems company produces the Solar Kits for the Prius that reportedly allow for a 40-mile commute to occur in all-electric mode. However, to keep out of gas mode you have to remain in the 40-45 mph range which may not work in all commute situations. Just the same it is at least a step in some direction. Watch the videos to see more of the Greg Johanson and the Solar Prius. What you do not find in those videos are hard numbers to prove that, in this case, the Joules are worth the squeeze. And the best and worst part about any tecnology involving cars and the environment and electricity brings out the all the Eco-Geeks and their arguments for or against it. Take the leap to Eco-Geeks.com and scan throught the series of comments that have built up after one short article concerning the Solar Prius. So where do you stand on the concept of a Solar Prius and Electric cars? Where do you see the automobile in the future?

When I say Porsche racing I bet drifting is not the first thing you think of.

will bee — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 23:54:54 +0000

It is not everybody who gets to take a Porsche 993 GT2 racing. Nor is it every day that you will get to see that same Porsche performing drifting manuevers around that same race track. However, if you are Tyler McQuarrie it is just another day at the office. Take a few moments to revel in some smokey, well-controlled drift laps around the track with McQuarrie behind the wheel. While some people find countless laps around a track to be monotonous and mindlessly boring there are oh so many others who would trade an unnecessary extra organ or piece of flesh to have that very job.

Starving for a VW Golf GTI W12? Then Link this to all your friends

will bee — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 00:31:42 +0000

The internet has been paying a fair bit of attention to the VW Golf GTI W12 since the concept cars unveiling. But do not let the term Concept Car fool you, as this is a living, breathing little road monster that has plenty of swag. With a 6.0 liter Bentley engine mounted behind the front seats this mid-engine VW is sure to leave a trail. The Golf GTI W12 manages a zero-to-62 time of just 3.7 second and with 650 horses behind the driver there are no questions why. With a wider stance, plenty of ruber and many air scoops feeding cooler air to the W12 engine the Golf GTI W12 manages to make its presence known whether it is moving or just sitting still. The UK's AutoCar recently managed to get some seat time in the VW Golf GTI W12 on a closed course. Take a look at what they had to say about it. So just as they said in the interview, if you want a GTI W12 of your own you better start chatting up a storm about it. While it seems VW has no problem putting out a car that will sell they will want plenty of assurance that the market is there for it before they committ to that gamble. Source[egmcartech]

Should states make Driving while Texting illegal?

will bee — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 01:25:13 +0000

So far Washington is the only state with a law on its books prohibiting drivers from texting while in a moving car. New York, California and Florida are discussing putting together similar legislation, but so far Washington was the first to set the precedent. A recent suvey was released that indicates that 89% of all those surveyed believed that texting while driving should be illegal. Of those in favor of legislation 57% also admitted to texting while driving (woopsiee..). As might be expected the survey showed that the majority of the respondants to the survey who admitted to texting were between the ages of 18 and 34. While the legal pundits debate what the state should do concerning the legality of texting, some high school students have come up with their own pitch against Drive-by Texting. While texting joins the list of so many other distractions that drivers face on the road it is questionable as to whether it is the worst of the bunch. Let's review some of the other threats to fellow humans and non-humans: -Reading -Music/MP3 -Make-up -Rowdy Children -Eating/Drinking -Talking on a Cellphone -Texting on a Cellphone -Changing Clothes -Smoking/Smokeless Tobaco -Animals/Bears (just for Steven Colbert) -Planes (thanks for the injuries, mom) -Roadside Car Dealerships (is this just me?) -Laptop/PDA -Sex What kind of distractions can you think of? Should there be laws against all or any of these drivers distraction? Source[AutoBlog]

Big 3 Performance brings another Mustang Model to the Big Pony Party

will bee — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 03:21:25 +0000

Just when you thought the table was set and all parties have found their seat another participant finds a seat at the table and opens up a high-octane beverage. There are more Mustang variations of the current pony body style than some manufacturers have models in their line-up. So why should there be another? Two reasons should sum it up well enough: Because they can and because there's a demand. Big 3 Performance will be producing theirÂ own take on the Mustang with a 100 car production plan thatÂ samples some of the best of the after-market parts available. Out of the 100 cars to be built there willÂ be 20 of them showcasing a 650-hp engine. That willÂ give this pony production carÂ some of the highest horsepower ratings of all current Mustangs. With an aim at strong performance and some gunning-for-ya fascia the Big 3 Performance team will be acquiring plenty of affectionate looks. Two things make all the spin-offs of the Pony line so successful: 1. A good design from the start. 2. Demand. Ford has built a true pony car with great bones in the current Mustang and in doing so have inspired many customizers and builders to put their own spin on things. ...And there are many Pony car fans out there who are loving every minute of it. Take the leap over to Jalopnikto leaf through more photos of their thoroughbred pony and to read their official press release. Source[Jalopnik]

Mercedes Benz 300 SL Gull wing

davidallen — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 07:49:56 +0000

Mercedes Benz 300 SL Gull wing

Ford Anglia

davidallen — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 07:51:04 +0000

Ford Anglia

Formula One Boss sells car collection

davidallen — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 07:51:50 +0000

The boss of Formula One Bernie Ecclestone is having a garage sale and no he is not selling a few nik naks from one of his many homes, he is actually selling the contents of his garage, or many garages in this case.

The 77 year old is said to be tidying up his life, maybe even preparing for the day when he retires from F1, in any case the sale of some fantastic cars is probably just the beginning of things to come. The sale will be held in London at: RM Auctions, Battersea Park, The British Genius Site, Battersea Park, London, UK. Previews, 30th & 31st October 2007, and Sale Day, 31st October 2007. The collection which is said to be in top condition, well you would expect it to be, will consist of some pretty fantastic cars and one rather strange addition, that must hold some sentimental value.

Some favorites from the Bernie Ecclestone collection: 1933 Marmon Sixteen Victoria Coupe, 1950 Ferrari 250 GT Europa Mk II, 1937 Mercedes 540 K Cabriolet B, (Estimated to be valued at around $7 million). 1933 Lancia Astura Roadster, Mercedes Benz 300 SL Gull wing, 1964 Ford Anglia. Apart from the Ferrari, the only other car of interest is the Ford Anglia! What a strange addition to a collection that has so many other classic cars, well I suppose that the Anglia was a unique concept at the time of it launch. The collection is estimated to be worth around $30 million. Source [Auto Blog]

Rollerman is a 33-Wheeled Human Skate from France... Crazy French

will bee — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 11:29:53 +0000

So here is a little fun to start your day off right. Rollerman, aka Jean-Yves Blondeau, designed himself a skate lined body suit with 33-wheels strategically placed. When dressed in his roller armor Blondeau, ...sorry, Rollerman takes to the streets and sidewalks and parking lots and courtyards for a wheelie good time. The super suit allows Rollerman to glide along most any paved or smooth surface in nearly any human position. On the downhill Rollerman can reach speeds of 60 mph (and that is without the addition of his jet-pack and laserbeam eyes) Watch the videos below to get a feeling for what Rollerman can do. So what do you think? By the year 2010 you might be seeing a Rollerman competition in the Summer X Games? Could you see someone wearing that suit on the Vert.Ramp? Or better yet, imagine Rollerman taking to the streets of San Francisco (just watchout for the rails). Sourc[Gizmodo]

Tesla Roadster survives delay and will still reach buyers this year

will bee — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 17:30:32 +0000

Tesla Motors has announced that despite a last minute vendor change that created a delay in the production of the Tesla Roadster they still expect to release their first production cars this year. Tesla is facing what Preston TuckerÂ endured when he attempted to introduce a new innovative approach to car building in the late 1940's, except without the law suit and with farÂ deeper financial backing. Delays and concessions can kill a good design, but it seems clear that Tesla is sticking to its guns to produceÂ just the car they intended. The electric two-seater roadster already has a line of 571 buyers just waiting to collect their $98,000 sports car. For the production year of 2008 Tesla intends to build 1,000 Speedsters. Ofcourse for Tesla the Speedster is just the tip of the ice berg as they intend to use its profits as the base for a line-up of new electric vehicles. The next plug-in electricÂ vehicle Tesla plans to produce will be a 5-seater sedan that is expected to sell in the $50,000-to-$60,000 range While their intended production numbers are modest as relates to the Big 3, their innovation, ability to adapt and conviction to grow as a company will certainly make them a good model for a small start-up company for any industry. Source[cnn.money]

Anticipation over the BMW 1-Series getting to you? How about a 1-Series Cabrio?

will bee — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 01:17:53 +0000

There are many of us out here who are clamoring for all the information available for the new BMW 1-Series coupe. The UK models are expected to come out sometime around fall and with a plethora of power-plant options to choose from. The dealerships in the U.S. are not anticipating the 1-Series to arrive until Spring of 2008. But for all of those brimming with anticipation the Frankfurt Auto Show in Germany will be the first full-on display of the BMW 1-Series. And to further build the excitement news is coming now that says the 1-Series Cabrio model may also be at this years Frankfurt Show. While the 1-Series Cabrio has been spotted testing in parts of Germany it is merely speculation that the car will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Auto Show. However, with a model this close to complete it seems very unlikely that they would hold out any further on us. Keep checking back for more information on the BMW 1-Series as details become available. To see a couple more photos of the new 1-Series Cabrio just jump on over to the MotorAuthority.

Super-coupe Mercedes-Benz test mule Spied in California?

will bee — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 02:01:31 +0000

The hardworking spy-boys of KGP Photography and the writers of AutoBlog have captured some fantastic photos of what may be the new Mercedes-Benz/AMG super car. While little is known about the exact ingredients that make up this test mule, the suspicion is that this is the test car for Mercedes-Benz all aluminum space frame that they plan to have incorporated in much of their line-up by 2012. Â From a rear view the test mule captured in the photos provided by AutoBlog have a lot in common with the Dodge Viper.Â Maybe that was a final parting gift from Chrysler in their departure. Resemblances aside everything involving this Mercedes-Benz test car is speculation at this point (unless you work for the company and want to share some spoilers). But it is these spoilers and anticipated designs that makes for a lot of excitement. It is the promise of things to come that keeps us all tuned in. To get a better glimpse of the Merc-Mule head on over to AutoBlogand take it all in. While few of us will possess the funds necessary to grasp the wheel of what will be the final product of this test car that short-coming will not keep us from dreamingÂ a little dream. Source[AutoBlog]

There will be two Honda Civic's receiving Mugen Badging in 2008

will bee — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 04:04:17 +0000

After years of having their Civics and other models tricked-out by rice racers with aftermarket parts Honda has finally caught on. There idea is to bring a production model to the street that carries the ride and appearance of a tuner car but comes straight from the factory. To reach out to the tuner community Honda and Mugen are releasing two versions of their dressed-up Civic: the Si and the RR. Will either of them fit the bill? The Si is essentially a production Civic with the stance and appearance that might appeal to many Honda fans. With its lower stance, ravenous front scoop intake ports and large wing on the rear-deck many observers might mistake this car to be all aftermarket. Honda has never shown this kind of love back to the rice rocket community that has certainly shown a love for it. Inside the Si you will find some custom seating and badging from Mugen, but not much else that will make it stand-out. While the suspension and appearance changes will improve the drive of the new Mugen Si it will not change the fact that it comes with the same factory engine as other Civic Si's. Standing firm at 197-hp while lifting the price to nearly $30,000 gives the Mugen Si a questionable return. Maybe that is where the 2008 Civic Mugen RR comes in? The 2008 Civic Mugen RR takes the upgraded basics of the Mugen Si and feeds a shot of adrenaline into the engine. The Mugen RR will receive the added boost of a total of 240-hp and 160-torque. The downside is that all that extra power will run you another $10,000 more on top of the Mugen Si's sticker of nearly $30,000 (for those too tired for math that gives the Civic Mugen RR a sticker of $40,000). While many a tuner has sunk much more than $40,000 into their prized Honda it just seems a bit less than likely that one of them is looking for a short-cut. With a stock Civic that same $20,000 could go a long way. However, if grabbing a Mugened-up Civic straight from the factory appeals to you it will be best if you step forward now. The Mugen Civic Si will see a limited production run of just 1,000 Blue cars and the Mugen Civic RR will see a limited run of 300 Red cars. Those are the cars. Those are the colors. Those are your 2008 Mugen Civics. Source[AutoWeek, AutomobileMag]

Beijing to be last Olympics for GM

davidallen — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 07:09:36 +0000

Beijing to be last Olympics for GM

davidallen — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 07:10:43 +0000

Beijing to be last Olympics for GM

davidallen — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 07:11:52 +0000

Auto makers must really be feely the strain these days, for GM will no longer be sponsoring the US Olympic team after next years event in Beijing, China. Obviously there will be many reasons for this, but todayâ€™s auto makers need to be focused and in tune with what is going locally in order to survive, we have seen this with Ford, they continue to try and release the burden of owning foreign car makes.

Spending around $1 billion on the Olympic team, does seen to be a little excessive, granted the investment is going to be worthwhile in a moving market like China, but when the 2012 Olympics goes to London, then would GM have anything to gain from this deal? It is doubtful.

will bee — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 11:36:58 +0000

It has been recently reported that Volvo will be looking to reshape their image again and go after the big boys on the block, BMW. There are plans in the worksÂ now to alter their line-up of cars so that they match-up closely to the BMW line-up. Ofcourse those plans could all be alter if BMW turns out to be one of the interested parties in courting Volvo away from Ford. Learn how by Reading More after the jump. The goal is to align the Volvo S60 with the BWM 3-series and the Audi A4. To make the move into their weight class the S60 will be looking to borrow some from the chassis of the S80 and Ford Moreno to give it a longer and wider stance. Also, as evidenced in the rendering above, the S60 will be the recipient of some of the design cues found on the XC60 concept car. They will also need to address the ride and road handling of the Volvo if they truly expect to challenge BMW and Audi. The interior quality of Volvo is closeÂ to that of the two competitors now, but will receive some more attention aswell. While the S60 will be getting reworked the S40 is in jeapordy. Fearing too much of an overlap in their lineup of 4-door sedans it is mentioned that the S40 will be morphed into a possble V30. The S40 and C30 share a lot of the same design and engine cues as it is and to turn the S40 into a 5-door hatchback to pair up with the C30 would not be a stretch. This would also provide Volvo with better competition against the BMW 1-Series and Audi A3. Look forÂ Volvo's model line-upÂ changes to take place between 2009 and 2010. The other item on the list of alterations will be the Volvo logo across the grill of the cars. It is possible that the traditional Volvo with the bar across the grill will be removed and the Volvo name with the symbol for iron surrounding it will be the new grill icon. You can see an example of the change on the rendering above. Volvo has done good work in altering some of their image and reputation of old as "Boxy but Safe." The changes that they have in mind for the future will look to truly remove them out of their box completely and into a new realm while retaining their reputation for safety and environmental awareness. Change can be a good thing, or so I have heard. What is your impression of Volvo? Still too much like driving your grandmothers car or are they truly broadening their appeal? Source[AutoBlog, AutoCar.UK]

London takes aim at gas guzzlers and congestion with increased CO2 Fee

will bee — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 20:41:08 +0000

After already increasing the fee to drive high CO2 producing cars to the equivalent of $25 the leaders of London are considering another increase. If their new plan goes into effect it will be costing gas guzzling Londoners what would amount to a daily fee of $50 U.S. London is charging hard against their congestion issues and pollution concerns. The hope is that by charging such an exorbitant amount they will be able to discourage some people from further adding to the traffic on busy city streets. In turn they hope it willÂ encourage people in London to use the Mass-Transits available or drive smaller, less polluting cars. The CO2 bar is set at 225g per kilometer and is set to target high end sports cars and SUV's. The ultimate goal of the fee system may be to lead to an all out ban on high-performance cars and other high CO2 emitters. While the aim of London politicians of decreasing congestion on the city streets, improving the air quality and decreasing their global carbon foot-print is absolutely noble it truly only goes after one factor of the total problem. If they are investing the fee revenues they collect into alternative fuels or otherÂ strategies that reduce the cities total CO2 outputÂ then that is money well managed.Â Despite the fee system the reality is that combustion engines are here and will still be in the majority for at least a decade or two when or if a replacement solution has been found. Placing an all out ban on older carsÂ is not a just or viable solution. Finding a means to make cars like my 1970 Mustang both fast and environmentally friendly, however, Â would be theÂ invention of the century (well, to some of us at least). Source[MotorAuthority]

Massachusetts Legislature looking to Muffle Modified Exhaust Systems

will bee — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 21:52:00 +0000

If you just bought that new Mustang orÂ Civic you have been dreaming of and you are thinking of mounting up a bit more rumble to your exhaust system you might want to think twice about it if you live in Massachusetts. AfterÂ enduring much stalling from SemaÂ a law that wouldÂ ban modified exhausts on cars or trucksÂ "which will amplify or increase the noise emitted by the exhaust" has just been introduced in the Massachusets Legislature. Â There is an entire aftermarket industry that is devoted to exhaust systems.Â In their efforts to take on the proposedÂ legal ban Sema has offeredÂ up the followingÂ "good side" of replacement exhaust systems as well as some points about the ambiquousÂ language of the proposed law:

H.B. 3574 ignores the fact that aftermarket exhaust systems are designed to make vehicles run more efficiently without increasing emissions.
H.B. 3574 does not supply law enforcement with a clear standard to enforce, allowing them to make subjective judgments on whether or not a modified exhaust system is in violation.
H.B. 3574 fails to recognize that aftermarket exhaust systems offer increased performance, which can make a vehicle safer by improving its ability to merge, pass, travel uphill, etc.
H.B. 3574 would make it difficult for hobbyists to replace factory exhaust systems with more durable, better performing options.
H.B. 3574 would only exclude â€œantique motor carsâ€ defined as those vehicles over 25-years old which are used exclusively for exhibitions, club activities, parades, etc.

Just as there was once a legal front against Metal Music in the 1980's, the aftermarket exhaust segment appears to have ruffled some feathers in Massachusetts. If you live in Massachusetts and you would like to have your voice heard Sema has listed the names and office numbers of all the members of the Massachusetts Legislature on their website. Source[Sema, Jalopnik]

GM and Toyota: Electric Vehicles and the Big Bad Battery Debate

will bee — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 22:22:52 +0000

Toyota and GM are in a race to get their exciting new Hybrid/Electric cars to the market. Toyota is working on the next generation Prius, while GM is pressing to get their concept car the Volt completed on schedule. Both auto makers seem to be effected by the same hurdle: Lithium Ion Batteries. The problem with the Lithium batteries is that the run hot and can potentially lead to serious damage or fire if left unchecked. Both Toyota and GM have hoped to make use of the Lithium batteries in their future cars and both have been stymied in their pursuits. Toyota's efforts have slowed down enough that they are currently postponing their unveiling of the next generation Prius until 2011; a year behind their previous due date. While GM too has struggled with their battery research they just signed a new aggreement with "A123 Systems to co-develop nano-phosphate battery cells for automobiles." Even though the ink is still a tad damp on the new cooperative agreement the folks at GM feel that their new partnership may just give them a leg-up in the Battery Wars. Of course GM will not be resting on their Laurals because an agreement to build a better battery does not always produce the intended results. Until either car has successfully reached the market place with their intended systems in tact and go through a years worth of road testing no conclusion can be made on which approach will win. The ebb and flow of the Battery Wars is sure to change between now and either cars unveiling, so until then we will not rush to judgement. Time for those Research and DevelopmentÂ engineers to get creative (wait... are engineers and creative oxymorons?). Source[autopia,autobloggreen]

GM Third Row Seats have become Hot items for Thieves

will bee — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 14:19:40 +0000

It has been reported out of Long Beach, CaliforniaÂ that GM's removable third row seats in SUV's such as the Tahoe and Yukon have become a hot commodity with thieves. The fact that the seats are unmarked and general interchangeable makes them rather appealing. It also helps that they are built to be easily removed despite their weight. When purchasing your GM SUV the seats are a factory add-on that costs a mere $460. However, on the re-sale market the fold-down seats can run over twice that amount. The Long Beach Police Department is offering up a solution to owners who wish to protect their investment. The Department is offering to engrave the third row seats for owners to provide some form of tracking if the seats were to be stolen. As it is now GM seats do not come with any registration or factory tracking numbers. The engravings will be placed in a number of hidden locations on the seats to help prevent thieves from removing them. GM may not have any identification numbers on their seats now, but maybe that is something they will be looking into if the occurence of these third row seating thefts becomes an epidemic. Source[edmunds]

The Ariel Atom brings buggy grins to all who drive it

will bee — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 02:21:47 +0000

If you were a kid with a go-kart bumblin down the neighborhood street and had any imagination at all the Ariel Atom would be what you would pretend you were driving. Some might compare it to a four-wheeled race bike, but with its two-seats and a steering wheel it is more likely the ultimate race-kart. The light weight frame and carbon tub of the Ariel Atom is powered by a super-charged 300-hp engine that is based off the Chevy Cobalt engine. All those horsesÂ driving the mere 1400 pounds that makes up the Atom gives the car a rocket-like feel at acceleration. There is no steer-assist so every little bit of the road is communicated right up the rack-and-pinion suspension and up through the steering wheel. Take the leap over to MotorTrend to watch a video test drive of the Ariel Atom. It the video does not make your palms itch for the wheel or your feet twitch for the feel of the accelerator you might want to check your pulse. Or maybe you prefer knitting... no that there is anything wrong with that. Knit me a scarf for the track.

Show your car some love... clean it right.

will bee — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 03:11:28 +0000

Once you have your car you might want to take good care of it. Whether it is your dream car that you plan to have forever or a just for now car that you plan to resell or trade in, it is never a bad decision to take good care of your car. So the people at Autopia.org have made an exhaustive list of some of the do's and don't's (that good English) and a handy interior maintenance schedule to help you take good care of your ride. Everything from the carpet, leather, vinyl, plastic and so on isÂ compiled with detailed descriptions for the best results. Take a look at their Weekly Cleaning Recommendations after the leap. Here's what they recommend as a weekly routine for the interior:

Wipe down all vinyl, leather and plastic surfaces with an interior detail spray. I like the products from Meguiar's and Sonus. A microfiber detailing towel is excellent for this task, as it will leave a lint-free, dust-free finish.

Pull out your floor mats, and shake or brush off the dirt and debris.

Pick up trash (that old banana peel you tossed into the backseat), and empty the ashtray and console storage bins.

Wipe down your door jambs and doorsills with a damp towel.

Wipe down your interior glass and your rearview mirror with a damp microfiber detailing towel. If your windows are relatively clean, you don't need to use a glass cleaner.

Head on over to Autopia.org for a complete rundown on the best solutions for the proper car of your cars interior. You change your oil regularly to help prevent the wear and tear on your engine. Why not put the same care into the cabin compartment of your ride?

Willing to try the DIY $50 paint job on your car?

will bee — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 14:34:24 +0000

Â Looking to convert your rust bucket with a gleaming coat of paint and you do not have thousands to go with a professional paint job? Apparently there is a thread on the Mopart forums that gives tips on how to get a professional shine for $50 and some hours of hard work. One curious car owner decided to take the challenge of doing it himself on his rusty Corvair and another performed the same work on his classic Porsche (pictured above). So what is it about the $50 DIY paintjob and how does it work? The $50 in supplies required to perform the in-home paint job starts with 2-quarts of Rustoleum. Yep, Rustoleum. The other necessary equipment are some foam roller pads, some sponge brushes for edging detail, sanding materials and plenty of time and elbow grease (would "elbow grease" be the Mastercard priceless part or a completed paint job? you decide). The sample Corvair with the detailed description required 6 coats of paint with 4-5 hours of drying per coat. Some others who have tested the paint scheme required anywhere from 7 to 10 coats in order to get complete coverage on their cars. But the secret to the paint in the Corvair example that differs from the Forum thread is that the paint was mixed with Mineral spirits rather than the acetone prescribed. The 50/50 Mineral Spirits gave the paint a thin, milky like consistency that allowed the paint to smooth on its own. Take the jump over to see for yourself from before to finish just how the Corvair made its transformation. The best idea if you wish to test the in-home paint job yourself would be to follow the Corvairs lead and practice your painting skills on a small part of your car. And if you do plan to tackle the work be sure you eat well because you are going to need all the energy you can muster. Source[rickwrench]

Some find advantages to leasing their exotic sports cars

will bee — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 18:30:10 +0000

While there is a certain panache that comes from being a person that can just cut a check for whatever he wants, there are others who see savings in leasing and can find better uses for that upfront cash. It is not all about holding the title to the car as much as it is having the keys. A recent article in the New York Times discussed some of the advantages of leasing exotic cars that those who could still afford to do otherwise are choosing over that cash purchase. Luckily there are a few companies now specializing in providing those leases once the leaser has plunked down 20-25% of the purchase price for a down payment. The first advantage to leasing exotics would be a tax benefit. While that reason is dependant upon the state in which you live in, in some states it can mean the difference between $130,000 car tax or a monthly .6% monthly tax on the leaseÂ payment. The money saved in taxes directly correlates with the second reason to lease: other appreciating investments. If you lay down your $1.4 million on day one for a new Bugatti Veyron that money is gone and so is the $130,000 in car taxes in some states. However, if all you put down is the $400,000 down payment you still have $1million in "play" money that is now available for other money making investments. Thus, you now have the chance for multiple investments that may both appreciate to make more revenue for the lease holder. By the end of the term of the lease the purchase price agreed upon for the close out sale of the car may be less than the market value or appreciated value of that exotic. Meaning that in 5 years there is the chance that the $1.4 million Bugatti Veyron of today may be worth $2 or $3million at the end of the lease.Â Hence, now you can choose to profit from the smallÂ down paymentÂ you put into your exotic by selling it for a gain. While a $20,000 a month payment is nothing to sneeze at (or on... that would be offensive), as in the case of the Bugatti lease, it is small potatoes compared to a $1.4million cash deal. And for some, those small potatoes can reap a very rich harvest. Source[nytimes]

Want to know where they came up with those car logos?

will bee — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 19:09:09 +0000

Ever look at those car company logo's and wonder where they came from? Well there is a convenient listing out there that provides some of the background for the some of the worlds most recognized symbols. Take for example the Volvo logo. In Latin the word Volvo means "i roll". The circle with arrow of the Volvo logo is the symbol for iron, which was used to make Sweden's main industrial product of the country back in the day: steel. The Volvo logo seems to be easily understood while some others have a deeper meaning. While some may argue that the new Toyota symbol looks like a cartoon cowboy for a Wii game, it is really a design of three ellipses. According to the site the Toyota logo "heart of the customer, the heart of the product, and the ever-expanding technological advancements and boundless opportunities that lie ahead. It says here." The Charging Bull logo for Lamborghini is fairly easy to decipher, but its association to the auto maker may be less known. It simply boils down to the company's founder's affection for bulll fighting. Thus the affiliation of many of Lamborghini's car names are a direct link to the names of bull's or a breed of bull, or any other item related to bull fighting. So charge on over to the website to see some of the other origins of auto manufacturer logos. You might be surprised what you find. Also, more logo information can be found here.

cowboy boots

davidallen — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 06:39:50 +0000

cowboy boots

Trenton police dept ban cowboy boots

davidallen — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 06:40:21 +0000

But donâ€™t worry for itâ€™s the departments own officers who have received the banning order. This comes in the wake of a strange accident involving one of the departmentâ€™s cars and a Smokers Express convenience store. It would appear that the soles of cowboy boots are not to good when combined with driving, this is because the sole is smooth and has little grip on it, as Officer Michael Herko found out, much to his embarrassment.

Officer Herko was peacefully driving along the road in his 1997 Crown Victoria police car, when his foot slipped off of the brake and onto the accelerator, naturally he was not speeding at the time and managed to get the brakes on, but not before the car had gone into the entrance doors of the store. This happened in the evening at around 18.15 pm so it was lucky that nobody was injured. The damage was limited to the ten feet by ten feet doors, which are mainly glass with aluminum frames, these where pushed back several inches and the damage caused was in the region of $3,500. The officer and the car were both undamaged. Officer Herko is a long term serving police officer, which had been with the Fort Pierce police dept before transferring to the Trenton police dept around seven years ago. Trenton Police Chief, Bill Smith has issued the following instruction to the departments officers "Effective immediately, cowboy boots are no longer acceptable for work". Source [Jalopnik]

Tesla Motors Performs the CEO Shuffle

will bee — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 11:27:10 +0000

Tesla recently promoted Michael Marks as their new CEO to replace Martin Eberhard. As the driving force for the start-up do not look for Eberhard to be departing. His new position will be as President of Technology with the fresh auto maker; thus allowing Eberhard to continue to focus on the cars and innovations at Tesla. Marks will now be in charge of the day to day business of running the growing company. Michael Marks is no stranger to the company nor to running a big business. He was theÂ former CEO of Flextronics, a $19billion dollar company, before becoming a contributing investor with Tesla. Even so, Marks role as the CEO is a temporary move as a search for a permanent replacement gets under way. With everything riding on a successful launch of the Tesla Roadster and its recent delay the timing for making the move at CEO is appropriate. According to the official press release from Tesla Motors the move had been in the planning all year. It is essential that Tesla begin toÂ fill their Roadster orders this year with a completed and heralded product to give the company the right boost into 2008. All future cars for the company hinge on the Roadster. With Marks experience in manufacturing operations and logistics and Eberhards innovation and drive hopefully their new roles will provide Tesla with the success they are seeking. Source[AutoBlogGreen]

Is it really possible that American cars are matching foreign luxury cars in dependability?

will bee — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 11:58:24 +0000

J.D. Powers and Associates have released their 3-year findings on the dependability of the 2004 model year line-up of cars and the results might just shock you. Some might even second guess if it is truly possible that American manufacturers could ever close on the 12-reign of Lexus as the most dependable auto make? While Lexus is truly on top again this year they are sharing the podium with a most unlikely partner: Buick. Buick's rise to the top of the dependability ratings is not surprising because of their cars, as much as for the fact that they had been long rumored to be going the way of the Oldsmobile (extinct). Such ratings should beÂ a shot in the arm for the long time GM product, but the reality is that nearly all the cars of that model year have gone the way of the Skylark (no longer in production). To take advantage of their latest rating Buick will need to find a means to correlate their old cars dependability with the new car designs. Other American cars that saw impressive results in their dependability ratings were Mercury, Cadillac and Lincoln. Their scores matched them very favorably with Toyota, Honda and Subura, which means that after 30 years the domestic car manufacturers have finally closed the quality gap with the Japanese. That news could not have come at a better time for the American car manufacturers who have been slipping in sales against stiffer foreign competition. And not to leave out the loser of the dependability survey, Land Roverhas achieved the lowest ranking by J.D. Powers. However, even Land Rover managed a 40 point improvement compared to last years rating, but that still could not keep them from being what some have called the "perennial cellar dweller" spot. While J.D. Powers and Associates dependability ratings are obviously not the basis for every new buyers car choice, it will have an impact in both the sales and marketing of manufacturers who have seen an improvement. I just wonder if Land Rover will try to use their 40 point improvement in their ads (doubtful) or how their continued lapse in quality will affect the sale of the company by Ford. Either way J.D. Powers has afforded you the car buyer yet one more tool in your arsenal when doing your own car research and shopping. Source[nytimes]

Porsche Rumors Abound: Compact Car, Small SUV

will bee — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 01:50:03 +0000

So the rumor has it that Porsche is considering a small car to compete against the GTI segment of the market and a small SUV to battle against the BMW X3 segment. Will those vehicles actually be developed and where the Porsche logo? Well who would have thought that Porsche would build a 4-door sedan and yet the Panamera is nearly complete. There is very little information available concerning what will come in these latest Porsche concoctions. The only figure provided so far is that the compact car will be propelled by a 295-hp motor. What motor will use and the rest of the stats to go with it are still a mystery. The SUV is a complete mystery but the odds could be that they will follow suit with Volvo and BMW and create a smaller and similar version of the successful Cayanne SUV. Yet all of these new out-reach vehicles will be following and maybe have their futures linked to the success or failure of the Panamera. If the new sedan is a flop it might be questionable as to whether Porsche will charge forward with the next two, new segment vehicles. It would be unfair to judge Porsche on what they have not built yet (kinda). The Cayanne faced much criticism when it was being designed and still ruffles the feathers of some Porsche purists. Never the less the Cayanne has been pretty successful for the German auto maker, so a follow up would be reasonable. Whatever Porsche does decide to design and build you can be guaranteed that it will receive plenty of coverage. Source[topspeed]

Chrysler Exec Points Out the 5 Road Blocks for Alternative Fuels

will bee — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 03:03:30 +0000

Chrysler's Senior Manager of Energy Planning and Policy, Loren Beard, describes the five anti-alternative forces that are seeking to stymie the fuel alternatives. For years people have blamed the auto industry for being part of the problem by being in cahoots with the oil barron's. Beard's remarks bring all the obstacles together to point out that, as would be expected, everyone seems to be looking out for their own interests. Follow the leap to learn what the 5 obstacles to alternative fuel solutions are. The big 5 obstacles as indicated by Loren Beard of Chrysler are: 1. Big Oil 2. Big Agriculture 3. "Silver Bullett" carmakers 4. Fringe Environmental Groups 5. OPEC Each of the given road blocks to alternative fuels progress is infused in its own benefit and sustainable future. While self-interest is important in all businesses along with a sense of self-preservation, they should not attempt to mask it by portraying other industries as false, dangerous or impossible. Of course, that would be a completely naive approach to business. Take the leap over to AutoBlogGreen to read in detail Loren Beards analysis and to watch the podcast of an interview with the Chrysler exec.

bentley arnage

davidallen — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 07:33:29 +0000

bentley arnage wheels

bentley arnage

davidallen — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 07:34:30 +0000

bentley arnage wheels

Bad day for Bentley

davidallen — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 07:35:02 +0000

When we mention a recall we are normally talking about cars that us average people drive and normally it is a matter of public and driver safety, which is why a recall no matter how small or serious, is most defiantly and important piece of information. Especially if you happen to be the owner of the vehicle in question. Fortunately in this case the recall only affects 520 cars, so that would normally not really warrant coverage, but when the car is a $250,000 Bentley Arnage, then it truly is a piece of interesting news.

Apparently there is a problem with the wheels, or rather the bolts that attached the wheels to the car, these are the wrong size and it is possible that they could work their way loose and ultimately the wheel could fall off, not the sort of publicity that a prestige auto maker like Bentley would like or need.

The owners of these vehicles have been contacted and the short change over will be done in no time at all. It would be really great to see all of those wealthy and famous Bentley Arnage owners queuing outside of the dealerships waiting for the wheel bolts to be changed over. The whole episode is a bit of a mystery because these cars are virtually built by hand, and in fact the cars that have been recalled were built over an eighteen month period. One thing is for sure that something really went wrong here, because if you intend to spend $250,000 on a car, you would probably expect that the quality control would be the best that there is. Source [Cars.com]

Increased numbers of traffic circles means some Americans must face another fear

will bee — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 12:50:31 +0000

After years of service in Europe and Australia it seems the traffic circle is becoming a part of the American traffic landscape as well. In states like Washington the traffic circle, or round-a-bout, is replacing some 4-way stops and traffic lights. While others are being planned in the construction phase of new roads and neighborhoods. All these new traffic circles mean that more and more Americans must face their fear and dread of this mysterious traffic anomaly. However, the traffic circle is really less of an anomaly and more about efficiency and convenience. For 26 years I myself lived in a land of 4-way stops signs and traffic lights, but for the last 7 have enjoyed driving in a traffic circle environment. It did not take long for me to appreciate the ease and efficiency of the traffic circle; provided that they are designed for proper flow. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) has estimated that there are currently 1,000 round-a-bouts in the U.S. and approximately 150-200 new ones constructed each year. Some way, some how, many more Americans will have to face their fear and drive through a traffic circle. There will not always be a side route for escape or a traffic light diversion. The IIHS calculates that 45% of traffic accidents happen at intersections. A lot happens at intersections and maybe out of their normalcy some drivers have grown complacent in their driving. According toÂ research performed by theÂ IIHS inÂ 2001Â thereÂ were 80% fewer accidents at traffic circles than other intersections in the U.S. Whether those fewer accidents were because of better planning or more astute driving practices in circles is debatable, but the numbers alone are striking. Another reported advantage of the traffic circle is the efficiency. Instead of sitting idle at a traffic light waiting for your turn to go, sipping away all that pricey fuel, you are constantly moving forward in a traffic circle. The flow of traffic continues on and is rarely encumbered by a long term stop of motion. The advantages of traffic circles are all there. Once you have had the experience of driving through them on a daily basis you just might begin to curse the substitution of traffic lights on new roads when a traffic circle may have served better. While they may seem a daunting endeavor to the inexperienced, for those of us who live with them every day many of us would not have it any other way. Source[Economist]

Video: Parking Problems and a Painters Solution

will bee — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 13:29:46 +0000

I caught this video clip on TopSpeed and had to share it. While the problem it depicts is common to many the solution found to resolve it is rather unconventional and not likely something a car lover would ever succomb to. Take a look for yourselves.

The Road Less Traveled is growing in appeal with Slow Road Drivers

will bee — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 15:58:54 +0000

In a country embroiled with fast cars, fast food, microwave-ovensÂ and express ways, there is a growing number of people who are looking to step back and slow down. While we often brag about how making the trip from South Carolina to West Virginia was accomplished in 9 hours there are certain times where the adventure should be in the travel and the scenes along the way and not about just the speed with which we reached our destination. The slow road as it is called is where some bring the humanity back into the travel and remove themselves from the impersonal blur that is the Fast Food Nation. The are a number of scenic routes of Historic significance here in the United States and many of them are finding a resurgence in popularity. Route 66 is one of The premiere Historic highways that has finally been seeing a bit of a revival. Not only is there federal money coming in to maintain and preserve the old highway, but even some of the old motels have been restored and reopened along the route. Another Historic road that attracts a number of travelers all year long is the Blue Ridge Parkway that extends throughout much of the Appalachian Mountain range. The long and winding two-lane highway provides plenty of pull-off opportunities from which you can take in the scenic views along the way. There are also hiking opportunities and a number of Historic sites along the way. That is a phrase that many Slow Roaders get to use a lot on their travels, "...along the way." The New York Times has provided a small list of just some of the Historic roads and highway that are involved in the revival of the winding road. If you do not see a road near you there is a good possibility that a local route resides nearby and could provide you just the escape you need from the usual city orÂ freeway blur we have grown accustomed to. To read more about the Slow Road Revival take the leap over to the New York Times, or check out the book The Lincoln Highway: Coast to Coast from Times Square to the Golden Gate by Michael Wallis.

The Hatfield-McCoy Trail brings ATV Tourism to WV

will bee — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 16:46:32 +0000

Transportation and adventure seems to be the topic of the day andÂ makes forÂ an opportune time to talk about something new I just discovered. The Hatfield-McCoy's Trails in West Virginia is a state tourism attraction designed to provide more of what the state has to offer in a semi-controlled environment. Maybe this is another way to off-set the winter ski season with the multi-season even of driving ATV's along skill rated trails. The trails also go by another name, Trails Heaven, based of the West Virginia theme of "Almost Heaven." The state managed trails provide a safe adventure through marked trails that will take the rider beyond what is seen along the normal highway or rural road. Between each trail is a town that is finally enjoying a revival of sorts after losing much of the coal revenues of old. The trails have brought an economic return into the state and counties that it crosses. In 2006 it was reported that the Trails Heaven has carried into the state $7.7million dollars in tourism revenues. Between the fees riders pay for the permits to drive the trails and the food and lodging provided many of the small communities around the trails have benefited. There are currently 500-miles in the trails system and plans for more trails are in the works. And the attraction of the trails must be working as over 25,000 paid to cross the rugged terrain just last year. So if you are seeking a new off-road adventure from which you can enjoy the sights that nature has to offer take a look at the Hatfield-McCoy's Trails. Source[TimesWestVirginian - February 14, 2007, HeavensTrail]

Officer Arrests Off-duty, Deputy Wife for Drunk Driving

will bee — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 18:01:51 +0000

Â An Elko County Sheriff's Deputy, Mike Moore,Â had the unenviable task of arresting his wife this weekend for driving under the influence of Alcohol. The wife, Charlotte Moore, Â in this instance is also a local prison deputy who was off duty and returning that evening from a downtown business groups wine walk. After initially pulling her over for either speeding or making an illegal turn, the off-duty deputy fled the scene after being administered a breathalyzer test. Thus resulting in the deputy having to call in for back-up while pulling his wife over a second time for fleeing. Once the back-up officers arrived the husband backed off from the scene and allowed the supporting officers to make the arrest. Off-duty Deputy Moore (the detained in this instance) was released from jail on Sunday and was put on administrative leave. Mike Moore was probably at home wondering why his dinner was not prepared that weekend. Either way there seems to be a very rocky road ahead for the future of this marriage. Source[aol.news]

Lotus Europa

davidallen — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 07:18:21 +0000

Lotus Europa built in China

Lotus Europa

davidallen — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 07:19:20 +0000

Lotus Europa built in China

China to build Lotus Europa

davidallen — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 07:20:33 +0000

Despite being told that the new Lotus would not be built outside of the UK, it transpires that Proton, Lotusâ€™s parent company have entered into an agreement with a company that builds buses. The Jinhua Neoplan Vehicle Co will be building the new car at their plant in Jinhua, China. If you believe what is written in the Chinese press. The Lotus will be the one of two cars that will be built in China; the other is a four door Proton.

It is believed that once the plant is up and running they should be able to produce around 150,000 Lotus Europaâ€™s per year, initially they will be sold in China, but as the stock increases then they will be available for export and the target marketplace will be the USA.

Yet from the UK, Lotus Cars still denies that the car will be built in China, in an email to staff, Lotus Chairman, Mike Kimberley has reassured them that there are no plans to build Lotus Cars outside of the UK plant at Hethal. Clearly this is just another one of those stories that spring up every now and then, yes there is truth in the fact that Proton have agreed to build a new four door car in China, as for Lotus they say no cars will be built outside of the UK. Mind you China can get around that by just renaming one of their cities to â€œUKâ€! Source [Left Lane News]

Classic Car Customization Leads Owners to Affectionately Spend Crazy Cash

will bee — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 11:48:42 +0000

With the Woodward Dream Cruise just ahead of us this Saturday there are many car owners who are anticipating two common questions:

How much do you have invested in you car?
How much is it worth?

Both are very rude questions but that does not ebb peoples curiosity. It is not uncommon for a classic car holder to invest more in parts, accessories and improvements than they initially invested in the purchase of the car. Luckily there is a growing after-market out there to satisfy that growing desire. From my own experience it takes a lot of work to keep a classic running; along with a solid network of supporters. My 1970 Mustang requires constant attention and probably averages a 5-month "running good" cycle a year. The rest of the year is spent figuring out why she is not "running good" and who I can recruit to assist with the latest problem. Adding fuel to my lust for parts or repairs are a number of accessory and replacement part suppliers who magically sent me catalogs shortly after I registered my car. The after-market parts suppliers know how to find and lure their spellbound clientele in with great parts catalogs and online ordering. In the past 10 years there has been a steady 7% growth in the after-market industry that have lead to impressive revenue numbers. "Last year, according to the Specialty Equipment Market Association, a collective of 7,000 companies, after-market parts and accessories sales totaled $36.7 billion." When you consider the number of classics on the road that is a considerable client base who are all looking to make their beloved auto better, faster and more reliable. The question for a car owner, whether they truly love their car or it is just the latest project, is "how much would it take to get you to sell your car?" While to the common insurance estimator your classic may have a limited value, to the car owner that dream car could be of limitless value. Others may have an exact dollar amount in their head and may or may no be willing to share it. Each car owner is different and possesses a varied amount of love and frustration with their coveted classic and if you want to snatch it out from under them it is all a matter of timing. But once you have wrestled away your own classic auto do not think that you will be free from the joys and pitfalls that come with maintaining a classic. Just be thankful that there is a large consortium of part suppliers out there who are prepared to provide for you along the way. Source[detroitnews]

Sneak a glimpse of the 2008 Cayman S Porsche Design Edition 1

will bee — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 00:46:05 +0000

The one word needed to describe the 2008 launching of the Cayman S Porsche Design Edition 1 (besides the long name) is Black. The limited production Cayman S will come in all black and only black as it makes its 777 car production run. "You can have any color you want to as long as it is Black," as Henry Ford used to say. But the special edition Porsche is no Model T to say the least. Bolstering the German car is a 3.4 liter straight six pumping out 295-hp. With a zero-to-sixty time of 5.4 seconds you may not blow the doors off everything on the road but you will certainly look good at any speed. The sleek black of the exterior does not stop at the doors either, as the same color is carried on into the interior cock-pit of the car. While behind the wheel of the Cayman S Porsche Design Edition 1 Black will be all you see. Beyond the black are chrome latches for the doors and glove box and chrome badging to mark the limited edition cars. And if the full on Man in Black motif fails to widen your own stance they have set the special edition Cayman S up with 19" wheels that are normally set upon the 911. The Cayman S Porsche Design Edition 1 is certainly not the fasted or most expensive Porsche out there, but it will be sure to make its presence known to all who see it. Source[autospies]

UK's allotment of 2007 BMW M3's are all sold out

will bee — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 01:12:38 +0000

The UK was alloted 700 BMW M3's for the 2007 car year and with much applause they have reached that mark 4 months ahead of schedule. So does this mean that BMW has come up with a winning design with this year M3 or that the economy in the UK has allowed some happy shoppers to splurge? Judging by the options shopping the M3 buyers were adding it would seem that money was not the object for the M3 shopper. The (far from) average M3 buyer typically added 4700 pounds in options to their new car. Two of the popular options choosen were the 19" rims and the DAB digital radio. For those in the UK who are feeling like the missed the M3 boat just hang on to those BMW dollars. For the 2008 model year BMW will be releasing 2000 M3's onto the market. The question will be how many of those will the UK driving population gobble up? Source[Autocar]

Ferrari 599 Dino mule spotted perusing the streets.

will bee — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 01:21:01 +0000

The car chasers over at WorldCarFans have captured some images of the test mule for what is expected to be the new 599 Dino by Ferrari. While the body does not expose too much of what the end product might look like it does give out plenty of a tease. The 599 Dino, if produced, is expected to run between $100,000 and $150,000 and could see a production run of 4000 cars a year. Those could be some lofty figures for an auto maker that only makes around that many cars a year as it is. To see more of the Ferrari 599 Dino take the leap over to WorldCarFans.

Jeep gets captured putting their JT Pickup concept through some testing

will bee — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 03:51:15 +0000

Some auto spy photos of what appears to be a Jeep JT pickup by KPG Photography have recently been released online. Jeep has been teasing buyers with a conceptÂ JT for a little while now. They even went as far as to invite some observers outÂ to watch them trail test a small Jeep concept pickup. So hearing that Jeep might be taking the minor leap to converting a Jeep Unlimited into a pickup should really only garner one reaction: it is about time! The test mule that was caught during testing had many of the signs of a Jeep that has been altered for heavier payloads with sturdier leaf-springs. It was also a right hand drive Jeep test vehicle which might indicate that they will be looking to procure some government contracts to supply the postal service or that the Jeep truck is destined for Australia. If the thoughts of a Jeep pickup gets you excited even just a little bit you might want to take the leap over to AutoBlogand take in the sights. Whether a production JeepÂ JT pickup actually comes out in 2008 or 2009 or ever one thing is certain: Jeep will just keep on taunting us with the possibility.

lambo

davidallen — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 07:12:28 +0000

lambo seen doing 210 mph

Ferrari

davidallen — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 07:14:21 +0000

ferrari speeding on video

Car salesman tops 210 mph

davidallen — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 07:15:56 +0000

In Canada the fight against road racing is reaching new heights, as a video circulating the net shows. Owners of high performance and very expensive cars, such as Ferrari and Lamborghini. The video shows four of these cars racing down the province of Albertaâ€™s highways at speeds of over 200 mph.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police have received numerous complaints from residents. The video has been produced by Zahir Rana who owns and runs ZR Auto who happen to specialize in selling Ferrari and Lamborghini sports cars. It shows several of these cars doing in excess of 210 mpg as the camera takes in the speedo as well as the road. But later Zahir Rana stated that the video was faked, and that it was just a viral marketing campaign.

The Alberta RCMP did arrest four drivers of high performance cars one of whom just happened to be Zahir Rana of ZR Auto, yet so far there have been no charges made by the police, who say that the case is still under investigation and is not over yet. Because they are not sure whether the video is real or a fake, the outcome of the investigation will no doubt help the police to decide which charges are applicable to this or if no charges should be brought about at all. One thing is for sure, whether the video is fake or real, its all good for ZR Auto! Source [CBC]

2008 Chevy HHR SS gets first reveal at Woodward Dream Cruise in Michigan

will bee — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 11:56:51 +0000

Â GM has chosen the Woodward Dream Cruise along the suburbs of Detroit on Woodward Ave as the appropriate location to show off the new 2008 HHR SS. With its retro-style leanings and SS badging they feel it is the appropriate place to attract the attention of the bow-tie lovers and pocket-rocket crowd. And maybe once they see that the new HHR SS is pumping out 260-hp out of a 2.0 liter engine they just might deem it worthy of a close inspection. While a number of the retro-revisits in auto styling have been exciting to me at various times the HHR did not win me over. I appreciate the effort but without some real muscle behind it the car was mere fluff in my eyes. But now with 260-hp beneath its molded bonnet why I am reconsidering that evaluation? Amazing what a healthy dose of horsepower and badging can do. Ofcourse the HHR SS has undergone more than just an engine boost to merit the SS badging that it is sporting. The exterior has all new front and rear fascia with air dams to improve air flow. Beneath the body the HHR is riding on a FE5 sport tuned suspension, ABS breaks on all four wheels and 18in" polished aluminum wheels. All ofÂ those improvements are designedÂ to keep the power from the petite 2.0 liter turbocharged engine and its impressive 260-hp planted on the road. The improvements then move to the interior with the two-tone, sport seats with their inlayed SS badging. A specific gauge cluster has been assembled for the sporty HHR SS with a boost gauge mounted on the A-pillar to measure the boost from the turbo. While the HHR SS may not be my cup of tea there is a segment of driver out there who will be eager to add a little excitement to their drive with the versatile, retro-resembling fun this small package puts out. The HHR SS will be going up against the Caliber SRT-4 on the sales floor as Dodge and ChevyÂ are releasing their sport version of their cars at the same time this Fall. We shall see if the competition brings out the best of them. Source[jalopnik]

Staged Rally held in Chicago against CAFE increases involving UAW workers

will bee — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 01:25:35 +0000

A rally was staged in Chicago today in opposition of the fuel bill that has passed the Senate. To form the protest UAW members from Chrysler and Ford assembly plants around the Chicago area were bused in to make their voices heard. Their theme for the rally was to urge Congress to "Save Their Jobs." The fear among the American auto industry is that the Big 3 will not be able to meet the CAFE increases in time and will be forced to... what? What would be the true likelihood that the Big 3 would merely close up shop in the face of the increased fuel mileage standards? These same protests were performed in 1991 as the first fuel mileage bill was in the works. Amazing how they managed to reach that goal while a new goal seems so daunting or impossible. I wonder what the protests were like when the Federal Governments made seat belts mandatory in automobiles. There was once a time in a Capitalist Society where real competition would result in product improvements. Instead what we have is a system where complacence and just doing "enough" to keep up with the local competition is just enough. Innovation and improvement should be the natural course of production and not something that is mandated by law or driven into existence by staged rallies. Or is that too niave a notion? If you want to learn more about the Chicago Rally head on over to the DetroitNews for complete coverage. If you want an opinion on the CAFE legislation study the past, check your facts and think for yourself. Do not allow the Government or the "mob" to tell you what to think. Okay. I am done ranting.

Jeep JT Pickup Rumors Spoiled Again...

will bee — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 02:11:06 +0000

After numerous concepts and showings and a tease just yesterday of spy shots of a Jeep JT Pickup testing it turns out yet again... No Jeep Truck For You! According to a clarification from Off-Road Magazine the test mule of the Jeep JT are for a line of military Jeeps aimed toward Isreal and Egypt. So if the contracts get done with Isreal or Egypt and Jeep actually builds their pickup it will be yet another vehicle that we can add to the list of autos not available in the U.S. No make matters worse it was reported that the JT Pickup is powered by a European prefered diesel engine. Now if Jeep can provide a diesel engine for the overseas version of a Jeep not to be sold here why can they not do the same for a Wrangler that is sold in North America? While "interest" in a vehicle nor critical approval are a guarantee of profits and sales Jeep already hasÂ a reliable following who are just waiting for the next great jeep. The 2007 Wrangler is stylistically a resounding success and has sold pretty well. The only draw-back for the new Wrangler is the weak drivetrain. But if that same Jeep Wrangler was powered by a Cummins diesel engine would that make Jeep owners happy and bring in new buyers? The only way to get a Jeep Diesel is to let the folks at Jeep/Chrysler know that you want one. So what is your opinion of a Diesel Jeep Wrangler? Would you be interested in a Jeep JT Pickup? Source[jalopnik]

BMW 5-Series Suffers a D- in IIHS Side Crash Testing

will bee — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 02:51:26 +0000

The Insurance Institued for Highway Safety released the results from their side impact tests on luxury sedans and the results were not pleasing for BMW. The tests were designed to replicate the conditions involving a large SUV as it collides with a smaller 4-door sedan. The collision tests were performed at 31 mph and were directed straight upon the B-pillar of the car. The highes rated luxury sedans to emerge from the testing were the Acura TL, Volvo S80 and the Kia Amanti. The Kia was a pleasant surprise to reach the highest grade as it is also the cheapest luxury sedan in the bunch at a cost of around $25,000. The Mercedes E-Class and the Cadillac STS were rated in the second tier of the 6 luxury sedans tested. So why did the BMW 5-Series perform so poorly? The reason provided by the IIHS for the poor test resultÂ for the BMW 5-Series was the arm rest. The side-curtain and steering wheel air bags all performed as they should in the testing. But the arm rest of the vehicle resulted in damage sufficient enough on the crash test dummy to result in a D minus rating for the test. BMW's response to the arm rest injury was less than informative as they claimed that the single crash test should be considered far from conclusive. The position of the seat back could easily have altered these results and such incidents never occured during BMW's 12 similar tests; or so says the BMW representative. For the BMW loyalty crowd it is highly unlikely that the poor side impact results from the IIHS will keep them from buying their next Bimmer. The impact the test results will have on new car buyers will take some time to determine, but it seems unlikely that BMW sales will nose-dive in response. Source[detroitnews]

Two-in-One Luxury Camper allows you to take it all with you

will bee — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 04:06:52 +0000

Finally, the ultimate solution for those who are anxious to hit the American highways and want to take ALL the luxuries of home along the way. You will never need to lug that trailer again. No more rock chips or rocky handling to worry about. Just tuck your roadster or sport coupe beneath your camper and explore. If you are a Nascar team of one on a limited budget maybe this is the new ultimate transport for you. Since that is an unlikely scenario then this all-in-one transport-camper is the ideal means to pack your Benz and see the sights.Â The other alternative is to sell your house and live on the road with your own mini-garage. To get a larger glimpse of what luxury camping is all about (besides caviar wishes, grey puopon and tacky gold leaf) take the leap to the site. While the site may not all be in English the pictures really do tell the whole story. And if you are really eager to get your hands on one of these campers and are looking for a driver you need look no further. ...no, really. I am right here.

eCall

davidallen — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 07:55:36 +0000

eCall accident system

Cars alert emergency service in an accident

davidallen — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 07:56:18 +0000

From 2009 all new cars registered in Europe will need to be fitted with an eCall system, which is programmed to call for assistance in the event of an accident. There are some systems around already like the one being fitted into new Volvos, but making this statutory has some adverse effects, like malfunctions and the pressure that this will put the emergency services under. However from safety aspect the system will make drivers feel safer especially in rural areas and for lone drivers.

The system works when the airbags are deployed after an impact, where a signal will be sent off to the nearest rescue center along with data from the GPS system, this will allow the rescue center to get a location for the accident. There will then be a voice link to the occupant of the car, if there is no reply, then the emergency services will be contacted. In Europe the figures for road deaths is around 40,000 per year, and the European Union believe that this system will save between 2,500 and 7,000 of the fatalities. All because the emergency services getting to the accident faster. As expected the system is not going to be cheap, the Volvo system already costs â‚¬1,800, while BMWâ€™s Bluetooth enabled SOS system is priced at around â‚¬4,000. One thing is for sure, these systems could save lives, but at what cost? Naturally it is impossible to put a price on safety, but surely this should be a matter of choice rather than being compulsory! Source [Digital Journal]

2008 Aston Martin DBS Unveiling Adds to the Glitz at Pebble Beach

will bee — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 11:48:25 +0000

Aston Martin unveiled its new DBS luxury sports car at this weeks Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in California. The DBS is designed to bridge the gap between the DB9 and the DBPR9 race car. And as loaded with a 510-hp V12 engine the DBS is sure to bridge many gaps swiftly and with James Bond-esque style. Do not think however that just because you are driving the DBS that you are James Bond. The new Aston Martin does not come stocked with little rockets or an ejection-rigged passenger seat. What it does come stocked with is a stout 6 liter that has a top speed of 191 and reaches 0-to-62 in 4.3 seconds. With ceramic break pads for stopping andÂ a 5-settingÂ Adaptive Dampening System to keep your 20inch wheels snug to the road the driver of a DBS has plenty of technology to allow him or her to feel comfortable in the drivers seat. Adding to the peace of mind of the driver is the hand-crafted interior of the Aston Martin. There are luxury sedans that feel nice and then there are hand-crafted luxury autos that are built to completely spoil the occupants. The DBS would like to welcome you to some deep, rich spoiling. After the Peeble Beach unveiling the next showing planned for the Aston Martin DBS will be the Frankfurt Auto Show. Then for those who are looking to slip into the seat of swift luxury you will get your chance in the early part of 2008. The DBS may not break any speed or sales records for Aston Martin but it sure has the potential to break a few hearts. Source[windingroad, autoblog]

Can Hydrogen really be the cure to replace the snake oil salemen in the auto industry

will bee — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 00:26:00 +0000

As for and OSU are out breaking speed records in their Hydrogen cell Fusion the bunkers are busy bunking the notion that Hydrogen can truly replace oil as the fuel of tomorrow for the car of tomorrow. We are around a decade away from when the auto industry began rolling out their Hydrogen fuel celled autos at auto shows and exhibits and despite the new lands speed record we still seem decades away from making a feasible Hydrogen powered car. Those are just some of the points brought up in an article for AutoWeek by MarkÂ Vaughn. Proving thatÂ some of theÂ writers who cover this industry are weary of the hyperbole that surrounds Hydrogen and the as yet unfulfilled promise of its future. Vaughn see's other technologies that are closer to being street ready and thus ready to make an impact on the market sooner rather than later. Yet, no matter what the alternative to the internal combustion engine and petroleum based fuels there are sure to be bunkers and debunker's for all solutions. Take for example the Chicago rally of UAW workers that took place just the other day. If reaching the goal of 35 or 40 mpg with a combustion engine in all cars by 2020 seems unthinkable how do they think Hydrogen is achievable. Engine technology succeeded in getting the car up to 25 mpgÂ in 15 years when some said it could not be done. This is the second day in a row that I expressed my displeasure over the lack ofÂ speed and critical inefficiency with which we are progressing in alternative fuel technologies. While I will not go as far as to say that Hydrogen should not be pursued as a long term solution, it does seem imperative that electric and alternative fuel options spread further through the market in order for any progress to be achieved. Until that time comes maybe we all should be researching diesels and cooking grease distillers so we can be our own solution to the growing problem (and in case you are lost on what those problems are, here is a list: foreign oil enslavement, auto industry stagnation, big oil government and endorsement dealÂ politicians). If you are brave enough to face an unpopular opinion, whether you agree with it or not, take the jump to the AutoWeek site to read Mark Vaughn's article. The battle for alternatives is getting heated and it seems we are still a long way from a solid front runner. Source[autoweek]

Controlling the Road Rage within is essential for everyone's safety and YOUR sanity

will bee — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 03:41:46 +0000

There are incidents on our roads everyday that could potentially set our blood to boil. For many there is a tipping point to where the responses to those events become hazardous and potentially fatal to ourselves and, more importantly, to the innocent bystanders around us. That flip of the switch is when Road Rage takes over and others would be advised to clear a path. Here is the encyclopia's explanation of Road Rage: Aggressive behaviour while driving a motor vehicle on a public highway. There is no specific road rage offence in England and Wales, but such behaviour may involve a breach of other laws. If the aggressor causes injury, he or she may face conviction for murder, causing death by reckless driving, battery, or some other offence. Unlike other forms of abuse or PMS you cannot use Road Rage as a mental excuse for inflicting irrational and immediate harm on somebody. Even if the person that you were focused on damaging is someone who raced past you in their white F-150 Oasis Landscaping truck on a two lane road across a double-line as on-coming traffic was approaching while you were maintaining a speed yourself that was a bit above the speed limit. Nope, that person risking your life and the fate of the on-coming traffic is not a justifiable reason to torpedo said offensive driver. Oh, and tailgating the reckless driver with malicious or even unknown intent is neither acceptable nor encouraged. The best advice is to pull yourself and your mind away from the incident and attempt not to watch as Speed Racer barrels on down the road weaving in and out of heavy traffic. Breath deep, drive slow and relax with the thought that you will have all day to stew about what just transpired. With any luck you will find an outlet for your pain that is constructive. Do not count on the possibility that there might be a cop up ahead who captures the driver and has him pulled over as you approach. Such wishful thinking is never fulfilled. So what do you do after you have safely suppressed your own Road Rage so that you feel better for not pursuing the unthinkable? Here are a list of websites with which you can voice your own rage over your instance of Road Rage and maybe exact a little retribution. Grab those plate numbers or in certain cases jot down the number to the Landscaping company to which the truck with New Jersey plates belongs and express your thoughts and feelings in words and in tattling. www.roadragers.com www.aboveaveragedriver.com www.platewire.com www.faceofroadrage.com www.peoplespointsystem.com Whatever you do be sure to keep the rage out of your car and home. Suppress your Road Rage until you have the proper outlet upon which to type it, or stamp it, or beat it (boxing or pillow fights, not on other people/animals) out of your system. When you have completed the task make sure that it is completely removed from your mind and fists before stepping back into the car. While the life you save may be your own, if you are not careful the lifetime you spend may be behind bars. So remember: Breath. Step away from the incident. Allow Karma or bad luck or fate or other forces to step in and maybe render the offender who was driving that Landscaping Truck with the Jersey plates impotent, blind or car-less for the next 40 years.

Today is the day the Woodward Dream Cruise comes alive

will bee — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 12:45:30 +0000

All week long and all weekend long the sounds of hot rods and cruisers will fill Woodward Ave outside of Detroit, Michigan with the site of chrome and the unmistakable rumble of V8 engines. However on Saturday the entire road will become alive with the festivities that come with the Woodward Dream Cruise. Everything from car show, manufacturer's displays, demonstrations, concept cars and cruisers along with a multitude of on-lookers will line the length of Woodward Ave. Despite the crowds it truly is a Cruisers paradise. If you are in the surrounding area of South-East Detroit and you are not sure whether you want to attend this years Woodward Cruise follow the link below to checkout the schedule of events for each of the townships that Woodward Ave passes through. The Woodward Dream Cruise is not just another car show event, but a true celebration of the phenomenon that was and still is cruising and the car culture that surrounds it. So step on over to the show and feel yourself step back into the celebration of a time that cannot be forgotten. Click Here for a schedule of events. If you are too far away to make it to the Woodward Dream Cruise you can checkout the AutoBlog Live Feed from 11am. until 5pm to see what you are missing. Then you will know what to plan for next year when it rolls around again.

V8's are not the only Engines Roaming Woodward: Siemen's Brought a Hybrid Benz Prototype

will bee — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 13:30:55 +0000

A number of concept cars and test cars came out to test their legs at the Woodward Dream Cruise this week. Included in that number is a modified Mercedes-Benz C Class Sport Coupe whose primary engine is an electric motor. Nestled in along side all those powerful V8 engines the silently propelled C-Class slips to the light and with its high torque output leaves the mighty rumbler's standing still as the traffic light turns green. With their hybrid powered Benz Siemens is looking to be included as part of the solution in the hybrid/electric propulsion bonanza that is garnering so much attention.Â The primary engine of the Siemens sample Benz is an electric motor for low speed driving and initial take-off that is then supported by a secondary, side mounted gasoline motor for added top-end horsepower.Â Siemens built and delivered their C-Class prototype as a means of testing and displaying their battery cooling technology as the car is primary fueled by those highly coveted,Â over-heating lithium batteries. Siemens see's the future of the lithium battery technologies as not being cost efficient for another 3 to 4 years, but knows that the science to reach that point begins now. Until lighter and more potent batteries are discovered or improved upon Siemens and the rest of the automotive industry recognizes that electric powered cars are going to fall short. It is not that many of us do not talk about our desire for electric/hybrid vehicles, but few of us cast our dollar votes on new hybrid vehicles. Too easy and tempting is the sway that horsepower and utility has upon us. Hopefully with time and research the two forces can join together and give we the car buying public exactly what we crave. Source[detroitnews]

2008 Great Race Participant uses E85 Fuel to Power his 1967 Aston Martin DB6

will bee — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 15:03:22 +0000

The Great Race is a 22,000 mile race that stretches from New York to Paris with origins going back to the first race in 2008. One of the entrants in this years historic race will be a 1967 Aston Martin DB6 that has been converted to operate on E85 fuel. The car will be entered into the Innovation Class of cars involved in the Great Race and will have its progress and performance watched closely by Bradley University's Department of Engineering. Alternative fuels are not new to Aston Martin as their DBRS9 ethanol fueled race team is a British GT championship winner. So as the DRBS9 has provided countless data for ethanol fueled race engines the 1967 DB6 should provide a critical data on long term, longevity of ethanol engines in all types of terrain and conditions. The Great Race willÂ take theÂ participants of the race the race across mountain ranges, cliffs, desserts and ice as the cars work to make their way across the globe. For more information on the E85 1967 Aston Martin DB6 and its Great Race run check out AutoBlogGreen or head straight over to the Great Race website. With 286 days before the beginning of the 2008 Great Race you can rest assured that more coverage of the race teams involved is sure to follow.

Citroen C-Airscape Concept Car set for Frankfurt Auto Show Unveiling

will bee — Sun, 19 Aug 2007 15:25:34 +0000

It seems like every month another European concept car comes along that will not be seen in the U.S. market. With the Frankfurt Auto Show coming up soon that number could swell dramatically. For this week it is a Citroen concept car called the C-Airscape. It is a 4-seat convertible that is said to be based on the upcoming C5 sedan. First impressions of what has been released of the C-Airscape are favorable. The lines of the body, trim and style all give the concept convertible a streamlined effect. There is a balance of sporty elegance in the 2-door C-Airscape. The unveiling at the Frankfurt Auto Show will surely provide us added details and photos of the completed C-Airscape concept car. It may also give plenty of observers a chance to imagine for themselves just what the coupe version, the C5, will look like. Check back here in the coming months for more information from Citroen. Source[motorauthority]

Is a pint sized SUV really the next phase of evolution for the Mini line-up?

will bee — Sun, 19 Aug 2007 16:18:30 +0000

The Mini Clubman is just about to be released on the free world and already Mini may be in the works for another new model. The Mini Cooper SUV was first demonstrated at the NAIAS and gave an indication of what the future of Mini may be: Bigger. The Mini SUV would be supposedly built upon the same Clubman chassis only with more ground clearance and All-Wheel Drive. Wait! An All-Wheel Drive Mini? A larger Mini? So while the Mini is getting larger Hummer's are getting smaller. Pretty soon what will they have to fight about? What happens when David and Goliath are the same size? Sure, it might be a fair fight but what is so heroic about that? Canadian automotive consortium Manga is reportedly in talks with BMW to build the new Mini SUV. Since the Mini's Oxford production plant is running at capacity as it is it would make since for BMW to be looking for another outlet for the SUV's assembly. Manga has been the unfortunate loser in a few deals this year already as they have lost out on Chrysler to Cerebrus and also missed out on the production deal for the BMW X3 to Spartanburg, South Carolina's BMW facility. So the chances are a new Mini SUV could be a win for more than just Mini and BMW. The Mini revival has been a success since the Cooper and Cooper S hit the streets. The Mini Clubman is looking to expand (literally) on the Coopers success with added versatility. The Mini SUV just might do the trick to win over those car buyers who have not yet been able to see themselves a car of the Coopers diminutive size. While the SUV would still be smaller than any other SUV on the market it just might be the right size for many buyers. Source[cars-blog.ca]

BMW X6 readies to expose its contours to the world at Frankfurt Auto Show

will bee — Sun, 19 Aug 2007 17:53:33 +0000

The Frankfurt Auto Show in Germany will surely be one of the largest auto gala's of the year with a number of concept cars and unveiling's for the 2008 model year preparing to shed their camouflage and expose their skin. BMW appears about ready to pull their new X6 SUV on the stage as the most recent spy photos indicate. But can you really turn a stout SUV into what looks to equate a stylish crossover coupe and get away with it? BMW expects to show that you can and they are doing it first by redefining the classification from a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) to a Sport Activity Vehicle (SAV). When you redefine your expectations some very interesting or shocking things can happen. The X6 will enjoy all the advantages of having many shared components with the successful X5, yet sport its own design cues to improve handling and performance. The same engines and chassis will be share between the lines to keep costs down and performance up. All three X5 engines will be available to choose from; including the 3.0 liter diesel and the 4.8 liter V8. The sloped-back design of the X6 will reduce cabin size, eliminate 3rd row seating and cut back on luggage room, but will improve on the cars center of gravity and handling. And improved handling seems to be the initiative and primary goal of the X6. Some writers have hinted that the absence of space and 3rd row seats would detract from the X6's appeal, but maybe they just do not get it. If you want 3 seats you have the X5 available to you. If the X5 is any indication and the X3's production further proof, the X6 is sure to find its place on the luxury SUV market. ...oops, I mean as the first production vehcile in the SAV market. Source[carmagazine]

U.S. Army commissions a Diesel Hybrid prototype of potential HUMVEE replacement

will bee — Sun, 19 Aug 2007 22:29:45 +0000

The U.S. Army has assigned $4.88 million dollars toward a prototype of a a diesel hybrid that could some day replace the battle tested HUMVEE. It would be powered by an electric motor that is capable of moving zero-to-forty in 4 seconds and can also run in full silent mode for a certain distance. The recharge on the prototypes battery packÂ would come from an onboard diesel engine that has yet to be determined. The prototype has been built by Quantum Technologies out of Irvine, California and is being called the U.S. Army Alternative Mobility Vehicle (AMV) Aggressor. The powerplant choice behind the car is to help alleviate the expense and logistic planning required to keep the U.S. Army mobile. On a given day the U.S. Army's 1st Armored Division is said to guzzle down 600,000 gallons of gas on its own. That means for each destination or maneuver enough fuel has to be planned and transported to support that moving force. A tactical military vehicle with diesel hybrid technology could be a huge savings in dollars budgeted for fuel as well as a savings in in planning. Future testing and studies will determine if the diesel hybrid Aggressor is the right vehicle for the U.S. Army. What it does indicate quite clearly is that diesel fuel and hybrids are going to play a large part of the automotive future. If a heavy duty military hybrid vehicle is safe enough to serve and protect those who serve us then it will certainly be ready for the new car market and auto maker. Source[tundraheadquarters]

ebay Find of the Day: 1972 Mercedes Diesel Unimog is a Big-Wheel Joy Toy

will bee — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 02:39:29 +0000

This 1972 Mercedes-BenzÂ Unimog 406 Diesel might be just the right big wheel for some lucky bidder. With the exhaust snorkel built in and large tires it is definitely built for fun.. or business. The short-wheel base green monster appears sturdy and ready to perform whatever task is handed to it. Also, with some minor appearance and comfort modifications to the cab this could be one distinct ride. An additional option would be to pair the old Mercedes-Benz diesel engine with a corn-oil conversion. Get a hold of one of your own etruk distilling systems and you can convert all the free used grease you can get a hold of to drive your new toy around. It is a classic toy just begging to go green and get muddy and productive. Maybe I should put my own bid in on this unique 4-wheeler. Check out the auction on ebay but if you happen to see me bidding do Not bid against me. Or at least offer to take me for a ride if you do out bid me.

hummer

davidallen — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 06:04:10 +0000

hummer in top ten retained value list

The top ten of retained value

davidallen — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 06:05:57 +0000

According to the Power Information Network retained values for new cars appear to have been hijacked by imported models, which is strange, as you would have thought that home grown vehicles would lead the challenge.

With Hummer being the only real US challenge to the top ten, it comes in only at eighth place, the other nine being all imports.

Brands with the highest retained value included: 1. Scion, 69.8 percent 2. Honda, 68 percent 3. Mini, 66.8 percent 4. Acura, 65.8 percent 5. Toyota, 65.7 percent 6. Lexus, 64 percent 7. Subaru, 63.9 percent 8. Hummer, 63 percent 9. Nissan, 62.4 percent 10. BMW 61.2 percent Nameplates showing the most retained-value improvement from the same time last year included: 1. Isuzu: up 6.90 percent to 56.9 percent 2. Acura: up 4.41 percent to 65.8 percent 3. Dodge: up 4.41 percent to 56.8 percent 4. Hummer: up 3.75 percent to 63 percent 5. Saturn: up 3.23 percent to 57.6 percent 6. GMC: up 2.39 percent to 59 percent 7. Chevrolet: up 2.35 percent to 58.2 percent 8. Ford: up 1.79 percent to 57.6 percent 9. Lexus: up 1.44 percent to 64 percent 10. Infiniti: up 0.83 percent to 60.9 percent

These figures represent the resale value of the cars after three years, naturally there would be additional costs to be considered too, like finance costs. But also there are always the expectations to the rule, some individual models may differ from the list. Source [Auto Blog]

BMW 335xi with all-wheel drive in 2008: Is Audi getting too close?

will bee — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 11:44:59 +0000

BMW has announced that they will be putting their xDrive all-wheel drive system in the 335i in 2008. The new 335xi is said to have better take-off at zero-to-sixty by .1 and .2 seconds depending on the transmission. But is this choice a response by BMW to the expressed demands of owners looking for the added stability or performance of an all-wheel drive 335 or are they merely responding to added market pressure for a strong Audi Quattro line-up? BMW does not seem accustomed to competing against other brands as they have been the trend setters and market dominant luxury sport coupe for years. Audi on the other hand has had great rally and race success with their Quattro racers and have recently made strong improvements in their design and interior quality. So much so that many in the auto industry are sitting up to take notice; including BMW. The BMW 335xi will house the same twin-turbo engine with its 300-hp straight-six as the 335i. The improved sensitivity to the potential loss of traction with the xDrive all-wheel drive system will help manage to keep the BMW snug on its line and just ahead of the Audi Quattro, or so they hope. Look for the BMW 335xi in the 1st quarter of 2008, but you may have a hard time finding one in your local dealers lot. The 335i took work to locate unless you ordered one from the dealership. The 335xi may just require the same. Source[motor authority]

Another Frankfurt Unveiling: Volvo to launch their C30 Efficiency

will bee — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 13:09:43 +0000

Another unveiling looking to make a stir at the Frankfurt Auto Show in Germany this September will be the 2008 Volvo C30 Efficiency. For the new version of the already new C30 Volvo will be swapping out the 230-hp T5 engine and replacing it with a 1.6 liter turbo-diesel. The design and gearing of the fuel sipping diesel is to lower the CO2 emissions of the car to 120g/km2 and to achieve a lofty 62.8 mpg. The aerodynamics of the C30 were also slightly altered to aid in the fuel mileage of the car. The chassis was lowered and a new spoiler and rear bumper were added to reduce the drag of the car. They also added panels beneath the car to smooth the wind travel beneath the car. The C30 has already accumulated some praise to Volvo for their strides in improving their exterior styles and revamping their boxy reputation. With the C30 Efficiency Volvo is further enhancing their industry leading Environmental image. Now you can add Tax Saver to those credentials as the C30 Efficiency will be exempt of London's Congestion Tax and will thus save its owner (if a London commuter) the daily price of admission. A note for the wise though. As usual I would not get my hopes up that the C30 Efficiency is bound for the U.S. While the efficiency would be pleasing the Volvo price point and the lack of horsepower will likely turn away many American drivers. Source[WorldCarFans]

BMW 135i Convertible Spy Photos

will bee — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 01:10:09 +0000

Spy photos of the BMW 135i Convertible have been provided that give a lot of detail as to how the final product is going to look. The car is scheduled to be revealed without its black bumper disguise in January at the NAIAS in Detroit. The 135i coupe and convertibles are destined to be the flagship for the 1-series as they have the greatest output in the line. The convertible 135i will be the recipient of a cloth top instead ofÂ a hard, folding top. The cloth top will allow BMW to keep some costs down as well as keep the weight of the car down. Another advantage of the cloth top will be that there will actually be a little room left in the trunk for a couple small bags. A hard-top convertible would have demanded more room for storage of the top and mechanics. Instead the push-button cloth opperation will benifit the driver with an unubstructed view all the side mirrors to the rear of the car. Anticipation for the 1-Series is building online if no where else and all those anxious buyers will have to wait a bit longer. The first cars to hit the dealerships will arrive in April, so now is not the time to be pestering your sales rep for information. Expect more data and photos to be revealed in the coming months. In the mean time you can head over to CarMagazine for more photos.

BMW Z9 could be an Audi R8 competitor... if built

will bee — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 01:48:20 +0000

BMW does not seem all too interested in sharing their market with Audi. They have their 1-Series aimed at countering Audi's A1 concept and A3. They have their 335xi AWDtargeted at competing against Audi's Quattro models. Now BMW appears tired of listening to all the Audi R8 hoop-la. The Z9 will be designated as BMW's Heavy Weight, high speed combatant against the Iron Man auto of Audi. To give the Z9 its competitive drive BMW plans to utilize a modified version of the V10 found in the M5 and M6 models. With a target output of 550 horsepower the Z9 will have the muscle to stand up against the R8, but will it have the sleek elegance demonstrated by the Audi super car? The body design of the Z9 is reported to be based off of the C S Concept car BMW displayed at this years Shanghai Auto Show. While the C S was a four door renderings of the Z9 appear to be a two door coupe; a better competitor against the all business R8. The C S displayed all the proper BMW characteristics to make no mistake whose car it is, but with some of the essential extras to indicate its driving purpose. Those front fascia air ducts are specifically designed to move cold air to all the right places. The Z9 will be priced to move at just over $100,000 and perfectly in line with the R8. With BMW style apparent both inside and out on the Z9 it is sure to attract a significant amount of attention. Check back for further updates over the next few months. Source[egmCarTech]

TRD boosts the Toyota Aurion to a Supercharged 329-hp

will bee — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 03:36:52 +0000

TRD has taken Toyota's simple Aurion sedan and given it an attitude all its own. With a supercharged engine to begin the transformation TRD has assembled a stout sedan that is far more aggressive in appearance than most other sedans on the road. Ofcourse, you will not be seeing the TRD Aurion on the roads of North America or Europe as this is a Australian made sedan. ...And they plan to keep it it seems. TRD is a brand all its own that is an off-shoot of Toyota just like the Lexus and Scion brands. The Aurion is a Toyota sedan that has received some preferential treatment from the TRD engineers and design team that has resulted in two sedan types. The two models of the TRD Aurion are the 3500S and the 3500LS. By providing both a Sport and Luxury Sport option TRD is able to put out a Sport styled sedan that slips under the Australian Luxury car tax. But do not fret as both the S and LS models benefit from the supercharge treatment. Powering the TRD Aurion up to 329-hp is a 3.5 liter supercharged engine with a sequential automatic transmission. Some have expressed disappointment in the sedans 0-to-62mph of 6.1 seconds, but in a front-wheel drive supercharged sedan that really is not too bad. The Aurion is not intended to be strictly a sport sedan, as it is geared and designed to achieve a mixed driving mpg of 21.5. Beyond the power and performance of the TRD Arion 3500S and 3500LS is the impressive facia that gives the car an impossing disposition for a sedan. The recessed fog lamps and grey front scoop give the car a scowl that only hints at the supercharger hiding beneath its bonnet and match well with the 19" graphite rims. In the end the Australian TRD Aurion models give we American's something else to complain about. Now there is yet another stylish sedan that we will never have the chance to test out for ourselves on our own soil. It would be nice to think that with enough positive press Toyota might give the American Camry some similar alterations, but that is probably just a lot of wishful thinking. Head over to AutoBlogfor additional photos and press release information for the TRD Aurion.

bentley

davidallen — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 06:13:51 +0000

crime spree in moscow

One of our Bentleys is missing

davidallen — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 06:15:44 +0000

Forget about interest rates and investments, the only way to really hurt the wealthy is to steal their Bentleys! Well that is what has been happening in Moscow over the summer, with seven going missing. Now seven cars being stolen is not normally headline news, but when the car has around a $300,000 price tag then it does begin to send signals out.

Apparently Moscowâ€™s nouveaux riches circles the Bentley is the vehicle of choice, but not the high end models they are just over the top, the Arnage and the Continental GT are the favourites. It is said that there is supposed to be around 300 of the cars in Moscow, but the figure is reducing slightly, especially as they appear to be disappearing.

The latest theft was that of a Continental GT, which had been parked at the home of an unemployed 25 year old woman! Unemployed and driving a $330,000 car what a shame even the unemployed are having their cars stolen. This mini crime wave has the police and insurance companies baffled, premiums are set to rise in order to cover the cost of replacing the stolen cars, and are said to be introducing even more anti theft device requirements such as an upgraded satellite tracking system etc. Maybe they should forget the technology and look out for a Bentley being driven into a shipping container! Or maybe the owners just forgot where they left their cars. Source [The Moscow Times]

Pebble Beach "Best of Show" honors goes to the Duesenberg "Mormon Meteor"

will bee — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 11:38:39 +0000

This years Best of Show at the 2007 Concour d'Elegance at Pebble Beach is the 1935 Duesenberg SJ that was dubbed the "Mormon Meteor" by its original owner. The car was built with special contours and wind resistant properties to achieve the land speed record. Driving the car for the record speed was Ab Jenkins - a Bonneville Salt Flat racer since 16 years-old and at the time of the record Mayor of Salt Lake City. The "Mormon Racer" is a Historic car that has returned again to glory. Powering the record setting Duesenberg was a 420 cubic inch Duesenberg J engine. It was a dual overhead camshaft engine with four cylinders per head that cranked out 400 horsepower. In 1935 400 horsepower was a staggering number compared to the 85-hp of a Ford Flathead engine. All that muscle beneath the bonnet gave the Duesenberg with Jenkins at the wheel the might to achieve the land-speed record of 135.47 mph average speed in a 24-hour period. As part of the agreement with Duesenberg Ad Jenkins was permitted to purchase the race car for a mind boggling sum of $4,800. Over the years Jenkins had some minor work done to the car and drove it 20,000 in Salt Lake City before selling the car in 1946. No word was provided on what the second owner of the car paid, nor what the subsequent owners after that paid. In 2004, though, at the Gooding and Company Auction at Pebble Beach the "Mormon Meteor" set another record. The closing bid of $4,445,000 is the highest price yet paid for any Duesenberg. While there are many car brands of old and new, and many car models throughout the world, nothing comes close to a Duesy. TheÂ word itself is fixed in our vernacular as a term of amazement and appreciation. The "Mormon Meteor" has had a storied past and is destined to continue to be record setter for life. Soure[TopSpeed]

Fuel Vapor ale gets 92mpg car with a 5 second zero-to-sixty

will bee — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 01:03:41 +0000

After 15 years of research and labor George Parker, the President of Fuel Vapor Technologies is closer now than ever to seeing his dream come to fruition. With patents pending on his engine technology, Parker is sharing a first glimpse of the Fuel Vapor ale to the public. More astonishing than the design of the 3-wheeled vehicle is the output of the ultra-light auto. With a high mileage, turbo charged 1500cc Honda engine the Fuel Vapor ale puts out 180-hp and achieves a zero-to-sixty time of 5 seconds and a quarter mile time of 12.9 seconds. Oh, did I mention that those results are acquired while still getting 92 miles-per-gallon? The secret to the ale's output? ...it is in the air. Parker has developed his Fuel Vapor technology system that feeds a modified mixture of fuel and air than your typical compbustion engine. First the fuel is taken from liquid form into a gaseous form and then it is mixed with the air into the cylinder at an unthinkable ratio. A typical combustion engine is fed a fuel air mix of 14.7 parts of air to every one part of fuel (14.7:1). The Fuel Vapor ale increases that ratio to 20:1. Essentially what is happening is the ale is using less fuel to produce a better performing and efficient engine. And because the fuel is fed in a vapor form their are fewer particles of fuel that fail to burn. Thus the Fuel Vapor ale is producingÂ 75%fewer carbon emissions on regular fuel without a catalytic converter installed than any hybridÂ car and far less than any gasoline engine on the planet (hehe.. non-proven hyperbole.. I couldn't help myself). Currently the Fuel Vapor Technologies company is waiting on their patent to be processed and awaiting on investors to help them along. The intent is to make the Fuel Vapor ale a production car, which is a requirement to be considered for the Automotive X-Prize competition. The prize money put up for the first car to reach 100-mpg is $10million, but the contingency on winning the prize is that the car is ready and able to be produced in adequate numbers. The car may be too small for some or look like a shovel to others and that is fine. The Fuel Vapor ale is a large step toward proving that engine technologies do exist that can allow for better fuel economy. While a 1500cc engine may not drive a Suburban down the road nobody asked the Wright Brothers to build a Lear jet after their first flight along the beach in North Carolina. Head over to Fuel Vapor Technologies website to learn more about the Fuel Vapor ale and about the Fuel Vapor System. Source[zercustomsÂ , FuelVaporCar]

GM invites you to Test an Equinox Hydrogen Fuel Cell SUV yourself

will bee — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 01:47:27 +0000

Â Have you been looking for a way that you could be part of the revolution? Well if you live in California, New York or Washington D.C. GM is offering you the chance to be a Hydrogen Fuel CellÂ guinea pig. By making the Hydrogen fueled Chevy Equinox a part of your daily drive you are taking a part in the future of Hydrogen fuel cell technologies. You also get a free ride forÂ a little while. To enter for a chance to test drive the Hydrogen powered Equinox all you have to do is go to the Chevrolet site and enter for your chance to be selected. Those who are selected will participate in the collection of data from their driving experience. The collected data will then be processed at GM to determine the feasibility of their 4th generation Hydrogen Fuel Cell program. A bit of amusement: on the Chevy site they refer to the 4th generation Hydrogen Fuel Cell as their best yet. I seriously doubt they would advertise the 5th generation fuel cell as the worst ever. Participants will be selected by their proximity to Hydrogen refueling stations and according to a broad range of driving styles to collect the most useful data possible. The Hydrogen powered Equinox has a range of 200 miles between refuelings and has a zero emissions rating. The only emitants emanating from that tail pipe is some old fashioned H2O. To learn more as to how you can enter to be a test driver for the Chevy Equinox Fuel Cell program just head on over to the Chevy website. Source[WindingRoad]

Dodge Caliber SRT-4 Pricing Starts at $22,995

will bee — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 02:44:25 +0000

Dodge has finally brought their Calber SRT-4 to the market with a base price of $22,995. The hope is that the Caliber SRT-4 will be the standard bearer for Dodge in the sport compact market. The 285-hp SRT-4 has a starting price higher than originally celebrated when it was introduced at the NAIAS and 15 less horsepower, but that would be me living in the past. Despite Dodge's missing the mark on their promise of a sub $20,000 - 300-hp sport compact they have come close. So to keep from rehashing the past and harboring any grudges I will relinquish the floor to the Chrysler mouth-pieces who had this official Press Release on the Dodge Caliber SRT-4: Auburn Hills, Mich., Aug 21, 2007 Dodge announced pricing today for the latest addition to Chryslerâ€™s popular Street and Racing Technology (SRT) vehicle lineup â€“ the all-new 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4. Boasting 285 horsepower, 265 lb.-ft. of torque and a 0-60 mph time in the low 6-second range, the all-new 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 is available for $22,995, which includes $560 for destination. The 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 once again delivers the SRT mission of benchmark performance at the lowest price. â€œLike all of Chryslerâ€™s SRT vehicles, the all-new 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 delivers customers an unmatched performance/value equation,â€ said Mike Accavitti, Director â€“ Dodge Brand and SRT Marketing Communications, Chrysler. â€œWith 285 horsepower, 265 lb.-ft. of tire-smoking torque, and numerous functional, race-inspired exterior and interior appointments, Dodge and SRT have once again boldly joined the sport-compact performance market in dominating fashion.â€ The all-new 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 showcases the renowned, five key aspects of any SRT vehicle: exterior styling that resonates with the brand image; race-inspired interiors; world-class ride and handling characteristics across a broad range; benchmark braking; and standout powertrain. The all-new 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 unquestionably delivers in all five areas. Exterior styling includes an aggressive SRT stance, a front fascia with functional brake cooling ducts and a larger grille opening. The unique hood features a functional air scoop enhancing underhood cooling. A large integrated spoiler above the rear glass is tuned for smoother air flow and lift reduction. Available exterior colors are Brilliant Black, Sunburst Orange, Bright Silver and Inferno Red. Inside, the all-new Caliber SRT4 boasts sport seating with deep, performance bolsters, an SRT race-inspired instrument design, and an optional Reconfigurable Display (RCD), with exclusive â€œperformance pagesâ€ that provide lateral and longitudinal G-force, 1/8-mile and 1/4-mile acceleration time and speed, 0-60 mph time and braking distance. The Dodge Caliber SRT4â€™s suspension is lowered 28mm in the front and 22mm in the rear, contributing to the unique SRT performance ride and handling characteristics. Chassis highlights include unique performance tuning, 19-inch cast-aluminum wheels and Goodyear three- or four-season performance tires. Benchmark braking is delivered via four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with 340 x 28mm vented front rotors and 302 x 10mm rear rotors, with twin-piston aluminum front calipers. And finally, a whopping 285 horsepower and tire-smoking 265 lb.-ft. of torque is delivered courtesy of Chryslerâ€™s 2.4-liter DOHC I-4 Turbo World Engine. An electronically tuned Brake Lock Differential and Getrag DMT-6 six-speed transmission help put the power to the ground. 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 Pricing: The 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 is well-equipped and has a U.S. MSRP of $22,995 (including $560 destination). Among the standard features included are: turbocharged 2.4-liter I-4 World engine with Dual Variable Valve Timing; Getrag DMT6 six-speed manual transmission; unique hood with functional air scoop; performance four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with vented front brake rotors; Electronic Stability Program; advanced multi-stage driver and front passenger air bags; supplemental side window curtain air bag; driver inflatable knee blocker; air conditioning with particulate and odor air filter and Chill Zoneâ„¢ beverage storage cooler; illuminated cup holders; 12-volt power outlet; 115-volt auxiliary power outlet; sliding armrest with cell phone holder; performance-oriented instrumentation including a center-mounted tachometer; sport seating with aggressive bolstering and performance fabric inserts and SRT-unique 19-inch cast aluminum painted wheels. Popular Options Kicker/SRT Livinâ€™ Loud audio system (late availability) $1,190 Power-express open/close sun roof $ 795 19 x 7.5-inch polished aluminum SRT wheels $ 400 The all-new 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 is built at the Chrysler Belvidere Assembly Plant on the same assembly line with the Dodge Caliber SE, SXT and R/T models, the JeepÂ® Compass and Jeep Patriot. Â Source[CarScoop]

Nissan Raises Hopes: GT-R to make an appearance at Los Angeles Show

will bee — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 03:05:58 +0000

Nissan raises the hopes of many car enthusiasts with the indication that they will be making an appearance at the Los AngelesÂ Auto Show in November with the coveted GT-R. The long awaited sports car will receive its official unveiling at the Tokyo Auto Show in October where it is sure to garner plenty of press. The Los Angeles would be the perfect follow up to the Tokyo show to maintain the level of excitement for the car right through to the Detroit NAIAS. While there is no mention as to whether the Nissan GT-R will be entered at the NAIAS in Detroit, nor is there any specified time-line as to when the car will be released on the market. However, there is hope. Look for more detailed coverage in the months to come. Source[jalopnik]

Maserati to recall some models

davidallen — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 06:14:47 +0000

Maserati to recall some models

davidallen — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 06:15:16 +0000

Imagine buying car with so much sophistication that it almost drives itself, but when it actually gets down to doing the business the technology has a little glitch in system that means that all of hi tech extras, does not actually work. In fact the car is so reliant on technology that without it, the car is almost undrivable and in some cases dangerous.

Due a bug in some software, means that the Maserati Quattroporte saloon, the Duoselect and the new Automatica may have such a glitch in the system. This may affect the traction control, and the stability control system, the ABS braking system is also controlled through the Maserati Stability Program (MSP) but it is believed that the ABS is not affected by the software bug. The company has issued a recall for these models, but owners should not panic as the company states that the car will not all of a sudden become unstable to drive, rather the traction and stability controls would just switch off which would be indicated by a warning light on the dash board. Even with this warning, the car can still be driven, but it is advisable to either get the car to the dealer or home. It would appear that the trigger for the failure is a low level battery, this may cause the system trip and that is when the system shuts down. Whatever the reason this is not the sort publicity that Maserati needs. Source [Motor Authority]

Will the Weismann GT go V10 with the BMW 510-hp Engine?

will bee — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 01:00:58 +0000

The Weismann GT already has the class that someone would want in a unique, luxury roadster. The throwback grill and molded fenders give the car an elegance of old with the mechanics and performance of new. Resonating under the bonnet of the GT is a BMW 4.8 liter engine that accelerates the light weight car to sixty in 4.6 seconds. The stylish roadster has been around for 2 years now without any alterations. So now seems as good a time as any to give the Weismann GT some boost. The word is that some serious consideration toward establishing a separate model of the Weismann GT driven by the BMW V10 engine from their M Class. That change would elevate the output from the stock engine with its 362-hp to an impressive 510-hp. In a car weighing in at 1,250 kg the V10 should definitely put a dent in that zero-to-sixty time. If things come together as everyone hopes it will the Weismann GT and its V10 special could see its unveiling at the Frankfurt Auto Show. The venerable GT V10 combination would certain re-fix some serious attention on the modern classic roadster and give other luxury sports cars some classy competition. Source[MotorAuthority]

Tokyo will get first glimpse at Audi A1 with Hybrid Drive

will bee — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 01:46:09 +0000

will bee — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 12:06:35 +0000

The U.S. Government has signed a research contract with the Arizona State University to discover the best means to convert the oils from ordinary pond scum into JP-8 military jet fuel. As part of a team withÂ UOP (a Honeywell company), ASU's lead researchers Qiang Hu and Milton SommerfeldÂ will spearhead the $6.7 million government assignment by first researching which of the 40,000 varied strands of algae produce the most oil. We have covered the story on the conversion of Algae to fuel before back in a June Article: From Pond Goo to Alternative Fuel: Algae the Diesel of Tomorrow?TheÂ advantages of algae as a fuel source over otherÂ bio-sources are many, but here are just a few:Â Algae is not a food source for humans and animals therefore it would not deplete the food supply. Algae can grow in nearly any water environment, including water with a high salt content and brackish waters, so it will not compete for a clean water supply. It is yet another benefit that Algae can grow nearly anywhere so you do not have to worry about taking up good farm soil or keeping it out of industrial areas. In fact algae's second greatest attribute besides producing nearly 100 times more oil than soy beans is that it feeds on the carbon dioxideÂ that nearly all industries produce. Thus making algae the ultimate counter in order to become carbon neutral. ASU will be conducting its research over the course of this year with the intention of producing a jet fuel substance that is ready for mass production by the end of 2008. With the substantial government contract backing them up they certainly have an advantage over the other universities and small businesses seeking to make the leap from algae to fuel. The jet fuel created is intended for use by both U.S. and NATO air defense, as well as commercial jets. Like most bio-fuels it is a cleaner burning fuel that would be a welcomed replacement for petroleum based jet fuel. We will watching and waiting for more news to come from ASU in the coming year. The algae-to-fuel conversion Â could put a whole new spin on the old insult of calling someone "pond scum." "What an environmentally friendly thing to say.Â A little gassy, but kind." Â Source[Autopia , ASUnews]

Frankfurt Auto Show:Verve Concept to display future styling for Ford

will bee — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 00:50:32 +0000

Apparently none of the car manufacturers are eager to go to the Frankfurt Auto Show without something new to show. Ford has already showed one of the cards in its hand with the European Kuga. Now they have announced that the Verve concept will also be on display as the small car model of future design and styling. The lines of the Verve run quite similarÂ with theÂ ascending slope of the aerodynamicÂ KugaÂ crossover SUV.Â The platform upon which the Verve is built will serve across the globe as the B-segment platform for Ford.Â Taking the initial leap as the first to bring the platform to market will be the all new Fiesta. While the size and design of theÂ Fiesta will be similar to theÂ Verve Concept there will be noticeable differences. TheÂ mostÂ striking differences will be a smaller grill, resized headlamps andÂ a body slope more reminiscent of the Focus 2-door. With the European Kuga's mid-sized platform and the Verve's small-sized platform Ford is finally on their way toward reducing much of the overlap in their designs. Having multiple platforms for similar sized vehicles across the globe was an added cost Ford could no longer carry. What do you think of Ford's Verve concept? Do you prefer the aggressive style and wide grille? Would you prefer the Verve concept to the softening of the design the Fiesta is certain to receive? Source[MotorAuthority]

Speculation Mounts that Jaguar/Land Rover Sale is Unlikely in 2007

will bee — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 01:22:12 +0000

That Jaguar symbol may look as though it is moving fast but that is no indication of the speed with which Ford will be able to unload the Jaguar and Land Rover brands. That is the speculation coming from Topspeed and could very well be the concern of Fords Board of Directors, along with Ford's President Alan Mulally. Mulally expressed doubt that the credit volatility of world markets would slow down the sale of Jaguar and/or Land Rover. However there are very few indications coming from the mouth-pieces of Ford nor any interested buyers that the case is otherwise. Topspeed further intimates that the effects of the uncertain credit markets in North America and Europe could open the door for other interested parties not effected by international credit. Namely, Russia and China may yet have a buyer step forward that might be looking to expand their own brands into other markets and could use an affiliation with Jaguar or Land Rover as a stepping stone. The only thing that seems certain at this point is that we are sure to hear more on this topic in the months or year to come. Source[TopSpeed]

What is causing the disparity in sales between Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky?

will bee — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 02:18:27 +0000

The Pontiac Solstice and the Saturn Sky were released at the same time in 2005 to many raving responses. The Solstice was the greased lightening for Pontiac right out of the box as the waiting list for the new roadster stretched out for many many months. Now two years later and the Sky is the steadyÂ date and the Solstice is sitting along the side of the gym waiting for someone to ask her to dance. The New York Times tackled this subject and focused the microscope on the reputations of the two GM brands. What they found is that no matter what Pontiac builds their cars will eventual suffer from the brands poor reputation; no matter what the initial response is when the car is unveiled. The Transformers movie could not even Jazz-up the status of the Solstice to the car buyers eye (making the fact that Jazz, the Solstice in the movie, was killed off even more foreshadowingÂ for the car and brand). The 400 Saturn dealerships across the U.S. are cranking out on average one Sky per month (with a lower production total than the Solstice). With 2,700 Pontiac dealerships selling the Solstice they are achieving an average of 1 car every 2 months. Thus Pontiac is on pace to sell approximately 18,000 of the 20,000 Solstices scheduled to be built in 2007. WhenÂ the Vice Chairman of your parent company, Bob Lutz,Â is referring to your brand as "damaged goods" and your own marketing dollars tend to favor the youngster of the brands over the tainted older sibling a rough road is surely ahead. GM will need to reassign some creative resources in engineering, design and marketing on the Pontiac brand if they hope to revive the one time powerhouse. So far there are no indications that GM is inclined to make that effort. Source[NewYorkTimes]

Brazil's Ethanol Experiment is becoming an Ethanol Standard

will bee — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 03:43:28 +0000

As the rest of the world gnaws over theÂ decision of whether ethanol is a feasible solution to the great fuel debate, Brazil is moving forward with their own ethanol vision. The Detroit Press has just concluded a three part series on Brazil's transformation back to an ethanol dominant nation. Back in the 1970's while under military dictatorship Ethanol was the law and petroleum based engines were penalized. Then came democracy (coencidence) and a sugar boom in the 1980'sÂ that sent sugar prices through the ceiling and sent ethanol out the door. Now ethanol has returned full force to the Brazilian market and it looks like (for now) there is no turning back. Two of the major blends of fuel available (besides diesel) are gasoline (which is 25 percent ethanol and 75 percent gasoline) andÂ alcool (which is 100% ethanol). Ethanol makes up 40% of Brazil's total fuel use; a number that is certain to increase in the coming years as more distilleries are builtÂ andÂ greater sugar cane harvests are produced. While the Brazilian example is a model for other nations it may not be one that applies across the board without some disparity. Nations must study their own needs and available resources to determine the best means to make the shift toward ethanol. While corn is an easy solution here in the U.S. it is not nearly as efficient a choice as sugar cane is in Brazil. Other options such as algae may be the sugar cane for the U.S. For a more in-depth look at Brazil's ethanol progress and conviction check out the full series at The Detroit News website.

VW Diesel with the highest mileage found

davidallen — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 06:36:28 +0000

VW Diesel with the highest mileage found

davidallen — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 06:37:23 +0000

VW Diesel with the highest mileage found

davidallen — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 06:38:20 +0000

The search for the VW diesel with the highest mileage is over. Syl Schmid the owner of a 1986 VW Jetta Turbo Diesel, from Blue Rock, Ohio has been declared the winner by VW, the car has done a mere 562,000 miles according to the odometer and the cars records too.

Mr Schmid wins a six month lease of a VW Touareg V10 Tdi, if he takes the Jetta back at the end of the six months, do you think would notice?

PRESS RELEASE: VOLKSWAGEN DIESEL HERITAGE SEARCH FINDS HIGHEST MILEAGE DIESEL IN OHIO 1986 Volkswagen Jetta Has 562,000 Miles On The Original Engine AUBURN HILLS, Mich. â€“ Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced that, as part of its Diesel Heritage Search, it has located the highest mileage Volkswagen diesel vehicle in the United States, a 1986 Jetta Turbo Diesel owned by Syl Schmid of Blue Rock, Ohio with over 562,000 miles. The Jetta's mileage was recently verified by Volkswagen of America, Inc. and Byers Imports, a Columbus, Ohio-based Volkswagen dealer. Fuel and mileage records presented by Schmid show the Jetta frequently delivered fuel economy over fifty miles per gallon. "Mr. Schmid has a story that is like so many of our diesel owners; he loves the longevity of the engine and fuel economy that his diesel Volkswagen has delivered these last twenty years," said Steve Keyes, Volkswagen Public Relations Director. "Throughout all of entries that we received for our Diesel Heritage Search, we found many VW owners who were passionate about their cars and the economic benefits of the diesel engine." Schmid originally leased the Jetta for three years and decided to purchase the vehicle at the end of that period. After twenty years, and over a half million miles, he is especially proud of the original drivetrain and muffler. In recognition of owning the highest mileage Volkswagen diesel in the U.S., Volkswagen has provided Schmid with a Touareg V10 TDI to drive for six-months. Volkswagen announced their Diesel Heritage Search in March 2007 and received more than 200 entries for the highest mileage and oldest operating U.S. diesel Volkswagen vehicles. Volkswagen recently recognized a 1977 Rabbit owned by Clint Wilson of Tehachapi, Calif. as the oldest diesel Volkswagen. Volkswagen is a leader in the U.S. diesel passenger car market with over 815,000 diesel vehicles sold since the introduction of the 1977 Rabbit, the first U.S. Volkswagen diesel. In addition to the currently available diesel Touareg V10 TDI, Volkswagen has previously announced that the 2009 Jetta and Jetta SportWagen, which will be available late first quarter 2008, will feature a Clean Diesel TDI engine option. Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Rabbit, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, GTI, Jetta, GLI, Passat, Passat wagon, Eos, and Touareg through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at vw.com.

Source [Auto Blog] http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/23/vw-finds-highest-mileage-diesel-in-ohio/

Herald-Standard Reports: Connellsville Police to Operate Electric Powered Cruiser

will bee — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 11:57:36 +0000

The Connellsville Police Department in Pennsylvania has just taken delivery of the very first electric motor driven police cruiser in the United States. The test carÂ is a 2000 Chevy Impala police cruiser belonging to the department that volunteered for the risky procedure (okay, so it is not Robocop). Coherent Systems International Corp. performed the modifications to the cruiser at their own cost and just recently returned the cruiser to the Connellsville Police Department. Coherent Systems confirmed that the electric police cruiser will maintain its charge for a full 8 hour shift and can be easily recharged by just plugging it into the wall. So instead of paying the price of an 8 hour shifts use of gas the car will be running on approximately .35 cents worth of electricity per shift. While the price of the electric police cruiser is something that Coherent Systems would prefer to keep to themselves, there aim is to use the Connellsville cruiser as a test model. Already other government agencies within Pennsylvania and across the country are inquiring as to how they can acquire their own electric cruiser. As the demand for the cars rises Coherent Systems belief is that the costs for the all electric cruisers and the technologies that operate them will come down to something close to the current cost of a gasoline powered police cruiser. We encourage you to read moreÂ on the storyÂ reported by Patty Yauger by heading over to the Herald-Standard's website.

Pricing for Pontiac's 2008 G6 GXP has been released

will bee — Sat, 25 Aug 2007 04:02:44 +0000

News was released today that Pontiac's 2008 G6 GXP will carry a sticker price of $26,795 for the sedan and $26,595 for the coupe. The regular GT version of the G6 will have a price of $22,995 for either coupe or sedan. So what makes up the bulk of the difference between the two cars that would warrant an increase in price that is over $3,000? Try a sport tuned suspension, 6-speed automatic transmission, 18" wheels and a lim 35 extra horsepower from a 3.6 liter engine (that is .1 liter larger engine than the GT). While we should know that the G6 is not the G8 and will not have the same performance expectation (i suppose), it just seems as though we should expect more for $26,595. For that price point a Mustang GT can be had that has 48 more horsepower than the G6 GXP. And if Pontiac's counter to that remark is that horsepower is not everything then they have no business putting out a sporty GXP with the expressive Hammerhead spoiler out the back. The speed inspiring moldings that shape the G6 GXP are a telling expression of acceleration and should receive the support from within to back-up what it is saying. Many writers and industry people recognize that Pontiac is inÂ a major funk right now and in need of rescue. No one in GM seems eager enough to stick their neck out there and make a statement with something daring. The G6 GXP could certainly be part of that "dare to be daring" move, but it seems they stopped it half way. The design says "Go", but the performance says "is it safe yet?" Two years ago Pontiac hit a home run with the new Solstice. Today the Solstice is already old news in the fast moving industry and hardly moving. For 2008 Pontiac has new versions of the G6 and G8 that will be coming to the U.S. market very soon. What Pontiac lacks in performance bravery these days their Australian counterpart, the Holden Company, makes up for with unashamed brashness. Maybe the decision makers at Pontiac need to take a Pilgrimage Down Under. Source[edmunds]

BMW's Z4 gets a smidge greener with Efficient Dynamic addition

will bee — Sat, 25 Aug 2007 15:21:16 +0000

Starting September 1st, 2007 the Z4 will be joining the list of BMW's 1-Series, 3-Series and 5-Series cars to receive their "Efficient Dynamics" system. The design of the system is intended to make the cars more eco-friendly by reducing their carbon emissions. While the other model BMW's received their alterations in the form of regenerative braking and combined alternator/starter bolt-on's the Z4 will be receiving its efficiency aid in the form of rear axle transmission. All versions of the Z4 will be recieving the efficeincy improvements except for the Z4M. Below is a the listing in detail of the improvement each engine type has improved by: The 2.5si goes from a combined economy of 33.6mpg to 34.0, with CO2 output down from 202 to 199g/km. The 3.0si goes from 32.8 to 33.2mpg and 207 to 204g/km, and the 3.0si coupe from 31.7 to 32.5mpg and 213 to 207g/km. So as the idea behind the "Efficient Dynamics" rear axle transmission is a noble effort the results appear less than thrilling. Maybe BMW is looking to boost sales based on Green Nobility instead of significant green improvements. A .5 increase in miles per gallon andÂ a 3g/km decrease in CO2 emissions as in the 3.0si engine hardly seems press release worthy. Source[Autocar.uk]

Inhabitat shares their Top 5 Sexiest Sustainable Sports Cars

will bee — Sat, 25 Aug 2007 17:08:48 +0000

Inhabitat.com is a design focused blog that deals with everything from sustainable living and housing to transportation. As part of their Transportation Tuesdays series they turned their attention toward the fiveÂ sexiest green sports cars to tempt their palate. In their Top 5 you will find a concept car, a limited production car and a future production car. Toyota FT-HS in the photo above did make their Top 5 it is not number 1. However with its hybrid drive system and stealth-angled appearance it might be tough to keep it from being the top option on our own dream green list. Take the leap over to Inhabitat.com and view the list for yourself. While you are there take a look at some of their other ideas and articles as it is a well done site for design and sustainable ideas. Source[inhabitat via autobloggreen]

Consumer Reports makes Crash Test Videos an online tool for car shoppers

will bee — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 14:42:53 +0000

Today's auto shopper has more knowledge available to them than at any other time in automotiveÂ history. The internet has opened up a spaceÂ for complete coverageÂ of all things automotive where all details and insights for all new cars are available and forÂ nearly allÂ used cars. Recently one more investigative tool has been made moreÂ accessible to shoppers when Consumer Reports announced that it will make the crash videos of nearly 200 cars available online. Crash tests availability to the online community is a long time coming with some spotty coverage having been loaded into websites like YouTube in the past, but complete coverage to this time has been quite restricted. The videos made available are for both new and used cars but do not include every car ever tested, but maybe someday they will. Many car makers would warn you that not all crash tests are a conclusive indication of how a automobile will fare in all crash scenarios. However, multiple poor ratings in any of the tests performed can have quite an effect on a shoppers perspective when looking for that next car purchase. Very few parents will knowingly choose a family transport that has earned a reputation as a death trap. To see if your car or aÂ model similar to it is included in Consumer Reports web log of crash tests take this short-cut straight to the website. If you are in the market for a new car and have narrowed down your choices then Consumer Reports crash videos may be the right next step in making that final decision. Auto makers have been working to provide the latest and greatest safety features to their cars and with IIHS and Consumer Reports crash testing you at least have the opportunity to see a visual representation of how well those features perform... or don't. Source[forbesmagazine]

Cigarette lighter destroys car

davidallen — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 06:22:50 +0000

Cigarette lighter destroys car

davidallen — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 06:25:13 +0000

If anyone needed a reason to give up smoking, then this has to be up there with the best of them, as it could have resulted in some very serious consequences. The car owner, Shane Reas of Fort Worth in Texas had a shock while sitting in the car he reached over and picked up the lighter, whether he tried to light it or not, is unclear, but all of a sudden it exploded in his hand, causing him to drop it and no doubt get out of the car pretty quick.

However the car was not so lucky and subsequently continued to burn, resulting in the car virtually being totally destroyed and really lucky for all concerned that was the only damage, clearly this could have been more serious. According to the Forth Worth Fire Department, this sort of event is not totally unheard of, as the disposable lighters are made of plastic and if it is in direct sunlight the gas can actually begin to reach its boiling point and you can just imagine how dangerous that is. If you must keep one in the car, it should be either in the glove compartment or somewhere else that does not get direct sun. This has to be a wake up call for all smokers who drive, imagine what would happened if the car owner was driving along the freeway at the time of the incident! Source [Snafu-ed] http://snafu-ed.blogspot.com/2007/08/car-burns-after-cigarette-lighter.html

Official Brochure Leaked of Mitsubishi Evo X before Tokyo Show: Good Move!

will bee — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 12:00:35 +0000

With so many cars lined up for their first public unveiling's to occur in the final auto shows of the season the buzz competition is tight. While we spend months covering speculations, renderings and masked test mules any lull in that coverage can cause a trail to grow cold. So just in time to keep interest high and curiosity peeked an official brochure of the new Mitsubishi Evo X has been leaked out via a Lancer Forum and is building the buzz anew for the new car. The brochure itself is in Japanese so some of the details will require translation. However with any familiarity with auto brochures the visual story and stimulation from the leaked brochure develops the Evo X into quite an interesting action packed-drama. Increasing the action are the reports of the horsepower and performance within. Official performance numbers as translated over at the MotorAuthorityÂ Â indicate the new Mitsubishi Evo X will be producing 276-hp at 6,500-rpm and 311 ft. lbs. of torque at 3,500-rpm. However with that significant horsepower increase from previous models the Evo X may suffer some drag from the increased weight it will be carrying. According to the forums that will be an extra 100-150 kg in heavy built in baggage. Whether the weight is from the powerful engine orÂ increased safety features is difficult to speculate at this time. What is fairly easy to speculate at this time is the aggressive nature of the shell of the Evo X. Mitsubishi now has a street sedan that will certainly turn heads (some away, while others toward it). As compared to other Lancer's the Evo X is certainly grabbing my attention. It is a welcomed break from the bleak styling invoked in most other sedans (that are not in Australia). Check back for more updates on the Mitsubishi Evo X as the Tokyo Auto Show gets under way in October. Below are a few more photos from the brochure. To view the full brochure follow the link at the bottom of the page to the LancerRegister. Source[LancerRegister via Motor Authority]

The new 2008 Jaguar XF

davidallen — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 07:01:27 +0000

The new 2008 Jaguar XF

davidallen — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 07:02:43 +0000

The new 2008 Jaguar XF

Jaguars 2009 XF is showing its stuff ahead of its Frankfurt debut

will bee — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 11:34:07 +0000

From styling, to attitude, to performance, to image... the Jaguar XF shows with its pre-Frankfurt Auto Show unveiling that it waits for nobody. The XF's leap from concept to production car in 2009 will mark the end of the S-Types unheralded run. Panned by some for being more Ford Taurus than Jaguar the S-Type failed to satisfy many of the Jaguar enthusiasts. The XF may show some signs of the design times with some Lexus and Mercedes-Benz influences but this new Jaguar will be looking to make a name for itself all on its own. The 2009 Jaguar XF is stretched for comfort and fueled to move. The body of the XF is a bit stretched over the old S-Type's size and that cabin capacity is filled with creature comforts for the occupants of the car. The dash contains the touch screen with navigation available along with boxy air vents that are closed over by aluminum doors when the car is off. Upon starting the car the vents openÂ andÂ vent-out the stale airÂ inside the car before switching to regulating the temperature.Â From the front and back head room andÂ leather seatsÂ to the simply styled dash with its aluminum strip that lines the entire cockpit the XF provides stylish comfort with simple sophistication. Even the gear selector has been modernized. While the car is in park the gear selecter lays flush with the center console, but once you use the push-button-start to ignite the engine the gear selecter extends to allow the driver to rotate through the automatic gears. Jaguar even goes as far as to give you an extra gear selection after drive: "Sport." Sport mode does just what it sounds... provides the car with high revving shifts and prepares the car for aggressive driving. Also, while in Sport mode you get to make use of the full-sequential paddle shifters bound to the steering wheel. There is also a winter button that can be selected while in drive that lowers the rpm shift points and provides slower accelerations for slick surfaces. Powering the American release of the Jaguar XF will be one of two versions of a 4.2 liter V8. The base engine will be putting out 300-hp while the supercharged version of the same engine will have 400-hp. But if that is not enough for you there is expected to be an R version of the XF in a couple years that will be producing 500-hp. Jaguar is attempting to keep their eye on the prize with the XF but I wonder if BMW and the 5-series M class knows they are wearing a ribbon around their neck. As with any vehicle there are some pros and cons and design tweaks that may or may not service each drivers tastes. One big change for Jaguar with the XF will be the iconic symbol of the sprinting jaguar. The hood ornament has been replaced with the face of a growling cat while the jaguar in stride has been moved into a profile position on the trunk. While it might be a break from tradition the rear symbol does have a certain style to it. But you will have to decide for yourself on that one. One feature that I can absolutely do without is faux wood anywhere on a modern vehicle. Some may consider it a dash of sophistication, especially when paired with aluminum accents. And I am presuming those "some's" are in the majority because every car that comes out as a high end luxury car seems to want to have some wood grain accents. If it were up to me though I would prefer more metal, leather or even plastic usage over the faux wood. Jaguar goes all-out and all-in by providing a buyer of the XF three wood trim options: American walnut, burled walnut, or the top-shelf rich oak. Â Just as the Jaguar is nearing an eminent split from the Ford Motor Company the new style of Jaguar seems to be seeking a styling road of its own. With a luxury exterior that is both bold and simple and a sophisticated interior that is intelligent and spacious the Jaguar XF could make a bold move up the luxury sedan market. As always there will be detractors of these latest design steps by Jaguar, but I personally cannot wait to see the Jaguar XF in person. Source[torquereport, motortrend]

2008 Genesis gives Hyundai a 380-hp luxury sedan... What?!

will bee — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 02:45:38 +0000

If the word streaming out from the HyundaiExchange is any indication Hyundai is looking to break-out strong into the luxury sedan market. Hyundai's recent emergence into the limelight of the auto industry is not by accident and is not going to fade away. They already have one of the best warranty programs for their new cars and now they are planning to introduce what they hope will be one of the best luxury sedans on the market. The primary means (besides style and quality) by whichÂ HyundaiÂ plans to get their Genesis sedan to the topÂ will be with a new 380-hpÂ engine and a lower price than their competitors. In a speech from Hyundai's R&D head Hyun-Soon Lee the new Genesis sedan is going to be propelled by the all new 4.6 liter "Tau" V8 that is going to be generating 380-hp. That kind of output from a Hyundai engine has before now seemed unlikely and unreachable. Now the Korean auto maker has new goals for themselves and competing on all levels appears to be one of them. Another means to set yourself apart from the pack is to have a price point well below them. The target for the Genesis sedan is to take on the Lexus LS-level product but at a cost closer to the Chrysler 300C. Teaming the high octane "Tau" engine and its 380-hp output with a pleasing price and you may just have a hit on your hands, Hyundai. The styling of the Genesis sedan will blend in well with the designs of their competitors and as long as it is teamed up with Hyundai's 10 year/ 100,000 mile warranty Hyundai will be making some significant waves in the luxury sedan market in 2008. Source[motive via egmcartech]

Ferrari F1 offer fans signed caps

davidallen — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 06:36:45 +0000

Ferrari F1 offer fans signed caps

davidallen — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 06:38:12 +0000

No matter what circuit the Formula One circus visits they are nearly always greeted by a sea of red. The â€œTifosiâ€ are the real die hard fans who follow the prancing horse no matter who drives for them or whatever the results, although winning is preferable to coming in second or third! To reward the fans and also to celebrate their fantastic 1st and 2nd places in the Turkish Grand Prix last weekend, the team have released through the Ferrari Store, a limited amount of signed Ferrari F1 baseball caps, which have been signed by both drivers Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen.

For those who have the urge to buy this special limited edition, the cap will be delivered in a bright red Ferrari box and comes with a certificate of authenticity, just so you can prove to your friends that the item is real, and not just a $10 cap that you have signed yourself, (Now thatâ€™s an idea!) and all this for around $600. The signed baseball cap and box etc will be limited to only 50, so for real Ferrari F1 fans time may be as limited as the caps themselves, whether this could count as an investment or not is very debatable, even a limited edition of 50 may not be worth much more than the price paid, however the â€œTifosiâ€ would no doubt disagree. To view the official page and the only pace to buy the caps visit the Ferrari Store. Source [Auto Blog]

Volvo devises Driver Alert System to keep the weary and distracted on the road

will bee — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 11:28:20 +0000

Volvo has devised a road monitoring system designed to keep the tired and distracted on the road. Their motivation is a step toward prevention so that maybe all the safety features they fill there cars with will not be necessary. Volvo's targetÂ is the 90% of accidents that are caused by an unalert driver (where the acquired that percentage is unclear). So starting here at the end of 2007 Volvo will begin to install their Driver Alert System in their V70, XC70, and S80 models. The system begins with a camera resides between the rear-view mirror and the windshield. The entire system is activated at 40-mph and has two separate alert systems: Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Driver Alert Control (DAC). The camera and multiple sensors work together with both systems to alert a tired driver if they are at risk of leaving the road and if they have made a sudden or unplanned lane change. To warn the drivers the Driver Alert System will make an audible noise to gather the drivers attention and also a text messageÂ on the dash. Next to the text message on the dash is a Drivers Alert scale that begins at 5 bars and decreases as the system detects an erratic driving pattern. When the scale reaches 3 bars it will give a Coffee Mug signal to indicate that it might be best to take a break from driving. Volvo's Driver Alert System is indeed the first of its kind and stands a chance of helping to prevent drivers from losing control. Ofcourse if you are just a bad driver who makes sudden lane changes and likes to do your make-up at 70-mph Volvo's alert system will probably drive you insane with its frequent noises. Otherwise Volvo is making a great first step toward preventing accidents, if not toward a day when our cars drive us around and full on manual driving is a thing of the past (oh, how I will rue the day). You can read Volvo's entire press release for the Driver Alert System over at Carscoops.

G-Power fills the M3 CSL bonnet with M5 V10 excitement

will bee — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 11:26:46 +0000

According to sources of the MotorAuthority the German tuner G-Power has taken it upon themselves to do a little transplants between relatives. It seems the speedy straight-six in the M3 CSL does not pack enough punch for some fans, so G-Power hollowed out the space where the straight-six once resided and filled with with the M5's 5.0 liter V10. Then they took it a step further and modified the V10 just to give it a little more thrill. With the transplant completed G-Power now has a BMW M3 that is launching from a standstill with 428-ft lbs of torque and searing up the road with 550-hp. The zero to sixty speed for the pumped-up M3 is 4.2 seconds while the "wow" factor would seem nearly instantaneous. Coupled with the engine transplant G-Power also provides the KW automotive race suspension kit necessary to keep all of that V10 power from spilling out all over the road. Since there are no rails upon which it rides such improved handling would be necessary. For a nominal fee G-Power would be delighted to perform the same transplant inÂ any current BMW 3-series coupe, Z4, X5 or new M3. The V10 conversionÂ gives you super car speedÂ and performance in a small, posh package. That would be one way to jump-start the morning commute without the need for coffee...Â just a few jolts of adrenaline. Source[MotorAuthority]

2009 Dodge Challenger: SRT-8 Approved - Europe Denied

will bee — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 11:10:51 +0000

The New Chrysler seems to have some new thinking under the thumb of Cerebrus and that new thinking is having second thoughts about the Challenger. No, it is still going to be built and sold, but its production numbers and sales locations are dwindling. Due to the decision by Cerebrus to make the Challenger a limited production car there will be no official sales of the car on the European market. Ofcourse any person with the proper means can broker a deal across the pond to acquire one, but do not expect many Challengers to be sitting at dealerships waiting for a home long. Especially do not anticipate to find a lonely Challenger SRT-8 begging for a buyer. The online speculation of a Challenger SRT-8 is swelling and would seem well founded. The case for a specialty Challenger would be even more likely now as it would allow Chrysler to command the most money for the limited numbers of cars they are projecting to build. If you are going to make it a limited run why not make it the most appealing run you possibly can. The 6.0 liter Hemi engines are all there and have an eager following, so why would Cerebrus not make the most profitable move?Â With a limited showing on the open market many of you who may have been holding out for the Challengers 2009 release may want to alter your shopping schedule. For the Dodge loyalist out there the Charger may just have to do to satisfy that muscle car throw-back hankering. But for those with the means to purchase one of the select few Challengers available in 2009 you will get your first glimpse of the completed car in Chicago at the February auto show. Source[MotorAuthority, AutoBlog] Related Articles: Chicago 2008: Dodge Officially Unveils their Production Model Challenger SRT8 eBay: Charity Auction of #43 2008 Challenger SRT8 Premium Pricing Greeting Challenger Faithful; $20,000 Over Sticker for SRT8

Saturday marks a big day for new Automotive Regulations to begin

will bee — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 12:13:14 +0000

This Saturday some newÂ automotive regulationsÂ will be takingÂ affect that are going to provide the dealership walking customerÂ better information and more accurate information than before. Appearing on the sticker of all new cars will be the newly calculated fuel mileage ratings gauged by the EPA for real world driving. Also, to make their first appearance on a cars window sticker will be the NHTSA's official crash test ratings for all new cars that have undergone testing. ThereÂ are also two new safety features that have now been madeÂ mandatory for the 2008 model year that will take affect on Saturday. All-in-all Saturday will be a most busy day. The change in the EPA standards for measuring fuel mileageÂ have been talked about for a while now. Some 2007 carsÂ carried additional stickers that indicated both the old mileage ratings based at 55mph highway and the new measurements based on real world driving.Â The ratings are there merely to give buyers an estimate ofÂ the average fuel performance of the vehicle they are looking to buy. As it statesÂ clearly on the sticker, actual fuelÂ consumption can and will vary based upon the driver. The netÂ effect ofÂ the fuel mileageÂ change onÂ aÂ normal gasoline fueled car isÂ an 8% loss highway and 12% city on the cars average fuelÂ rating. However, the net effect from the change in testing standards on a Hybrid engine is a bit more staggering. The gasoline-hybrid cars are seeing a drop of 20% in the fuel mileage rating. Yet again, to re-emphasis, these are averages based on the EPA's new testing standards. Auto makers are quick to point out that the cars have not changed at all; just the parameters of the testing. Buyers have been researching NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) crash test ratings on cars for years to aid them in their final decisions. As of Saturday though those ratings just became a little easier to find as they will begin to be displayed on all new car window stickers. The exception to that rule will be low volume cars and high end luxury cars. Proponents of the ruling to include the NHTSA's crash test ratings on the window sticker of new cars believe that it will force auto makers to engineer safer cars. However, some critics feel that the NHTSA crash testing standards are not stringent enough. Very few cars that come out of the NHTSA crash regime are turned out with less than a 4-star rating. Adding to the theme of safety two familiar features will see new requirements in 2008. Starting Saturday, according to a 2003 agreement, 50% of all new cars are to have side air-bags installed. That same agreement increases that number to 100% of the cars built in 2009. By 2009 both front and side air-bags will be a required safety feature in all production vehicles. Another safety feature that has seen wide use in some sport model vehicles will be automatic tire gauges like the one displayed above. Sensors inside the rim will be installed in all vehicles to provide the driver tire pressure data from all four wheels inside the car. Some dutiful tire pressure checkers may shrug at the need for such a feature, but many people who over look wheel pressure will come to embrace it. Any sudden pressure change will now be detectable before it is too late. Also, since fuel mileage is so drastically effected by poor tire inflation it is yet another means to help the driver conserve on their energy usage and slightly lower their emissions as a result. If you look at the individual changes in regulations that are starting today you will be less than overwhelmed. These are not new features or measurements. They are not revolutionary. However, as a package and as automotive tools their utilization may have a lasting impact on someone's life. Source[DetroitNews]

Infiniti's G37 to join the competition with an AWD system

will bee — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 18:25:12 +0000

If thereÂ was one motto that the entire auto industry thrives on it would be:Â Monkey See - Monkey Do. So when the Monkey's that See saw BMW put together their answer to the Audi Quattro series with their 335xi it was just a matter of time beforeÂ the Monkey's that Do came out with their own entrant.Â Infiniti isÂ now planningÂ to step up to the challenge by offering up their G37 with their ownÂ all-wheel drive system.

While the timing for the AWD G37 has not been determined by the minds who make such decision at Nissan (the parent company of Infiniti), the M35 and G35 coupes are already scheduled to display their own AWD platforms in 2008. Thus making it easy to conclude that the G37 would not be far behind.

Inprice, performance and horsepower the G37 is already a strong competitor along side BMW and Audi. With the AWD G37 they would continue that competition and possible provided the cheapest of the three alternative brands. As noted over at Edmunds Inside Line, buying an Infiniti G37 AWD would be like getting the Nissan GT-R only half the car for half the price. I think I could live with that.

Hyundai to Show i-Blue Fuel Cell Vehicle at Frankfurt Auto Show

will bee — Sun, 02 Sep 2007 12:32:39 +0000

At this years Frankfurt Auto Show that begins on September 13th HyundaiÂ will reveal their first vehicle designed from theÂ ground-upÂ that was built specificallyÂ around their fuel cell technology. The i-Blue is an electric vehicle that is fueled byÂ Hyundai's 3rd generation hydrogen fuel cell technology clothed in a CUV auto armor that represents the future forward thinking behind their alternative technology. The i-Blue is a bold step toward future design and future fuels while following suit with the theme of this years Frankfurt Auto Show: "See What is Driving the Future." Hyundai's R&D team have developed a hydrogen fuel cell that is more compact than prior generations while building a safe, crossover-styled body around it. Hyundai's i-Blue is their current design that is to help transition us over the next decade toward the greener technology of hydrogen. Yet to many of us hydrogen fuel cells still seem quite a ways away from being close to taking over for the combustion engine as what motivates the majority of todays cars. Despite the advantages that Hybrids, Plug-in EV's and alternative fuels may have by being more road ready today the exploration toward hydrogen fuel cells is still an important one. There are two other supposedly radical designs that Hyundai is planning to reveal at the Frankfurt show. Hyundai's Volester is said to be a roadster aimed directly at the Y-generation with what seems to be some futuristic designing cues. The i-30 Crossover Wagon is designed as the exact opposite of the Volester. With the i-30 Hyundai is returning to the 5-door hatchback model that is an important segment in the European market. More significant details and photos of all 3 of the vehicles Hyundai plans to unveil at the Frankfurt Auto Show are sure to come in the weeks ahead. Source[topspeed, PureGreenCars]

Test Gallery Page

Ryan — Sun, 02 Sep 2007 17:01:24 +0000

[mygal=09022007-srt4]

Audi R8 Test Mule Proves Combustable

will bee — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 07:13:24 +0000

The above Audi R8 is a test drive mule that is supposedly from pre-production. Back during the testing phases of the R8 Audi reported some combustibility tendencies in the engine bay behind the seats, but those concerns have (according to Audi) been addressed in the production version. In the forum post where this report was found it mentioned that some fuel during fill-up may have spilled down in the engine bay on or near the exhaust. Ofcourse the actual cause can still be any number of things. The forum post that is the source for this story recommends that Audi R8 owners not use any flammable cleaners or solvents on their engine. He also recommends allow the gas tank toÂ vent a seconds before commencing to fill the tank. Apparently there is a belief that the rising fumes could block the flow of gas and cause the fuel to over-spill. Now I would not attest to any of these things being likely to have caused the above captured fire, but if I were an R8 owner there is a good chance I would take the precautions described. For some additional photos of the charred Audi R8 you can follow the link below to the forum. There you can also read through the worried or doubtful posts of other R8 owners. Hopefully there will be no further test mule instances norÂ any production model R8's being claimed in the name of pyrotechnics. Such a shame to see such artistry so dismembered and mangled... although thankfully no injuries were reported. Source[R8talkvia AutoBlog]

Honda Stream coming to American 2009?

will bee — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 11:25:52 +0000

With the Honda Odyssey still one of the better of the mini vans still on the market does Honda really see an opening for their mid-sized van the Stream? Well that seems to be the word coming across the Pacific. The mid-sized people mover that is built on the same platform as the CR-V and the Civic is said to be bound for the US in 2009. That will also be the year that the diminutive mini van will receive its latest model update. While other auto makers are leaping into the crossover-utility-vehicle market Honda seems to have other ideas. Is the Stream marked to be their own unique entrant into the CUV market? The Japanese version of the Stream currently comes with AWD so if that same option came over to the US it could do some posturing against some CUV's. Honda always finds a way to compete and in their own way they seem to make things relevant rather than trying to be relevant. The Stream may be just what some small families are looking for: a smaller, fuel efficient people mover with enough style and functionality to make buying a mini van okay. The word is that there will be no 3rd row of seats coming to America, but in a mid-sized mini van that might be best. Source[WindingRoad]

Bugatti's management considering a second, cheaper follow-up to the Veyron

will bee — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 11:43:38 +0000

For anyone fearing that the sun may set on their dream of owning a new Bugatti Veyron before they are able to build up their super car budget maybe a lesser alternative is on its way. Upper management with Bugatti and its parent company Volkswagen AG are looking to recoup more of that initial R&D investment and some alternatives could be in the works. After investing something in the US Dollar close to $500 million to build and design the car, and with a limited production number of 300, Bugatti is losing money on the deal. That $1.4 million window sticker, according to costs, should really be a $5 million sticker. Bugatti has a couple options on the table and both could yield some extra return to make it all profitable. The first would be to make a limited production run ofÂ a convertible Veyron. Some more work would have to go into the design and engineering of the car to get there, but that could still help bring in more money and more buyers. The other option would be to build a second model based on the same technologies. Bugatti is reportedly looking into building a second model that is a bit smaller, probably not a record setter, and would sell for half the price. A production car that sold at half the price could allow for a larger run of cars, but do not go looking for a run in the thousands. Selling at $700,000 the follow-up to the Bugatti Veyron would still be a specialty auto and would require still some specialty budgeting. As I was told years ago, "if you have to ask how much it costs... you can't afford it." Source[MotorAuthority]

Corvette's "Blue Devil" will officially be badged as the next ZR1

will bee — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 11:53:05 +0000

After rounds of speculation and misdirection Chevrolet finally comes out to say that the Corvette referred to as "Blue Devil" and thought to be the upcoming ZO7 is actually going to get badged as the ZR1. The ZR1 badging was first used in 1971 and then revived again in the 90's. It is usually earmarked as the fastest of the Corvette breed during its limited production run. With a 6.2 liter supercharged V8 it is promised to have more horsepower than the current 505-hpÂ ZO6. The all new supercharged Corvette is listed as a 2009 model and will begin production in 2008. Sales for the ZR1 are projected to begin in late 2008. And if you think the ZO6 costs a pretty penny just wait until you get a load of this Corvette. Supercharging a production car does not come cheap. It is also believed that the same 6.2 liter V8 that is in the ZR1 is what will find its way into the next Cadillac CTS-v. What a mighty tandem they will make for GM. The ZR1 Corvette is going to have its coming-out party at this years Detroit Auto Show (NAIAS) in January. Look for more information from Chevrolet during that time. Source[MotorTrendBlog]

Ultimate Shelby Mustang Video Collection

Ryan — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 10:07:41 +0000

This post is dedicated to all of you out there who are pinching pennies to save for the ultimate pony. I'm with you. I'm salivating and waiting for the perfect moment to dig my teeth into a Ford Shelby Mustang...soon enough...soon enough;-) Ford Shelby Mustang GT500 Eleanor Video Shelby Mustang 1968 TV Commercial 2007 Shelby Mustang GT500 Video Ford Shelby Mustang GT500 Video - Fifth Gear, Jason Plato Top Gear - Shelby Mustang Video American Muscle Car Video - Shelby Mustang GT-500

What Should Ford Improve in the Current Generation of Mustangs?

Ryan — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 15:01:26 +0000

As much as I love the current generation of 2007 Mustangs, there are a few glaring problems. Instead of listing my own pet peves, I'd prefer to see what our readers think. So this is an open thread where you can rant and rave about places where Ford cut corners on the the 2007 model.

Should Car Manufacturers Bring Back Exact Replica Models?

Ryan — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 15:01:10 +0000

While it makes sense for car manufacturers to release new variations on their current models every 5 years or so, I wonder if the public would be ready for some almost exact replicas from the past. Some of the most successful niche vehicles in recent history have been remakes of past legends, or at least hybrids between new and old. Think the new Beetle from VW or the Mustang from Ford. Even the PT Cruiser. It seems to me that the first car company to start a line of exact replicas (of course with modern engines and parts) would gain a very large market and face zero competition. While not an exact replica, one of the concept cars I'm most excited about is the Chrysler Challenger. Pure Muscle:

Suzuki Rolls Out their own "Super" Concept in the Kizashi

will bee — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 11:37:19 +0000

If you are looking for a plethora of articles about the Suzuki auto line-up in this publication you are going to be searching a long time. This will certainly be the first one that I have written. Suzuki has just unveiled at this weeks Frankfurt Auto Show in Germany their first interesting concept that supposedly has a future. The Suzuki Kizashi is larger than any other sedan being produced by the Asian car manufacturer and certainly exudes more style than we are accustomed to seeing from them. The only other cars with the largeÂ "S" crest on them that I have seen have belonged to Shaquille O'Neal. The Suzuki Kizashi is powered by a 2.0 liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine presently but is reportedly to receive Suzuki's new hybrid technology when the car based off this concept is released on the market in (supposedly) 2010. The present setup also has the power from the engine feeding all four wheels, which isÂ presumably how the hybrid system for the Kizashi will operate. Whether or not the Kizashi ever see's the light of day beyond its concept unveiling it is nice to see that the kids in the design room over at Suzuki were finally allowed to play around a little beyond the ordinary sedan. While the concept car may actually get some people traffic through the Suzuki showcase it is not going to help them in pushing any of their other bland-mobiles in the coming year. ...Nice try though. Source[MotorAuthority]

BMW 1-Series Pricing for the U.S. Market Looks Promising

will bee — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 03:37:45 +0000

BMW's 1-Series coupe continues to be an internet darling as we await for its Spring arrival onto the American market. While the specs and models of the 1-Series have been thoroughly discussed over and over the retail price of the car has been irritably with-held (well... I was growing irritable). A recent report from Automobile magazine has finally broken open the great price debate. Their sources tell them that the base 128i model of the 1-Series will come in at an estimated $27,000. While the 135i and its twin-turbo straight six and its inspiring 300 horses is expected to run closer to $35,000. There is certainly a lot to like about the BMW 1-Series and its unleashing upon the auto market will be a day celebrated by quite a number of enthusiasts. Either model could really satisfy most drivers as even the 128i comes with 230-hp. That is more than enough horsepower to stand-up against the uniquely styled Volvo C30 or the Audi A3.

Lamborghini's Reventon goes all Stealth Fighter against the Super Car Sect

will bee — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 11:55:22 +0000

This week at the Frankfurt Auto Show Lamborghini put on display their latest answer to the Super Car world. Ofcourse some might argue that a Murcielago is Super Car enough and already priced at Super Car pricing. Well leave it to Lamborghini to want to one-up themselves by creating an ultimate version of their Super Cars in the Reventon. The most telling characteristic of the Lamborghini Reventon is the staggering selling price of $1.4 million. Included in that price will be a 650-hp handbuilt powerplant of a 6.5 liter V12 engine to propell the very angular Stealth-like lines of the Reventon. From style to engine there is nothing timid about the Reventon, and with its F-1 style controls at the dash and wheel this is a car that is all about business. ...and its business will be driving the road into submission. Lamborghini plans to only produce 20 of the Reventon rides, thus making it a car purchase for the most distinguished collector. However, despite its distinction and refinement is it truly necessary? Now that question has nothing to do with the style of the car as its pure aggression is deeply appreciated, but is there enough reason to spend the extra million-plus on the Reventon when the Murcielago can be had for so much less and is plenty of car in itself? What do you think of the Reventon and its $1.4 million price tag? Here is what Lamborghini has to say about the Reventon and some of its performance numbers: With the Lamborghini ReventÃ³n, Lamborghini has done it again; it has created an unequalled super car; the perfect synthesis between the exclusivity and appeal of a limited edition design masterpiece, and the dynamism and driveability of a standard sports car. Thus, the Lamborghini legend is further enhanced by another, stylish future classic. Lamborghini ReventÃ³n Technical data Frame High strength tubular steel structure with carbon fibre components. Bodywork In carbon fibre, except roof and door external panels (steel) Steering Type Mechanical (rack and pinion) power-assisted Right-hand turning circle 12.55 m (41.17 ft) Wheels and tyres Front 245/35 ZR 18 Rear 335/30 ZR 18 Engine Type 12 cylinders at 60Â° Bore and stroke 88 mm x 89 mm (3.46 in x 3.50 in) Displacement 6496 cc (396.41 in3) Compression ratio (11 ï‚± 0.2):1 Maximum power 650 HP (478 kW) at 8000 rpm (guaranteed through the engine selection) Maximum torque 660 Nm (487 lb-ft) at 6000 rpm Engine position in vehicle Longitudinal central-rear Cylinder heads and engine block Aluminium Intake system Variable geometry with 3 operating modes Timing 4 valves per cylinder, 4 overhead camshafts Timing gear transmission 2 chains Continuous timing variator (int. and ex.) Electronically controlled Ignition system Static type ignition system with individual coils (one for each spark plug). Firing sequence 1-7-4-10-2-8-6-12-3-9-5-11 Fuel system/injection Lamborghini LIE electronic engine control unit, multipoint, sequential timed, DRIVE BY WIRE Lubrication system Type Dry sump Recovery pumps 2 gear pumps Delivery pump (high pressure) 1 gear pump Cooling system Type Liquid cooled, with pressurized circuit Transmission Type of transmission Permanent all-wheel drive with Viscous Traction system Gearbox 6-speed mechanical gearbox Clutch Dry single disc Clutch disc diameter 272 mm (10.7 in) Transmission ratios Gearbox: Ist 1:3.091 IInd 1:2.105 IIIrd 1:1.565 IVth 1:1.241 Vth 1:1.065 VIth 1:0.939 Reverse 1:2.692 Brakes 4 self-ventilated rotors with pedal control, hydraulic transmission with dual independent circuits, one for each axle with vacuum servo. ABS antilock device + DRP function. Steel brake lines Front rotor Ã˜ 380 x 34 mm (14.96 in x 1.34 in) Front calliper cylinders N. 8 (32-28 mm/32-28 mm) (1.26 in-1.10 in/1.26 in-1.10 in) Rear rotor Ã˜ 355 x 32 mm (13.98 in x 1.26 in) Rear calliper cylinders N. 4 (40-44 mm) (1.57 in-1.73 in) Ceramic rotors system (Optional) Front rotor Ã˜ 380 x 38 mm (Ã˜ 14.96 in x 1.5 in) Front calliper cylinders N. 6 (32-36-38 mm) (1.26 in-1.42 in-1.5in) Rear rotor Ã˜ 380 x 38 mm (Ã˜ 14.96 in x 1.5 in) Rear calliper cylinders N. 6 (32-36-38 mm) (1.26 in-1.42 in-1.5in) Handbrake Mechanical, acting on rear wheels Suspension 4-wheel independent articulated quadrilateral system. Hydraulic shock absorbers and coaxial coil springs. Suspension with dual front and rear struts, antiroll, antidive and antisquat bar. Performance data Top speed 340 km/h (211.3 mph) Acceleration 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) 3.4 s (before: 3.8 s) Dimensions Wheelbase 2665 mm (104.92 in) Total length 4700 mm (185.04 in) Total width 2058 mm (81.02 in) Total height 1135 mm (44.69 in) Dry weight (no fuel and no liquids) 1665 kg (3670.7 lb) Front trackwidth 1635 mm (64.37 in) Rear trackwidth 1695 mm (66.73 in) Front overhang 1080 mm (42.52 in) Rear overhang 955 mm (37.60 in) Maximum overall width with external rear-view mirrors 2215 mm (87.20 in) Liquid capacities (litres) Engine oil 12 litres (3.17 gal) Gearbox oil 3.5 litres (0.92 gal) Front differential oil 1 litre (0.26 gal) Rear differential oil 2.5 litres (0.66 gal) Cooling circuit 15 litres (3.96 gal) Consumption (according to DIR 1999/100/CE) Urban 32,3 l/100km Extra-urban 15,0 l/100 km Combined 21,3 l/100 km CO2 emissions 495 g/km Source[WindingRoad]

Heico Sportiv gets the Volvo C30 Sema Ready with 300 Horses!

will bee — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 15:13:53 +0000

Based off the tuner friendly design of the Volvo C30 Heico Sportiv has applied their products and badging to the new hatchback in preparation for the upcoming Sema show in Las Vegas this October.Â The Heico touch can be seen inside and out on the C30 and despite the soft surfer stickering they do well to add some aggression to the already sporty design. With the addition of the Heico product line-up to tune the new Volvo the opportunities to customize what is already a Made-to-Order product from the manufacturer the C30 is made further an expression of its owners tastes and budget. Ofcourse Heico Sportiv's best add-on will be found beneath the bonnet. The graphics, ground-effects and orange leather treatment found inside the Heico Sportiv C30 are all window dressing to what is really the heart of the matter. The surfer decals are mere distraction to the upgraded T5 engine that does not seem to be receiving the proper accolades. The Heico upgrade transforms the average T5 turbo-charged engine and its 220-hp into a 300-hp hellion hatchback. The details for this transformation were not available in the press release, but an 80-hp increase would seem a significant leap for such a cozy compact. Riding on 19-in wheels and with upgrades to the suspension and brake calibers the 300-hp Heico Sprotiv C30 is said to run a zero-to-sixty in 5.4 seconds. With its quad-exhaust and lowered road posture the real test for the Heico C30, beyond Sema, would be a winding hillside drive. While the appearance of the Heico Sportiv's C30 is not exactly to my own taste it is the promise of some weighty performance out of the unique design of the Volvo hatchback that has me fixated. A 300-hp Volvo C30 just seems to build on the promise of excitement that the style of the car invokes on its own. And 300-hp far better represents that excitement than 220-hp. The next question then is how much more will it cost in Heico upgrades to customize a C30 that is already pushing the price limits of its class? And then the follow up question will be how much will any of it matter when a Heico decked C30 is stacked up next to a $35,000 BMW 1-series and its factory aspirated 300-hp? Source[CarScoop]

Lexus gets aggressive with the 2008 IS-F

will bee — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 11:44:58 +0000

After years of being known as builders of quality cars with luxury comforts Lexus is now poised to put some "F" in its cars - FUN. When Lexus put out their IS 250 and IS 350 they drew some immediate approval from me for having a sedan with some parts aggression mixed with some class and Lexus reliability. However, with the IS-F Lexus has their sites on the Grand Pooba of sporting sedans - the BMW M3. In order to challenge the 2008 M3 and its new 400-hp V8 Lexus has grabbed one of their own V8's out of their inventory. While Lexus is still keeping wraps on which V8 they intend to use the speculation is out there that the 5.0 Liter V8 from the LS 600h L is a likely candidate. The target output for whatever V8 they choose is said to be 400-hp with an intended zero-to-sixty time less than 4.9 seconds. Anything above 4.8 seconds would pair the IS-F with the BMW 335i, and apparently that would not be aiming high enough for Lexus. Paired up with the V8 beneath the bonnet of the IS-F is an 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters for manual mode. Lexus is reporting that their paddle upshifts will take less than 1/10th of a to be performed while downshifts will require computer synchro's for proper shifting. Beneath the car Lexus has a 3-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) stability control system. The driver of the IS-F has the option of Normal mode, Sport mode and an ever pleasing OFF mode. While most enthused driving can take place in Sport mode their inclusion of an OFF mode indicates that the Lexus IS-F is meant for more than just some little romps on the highway. Some interesting design cue's that will either capture an enthusiasts audience or put them off all together on the car are the fender flares and the hood bulge. Both design changes were required to accommodate the larger V8 engine and the wider 19-inch wheels, but both could have a polarizing effect on shoppers. Other design alterations that stand out are the larger air ducts in the front for greater air-flow and the stacked, quad exhaust fuming out the back of the IS-F. The stacked exhaust again gives the Lexus sport sedan a unique twist and yet exhibits a sense of style blended with their yearning to be driven. With more sport yet to come in the next year from Lexus the IS-F is a splendid introduction of things to come. Ofcourse all of that could change with one or so bad laps on the track. The hope is though that Lexus has done all its homework and put together a car that is up for the M3 challenge. Look for the Lexus IS-F to be available before the year is out. How about some speculation fun? What do you think of the Lexus IS-F's chances up against the BMW M3? Source[edmunds]

Is the F700 Concept the Future of Mercedes-Benz Design?

will bee — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 11:13:11 +0000

It has been said that when Mercedes-Benz placed their F700 concept sedan on the spinning stage at the Frankfurt Auto Show they were putting on display the future of Mercedes design. While there will obviously be alterations to what you see now on the F700 when the car morphs into the 2012 C-Class, what you see above may be the dominant features to be exhibited. And just like many future concepts there are those who see the beauty in the intended design concept and there are others who may just be glad they buy BMW's. The Mercedes F700 is low, wide and stretched and reshapes the proportions with which we think about our sedans much the way Chrysler did years ago with their cab-forward design. The wide wheel base of the F700 provides for a wider engine bay and greater space within the cabin. Fitted into that wider engine bay is Mercedes DIESOTTO drive system that consists of a 1.8 liter hybrid engine. In pure hybrid mode the new powertrain is pushing out 258-hp and gets 44-mpg while emitting a mere 127 grams-per-kilometer of CO2 emissions. The interior of the Mercedes F700 is very roomie and displays great seat versatility for the concept, but it seems unlikely that most of what is portrayed will move on into the production model. Hopefully one of the items not moving into the production model is the print designs on the leather seats. While they may help to hide future stains they do not have a high appeal. So talk to us here... what do you think of the future of Mercedes-Benz design? Like some forward thinking designs do you think it is something that could grow on you or do you think your immediate reaction will carry-forward? If this is the future of automotive design do you think the car buying public will be ready for it in 2012? Source[egmCarTech]

Artega GT unveils at Frankfurt Auto Show: Do we need another $100k sports car?

will bee — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 12:04:17 +0000

When I first caught a glimpse of the Artega GT I was pleased with its graceful lines as it appears to be casual ripples of water in motion. But what really struck me was the debate within as to whether we really need another $100,ooo-plus sports car on the market? Are there not enough specialty sports cars fluttering between the $100k and $1million mark to satisfy the multitude of millionairs seeking a means to stand out? What makes the Artega GT any different from the others? Some of the particulars are the Artega GT: The car was designed by designer Henrik Fisker who is renowned as the mind behind the Austin Martin DB9. The Artega GT is powered by a rear engine 3.6 liter FSI V6 that produces 300-hp and has a zero-to-62 time of 5 seconds. It is a 2-passenger sports car with room for luggage both behind the seats and a bit beneath the hood up front. Â The mission statement for the Artega GT as described in the Press Release is as follows: The idea for developing the Artega GT can be considered the â€œdream orderâ€ for a highly motivated team: to develop an extraordinary sports car with entirely unique special accents quasi as calling card of the internationally successful electronics supplier paragon AG. The Artega concept was to establish a totally new brand, and the teamâ€™s commission was short and to the point: driven by enthusiasm for sporty cars, demonstrate total competence for automotive development. The Artega GT is a fine example of form following function as their is true style and fluidity from front to back. The notion of building a better sports car has been an ambition of many for as long as their have been cars. However, if I am going to pay $100k for a car in todays specialty market I expect to get more than 300 horses. No matter how precise or exquisite the style and interior are there is a "get-up and go" quotiant that requires some attention. That said there are cars with less horsepower that are more fun to drive than some of your elite sports cars (the 2007 Civic Si for example.. future story will explain the why of that). Below are the technical specs for the Artega GT and if you follow the leap at the bottom you can check out the full press release. What we want to know is what do you think of the Artega GT and the $100k-plus specialty sports car market? While the average driver often dreams of these elite sports cars are we really being served anything that satisfies our hunger that is within an attainable price range? Technical specifications Â Â Â - Frame: Aluminium spaceframe Â Â Â - Rear module: tubular space frame made of high-strength steel Â Â Â - Body: carbon-fibre reinforced compound material Â Â Â - Dimensions (L x W x H): 3,950 mm x 1,880 mm x 1,180 mm Â Â Â - Kerb weight: approx. 1100 kg Â Â Â - Luggage compartment capacity: 300 litres (225 behind the seats, 75 in the front) Â Â Â - Engine: V6 direct-injection Â Â Â - Displacement: 3597 ccm Â Â Â - Transmission: six-speed direct-shift gearbox Â Â Â - Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: less than 5 s Â Â Â - Maximum speed: more than 270 km/h Source[egmCarTech]

SCC Ultimate Aero TT Claims Top Speed Honors with 255 mph Average Time

will bee — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 11:34:54 +0000

Back in Augustwe had told you about the Shelby Supercar (SCC) Ultimate Aero TT and its goal of usurping the Bugatti Veyron's unofficial claim as fastest production car in the world. On September 14th The Ultimate Aero TT under the astute eyes of the Guinness Book of World Records finally made its speed run on a closed section of Washington State Highway. The recorded time as averaged from the two passes turned out to be 255.83 mph. Thus beating the Bugatti Veyron's recorded timeÂ by justÂ under 3 mph. In the end the ultimate challenge for the SCC crew was in finding a suitable location to make their run at the record. Being a small research and production company means that they do not have the large test tracks in their possession that many of the large auto makers have at their disposal. When they located a long stretch of freshly paved highway near their headquarters in Washington state the next hurdle was in getting all the necessary permits and security to take over that two lane stretch of road. Once everything was in place and the day of the run came about the sanctioning body of the Guinness Book of World Records arrived to record the event. The worlds top speed for a production car is measured by averaging two runs on the same road or track. The first run is in one direction while the second run is returning back the other direction in order to negate any wind or road benefit. The two runs are then averaged together to get a top speed. The Ultimate Aero TT's first run turned in its top speed of 257.11 mph while the return trip recorded a speed of 254.55 mph. According to test driver Chuck Bigelow the potential for a greater top speed is there, but do to having to maneuver the Aero TT through an S-turn at 210 mph some of the momentum was lost on highway. For a car with 1183-bhp and 1094 ft-lbs of torque and a drag coefficient of a mere .357 it seems quite possible the Ultimate Aero TT has a bit of room before it hits its top speed ceiling. According to aerodynamic wind tunnel testing the Aero TT's body design is stable up to 273 mph. While I may have ranted the other day about whether or not there is a real need on the market place for all the $100k+ supercars hitting the market place this is one specialty car and supercar team that deserves its place in the record books and on the market. Shelby Supercars is not backed by any of the large auto makers or Dot.com millionaires. It is a company that set out on a mission and achieved that mission with room to spare. Congratulations to Shelby Supercars on your amazing achievement. Source[FastAutos]

Video Game: Gran Turismo demo unveils the Nissan GT-R

will bee — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 11:43:57 +0000

We have said it before and we will say it again, product placement in movies, video games and sports stadiums when done properly is pure marketing genius. Having your car in one of the greatest racing video game franchises ahead of its release is a good move to help build the hype for its unveiling. YetÂ Sony has done Nissan even better by placing the Nissan GT-R within the downloadable demo of the new Gran Turismo 5 Prologue. They also moved up the date of the demo's release to coincide with the 40th Anniversary of the Tokyo Auto Show. On October 20th those eager fans that download the demo to Gran Turismo 5 for the Playstation 3 will be the first car fans to climb (digitally) behind the controls of the new Nissan GT-R. The car in the game will be the actual production model and should contain the proper performance figures for the car. Sony has also moved up the release date of Gran Turismo 5 Prologue to December 13, 2007. It is not clear how much of that release date change is Nissan (unlikely) and how much of it is the makers of Gran Turismo 5 just being ready with the game ahead of schedule. Either way it is a nice Christmas bonus for the fans of the racing video game. To get YOUR hands on the controls of a new Nissan GT-R ahead of its official release call up your buddy with the PS3 and request he download the demo on October 20th (expect a call, Todd). Â Source[egmCarTech]

sic-antique-car-show-9-16-07-antique-car-7-001.jpg

Ryan — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 16:50:42 +0000

sic-antique-car-show-9-16-07-antique-car-7-002.jpg

Ryan — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 16:51:16 +0000

sic-antique-car-show-9-16-07-antique-car-13-001.jpg

Ryan — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 16:51:54 +0000

sic-antique-car-show-9-16-07-antique-car-13-002.jpg

Ryan — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 16:52:38 +0000

sic-antique-car-show-9-16-07-antique-car-8-001.jpg

Ryan — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 16:55:31 +0000

sic-antique-car-show-9-16-07-antique-car-8-002.jpg

Ryan — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 16:55:51 +0000

sic-antique-car-show-9-16-07-antique-car-9-001.jpg

Ryan — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 16:56:16 +0000

sic-antique-car-show-9-16-07-antique-car-9-002.jpg

Ryan — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 16:59:10 +0000

sic-antique-car-show-9-16-07-antique-car-10-001.jpg

Ryan — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 16:59:57 +0000

sic-antique-car-show-9-16-07-antique-car-10-002.jpg

Ryan — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 17:00:24 +0000

sic-antique-car-show-9-16-07-antique-car-12-001.jpg

Ryan — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 17:01:07 +0000

sic-antique-car-show-9-16-07-antique-car-12-002.jpg

Ryan — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 17:01:32 +0000

sic-antique-car-show-9-16-07-antique-car-14-001.jpg

Ryan — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 17:02:08 +0000

sic-antique-car-show-9-16-07-antique-car-14-002.jpg

Ryan — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 17:02:38 +0000

sic-antique-car-show-9-16-07-antique-car-15-001.jpg

Ryan — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 17:03:03 +0000

sic-antique-car-show-9-16-07-antique-car-15-002.jpg

Ryan — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 17:03:27 +0000

sic-antique-car-show-9-16-07-chevy-malibu-001.jpg

Ryan — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 17:05:19 +0000

sic-antique-car-show-9-16-07-chevy-malibu-002.jpg

Ryan — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 17:05:52 +0000

RideLust Exclusive: Sea Isle City Antique Auto Show

Ryan — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 17:35:03 +0000

Twice during the year in Sea Isle City, the Promenade, with the beautiful Atlantic Ocean as its background hosts an Antique Car Show. This show is held as the finale of the Skimmer Weekend, (always held in June), and the Fall Festival, (which is usually the second weekend after Labor Day). This year, RideLust was on hand to enjoy the atmosphere and grab some great shots of some great shots. Antique car shows are great because you always learn something new about some older models as the owners of these gems talk about each precise detail along with the stories that go with each unique vehicle. The 1974 AMC Javelin This AMC Javelin was my favorite of the show. Black with attitude. I'd love to see a modern version of this sucker. The 1955 Chevy 210 Sedan That's the nicest Chevy 210 I've seen in a really long time. The 1958 Chevy Corvette Look at those beautiful wheels on this '58 Corvette. The dog likes it too;-) The 1967 Chevy II Nova I've never been a Nova fan, but the yellow makes this one *POP* The 1933 Plymouth Six All steel construction, 380 horse = one of a kind ride. The 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle/Malibu Convertible Don't like the color. But what muscle fan can pass up on a Chevelle? The 1955 Chevrolet Delivery While I'm not a big fan of the body (I think it looks like a hearse) this Chevrolet Delivery was in impeccable, glossy shape. The 1988 Oldsmobile Jetstar Sure, it's a 80's car. But look at those rims. And look at that interior. If I were a pimp, this would be my ride. The 1972 Chevelle Malibu Another Chevelle. Couldn't pass it up. If you're a Chevelle fan, then you know what I'm talking about.

Nissan GT-R outperforming the Porche GT2 and Lambo at Nurburbring?

will bee — Sun, 23 Sep 2007 14:13:33 +0000

While many of us auto-philes with a penchant for gaming are awaiting our chance to run some laps on the track in a 2008 Nissan GT-R some real laps on the Nurburbring track are opening some eyes. It is being reported that the Nissan GT-R produced lap times that were a full 2-seconds faster than the current model Porsche 911 GT2. The Porsche GT2 has a recorded time of 7:32 on the same track, and the Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera has a track time of 7:38. That would give the Nissan GT-R an official, hand-held timer, track time of 7:30. Ofcourse track time is not everything, but when you factor the sales price listed for the compared cars to that track time you gain a whole different perspective. The Porsche 911Â GT2has a sales price of $191,700. The Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera can be yours for $220,300. The Nissan GT-R will have 3 variations when it hits the streets late this year. The base model will be a 480-hp supercar selling for $57,000, the V-Spec model will be listed at $67,000 and the top of the line EVO-Spec with its 530-hp will be available for you to drive home at a mere $94,000. Ofcourse to the basic car buyer the Nissan GT-R may be priced far out of range, but in the realm of supercar shoppers the price and performance available for under $100,000 makes for quite the bargain. Source[MotorAuthority]

Ferrari 'Dino' spied running test laps

will bee — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 10:40:50 +0000

Last month we had written about a diguised Ferrari 599 that was spied perusing the streets. This time that same Ferrari test model, that is now rumored to be the next Dino, was caught turning laps on the Nurburbring. Ferrari has decided to remain mum on any talk of an entry-level Ferrari or a Dino model, but evidence is mounting. The Ferrari Dino is expected to be running a V8 engine, possibly 4.0 liter, that is producing 400-hp. The production range is expected to be about 4000 cars annually. Early reports from previous spottings of what was being labeled the Ferrari 599 had it running much quieter than the current 599 and even quieter than the F430. To get a visual taste for what all the fuss is about take a look at the video down below. And for more on Ferrari stay tuned for news from the January North American International Auto Show taking place in Detroit. Ferrari is scheduled to unveil their new 2+2 Convertible.

BestBuy rewards some Halo 3 fan with a special Pontiac G6 GXP

will bee — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 01:37:26 +0000

As video game fans flocked to their local stores to score their copy of the new Halo 3 game for the XBOX 360 there will be one lucky(?) gamer about to win a new car. BestBuy has souped up a Pontiac G6 into a special Halo 3 GXP Street Edition coupe in tribute to one of the most financially successful games. To win the specially decal-ed G6 all you have to do is buy the Halo 3 video game and register as a contestant on this site on the release date of the game (September 25th). From all the registrants there will be a drawing of 144 winners who will walk away with a substantial collection of Microsoft Points. From the 144 points winners one name will be drawn that will be the winner of the Halo 3 Pontiac G6 GXP Street Edition that is emblazoned with the Halo 3 graphics and interior package. While the graphics may leave a lot to be desired for some there may be a few fans out there anxious to display their loyalty and devotion to the game. The interior received the Halo 3 treatment aswell with LCD screens in the headrests and an XBOX 360 mounted between the seats. A suggestion for next time BestBuy wants to grab a cheap car and give it some Halo inspired alterations: go mini van. It may not be totally cool to cruise around in a mini van you can at least game in comfort and have installed larger LCD screens. Source[IGN]

Dodge passes on Aerodynamics for boxy design

will bee — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 11:35:17 +0000

Looking at the Dodge car and truck line-up for 2007 and 2008 I am left with one burning question that begs for some discussion: Dodge! What have you done with the decades worth of research the world has put into aerodynamics? While some manufacturers build cars that are sweet enough they should probably be delivered to your door in a box, Dodge saw the box and said, "Let's put some wheels on that thing and fill it with lots of horsepower!" Now do not go thinking that I am anti-horsepower, because that would be a mistake. I love the horsepower and possess great reverence for the history of the Hemi engine. Dodge however seems to believe that with enough horsepower they can just muscle their way against the opposing forces. In a world where fuel mileage is as much a factor in buying a new car as horsepower is how does Dodge not recognize the effects all that drag has on the potential mileage of the car? Or are they just choosing to deny it? The main weapon Dodge has designed that creates the greatest drag for their cars and trucks is their trademark grille. Everyone of their vehicles is designed around the same flat, boxy grille with the exception of the Viper (which utilizes a more aerodynamic expression of the Dodge trademark grille opening). While the grille performs a necessary function of bringing a lot of cold air into the engine compartment to aid in cooling, it also acts like a small brick wall upon which the air pushes back against the cars forward motion. There are far sleeker ways to feed cool air upon the radiator, a/c and oil (where applicable). Ofcourse to some it may seem that I am just picking on Dodge, and in some way maybe I am. There are plenty of other examples of cars by other manufacturers that are in complete denial of the scientific facts that aerodynamics have on cars. However, Dodge is the one manufacturer that has made the box and boxy grille the trademark of their brand, and for that they deserve (and can take) a little bit of ridicule. What do you think of Dodges trademark grille - that seems to get larger with each new model (ie.. Durango)? What other manufacturers have trademarks that counter-act againstÂ any efforts toward streamlined aerodynamics built into their cars designs?

Lexus IS-F puts in some impressive track time

will bee — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 11:23:34 +0000

If you are in need of a couple more reasons to look into the new Lexus IS-F I think we have a couple for you. The videos below are from a track day with 3 IS-F's roaming the track and grinding some rubber into the road beneath them. It is just one demonstration of what the 5.0 liter V8 engine can do with its 400-hp and 350 ft-lbs of torque. Take a look for yourself. It seems a bit strange watching that thick sedan body screaming down the track. The exhaust note however has a throaty, rally feel and would certainly put the driver of the car into a racey mood. I hope you enjoyed the show. Stay tuned for more on the Lexus IS-F and for some up-close picks from the Detroit Auto Show in January.

Can the new GM Yukon/Tahoe Hybrid really match the Camry in fuel efficiency?

will bee — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 11:49:51 +0000

When GM first announced their efforts of producing a hybrid system for their Troop Carrier class SUV's the Chevy Tahoe and the GMC Yukon their estimates were for a modest 25 percent gain in fuel economy. After more testing it seems their modest estimates were too modest and that the real fuel savings has leapt to 50 percent. That would mean that this road behemoth would average around 21 mpg in the city; which is right there with the Camry.Â ...Not so behemoth like. The complete EPA rating for the Tahoe/Yukon Hybrid will be 21 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. Those may not be the same average leaps found from other hybrid models, but when you consider the gasoline variant of those SUV's gets 10 mpg in the city that is a colossal improvement. By comparison again to the Toyota Camry that 21 mpg in the city is 2 mpg better than the Camry V6 achieves. Ofcourse GMC is not targeting Camry owners with their marketing campaign for their new Hybrid SUV's, but it is an eye-catching comparison. However all that fuel efficiency comes at a hefty cost. The Hybrid drive system and its two electric motors costs GM $10,000 per car. That is not a cheap drivetrain. The unofficial price of the new Tahoe/Yukon Hybrid is expected to be in the mid-$40,000 range. It is unclear whether that price range will give GM enough of a return for their big-budget engine, but it might be a strain to go higher. A strain on the Green car buyer who would never pay high dollars for the privilege of going Green.Â Â ...errr... wait...Â Â There are probably plenty of celebrities that would pay twice that amount to say they are driving Green in their new SUV. Look for GM's new $10,000 Hybrid system to find its way into the entire Cadillac line-up coming soon. The first Caddy to get it will be the Escalade in 2009. Source[egmCarTech]

BMW 1-Series Convertible set to arrive Spring 2008

will bee — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 11:26:19 +0000

BMW has just announced that the Carbio version of their new 1-Series coupe will be arriving to the US market Spring of 2008. That coincides with the arrival time of the coupe, so interested buyers will have the immediate option of coupe or topless driving. However, if they are going topless they will not have the option of engine choice right away. The only convertible model coming in the Spring will be the 128i. Those looking for the 300-hp 135i Cabrio will have to wait until sometime later in 2008. Much to the delight of driving enthusiast the BMW 1-Series Convertible will be coming with a soft top. That is opposed to the BMW 3-Series and its rather bulky hard-top Carbio model. Many drivers have complained about the effects on weight distribution and drive-ability of the 3-Series convertible with the top down. That will not be the case with the 1-Series soft top. For many it seems that Spring of 2008 just cannot come soon enough. With the 128i supposed to start just below $30k US (approx. $27,000) it seems a likely presumption that the Cabrio version will come just above $30k. No exact pricing has been released as of yet. But once the pricing for the Carbio's is released you can count on finding them here. Source[winding road]

RWD Coupe gets 300-hp: Hyundai finally catches on... horsepower sells

will bee — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 11:45:11 +0000

After years of selling the Tiburon with its 172-hp top-of-the-line engine package Hyundai is starting to buy in that horsepower sells sports cars... or in their case what had been sport-y cars. So for their much discussed rear wheel drive concept car it is now being reported that a 300-hp version will be available. Ofcourse for those Hyundai purists who are put off by soÂ many horsesÂ a lesser powered engine will still be available. To help their RWD concept car reach 300-hp Hyundai will be employingÂ a 3.6 liter V8 engine. While the smaller engine in the concept car is reportedly to be a 2.0 liter turbo-charged engine. There is no mention of a turbo being incorporated with the 3.6 liter V8 but it would seem (presumption here) likely, in-order for them to reach the 300-hp benchmark. And that 300-hp engine is critical for the Hyundai RWD concept if they are going to be any challenge to the Nissan 350Z... which is what they are aiming for. How Hyundai handles all their newly found gusto will be interesting to see. The RWD concept has received much buzz and has built up some great expectations (little of that being Hyundai's doing) thus giving it plenty of room to fall if the car does not perform to those expectations. Hyundai's cars have gotten better with every new model and their 10 yr/100,000 mile warranty is tough to beat. We'll see if their 300-hp sports coupe will be able to say the same when it is finally unveiled in 2008. Source[TopSpeed]

Hemi Cuda rendering: Chrysler! Hire this guy, as your design team is stale

will bee — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 12:08:05 +0000

How is it that the people outside of the car industry can envision the possibilities but those wrapped up in the politics of car manufacturing cannot? That is not always the case because some fantastic cars have slipped through the fashionable filters, but when you have design by committee the usual result is a car lacking in design. However, when you take one man sitting a computer with an idea in his head sometimes you will find the most fascinating results. Take the case of Nate Craver and his Chrysler Hemi Cuda concept rendering. The "what's old is new" concept has been around a long time and the auto industry is in its hey-day right now with that concept. The Ford Mustang and the Ford Thunderbird are prime examples of the concept that have seen success. The Pontiac GTO on the other hand... that is a prime example of a remake that in no way resembles its heritage norÂ displays any imaginationÂ and as a result receives little attention. The recent model of the GTO resembles every other Pontiac being built today. In Nate Carver's Hemi Cuda concept there is still a hint back to the classic but in a very forward thinking design. This is a concept that I could get behind and that would totally go against the Chrysler design groups overall theme of Boxy-by-Design. The Dodge Viper and the Dodge Demon roadster concept are the only cars in the Chrysler family that show any influence from aerodynamic research in their design. This Hemi Cuda concept would be just the jolt of sleek speed Chrysler needs. As a conceptual idea this would be a Hemi Cuda that could compete in all venues and would literally twist peoples necks as they wrenched back to see it in passing. But that is just one man's admiring...Â what do you think of this Chrysler Hemi Cuda rendering? Does theÂ NEW Chrysler company have the stomach to take such a risk? Does this concept Cuda look Cuda enough to satisfy the Cuda-nites and yet inspire a new generation of Cuda fans? Source[nate carver-flickr]

Used Car Spotlight: Try the 2003 SRT-4 for a sporty car that is fun to drive

will bee — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 11:39:33 +0000

If you are looking for a used car that is sporty and fun and you are on a tight budget a 2003 or 2004 Dodge Neon just might be right for you. Unlike the new Caliber SRT-4 the Neon version actually was sold for under $20k new. And where a new Caliber SRT-4 comes as a 280-hp box on wheels the Neon version actually comes with some softer, aerodynamic (there goes that word again) lines but with an aggressive front clip. The joy of the Neon SRT-4 is in the driving, and for a modest amount you might be able to find an unmolested model for anywhere between $11-13,500. That is exactly what a friend of mine accomplished by making his SRT-4 purchase on eBay. His final auction price for the 2003 Neon SRT-4 pictured above was $13,900 and turned out to be quite the purchase. The car arrived with just over 19,000 miles on it and was in great shape. Despite my friends good fortune I would typically recommend taking a test drive before buying and also inspecting for poorly installed aftermarket parts. Driving the Neon SRT-4 is quite a fun experience. The 2.4 liter Turbocharged engine that comes stock with 215-hp and 245-ft.lbs of torque is lively and drives you spiritedly into the turns and straightaways. The shifting action is swift and easy with a short gate between throws. The seats hold you snug in place while the suspension gives you a good feel for the road. While it may not have nearly the 300-hp as many new cars seems to be targeting the Neon SRT-4's light-weight body, agile maneuverability and high torque can easily give it the jump on many more powerful cars with unsuspecting drivers. And with the number of aftermarket parts available your purchase of a Dodge Neon SRT-4, while it may be sufficient on its own, can be just the beginning. Check below for a breakdown of the aftermarket parts that have gone into the Neon pictured below in the Gallery. While the initial introduction of the Neon design did not necessarily ring-out "buy me" to a lot of car enthusiasts, as it is an acquired taste, the SRT-4 package does give it some added appeal. What also improves the perception of the Neon SRT-4 for some... okay, for me... is the failed design of the very square Caliber and Caliber SRT-4. There is no hoodscoop or ground effect that is going to make the Caliber attractive in my eyes. The choice is ofcourse yours and yours alone, but for a fun car at an attractive price and with limitless possibilities a 2003/2004 Neon is an option worth entertaining. Special Thanks to Brad for his time, input and for the test drive of his SRT-4. Aftermarket Add-on's: Mopar Blow-off Plate BWoody H Brace and Traction Bars Short Throw Shifter Needswings 3" Downpipe with Cutout Modified Hood scoop (for more air flow) And Mopar 3D Tail Lights for Visual Effect. Comes Stock with: 2.4L Turbo 16 Valve Twin Cam Engine (03's were rated at 215hp and 245ft-lbs tq) 17" Alloy Wheels 160mph Speedo 0-60 in as little as 5.6 Seconds (5.8 is what Dodge said, traction is a huge factor) Actual gas mileage 22 city, 30 highway (Dodge rated it at 29city/36highway) Boost Between 11-14psi depending on area. For more details on a Neon SRT-4 click here. [myginpage=09022007-srt4]

300+ Mustangs Cruise the Blue Ridge Parkway to raise money for Hospice

will bee — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 11:19:52 +0000

This past Saturday,Â September 29th, Â the Blue Ridge Mustang Club of Asheville, NC held its 2nd Annual Pony Run for Hospice. Over 300 Mustangs met at the Biltmore Square Mall to ride for charity through the Blue Ridge Parkway. All variety of Mustangs from nearby states coming together for fellowship, fun and in the spirit of giving. Ofcourse as I stood ahead of the pack on the Parkway I could hear the real reason why Mustang owners can be such a spirited collective as the reverberations of all those throaty exhausts poured through the tunnel. Those 300+ Ponies rumbled on for miles through the Pisgah National Forest through which the Blue Ridge Parkway winds. For a view of some of those Ponies check out the Gallery at the end of this article.Â Before the Cruises 10am start time I bustled on ahead on the Parkway in my own '03 Mustang Convertible to be in position to capture the Parade of Ponies. While none of the participants threw candy (probably best even though I could have used some gum or hard candy) they did put on a show. Revving their engines as they passed has become Mustang ownersÂ equivilant of the Jeep Wave (and if you have ever ownedÂ a Jeep Wrangler you know what I mean).Â Nearly every amalgamation of Mustang was present for the event. From the first convertibles and Shelby GT350 to the new Shelby GT500 and even an Eleanor was captured somewhere in the pack. There has been no mention of the amount of money raised for CarePartners Hospice, but with over 300 cars contributing $25 per I would say the Blue Ridge Mustang Club of Asheville did their good deed for the day. To be a part of next years Pony Run or to see what other events the Blue Ridge Mustang Club of Asheville has in-store you can check out their open forum here. If you are not in the South East you may want to search for a Mustang Club in your area. Events like the Pony Run occur all over the United States at different times of the year. Immediately following the Pony Run for Hospice through the Blue Ridge Parkway was the Car Show at the Biltmore Square Mall.Â ...But that is for another article. For now, enjoy the Gallery ofÂ some of the Mustangs from the Cruise down below. [myginpage=09282007-blue]

Start Christmas Shopping NOW: Neiman Marcus Lexus IS-F... $68,000

will bee — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 11:57:31 +0000

What says Christmas more than a Neiman Marcus Special Edition Lexus IS-F? There is no way that Tennis Bracelet with all those diamonds nor that very manly pink dress shirt compares to this very special Christmas item to be found in this years Neiman Marcus Christmas catalog. Four-Hundred Horses will outperform that 4 Caret bracelet any day. For $68,000 you get your very own, 1 of 50, special edition IS-F dressed in black with a bold "F" stitched into the seats headrest to remind you that You-Are-Fast! ...AND Special (even if that does not start with an "F".). Further specialty nuances include a black interior with white accented stitching, a unique steering wheel that also includes white leather accents, and sequentially numbered special edition badging. Also included in your purchase is a half-day of personalizedÂ training at the Skip Barber Racing School, which nearly all buyers of the Lexus IS-F will need inorder to contain all those horses on the road. Last years specialty car in the Neiman Marcus Christmas catalog was the BMW M6 Convertible, but BMW's are soooo last year they say. The Lexus IS-F with its 400-hp V8 just purrs of the now and Neiman Marcus is not the only one saying it. Well... technically the other person saying it would be me and a few other car crazies. However with a zero-to-sixty in 4.9 seconds the Lexus IS-F is no ordinary sedan. It is a super smoking sedan that can peel rubber and pin you to the back of your seat as you race off to your local Neiman MarcusÂ to buyÂ a very fashionable driving outfit and some matching racing pearls. Below is the official press release: Lexus creates the Neiman Marcus IS F Special Build Sedan for Neiman Marcusâ€™ 2007 Christmas Book TORRANCE, Calif. (Oct. 2, 2007) - The holidays are right around the corner and what better way to ring them in than with the ultimate holiday gift? The Neiman Marcus 2008 Lexus IS F Special Build Sedan debuts as this yearâ€™s fantasy car in the renowned Neiman Marcus Christmas Book, the upscale retailerâ€™s wish book featuring the most luxurious gifts for the holidays. The IS F is the fastest production car Lexus has ever builtâ€¦so fast that the Neiman Marcus Special Build Sedan includes a personalized half-day of pro-driver training compliments of the Skip Barber Racing School. Owners will have the chance to take the high-performance vehicle to the limit - learning real racing skills and experiencing what the IS F can do on and off the road. Delivering more than 400 horsepower from its 5.0-liter V8, the IS F can go from 0 to 60 in under 4.9 seconds. It has the worldâ€™s first eight-speed Sport Direct Shift gearbox and a specially engineered Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system featuring a high-performance sport mode. If the heart-pounding power and speed arenâ€™t enough, the Mark LevinsonÂ® state-of-the-art CD/DVD Premium Surround Sound Audio System with navigation and BluetoothÂ® technology will surely get the blood pumping. Only 50 Neiman Marcus IS F special build sedans will be made. These limited edition vehicles will be among the very first IS Fs off the line and have an exclusive interior design of high-style black with white accent stitching. Each will feature a unique steering wheel with white leather accents, front headrests embossed with an F logo, hand-polished finish on the wheels and a sequentially numbered Special Build badge. To place orders, customers may call toll free 1.888.747.4504, beginning at noon EDT on Oct. 18, 2007. This Neiman Marcus edition is offered exclusively in the Christmas Book.

Mustang Auto Show follows Blue Ridge Pony Run in Asheville

will bee — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 11:29:22 +0000

Following the Pony Run cruise of the Blue Ridge Parkway on Saturday in Asheville, NC the Blue Ridge Mustang Club held a car show at the Biltmore Square Mall. Good food, prizes and raffle drawings were held for all who attended but the cars themselves were the show. With over 300 cars participating in the cruise and a good many of them staying for the car show there were plenty of Ponies to wet your appetite. One of the participants of the event put together a small video of their experience. To enjoy the cruise from the passenger seat of a Pony click here. So here is a special note for anyone looking to travel out of state to attend a car show or cruise. Get yourself some specific directions to where the show is being held. More than likely when you arrive in a town there will be no mention of the event in that days paper. Most coverage will appear the day after the event in most publications. Also, just because you think you know the area where the event would take place you may want to double check. Call those who are sponsoring the event and get yourself some very detailed directions. You do not want to be like some people driving the streets for hours looking for the show in the other parts of town. And while 300 Mustangs gathering in one place may seem like a big event to you there is a good chance that most of the people in a decent sized town will have no clue about the event. However, if you do breakdown and get directions it helps to have some paper and a pen handy. Coming back to tell the driver to take the second "interstate thingy" and a few rights is not overly helpful. Ofcourse that was just my experience. It seems likely that most the people attending the show knew exactly where they were going and did not arrive to the show 3 and a half hours after it started. On the bright side though, when you arrive late like that, there usually is no line at the Hot Dog/BBQ stand. So when you are starving from all that driving and waiting and searching you can step right up and grab some grub. Enjoy some more photos below from the auto show and if you missed the article on the Pony Run on the Blue Ridge Parkway you can click here to get caught up. And for those looking to be involved in next years Blue Ridge Mustang Club Pony Run you need only keep an eye on the clubs forums here. [myginpage=09282007-show]

Video: Is the new Fiat 500 ready to take on the Mini in Europe?

will bee — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 11:52:59 +0000

Like the Mini Cooper the Fiat 500 is a reworking of an old classic that stays very true to the heritage from which it comes. A side-by-side comparison to the old Fiat that battled the Mini years ago on the market shows two Fiat's with very similar lines. However, did Fiat achieve the same kind of modernization in their Fiat 500 that BMW achieved when they revitalized the Mini Cooper brand not too long ago? For those of us in the states we will just have to go to the video evidence to find out. Take a look at these: First up is the boys from Fifth Gear who take the Fiat 500 out for city tour. Next up is some footage of the Fiat 500 on the Nurburgring in Germany before the cars release. Seems a bit comical to see this small box of a car leaning into the corners of the track, but the Fiat appears to handle them quite admirably for what it is. Last up... we just have to go a bit retro and show some of the marketing for the old Fiat 500 to get a good idea of where the soul of the new car is derived from. Plus it is just too darn amusing to look back a bit.

How will Detroit welcome the 5 Chinese Auto Makers coming to the 2008 NAIAS?

will bee — Sun, 07 Oct 2007 14:38:37 +0000

American, European and other Asian Auto Manufacturers have all been fighting to gain a foothold in the burgeoning Chinese auto market for years. While some brands have struggled in their own countries, such as Buick, they have found a receptive market built upon an old reputation. Now it is the Chinese who are looking to expand their horizons and find new markets. The Japanese have done it. The Koreans have done it. So why would one of the worlds largest manufacturing nations not want to do it? China makes what seems to be the majority of everything else we buy, so why should they not make out cars too? It seems all other American corporations have outsourced a large chunk of our labor over to foreign countries such as India and China, so why have our American Auto makers not beat China to the punch and outsourced our auto manufacturing to the Chinese? You see how well they make our toys. So what is the delay? If our Big 3 had outsourced their production to China then maybe the Chinese would not have felt the need to start their own auto companies. But noo... too late now. Five Chinese auto manufacturers are headed to the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit this coming January to test the American market place for their cars. While the cars being shown are not scheduled to be released in the U.S. it is a means of gauging their readiness for the American buyer. While this is not the first time Chinese Manufacturers have displayed their cars at the NAIAS, the five companies in attendence will be the most that have had displays at one time. It has been shown in some testing that many, if not most, of the Chinese cars are not ready for the safety tests all major American cars go through. The Chinese cars that have been tested have performed between Poor and "Your Gonna Die" (okay, that is MY rating scale... not the IIHS's). So will the cars being displayed at the NAIAS be able to overcome the risky reputation that many of us have already labeled them with? The Chinese will make strides in their safety standards and will do so quite possibly through alliances with some American auto manufacturers. The Japanese and Korean companies that came to the US also had quality and design concerns when they first entered the US Market. They seem to be doing pretty well now it seems since Toyota is now the number 1 seller in the US. So are you ready for Chinese cars? Is this the NAIAS's way of replacing Porsche who has withdrawn from having a display at the auto show? How long will it beÂ before we view Chinese Auto Manufacturers as we do their Asian counterparts? We want to know what you think so leave us your comments. Source[DetroitNews]

Slow sales affecting Asian Auto Manufacturers as well as American

will bee — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 02:10:59 +0000

Chrysler has announced temporary closures on 3 of their manufacturing plants and Ford has announced a slowdown on one of its as slow sales are making an impact in production. Well now one of the Asian manufacturers is facing its own slowdown in both sales and production. Hyundai has announced that they will be putting a halt to production at their Montgomery, Alabama plant where the slow moving Sonata is assembled. Compared to last years sales the Sonata is a good 2,000 cars behindÂ the priorÂ years numbers. The unfortunate fact is that all of the plants that are facing these slow-downs in production are in the US. On the other hand there are other cars that are making up for the dips being experienced in the sales of certain other models. While the Hyundai Sonata is experiencing a downturn in sales, the Sante FeÂ is having a better year this year than last. It seems that many of the prognostocators for the auto industry have missed the mark this year and with the value of the US dollar dropping, the housing market in a slump, banking futures with all those Interest Only Loans hurting the industry there is plenty of reason to worry in the auto industry. Oh, and add to those worries the negotiations that are looming between the UAW and Chrysler and Ford. On the bright side... well... you tell us. What can the auto industry do to turn things around? Is it a bad sign that the elite auto makers (example: Porsche) are making record profits and the makers of the average persons transportation are suffering? What can the they learn from Porsche? Source[Automotive News]

Australia's Ford Performance Vehicles introduces the new GT Cobra and Cobra Ute with 404-hp

will bee — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 11:17:55 +0000

The hard working Aussie's in the Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) department have just provided us outsiders with another reason why it is good to be Down Under. Again the Australian auto makers seem to do what the US designers fear: take a risk. This time around FPV has taken a Ford Falcon and placed a Cobra in its Talons that pumps the performance of the once ordinary sedan to 404-hp. All that power comes screaming out of Fords Boss 5.4 Liter V8 and also comes with 398 ft-lbs of torque. This will be a special edition run for the GT Cobra and Cobra Ute. For those lucky few there will be 400 of the sedans produced and only 100 of the Ute's. Each car will come in white and will dawn the traditionally blue Cobra stripes. Other special features for the GT Cobra are high flow dual exhaust, 19" alloy wheels, and either a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission or the "ZF six-speed automatic transmission with Sequential Sports Shift." Pricing for the FPV Special Edition GT Cobra and Cobra Ute is special as well. The sedan version will be (briefly) available for $65,110 AUD, and the Ute version will be $61,200. That comes to about $58,585 US for the sedan and $55,067 US for the Ute. Despite being a bit on the high side it just goes to show that 404-hp from the factory does not come cheap. Read below for the official Press Release from Ford Performance Vehicles. Source[autoblog] PRESS RELEASE:

Ford Performance Vehicles unveils the Cobra
Sunday, October 7, 2007

Cobra R Spec The iconic Cobra name has returned to Australian motoring, with Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) today unveiling its new special edition GT Cobra and Cobra Ute. FPV's new Cobra range was revealed during a parade lap of Mount Panorama prior to the start of the 2007 Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000. Thirty years ago the Ford Falcon XC Hardtop staged the now famous 1-2 victory formation at the 1977 Bathurst 1000 race, which led to the release of the limited edition Cobra XC Hardtop the following year. "The Cobra name invokes passion among motoring enthusiasts, and now 30 years after the famous 1-2 win at Bathurst, the new FPV GT Cobra offers the exclusivity of Cobra ownership to a new generation of car owners," said FPV General Manager Rod Barrett. "The new FPV GT Cobra combines the original XC Cobra's bold styling with the latest in FPV engineering and total performance." "While the vehicle's exterior features the same blue racing stripes and coiled snake emblem that Cobra is famous for, the vehicle will be powered by FPV's latest high performance Boss 5.4-litre quad-cam 32 valve V8 engine, which now produces 302kW." The new Boss 302 engine powering both the sedan and Ute variants produces 302 kW of power and 540 Nm of torque, and is equipped with FPV stainless steel fabricated exhaust manifolds and a high-flow dual exhaust system. For motoring buffs, 302 was the capacity in cubic inches of Ford's small-block V8 engine and is also exactly double the 151 kW output of the 1978 Cobra's 4.9-litre V8 engine. The GT Cobra has a limited slip differential and is available with either a close ratio six-speed manual transmission with a high torque clutch or the ZF six-speed automatic transmission with Sequential Sports Shift. FPV's innovative R Spec handling package is fitted as standard to the GT Cobra, contributing to the outstanding chassis dynamics of the special edition model. The white exterior features blue striping across the bonnet, roof and rear deck lid, and is completed by the unique Cobra badge on each front fender and the rear deck lid. The GT Cobra will also include exclusive R Spec badging. Both variants are fitted with leather seats as standard, with each seat carrying the coiled Cobra snake logo. The Cobra's Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 245/35ZR tyres are fitted to special 19-inch five-spoke alloy wheels with white accents and a machined face finish. Production will be limited to 400 sedans and 100 Utes, and each vehicle will come with a unique Cobra build badge identity. The GT Cobra sedan will have a recommended retail price of $65,110*, while the Cobra Ute will be priced at $61,200*. Boss 302 FPV Programs Manager Paul Cook said the objective of the revised Boss engine specification was to increase the peak power and torque in the mid to upper engine speed range, without affecting vehicle exhaust emissions and urban fuel economy. "Several changes have resulted in the increased performance, including improvements to the volumetric efficiency of the engine above 3750 rpm," said Cook. "This has been achieved by a new inlet and exhaust camshaft profile to increase inlet valve lift and duration, with changes to the valve and valve spring to accommodate the increased valve lift. The compression ratio has been increased from 10.5:1 to 10.8:1, which has improved combustion efficiency through the scavenging of combustion gas. The engine calibration has been extensively revised to optimise the engine operating conditions with the new components, while improvements have also been made to improve accelerator response. The FPV GT Cobra has been optimised to run on 98 RON premium unleaded petrol. * Pricing excludes dealer delivery and statutory charges

With Production at full capacity Rolls Royce is struggling to meet increased demand

will bee — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 11:05:42 +0000

SomeÂ car manufacturers like Ford, Chrysler and Hyundai are stepping back production in their plants as some cars suffer decreased demand (as we discussed here yesterday). However, for the luxury brands 2007 has seen a spike in demand across the board. Porsche has had such a successful year that they have already issued a $7500 bonus check to its employees. Well it seems the workers for Rolls Royce may be hoping for the same as their company experiences what may be record demand. The demand for the new Rolls Royce Phantom is so high that they have already pre-sold their production quota of the Droptop Coupe through 2008. The Phantom Sedan has pre-sold clear to the second quarter of 2008. According to the new quarterly figures Rolls Royce is 22% ahead of the sales for 2006. As a result of demand such as that the Greenwood plant for Rolls Royce is running at or above full capacity. Work shifts have been lengthened. New shifts have been added. It is forcing the leaders of Rolls Royce to consider production changes and some plant expansion...Â what a horrible pickle to be in. The base price for a new Rolls Royce runs at about $300,000. For those who are feeling playful and desire the available add-on's your Rolls Royce can reach up to as much as $500,000. Considering the price of the car and the expectation of selling over 1,000 cars this year Rolls Royce and expanding to meet the pre-sale demand of 2008 Rolls Royce looks to be sitting pretty well. ...do I smell a bonus that they will probably not advertise? Look for more model diversification and further details to come from future concepts, such as the new coupe the 101EX unveiled at Geneva last year, to come from Rolls Royce. Source[motorauthority]

The World's Fastest Production Car

will bee — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 11:43:57 +0000

It seems the Bugatti Veyron will have to find a new unofficial claim to fame. Maybe it can be the fastest selling 2-nd fastest car in the world? As for being the fastest car in the world, the Guinness Book of World Records has officially awarded that title to the SSC Ultimate Aero TT. After its record run across a Washington state highway that yielded an official average speed, as determined by the Guinness Officials, as being 256.19 mph. In order to be the worlds fastest production model car you have to meet all the safety and emissions standards that production models face, as well as run on fuel from the average pump.The Ultimate Aero TT does all that and more. It carries luxury items as well, such as a 10-speaker sound system, leather/suede upholstery, navigation system and an operable back-up camera. Also included isÂ a front-end lift system that raises the nose of the car 4-inches to aid it in clearing rough roads. Add to all of that the fact that the Ultimate Aero TT achieved its record run with a twin-turbo V8 with 1183-hp and 1094 ft-lbs of torque while meeting emissions standards... which is another record that SSC is applying for with Guinness. While the SSC Ultimate Aero TT now owns the bragging rights as the fastest production car in the world they still feel they have room to raise the bar a bit further. The body itself has been tested in the wind tunnel to withstand speeds of 273-mph. Since the record setting run was performed on a public road with an uneven surface it stands to reason that the Ultimate Aero TT could certainly stretch out its lead a bit further. If you are in the market for the worlds fastest production car then you may want to contact Motor Cars of Las Vegas (www.motorcarslv.com) as they are the only dealership licensed to sell the SSC Ultimate Aero TT. And if you are not in the market you might want to get a hold of the latest Project Gotham Racing 4 as the Ultimate Aero TT is available to you at a far cheaper price. Plus you have a decreased chance of making internet headlines when you crash your Ultimate Aero there than you will in real life. Related Articles: Video: Looking for more on the SSC Ultimate Aero? Ultimate Aero's Run for the Record Ultimate Aero Looking to Challenge Bugatti for Fastests Production Car Rights Source[AutoSpies]

Aptera Motors accepting pre-orders on 300-MPG car

will bee — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 11:53:31 +0000

After years of work Aptera Motors is finally ready to accept pre-orders for their unique 3-wheeled hybrid. The Aptera, as it is aptly called, is an electric-hybrid that is said to achieve up to 300-mpg due to its lightweight construction and electric propulsion. The one-cylinder engine housed within the car is used solely for recharging the batteries. The Cesna/teardrop design is intended to reduce the drag on the car thus aiding it in reaching 60-mph in 11 seconds. The top speed of the Aptera is 95-mph. So the question is: while the Aptera is nearly ready for you, are you ready for an Aptera? Â Let's start out with what seems to be the majority concern of the Aptera: safety. The Aptera is built within a composite safety shell that is said to be energy absorbing and impact deflecting.Â Although itÂ does not have to go through the usual regulatory safety tests since it is technically labeled as a motorcycle by its 3-wheel base,Â they did seek toÂ maintain a focus onÂ safety in the design of the Aptera. And it does come equipped with driver and passenger airbags to add to the safety features. While those safety features may not satisfy all car shoppers they do make this what may be the worlds safest motorcycle. The cockpit of the Aptera has room for two with some storage space for luggage behind the seats. The doors and front glass give the driver and passenger a full 180-degree view forward while cameras in the rear provide an equally wide view through the rear. The rear cameras are projected on 3 screens just behind the steering wheel allowing the driver to maintain a forward focus at all times. The cabin of the Aptera is cooled by a solar assisted A/C unit that is operable at all times of the day. Even when the car is not in motion the solar powered unit will run to maintain a comfortable temperature within the cabin. When the Aptera is in use the power from the batteries (particularly at night) will operate the climate control system. Included in the amenities package of the Aptera is anÂ "Advanced drive computer with GPS navigation, CD/MP3/DVD player, XM satellite radio, Large View Rear Camera, and complete vehicle diagnostic system." Thus making this possibly the most entertaining and informative motorcycle in production. It also comes standard with an RFID keyless entry system that allows you to enter and start the car with the keys still in your pocket. And in order to conserve battery use all lights inside and out are LED. To reserve your place in line for an Aptera you merely have to make a deposit of $500. However, there are still choices to be made, including color and propulsion type. You have two versions to choose from: diesel hybrid or all electric (EV). The EV version will get you 120 miles between charges and will easily plug into any 110 volt power outlet like those found in your home. The price of the EV version is $26,900. The hybrid version comes with the one-cylinder, diesel engine that is used to assist in charging the batteries. In the hybrid version you can expect on the high side of its range to achieve 300 mpg at the asking price of $29,900. Of all the hybrid and EV cars we have seen so far the Aptera is the lightest, achieves the highest fuel rating, and the most unique of them all. However, does that make it a winner? For many its uniqueness may be its downfall, while others would be happy to drive an auto that stood out so well. Like many Prius owners who are reported to drive the car because of the eco-friendly statement the car says about them, the Aptera may just carry the same appeal. You can learn more about the Aptera by visiting their website... but not much more. The details and performance charts for the car are said to be coming in the near future. For those on the pre-order list your $500 also affords you a patient 12-month wait... but for many that will be considered money well spent. Let us know what you think. Is the world ready for the Aptera? Could this be the commuter car you have beenÂ waiting for? Source[ecogeek, ohgizmo, aptera motors]

Speculation Department: Is BMW eyeing the Triumph as the companies 4th Marketable Brand?

will bee — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 11:32:57 +0000

As BMW announced that it was looking for a marketable automotive name to expand their brand total to four there is some speculation out there that the British Triumph just may be that brand. BMW acquired the automotive brand in 1994 when the bought MG Rover. With the retro movement still a trend in the auto market and after the Mini Coopers success for BMW it could be a logical conclusion that the Triumph would make a good choice. However, stepping into the speculation business is a risky proposition. To complete their own speculation AutoExpress did their own renderings of what BWM could do to modernize the retro look of the Triumph. The rendering at the top of the screen here is how they see the Triumph as possibly coming together. Next up from there would be insuring that the market is there for a new Triumph. Sure the British may have a special place in their heart for the brand but can it findÂ a worldwide appeal to make the investment profitable for BMW. Maybe those that are Triumph eager may want to start themselves a write-in campaign to BMW. Until BMW comes right out and says the Triumph is on its way and a true concept car is spied traversing the test tracks of Germany all we have is our speculation. And speculation, although tantalizing, often leads to eventual disappointment... or gold if you are a good panner. The Triumph would be a fun brand to have back and I can see a number of older and younger fans of the car who would be excited to see its return. The burning question then is would they buy it? A lot of us love the Mini, but many of us who do just cannot see ourselves driving the pint sized car. What are your thoughts on a Triumph return? Would that be the right move for BMW or would acquiring the likes of Volvo or Jaguar and Landrover be a more prudent venture? Source[autoexpress via carscoop]

Can the CR-Z Hybrid concept help Honda gain Green ground on Toyota?

will bee — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 20:53:37 +0000

AsÂ Honda slips well behind Toyota in Hybrid car salesÂ it is time to get creative. After looking at the new Accord sedan some may wonder if Honda possesses any creativity, but we try to remember the S2000 to give them some credit.Â Honda's most recent attempt to swayÂ hybrid sales their way looks to be a far better effort than the Insight was. But can the CR-Z Hybrid conceptÂ really helpÂ Honda gain ground on Toyota, or in the hyrbid market in general?Â The popular mythos about what sells on the hybrid market has been that those cars that look like Hybrids (meaning unique, if not strange) sell well, while pre-existing models fitted with hybrid systems fare moderately to poorly in sales. The popular examples given are the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight as the unique and the Honda Accord and Nissan Altima as the ho-hum. Ofcourse there are other factors that resulted in those differences in sales volume and popular perception. So with the CR-Z Honda has taken their gasoline-hybrid system and encased it with a modernizedÂ redesign of the 1980'sÂ CRX body. Some people may not recall the CRX, but it was a super compact for its day. Well the design and hybrid drive of the CR-Z puts a whole new spin on that old concept. With Toyota boasting over 1 million hybrid vehicles sold and Honda not even touch one-quarter of that total it is easy to say that Honda has a lot of ground to cover. Will the Honda CR-Z help them to cover that ground? I guess we will only know if the car actually comes to market. Look for the CR-Z concept to make an appearance at the Tokyo Auto Show and maybe and the NAIAS in Detroit this January. It is at least pleasing to see that Honda is taking a chance in style and design with this one, but will it be appealing enough to a market still hungry for some interesting hybrids? Source[detroitnews]

Saturn Green Line Hybrid: Does the affordable price make it appealing enough?

will bee — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 11:29:45 +0000

In a recent Press Release GM unveiled the starting price for the 2008 Saturn Green Line Hybrid. With a starting price of $24,795 the Green Line HybridÂ retains its post asÂ the most affordable hybrid SUV. However with a softened design more resembling of the other SUV's on the market will the affordable Saturn Green Line Hybrid be appealing enough to capture the markets attention? Obviously low pricing is very enticing and the 2008 model Saturn Vue appears to be starting out well. The base price for the basic Front-Wheel drive Saturn Vue is $20,770 and will yield a fuel mileage rating of 16 city/22 highway. So the leap in price from a base model Vue to a Green Line view is slightly over $4,000. Not bad for an SUVÂ seeing a jump in fuel mileage that goes up to 25 city/32 highway. Saturn estimates that the Green Line Hybrid is capable of amassing 585 miles on one tank of gas on the highway. That would get me nearly all the way to my home state on one tank... very economical. The Green Line Hybrid is powered by a 172-hp 4-cylinder engine that is quite the sipper, but the press release does not issue a torque rating for the SUV. How it will perform on steep grades will be a question remaining to be answered. The other concern for the Saturn, and this may just be one that I alone possess, is its design. The prior Saturn line-up were very Saturn, as in they stood out from the rest of the automotive crowd. The Saturn Vue was angular and distinct and still came at a reasonable price. The 2008 Saturn Vue seems ashamed of its originality as it looks to better blend in with the masses. While still stylish it has lost its edge. However, maybe that is exactly what Saturn was looking to do. Maybe the minds behind the revision of the Vue figured better sales would come their way if they resembled the rest of the market. Maybe borrowing some design cues from the BMW X5 is not a bad idea? The X5 sells well. In the coming months the response to the 2008 Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid will begin to accumulate and we shall see if the Saturn assimilation was the right move. Either way their will be a segment of shoppers eager to find an SUV that achieves the Green Lines impressive fuel mileage at such a digestable price. Ofcourse there is also the chance that the Green Line will suffer the basic shun from some for just being a Saturn. Press Release: New Saturn Vue Green Line is fuel economy leader * Saturnâ€™s re-designed hybrid rated at 32 mpg highway; 585 miles on one tank of fuel * Most affordable hybrid SUV at $24,795 Detroit â€” Saturn today announced that the all-new 2008 Saturn Vue Green Line hybrid will have a fuel economy rating of 25 miles per gallon in city and 32 miles per gallon on the highway â€” the best highway mileage of any sport utility vehicle. Saturn also announced that the Vue Green Line will have a manufacturerâ€™s suggested retail price of $24,795, making it the most affordable hybrid SUV on the market. â€œYou can go green without going broke,â€ said Saturn General Manager Jill Lajdziak, â€œand with the Vue Green Line, you also donâ€™t have to give up utility, safety or comfort.â€ High mileage, long range In combined city and highway driving, the Vue hybridâ€™s fuel economy estimate is 27 percent better than the non-hybrid four-cylinder Vue. The fuel economy estimates are calculated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, using the governmentâ€™s new 2008 testing procedure that was revised to better reflect real-world mileage. The hybrid Vueâ€™s 28 mpg combined city/highway rating gives the Saturn line-up a compact utility with significantly better fuel economy than the Honda CRV (22 mpg) or Toyota RAV-4 (23 mpg). The Vue Green Line also provides SUV capability with better fuel economy than that of popular sedans, such as the Toyota Camry (25 mpg) and Honda Accord (24 mpg). The Vue Green Lineâ€™s highway fuel economy will allow the vehicle to travel up to 585 highway miles on one tank of gasoline, farther than any competitorâ€™s SUV. That is enough range to travel roundtrip from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, from Washington, D.C. to New York City or from Detroit to Chicago. Potential one-way single-tank trips include Atlanta to St. Louis, Denver to Salt Lake City and Milwaukee to Kansas City. Hybrid technology, features The Vue Green Lineâ€™s hybrid system combines sophisticated controls with a precise electric motor/generator mated to the 2.4-liter, 172-horsepower, four-cylinder engine and a modified automatic transmission. The system delivers fuel economy gains through advanced engine control algorithms including early fuel cut-off during deceleration, optimized transmission shift controls and by smoothly stopping the engine at idle. The system also features regenerative braking to capture electrical energy during braking, electric power assist during acceleration, low-rolling resistance tires and improved aerodynamics. Several displays provide the driver with information regarding the Vueâ€™s hybrid system operation, including: * Charge/assist gauge - Indicates when the hybrid system is providing propulsion assist or when the hybrid battery is being re-charged. * Eco light - Illuminates when the vehicle is meeting or exceeding the federal governmentâ€™s fuel economy rating. * Auto stop position on tachometer - Indicates when the engine shuts off at idle. * Driver information center â€“ provides instantaneous and average fuel economy information, in addition to other important vehicle data. In addition to the hybrid system, standard features on the Vue Green Line include 17-inch polished alloy wheels, rear spoiler, painted fascias and single-zone automatic climate control. All Vues, including the 2008 Green Line, feature a comprehensive array of standard safety equipment that includes six air bags, active front head restraints, a pedal release system for the accelerator and brake, StabiliTrak electronic stability control with trailer sway control, antilock brakes, tire pressure monitors and OnStar. Quiet, responsive ride and handling comes from front and rear stabilizer bars, MacPherson strut independent front suspension and independent multi-link rear suspension, along with a double-isolated engine cradle. The non-hybrid 4-cylinder 2008 Vue XE has a suggested retail price of $21,395 and a fuel economy rating of 19 city/26 highway. In 2008, Saturn will introduce a 2-mode hybrid Vue, which will increase fuel economy by an estimated 45 percent over the comparable non-hybrid model. Saturn also has committed to producing a plug-in hybrid Vue that will get approximately twice the fuel economy of any SUV currently on the market. Saturn, a division of General Motors Corp., markets vehicles in the U.S. and Canada through a network of about 450 retail facilities, with a focus on providing innovative products with solid value and excellent customer service. In 2006, the brand began a major revitalization of its portfolio with four new vehicles: the Sky roadster, the Aura midsize sedan, the Vue Green Line hybrid and the Outlook crossover. The aggressive pace continued this year with the launch of an all-new Vue compact crossover and the new Astra small car (Fall 2007). [Source: egmCarTech]

Costume Crazy: A Transformers Tribute for the DVD Release

will bee — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 18:47:59 +0000

With the release of this Summer's Transformer Movie taking place today it seemed appropriate to spotlight all those videos out there that pay tribute in some respect to the phenomenon that is Transformers. It is truly amazing the time and detail that goes into some of these. Not so much in video quality but in the imaginitive costumes that many fans have created. The first video is from a costume party that is completely laden with Transformers that really transform. Take a look at these fans as they put their costumes to the test. Here is a video of a young fan rolling out his creation on his families carpet for the camera and all of us to see. While it may not be an exact Transformers costume his creativity is still worthy of a view. It seems the younger fans have an edge in costume creation as evidenced by the following clip... sad sad sad... but funny. While Transformers has always had great marketing, from toys to games to lunch boxes, the phenomenon has also inspired some others to steal some creative marketing. The latest is this Citroen C4 ad. Maybe they are vying to be Jazz's replacement in the Autobot army... hehe. But while some commercials have great budgets and CGI, others just tell a wonderful story. Check out this commercial spoof that just goes to show... you never know what you are going to get with a used car. So head on out and buy or rent a copy of the Transformers Movie today. That way when Halloween comes and you find some deminitive truck or jet plane parked at your doorstep you will not be started when it transforms into a hungry child yelling "Trick or Treat."

5 Video Samples of Lousy Women Parkers

will bee — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 11:37:51 +0000

This is in no way a means of seperating women drivers from men drivers by how well they drive. It is not the intention here to say that all women are bad drivers... to the contrary. There are bad drivers derived from both sex's. However, after having a small woman in a large Suburban back into the door of my Ford Mustang it seemed like a good time to look into other examples of woman drivers who are not parked car friendly. The first example we will label Passionate Deniability. She is the type that at a Psychological examination would vehemently insist that her square peg can fit through that round hole. Thus pounding on it with her mallet until there was either a new hole formed or a square peg shredded. Watch her insistence that her car will fit. This second example we will call the Mis-directional Creeper. Her Inch-Worm tactics leave much to be desired and should only be viewed on high-speed film. Imagine suffering the long wait in the passenger seat of her car as she creeps ever so slightly back and forth and yet never gets closer to the curb. For our third example helmets are in order because they are the Stunt Drivers. For these parkers some how the gas pedals seems to sticks and ramps come out of nowhere just like on the Dukes of Hazard (...back in the Day!). ...and you thought they made the 5-point harness for race car drivers. For our Fourth example we will have to refer to her as Left Turn Lucy. This poor parking lot Lucy lives by the rule... try, try again. Reminds me of a certain acquaintance of mine who only makes right turns because she is afraid to cross traffic. But this Left Turn Lucy certainly takes the cake. Our Fifth example is our Gate Crasher. This seems to be the reason they removed human attendants from the entrances of gates... safety concerns. They live by the philosophy that if you cannot bring the parking ticket to them then they will bring themselves to the parking ticket. The most amusing part (to me at least) is that when she gets out of the car she still does not grab a parking ticket. So those are our 5 examples of lousy women drivers and their poor parking tactics. But to show that I am not biased there will be a bonus video of Stupid Boy driver. Really was not sure whether to call him Hood Ornament Boy or Cheese Gradder Boy but watch the video and you can decide for yourself. Maybe he just felt challenged by the garage gate and thought he had to step-up. And finally, one last video just to show you an example of how parking lot rage can go too far. This is an excerpt from the Fox show Malcolm in the Middle. This is a mother that has been pushed over the Parking Lot Edge!

The Audi A1 Metroproject Quattro Concept comes out of its shell for Tokyo

will bee — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 11:53:16 +0000

Audi has let the not so quiet A1 Metroproject Quattro Concept Car out of its shell, but not before it took on its shape. Is it not just the cutest, sports turtle you have ever seen? To counter the cutesy factor assigned to "Mini" cars in the small car market Audi has infused their A1 with an assertive and purposeful front end that looks like it wants to do business with many advanced technologies engineered beneath the esthetic's that are all about fuel savings and advancing performance. It is time to dig into what makes up the A1. First we have to talk about what you do not see. The Audi A1 is powered by a 1.4 liter TFSI engine that is paired up with a S-tronic dual-clutch transmission. The 150-hp coming out of the engine go directly to the front tires, but the front wheels do not do all the work alone. Hidden in the back is a 41-hp electric motor that feeds the rear wheels upon take-off and at slower speeds. On its own the electric motor allows the A1 to travel in the city emissions free and up to 60 miles an hour. Other built in technologies on the A1 that promote fuel savings are regenerative braking and engine stop/start; which allows the engine to stop when the car is at idle and then start back up immediately when the accelerator is applied. The hybrid mode, the regenerative breaking and the engine stop/start all help combine to allow the A1 Metroproject Quattro to claim a fuel mileage rating of 47-mpg. However, the A1 will not get the nod for being the quickest with a zero-to-sixty time of 7.8 seconds. Fuel savings has a price. The cabin of the Audi A1 concept car is not hurting for technology either. The primary control for all the gadgetry in the A1 is an iPhone like media controller that acts as part remote control, part phone, part navigation, part mp3 player, part camera/picture saver andÂ part Lo-Jack device. There are a number of on-board cameras in the A1, presumably both inside and out, and the hand-held controller can store images from any one of them. Those cameras can also be managed and views selected by the driver on the steering wheels. Camera views have replaced the importance of cruise control it seems. And if your car is ever taken from you the controller will aid you and the police in locating your car and possibly in taking photos of its location and the would be perpetrators of the theft/friendly borrowing. Ofcourse all that technology is being introduced at the concept stage of things and may not be fully ready when the car meets the open market... and it seems inevitable that this car will be built. The small car market is the fastest growing market today and has forced many brands to refocus their manufacturing assets. Trucks and SUV's are just notÂ the trendÂ that they used to be. It is hip to be small... for cars...Â for now. Source[ign]

VW taps the Who to usher the return of the Camper Bus?

will bee — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 10:56:05 +0000

It has been reported out of the UK that after years of concepts and toying with the notion VW may finally be ready to put out an affordable and modernized version of the VW Camper. Following a 60 year anniversary celebration in Hanover, Germany where the Who performed before 40,000 fans VW officials contacted the Who to get them involved in the Campers revival. While the original VW Camper still has the connotation as a Hippie-mobile, the new Camper would be marketed to attract buyers both old and new. Ofcourse it will be with its feet in the "old" that the VW Camper will find its marketing campaign. The Who have reportedly already agreed to allow VW to utilize their Magic Bus song for the marketing campaign. Pete Townsend, the guitarist for the Who, expressed his own affections for the Camper buy admitting that he himself has one rotting away in his garage. Chances are they will not be using that line in the marketing campaign, but you never know. While the look of the VW Camper Bus will remain Modern-Retro the options available on the Camper will remain low. Prior concepts for the Campers revival fell victim to high costs and unfavorable forecasting. It was deemed the cost of production was too high and thus the price would be too high for the typical VW Camper buyer. By keeping costs low on the new model, and options at a minimum, they open themselves to a larger market segment. VW would also be opening themselves up to aftermarket products that owners could purchase to better individualize their retro-sleeper. We will be looking for a new concept of the VW Camper to unveil in the coming year. If VW put one of their new diesel engines in their Camper concept with excellent fuel efficiency that might yet be anotherÂ fantastic selling point. VW executives reportedly have professed that in order for the VW Camper to be built their prognosticators will need to project sales of 100,000 per year. That may be a tall order, but with the right combination of details and a reliable engine/transmission combo VW may find just what they are looking for. ...As long as buyers can find that Magic Bus they are looking for too. Source[egmCarTech]

2009 Corvette lapping-up at Laguna Seca figured to be the next ZR-1

will bee — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 11:09:32 +0000

The phantom "Blue Devil" strikes again as Chevrolet keeps everyone guessing on their new Corvette. The new Corvette tearing up test laps before racing at Laguna Seca is rumored to be the next ZR-1, but you will find no confirmation of that rumor from GM. In the mean time though there is some video from the cars warm-up laps that all ZR-1 afficionado's can purr over. Source[CarScoop]

Will better fuel mileage and fleet reductions save the New Chrysler?

will bee — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 11:29:50 +0000

Is the new Chrysler LLC. in need of saving? Some would say yes as sales slump and uncertainty surrounds the old, fledgling company (that's right, "old" and "fledgling"). Some might say no... but I have no excuse for them. Chrysler themselves are feeling the crunch and are reacting so. Announcements have come out this past week that Chrysler will be trimming some of the fat off their fleet and working to make fuel mileage a priority in their design and engineering. Now that Chrysler has realized that excess is no longer the trend and that their new mid-sized Sebring design is a Se-bust it is time to play a little catch-up. It looks as though the retro days of the PT Cruiser are nearing their final conclusion. Slow sales and 10 years without a redesign make the Cruiser a bit stale and put it first in line on the chopping block. Following the PT Cruiser looks to be the Pacifica and the Magnum. Neither the Pacifica or the Magnum have been on the market long and may be surprise cuts to some. Slow sales, a gluttonous line-up and the need for a new direction all spell the downfall for the cars listed above. It's a shame on the Magnum though... I kinda liked it. One car that is not on the chopping block but will be receiving yet another face-lift is the Sebring. The redesign for 2007 of the Sebring has been dubbed an utter failure whose status as such has been greatly exposed as the mid-size car market trend grows. While cars like the Camry and Accord are seeing improved sales the Sebring is going virtually unnoticed. Chrysler will be shaking up the Sebring in hopes of making a strong comeback in the mid-sized market just like they did when the Sebring Convertible came out in the 90's. Another amazing turn of events that was years in the waiting is Chrysler has announced a new committment to improving the fuel mileage of their fleet. Years of SUV sales and bloated designs have led to a poor fuel rating fleet wide and across the Chrysler brands. When the Dodge Caravan first came out in the 80's it was powered by an anemic 4-cylinder engine that was great on gas butÂ poor on hills. Since then the Caravan has grown in both size and engine as it is moved by a gas gulping V6. Chrysler's plan is to expand their diesel use, go to direct-injection on some of their engines and to utilize the hybrid technology that they are partnered with BMW and GM in developing. Their first autos to benefit from the gas-electric hybrid technology will be the Aspen and the Durango. The Durango could certainly use all the help it can get in fuel mileage as even the slightly slimmer original model use to have reports of getting 8 mpg by owners. More changes are sure to be coming from the new Chrysler group as they look to get a handle on things. New designs and better fuel mileage across the board are just the beginning we believe, because if it is not then it will not be enough. Are there any other Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge models that you think Chrysler should stop the production of? Are there any particular models that you think should be saved? Should the PT Cruiser really be sent out to pasture or could they possibly redesign the modern-retro car in a way that would still appeal to the market? Maybe your ideas are just what Chrysler has been waiting on. Why not? Leave your thoughts and comments here and maybe through the miracle of internet browsing Chrysler will finally get the message. Source[Detroit News]

BMW prepares 1-Series tii Concept Car for Tokyo Auto Show

will bee — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 10:50:48 +0000

BMW has slipped out just a taste of what is coming to the Tokyo Auto Show that starts today. And as if there has not been enough anticipation over the BMW 1-Series seeing some of the potential that lies within the 1-Series is even more exciting. The BMW 1-Series tii is a pure concept car that BMW is using to experiment with lightweight designs for the 1-Series. Details for the 1-Series tii have been hush hush thus far, but with the start of the Tokyo Auto Show the odds are that BMW will be more forthcoming at the unveiling. However, if pictures truly do say a thousand words then following the jump to the next page you will see a whole lot of words. From what we understand the pictures really do say it all... for now. Are those shots alone reason enoughÂ to hold offÂ your car shopping until the Spring when the 1-Series 135i comes to market here in the US? Whether you are into the heritage of BMW or not it is fun to see a return to the small car and some aggressive options. Keep posted for more on the BMW 1-Series tii concept car and more from the Tokyo Auto Show right here at RideLust. Source[CarScoop]

Nissan makes it all Official with the GT-R Press Release and unveiling in Tokyo

will bee — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 11:51:43 +0000

The teasers are officially over as Nissan makes public its worse kept secret with an official Press Release and in person unveiling of the GT-R at the Tokyo Auto Show. It is almost sad to see the speculation depart like this, but it is nice to see the real thing just as Nissan intended it to be. The GT-R goes on sale in Japan on December 6th of this year and will be supported by the newly created Nissan High Performance Center. So much is riding on the GT-R that Nissan has created a maintenance group around the car. As you will read below and may have read before the Nissan GT-R is powered byÂ a 3.8 Liter twin-turbo V6 "VR38". The power coming from that engine rates 473-hp and up to 433-ft. lbs of torque. Take a look at the photo gallery below for the official photos released by Nissan and after the gallery and for further details on the GT-R read from Nissan's Official Press Release. [myginpage=10242007-gtr] Source[Nissan]Â PRESS RELEASE:
NISSAN ANNOUNCES NEW NISSAN GT-R
- New Dimensional Multi-Performance Supercar Available in Early December â€“ TOKYO (Oct. 24, 2007) - Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., today announced the launch of the Nissan GT-R, a new multi-dimensional performance machine that lives up to the concept of "an ultimate supercar for anyone, anywhere, at anytime". The Nissan GT-R features a newly developed Premium Midship package, including the world's first independent transaxle 4WD developed independently by Nissan. The Nissan GT-R will be available in Japan mainly through Nissan High Performance Centers nationwide from December 6th. The Nissan GT-R was developed with a new understanding and appreciation of the Earth's natural forces â€“ gravity, inertial force and aerodynamics â€“ and translates those forces into a completely new design, maximizing tire grip and airflow. Basic vehicle dynamics and integration with the driver have also been examined, resulting in new componentry and creating a Human-Machine Interface (HMI) never seen before in the marketplace. All of these theories have been integrated to balance "speed and efficiency," "high-output with environmental consideration" and "high performance and safety." Taking these factors into account, Nissan created the all-new Nissan GT-R, which offers advanced high performance for secure and enjoyable driving by minimizing the effects of climatic, road condition or driving technique limitations. The Nissan GT-R offers ultimate performance for virtually every driving situation â€“ whether it be the Nurburgring circuit, to snow, rain or urban areas â€“ all manageable by the GT-R driver through advanced technology and driving dynamics. The Nissan GT-R's unique characteristics are instilled not just in the vehicle's design, but also through a specialized production process. Carbon fiber, aluminum and steel components are assembled with a special high-precision process, which includes a series of vibration tests. Engines and transmissions are assembled by a single craftsman in a "clean room" environment and upon completion, every GT-R undergoes a battery of comprehensive tests to ensure the proper operation of all vehicle components. To properly support the all-new GT-R, Nissan has established special Nissan High Performance Centers, where all certified advisors and technicians have received extensive training. Total support for the GT-R owner is offered for the first three years of ownership, including measurement and adjustment of the engine, transmission and wheel alignment after the first 1000 km, and again every 12 months, free of charge. Packaging and Driveline Suited for a Supercar The all-new Nissan GT-R uses a Premium Midship package, an all-new, more advanced version Front Midship (FM) package utilized on other Nissan vehicles. This new package enables the use of the world's first application of an independent transaxle 4WD system. The transaxle's layout places the dual-clutch transmission, transfer case and final drive at the rear of the vehicle (instead of the usual front location), which enables vehicle weight to be evenly distributed throughout the car. This gives the Nissan GT-R a superb front-to-rear weight balance, while enhancing leg and foot space and allowing for an optimal pedal layout. Under the hood, the Nissan GT-R features an all-new 3.8-litre twin turbo V6 "VR38" engine, featuring plasma-sprayed bores and a special twin-turbo exhaust manifold system. A secondary air management system enables the newly designed powerplant to provide approximately 40kg/m of torque during ordinary low-rev driving, which gives an optimum air-fuel ratio for around-town efficiency and helps the Nissan GT-R meet ultra-low emission vehicle (U-LEV) standards in Japan. The Nissan GT-R's new engine produces 480PS (353kW) at 6400rpm and maximum torque of 60kgm (588Nm) from 3200 to 5200rpm. Putting the power to the ground is an all-new GR6-type dual clutch transmission, with paddle shifting and a Borg Warner six-plate dual clutch for direct control. Suspension duties are handled through a special Bilstein DampTronic*1 system, which utilizes all pertinent vehicle information to provide appropriate damping forces for all situations and helps maintain a high level of control for straight-line driving, cornering, and braking. Braking is essential for a daily-driven supercar and the GT-R features large Brembo full-floating drilled rotors, low steel high stiffness brake pads and Brembo mono block six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers, which in combination minimize fade and provide stable braking. Run-flat tires, exclusively designed for use on the Nissan GT-R, balance high grip and all-weather capabilities and a comfortable ride in all driving situations. The tires are designed to maintain structure for 80km of travel at 80 km/h, while still providing an acceptable level of performance. High-Performance Safety and Environmental Technologies The Nissan GT-R offers a long list of safety and environmental features, including, for enhanced visibility inside and out of the vehicle, high-mounted LED stoplamps, bright LED rear combination taillights, "super wide beam" headlights, heated door mirrors and flat-blade wipers. Standard safety equipment includes a pop-up engine hood system for enhanced pedestrian safety, driver and front passenger SRS Air Bag System, ELR front seat belts with tension reducer, front seat belts with load limiter, and three-point ELR rear seat belts. Driver and front passenger SRS Side Air Bag System and SRS Curtain Air Bag System are offered as options. Environmental technologies include extensive work to create an U-LEV certification in Japan for the 3.8-liter twin turbo engine and reduced levels of volatile organic compound for materials used in the car. Functional Design â€“ High Performance Aerodynamics and Style The Nissan GT-R's styling follows the function over form theory. Every styling aspect, from the overall design to the smallest details, is created to maximize the vehicle's driving experience â€“ as well as suggesting GT-R's "supercar" level of performance. Utilizing advanced aerodynamics, the Nissan GT-R's aggressive styling evokes the lines of a well-trained athlete, combining strong character lines with smooth and solid areas. The all-new GT-R's body is created with a combination of steel, carbon fiber and aluminum, providing a unique combination of stiffness and lightness. The Nissan GT-R features a low coefficient of drag of 0.27, with high front and rear downforce, which provides the GT-R with enhanced grip in all weather situations, while also enhancing fuel efficiency. The front fenders express power and stability, while the "aero-blades" on the fenders' leading edges provide optimum airflow around the tires and along the body. The scoop in the fenders' trailing edges assists in providing front downforce and optimization of side airflow. The aggressive front end, with a large hood budge and single air intake, provides a sophisticated style as well as undisturbed airflow for power and cooling. New "super wide beam" headlights feature three additional sub-reflectors (compared to conventional lights) to give a wider spread to the illumination area. The Nissan GT-R's large, four-passenger cabin features a sloping "aero blade canopy" roofline and curved C-pillar "sword edge," which expresses the distinctive GT-R identity, as well as facilitating air flow around the rear of the vehicle. The GT-R's hallmark four-ring taillights, efficient rear spoiler and large, integrated Ï†120 exhaust tips, provides the signature rear view of the GT-R, as well as optimizing airflow along the top and under the vehicle. The high level of advanced technology is evident even in the Nissan GT-R's paint â€“ which utilizes a "double clear coat" and "anti-chipping" process. The Nissan GT-R features Ultimate Silver as a special new color, which is painstakingly hand-polished by craftsman. An Interior Suitable for Daily Driving or Supercar Duties Key to the Nissan GT-R's usability as a both daily driver and a high-performance supercar is its interior, which is designed to balance functionality, a sense of ease, and comfort. Sculpted performance bucket seats give the driver and passenger a comfortable driving experience, and soft pads are utilized on the dash in front of the passenger and doors to give an extra level of comfort and safety. The instrument panel surrounds the driver, with all meters and multi-function meter at a uniform height to minimize the driver's head movement when traveling at high speeds. A large center-mounted tachometer, with gear display on its upper right, as well as the easy-to-read graphics of the display, gives the driver instant detailed information, essential for the performance nature of the GT-R. Functional style is also evident in the Nissan GT-R â€“ each meter features a dial plate design that evokes the idea of engaged gears, as well as a three-dimensional metal-like ring, suggesting the multi-dimensional performance of the GT-R. A large, metallic-framed center console features the ergonomically designed shift lever and a red "engine start" button. Adjustability is central to the daily-driver nature of the Nissan GT-R, with a special "set-up switch" located in the center of the instrument panel. This switch enables the driver to adjust transmission shifts, shock absorbers and the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC-R) in three settings â€“ Normal, Comfort or R, the high-performance setting designed for the Nissan GT-R "supercar" application. A high-speed, high-capacity CARWINGS (Japan market) navigation system, with a powerful 30GB hard disk drive, features an easy-to-use touch pad, as well as traditional navigation switches. The screen interface features not only the navigation system, but also an enriched entertainment system with a Music Box hard drive, DVD and CD player, and BluetoothÂ® *2 audio function. For special use in the GT-R application, the multi-function meter also includes mechanical and driving information for safe high performance driving, including acceleration opening, brake pedal pressure, and steering angle. It also includes an "optimal gearshift map," to emphasize economical vehicle operation. A specially designed BOSE sound system includes two forward-facing woofers in the rear center armrest area combined with traditional door speakers. All speakers are mounted in rigid aluminum die cast panels, which combined with the design of the system itself, provide sound quality suitable for a supercar. Pricing and Sales Target 200 units / month Drivetrain Engine Grade Transmission Price (yen, Consumption tax included) ã€€ã€€ã€€GT-R GR6-type dual 7,770,000 ï¼”WD VR38DETT GT-R Black edition clutch 7,927,500 GT-R Premium edition transmittion 8,347,500 *1: Bilstein DampTronic is the registered trademark of ThyssenKrupp Bilstein Suspension GmbH *2: BluetoothÂ® and the Bluetooth logo are trademarks of Bluetooth SIG Inc. of the U.S.

Honda announces plans to put the CR-Z Hybrid Concept Car into production

will bee — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 11:02:25 +0000

After releasing preview photos of the Hybrid concept the CR-Z earlier this month Honda just announced at the Tokyo Auto Show its plans to put the car into production. Their hope is that the car will make it into production just as it is now, but very few cars make it from concept to production without changes. While the representatives for Honda at the auto show were vague on a time-line for production unnamed sources have indicated that the car could make it to market some time in mid-2009 or early 2010. With the introduction of the CR-Z and other hybrid concepts Honda has coming down the line they expect to be selling a 1/4 million hybrids a year by 2009. That number would ofcourse double how many hybrid cars they have sold EVER. So that is either some great optomism by the popular car maker or a clear indication of where they see the future of hybrids. As they stated in their announcements, Hybrid cars are going to be moving away from being a niche market and into being a part of the mainstream car market. The CR-Z is an interesting concept that we have stated before has its heritage in the 1980's CRX design. Another point of influence from that 80's hatchback will be the fuel savings. While the 80's version did not have all the emissions controls that we use in todays cars it was certainly a fuel sipper for its day. The CRX was known to up to 40+ mpg in a time when gas was cheap (compared to todays prices) and few worried as much about fuel mileage. Â The cross-eyed stare of the Honda CR-Z may not please all buyers, but I am surprisingly pleased with the design of the concept. The sloped hood, wide-mouth grill and narrow windows come together into a very interesting package. There is little point in studying the interior as the concept interior package will see an overhaul before it reaches production. However the steering wheel and gauge cluster may survive the engineers harsh CAD strokes. Â Below are some photos of the Honda CR-Z taken from the Tokyo Auto Show. What are your impressions of Honda's newest Hybrid creation? Source[CarScoop]

Tokyo Motor Show: Toyota goes unconventional with Hi-CT Plug-In Concept Trucklet

will bee — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 11:41:59 +0000

Toyota's design team has broken themselves from nearly all automotive conventions and is stepping out of the box...Â well, stepping out of the conventional box to create a new box entirely. The Toyota Hi-CT plug-in concept is a 4-seater (those back seats are in there somewhere) plug-in hybrid truck-type-thing. The Hi-TC is part of Toyota's study of environmental concepts and new designs that might better fit the new hybrid technologies. While the Hi-CT is highly unconventional it is intentionally so. New technologies often do not fit so well in old packages. Here is how Toyota describes the Hi-CT and what they see its purpose as and look for more photos after the leap: Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Hi-CT ("hi ride city truck") - an edgy, urban vehicle Hi-CT The Hi-CT aims to offer a new "coolness" and new ways to have fun as a departure from conventional vehicles - an edgy, urban vehicle inspired by the thinking and lifestyles of youth. - Offers a new kind of automotive "cool" and sense of enjoyment. - Has a new look unconstrained by conventional vehicle size (length 3,330mm x width 1,695mm x height 1,780mm). - Adopts plug-in hybrid technology, which allows it to charge from an external power source and gives it a greater driving range when running on its battery-powered motor; by placing the battery under the floor, achieves a highly efficient cabin with a higher driver position. - Comes with an AC 100V accessory socket that enables stored electricity - made possible by plug-in hybrid technology - to be used for a variety of applications. - Features a removable rear trunk and a deck where surfboards, bicycles and other equipment can be loaded. Source[WindingRoad, Toyota]

Ford building a buzz for 2008 Bullitt Mustang unveiling at LA Auto Show

will bee — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 11:42:05 +0000

Ford has announced their plans to unleash their latest Mustang design, the 2008 Bullitt Mustang, at the LA Auto Show in November. However, with so many Mustang variations to be available in 2008 will the Bullitt be just another fish inÂ a sea of High Priced Ponies? It is always nice to pay tribute to the moments and movements that helped get you to where you are now. And Steve McQueen's use of the Mustang in the movie Bullitt was jaw dropping and awe inspiring, but is Ford really recreating that feeling in its new 2008 tribute? Not that we can tell anything from the sketch provide so If they are that is great, but now at what price? For 2008 a mere Ford Mustang GT Premium has soared above the $30,000 mark. Am I the only one that thinks that is an outrageous price for a Ford Mustang GT? Despite my own personal affection for Mustangs and appreciation for the specialty designs and performance packages, they are starting to run amuck with high priced Pony Specialty cars. What is your opinion? Let us know what you think. Too many high priced Ponies in the corale or is variety the spice of life?

Video: Take a Lap on the track in the BMW 135i... purrr

will bee — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 15:31:59 +0000

A couple of Double-O Agents from AutoSpies had the joy of taking a new BMW 135i for a spin on the track. Moving past the envy of having that privilege and focusing more on the car itself there is one thing that seemed most pleasing and striking: the exhaust note. While the giant windmills are an attractive Green distraction the exhaust note of the BMW 135i grabs you from the start. The initial rev of the engine is an simple indication to the driver that the horses beneath the bonnet of this coupe are ready to run. Watch the video and enjoy. Now I are not going to make fun of someone skipping gears on the track in a car they have never tested before, but it does make me curious about the gate of the shifter. If you are switching from a slightly older Porsche or Mustang or Truck for example (not that those might be common switches to a BMW) with a larger gate to the shift it is easy to see how someone could inadvertantly skip over a gear or two. Overall and after each little tidbit that becomes available the BMW 135i looks more and more inticing. Source[AutoSpies] Releted links: BMW 1-Series tii Concept Car BMW 1-Series Convertible Speculation BMW 1-Series Pricing for US BMW 1-Series, Volvo C30, Audi A3 Video Footage

2007 SEMA Show: Jay Leno shows off his E85 600-hp Corvette C6RS

will bee — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 11:48:44 +0000

Jay Leno is one of the premier car collectors of our time and with his switch in recent years toward Greener autos comes a new take on an existing Bow-Tie racer. Leno's CorvetteÂ as seen above is a modified ZO6 that is dressed in carbon-fiber front and back and boasts a horse-heavy board aluminum 8.2 Liter engine that puts out 600 horses. What is special about the engine, besides how fast it spins the wheels, is the fuel that flows through the engine. The fuel that fed the vision Leno had for this Corvette and the fuel that ignites in each cylinder is E85. The body design for Leno's Corvette is based off of the C6R racer that runs in the Le Mans racing series. With wider front and rear fenders made of carbon-fiber and its straight black finish Leno's E85 Corvette would be a highway thriller. However, more inspiring than the appearance of the car is the motivation behind the car, which is to prove that sports cars with high horses are not solely the realm of gasoline powered engines. You can take a homegrown fuel like E85 in this case and produce something that will still mash your head into the padding of your headrest. For more on Jay Leno's E85 C6RS Corvette read the official press release below. Source[Chevrolet via Autoblog] For release: Oct. 29, 2007, 12:01 a.m. EDT

GREEN AND MEAN: JAY LENO'S E85-CAPABLE Z06-INSPIRED C6RS CORVETTE BOASTS 600 HP AND ALTERNATIVE-FUEL CAPABILITY

LAS VEGAS: Tonight Show host Jay Leno's predilection for performance cars is no secret, but many fellow enthusiasts may not know that he is keenly interested in alternative fuels. To prove that red-blooded power mixes easily with a touch of green, Leno partnered with Pratt & Miller the engineering company that builds and campaigns C6.R Corvettes to develop a modified Corvette Z06 that is capable of running on E85 ethanol. It was unveiled at the 2007 SEMA Show.

More than merely a conversion of the stock LS7 engine to E85 capability, Leno's alternative-fuel supercar is powered by a custom, 8.2L (500-cubic-inch) all-aluminum small-block V-8 that pumps out approximately 600 horsepower and 585 lb.-ft. of torque.

The C6RS is the result of an idea we hatched to prove that high-performance cars and alternative fuel technology weren't diametrically opposed concepts, said Leno. I love the idea of having 600 horsepower at my disposal, but using a homegrown alternative to gasoline.

The engine is built around a custom aluminum cylinder block that was CNC-milled from a single block of billet aluminum. And while the cylinder heads, intake system and dry-sump oiling system are stock LS7 components, the engine which has larger bore and stroke dimensions than the 7.0L (427-cubic-inch) LS7 uses a one-off reciprocating assembly, including a forged steel crankshaft, forged rods and forged pistons. Katech Engines, the company that builds engines for the Corvette C6.R racing program, developed the engine.

The fuel system and engine control computer were modified to accommodate E85, and spent gases exit through a Corsa exhaust system. Supporting the 600-horse engine Ãs power is a blueprinted and strengthened T-56 six-speed transmission and a high-performance Centerforce dual-friction clutch.

C6.R inspiration

On the outside, Leno's bad and black C6RS emulates the styling of C6.R racecars, with wider front and rear fenders and a wider rear fascia with an integrated spoiler on top and a racing-style diffuser at the bottom (the diffuser incorporates an LED-lit backup lamp). A C6.R-style waterfall hood front fender louvers, rockers and lower grille opening further define this special Corvette and all of the car's front-end panels are made of carbon-fiber, including custom brake air ducts routed through the front fenders. With all of its body modifications, Leno's C6RS is 1.6 inches wider than stock.

The C6.R and production Corvette's aerodynamically styled bodywork is designed to slice efficiently through the wind, which helps enhance fuel mileage.

The race-ready look of the car is enhanced with a quartet of BBS wheels that feature racing-type locking center hubs. The forged aluminum 18-inch front wheels and 19-inch rear wheels ride on Michelin P295/30ZR18 and P345/30ZR19 tires, respectively.

Adding authenticity to the carÃs custom bodywork was the involvement of Pratt & Miller. The company took on the task of crafting Leno's Corvette into a street-going replica of the racecars, which included installing or fabricating a host of unique components, including:

* A custom DeWitt high-capacity radiator with dual cooling fans

* A carbon-fiber ram-air induction system

* Carbon-fiber inner fender panels that vent hot air from the engine compartment

* Brembo brakes with six-piston mono-block calipers in front and four-piston rear calipers

* Dyna-Mat used throughout the cabin and chassis to reduce interior noise

While the exterior and drivetrain were inspired by the racetrack, the C6RS's cabin exudes luxury, with premium touches and enhancements from Genuine Corvette Accessories that include a two-tone shift knob and boot; leather-covered console armrest, parking brake handle and boot; an interior trim kit, racing-style pedal covers and more.

With its 600 horses on tap and domestically produced E85 fuel in the tank, Jay Leno's alternative-fueled C6RS is an all-American supercar that proves high performance and environmental consciousness go together like the Corvette and checkered flags.

Chrysler sneaks a 'Cuda Concept into SEMA

will bee — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 10:47:49 +0000

There has been some cat and mouse in the media and online about whether or not Chrysler would grace the market with a true Cuda revival. Chrysler has been discounting the chances of a Barricuda return while many have been seeing it as a logical conclusion. Well now it seems that Chrysler is trying on a little logic because they just wheeled in a Cuda Concept car based off the Dodge Challenger into the SEMA show. What you see above is the night before the big opening day for SEMA and that Cuda Concept is sitting quietly, patiently. There are no real details on the car as of yet, but that is sure to change as the day progresses. Look for Chrysler to have a lot of explainging to do and look for us to soak it up and dish it out. Source[Carscoop]

A closer look at BMW's Diesel 123d Coupe that North America won't see

will bee — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 11:26:57 +0000

All the talk of late has been about the BMW 135i and its 300+ horsepower and potential performance. What we seem to be overlooking, and in part because BMW has chosen not to share it with North America, is the 123d which is their 204-hp diesel engine version of the 1-Series. Well the UK's TimesOnline is not forgetting the 123d. Despite their despising of the 1-Series 3-Door predecessor that has been available in the UK they opted to give this diesel coupe a chance, and it seems they were not disappointed. Some impressions that were given is that even though the engine may still sound like a diesel on the outside of the car once you are in the cockpit all you hear is the revving of the engine upon acceleration. The interior apparently boasts more room than the previous 3-Door model from their experience. Ofcourse more important to us is the 204-hp performance of the diesel engine, which they liked so much they would recommend BMW share it with some of their other models. As part and parcel to the performance of the diesel was the fuel mileage. For the duration of their test of the 123d the car achieved a combined rating of 54.3mpg. With its mere 11.5 gallon fuel tank that would give the BMW 123d a range of 600 miles without a fuel stop. Now that would be a test of some bladders out there on the highway. The main detraction from the BMW 123d, as we might expect, is the price.Â When you take the base price of 24,855 British pounds and add the M suspension package at 1,435 pounds and then navigation and leather upholstery you find yourself up to 30,000 pounds. In other words...Â Â Crap! The conversion of that into US dollars brings the car to a ridiculous number, so there is no point in printing it. The recommendation from the TimesOnline was to leave off the M suspension as it only toughens the ride and pads the price. However, it would seem difficult for any enthusiast not to include the M Suspension package. I would rather go without leather seats first. Ofcourse, those of us living in North America may never have to worry about any of that as far as the BMW 123d is concerned.Â If it were not such an impressive engine it would be easy to ignore, but nooo... they just had to get it right and then deprive us. Maybe in the coming year BMW will hear our cries and work to make their diesel engine meet the US standards, but I would not hold my breath. Here are the stats for the BMW 123d that the TimesOnline test-drove: ModelBMW 123d M Sport CoupÃ© Engine type 1995cc, four cylinders, twin turbo Power/Torque 204bhp @ 4400rpm / 295 lb ft @ 2000rpm Transmission Six-speed manual Fuel/CO2 54.3mpg / 138g/km Performance 0-62mph: 7.0sec / Top speed: 148mph Price Â£26,290 Verdict An exceptional engine in a fair car Source[TimesOnlinevia AutoSpies]

Hyundai hints to the future with Concept Genesis Coupe Renderings

will bee — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 11:39:25 +0000

Hyundai looks to send out teasers of hope with their high gloss rendering of the Genesis Coupe Concept. It is being said that Hyundai will be ready to unveil their new rear-wheel drive coupe at the LA Auto Show in a couple weeks, and if the rendering is an indication of the direction Hyundai is taking then there could be some genuine interest there. The Genesis Coupe is reported to be powered by a 3.6L V6 even though some would like to see a V8 squeezed in between the front fenders. Either way if the performance is right a missing cylinder or two could be easily forgiven. If they are aiming to compete with the Infiniti G37 then they will certainly need more than a coupe posture and a sloped hood. Does the rendering of the Hyundai Genesis Coupe Concept leave you wanting more or have you already seen enough? Source [AutoBlog]

Fisker to bring 100mpg Plug-in Hybrid Sedan to Detroit

will bee — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 10:59:15 +0000

Fisker's variant of the Plug-in Hybrid appears to be the most striking and elegant yet, but we will know for certain when it is unveiled at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS)Â in Detroit this January. Fisker, in their partnership with Quantum Technologies, have designed and are testing a very special car with some intriguing numbers. In All-Electric mode the Fisker Sedan will achieve 50 miles; which is what they have determined to be an average work commute. While in hybrid mode, which has an option between diesel or gasoline, the car has a range of about 600 miles. So do not worry if your daily commute is 75 miles because this car will just sip on a bit of fuel to carry you the rest of the way... so they say. New technologies do not come cheap, though, and the Fisker will be no exception.The starting price for the Fisker Plug-in Hybrid Sedan is $80,000, and is sure to go up from there with options. With annual production plans projected to reach 15,000 cars a year do notÂ expect to see very many of these Fiskers roaming your local city block or highway. Fisker plans to release the first batch of cars in the fourth quarter of 2009. Let us hope for their sake that they do not run into the same delays that the Tesla has run into. Source[WindingRoad]

FISKER AUTOMOTIVE HIRES EX-BMW ENGINEER Â– FIRST IMAGES & DETAILS OF FOUR-DOOR PREMIUM SPORTS SEDAN ANNOUNCED.IRVINE, Calif. Oct. 31, 2007: Quantum Technologies, a publicly traded company (QTWW) and Fisker Coachbuild, LLC disclose continuing developments of the first production vehicle to come from Fisker Automotive, Inc. - the green American premium car company. The four-door plug-in hybrid premium sports sedan will make its debut at the Detroit Auto Show in January with a starting price of $80,000. Initial deliveries will commence in the 4th quarter of 2009 with annual production projected to reach 15,000 cars. Each Fisker Automotive vehicle will feature an all-new from the ground up platform. Certification, testing and drive train development will be conducted by joint venture partner Quantum Technologies. Quantum has a proven track record of delivering technological advancements to clients such as Toyota, GM & NASA. This new chassis truly allows designer and CEO of Fisker Automotive, Henrik Fisker, the opportunity to create an amazingly proportioned four-door premium sports sedan. Â“The sleek design accentuating the long hood is a direct result of our breakthrough chassis which carries the battery pack at the center of the vehicle between the two axels,Â” explains Henrik Fisker, CEO of Fisker Automotive, Inc. Â“This positioning provides optimal vehicle driving dynamics, maximum safety, proportionate design as well as industry standard performance figures within this car class.Â” Performance details for the first car are impressive achieving 50 miles (80 kilometers) on a pure electric charge. Additionally, by further utilizing a gasoline or diesel engine offered by Fisker, one can extend the total range of their Fisker to more than 620 miles (1000 kilometers). The first Fisker will also deliver an extraordinary 100 miles per gallon - performance figures that will ultimately help to reduce the need for the importation of foreign oil.

SEMA 2007: Is this a Mad Max Mustang?

will bee — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 11:26:29 +0000

While the question has been raised as to whether theÂ plethora of designsÂ for the new Ford Mustang by Ford and Foose and Roush and Saleen have been too numerous we now know that the world has one new Pony too many. Was the objective here to be theÂ worlds mostÂ obnoxious Mustang? ...Because honestly there is worse out there. But if this was a study in bad taste in design then mission accomplished. What we have here is either an entrant into what someone hopes is another Mel Gibson Mad Max movie or the "bad guy" car in the next Paul Walker Too Fast, Too Hideous movie. Despite their going overboard with this poor Pony I am a fan of the paint job. And maybe I am wrong... is this the next great Pony Rendition? You tell me. Source[AutoBlog]

Ford & Pontiac Leaning on Rappers Appeal to design and sell new cars

will bee — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 11:59:23 +0000

With Funkmaster Flex and 50 Cents in attendance at this years SEMA to promote the cars that borrow their fame we are beginning to wonder whether the gamble pays off. Celebrity endorsements and affiliations seem to pay high dividends in other areas of the market; from clothes to sunglasses and on down to water. However do similar endorsements perform the same way in the car industry? Obviously Ford and Pontiac are hoping that they do. Ford has had a two year running with Funkmaster Flex (FMF) as they put his handiwork into a 2006 Ford Fusion for the NAIAS that year. Now they have utilized him yet again as Ford looks to bring out their Ford Flex crossover with plenty of hype. Will there be a FMF street version of his Flex2? Only Ford can say. Now if 50 Cent is promoting your car is it a safe assumption then that the Pontiac G8 that bears his stamp of approval in design also come with bullet proof glass? Pontiac seems to be struggling to remain relevant so maybe by grabbing up 50 Cent they are attempting to put a bit of excitement back into their cars... or at least the G8. While Ford and Pontiac/GM bring along those performance with enough stage presence and street "cred" to cause a riot under certain scenarios are they really reaching the market segment that will be buying these cars? Would they be better off recruiting assistance from Pierce Brosnan (he WAS 007 I hear) and Jay Leno? True that by utilizing the fame and image of hip-hop artists like FMF and 50 Cent could help you branch out into other areas of the car buyer market, but so could more interesting designs. Where do you stand? Does a 50 Cent inspired Pontiac G8 make it more Exciting to you? Have you driven a Funkmaster Flex Ford Lately? ...are you going to? What celebrities out there might make better automobile endorsement fodder that has yet to be tapped for such duty?

SEMA 2007: Scion xD Widebody... this is not a robot Vacuum Cleaner

will bee — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 11:40:55 +0000

Five Axis Design brought out their Scion xD with its widebody kit and sporty stance to this years SEMA show. The widebody kit, upgraded tires and popaya orange paint job finally gives this xD conversion a lot of kick. However, the wide mouth grill on the xD seems inspired by a new age Hoover design that hugs the road and sweeps the streets. There are plenty of upgrades both inside and out that make this one of the best Scions brought to show, however the engine remained untouched and thus remains uninspiring. Who is to say that a car must push at least 200hp in order to be show worthy or relevant? The Scion xD visually stops you in your tracks. But when you start walking again you and the Scion nearly share the same zero-to-20 time. From the rear the widebody flare still holds up in appearance and nearly completes the package. Why it seems that there is a little something missing back here is hard to express. Maybe it is the lack of an obvious exhaust that makes the rear seem unfinished. So has Five Axis Design finally given the Scion xD a proper stance with their Widebody design? If you were in the market for a 128hp sleeper engine with a flashy over-bite would this be the car for you? One thing is for certain... everyone will have plenty of time to watch you pass by. Be sure to checkout the details on the xD conversion down below. Source[CarScoop] FIVE AXIS DESIGN - SCION xD WIDEBODY

01 EXTERIOR

â€¢ Five Axis Design 6â€ Widebody

â€¢ Papaya Orange paint

02 ENGINE

â€¢ No modifications

03 EXHAUST

â€¢ Five Axis Unique Finishers

04 WHEELS

â€¢ FIVE:AD R6:F_SPEC

F: 20 x 8.5, +0

R: 20 x 10.5, +20

Satin aluminum finish

05 TIRES

â€¢ Yokohama Advan Sport

F: 245/30 ZR20

R: 295/25 ZR20

06 SUSPENSION

â€¢ TEIN Super Street Damper

â€¢ TRD strut brace

07 BRAKES

â€¢ Stoptech Big Brake Upgrade

F: 355mm x 32mm, ST40 4-piston Caliper

R: 328mm x 28mm, ST22 2-piston Caliper

08 INTERIOR

â€¢ Five Axis Design Interior Appointments

â€¢ Sparco Faster steering wheel

â€¢ Sparco Litium shift knob

â€¢ Sparco Reflex racing pedals

â€¢ Upholstery by Salt Turin Upholstery

09 SEATS

â€¢ Sparco Sienna sport seats

10 ICE

â€¢ Pioneer AVIC D3 navigation head unit

â€¢ Monster Car Audio cables and wires

â€¢ Real-time video capture

â€¢ Four exterior LCD screens

11 GAMING FEATURE

â€¢ Five Axis Modified Smart Industries 6â€ Claw Vending Machine

â€¢ Five Axis Design Plush Souvenir Toy Car SWAG

Hilton Head Island Concours d'Elegance opens with Car Club Jamboree & Auction

will bee — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 13:28:56 +0000

The Hilton Head Concours d'Elegance on Historic Honey Horn Plantation features some of the most pristine classics that can be seen in the South East. Today begins the car show portion of the Hilton Head Island Concours d'Elegance with the Car Club Jamboree and Auction. Car Club's from around the region will bring in their pride and joy to be seen by the thousands of roaming spectators, while others will bring in their classic cars to be auctioned off to the highest bidder. ook for plenty of coverage from this weekends events right here. For a schedule of this weekends events and show cases just follow the link to Read More.

Saturday, November 3

9:00am - 4:00pm

Hilton Head Concours d'Elegance & Motoring Festival Opening Ceremonies, Car Club Jamboree featuring car clubs from around the Southeast region with a special showcase of Italian sports cars plus food, entertainment and exciting children's activities Location: The Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn

11:00am - 5:00pm

The Hilton Head Auction - conducted by noted specialists, The Worldwide Group Will feature many of the finest Pre-War American and European Classics, American and European Sports cars, Exotic cars as well as American Muscle cars. Admission to the Auction is by catalog - $50, which includes seating for two and can be purchased in advance or at the event. Standing room is available with General Admission outside of bidding section. Location: The Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn, Auction Tent

6:00pm

Saturday Night Gala - By Invitation Only Featuring keynote speaker J.W. (Bill) Marriott, Jr., Chairman & CEO of Marriott International, Inc. Location: Hilton Head Marriott Beach and Golf Resort

Saturday & Sunday, November 3-4

9:00am - 4:00pm

Quest for Speed & Style, an interactive display of race cars and speed oriented vehicles from vintage motorcycles to a display of antique fire trucks and ambulances, plus Ride & Drive at the BMW Driving Experience Location: The Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn

Sunday, November 4

9:00am - 4:00pm

Hilton Head Concours d'Elegance & Motoring Festival Official Concours d'Elegance competition day featuring more than 150 vintage cars competing for the coveted 'Best-of-Show' title and the celebration of the esteemed American automotive manufacturer - Cadillac/La Salle Location: Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn

2007 HHI Concours d'Elegance: 1939 MG TB takes numerous Honors

will bee — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 12:08:04 +0000

This stunning blue 1939 MG TB was the recipient of numerous honors at this years Hilton Head Island (HHI) Concours d'Elegance on Honey Horn Plantation. Already with in possession of a Best of Class award from the 2006 Amelia Island Concours and a Best of Show award out of a field of 380 MG's in Gatlinburg, the HHI judges bestowed just a few more on this exquisite exhibitor. For 2007 this Historic survivor from a pre-war era was awarded a Palmetto ribbon for excellence, a Driving Tour award and at the end of the day it received Best of Class honors yet again. The 1939 MG TB on display at Honey Horn Plantation has had quite a journey before reaching the hands of Leonard and Suzie Star of Hudson, Ohio. It was only 1 of 60 Tickford bodied cars built in 1939 before the UK entered the war and all automotive plants made the switch to building munitions. Of those 60 MG TB's there are only 25 remaining in existence today. There had been 5 owners over the last 38 years of this particular car, includingÂ some time over in Australia, before the Star's acquired the car and had it shipped tot he states in 2002. There are more honors to come for this Historic 1939 MG TB but for now just enjoy some photos of this old charmer. [myginpage=11042007-hhic]

2007 HHI Concours d'Elegance: 1936 Stout Scarab takes Peoples Choice Award

will bee — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 12:45:14 +0000

Respected today as example of Art Deco design the 1930's Stout Scarab was the automotive predecessor to the field of aviation. This particular 1936 Stout Scarab was not only deemed Best of its Class at this years Hilton Head Island Concours d'Elegance, but it was also chosen by the attendee's of this years show to be the Peoples Choice Winner as well. Ofcourse no matter where a Stout Scarab travels heads will turn and eyes and smiles will widen justÂ a bit. This 1936 Stout Scarab owned by Tim Lingerfelt from Davidson, NC is no different. ...Look for more photos after the leap. William B. Stout began his automotive engineering career working for Henry Ford, but left Ford to work on his own creations. Thus the Stout Engineering Laboratories of Detroit, Michigan began and the Stout Scarab was its first design. The Scarab was also the first to break new automotive ground by creating a Unibody design with a rear-mounted Flathead Ford V8 engine. This allowed the floor of the extendedÂ passenger compartment to be flat and unobstructed by driveshaft and transmission clearances. The Scarab was the true predecessor to both todays Mini-Van and the aviation passenger plans to follow it. Later Stout moved on into the field of aviation and began what would later be known as United Air. [myginpage=11042007-scarab]

HHI Concours d'Elegance: A 1961 Aston Martin DB4GT James Bond would Crave

will bee — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 12:07:24 +0000

This years Concours d'Elegance on Hilton Head Island brought in a lot of fantastic classics and antiques that were all Concours show Quality, but one car among them was not meant to be sitting still. This 1961 Aston Martin DB4GT/0130/L was meant to race and with its exquisite lines she looks eager to get started. Owner J. Roberto Quiroz brought this car all the way from The Woodlands, Texas and was awarded for his efforts with a Best of Class award and the praise of those in attendance. However, the DB4GT's true calling is in the race...or for the pursuit a la 007. ...be sure to check out the photo gallery after the leap Within days of leaving the showroom new this 1961Â Aston Martin DB4GT won its class at the Bonneville National speed trials with a two way average of 134.4 mph. Later the grey racer won the inaugural New England Tour 1000 atop Mt. Equinox. The DB4GT was built specifically for speed as it possessed a 5" shorter chassis from its sibling the DB4 and weighs in at a paltry 2798 lbs thanks to its alloy and magnesium body.Â Although I would be curious if that weight was measured when the DB4GT's 37 gallon fuel tank was full or empty? [myginpage=11042007-aston]

Video: Looking for more on the SSC Ultimate Aero TT?

will bee — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 12:06:48 +0000

Whether you like it, love it or hate it the Shelby Super Cars (SSC) Ultimate Aero TT is a hot topic for all. Some dispute the run alltogether despite Guinness' involvement. Some attack the Aero TT on esthetic grounds preferring the soft, rounding design of the Bugatti Veyron. While some are simply impressed of the effort put forth by a small, independent company and its vision of producing the worlds fastest production car. Here is what the boys at Top Gear had to say about the SCC Ultimate Aero TT: But for some there has been enough talk already. Everyone wants some proof of what the Ultimate Aero TT can do with its 6.4 Liter V8 that is pumping out over 1000-hp. Maybe this video from the actual record setting run will provide the proof seekers with just a smidge of what they are looking for: The next stop for the Ultimate Aero TT will be a second run on a smooth test track. Maybe it would be wise of them to invite some media and maybe Top Gear guys to come lay witness. Until the next run takes place there will probably still remain doubt for some. Others maybe have grown to trust the Guinness group and their World Record work. As a car guy I harbor no prejudice toward any of the fastest car entrants and just want to see some cars go really fast (very safely... haha). Related Articles: Guinness Makes it Official Ultimate Aero's Run for the Record Ultimate Aero looking to Challenge Buggati for Fastest Production Car Rights

Video:BMW 318i General Lee takes a little leaping tribute

will bee — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 12:11:09 +0000

If the sight of this miniature Dukes of Hazzard General Lee with matching paint scheme on a BMW 318i does not stir up a little grin maybe watching its tribute leap will cause you to crack a smile. While we do not recommend anyone attempting this with a car that they cherish... or own... we must commend these lads for the sheer boneheadedness of this stunt. However the boys at Top Gear may have a few angry words for you for stealing what may have been one of their future stunts. Enjoy the video... as brief as it is.

Sneak Peek at Hyundai's new coupe without its disguise

will bee — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 12:08:17 +0000

Hyundai's heavily anticipated Genesis Coupe concept was caught at a promotional junket fully exposed and beneath the lights. The balcony view managed by the mystery photographer gives us the first glimpse of what Hyundai is scheduled to unveil at next months LA Auto Show. The replacement for the Tiburon shares a bit of its predecessor features, enough to maybe say they are siblings, but the design of the Genesis appears more prepared to take on the other cars on the market. Improving their chances to compete, more than even the rear-wheel drive feature, will be the two engine packages that have been discussed for Hyundai's new coupe. The firstÂ engine is expected toÂ be the 2.0L turboÂ with its 215-hp and 217 ft lb of torque and will get the coupe started at a very pleasing $19,900 price tag. The second engine option looks to be the 3.8L V6 that puts out 300-hp and 280 ft lb of torque at the higher price of $25,990. Talk of Hyundai putting in their new flagship engine, the "Tau" V8, may be a bit ambitious but with Hyundai on the move it would not be completelyÂ unthinkable. In recent years the Ford Mustang has been touting itself as the only sub-$30k car putting out 300 horses. With the Mustang GT pushing over the $30k mark now and the looming entry of the 2009 Hyundai Genesis Coupe with equal horses at under $26kÂ it looks like Hyundai might be taking on a competitive edge. Are the looks and proposed horsepower of the new Coupe enough to lure Pony fans away with its cheaper price? Until we have seen the rest of the car and some serious tests in the Genesis Coupe it is a little early to say... but we can still speculate. What do you think of what you see now of the new Genesis Coupe from Hyundai? Does knowing that it would come with Hyundai's unparalleled warranty package sway you at all? Source[MotorAuthority]

2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ARC comes out of hiding ahead of LA Auto Show Debut

will bee — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 12:49:34 +0000

The new 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ARC is ready to revive the good old days of racing when your track car was also the car that got you to and from the race. The Viper SRT10 seemed ready enough for anything with itsÂ 8.4 Liter V10 pumping out 600 horses and 560 ft.lbs of torque, but the SRT gurus at Dodge thought differently. They have found the means to reduce the over-all weight of the SRT10 by 40 pounds, or 80 pounds if you buy the audio delete package, and have increased down force, improved breaking and simplified racing setup adjustments to make the Viper SRT10 ARC track ready.Â TheÂ race inspired Viper SRT10 ARCÂ will be on display growling from its pedestal at the Los Angeles Auto Show that runs from Nov. 16th through the 25th. All of the race ready provisions of the Viper SRT10 ARC are the result of and toÂ validate the DodgeÂ SRT core vision: "Deliver benchmark performance at the lowest price, and deliver it with absolute integrity and credibility." The effort and hard work of the SRT department at Dodge seems evident as you look closely at the lines and additions that make up the Viper SRT10 ARC. The last car that earned a reputation as a car you could drive to the track on race day was the Shelby Mustang back in the late 60's. Before that it was the early NASCAR racers driving their 1940's and 50's modified moonshine runners. Ofcourse today's drive-home racers come pre-modified and arrive with a sticker price more resembling a super car, yet still far below what one might pay for a true and trailered racing machine. The ARC in the SRT10 name stands for American Club Racer, and that is exactly what you are getting with this sub-$100,000 race-ready Dodge. So if you are looking to start up your fledgling racing career the Dodge Viper SRT10 ARC would seem a very good place to start. And if you really want a way to stand out on the track be sure to get your racer in Viper Violet. ...Nothing say speed like Viper Violet. For more on the Dodge Viper SRT10 ARC read the official Dodge Press Release below and check back here following its on-stage debut at the LA Auto Show. Â Press Release: Even More Viper Venom! Dodge introduces street-legal 2008 Viper SRT10Â® ACR â€¢ Dodge delivers ultimate purpose-built, street-legal track car â€¢ 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10Â® ACR offers reduced weight, race-ready hardware and competition tuning for optimal on-track performance â€¢ Aerodynamic improvements, racing suspension and weight savings equal unmatched performance for under $100,000 Auburn Hills, Mich. - Dodge announced today that the all-new 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10Â® ACR - short for American Club Racer - will make its public debut at next weekâ€™s Los Angeles Auto Show. The latest addition to Chrysler LLCâ€™s Street and Racing Technology (SRT) family of performance vehicles, the all-new, 600-horsepower 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR is a street-legal Viper engineered to dominate on the race track. Because it is street legal, diehard Viper and track enthusiasts can drive their car to the race track, run it at speed on the track, and then drive it home. â€œWith the all-new 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR, SRT has taken the ultimate American sports car and injected it with an extra dose of racing DNA,â€ said Mike Accavitti, Director - Dodge Brand and SRT Marketing and Communications, Chrysler LLC. â€œWith the Viper SRT10 as the starting point, SRT engineered a combination of reduced weight, race-tuned suspension and aerodynamic improvements to create the ultimate Viper for the street and track.â€ Derived from the all-new 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10, the heart and soul of the all-new 2008 Viper SRT10 ACR is SRTâ€™s new 8.4-liter aluminum V-10 engine that produces 600 horsepower and 560 lb.-ft. of torque. The 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR stays true to the five key aspects of SRT: standout powertrain, bold exterior styling, race-inspired interior, benchmark braking, and world-class ride and handling characteristics across a dynamic range. Bold Exterior Styling The 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR exterior styling cues offer not only bold aesthetics but functional benefits on the track. These include a variable geometry â€œfangedâ€ front splitter, an adjustable rear wing sculpted by CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics), and optimized front dive planes. These new aerodynamic devices are formed in high-performance autoclaved carbonfiber. By using both unidirectional and woven laminates, the aero equipment is optimized for the minimum possible weight. The splitter and dive planes feature a clear coated carbonfiber weave on all Viper SRT10 ACR models. The front splitter includes three removable rub strips that provide protection and wear resistance. Supported by stainless steel tension cables, the splitter is designed to absorb the energy from minor upward deflections. The Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR aerodynamics are tuned and balanced to maximize downforce and provide increased levels of lateral grip. Each Viper SRT10 ACR also includes a track extension that replaces the center splitter rub strip and fills out the fanged splitter scallop for closed-circuit events. The aerodynamic effect of the track extension is a reduction in overall drag and an increase in front downforce of nearly one third. The front fog lamps have been deleted and replaced with lightweight filler panels. The 2008 Viper SRT10 ACR features a signature two-tone paint scheme with a black center section. An optional driverâ€™s stripe is available on a two-tone Viper Red or a Viper Black ACR. The driverâ€™s stripe also features a sewn leather accent on the steering wheel. A clearcoated exposed weave is featured on the rear carbonfiber wing of all two-tone and driverâ€™s stripe Viper SRT10 ACR models. A standard Viper SRT10 monotone paint scheme is also available featuring a body color rear wing and dual painted Viper stripes. The 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR is available in five colors: Viper Red, Viper Black, Viper Violet, Viper Bright Blue Metallic, and Viper Very Orange. Lightweight forged aluminum Sidewinder wheels are painted gloss black to complete the one-of-a-kind exterior styling. Race-inspired Interior Based on the 2008 Viper SRT10 interior, the Viper SRT10 ACR goes a step further to satisfy what racers want: the least weight possible. An optional â€œHard Coreâ€ package offers maximum weight savings by deleting the audio system, underhood silencer pad, trunk carpet and tire inflator. The radio is replaced by a lightweight cover that can be configured to mount the included lap timer. The door speakers are replaced by lightweight carbonfiber panels. The Hard Core package offers a 40 lb. weight savings and provides ultimate street legal race-ready performance. World-class Ride and Handling The all-new 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR is specifically modified and tuned for track performance. The ACR suspension includes coil-over racing dampers from KW Suspensions that are adjustable for damping and ride height. The shocks are two-way adjustable without removing the wheels - a timesaver on the track - and they include a large range for compression and rebound. The KW dampers and forks are machined from solid aluminum billet, feature spherical bearing mounts, and are optimized to minimize weight and maximize performance. The 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR features a new front stabilizer bar for increased roll-stiffness. Lightweight forged aluminum Sidewinder wheels are optimized by using Finite Element Analysis to achieve a lower rotating unsprung mass. Finished in gloss black paint, they wear Michelin Pilot Sport Cup DOT-approved (street legal) race tires, providing enhanced grip on the track. Track performance is maximized in the 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR via several weight-savings initiatives. The savings were achieved with the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup Tires, Sidewinder lightweight wheels, and StopTech brake rotors. With the aerodynamic and suspension elements, the 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR is 40 pounds lighter than the Viper SRT10 coupe. The optional Hard Core package further reduces the weight by another 40 pounds, for a total weight savings of 80 pounds. Benchmark Braking The Viper SRT10 benchmark brakes are taken to the next level in the 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR. StopTech two-piece, slotted, lightweight rotors combine with the Viper SRT10â€™s Brembo calipers to reduce rotating inertia and unsprung mass, improve brake cooling, and significantly reduce fade even under extreme conditions. The StopTech rotors feature a patented curved-fin design, a key element in improving brake cooling. The StopTech brake rotors combined with the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup Tires and Sidewinder lightweight wheels combine to reduce 60 pounds of unsprung, rotating mass. The 2008 Dodge SRT10 Viper ACR stops from 60 mph in less than 100 feet. Standout Powertrain The 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR utilizes the Viper SRT10â€™s new 8.4-liter aluminum V-10 engine that produces a ground-shaking 600 horsepower and tire-smoking 560 lb.-ft. of torque. It features a deep-skirted V10 aluminum engine block, cylinder heads equipped with Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC)-shaped combustion chambers, large valves and Variable Valve Timing (VVT). VVT Electronically adjusts when the exhaust valves are open and closed according to engine speed and load, allowing the engine to â€œbreatheâ€ cleaner and more efficiently. The two-piece intake manifold combines cast aluminum lower with smooth runners for better air flow, bolted to a die-cast aluminum upper plenum. A revised air-cleaner box with a low-restriction filter sends air through a dual electronic throttle control into the intake module. The air-fuel mixture in the cylinders is ignited by platinum-tip spark plugs fired by individual plug coils mounted on the cylinder-head covers. Within the cylinders, pistons are equipped with large-diameter floating pins with bronze bushings for high-load capability. Forged powder-metal connecting rods are secured with aircraft-quality fasteners for increased fatigue strength. Engine lubrication is managed by the large oil pump and a swinging oil pickup adapted from Viper competition engines, to ensure proper oil pressure in high-rpm and hard cornering conditions. The 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR sports the latest evolution of the Tremec T56 six-speed manual transmission known as the TR6060. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via a GKN ViscoLok speed-sensing limited-slip differential. Manufacturing The 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR will be hand built at the Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit. The 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR will arrive in showrooms in the second quarter of 2008 at a Manufacturerâ€™s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of less than $100,000. Complete pricing information will be released at a later date. Street and Racing Technology SRT creates some of Chrysler LLCâ€™s boldest, most distinctive products by single-mindedly following its core vision: Deliver benchmark performance at the lowest price, and deliver it with absolute integrity and credibility. Every SRT vehicle showcases five key aspects: Exterior styling that resonates with the brand image; race-inspired interiors; world-class ride and handling characteristics across a dynamic range; benchmark braking and standout powertrain.

RideLusts Top 5 Fuel Efficient Cars You Cannot Have... Yet!

will bee — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 12:58:01 +0000

There are a number of concept cars being proposed by the various auto manufacturers and each comes with its own set of fuel efficiency promises. While it is never wise to take all of their promises to heart it IS okay to look forward to the potential that they promise. So with our eyes on a better tomorrow we have compiled a list of RideLusts Top 5 Fuel Efficient Cars You Cannot Have... Yet! Number 5: The Tesla Roadster makes our list at Number 5 as a light, all-electric, plug-in roadster that may allow your gas card to collect some dust in a drawer or to sit so long in your wallet it sticks to the leather. The Tesla has a faster zero-to-sixty than a Ferrari, has sports car styling and has an ever growing Green conscious. If not for delays and some necessary adjustments on the corporate level the Tesla Company may have been fulfilling some of their orders for their EV Roadster already. Instead they have a growing list of people willing to put anywhere from $5,000 to $30,000 down for the future roadster with a $100,000 price tag. Need we say the future is not cheap. However, for the Tesla the future should be close at hand as they expect to have cars rolling out their hand built facility in 2008. Number 4: GM is still on the fence about whether their EV Volt will fall under Chevy, under another brand, or be a brand unto itself. What we are sure is it falls in at Number 4 on our list with its promise of electric utility and for NOT being styled after the Malibu. Obviously the most fuel efficient cars are going to be electric because of their regenerative breaking to recharge and that plug-in's will recharge for pennies by the volt rather than dollars by the gallon. The Volt will be GM's flagship into the future that they hope to have figured out by 2010. Lithium technology seems to be holding up many future cars and the Volt has not been immune to the issue of overheating lithium batteries. Pricing is not yet grounded on the Volt but hope is it will be one of the most affordable EV's toÂ be availableÂ in 2010. Number 3: When Toyota introduced their HS-FT hybrid concept vehicle early this year they introduced the promise of a sports hybrid with tremendous potential. A 400-hp hybrid seemed unheard of at the time and the design screamed "future car" to many who have viewed it. Included in Toyota's promise was that we would be seeing the HS-FT (whether it keeps that name or is branded with another... like Supra) in 2009, but ever since that proclamation the trail on the HS-FT has grown a bit cold. While the Tesla may be cheaper to drive and charge, the Toyota HS-FT should be cheaper to own; even though exact pricing will not be available for some time yet. However, it is the excitement of the high torque electric motor paired with the 400-hp gasoline engine that marches the HS-FT halfway up the chart. Number 2: Breaking just shy of Number 1 is the Fisker Hybrid. Anything bearing the Henrik Fisker mark or the Fisker Automotive branding is going to garner great respect and interest among car enthusiasts. The Fisker Hybrid is no different with its future styling that still reaches back into the present and its EV mode potential there is very little that one can say about the Fisker Hybrid that the car does not convey on its own. Well, except for the promise that the car will have a range of 50 miles round trip in all electric mode or a range of 600 miles in Hybrid mode. Like the Tesla the Fisker Hybrid will have a starting price at $100,000, but for those celebrities in the upper Green echelon who spend that much on a small party for friends the Fisker would seem a sure bet. However, they had better start lining up on that pre-order Red Carpet right away because they only plan to make 15,000 a year once production gets underway and what celebrity would want to be caught buying car 15,000. Number 1: When BMW introduced the 1-Series the hearts and minds of many began to race. While the 125i gasoline fueled BMW and its 300 horses is getting a lot of the spotlight in the US it is the 125d that is receiving the admiration of others. The 125d is the diesel incantation of the 1-Series and it is no slouch on its own. With 204-hp and 295-torque and the same suspension options as the 125i the 125d has some moves of its own. The second most appealing move (yes, performance will almost always be number 1) for the BMW 125d is its fuel consumption. It may not be a hybrid or an EV like the other cars on the list but the only premium pricing for the 125d is from the BMW brand. In its own test drive of the 125d the TimesOnline in the UK squeezed out a combined-driving fuel rating of 54.3 mpg. ..."What?" you might say. That is right. You have performance and fuel savings in a diesel coupe that is ready and waiting that could average 600 miles out of its 11.5 gallon tank. ...Only those of us in North America cannot have it. Since the diesel emissions standards and various other requirements are so different between Europe and the US the BMW 125d is not bound for our ports, and BMW is not sounding too interested in making the adjustments to meet our requirements. Maybe in part that is because our emissions standards are about to increase in 2010 and why should they do that work twice just to please their little siblings across the pond? But maybe with enough clamoring and pleading BMW might just see that the US is ready for a fun, spritely diesel like the 125d.

Australian Govt. to crash street racers cars for educational films

will bee — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 12:43:45 +0000

Australia takes the lead now in cracking down on illegal street racers. Not only do they have a national ad campaign that refers to "hoons" as having a small man-part they are trying to make up for but now they are taking their beloved transportation and crashing them for educational movies. So if you are an illegal racer in New South Wales there is always the chance that your car may get its fifteen minutes of fame and will be shown at schools and other facilities around the region. Â The NSW government believes that what they are doing is just, since the illegal street racers are so willing to put others lives at risk. Thus by filming and evaluating the cars they crash from convicted street racers they will be able to educate others about the risk they are putting themselves in as well as the risk to the innocent bystander. Those convicted of street racing will also have to watch the video of their car being crashed for educational purposes. Some may feel that the government should help provide a race track or drag strip to encourage illegal street racers to get off the street, but that is not the job of government. Private enterprise needs to step up and see the lucrative potential of allowing street racers night time or weekend access to these tracks. Instead, many just sit and watch as street racers continue to jeapardize the lives of others. The photo at the top of the page and the one aboveÂ are of a street racing incident in Toronto. A woman in her Land Rover was racing down this street and struck another vehicle, thus sending it crashing into the house on the corner. The Land Rover was tossed to its side and slide into a pole. The female racer recovered from her injuries, but the male victim inside the other vehicle died shortly after. Do you think the friends of the victim in this case would have any problems if their province employed the same tactic of crashing illegal racers cars for educational purposes? We have covered a few stories of local governments attempting to fight back at illegal racers with what means they have. Parts of California and Canada have moved to confiscating and crushing the cars of illegal street racers. Maybe they should all take a look Down Under for some fresh ideas. Source[MotorAuthority] Related Articles: California citiesâ€™ attempts to expand car confiscation ordinances are denied California employs new tactics to crush illegal street racing Ontario goes on the offensive against illegal street racers

LA Auto Show: GM to introduce the Chevy Silverado Hybrid Crew Cab

will bee — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 12:26:09 +0000

GM is prepared to bring their Chevy Silverado Hybrid Heavy Duty Crew Cab to this months LA Auto Show. This will make the 4th model under the GM umbrella to be equipped with their Mode 2 Hybrid drive system after a considerable investment in time and money into its Research & Development. The first to receive the Mode 2 treatment were the GMC Yukon and Chevy Tahoe and then came the Cadillac Escalade. Now the Chevy Silverado Hybrid Heavy Duty Crew Cab joins the Mode 2 family as GM looks for the best means to make a return on their investment. Filling in on the Silverado Hybird is a 6.0L V8 paired that when paired with the Mode 2 Hybrid drive system achieves a 40% fuel mileage increase in city driving and a 25% fuel mileage increase in highway driving. In a very un-truck-like move Chevy has made the Silverado Hybrid what may be the quietest truck on the market by limiting road and tire noise and toning down the exhaust. The irony is many truck owners take the time to do the opposite by installing a large dual exhaust and large knobby tires. While the Silverado Crew Cab used to commonly be a work truck it appears that Chevy/GM is gearing the Silverado Hybrid Heavy Duty Crew Cab toward families and boat or camper owners who want a quiet ride. GM's efforts to get their Mode 2 Hybrid drive system into use and on the market so swiftly is commendable but they seem to have done so at the expense of other alternatives. Small V8's and Diesel engines for both their Crew Cab and Single Cab Silverado models could possibly have achieved the same fuel savings with little difference in performance (Well, the diesel anyway. The small V8 would be for the Single Cab and for light duty). We shall see come the end of 2008 if GM has hit the nail on the head with their Mode 2 Hybrid System or if they have misread the market completely. Are large truck and SUV buyers willing to pay the Mode 2 premium to go Green or will the opt for some cheaper alternatives? [myginpage=11142007-silver] Chevy Press Release 2009 CHEVROLET SILVERADO HYBRID IS THE INDUSTRY'S MOST FUEL-EFFICIENT FULL-SIZE TRUCK LOS ANGELES - Affirming its commitment to fuel solutions and truck leadership, Chevrolet announced the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid, a full-size pickup that achieves 40-percent greater city fuel economy and a 25-percent improvement in overall fuel economy. It is expected to be the most fuel-efficient full-size pickup on the market, besting the current V-8 leader - the non-hybrid Silverado. Partnering General Motors' patented 2-Mode Hybrid system and a powerful 6.0L gas V-8, the Silverado Hybrid delivers highly efficient performance while maintaining full-size pickup capability. The hybrid system provides all-electric driving at low speeds, allowing fuel savings to be realized even when the truck is fully loaded or towing a trailer. Silverado Hybrid can tow up to 6,100 pounds (2,767 kg). "The Silverado Hybrid is the newest example of Chevy's heritage of truck innovation, which stretches back 90 years, and exemplifies Chevrolet's commitment to fuel solutions," said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. "Silverado Hybrid will deliver fuel economy comparable to many small and midsize trucks that are equipped with four- or six-cylinder engines - all while delivering the capability customers expect of Chevy full-size trucks." The Silverado Hybrid goes on sale in late 2008 and is based on the award-winning Silverado platform that was introduced for the 2007 model year. It will be offered in the Crew Cab body style; 2WD and 4WD models. Each model features Silverado's "Pure Pickup" trim and comes standard with several popular features, including StabiliTrak electronic stability control system, a locking rear axle and a trailering package. "Silverado has one of the broadest and deepest lineups of models, configurations and capabilities," said Peper. "The Silverado Hybrid adds to the breadth and depth of offerings, while carrying the core elements that make Silverado one of the most well-equipped and safest trucks in the market." Silverado offers dual-stage frontal air bags and head curtain side air bags; and is the only full-size truck with five-star side impact ratings in federal crash tests. Hybrid details The Silverado Hybrid's fuel-saving performance is derived from GM's advanced Electrically Variable Transmission (EVT) and 300-volt nickel-metal hydride Energy Storage System (ESS), which work in concert with the standard 6.0L V-8 Gen IV gasoline engine with Active Fuel Management (AFM) and late intake valve closing (LIVC) technology. GM's hybrid technology system not only enables the Silverado to launch and drive up to 30 mph on electricity alone, it also allows the 6.0L V-8 engine to operate in its more economical V-4 mode for longer periods. With GM's 2-Mode Hybrid system, the electric power used to propel the vehicle is generated by the hybrid system itself. When the brakes are applied or the vehicle is coasting, the electric motors within the hybrid system create electricity that is stored in the 300-volt battery. This stored energy is used to move the vehicle and the regenerative braking cycle is renewed. The 2-Mode Hybrid system provides seamless, dependable power on demand in an efficient package. In fact, its electric motor is less than half the size of those in single-mode hybrid systems. This technology was developed and is still used in fleets of hybrid transit buses in more than 70 North American and European cities. Scaled-down for use in passenger vehicles, the 2-Mode system delivers fuel savings where it is needed most - in large vehicles with high levels of capability. It is a core part of GM's energy diversity efforts, which are centered on reducing dependence on petroleum, improving fuel economy, reducing emissions and minimizing the automobile's impact on the environment. With the fuel mileage savings of the hybrid system and Silverado's 26-gallon (98-liter) fuel tank, the Silverado Hybrid has a cruising range of more than 500 miles - enough to drive from San Francisco to San Diego. Quiet and smooth Integration of the hybrid system on the Silverado is seamless - the battery pack is located in the chassis, beneath the rear seat - and perceptible only in what it lacks: noise. "The Silverado Hybrid is exceptionally quiet," said Mark Cieslak, vehicle chief engineer. "From a passenger's perspective, the refinement of the hybrid system is quite evident throughout the driving experience, and showcases itself when the vehicle is moving under electric power." Contributors to the quiet driving experience include: * New exhaust system and resonator tuned for the 6.0L engine's Active Fuel Management operation * Additional engine intake induction tuning for reduced interior noise and pleasing sound quality * Low-rolling resistance, "quiet-tuned" P265/65R18 tires for reduced road noise * Electrically driven 300-volt air conditioning compressor reduces vibration and allows the HVAC system to cool the passenger compartment even when the gasoline engine is shut off. Includes the standard tri-zone HVAC system * Electrically driven 42-volt variable-assist power steering reduces vibration and provides up to a 0.5-mpg fuel economy improvement by reducing parasitic losses common in belt-driven hydraulic systems * Energy Storage System (ESS) cooling system internal fan is tuned to be quiet at low vehicle speeds when the fan could more easily be heard by the occupants Along with quietness, the Silverado Hybrid also delivers exceptional driving smoothness, thanks to specifically tuned shocks for its Z85 suspension and a new, hydraulic body mount. Located on the passenger-side of the chassis, the hydraulic mount provides a dramatic improvement in highway driving smoothness, particularly on rough or choppy road surfaces. "The hydraulic mount makes a dramatic improvement in ride quality," said Cieslak. Additional details specific to the Silverado Hybrid include aerodynamic aids. A slightly deeper front air dam and a hard tonneau cover for the bed reduce air drag, fostering maximum efficiency. The tonneau cover has a three-segment design that enables easy folding or removal. Trailering performance In addition to increased fuel economy, the Silverado Hybrid's electrically variable transmission also provides tremendous trailering capability, enhancing the smoothness and driving quality when towing. Electric drive is enabled up to approximately 30 mph (48 km/h), even when towing, allowing fuel savings when the truck is towing a trailer. "Along with being very smooth, the EVT always provides abundant torque at all RPM levels for easy towing," said Cieslak. "It is particularly helpful on grades, as the EVT's greater ratio spread allows the engine to hold optimal rpm for smooth, steady performance, with no hunting between higher and lower gears." The EVT incorporates grade braking and tap up/tap down shift control. It also benefits towing on curves or lower-speed back roads, as exceptionally smooth gear transitions eliminate the "shift shock" torque disruption that can occur during abrupt shifts, such as when slowing or braking. "All-around driving performance, whether towing or not, is excellent," said Cieslak. "The smoothness and quietness of the EVT is the icing on the cake that comes with fuel savings." Hybrid heritage The 2009 Silverado Hybrid is the second full-size hybrid pickup from Chevrolet. The previous-generation Silverado was offered as a mild hybrid that professionals found useful as a power generator at worksites. The new Silverado Hybrid, which features GM's sophisticated hybrid system answers the needs of a broader range of customers and takes advantage of significant technological advances that have been realized since the previous hybrid was offered. The Silverado Hybrid joins the recently introduced Tahoe Hybrid, which also uses the 2-Mode system. Chevrolet is one of America's best-known and best-selling automotive brands. With the largest dealer network in the United States, Chevy is the leader in full-size trucks and the leader in sales of vehicles priced $35,000 and above. Chevrolet delivers more-than-expected value in every vehicle category, offering cars and trucks priced from $9,995 to $83,175. Chevy delivers expressive design, spirited performance and great value with standard features usually found only on more expensive vehicles. More information on Chevrolet can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

Video: Ford's Bullitt Mustang takes on the San Francisco Streets

will bee — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 12:43:43 +0000

For most movie fans the Ford Mustang Bullitt requires little introduction. Steven McQueen did all the talking when driving the badgeless beauty down the streets of San Francisco in the movie Bullitt. The latest version of the Bullitt Mustang comes closer to that classic movie car than the previous attempt, but we will let you judge for yourself with some video footage of the 2008 Ford Mustang Bullitt on those very same San Francisco streets from the movie. Here is what Edmunds Inside Line did with their test drive of the 2008 Bullitt. And if you just want to see the Mustang Bullitt catch a little air watch this video. For all the details for the Ford Mustang Bullitt for 2008 checkout Fords Press Release down below. OVERVIEW BUCKLE UP AND BRACE FOR ACTION, MCQUEEN FANS: MUSTANG BULLITTâ„¢ RACES TO THE STREETS IN 2008:

More horses:Â Featuring the latest in Ford Racing Technology, Bullittâ€™s 4.6-liter V-8 delivers 315 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque.
Sport-tuned: Modified chassis and suspension improves an already competent and capable chassis to deliver the most balanced Mustang ever.
Film-inspired: Dark Highland Green exterior paint calls back the original movie car, while a specially mastered DVD helped Ford engineers deliver an exhaust note that matches the film.
Mustang magic:Â Bullitt is the latest in a line of special editions that keep Mustang news fresh.Â Plus, it delivers on the Mustang tradition of unique products that fit customersâ€™ individual preferences:Â a steed for every need.
Bottom line:Â Bullitt carries on the Mustang tradition of affordable performance with a $31,075 Manufacturerâ€™s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP).Â A limited production run of 7,700 units is planned.

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 6 â€“ Four decades after hitting the big screen and redefining the on-screen car chase, the Ford Mustang Bullitt returns to the streets in 2008, blending the best Mustang ever with the latest Ford Racing technology. This modern classic delivers a balance of power and performance, thanks to special chassis and suspension tweaks as well as the 315 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque that Bullitt delivers through its 4.6-liter V-8 engine. Â Â â€œThe 2008 Mustang Bullitt embodies the true spirit of the 1968 movie car,â€ said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development.Â â€œLike the original Bullitt, this car dials the driving dynamics up a notch for Mustang enthusiasts who love the performance, handling and the sweet sound of Ford power that only Mustang can deliver.â€ The 2008 Bullitt arrives in dealers early next year, with a starting MSRP of $31,075 (including destination and delivery) and limited production of 7,700 units for the U.S. and Canada. The launch of the limited edition 2008 Mustang Bullitt coincides with the 40th anniversary of the release of the Warner Bros. Pictures film that gave the original car its name. Â In the movie, legendary actor Steve McQueen drove a Dark Highland Green 1968 Mustang GT that gained cult status among Mustang enthusiasts, thanks to a seven-minute scene that film and car buffs believe defined the modern movie car chase. Bullitt Chassis Delivers a Balance of Performance and Comfort Ford engineers modified the 2008 Mustang Bullittâ€™s chassis and suspension to fine-tune handling and ensure the extra horsepower and torque from the 4.6-liter V-8 is put to good use. Â The live rear axle uses a unique 3.73:1 gear that helps launch the Bullitt with vigor. Stock Mustang GT shocks and struts were swapped out for new units that allowed engineers to dial in a more aggressive driving dynamic while still maintaining the outstanding ride and balance of the base Mustang GT. Â A tower-to-tower brace designed specifically for the Bullitt lends additional torsional and lateral stiffness to the chassis for improved cornering and holds a unique serial number for each Bullitt. â€œThe 2008 Mustang Bullitt delivers balanced performance,â€ said Paul Randle, chief engineer. â€œComfort is not compromised for performance. Â Performance is on demand. Â You can easily take Bullitt from the track to the street and back onto the track with confidence.â€ The brakes also have been improved versus the base Mustang GTâ€™s. Â More aggressive front pads were developed specifically for Bullitt and improve fade resistance and pedal feel. Â The 2008 Mustang Bullitt wears unique cast-aluminum Euroflange wheels, offering a modern twist on the original movie car. Â The Dark Argent Gray spokes feature a satin finish, while a bright-machined lip completes the look.Â Calipers are colored to match the wheel.Â The wheels are wrapped in the same P235/50ZR 18 BF Goodrich g-Force T/A KDWS tires used on Mustangs at the Ford Racing High Performance Driving School at Miller Motorsports Park in Utah. Powered by Ford Racing Bullitt packs firepower under the hood. Â The 4.6-liter, 3-valve V-8 delivers 315 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 325 pound-feet of torque at 4,250 rpm. Engine calibration is designed to increase throttle response for a snappier acceleration feel. Â The redline has been boosted by 250 rpm to 6,500, with top-end speed bumped to 151 miles-per-hour. Â Gears are selected via a Tremec 5-speed manual transmission, and the shifter is topped with a polished aluminum shift ball designed specifically for the 2008 Bullitt. The car features the first use of an open-element air filter in a factory-produced, fuel-injected Mustang. Â Inspired by Ford Racing, the intake is tucked neatly behind the driver side headlamp, mounted in an air box that was tooled up specifically for the Mustang. Â The hood liner was extensively modified to provide a full seal to the air box, ensuring that the engine is fed a steady diet of cooler air. â€œColder air reduces intake losses,â€ said Randle. Â â€œThe new cold-air intake has shown a reduction in rise over ambient temperature from 50 degrees down to 17 degrees Fahrenheit. Â That equates to more horsepower and more torque in all driving conditions.â€ Engine performance is further enhanced through the use of an innovative adaptive spark ignition system, new for the 2008 Mustang. Â The system can sense, within a few seconds, what type of fuel is being injected into the motor and adjusts the spark to provide maximum torque at any given speed â€“ and as much as 10 pounds-feet more between 1,000 and 4,000 rpm. Bullitt can run on either premium or regular fuel.Â Ford recommends premium fuel for optimum performance, but the adaptive spark ignition will adjust the spark to burn regular fuel without damaging the engine.Â Â â€œWith all the improvements weâ€™ve made to the engine and the taller 3.73-to-1 rear gear, the Bullitt will plant you firmly in the driverâ€™s seat when you stand on the throttle. Â Weâ€™ve seen zero to 60 times drop by up to three tenths of a second,â€ said Randle.Â â€œThereâ€™s also plenty of power on tap at any speed. Â The car definitely feels lighter on its feet, and it is.â€ The custom-designed exhaust system continues Mustangâ€™s traditional use of a true dual-exhaust system with a new H-pipe specifically developed for Bullitt. Â The all-new mufflers, featuring larger 3.5-inch chrome tips (versus the 3-inch tips on the standard Mustang GT) are tuned to minimize backpressure, maximize horsepower and provide the Bullitt with its powerful exhaust note. â€œWe wanted to get the exhaust note as close to the original movie car as possible, so we based it on a digitally mastered DVD,â€ said Randle. â€œWe wanted something that would rumble your heart, literally buzz you â€“ and the Bullitt team delivered.â€ Capturing the Bullittâ€™s Undercover Look The original 1968 Mustangâ€™s stealth-like appearance wasnâ€™t necessarily intentional. Â In typical Hollywood fashion, the movie crew removed all exterior badges and logos from the car â€“ including the iconic pony badge on the grille. The 2008 Mustang Bullitt calls back the original movie car in painstaking detail â€“ right down to the dark green paint and lack of exterior badges, scoops and spoilers. Â The only visible identification is the word â€œBullittâ€ dropped into a gun-sight graphic in the center of the faux gas cap on the decklid.Â Â Â â€œThe 2008 Mustang Bullitt, like the movie car, is a wolf in sheepâ€™s clothing,â€ said Doug Gaffka, chief designer. Â â€œMustang is â€“ and always has been â€“ such an icon that itâ€™s recognizable without the badges.Â But Bullittâ€™s clean exterior doesnâ€™t give away the Ford Racing-inspired power and performance lurking under its skin.â€ The new Bullitt wears a close match to the movie carâ€™s 1968 Highland Green paint, officially called Dark Highland Green. Â This distinctive color has only graced one other Mustang, the 2001 Mustang Bullitt. Â Gaffka assures Bullitt enthusiasts that the color will remain an exclusive Mustang Bullitt color. Â Non-purists can opt for only one other color â€“ black. The Mustang Bullitt uses the standard Mustang GTâ€™s front fascia.Â A new black-mesh grille is devoid of the standard chrome pony and is accented by a satin aluminum strip that represents the chrome grille surround on the 1968 car. Â The rear fascia also is shared with the standard Mustang GT and houses Bullittâ€™s unique dual exhaust tips. Â Dark Argent Gray painted brake calipers closely match the wheel spokes, while staying true to the original. Bullitt Interior Delivers Comfort with a Purpose The interior is pure Mustang Bullitt, understated and dressed in Charcoal Black leather and Satin metallic trim. Â The centerpiece of the interior is the hand-machined, aluminum swirl dash panel appliquÃ©. â€œThe machined appliquÃ© differentiates the Bullitt from any other Mustang in the line-up,â€ said Gaffka. â€œItâ€™s also perfect for the Bullitt. Â The graphic presentation brings back the feel of the â€˜60s while still staying true to the Mustangâ€™s modern interior design.â€ Satin aluminum bezels circle the air vents and gauges, complementing a satin aluminum shift ball that replaces the standard leather-wrapped shifter on the Mustang GT. Â The pedals wear race-inspired aluminum covers that further reinforce Bullittâ€™s performance intentions. The interior is graphically clean.Â The only identifying marks visible inside Bullitt are the logo and gun-sight graphic mounted in the center of the leather-wrapped steering wheel and the word â€œBullittâ€ embossed into the metal sill plates. The Dark Charcoal leather seats pick up the diamond perforation inserts from the base Mustang GT. Â The seats are patterned after those in the Shelby GT500 providing added lumbar and bolster support. Â The seats are constructed using the new soy-based foam developed by Ford and introduced on the 2008 Mustang. Â The soy foam, made up of 24 percent renewable content, is produced through a process that requires less energy and emits less CO2. Bullitt Pushes Beyond The Bullitt package enhances the Mustang GT Premium package with the following:

3.73:1 Limited Slip Rear Axle
Ford Racing Power Pack (cold air induction system)
High Performance Calibration
Performance Friction Carbon MetallicÂ® front brake pads
Ford Racing Strut Tower Brace
Sport â€“tuned suspension (shocks/springs/stabilizer bar)
Modified â€œHâ€ Pipe
Dark Grey Brake Calipers
18-inch Euro-Flange Bullitt Wheels with Charcoal Satin Finish
3.5-inch Packed Exhaust Tips
Distinct Upper Grille
Bullitt emblem on faux fuel cap
Black interior with upgraded steering wheel
Charcoal Black sport leather seats
Unique IP finish (hand-machined aluminum swirl)
Satin Aluminum interior accents (ball shifter/sill plate/pedal covers)

Standard content also includes:

4.6-liter 3-valve V-8 engine
5-speed manual transmission
Auxiliary audio input jack
One-touch up-down power windows
Power mirrors and door locks
Keyless entry
Air conditioning
Tilt steering wheel
Speed control
Rear window defroster
Four-wheel power disc brakes
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Traction Control
Seat-mounted side air bags
LATCH
Personal Safety SystemÂ®
SecuriLockÂ®
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Shaker 500 Audio System with six-disc CD player, MP3 and eight speakers

Available options include:

HID headlamps
Shaker 1000 Audio System six-disc CD player, MP3 and 10 speakersÂ
SIRIUS satellite radio
Ambient Lighting
Active Anti-Theft System
Wheel locking kits

Are you ready for an Engine that Runs on Air?

will bee — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 12:28:47 +0000

Introduced at Barcelona in 2003 by the French company Motor Development International, or MDI Enterprises as they are known now, the air powered engine appears closer than ever to coming to market. The question for many is will they find a market for such unique and questionable (to some) auto? The idea seems simple but engineers have been working on designing an engine that runs on air since the 19th century. MDI Enterprises engine runs on compressed air, has a top speed of 70 mph and a range of 125 miles. When the tanks run dry (or preferably before that happens) all you do is plug in the electric air compressor that comes with the cars purchase and allow it to refill the tanks. A fill-up takes approximately 4 hours at a cost of $2.50. To learn more about the Compressed Air Fueled Engine and the cars designed to be driven by them take a look at the videos below. Here is another informative video by CNN: So is $10,000 too much to spend on a daily commuter car that costs $5 per week to operate? For those without access to mass transit or a safe biking route to their daily labors the miniCAT and its Compressed Air Engine are a big idea that may have a future... or may fizzle into thin air. What do you think? Are you ready to be air-driven to work in a tiny three-seater? Source:[International Herald Tribune]

LA Auto Show: Hyundai Unveils their Genesis Coupe Concept

will bee — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 13:02:32 +0000

There has been plenty of talk and speculation about Hyundai's Genesis Coupe Concept over the past many months, but Hyundai put all that to an end with the cars unveiling yesterday evening. ...or did they? In a stunning coat of orange and black and its vented hood the Genesis Coupe Concept appears ready to hit the streets even though the final production version of the car will not be revealed until the New York Auto Show in March. Here is the official unveiling from LA as captured live by AutoBlog: More about the Genesis Coupe Concept after the leap. Hyundai informs all that the Genesis Coupe Concept is not the replacement for the Tiburon Front-Wheel Drive car. So maybe Hyundai has some more unexpected design and excitement yet to be displayed. Either way the Genesis Coupe looks to be a giant leap forward in design and function for the Hyundai brand. PRESS RELEASE: HYUNDAI UNVEILS REAR-WHEEL DRIVE CONCEPT GENESIS COUPE LOS ANGELES, Nov. 14, 2007 â€“ Hyundai unveiled its highly anticipated Concept Genesis Coupe during a press conference at the Los Angeles International Auto Show today. The concept car heralds the introduction of an all-new, rear-wheel drive 2 + 2 sports coupe scheduled to join the Hyundai lineup in the spring of 2009. Following the introduction earlier this year of the Concept Genesis sedan, Concept Genesis Coupe signals Hyundai's second step in broadening its appeal to driving enthusiasts. The Sonic Orange concept is complemented by a Ballistic Black carbon fiber hood, roof and ground effects for reduced weight. Strong hints of the production version are highlighted in its "Z" bodylines and powerful curves. When the production sports coupe arrives, it likely will be the most affordable 300+ horsepower car on the market, and the most dynamic performance car yet from Hyundai. "Concept Genesis Coupe is the most thrilling, most emotional Hyundai yet," said John Krafcik, vice president, product development and strategic planning, Hyundai Motor America. "When it hits the market in early 2009, we aim to deliver a driving experience that challenges cars like Infiniti G37, at prices more like Mitsubishi Eclipse." DESIGN PROCESS "The mission for Concept Genesis Coupe was to create a pure performance car with a design that would capture the imagination of hardcore automotive enthusiasts," said Joel Piaskowski, chief designer at the Hyundai Design Center in Irvine, Calif. "With its aggressive look from just about any angle, I think we have been able to do that." The powerful curves, surface detail and "Z" bodyside lines come straight from the same underlying inspiration that guided two earlier, well-received concepts: the HCD9 Talus and the HCD8 sports tourer. The undulating beltline borrowed from the Talus adds intrigue while enhancing outward visibility for both the driver and rear passengers. The HCD8 sports tourer's sensual body forms influenced the overall design theme while also providing direction for the concept's assertive headlight and taillight designs. The look of Concept Genesis Coupe was in part inspired by LeMan's race cars, drifters and by Jada Toys Dub Cityâ„¢ die cast vehicles. The front and rear stance of the Concept Genesis Coupe can be described as sinister. "Beauty and danger co-exist in the design of the Concept Genesis Coupe," said Eric Stoddard, senior creative designer. "When viewed from a distance, the car is beautiful to look at. But up close it can appear a bit menacing and even a little intimidating." The concept's rocker panels are drawn close to the ground making the bodysides extra thick and the daylight opening extremely thin, allowing the wheels to be slammed up into bulging fenders. To complete the aggressive sports car look, the depth between the fenders and the greenhouse has been maximized. Three large heat extractors sculpted into the hood are designed to cool just about any powerful engine. When the concept becomes reality, three large openings in the front fascia will allow for better engine breathing. The dual exhaust tips integrated into the rear fascia repeat the design theme of the front cooling ducts and are surrounded by a large carbon fiber air diffuser. An arching roofline and tapering greenhouse highlight the exterior profile and emphasize the car's broad shoulders and wide stance. Concept Genesis Coupe rides on 20-inch polished aluminum deep-dish wheels with Hankook 255/35 ZR front tires and 275/35 ZR rear tires. CONCEPT GENESIS COUPE SPECIFICATIONS Â· Configuration: Front engine, rear-wheel drive sports coupe Â· Wheelbase: 2,820 mm / 111 inches Â· Overall length: 4,666 mm / 183.7 inches Â· Overall width: 1,902 mm / 74.9 inches Â· Overall height: 1,386 mm / 54.5 inches Â· Wheels: 20-inch, five-spoke Â· Tires: Hankook 255/35 ZR front and 275/35 ZR rear PRELIMINARY PRODUCTION CAR DETAILS Â· Engine type: V6 Â· Estimated horsepower: more than 300 horsepower Â· Estimated torque: more than 250 lb. ft. Â· Displacement: 3.8 liters Â· Block material: high pressure die cast aluminum Â· Cylinder head material: aluminum Â· Valvetrain: Dual Over Head Cam (DOHC) Â· Valve timing: continuous variable valve timing Â· Estimated 0-60 mph: under 6 seconds Â· Transmission type: 6-speed manual Â· Front brakes: Brembo, 340 mm disc, twin-piston calipers Â· Rear brakes: Brembo, 330 mm disc, twin-piston calipers Â· Limited slip differential Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 750 dealerships nationwide.

Does the Green Car of the Year only get 20mpg?

will bee — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 12:42:50 +0000

With the Chevy Tahoe and the other large SUV's under the umbrella of GM and those infused with the Mode 2 Hybrid drive system there are now tanks achieving the fuel mileage of jeeps on the automotive battlefield. At an average of 20mpg in city driving the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid achieves a fuel mileage rating that is as good or better than some cars. For the Chevy Tahoe HybridÂ that is a 40% savings in fuel consumption from their non-hybrid model. So while a 20-mpg fuel rating may not sound all that Green to the judges at the LA Auto Show it seems the 40% improvement in fuel consumption won them over. Some of the big names that served on this years judging panel that chose the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid are Carrol Shelby, Jay Leno, Carol Pope and Jean Michel Cousteau. Rounding out the field of judges were industry leaders and several motor journalists. So did the lacking of a new 40mpg model leave the judges with no other clear alternative except the Tahoe Hybrid? Other finalists for the award were the Chevy Malibu Hybrid, the Mazda Tribute Hybrid, the Saturn Vue Hybrid and the Nissan Altima Hybrid. The assumption could be made judging from the field of new hybrid reaching the market place in 2008 that the American Auto Makers are less interested in real innovation and more interested in finding a means to keep their higher profit SUV's relevant. And lucky for them they have just the right audience. Source[MotorAuthority] Related Article: Can the Tahoe match the Camry in Fuel Efficiency? Jay Leno brings his E85, 600-hp Corvette to SEMA

...Get yourself some Chocolate Diesel.

will bee — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 15:16:13 +0000

There seems to be a number of people and firms and companies out there looking for the next alternative fuel. We have had numerous suggestions from corn to methane to sugar cane to algae to electricity derived from the sun. But the latest news of a new entrant into the alternative fuel huntÂ is the sweetest of them all. A company called Ecotec out of the UK is taking the waste from a Chocolate Factory and turning it into 100% bio-diesel. And to prove the effectiveness of their delicious alternative fuel (no, the fuel is not edible but the idea is pretty sweet) they plan to drive their chocolate fueled car from the UK to Timbuktu. At a cost of 15 pence a litre (approx. $1.16 US per gallon) that is a far more affordable trip than if it were fueled by regular diesel. To learn more about Chocolate Diesel and the UK company Ecotec check out the article link here. It also comes with a video interview. Source [LEP.UK via AutoBlogGreen]

Pontiac could launch Australian based Ute and Sportwagon in US

will bee — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 12:22:09 +0000

According to the Automotive News and a few sources from GM the odds look good that Pontiac could be the recipient of a new Ute and Sportswagon to model along their G8.Â GM's Australian company Holden receivedÂ some positive attention from their release of the VE Commodore Ute; especially when they included their 362-hp V8 engine in its SS package.Â Pontiac will hope to make the same splash with their version of the Ute in the US. Consideration was made about makingÂ both models GMC cars, but it was decided that theÂ VE Commodore Ute and the SportwagonÂ concept would compliment the Pontiac lineup best. It was reported that both models will closely resemble their Holden designs, and that would seem to be a wise choice by GM. Although some might speculate that Pontiac will replace the grills of the two cars to better blend with their G-theme. At this point the greatest stumbling block to the whole deal would beÂ a devalued dollar. If the US dollar continues to fall then GM would be forced to elevate the list price of its Australian Ute and Sportwagon above that of the G8. A dropping dollar may price the Pontiac Ute and Sportwagon right out of its market niche here in the US. However, if they do make it to the states it could drum up some real excitment in the Pontiac brand. Source[MotorAuthority]

BRABUS builds up Super Fast Luxury in a 205.2mph Maybach 57

will bee — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 12:24:13 +0000

For the ultimate in high-speed luxury BRABUS presents its record holding Maybach 57. BRABUS set the World Record at 205.2 mph for the Worlds Fastest and Most Exclusive Ultra-Luxury Sedan with their version of the Maybach 57. This record setting run bested their last record setting run in the Maybach 57 that reached 195 mph. To push the luxury to that world class speed they supplanted their 6.3L SV12 S Biturbo Engine and its upgraded 730-hp beneath the Maybach bonnet. Thus as every business executive is want to do they can now be transported from meeting to meeting in race conditions and from the comfort of their own reclining custom leather seat. They can even throw-up (not literally, but maybe) their latest stock information on the 15 in. flat screen displays that rest comfortably in the headrests of theÂ drivers and front passengers seats. The BRABUS Maybach 57 not only adds blazing speed but increased luxury. It is just the eye popping emphasis is on the world record speed. For more on the technical details of the BRABUS Maybach 57 check out the official press release below.Â Source[Jalopnik] Press Release: World Record of 330.6 km/h (205.2 mph) Set in Nardo The Maybach 57 with BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo Engine The World's Fastest and Most Exclusive Ultra-Luxury Sedan A world-record speed of 330.6 km/h (205.2 mph) set on the high-speed test track in Nardo, Italy; BRABUS added to its extensive collection of automotive records with a Maybach 57 powered by a 730-hp (720 hp SAE net) / 537-kW BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo engine. It is the world's fastest and most exclusive ultra-luxury sedan. The BRABUS engineers and test drivers bested their own record set in 2005 when a Maybach 57 powered by a BRABUS SV12 Biturbo engine with 640 hp (631 hp SAE net) / 471 kW was clocked at 314 km/h (195 mph).The SV12 S Biturbo evolution of the 6.3-liter displacement engine was originally developed for the BRABUS ROCKET, the four-door car based on the Mercedes CLS series. In October of 2006 it set a speed record for street-legal sedans of 365.7 km/h (227.2 mph), a record that still stands today.For power increase of the turbocharged Maybach 12-cylinder engine from standard 550 hp (543 hp SAE net) / 405 kW to 730 hp (720 hp SAE net) / 537 kW BRABUS followed its tradition of increasing engine displacement. The BRABUS engineers developed a special crankshaft with longer stroke, precision-balanced piston rods and larger pistons to account for the increased cylinder bore. Displacement grows from standard 5.5 to 6.3 liters (335 to 385 cu. in.). The inner workings of the engine are modified with precision-machined cylinder heads and special camshafts. The engine peripherals are tuned for more power with the help of a high-performance turbocharging system with special manifolds, two larger turbochargers, more efficient intercoolers, and a stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system with metal catalysts. Custom-programmed engine electronics coordinate the perfect interaction of all high-performance components and ensure that the engine meets stringent EURO IV emission limits. The standard 250-km/h (155 mph) speed limit is also eliminated. The peak torque of 1,320 Nm (974 lb-ft) is limited by the engine electronics to 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft). The enormous power of the BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo engine is transferred to the rear wheels via a reinforced five-speed automatic transmission. For the lubrication of the entire drivetrain BRABUS relies exclusively on ARAL high-performance lubricants. The top speed of 330.2 km/h (205.2 mph) places enormous demands on tires and wheels. The BRABUS suspension engineers developed forged 21-inch BRABUS Monoblock VI light-alloy wheels specifically for the Maybach. The fully polished multi-piece wheels with six double spokes perfectly fill the space beneath the wheel arches. They are mounted in size 9.0Jx21 in front with size 275/40 R 21 tires, and in size 10.5Jx21 with size 315/35 R 21 tires on the rear axle. For further increased driving safety the BRABUS air-suspension module lowers the ride height by some 15 millimeters (0.6 inches) without compromising the unique ride comfort. BRABUS refines the elegant lines of Maybach not just with a lowered ride height and with large wheels. The front of the sedan can be upgraded with two auxiliary headlights that serve as daytime running lights. They are stylishly integrated into the production front apron. Exclusive BRABUS light design is also available for the sides and the rear of the Maybach: LED lights integrated into the body that illuminate the ground beside and behind the luxury sedan can be activated via the keyless fob. They help avoid unfortunate missteps into potholes or puddles in the dark. The rear of the Maybach is further upgraded with the ultra-flat tailpipes of the BRABUS sport exhaust system. BRABUS also offers exclusive custom-tailored interiors and state-of-the-art multimedia technology for all Maybach models. Owners of the luxury sedan can choose from the finest leathers and Alcantara in any desired color and design. Special loving attention to detail is present in the waffle-patterned leather carpeting that alone uses several kilometers of the finest thread, sewn with utmost precision. Custom-tailored BRABUS lambs wool floor mats caress the occupants' feet. The BRABUS development team also created additional interesting features for the standard entertainment system of the Maybach. The 16:9 flat screens integrated into the back of the front seats measure 15.2 inches in the BRABUS version (standard: 9 inches). An additional 6-disc DVD changer rounds out the BRABUS multimedia package for the Maybach. At the push of a button the Maybach transforms into a luxurious office on wheels: The screens the display the computer's user interface. BRABUS uses a special computer designed for use in a car that is connected to the internet via UMTS. A wireless keyboard and wireless optical gyro mouse make operating the computer easy and convenient. A USB 2.0 port, stylishly integrated into the center console, allows connecting external electronic equipment such as printer or a digital camera. To remain online even when outside the vehicle the BRABUS communications specialists have integrated a high-tech notebook computer in an electrically operated drawer in the trunk. This computer is connected to the computer network of the vehicle via W-LAN.

Video: 5th Gear test drives a Smart-for-two 4x4

will bee — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 12:41:02 +0000

For those heavy traffic commuters who fear being runover in a Smart car the people of 5th Gear over in the Mother Land have found a Smart solution. In the Smart ForFun2 you can easily take up your share of the road and even more easily stare down that trucker crowding your lane at HIS eye level. While matting a Smart-for-two car with a Mercedes UniMog might seem to oppose the philosophy that drives the Smart car it does make for one entertaining ride.

Chrysler steps outside the Box(y) with Hybrid Trio for 2008 NAIAS

will bee — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 12:51:22 +0000

Chrysler appears to be stepping outside of the boxy reputation and into the Environmental Revolution. For the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Michigan Chrysler will be introducing 3 brand new hybrid concepts that are unlike anything they have shown before. Well... the Jeep resembles a prior concept, but what motivates it is completely new for the brand. There will be 3 hybrids from 3 brands from the New Chrysler that is in search of a new image. Let us see how the 3 hybrids stack up in the renderings that have been let loose so far. The Dodge Zeo 2+2 sport wagon is the only car out of the 3 hybrids from Chrysler and it looks to have the lines to standout from Dodge's average design. The drive target for the Zeo is a 250 miles range out of a lithium-ion battery pack. They intend to reach a zero-to-sixty mark of 6 seconds out of a 250kW electric motor. The styling of the Zeo resembles in part an 80's Honda Civic Hatchback that has been updated, and since that car sold really well back then that may not be a bad thing. We appreciate the aggressive design and the influence of some aerodynamics that is a bold move away from Dodge's usual boxy designs. The Chrysler ecoVoyager is not your mothers mini van. It is designed to be a 4-seater passenger hauler and is the largest of the 3 Hybrids to be put on display in Detroit. Considering the concepts limited seating capacity the larger proportions of the ecoVoyager (191.2 inches long, 74.5 inches wide and over 60 inches tall) must in part be necessary to house the the 200kW electric motor that drives it. With an intended 270-hp the ecoVoyager is intended to reach zero-to-sixty in under 8 seconds and maintain a range of approximately 300 miles. If the matching sloped front and rear-ends of the car put you off fear not... the final concept in January is sure to have a more similar appearance to what you are used to. Just the same though, it is nice to see someone stretching out their design pen at Chrysler. The final of the 3 Chrysler Hybrids heading to the 2008 NAIAS is the Jeep Renegade. Stocked with a diesel engine that gets assistance from front and back electric motors with their combined output of 114-hp (theÂ horsepower and torque ratings for the diesel engine have not been released yet), the Warthog-esque Renegade is designed to achieve 110mpg. That would be a lot of trail riding in the futuristic Renegade. As it was mentioned at the top of the page, the design of the Renegade is a revisiting of a previous concept for the Jeep brand. While concept cars are great when they influence future design, there have been very few perceived influences on the Jeep Wrangler series from their ergonomic and aerodynamic concepts. So if this concept does not make it to the production line that will not be a surprise for most Jeep fans. However if this concept leads to a diesel Jeep with dual electric assist motors that achieves 110mpg then Jeep may actually have a winning idea for their Wrangler series. At this point, whether any of the three Chrysler Concept cars makes it to the market in the coming years it is pleasing to see that they are joining the rest of the auto industry in a search for alternatives. Welcome to the Party! If any of these concept renderings do make it into production then that would be a really big day for Chrysler. More than likely though look for the hybrid technologies on display in these concepts to be engineered into more recent, and more boxy, designs. Source[MotorAuthority]

Land Rover presents their Limited Special Edition Defender SVX

will bee — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 13:12:21 +0000

Land Rover presented their Special Edition Defender SVX destined to sell out in the UK when it is released for sale in the Summer of 2008. As a special preview Land Rover presented the first Defender two-seat drop-top to the Red Cross to be auctioned off to raise money for their humanitarian efforts. The winner of the auction will be the first to own Land Rovers make-over of the off-road vehicle that has traversed the world. With its new chrome grill surround, clear headlights and polished roll bars the revised Defender is sure to catch many eyes, both human and animal, when they make their way along the worlds unpaved trails. Land Rover plans to make only 200 of their Special Edition Defender, so if you are in the UK and have a true yearning for one you best act fast. There are going to be 140 two-seat Defenders drop-tops and 60 four-seater station wagon Defenders. The Defender SVX will be powered by Land Rovers new diesel and comes with Ricaro seats and an upgraded audio system that includes an MP3 auxillary plug and an iPod cradle... you know, the Safari essentials. What it does not come with (yet) is a matching shovel or winch or jack or axe, but that does not mean some aftermarket products may not fill the bill. Pricing for the Land Rover Defender SVX has yet to be released, but as "they" (whoeverÂ they are) say, "if you have to ask how much it costs you probably cannot afford it." Also, look for the Defender SVX to only be listed by theÂ British Pound or the Euro, because this Black Beauty will not be crossing the pond to North America.Â Press Release avalable below. Source[Land Rover via AutoBlog] PRESS RELEASE:
LAND ROVER REVEALS 60th ANNIVERSARY DEFENDER SPECIAL EDITION AT THE BRITISH RED CROSS BALL

Gaydon, Warwickshire, 21 November 2007 â€“ Land Rover will celebrate its 60th anniversary with a new special edition of the iconic Defender â€“ the SVX.

The Land Rover Defender SVX was unveiled for the first time by Zara Phillips at the British Red Cross Ball in London earlier this evening. The world's first SVX has been donated by Land Rover UK to the British Red Cross to auction at the ball.

"The Red Cross association with Land Rover goes back to 1954, when Land Rover supplied a vehicle to the British Red Cross for use in Dubai as a mobile dispensary," said James Johnstone, chairman for the British Red Cross Ball. "We are thrilled that Land Rover continues to support our vital humanitarian work today. Funds raised from auctioning this vehicle will go towards the work of the Red Cross in the UK and overseas, which this year has included the UK floods, Darfur Crisis and ongoing HIV work in Africa."

While most of the 25,000 Defenders produced each year are working tools for everyone from farmers and foresters to aid agencies, the SVX is the most stylish and feature-packed version that Land Rover has ever produced.

Special Edition Features

With metallic black paintwork and subtle satin black graphic decals, the Defender SVX will be available in both 90 soft-top and 90 station wagon versions. Distinctive exterior features have a contrasting silver finish, such as the unique 'Defender' and 'SVX' badges, tubular side-steps, and the bold surround for the front grille and new, clear-lens headlamps. All vehicles will also feature new, 'diamond turned' five-spoke alloy wheels, a reinforced aluminium front undershield and clear LED rear lights.

To bring the SVX interiors right up to date, they are equipped with custom-designed Recaro front seats, distinctive alloy gear knobs, a new audio system (with subwoofer and USB socket), iPod cradle and Garmin satellite navigation. The soft-top models are especially eye-catching, with a metallic silver tubular cage that supports a tailor-made, removable black fabric hood. This encloses a flat load-space and a spare wheel stowed behind the front seats, reminiscent of the very first open-top Land Rovers. Each SVX model for the UK will also come fitted with an individually numbered plaque, e.g. 001.

"The Defender SVX looks very different to a spartan 1948 Land Rover, but it's still an essentially practical vehicle that will enable you to go almost anywhere," says Phil Popham, Land Rover's managing director. "The new and much more refined diesel engine introduced earlier this year has been a great success with customers, and for those who want the ultimate Defender, we thought that the SVX special edition would be an ideal way to mark Land Rover's 60th birthday."

A total of 200 SVX vehicles will be made available in the UK â€“ 140 two-seat Defender 90 soft-tops and 60 four-seat 90 station wagons. Production of the Defender SVX will start in spring 2008, with deliveries to customers starting from early summer for soft-tops and later in the summer for station wagons. Prices will be announced later in the year.

A Rare 1998 Nissan Skyline GT-R turns up at this years Turkey Run in Daytona

will bee — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 12:25:31 +0000

At this years Turkey Run auto show in Daytona Beach, Fl there were a number of fantastic and interesting hot rods and classics, but one car stood out as a modern classic that was stealing some of the spotlight. This 1998 Nissan Skyline GT-R may have been overlooked by some as some strange import, but there were plenty of people on hand who drew a bee-line straight to this tuners delight upon seeing it. Few other Asian imports command the respect and awe that the Skyline GT-R does. The right-hand drive Skyline GT-R is coveted by many and this particular 1998 is available to anyone willing to put forth the $39,000 asking price. As the day came to an end on Saturday it had not appeared that any takers were in attendance at this years Turkey Run. If you are on the look-out forÂ your ownÂ Skyline GT-RÂ or cannot afford the new Nissan GT-R then this might just be the winner for you. Follow the link forÂ additional photos. [myginpage=09242007-skyline]

5 Tips For Choosing The Perfect Tire

Ryan — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 11:25:16 +0000

Believe it or not, some people dread having to buy car tires. They stick with what's on their car for as long as possible, even to the point of said tires going bald, endangering the lives of anyone in the vicinity. But for the uninitiated, or those who haven't bought a tire since everything was sized in purely imperial measurements, buying a car tire of any kind, let alone the perfect one, can often be painful and confusing. That said, here's a simple guide and some tips for buying the right car tires.

Tire Ratings System

The alphanumeric rating system of tires can be maddening, even for car enthusiasts. Throw in the fact that the letters for speed ratings are, as some might hope or expect, not in alphabetical order, and that each manufacturer trots out their "branded" technology, and you can safely say that even the informed amongst us can sometimes get confused on how to choose the right tire. But rest assured, you can still find the perfect tire for your vehicle without using the confusing alphanumeric tire rating system.

The Importance of the Right Tire

The right tires, may be the most important thing on your vehicle, as they are the only contact with the ground that you have. Tires are a large factor in determining handling prowess, braking ability, manoeuvrability, even fuel mileage and road noise. Yet so few people seem to pay attention to them, and even fewer seem willing to pay to get good tires. Now, these are not statistically valid statements from surveys, just an amalgamation of collected bits from listening to conversations at tire shops, asking those who work at tire shops, and reading the musings of countless car writers who rail about this very topic... and a few parking lot surveys of looking at what kind of tires people have on their cars. That said, this seems to be a widely held industry belief, so I feel relatively confident in stating its validity. Granted, the average person, with the average family sedan, SUV, minivan, etc., doesn't need a hugely expensive tire, because the quality of even lower-priced tires have increased considerably. However, consider that as everyone is starting to think of themselves as Ricky or Regina Racer - even the stereotypical aggressive soccer mom driver in her "safe" 4,500-lb monster sport utility vehicle who seems to tailgate me coming down an icy hill - the right tires for your vehicle have become even more important. And, really, that's what it comes down to, the right tire for your vehicle. No one brand fits every make and model out there nor is built to. To choose the right ones for you, below are some quick tips. If you want a detailed understanding, check out a manufacturer's site like BF Goodrich, an installer's site like Tire Rack, or a car information site like http://www.edmunds.com. These types of sites will help you get the basics for understanding sizing, seasonal needs, etc. From there, you can get into wheel sizing and offsets. Later, you can bore and annoy friends and neighbors with all you know about tires, and how they've chosen the wrong wheel/ tire set-up for their vehicle.

Some Tips for Choosing Vehicle Tires

These tips are based on common sense and the experience of the RideLust editors. 1. Find a tire shop you can trust and who services a lot of cars like your make and model. Regardless of how complex your tire requirements are, it helps to be able to trust the shop where your tires are purchased and installed. This is about more than a shop just being capable and trustworthy, and giving you the price they advertised. Ideally, you want a shop that has dealt with your kind of vehicle, or at least understands specific nuances about it. If you're not sensitive to differences, those nuances may not be an issue. If you are, like me, you'll wonder why your car suddenly wanders a centimetre more off line than it did before. A good shop will ask you questions about your needs, make recommendations based on your budget and needs, and will let you know the compromises you'll need to make depending on the tire chosen. 2. Choose tires for your road conditions, driving style, and seasonal needs. This would seem like a no-brainer to an enthusiast, but it's something most people really don't think about because they don't know they should. Again, this is where trusting your tire shop comes into play. A good shop will ask you these questions and then suggest tires to fit your specific needs. For instance, if you regularly drive over roads that are very rough but your driving style is smooth and unaggressive, a high performance tire with a stiff sidewall and high tread wear is likely not the right one for you - no matter what someone else may tell you. If your vehicle happens to require a high performance tire, though, then you'll need to find one that balances the safety requirements of a good performance tire, with something that is a little more compliant over rough roads, and has a long enough tread life that you're not having to replace it every 20,000 kilometres. 3. Do your research. Even if you don't completely understand all the tire brands, options, sizes, seasonal requirements, etc., it helps to know what to ask. Visit some of the car forums and ask the opinions of people who are enthusiasts and drive your model of car. Visit some of the sites mentioned above and get a better foundation. Visit the installer sites and look at the customer reviews for specific types of tires available, especially from drivers who drive similar types of vehicles to you. Ask people you know whose opinion you trust when it comes to car matters. They can give you a list of things to ask the tire shop. Knowledge is power and it is also comfort. Don't go into a situation where you won't even know if you're being told the right thing. 4. Don't listen to anyone who says, "Oh yeah, it'll fit," and don't skimp on cost. If you've decided to go with plus sizing and move up in tire diameter, make sure you have the clearance to have that size of tire. The opposite is true if you go down in sizing: is there enough room to clear your brakes? You always want to hear, "This is the tire that fits your vehicle." This is especially true if you are buying wheels with your new tires. Every manufacturer has a different offset requirement for their wheels; get the wrong one and you've got all kinds of trouble. (Subaru drivers know what I'm talking about.) Also, for all those tuners who lower their cars and then get oversized tires, that rubbing you hear or that thump when entering a driveway... Wanna guess what that is? As for cost, you don't have to break the bank to get a good tire, but make sure you don't choose a cheap tire that cannot handle your driving style or the performance of your car. You wouldn't put high heels on a basketball player and expect them not to break their ankles (Dennis Rodman excluded). Buy the best tire you can afford, and the ones that fit your car and needs, it's worth the few dollars more. 5. Stay with the tried and true tire brands. If you don't want to think about all the above, simply go with what the manufacturer specified on the original vehicle. There is a reason that manufacturers specify a tire of specific size, speed rating, tread wear, etc. A good manufacturer has selected a tire after a lot of testing, and choosing the specifications that will give the best compromise in all conditions. In rare instances, the manufacturer has seemingly chosen the wrong tire for the car, but even then that's generally for your individual requirements, not for the broad base of the ownership. Of note, remember that differences in tread pattern, sidewall stiffness, even how the wheels are balanced after new tires are installed, can change the dynamics of your car. Even if you get the "perfect" tire, give yourself time to adapt to the differences in the way your car may handle, brake, maneuver, even steer. Also, regardless of choosing the right tire, you have to remember to keep them inflated properly, get them rotated according to the specifications, and replace them if the tread has worn down below about an 1/8th inch. An easy way to check is to put a penny in the tread, if you can start to see the top of the Queen's crown, it's time to look for new tires.

Premium Pricing Greeting Challenger Faithful; $20,000 Over Sticker for SRT8

will bee — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 02:32:57 +0000

As the Muscle Car Revisiting gets moving into production many of those enthusiasts who fanned the flames to get these cars into production are going to find themselves on the outside looking in. With the announcement some time back that a limited number of 5000 ChallengersÂ will see productionÂ many would be shoppers are plunking down some impressive premiums to insure their place in the Mopar line. Some are going as far as laying down $20,000 over the sticker priceÂ for their SRT8. That is on top of an MSRP price of $37,995. So for anybody who anticipated that the Muscle Car Revisiting was going to be about putting horsepower and performance back into the hands of the masses they would be sadly mistaken. And if you are thinking about holding out for a Chevy Camaro you may want to think about that again as well. Odds are good that similar premiums will be following the release of the rebirth of the Camaro. After seeing what is happening with the prices of these new muscle cars from the past that $30,000 MSRP for a new Ford Mustang is looking fairly reasonable. For the rest of us thank goodness there are still some classics around that can be had at a reasonable clip. Source[Jalopnik]

Daryl Hannah offers up her BioDiesel El Camino... just looking to share the love?

will bee — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 12:32:13 +0000

On December 20th Daryl Hannah will be offering of up her matte black BioDiesel El Camino so that she can share the love and beauty that has been her daily driver the past number of years. Included in her substantial and sustainable offering comes the 55 gallon drum and pump she uses to refuel her B100 tank. She goes as far as to say that refueling her tank from its home-pump is so easy she can even do it all dressed up. So if that is not endorsement enough for you I don't know what would be. Finding an early 80's El Camino with a diesel engine is no small task. There were not too many of them built. This is not a rebuild or a custom job (other than the matte paint). She is posting it as a Chevy 5.71 GM diesel with an automatic transmission and 139,000 miles on it. Also, by buying Daryl's El Camino you get the glory (considered by some) of telling your friends that you are driving a piece of Daryl Hannah and it just feels (environmentally) right! Now there are no claims by Daryl that her BioDiesel El Camino gets good gas mileage. This is not a super fuel sipper by todays diesel standards, but an old, probably rattlely diesel from the 80's. Her choiceÂ to fuel it with BioDiesel appears to be merely to step away from the fossil fuels and appeal to a more eco-friendly alternative. She is rather involved both vocally and in appearances with the BioDiesel/Sustainable Fuel movement. All arguments for or against that aside I think I could enjoy some time in herEl Camino... just at what cost? Check out Daryl's own websitefor more information and for updates leading up to the sale of her BioDiesel El Camino. Source[AutoBlogGreen]

2007-lamborghini-murcielago.jpg

Dee — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 08:09:46 +0000

2007-bentley-arnage.jpg

Dee — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 08:12:52 +0000

2007-lamborghini-gallardo-spyder.jpg

Dee — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 08:37:36 +0000

2007-bentley-azure.jpg

Dee — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 08:39:43 +0000

2007-lamborghini-murcielago-automatic.jpg

Dee — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 08:41:29 +0000

2007-ferrari-612-scaglietti.jpg

Dee — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 08:53:58 +0000

2007-ferrari-599-gtb.jpg

Dee — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 08:58:19 +0000

gas-pump.jpg

Dee — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 09:10:22 +0000

The Top 7 Gas Guzzlers of 2007

Dee — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 09:10:43 +0000

The top gas guzzlers of the 2007 model year read like a veritable who's who of high end automotive performance. In fact the top seven gas guzzlers of the year are all high performance cars - not a Hummer or SUV in sight. That's not to say, of course, that the behemoth from GM has suddenly become a green icon. The gas guzzler list for 2007 merely reflects the fact that as horsepower goes up fuel economy generally heads in the other direction. Of course the price tags of the top seven gas guzzlers on our 2007 list indicate the fuel costs are not the primary considerations of the owners of these fine tuned machines. After all, those who can afford a Lamborghini, a Ferrari or a Bentley are unlikely to fret over the high cost of gasoline. Those of us with more pedestrian tastes and more limited fuel economy may need to take a hard look at the true cost of our wheels, but for now sit back and take a look at the gas guzzling ways of these high end cars. 7. Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder Lamborghini starts off our list with the powerful Gallardo Spyder. While Lamborghini owners may not worry about the cost of fuel, the rest of us may be interested to know that this machine is rated at just 17 mpg on the highway and only 11 in the city. 6. Bentley Arnage Bentleys are known for being pricy automobiles, and the high cost does not stop after these finely tuned machines have been driven out of the showroom. With a mileage rating of just 16 mpg on the highway and 11 in town, the Bentley Arnage will continue to prove costly when it pulls into the local service station. 5. Bentley Azure The Bentley nameplate appears once more, this time with the Azure. This well designed machine may be fun to look at, but not fun to fuel. A gallon of fuel will power this fine machine for just 16 miles on the highway and only 11 through the city streets. 4. Lamborghini Murcielago (automatic) The sports cars hailing from Italy have been on many top lists when it comes to selling price and high end speed but Lamborghini appears again on this gas guzzler list with the Murcielago. This sexy car consumes gas at 16 mpg on the highway and 10 in the city. 3. Ferrari 612 Scaglietti With two supercars already on this list, you probably expect Ferrari to make an appearance. The 612 Scaglietti is the first Ferrari entry with a scant 16 mpg on the freeway and just 9 in the city. 2. Ferrari 599 GTB Here is another Ferrari. The 599 GTB has better city mpg than the 612 Scaglietti with 10 mpg. However, it is worse on the highway with only 14 mpg. Of course Ferrari owners are not known for fretting about fuel costs. 1. Lamborghini Murcielago (standard) While the automatic transmission version of the Murcielago is 4th on this list of 2007 gas guzzlers, the standard version tops the list for the worst fuel economy. This powerful beast manages a paltry 14 mpg on the highway, and an even more paltry 9 mpg when cruising through the city.

Automotive X-Prize Entrants Join the Field at 2008 Detroit Auto Show

will bee — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 12:22:31 +0000

The Auto Industry'sÂ regulars will be sharing space this year in Detroit with the fuel efficient X-Prize entrants at this years North American International Auto Show.Â The goal of the X-Prize is to encourage teams and corporations to "design viable, clean and super-efficient cars that people want to buy." To that end the organizers of the Automotive X-Prize have amassed a reward of $10,000,000 for the car that is deemedÂ the best among them. The DetroitÂ Auto Show in January will be the first chance that the general public will be able to look over all the participating vehicles and to determine for themselves if the innovations on display are ready for the road. Pictured above is the Aptera which hasÂ been featured both here and in other publications as aÂ 300 mpg, 3-wheeled alternative to your average commuter car. At this point the Aptera is already taking orders for their car in theÂ $30,000 range and with the option of all-electric or hybrid engines. Look for more coverage of all the X-Prize participants as they are displayed at the Detroit Auto Show next month. There are surely to be many fascinating designs that if not in production in the coming years may spawn further innovations within the auto industry. Source[Jalopnik] Related Articles: ApteraÂ taking Pre-Orders on 300-mpg CarÂ

Exclusive: Ronaele Debuts their Monoceros 700hp Mustang at Daytona Turkey Run

will bee — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 12:21:39 +0000

There seems to be plenty of Specialty Mustangs and Mustang Customizers out on the market these days, and the word coming down from Ford is that the demand is still there for more. But one Auto Customizer just raised the bar for themselves and the rest of the market. With their car 95% completed Ronaele finds the Turkey Rod Auto Show in Daytona Beach to be a great location to debut their Monoceros 700 R Mustang. What started out as one man'sÂ wish-list based off a stock Mustang GT has turned into one mean street machine that is eager to see its time in the sun. Monoceros was told to us to be anÂ Indian word that stood for something mythological and unattainable; such as a Unicorn or Dragon. In the case of Ronaele's Monoceros 700R Mustang and for the rest of us that just may be the case. And do not let that 700 R moniker fool you into thinking this is all about the badging. The Monoceros earns its 700 marking as she is dyno'd at 700-hp at the rear-wheels; because 699-hp would just not suffice. (To learn more and to see a plethora of photos click now) To Achieve 700-hp at the wheels the stock 4.6 liter GT engine was stripped, bored to 5.0 liters and topped with a Kenne Bell Super-Charger. That once stock engine is now producing upwards of 770-hp at the crank and with its Demon Computer it is ready to be adapted for all weather scenarios to insure that 700-hp is achievable in nearly all conditions. Planting all that power to the pavement is some modified F1 Suspension and a Viper 6-Speed Transmission. Basically the word from Ronaele was what the buyer wants, the buyer gets. That was the same way they approached the engine compartment and the paint scheme. If it can be painted or chromed that is what is going to happen to any part that touches this car (with the sad exception of the rubber... we suppose there must be some concessions.). The color choice for this special Pony was made by the buyer as well and may put off some Ford purists, but that does not seem to worry him in the slightest. The color is Hugger Orange from the late 1960's Chevy Camaro. For the buyer that was the most amazing color of Orange on a car he had ever seen and there was no way anyone was going to sway him from it. The name Orange Krate that adorns the rear deck of this Monoceros 700 R stands for the owners very own childhood unattainable object. It was specialty bicycle that was called the Orange Krate and at that time in his life it was priced waaay out of his reach. So at this time in his life, when things are looking more attainable, he decided to recapture some of what he had missed early on. If you live in the Central Florida area and happen to see this stunning Pony cruising the streets and highways you might as well put your racing bug away. According to the owner he is happy just knowing all the power is there and all challengers will be greeted with a grin and a shrug. This car is for his enjoyment only and not to be tampered with. For more on the build of Monoceros 700 R Mustang from start to finish you can check out a couple other sites listed here: CarDomain, Ronaele. And while you are at the Ronaele site check out some of their other, possibly less unattainable, Mustang and F-150 offerings. While cars like the Shelby GT500 and all the collection of Roush Mustangs and Saleens have proliferated the media over the past couple years it might just be the handcrafting of companies like Ronaele and cars like their Monoceros 700 R Mustang that make the Specialty Mustang field a truly Special Place. [myginpage=11042007-ronaele]

NBC and Knight Rider Producers choose the Shelby GT500KR Mustang as KITT: Good Choice?

will bee — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 13:01:23 +0000

It seems the brain-trust at NBC has worked out the deal with Ford to use the 2008 Shelby GT500KR as the new car for the rebirth of the Knight Rider TV series in the coming year. The revival of the Knight Rider series has been in talks for a little while now, but the speculation on the car was always left lingering. So for all of those complaining that there are already too many Specialty Mustangs on the market you may have just received the empirical evidence you needed that Ford has gone too far and that NBC has just alienated a partial fanbase. But maybe we are being too negative here? We will post the official NBC Press Release below for those interested in learning more about the stars and the plot for the 2-hour TV Premier movie that will set the show off. Most of us here though are more curious about the car choice and the adornments that have cluttered the skin of of the GT500KR. Reading through various comments on other articles throughout the web there seems to be great disappointment first of all in the car choice. Some would suggest the new Camaro (a logical and still GM option), or the Viper (already played out on other shows), or the Corvette Z06 (an interesting choice), and one commenter even suggested a Mini Cooper over what has been chosen. Another fine choice offered up that would have been quite interesting would have been the Koenigsegg CCXR; now that would have truly set the car apart from all others. Despite my very own affection for Mustangs I too feel that the Specialty Field of Ponies have gone too far in many regards. While I do love the Shelby GT500KR (and its limited production) it does not seem the appropriate choice for the Knight Rider TV series... but that is my opinion. We want to know what you think? Is there a better car out there that you could suggest to fill the role as KITT? Should they even be reviving the series at all and how long will it even last? And here are a couple more photos to give you more to think about... or not. Source[AutoBlog] NBC Press Release UPDATED 'KNIGHT RIDER' REVS UP TO RETURN TO NBC FOR SPECIAL TWO-HOUR MOVIE EVENT ON FEBRUARY 17 AS NEW KITT CAR IS REVEALED

BURBANK, Calif. - December 12, 2007 - As "Knight Rider" -- NBC's iconic 1980s television classic that became a runaway success, comes roaring back to life on the network with an updated sequel that will air as a two-hour movie event on Sunday, February 17 (9-11 p.m. ET) -- NBC unveiled the new customized KITT Ford Mustang to be featured in the series in a press event held at NBC's Burbank Studios today.

The movie stars Justin Bruening ("Cold Case," "All My Children"), Deanna Russo ("NCIS," "The Young and the Restless"), Sydney Tamiia Poitier ("Veronica Mars," "Grindhouse") and Bruce Davison ("Breach," "Close to Home"). In addition, David Hasselhoff (NBC's "America's Got Talent") -- who starred in the popular lead role as Michael Knight for four seasons during the original series -- returns as the same character in a special guest-star appearance. Will Arnett (NBC's "30 Rock," "Blades of Glory") will provide the voice of KITT.

Dave Bartis ("Heist," "The O.C.") and Doug Liman ("Mr. and Mrs. Smith," "The Bourne Identity") serve as executive producers.
NBC also has an arrangement with Ford Motor Company that provides for a unique content opportunity that makes the Ford Mustang one of the stars of the movie.

The three cars to be employed in the series include the KITT Hero -- a Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR that is playing the part of the everyday Hero car with 540 horsepower; the KITT Attack -- a super high-speed version of the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR Hero car that transforms into Attack mode with the help of air-ride technology and specialized body parts -- and a KITT Remote, which is a driverless Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR version of the Hero vehicle.

As the original story resumes, the new KITT (Knight Industries Three Thousand) is absolutely the coolest car ever created: its supercomputer capable of hacking almost any system; its weapons systems efficient; and its body -- thanks to its creator's work and nanotechnology -- is capable of actually shifting shape and color. Plus, its artificial intelligence makes it the ideal crime-fighting partner: logical, precise and possessing infinite knowledge. It is the ultimate car -- and someone will be willing to do anything to obtain it.

Sarah Graiman is a 24-year old Ph.D candidate at Stanford University, following in her genius father Charles' (Davison) footsteps. But when men attempt to abduct her, Sarah receives a mysterious call from KITT warning her that he's a creation of Charles, who also invented the first KITT 25 years ago -- and that her father is in serious danger.

Sarah and KITT track down her best friend from childhood, Mike Tracer (Bruening), a 23-year-old ex-Army Ranger, whom Sarah hasn't seen since he left home at 18. Having served in Iraq, Mike is now jaded and lost and initially resistant. Eventually he agrees to help Sarah and the two set out to discover who's behind the attempt to procure KITT and find Charles. Along the way, Carrie Rivai (Poitier) plays the agile yet tough FBI agent who has a long-standing friendship with Charles and Sarah. Due to those ties, she is brought into the mix to help in the search.

David Andron is supervising producer and writer. Steve Shill ("Dexter," "The Tudors"), also a co-executive producer, directs the two-hour movie from Universal Media Studios and Dutch Oven Productions.

EPA Confirms 20/21-mpg Fuel-Rating for GMC Yukon and Chevy Tahoe

will bee — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 11:58:28 +0000

The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has released their fuel-economy ratings for the new GMC Yukon and Chevy Tahoe vehicles for 2008 that will be utilizing GM's new 2-Mode Hybrid System. Through GM's own research it was determined that the dual-electric motor system within their large SUV's reached a 40% increase in fuel-savings compared to their gasoline powered counterparts. Well the EPA's rating system has verified that claim granting the Yukon and Tahoe 2WD Hybrid a 21-mpg rating and the 4WD Hybrid a 20-mpg rating. These government ratings and hybrid advancement confirmation should bode well for GM and its efforts to sell their new 2-Mode Hybrid vehicles. Other GM vehicles that will or already are sharing in the new technology are the Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Silverado and the GMC Sierra Crew Cab (both full size pick-ups). Hopefully the new 2-Mode technology will findÂ a welcoming market and success in sales will lead to future, smaller models sharing in the technology. As it stands now a 2-Mode Yukon with 21-mpg is not far from the average Crossover or smaller SUV's highway rating of 24-mpg. GM has yet to release their final pricing for the GMC Yukon or Chevy Tahoe with their 2-Mode Hybrid system but analyst in the industry are predicting it to be in the mid-$40,000 range. For someone already shopping in the Yukon/Tahoe market that does not seem to be an outlandish figure.Â There have been some prior opinions voiced here when the 2007 Chevy Tahoe 2-Mode Hybrid was named the Green Car of the Year at the 2007 LA Auto Show that a 20-mpg should never be considered Green. However, considering that my own current daily driver, which is a small sporty convertible, only achieves 22-mpg it seems that I must adjust my thinking a bit further. While further improvements in fuel consumption for all vehicles, along with cleaner engine technologies, should be the goal in all mainstream automobiles it should be recognized by even the Meanest-Greenest advocate that those technologies take a lot of time and research before they are implimented. So tell us... How does 21-mpg in a GMC Yukon sound to you? Source[egmCarTech]

BMW Pulls the Covers off their X6 ahead of its Detroit Auto Show Debut

will bee — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 14:14:37 +0000

BMW has finally come clean on their X6 Concept vehicle and are ready to stake their claim on introducing the auto industry to the first Sports Activity Coupe. Based off the technologies of the BMX X5 and X3, the X6 may be the most technologically advanced Coupe on the market with the additions of BMW's Dynamic Performance Control System and Active Steering. Ofcourse what will strike most observers of the X6 will be its head-turning appearance. Whether that head-turn will result in a smile or a wrinkled and confused eye-brow we will leave up to you. Either way the X6 and its two available motors will be getting a good bit of attention when it is debuted at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show in January. The two engine variants for the X6 also provide a bit of excitement for the Sports Activity Coupe's release. You can either go with the 3.0 Liter straight-six and its 300 horses or you can muscle up to 4.4 Liter V8 and its 440 horses. Both engines come with Twin Turbos and BMW's direct inject and neither engine should fall under the slouch category. The biggest question mark for the X6 will be how the design captivates buyers. Such distinctive looks can be hit or miss in the car industry. Rear visibility also looks to be an issue judging from the rear deck of the X6. However, we will reserve any final judgement upon personal inspection. For more details on the BMW X6 and all the technology that makes it the Sports Activity Coupe trend-setter it hopes to be read through the official BMW Press Release below. Source[BMW] THE FIRST-EVER BMW X6 SPORTS ACTIVITY COUPE: BMW's All-New X6 xDrive35i and X6 xDrive50i Make World Debuts at Detroit Auto Show in 200812/15/2007 Woodcliff Lake, NJ - December 15, 2007, 6PM EST... BMW will once again introduce a ground-breaking idea to the world and the creation of a new segment with the debut of its all-new X6 Sports Activity Coupe at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show in January. The all-new vehicle redefines the very notion of a coupe -- with five doors and four sculpted seats, a higher ride and loads of cargo space. It defies coupe conventions in one jaw-dropping look, combining coupe agility and SAV versatility, taking the coupe to a higher level. As the world's first Sports Activity Coupe, the BMW X6 will be available in two engine variants: the xDrive50i (4.4 V8 engine, 400 hp, 450lb.-ft torque) and the xDrive35i (3.0 inline six-cylinder engine, 300 hp, 300 lb.-ft torque), both with Twin Turbo and direct injection. The BMW X6 offers unique features and performance ability in a combination unmatched by any other vehicle. The new BMW X6's design combines the sporting elegance of a large BMW Coupe with the powerful presence of a BMW X model. The BMW X6 comes as standard with BMW's intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive technology with electronic control for variable distribution of drive power between the front and rear axles, consistently adjusted to driving conditions at all times and in all situations. Featured for the first time as standard in the BMW X6, Dynamic Performance Control likewise ensures variable distribution of drive forces between the two rear wheels. Dynamic Performance Control incorporates an advanced computer control and an innovative rear differential incorporating two planetary gearsets and two clutch packs that enables the system to multiply torque on an individual rear wheel. The result is that Dynamic Performance Control can help steer the vehicle by directing torque to either of the rear wheels. Unique the world over, this cutting-edge technology is effective whether the driver is accelerating or decelerating and significantly enhances steering precision and, as a result, the agility of the vehicle at any speed. In fast corners with abrupt steering maneuvers or with the driver suddenly releasing the gas pedal, Dynamic Performance Control serves to improve the stability of the entire vehicle, thus allowing the driver to safely enter and enjoy new dimensions of driving dynamics. Finally, on slippery or uneven surfaces, Dynamic Performance Control provides the further advantage of even safer and more stable traction. The new V8 engine with Twin Turbo technology and direct gasoline injection, is likewise making its world debut in the BMW X6. Displacing 4.4 liters, this eight-cylinder with maximum engine output of 400 hp and peak torque of 450 lb-ft available over an unusually large range of engine speed from 1,800-4,500 rpm, is the most powerful engine ever seen in a BMW X Model. The new eight-cylinder is indeed truly impressive not only through its outstanding thrust and pulling force, but also through its compact dimensions. For this is the first eight-cylinder gasoline engine in the world to feature its turbocharger in the V-section between the two rows of cylinders. Hence, the BMW Sports Activity Coupe is an absolutely exceptional vehicle also beyond the direct range of BMW X Model competitors, ensuring unparalleled performance in all situations, regardless of road and surface conditions. Unique design: dynamic line, powerful presence. In its design, the BMW X6 definitely offers all the DNA of a genuine BMW X Model, interpreted however, in a brand-new, extremely sporting style. Indeed, the design language of this new model is the authentic visualization of the outstanding driving characteristics offered by the BMW X6, mainly through intelligent BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive technology and Dynamic Performance Control. Various design features typical of BMW also stand out in the car's details, ranging from the BMW kidney grille to the dual round headlights optically "cut off" at the top and the powerful contour line along the side, all the way to the horizontal lines at the rear emphasizing the sheer width of the vehicle. Front end with clear and dynamic orientation to the road. Just one look at the front end of BMW's new Sports Activity Coupe demonstrates the powerful presence of this unique vehicle. Due to the greater share of surfaces finished in body color, the front end looks lower and even more dynamic, clearly emphasizing the powerful orientation of the BMW X6 to the road. This DNA so typical of BMW is also demonstrated in the design of the hood and in the vertically positioned BMW kidney grille, with fins finished in a sophisticated titanium color on the xDrive50i and in black on the xDrive35i. Large air intakes are positioned far to the outside for more than just meeting the cooling requirements of the powerful engines. Rather, interacting with the side panels extending far to the inside over the headlights, the air scoops provide clear orientation towards the wheels, emphasizing the powerful stance of the vehicle on the road. The headlights themselves merge in a dynamic sweeping line into the side panels, the surface of the engine compartment lid is divided by striking lines tapering out towards the BMW kidney grille like the borderlines of the engine compartment lid at the sides. Side view: dynamic roofline, muscular surfaces. The unique proportions of the new BMW X6 stand out particularly clearly from the side. For example, the short body overhang at the front emphasizes the dynamic look of the vehicle, while the roof line tapering out gently towards the rear and the long body overhang on the rear section, add to the stretched silhouette of a genuine coupe. At the rear, the side window frame features the "counter-swing" at the bottom of the D-pillar, so well-known as the "Hofmeister kink" and chrome surrounds on the windows featured as standard distinguish the BMW X6 xDrive50i from the xDrive35i. The high waistline and powerfully contoured wheel arches both front and rear, moving the visual center of gravity to the middle of the vehicle and thus bearing testimony to all-wheel drive, are further significant features of the DNA of a BMW X Model. The side panel is split by two lines with striking contours, moving slowly towards one another at the front end of the vehicle to create a wedge-like impression symbolising the forward-pushing, powerful character of the BMW X6. While the lines at the side highlight the supreme elegance of the car, the special design of the surface gives the BMW X6 a particularly powerful look from this perspective. Striking interaction of the concave and convex surfaces emphasize the muscular look of the vehicle, providing the BMW X6 with an excellent balance of visual power and stylish presence. Strong shoulders and a powerful stance from the rear. Likewise, the rear end of the BMW X6 offers a thrilling combination of elegance, sportiness and robustness in full harmony with one another. The muscular bumper and protection cover on the underfloor; the striking light edge along the lower section of the bumper, highlighting the ride height of the BMW X6; and the vehicle proportions that are so typical of a coupe, are all examples of classic design elements that stand out clearly and convincingly in the particular style and looks of a BMW X Model. The entire rear end is subdivided by horizontal lines giving the rear end a wider look and emphasizing the powerful stance and road-holding of the entire vehicle. The greenhouse with its strikingly low rear window, in turn, tapers out smoothly towards the rear, with the rear lid featuring a distinct air flow lip, further proof that this unique new vehicle is a genuine coupe in both its looks and style. Even the special design of the rear light clusters takes the unique character of the BMW X6 into account, the L-shape so typical of a BMW X Model being re-interpreted and now boasting a particularly dynamic sweep from one side to the other. Extending far into the side panels, the rear-light clusters bring out and accentuate the entire width of the vehicle also through its night design. Sportiness and luxury within the interior. To the very last detail, the interior of the BMW X6 offers a unique synthesis of luxury, sporting dynamics, and powerful style. Tense surfaces blending into one another symbolize the active character of BMW's Sports Activity Coupe, sporting features such as kneepads on both sides of the center console, paddles on the sports steering wheel featured as standard, and the fine scale on the circular instruments creating an excitingly different driving experience in the new BMW X6 both on the road and off the beaten track. Like all BMW X Models, the new Sports Activity Coupe offers the occupants of all four seats an elevated, commanding seating position. In particular, this gives the driver a clear feeling of being perfectly in control of his BMW X6 in all situations. In conjunction with the cockpit simply begging the driver to drive his vehicle in an active style, this creates an innovative impression of genuine, all-out sportiness. A further point distinguishing the world's first Sports Activity Coupe from the other BMW X Models is the sporting design of the individual rear seats separated from one another through the center console, the high-rising side supports, and the integrated headrests on all four seats. The BMW X6 is the only car in the complete segment of BMW X Models to feature a sports steering wheel with gearshift paddles as standard, which enable the driver to shift gears manually on the six-speed automatic transmission for enhanced smoothness and response at all times. Furthermore, multifunction buttons on the steering wheel operate the telephone and audio systems quickly, smoothly and without the slightest distraction, while two additional buttons may be programmed individually according to the driver's personal preferences. The instrument panel is dominated by dual round instruments with fine scales reminiscent of motorsport as clear visual reference to the sporting character of the BMW X6. The galvanized trim rings on the instrument panel clearly accentuate the exclusive character of the vehicle's interior, with the same high-quality metal shimmer being boasted on the rotary knobs, the door openers, on the gearshift lever knob, and on the brackets within the air vents. The new kneepads on the center console stand out clearly as a particularly sporting feature offering the driver and front passenger additional stability in maneuvers in city traffic and when driving off-road under tough conditions. Visibly and tangibly sophisticated, premium quality surfaces make the interior of the BMW X6 a genuine experience to feel and behold at all times. Through their special quality designed for lasting strength and resistance, the interior surfaces also emphasize the superior robustness of the vehicle committed to off-road use whenever required. Lots of space, lots of customization options. Wide opening rear doors facilitate access to the two rear seats, while head-room in the rear is unusually generous for a coupe-seat height of 37.2 inches guarantees supreme comfort and convenience, even for tall passengers. A wide range of materials and colors highlighting the sporting character of the BMW X6 adds to the individual style and personality of this unique vehicle. The exterior paintwork, for example, comes in a choice of no less than ten exterior colors, eleven leather options and three trim options ensure a wide range of individual style and choice. Trim in ash grain has been created especially for BMW's Sports Activity Coupe. And while the wood variant exudes a particular touch of discreet exclusivity, the sweeping polish on the aluminum version shows a clear and distinct reference to motorsport. The passenger and luggage compartment on the BMW X6 are distinctly separated from one another in the usual style one would expect of a fully-fledged coupe. Offering almost 25.6 cu ft of storage space, the luggage compartment behind the rear seats of the BMW X6 is far larger than in a conventional coupe, providing enough space to store four full-size golf bags in the luggage compartment-even with four people riding in the vehicle. BMW's new Sports Activity Coupe also boasts a firm, folding cover on top of the luggage compartment that can be folded at stowed beneath the floor for convenient transportation of bulky objects. To increase the transport capacity available, the rear-seat backrests may be folded down in an asymmetric split, expanding loading capacity to a substantial 59.7 cu ft. An automatic tailgate opening and closing function is available as an option on the BMW X6 allowing the driver to vary the final position of the tailgate when open. This helps to reduce the risk of damage, for example in an underground car park or garage with a low ceiling. Perfect combination of superior dynamics and outstanding comfort. A new type of vehicle and a new driving experience, the BMW X6 definitely offers the best of both worlds. In terms of driving dynamics, the first-ever Sports Activity Coupe offers new dimensions defined by a considerable enhancement of agility, unique stability in fast bends and safe traction on slippery surfaces. Powerful engines, BMW's intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive technology, Dynamic Stability Control, optional Active Steering and Adaptive Drive, as well as Dynamic Performance Control featured for the first time on the BMW X6 even as standard equipment, set the foundation for superior driving dynamics at all times. Even with a moderate, reserved style of motoring, Dynamic Performance Control optimizes steering precision most considerably, enabling the BMW X6 to handle even difficult driving conditions through the outstanding quality of its drive and suspension technology. Driving dynamics with intelligent control: Integrated Chassis Management. The vehicle's drivetrain and suspension systems interact perfectly with BMW's Integrated Chassis Management. This high-performance electronic control ensures perfect harmony of drivetrain and suspension functions within fractions of a second, spelling out maximum driver control and supreme performance wherever you go and at all times. Even under a sudden change in driving conditions for example, on varying surfaces, in spontaneous steering maneuvers, when accelerating or applying the brake abruptly, ICM reacts with the utmost precision to the xDrive, DSC and Dynamic Performance Control actuators and to Active Steering when fitted as an option. In all cases, the nature and scope of such intervention is appropriately masterminded to ensure not just maximum driving stability, but also optimum dynamics. BMW's X Models already available today owe their outstanding agility largely to the supreme performance and qualities of ICM. Now the central control unit has an even greater and more progressive influence on driving dynamics in the new BMW X6, since it is also able to use the actuators serving for BMW's new Dynamic Performance Control. Depending on driving conditions and with fully variable management, the power of the engine is no longer split "just" between the front and rear axle, but also - through Dynamic Performance Control - between the left and right rear wheel, feeding additional power to the most appropriate point where it can be conveyed best to the road. This drive technology quite unique in the market enhances the agility, steering precision and tracking stability of the car in corners as well as its traction on slippery surfaces, significantly improving driving dynamics in all cases and under all conditions. As a result, Dynamic Stability Control is only required to cut in by applying the brakes electively on the appropriate wheel or wheels when the vehicle really reaches the extreme limits to driving physics. The world's first Sports Activity Coupe thus offers the driver the truly fascinating experience of being able to handle even the most demanding driving situations with sporting style and dynamic performance never seen before. The drivetrain and suspension technology of the BMW X6 ensures the highest conceivable level of safety, precision and driving pleasure on all surfaces whether rough or smooth. The foundation of this purpose is provided by suspension technology quite unique in the segment of BMW X Models. The front axle, for example, is a double track control arm configuration applying the double joint principle for dynamic lateral acceleration, superior tracking stability and minimization of forces acting on the steering wheel. Appropriate front axle kinematics, in turn, ensure optimum front wheel camber on the road at all times, the BMW X6 thus maintains supreme grip and road-holding even under the most dynamic conditions. At the rear, the BMW X6 features BMW's patented Integral IV axle serving to harmonize superior comfort with equally superior dynamics. And now this lightweight construction has been specifically optimized for the Sports Activity Coupe in many respects, with the entire rear axle configuration being appropriately adjusted to the specific demands of this model, for supreme sportiness and performance. The wheel mounts, rear axle sub frame and four track arms efficiently take up the dynamic and drive forces flowing into the suspension, reducing any elastic distortion of the wheel mounts, while soft swinging mounts provide appropriate longitudinal suspension and optimize the roll quality of the wheels. Effectively separating the road surface from the drivetrain, finally, the rear axle helps to ensure first-class noise control and ride comfort. The BMW X6 comes as standard with 19-inch light-alloy wheels. Also featured as standard are run-flat safety tires, which enable continued driving even after a complete loss of pressure in the tires. Furthermore, the Tire Pressure Monitor system permanently monitors air pressure and warns the driver as soon as the air pressure in the tires drops more than 30 per cent below the ideal level. BMW xDrive: intelligent all-wheel drive for enhanced dynamics and optimum traction. Permanent all-wheel drive with electronically controlled, variable distribution of drive power between the front and rear axles gives all BMW X Models not only superior traction, but also enhanced driving dynamics. Indeed, BMW xDrive gains its superiority as an intelligent all-wheel-drive system by distributing drive power front to rear by way of an electronically controlled multiple-plate clutch according to driving conditions, in exactly the right dosage and to the axle with grip. In normal driving situations BMW xDrive distributes drive power in a 40 : 60 split front-to-rear, with sensors consistently measuring wheel slip. Hence, the system is able within a fraction of a second to vary the distribution of drive forces, with BMW xDrive-unlike conventional all-wheel-drive systems-anticipating the upcoming situation and not just responding once a wheel has started to spin. This serves to stabilize the vehicle even before the driver notices any need for action. On the new X6 with Dynamic Performance Control, handling and stability are enhanced to an even higher level with the ability to multiply torque to an individual rear wheel for yaw control. With the combination of xDrive and Dynamic Perforance Control, the X6 is able counteracting even the slightest trend to over- or under-steer right from the start at the earliest conceivable point with the positive effects on the driver's sense of driving dynamics. Unparalleled agility and tracking stability thanks to xDrive and Dynamic Performance Control. The positive effect of Dynamic Performance Control on the agility of the BMW X6 is clearly seen right from the start. In conventional everyday traffic, the vehicle steers into corners with significantly enhanced precision at any speeds. Dynamic Performance Control likewise enhances the handling and, indeed, the overall control of the BMW X6 in sudden steering maneuvers and at particularly high speeds in bends. If the vehicle begins to understeer or push to the outside of a corner BMW xDrive and Dynamic Performance Control will dynamically shift torque to the outside rear wheel in order to are able to counteract the understeer. On the other hand, if the vehicle threatens to over-steer, xDrive reduces the transmission of power to the rear wheels then the Dynamic Performance Control transfers torque and drive forces from the outer rear wheel and diverts these forces to the inner rear wheel. This intervention in the interest of greater stability is so quick and finely controlled that the driver will not even notice what is happening. What he will notice, however, is that the BMW X6 ensures exceptional steering precision and vehicle balance all the way to the extreme limit. Unique: Dynamic Performance Control enhances steering precision also when the driver takes his foot off the gas pedal. A further particular feature of Dynamic Performance Control is that engine power and torque are split variably between the rear wheels not only when the engine is "pulling" the vehicle, but also in overrun. This is made possible by the addition of a planetary gear set and a multiple-plate clutch operated by an electric motor on both output sides of the rear differential. With this configuration Dynamic Performance Control is able to vary the distribution of drive power also when the driver takes his foot off the accelerator. The BMW X6 is the first vehicle in the world to offer such a stabilizing effect independent of engine load and drive power. Dynamic Performance Control also serves to optimize traction on a slippery surface. With its ability to vary the transmission of engine power specifically as required between the two rear wheels, Dynamic Performance Control serves to improve traction and pulling force whenever the vehicle is running on different surfaces from one side to the other, for instance, with asphalt on one side and a snowbound surface on the other. Any differences in the frictional coefficient between the wheels on the left and right (modal split) are offset by Dynamic Performance Control specifically sharing out drive forces on the rear axle. Easily viewable on the instrument cluster, the driver receives a clear message showing the interaction by Dynamic Performance Control. By simply pressing the lever on the steering column, the driver is informed of the current distribution of drive power via a bar diagram showing how much power is going to each of the four drive wheels at any given point in time. DSC intervening only when driving to the limit. The difference in drive forces between the two rear wheels provided by Dynamic Performance Control can be as high as 1327 lbs-ft (1800 Newton-meters). But even then, all the driver will feel when Dynamic Performance Control intervenes is a - significant - increase in agility, traction and driving stability. As a result of Dynamic Performance Control's intervention, the Dynamic Stability Control intervenes much less frequently than before. In practice, this means that the driver is able to use the full drive power and torque of the engine much longer than with a conventional system, DSC acting on individual wheels or reducing engine power only when the driver really pushes the car to the extreme limits of physical performance. In addition, DSC in the new BMW X6 offers a wide range of additional functions serving to promote safe and dynamic motoring including: ABS anti-lock brakes; Automatic Stability Control; Trailer Stability Control; Hill Descent Control; Dynamic Brake Control, automatically maximizing brake pressure when required in the interest of minimum stopping distances; Cornering Brake Control; and, finally, Active Cruise Control complete with its own brake application function. The Automatic Differential Brake serves as a transverse lock between the two wheels, and Fading Compensation increasing brake pressure as required under extremely high brake temperatures, helps to maintain the brake forces required even under extreme conditions. Regular Dry Braking, in turn, optimizes brake performance in wet conditions, while the Start-Off Assistant enables the driver to set off more smoothly and easily on an uphill gradient. The new BMW X6 features a parking brake operating both electromechanically and hydraulically, activated or released simply by pushing a button. Reflecting the high standard of driving dynamics offered by the BMW X6, DSC also comes with Dynamic Traction Control as a special function, raising the DSC response thresholds to a higher level, allowing a particularly sporting and active style of motoring, and enabling the driver to set off smoothly on snow or in loose sand with the drive wheels intentionally spinning slightly. Supported by a wide range of DSC functions, the high-performance brake system featured in the BMW X6 ensures excellent stopping power under all conditions. Inner-vented discs on all four wheels take up brake energy, newly developed lightweight brakes with floating aluminum calipers front and rear, guarantee extremely good resistance to fading and maximum brake comfort on the top-of-the-range BMW X6 xDrive50i. Active Steering for a particularly sporting and comfortable style of motoring. The BMW X6 is also available with Active Steering as an option. This very special system developed by BMW offers exactly the right steering ratio at all speeds, maintaining direct steering behavior up to a speed of about 55 mph, as required particularly for a sporting and active style of motoring. A further advantage in this case is that the driver only has to turn the steering wheel twice from lock to lock when parking. At higher speeds, on the other hand, Active Steering offers a more indirect transmission ratio in the interest of steady directional stability and, as a result, enhanced motoring comfort. On the BMW X6, Active Steering is combined with Servotronic, thus making an active contribution in stabilizing the car in the event of over-steer in bends or particularly demanding brake maneuvers. When applying the brakes on different surfaces left and right, for example, that is with a so-called modal split, Active Steering counter-steers discreetly but firmly to prevent the car from swerving out of control. Unique: Adaptive Drive with data transfer via FlexRay. Carefully harmonized interaction of the vehicle's anti-roll bars and dampers masterminded by Adaptive Drive is another unique feature in the segment of BMW X Models. Indeed, this combination of active body roll control and variable damper adjustment available as an option gives the new BMW X6 incomparably superior driving behavior. Using sensors in the vehicle, Adaptive Drive constantly monitors and calculates data on road speed, the steering angle, longitudinal and lateral acceleration, body and wheel velocity, as well as ride and damper position. Applying this information, the system acts directly on the anti-roll bar swivel motors and the electromagnetic valves in the dampers, varying body roll and the damping effect appropriately at all times and in all situations. Simply by pressing a button, the driver is able to choose either a sporting or a comfortable setting on Adaptive Drive. BMW Adaptive Drive uses high-speed FlexRay data transmission for fast and reliable coordination of data. This system, developed to production standard by a development consortium under the leadership of BMW offers a standard of data transfer capacity never seen before - and BMW is the first carmaker in the world to use FlexRay technology in a regular production car. Superior engine dynamics in both the xDrive35i and xDrive50i. Through its superior suspension technology, the BMW X6 is able to convert all the power of the engine safely and consistently into driving dynamics under virtually all conditions and on all kinds of surfaces. And the engines available in the first Sports Activity Coupe set standards themselves in terms of muscular performance, superior running smoothness, and outstanding efficiency in their respective class. Both the xDrive35i and xDrive50i feature Twin Turbo technology engines, representing the latest in state of the art engine technology-with the power range extending from 300 hp to 400 hp. The BMW X6 xDrive50i is powered by an all-new eight-cylinder, while the BMW X6 xDrive35i features the most powerful straight-six within the engine portfolio of Germany's leading premium car maker. The performance characteristics and efficiency for both of these engines benefits from the exclusive combination of Twin Turbo technology and High Precision Injection available only from BMW. The principle of combining two turbochargers and direct gasoline injection applied for the first time on the straight-six is now also to be admired on the new V8. A class of its own: The new eight-cylinder with Twin Turbo Technology. With Ultimate Driving Performance as the most important feature-this applies to BMW's X Models and to BMW's eight-cylinder engines-the BMW X6 is adding an incomparably dynamic variant to the line-up of BMW X Models, with the world's first Sports Activity Coupe boasting a particularly sporting and dynamic eight-cylinder. Displacing 4.4 liters, the new V8 engine with Twin Turbo technology and direct gasoline injection (High Precision Injection) develops maximum output of 400 hp throughout a broad range of engine speed from 5,500-6,400 rpm. Engine torque reaches its peak of 450 lb-ft throughout an unusually large speed range from 1,800-4,500 rpm. The spontaneous, intense and long-lasting thrust generated in this way is the result of Twin Turbo technology already featured on BMW's most powerful straight-six combined with High Precision Injection. The cooling effect of direct fuel injection also ensures a compression ratio quite unusual on a turbocharged engine, helping to give the engine an even higher level of all-round efficiency. The position of the turbochargers and catalytic converters in the V-section between the two rows of cylinders is likewise an innovation in technology allowing particularly compact engine dimensions and at the same time requiring new configuration of the intake and exhaust ducts. This means shorter intake and exhaust manifolds and larger cross-sections significantly reducing pressure losses on both the intake and exhaust side. The all-aluminum V8 engine developed for the BMW X6 offers all the qualities typical of an eight-cylinder in incomparably sporting style. In practice, this means a combination of superior torque at low engine speeds with an ongoing surge of power and performance up to the higher speed range. The BMW X6 xDrive50i accelerates from 0-60 mph in just 5.3 seconds and boasts ample power reserves for exceptional acceleration also at higher speeds. When equipped with the optional 20 inch wheels with performance tires, the top speed is a truly impressive 155 mph limited electronically by the engine control unit. Twin Turbo technology featured for the first time on an eight-cylinder gasoline engine. The power and performance characteristics of the new V8 result to a large extent from Twin Turbo technology, the use of two turbochargers for the first time on an eight-cylinder engine serving to boost both engine output and torque with maximum efficiency. Each of the two turbochargers supplies compressed air to four cylinders at a time, ensuring particular spontaneity and a direct reaction to the gas pedal. As with the straight-six featuring Twin Turbo technology, the "turbo lag" typical of a turbocharged engine with conventional technology, that is the time until the turbocharger builds up its boost, is virtually eliminated through the combination of two small turbos and the direct injection calibration. A further advantage is that the engine revs up smoothly, maintaining its high torque consistently throughout an unusually broad range of engine speed. In its power and performance characteristics, therefore, the engine is comparable to a significantly larger normal-aspirated engine while offering the advantage of much lower weight and reduced package size. Not only are the dimensions and weight of the new V8 unusually modest, but the fuel consumption is also exceptionally low for an engine of this caliber. A significant factor contributing to the superior fuel economy is double-VANOS infinite camshaft management, a technology characteristic of BMW engines. Indeed, this technology is also one of the reasons why the V8 - over and above its superior fuel economy - develops exceptionally high torque from low engine speeds. High Precision Injection also plays a key role in the efficient use of fuel. This second generation of direct gasoline injection uses piezo-injectors positioned directly next to the spark plugs in the cylinder head and delivering fuel into the combustion chambers at a pressure of 2900 psi. The advantage is extremely precise dosage of fuel, with the further benefit of reduced emissions and improved engine acoustics. And last but not least, it almost goes without saying that the engine fulfils both the US ULEV II emissions standard as well as the EU5 requirements in Europe. The new V8 engine is the most efficient engine in its class. Combined with a number of further technologies developed in the overall context of BMW EfficientDynamics, the engine gives the BMW X6 xDrive50i fuel consumption and emission figures significantly better than other eight-cylinder vehicles competing with the BMW X Models. BMW's most powerful inline-six in the world's first Sports Activity Coupe. The second gasoline-powered version of the BMW X6 boasts the most powerful inline-six within BMW's engine portfolio: Maximum output of the engine featured in the BMW X6 xDrive35i is 300 hp from an engine capacity of 3.0 liters. This superior power is maintained consistently between 5,800 and 6,250 rpm, with maximum torque of 300 lb-ft provided all the way from 1,400-5,000 rpm. This gives the six-cylinder superior power and performance from an unusually early point on a gasoline engine, subsequently maintaining this high power throughout a broad range of engine speed. Like the new V8 engine, the engine in the BMW X6 xDrive35i offers the exclusive combination of Twin Turbo technology and High Precision Injection for incomparable power and performance, plus a standard of economy quite unique in comparison with the engine's dynamic driving potential. On the inline-six with Twin Turbo technology, two exhaust turbochargers each supply compressed air to three cylinders. The small mass inertia of the relatively compact turbochargers optimizes response to a significantly higher degree on this engine, building up charge pressure without the slightest delay from low engine speeds. The result is a rapid increase in power and torque further promoted by infinitely variable double-VANOS camshaft control. This characteristic of BMW's Twin Turbo gasoline engines is unique world-over and offers an exceptionally high standard of power and flexibility on the road. In practice, this allows the driver to use the superior torque of the engine right from the start when accelerating, with engine power then remaining consistent over a wide speed range. The exceptional dynamism of the engine is further enhanced by its high compression ratio, again an advantage made possible by High Precision Injection: With the fuel/air mixture being cooled as a result of direct injection, the compression ratio can be increased to a higher level than on a turbo-charged engine with intake manifold injection. Engine efficiency is improved accordingly, offering more power on less fuel. The level of power offered by the inline-six with Twin Turbo Technology and High Precision Injection is equal to a level that only a much larger eight-cylinder was able to provide in the past. But at the same time BMW's most powerful six-cylinder offers a much higher standard of fuel economy and, thanks to its all-aluminum crankcase, is much lighter. BMW EfficientDynamics: wide range of features serving to reduce fuel consumption and emissions - and all coming as standard. Offering a wide range of features serving to enhance efficiency on and around the engine, all versions of the new BMW X6 ensure a particularly good balance of power, performance and economy - and all these features come as standard. The all-round efficiency of the BMW X6 is further optimized by on-demand control and activation of the engine's ancillary units helping to significantly reduce the power required for the fuel and steering assistance pumps and thus again saving energy in the process. For example, the drive belt for the a/c compressor, comes with an independent clutch automatically disconnecting the compressor as soon as the driver switches off the air conditioning and thus reducing the drag forces generated by the compressor to a minimum. Further examples are the use of tires with reduced rolling resistance and the optimization of the car's aerodynamics. The cooling air flaps behind the BMW kidney grille and in the air intake, for instance, are controlled electronically, helping to reduce the air drag of the vehicle when closed and only being opened in response to greater demand for cooling. Automatic transmission designed for sports motoring. Power is transmitted on the BMW X6 in standard trim by six-speed sport automatic transmission with a particularly sporting gearshift now enhanced to an even higher level. The automatic transmission chooses the appropriate gear with incomparable spontaneity, precision and efficiency, benefiting both the comfort and driving dynamics of the BMW X6. The automatic transmission shifts gears either in response to the electronic gear selector lever or the gearshift paddles on the steering wheel. Intelligent lightweight technology for enhanced dynamics and solidity. Like the other models in the BMW X range, the BMW X6 boasts a particularly strong and sturdy body. To keep weight to a minimum despite this outstanding solidity, BMW's engineers developing the new model focused consistently from the start on intelligent lightweight construction. Both the choice of materials as well as the arrangement and geometry of the various support bars, rods and other support elements are based on an overall concept combining maximum crash safety with supreme agility on the road. The new BMW X6 not only includes front and side airbags as standard, but also curtain-type Head Protection System airbags at the side, protecting the occupants both front and rear from injury. Additional features include: three-point inertia-reel belts on each seat, with belt force limiters together with a belt tightener on the front seat; crash-activated headrests to prevent cervical spine injury in the event of a collision from behind, that come standard on the front seats. All restraint systems are masterminded by one central electronic safety "brain" monitoring the type and severity of a collision and activating the most effective protection units in each case. The frontal airbags, in turn, come with a gas generator operating in two stages and thus activating the airbags with varying intensity, depending on the severity of an accident. In the event of an imminent rollover, the car's rollover sensor activates both the curtain airbags and the belt latch tensioners. Indeed, this integration of the system with DSC Dynamic Stability Control guarantees appropriate function of the overall safety system in good time whenever necessary. And to avoid accidents from behind the new BMW X6 comes with BMW's two-stage brake lights. The BMW X6. The first Sports Activity Coupe. The BMW X5 has already demonstrated most clearly that dynamic driving qualities are a decisive criterion also with a vehicle of this class and caliber. The BMW X3, in turn, has added outstanding agility as a further factor crucial to success in this segment. And now the BMW X6 focuses again on these priorities, raising them to an even higher level. As a result, the world's first Sports Activity Coupe from BMW once again sets the standard in a market segment characterized by particularly dynamic growth And at the same time the BMW X6, through its concept and drive technology, clearly proves and confirms the exceptional innovative power of Germany's premium carmaker. The new BMW X6 is expected to be in US BMW Centers in the second quarter of 2008. Options, pricing and precise launch timing details will be communicated as the launch window nears. BMW Group in America BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand, the MINI brand, and the Rolls-Royce brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, an industrial design firm in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group's global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all Z4 models and X5 Sports Activity Vehicles and the upcoming X6 Sports Activity Coupe. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 338 BMW passenger car centers, 335 BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 142 BMW motorcycle retailers, 82 MINI passenger car dealers, and 30 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group's sales headquarters for North, Central and South America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey. Information about BMW Group products is available to consumers via the Internet at: www.bmwgroupna.com www.bmwusa.com www.bmwmotorcycles.com www.miniusa.com www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com

Ford Europe Greenlights New High Performance Ford Focus RS

will bee — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 11:58:54 +0000

Â After years of success in the WorldÂ Rally Ford Europe is ready to give the new Ford Focus a rally inspired makeover to make the Focus RS a 2009 street beast. With months of work already under the belt the Ford Team RS under the direction of Jost Capito will spend the next year getting the Focus RS ready for production. Ford and Capito are remaining mum on the specs of the Focus RS at this point but turbo-charging the Focus ST 5-cylinder and reaching upwards of 280-hp could easily be speculated. Maybe when the car is shown some time in mid-2008, possibly at the London Auto Show, Ford will share more of the secrets that will give the High Performance Focus RS its sizzle. Ofcourse, those of us in North America will just have a continuation of these teasers as Ford Europe is not big on sharing with us. But to read more about the design and design team setting forth on the Focus RS task you can check out the Ford Press Release below. Source[Ford]Â Official Ford Press Release

COLOGNE, December 17, 2007 â€“ Ford of Europe is confirming its plan to deliver an exciting all-new, high performance Focus RS model for launch in 2009. A design image released by the company today hints at the exciting direction the new model is taking.

The new Focus RS will be based on the dynamic new Focus ST. It will be developed by Ford Team RS, a specialist team led by Jost Capito who, as previously announced, is being appointed to the new role as Vehicle Line Director for Ford of Europe Performance Vehicles from January 1, 2008. "With two consecutive Manufacturers' World Rally Championship titles under our belt, the time is right to create a new Focus RS," said John Fleming, Ford of Europe's President and CEO. "With the Fiesta and Focus ST models, Jost and his team have proved already that they can deliver exciting and practical performance road cars. The success of these models, combined with Jost's experience in motorsport and Ford of Europe's positive business results, mean that we now have a credible business case for a no-compromise Focus RS roadcar for more enthusiastic drivers." The basic concept for a new Focus RS has been under development within Ford Team RS under Capito's leadership for some months already. Now that the programme has been given the 'green light', Capito and his team will be concentrating fully on this programme. "We have reviewed our technical options and worked closely with the Design team on how the car might look, and I'm very excited by the results," said Jost Capito, "Now with the programme going ahead, the hard work really starts as the small team working on the project takes the car from prototype to production." Stay Tuned Ford of Europe will not reveal any of the technical details of the new Focus RS until closer to launch in 2009. The company plans to show a concept version of the car publicly for the first time in mid-2008. "We will use the redesigned 2008 Focus ST as the base for a no-compromise RS model that will become the ultimate road-going Focus," Capito added. "Just as the Focus RS WRC owns the rally circuit, we want the new Focus RS to own the road, so we have the major competitors in our sights as we develop the car's performance, design, handling and braking." "We're not ready to confirm any of the technical details of the new Focus RS yet - Jost and his team have a lot to do to finalise the exact specification and styling," said Fleming. "But make no mistake, I can assure you that ultimately, the car we plan to launch will be worthy of wearing the coveted Ford RS badge."

Nissan Forum Concept Aims to Revolutionize the Family Transport

will bee — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 12:10:46 +0000

The Nissan Forum Concept Design Team are not merely looking to challenge the mindset of the Mini-Van clans, but to remind everyone that "getting there" should be part of the fun. With plush aniline leather seats, a plethora of electronics and even a microwave such a transport may cause families to opt for the long way to any destination. The outside layers of the Forum Concept also strikes a bold pose with its striking front end, expansive views via the glass paneled cieling, and its railless sliding rear doors. There seems to be a lot more here to catch the here in the Nissan Forum than one would expect in the usual Mini-Van. And that is exactly what Nissan is hoping for when they showcase their Forum Concept in January's North American International Auto Show in Detroit. For more photos and the Specs for the Nissan Forum click Read More. And inside the scope of Nissan's revisioning of the family transport is the inspiration for clean engine technology for the Forum Concept. While the show car does not possess the future technology that will motivate the Forum if it makes it into production a variant of Nissan's new diesel engine, like the one to come in the Maxima in the coming year, or some other clean and efficient engine will be part of the revolutionized transports packaging. So as clean engine design is not an after-thought to true inspiration for the Forum is in the cabin. Listed below are a number of features both innovative and entertaining for all age groups that will be in the Forums cozy cocoon, and Bose appears to be a big part of what they have planned. Tucked inside the cabin of the Forum are rear-seat security camera's so that the driver can keep tabs on the kids in the back. Also theÂ second row of seats swivel completely around to provide the occupants in the middle a real chance to share in the ride with their backseat counterparts. And hidden inside the door jam of the Forum are Bose speakers so as to make it the ultimate tail-gate party where ever you may park it. While we are always reminding ourselves that these are merely concept vehicles and are not quite ready or may never come to market they do seem to carry their own level of excitement for the future. Look for more information and photos to come out in January from the Detroit Auto Show and in the mean time just enjoy the possibilities whether they are destined to come to fruition or not. [myginpage=12182007-forum] Below are the Specs from Nissan for their Forum Concept vehicle. Nissan FORUM ConceptÂ Key Dimensions and Specifications Engine: Environmentally sensitive clean diesel engine Transmission: Nissan Xtronic CVT” (Continuously Variable Transmission) Drive Configuration: Front engine/front-wheel drive Wheels/Tires: 20-inch 6-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels Nitto NT420 245/45R20 tires Wheelbase: 121.1 inches/3075 mm Length: 196.4 inches/4987 mm Width: 83.3 inches/2114 mm Height: 69.4 inches/1763 mm Seating Capacity: 7 passengers

Audio/Entertainment

Bose Media System:

Â· Intuitive controls featuring proximity sensing to detect the operators reach

Â· Comprehensive voice command and hands-free communications

Â· Hard disc drive music storage with Bose uMusic intelligent playback system

Â· Bluetooth connectivity

Â· GPS navigation

Â· Wide screen LCD display

Â· Multi-format media capability for stereo and surround discs

Â· 2^nd and 3^rd row monitoring cameras

Â· One-button audio muting and front-to-back communication

SeatCentric audio system:

Â· Speakers in headrests and seatbacks allow for a consistent stereo image even as the seat swivels Â· Independent audio programs in front and rear seating rowsÂ FreeSpace outdoor audio: Â· Full-range exterior audio system for tailgating and other outdoor activities

Select Exterior Features Dramatic styling with wide stance, high beltline, wide-open visibility and an aggressive front end appearance; wide-opening front doors and no B-pillars; trackless sliding side door design, which offers a clean, uninterrupted, non-traditional profile; expansive use of side glass and overhead SkyView” moonroof glass panels to open up the interior to the outside environment; LED lights front and rear, with a subtle LED light bar accenting the sweeping grille and hood design; soft-edged side outside mirrors; wide six-spoke alloy wheels and low-profile tires; a wide rear hatch; and dual exhaust outlets Select Interior Features Aniline leather-appointed, pedestal-style drivers and front passenger seats; extensive use of rich Analon leather, aluminum and wood; dramatic floating instrument panel blending next-generation communications technology with simple, intuitive controls; dual climate controls; Bluetooth^’ wireless technology; mood lighting under the upper and lower console areas; built-in console-mounted microwave, sized to fit a standard bag of microwave popcorn; special vertical wave pattern â€œmodern shagâ€ carpeting; revolutionary Turntable Seating 2^nd row bucket-formed seat that rotates 90 degrees to either side to create â€œgrandstandâ€ seating for watching sports, or 180 degrees to face the three-passenger rear seat, creating family-style seating for up to five passengers; 2^nd row seat includes individual wireless monitors, located in the seat console; integrated seat belts in all positions

Honda Teases Us with Promise of a New NSX in 2010

will bee — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 11:58:02 +0000

Honda lets slip out its intention of building a new NSX for the year 2010, but this does not fall long after expectations were raised with a similar indication for 2008-2009. However, even false promises will not keep most NSX fans from feeding their own excitement with such news. The original NSX is still one of the most respected sports cars on the road and due to its rarity in many areas still turns heads to this day. Acura displayed what it was calling the Advanced Sports Car Concept this year and some speculated that it would be the framework for the next NSX, but Acura has since announced that they were pulling back their concept for a redesign. And thus hope wained again. While Honda has not provided us with any sketches or etches or paintings or concepts over which to drool and further speculate President of Honda America Tetsuo Iwamura had this to say about the Acura NSX's 2010 release: "In case of the introduction order, at this moment I can’t tell, but the U.S., you know, has a majority of the (Acura) customers – that (is something) you have to think about." It seems so rare these days when anything from over seas comes here first that this would certainly seem a reason to celebrate.... IF and WHEN it happens. The specs for the new NSX are far from certain at this point in the design but the word is the car will be powered by an all new V10 engine. And while the previous model was truly dedicated to the drive and not plush accoutrements the new NSX is reported to be leaning toward some more refined interior appointments. But as always... the proof will be in the pudding come 2010. Source[MotorAuthority]

Top Gear puts the 2008 BMW M3, Mercedes C 63 AMG and Audi RS4 Head-to-Head-to-Head

will bee — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 12:18:43 +0000

Never content to just ride and report on cars the fellas at Top Gear literally put their cars through the ringer and never hold back with their thoughts and opinion. That is what makes it one of the most popular and entertaining Auto Shows on the boob-tube. In one of their recent episodes they wrangled up a new 2008 BMW M3 and matched up its 414-hp 4.0 Liter V8 against the Mercedes C 63 AMG with its larger 6.2 Liter V8 pumping out 451-hp and pitted them both against (3 hosts, you need 3 cars) the Audi RS4 with its 4.2 Liter V8 Quattro at 420-hp. Let's see what the boys from Top Gear can do with these sport luxury vehicles. ... ... ... Source[eGMCarTech]

Detroit Auto Show: Toyota A-Bat Concept... a Copy of a Copy?

will bee — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 12:38:36 +0000

One thing you can say about Toyota in the past year is they have really stepped out there with the concepts they have introduced. With the new A-Bat compact truck concept that Toyota is bringing to the Big Show in Detroit in a couple weeks some may be saying Toyota has stepped a bit too far out there. Toyota says that the side profile of the A-Bat is based off the lines of the Prius, but some obvious gene sampling may have taken place from the Honda Ridgeline and the Chevy Avalanche to birth this compact truck concept. The A-Bat is so... something that it is almost difficult to talk about it. The A-Bat is designed to be powered by one of Toyota's hybrid engines to keep both the fuel consumption and emissions low. This is Toyota's way of appealing to the work computer who wants to ride in from the suburbs in style(?), yet still wants to be able to pick up a load of plywood on his way back home. Much like the Ridgeline and the Ford Sport-Track the bed of the A-Bat is designed to manage small loads and sport activity hardware such as bicycles and kayaks. It is intended to fall just below the Tacoma on Toyota's line-up of trucks. That is if it ever makes it into production. The basic mold of the A-Bat may scream Ridgeline, but another piece of sampling may rile the boys at GM a bit more. The A-Bat has the means to extend its four-foot bed into an eight-foot bed by laying down the tailgate and folding in the rear seat just as the Avalanche does. This allows the A-Bat to accommodate larger loads, but will it keep it from getting into any fights in the school yard with the Chevy boys? Toyota's design teams may be working hard to become creative, and even though they may have inadvertently borrowed from the designs of others it is a shame they did not borrow some better looking samples. Neither the Ridgeline or Avalanche are necessarily attractive vehicles. Maybe if the A-Bat matched them merely in their utility while taking on the appearance of something less... hideous then Toyota might have a concept worth ogling. As it stands now and as the general public begins to chime in it seems that the A-Bat may be heading back to the A-Drawing Board. For a little more understanding of where Toyota is coming from with their A-Bat compact truck concept check out the Official Press Release below. Source[Jalopnik] PRESS RELEASE:
TOYOTA RETURNS TO ITS COMPACT TRUCK ROOTS WITH THE A-BAT CONCEPT VEHICLE

DETROIT - Jan. 13, 2008 - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., returns to its compact pickup truck roots with its latest concept vehicle A-BAT. The environmentally advanced A-BAT provides modern versatility, roominess and style in a compact pickup architecture. The A-BAT made its debut in Detroit at the 2008 North American International Auto Show today.

"Driving from beyond the suburbs to the city is a way of life for many people," said Kevin Hunter, president, Calty Design Research, Inc. "We've taken Toyota's truck heritage to a different level by envisioning a vehicle capable of
maneuvering the suburbs as well as dirt roads. This compact truck is as comfortable for long commutes as it is for road trips. It can accommodate outdoor toys and home improvement supplies. Plus, customers benefit from the hybrid powertrain's low emissions and fuel economy."

The A-BAT concept was developed by the TMS Advanced Product Strategy group and Calty, Toyota's North American-based, research and design center located in Newport Beach, Calif. Together, they identified a buyer group whose unique combination of lifestyle activities and vehicle needs required a vehicle that as of now is not available in the market place. The team created a new genre of compact vehicle with good fuel economy, advanced functionality, maneuverability, unique styling within its segment, and a durable package suitable for an active lifestyle. Advanced styling was also key in making the A-BAT appropriate for today's market.

The A-BAT concept rides on a unibody platform for car-like handling when navigating city streets and crowded parking lots, and smooth ride quality for highway trips and the everyday commute. In addition, its lightweight package coupled with Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive¨ technology is designed to deliver excellent fuel economy. Translucent solar panels in the top surface of the instrument panel capture sunlight and convert it into energy, showcasing the vehicle's "green" character. Positioned below the Toyota Tacoma, A-BAT integrates truck features with carfundamentals for an efficient and modern package.

The A-BAT's unique aerodynamic exterior was crafted by Calty Project Chief Designer Ian Cartabiano and Creative Designer Matt Sperling. They integrated Toyota's design philosophy, "Vibrant Clarity" into the exterior by keeping the design forward-looking, crisp and functional.

The concept's unique look is a combination of the large body surfaces, intersecting tight surface planes, crisp lines and the trapezoidal profile. The A-BAT's 19-inch wheels sit at the vehicle's corners creating a tough and ready
stance.

"We studied the 'trapezoid' silhouette from the side profile of the Toyota Prius and applied it to create an entirely new truck image," said Sperling. He further enhanced the trapezoidal profile by placing the cab forward, and using fast angle A- and C-pillars, shortened overhangs, and a sleek front window.

"The bold grille showcases Toyota's reverse trapezoid and T-face theme in a new way," explained Cartabiano. "The bed is defined by the C-pillar and is clearly separated from the cab to allow it to stand out from the rest of the profile."

"The image of a NATO all-terrain military truck inspired us to keep the occupants as far forward as possible to maximize rear bed capacity in this compact package," stated Sperling.

The A-BAT features a four-foot bed, but has more flexibility than the standard pickup truck. A translucent roof panel slides open to allow for tall cargo in the cab. When the pass-through midgate is folded down into the cab the bed lengthens an additional two feet. An open tailgate provides an additional two-foot of bed length. The A-BAT offers customers the versatility of hauling a standard 4x8 sheet of plywood one day, then taking a family on a camping trip to the lake the next.

The bed has features perfect for work and play. These include tailgate lighting for illuminating the load in the bed, a first aid kit and flashlight integrated into the tailgate, sliding tie downs, and an AC power outlet. Items such as sports and leisure equipment can be stored in the lockable drawers in the bed walls. The concept also has additional storage that is accessible through sliding doors conveniently placed in and outside of the truck bed. For even more storage capacity the A-BAT comes with a large sliding drawer beneath the bed, accessible without opening the tailgate.

Although the A-BAT is rugged and has a spirited exterior, the interior team worked to create a modern look for the interior.

"We balanced colors and fabrics that were both bright and vibrant, but also captured an urban-rugged feel with their energetic and geometric qualities," said Alan Schneider, Project Chief Designer.

"The inspiration behind the exposed structure on the interior was drawn from high-end mountain bike frames," added Daryl Harris, Senior Creative Designer. "We applied lightweight construction materials, such as carbon fiber and aluminum, to the instrument panel, console and seats for increased structural rigidity while reducing mass."

The rigid, yet sculptured alloy center console runs between the two front seats and houses a portable power pack. The battery pack offers both AC and DC for a wide variety of applications including powering tools, electrical gear while camping, a laptop computer, small appliances or assisting a vehicle jump start.

The door trim, shoulder, armrest and instrument panel pads and seat cushions are made of a tough, lightweight and comfortable material that can be selected for personalization. In addition the colors are coordinated to enhance the sleek interior environment. The center console and door pockets feature carbon fiber components to complete the durable and modern look.

The four-passenger A-BAT offers numerous seating and storage configurations. In addition to the rear seats folding down with the midgate to extend the cargo bed length, the rear seat cushions can retract beneath the cargo bed to increase rear cab cargo flexibility. A removable storage tray beneath the rear seat offers tie downs and organizing compartments to secure loose cargo.

Inside the A-BAT has a retractable portable navigation unit with a seven-inch diagonal screen and Wi-Fi internet. Other advanced features include a port for portable device assistant synchronization and a hard drive for digital music.

Both the driver and front passenger have a large multi-information display screens on the IP to view the status of their high tech gadgets and HVAC and audio settings.

The solar panels on the dash recapture energy from the sun to assist in the charging of the navigation unit, portable power pack and backlit information displays.

"This concept is the next evolution of the compact truck," said Hunter. "We were able to create a compact truck that's utilitarian, has an original profile compared to other pickup trucks, has a 'small, but tough' character and is economical to operate. The A-BAT is a fun-to-drive, practical package that reflects Toyota's environmental sustainability message."

TOYOTA A-BAT CONCEPT PICKUP TRUCK

PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS

DRIVETRAIN

Four cylinder gas engine with Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive¨

DIMENSIONS (inches)

Overall Length: 181.3
Overall Width: 74.4
Overall Height: 64.0
Wheelbase: 112.2
Bed Length: 48.0
Bed Length with Midgate down: 72.0
Bed Length with Midgate and Tailgate down: 96.0
Wheel Size: 19-inch

Mazda's Furai Super Car Concept gets some early exposure

will bee — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 12:02:42 +0000

Mazda has worked hard on keeping their Furai super car concept under raps while honing its shape and its drive-train. The slipped a little rear-snippet out early as they announced that they would be making a super car debut at the Detroit Auto Show in January, but now we have more than just a snippet to enjoy. Photos of the completed car running what appear to be test laps have found their way across the internet (whether planned by Mazda or not) and interest in the odd-shaped Furai is growing. Ofcourse that may not be a buying publics interest that is growing, but curiosity fed interest is interest none-the-less. The Mazda Furai is to be powered by a 450-hp 3-rotor rotary engine. Part of its shape comes from the 2005 Courage C65 racing chassis that it is built upon. It is nice to see a Rotary engine coming from Mazda with some decent horsepower, but will it also have some measure of torque that seems to be missing from their other rotary engines. One interesting difference from Mazda's other rotary engines is that the Furai will be fueled by BP's E100 Ethanol. However, the engine and chassis will truly be taking a backseat (despite the car not having one) when you first approach the Mazda Furai. It will be the striking appearance of the molded lines and large wing of the car that will capture ones gaze. One comment on the web said that this should be the new Batmobile. Either way you look at it the Mazda Furai does feed the imagination and is yet another bold styling move by Mazda. Look for more on the Furai and other Mazda concepts at the North American International Auto Show coverage from Detroit starting January 13th. Source[CarScoop]

Dee — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 05:15:04 +0000

Submit Your Car Pictures And Win Money

Dee — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 05:28:13 +0000

Happy New Year! To start off the new year, we're running a monthly car photo contest in 2008. The rules are simple. Send the 3 best photos of your car to ridelust@gmail.com. Also, include a short description about your ride. At the end of each month, we'll choose the top 3 car pictures.

1st place will get $30.
2nd place will get $20.
3rd place will get $10.

Learn more about our contest by clicking here. Also, whether you win or not, your pictures will show up on our car picture gallery for everyone to see. Thanks to Bud for submitting our first entry. The above picture is his son's 2002 Roush Stage 1 Mustang. Check out more pictures of the car.

What are the Most Lustable New Cars for 2008?

will bee — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 13:00:34 +0000

It seems impossible to fathom that I am the only perpetual car shopper who is always looking for that next fun auto. While there may be many who do not consider themselves perpetual car shoppers many may believe themselves to be car aficionados or appreciators of fine autos. For those of you who, like myself, have put off the purchase of that next fun ride, as well as for those of you who appreciate the promise of the next cool auto, I have compile MY list of the Most Lustable New Cars for 2008. If you have put off buying that new car for a while these are the cars that I feel will make all the waiting worth the while. Some of these cars are still coming from their concept stage and have yet to be road tested by people outside of the manufacturers engineers, so for some their ranking is based on the Promise of what the car will be. Number 10: The Tesla Roadster When the Tesla Roadster was first introduced the buzz was palpable and the Promise was very much on target with what many in the Green market had been waiting on. To bring to market a two-seat roadster with the performance (and price) of an exotic sports car that would not require a drop of gasoline. While many of the rich and famous have made their deposit to acquire their own Tesla EV Roadster not one of them has seen a delivery. Transmission problems have slowed the building progress of the Tesla, but we still remain high on its Promise. Let's just hope the Tesla Motors can come through on their Promise. Number 9: Mitsubishi Lancer Evo-X With brash styling, a new engine and great suspension the Mistubishi Lancer Evo-X is one of the most exciting sedans to hit the market in 2008. Part of that excitement is also the price. The base-level GSR will come in at $34,000 and come with 295-hp and 300-ft.lbs. of torque. While comparisons between the Evo-X and the Subura Impreza WRX STI will continue on for many our choice has been made. Price and performance are close between the two comparable cars, but the appearance of the Evo-X edges out the WRX STI on our list. Number 8: Dodge Challenger Despite the $20,000 premium over the MSRP that the Dodge Challenger SRT-8 is getting in pre-orders at local dealerships we still applaud the return of this muscle car icon. While the glossy copy of the original design done by Dodge's designers is not a far stretch from the classic lines it is meant to embody the new Challenger is just what many fans were looking for. If the pre-order numbers are any indication we think the Challenger is going to be a welcomed success for Dodge and will rekindle for many that classic muscle car era. Number 7: Chevy Camaro Speaking of classic muscle the Chevy Camaro comes in at number 6 just ahead of the Challenger. Part of the reason for the Camaro's edging out the Challenger is price (Chevy intends to make the Camaro comparable in price with the Ford Mustang... although I am not sure which variation of the Mustang they are targeting) and part of the reason is I just favor the design of the Camaro. The new Camaro not only takes from the classic lines of the 68 Camaro model, but in part provides a more interesting modernization of its classic heritage. Expect GM boys to gobble up the Camaro as fast as GM can build them. Number 6: Lexus IS-F Being a fan of the IS-350 it was very pleasing to me to see Lexus bolster their line-up by building up a purely athletic model from their IS body. The IS-F punches out 400-hp and accelerates in a zero-to-60 test in the mid-four second range. It will be interesting to see how the IS-F fares against the BMW M class, Audi S4's and Mercedes-Benz AMG's. No matter the comparisons in class the Lexus IS-F will give plenty of people another reason to stop by their local Lexus dealership... and for some of us our first exciting reason to stop by a Lexus dealership. Number 5: Jaguar XF The 2009 Jaguar XF is the long-awaited replacement for what many consider to be a clunker of a Jaguar; the S-type. The XF is intended to bring back the class, sophistication and luxury that Jaguar's are meant to exemplify. With the options of a 300-hp 4.2 liter engine or a 400-hp supercharged version of the same engine the Jaguar XF will not be found sitting still too often. There is also the promise of a 500-hp XF-R to come in 2009. However, it is the advanced technology and sophistication of the interior that marches the XF up our Top 10 list. No matter what angle you come at the XF it is a strong luxury entrant worthy of consideration and appreciation. Number 4: Corvette ZR1 The standard Corvette rarely makes an appearance on any of my personal Top 10 lists because they have just never grabbed my interest. Yes, the Zo6 is a fantastic street machine, but even it failed to hold my attention the way the 2009 Corvette ZR1 has done. With the new Chevy LS9 supercharged V8 pushing out somewhere between 620-and 650-hp the ZR1 is poised to be the fastest production 'Vette ever assembled. And with a stiffer chassis and sensor-driven suspension that adjusts to the road conditions the ZR1 promises to be the most comfortable Corvette yet. Number 3: BMW 135i After months-and-months of hype the BMW 135i is finally coming to America. The smallest sedan in the current BWM line-up may be its most exciting. At 306-hp the twin-turbo 6-cylinder engine still expected to rate around a 31-mpg. The hype has been huge for the 135i and nearly every indication seen so far shows that BMW has delivered with this car. Even Jeremy Clarkson of Top Gear (a known BMW critic and ridiculer of BMW drivers) judged the 135i very favorably in a recent test. If you can find one at MSRP and without all the extras in 2008 then grab it up. It is the well equipped price of nearly $50,000 that keeps the 135i from being Number 1 on this list. Well... that and the car that IS Number 1. Number 2: Hyundai Genesis Coupe I know what you are thinking. "How can any Hyundai top the BMW 135i on ANY list?" Well the Hyundai Genesis Coupe has a far more intriguing exterior, also comes with 300-hp and is poised to be the most inexpensive 300-hp car on the market. So does cheaper make it better you might ask? In some eyes... yes. Cheaper makes it more attainable. While the Genesis Coupe may not have ALL the performance inspired components of the BMW 135i its potentially sub-$30k RWD design comes with enough Promise to march it up ahead of the BMW 135i on this list. Number 1: Nissan GT-R The new Nissan GT-R is one of the most technologically advanced sports cars to hit the general market. Some have compared driving it on the streets/track to driving it in a video game (GranTurismo). While it may feel as though the car drives itself at times and provide less Drivers-Response than a BMW or Porsche, the GT-R is still the most exciting car coming out in 2008 (says me). Pushing out 480-hp and 430-torque and sporting AWD the Nissan GT-R is a true bargain of a supercar starting at $69,850. Plus, Nissan shut down much of their racing investments for 2008 so that they could focus their full attention to supporting and training for the maintenance of their most exquisite sports car. Thus, the Nissan GT-R makes my Number 1 of the Top 10 Most Lustable New Cars for the 2008-09 model years. With all that said, I do fully recognize and contend that nearly all Top 10 lists are subjective and there-by leave myself room to alter or amend this list at my own discretion. The reason being as with many car buyers such lists are sure to change as other models and concepts reach production and other interests or desires gain precedence. Maybe next week the BMW 135 will be Number 1. So, since all references here are subjective and influenced by opinion we want to know what YOUR Top 10 list would contain. Would you have a different Number 1? What cars would you omit or add? Leave us your list or changes in the comments section and let us see what new cars excite you.

NHTSA Collects over $30Million in CAFE Fines from DaimlerChrysler

will bee — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 12:34:19 +0000

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is the long arm of the US Government that is assigned with the task of assessing and collecting fines against automotive manufacturers who do not meet that years current CAFE standards. For the 2006 model year the NHTSA issued a big "thank you very much" to DaimlerChrysler for their CAFE violations. The amount of the fine issued was $30,257,635.50 and serves as the largest fine assessed to date. The 2006 penalty assessed to DaimlerChrysler nearly doubles their 2005 fine of $16,895,472.00. DaimlerChrysler just barely eclipsed the prior record holder which was BMW of North America's 2001 penalty of $27,985,925.00. Congratulations DaimlerChrysler. However, now that Daimler has parted ways with Chrysler which of the two will dominate the list in 2008? Historically, according to the listing, Mercedes-Benz has kept in step with BMW of North America in maintaining a place on the NHTSA's fine list. Before Daimler's buyout of Chrysler none of the Big 3 (Ford, GM and Chrysler) had ever made an appearance in the NHTSA's penalty box. Between the model years 1983 thru 2006 the NHTSA has assessed over $735 million in penalties. With the new CAFE legislation in the books it will be interesting to see who can top DaimlerChrysler's 2006 penalty in the coming years since nearly all auto manufacturers cried "Foul" up to the legislation's passing. Source[NHTSAvia TheTruthAboutCars]

Ford Europe offers up more Horsepower in Focus and Fiesta ST Models

will bee — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 12:55:39 +0000

The European arm of the Ford Motor Company has just upped the ante on the new Focus and Fiesta models for 2008 by offering up some improved performance beneath the bonnet. The Ford design team of North America had better check its design portfolio, because if their 2008 Ford Focus is the best they have to offer they might as well fold. The European Ford Focus, along with their Fiesta, have you with a full house of design and performance (economical performance as far as compacts go). With Ford of Europe's new engine upgrade package for the Focus and Fiesta ST these compacts just got a whole lot more interesting. The Ford Fiesta ST 185 will be living up to its name with a boost in horsepower from 148bhp to 185bhp. The cost of the upgrade for the Fiesta is 950 Pounds over in the UK, and while the details are yet to be fully disclosed it is probable that it will include an exhaust upgrade, new cylinder head, performance camshaft and an upgrade to the engine management system. In the end the owners will have an extra 37bhp from their original 2.0 liter engine and a bit more party out of their Fiesta ST. However, the real fun seems to be in the Focus ST 260. For 1,500 Pounds more the Focus ST 260 will reportedly receive a sport air filter, revised engine management system and sports tuned exhaust to start. The installed upgrades are expected to return an additional 38bhp to improve the overall hp from 222 to 260. With these improvements the Focus ST is expected to acheive a zero-to-sixty time of approximately 5.5 seconds. That would seem pretty respectable for its class. Some of the upgrades listed for the Focus and Fiesta ST may seem to be common DIY projects for most tuners. The difference here is the tuner upgrades listed above are dealer installed packages and are fully warrantied by Ford Europe. These upgrades are also available for prior years models of the European Focus and Fiesta. Such options would seem a valuable perk for the average Focus or Fiesta shopper who just wants a bit more from their compact purchase. And speaking of wanting a bit more from their compact purchase... North American shoppers should be kicking the shins of the Ford design teams who brought us the redressing that is the 2008 Ford Focus. Not only does the US Ford Focus languish in comparison to the European Ford Focus in style and aggressiveness, but its anemic 140-hp engine is starving for a similar dealer installed tuner upgrade package as the European Focus ST is receiving (and still it would only compare to the Fiesta in power). Sad to say but maybe the North American design team should have taken a peak over the shoulders of their European comrades? You decide. Below is a side by side (or top-to-bottom) comparison of the front end of the European Focus vs. the North American Focus and you tell us which is the pedestrian offering and which one inspires a bit more spirited response: Source[AutoExpress via AutoBlog]

Toyota takes over #2 Spot from Ford in the US Auto Market

will bee — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 12:25:40 +0000

The sales figures have been computed and it looks as though Toyota has captured the number 2 spot from Ford in the US Market. However, if you were to press either company for a response it seems a mere shrug might be the best you will see. Ford has held the #2 spot on the US sales ranking for 75 solid years; tucked neatly behind GM who has been the mainstay at #1. While to anyone who lives by rankings would be aghast at the position change of the two automotive giants those who have been following the current automotive news may have seen this as a foregone conclusion for 2007. Ford is in the midst of a restructuring phase that still has a couple years to go if they follow through as planned. Part of that reduction was a decrease in fleet sales to rental companies which was once a large part of their Tuarus sales. Another part of the restructuring involved Ford stepping out of the mini-van segment and putting their energies into the burgeoning crossover line. Ford's crossover sales saw a 62% increase in 2007 thanks to the Ford Edge and the Lincoln MKX. Ford may not have wanted to relinquish their position as number 2, but with a changing market and a company in transition surely they had conceded early on that this day would come. Toyota sure saw this day coming, but Japanese manners would make them too modest to publicly applaud it. Leading the charge for Toyota is the success of the new Tacoma half-ton model and the US Markets transition from large SUV's and truck to more fuel efficient cars. And thanks in a large part to the Prius and Camry Toyota has earned the reputation as having some of the most fuel efficient cars on the market. The Prius has become the icon of the Green movement by accounting for 11% of all of Toyota's sales and has left other Hybrid wannabes a bit green with envy. Sales of the Prius on a whole were up 68% for Toyota in 2007. However, no one knows more than Toyota how quickly public opinion can change as they tentatively embrace their charge up to the #2 spot and recognize that the larger they become the more under the microscope they will become. While Ford nestles in at their #3 spot it is GM that should be looking over their shoulders. Toyota's world wide sales are still growing and their US sales do not look to be slowing. It may not be long before the might GM is toppled from its cozy #1 spot by the modest yet surging Asian giant that is Toyota. So are Americans ready for Toyota to be their Number 1? Do they really care about auto rankings? Source[DetroitNews]

Cadillac to Nix Future Luxury V8's in Favor of Direct-Injection V6?

will bee — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 12:59:45 +0000

The word around the wire has it that Cadillac is planning to do away with their V8 option for their luxury sedans in favor of their Direct-Injection V6. For a company that has built a reputation out of their "Low and Wide" stance and their V8 power this could be a historic move, but only to those who thrive on History. Considering the economy we are living in today and the rising cost of fuel it is quite a sensible move for Cadillac to make. Especially when today's Northstar V8 and Cadillacs Direct-Injection V6 are quite comparable in their performance. The Northstar 4.6 liter V8 that resides as an option for the 2008 Cadillac STS pushes out a respectable 320-hp and 315-ft lbs of torque at their peak RPM's. However the 3.6 liter Direct-Injection V6 that is the predominant selling engine already for the 2008 STS manages a very comparable 302-hp, yet a mere 252-ft lbs of torque. But the Direct-Inject V6 also provides an additional 2-mpg in fuel rating. With oil reaching $100 now it is more likely that improved fuel ratings are going to trump additional horses for many normal buyers. This does not mean that Cadillac has ditched the Northstar V8 all together. The engine is scheduled to be in production through 2010 and is still the main performance engine for the XLR and the V-Series of cars. Cadillac's decision to reduce the use of the Northstar V8 may have further implications along the GM line, as well as with other manufacturers. With the recent passing of the new Energy Bill and higher CAFE standards there are going to be a lot of auto manufacturers looking for ways to improve their fleets over-all mpg ratings. Source[Automotive News via WindingRoad]

Ford to Introduce EcoBoost System with the New Explorer America Concept in Detroit

will bee — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 12:27:50 +0000

At this years Detroit Auto Show Ford will introduce their new EcoBoost engine technology along with their new Explorer America Concept. With EcoBoost Ford is touting a 20-30% increase in Fuel Mileage and better performance out of smaller displacement engines than they are currently using. With the Explorer America Ford is introducing the consumer to some of the innovative designs that could revolutionize the Ford Explorer. EcoBoost is Fords economical response to the public's demand for better fuel economy in their vehicles. While it is not the long-term solution it does provide an affordable solution built upon today's current engine technology. EcoBoost combines the direct cylinder injection of fuel, turbo chargers and smaller displacement to achieve a 20-30 percent increase in fuel mileage while reducing the engines emissions up to 15%. The buyer of an EcoBoost vehicle will see the return on his investment at the pump within 2 years, while the purchaser of a Hybrid vehicle will take 11 years to recover the added expense of his/her investment. While the first car to receive the new EcoBoost system will be the 2009 Lincoln MKS Ford will be promoting their new fuel saving engine technology along side the new Explorer America Concept in the coming weeks at the Detroit Auto Show. The traditional Ford Explorer receives a complete makeover in the Explorer America Concept and yet still retains a familiar shape to the current model. Parts of the new SUV seem familiar and other parts are a bit futuristic. Built into the Explorer America Concept are a number of new Ford innovations that they will be highlighting at the Detroit Auto Show. Here is a list of the improvements you can expect with the Explorer America:

A powertrain lineup that includes a 4-cylinder 2-liter engine with EcoBoost technology delivering 275 hp and 280 lb.-ft. of torque or, as a premium engine, a 3.5-liter V-6 delivering about 340 hp. Depending on engine selection, fuel-efficiency will improve by 20 to 30 percent versus today’s V-6 Explorer

Migration from current body-on-frame to unibody construction, reducing weight and delivering superior driving dynamics

A fuel-efficient 6-speed transmission with auto shift control, allowing the driver to select and hold a lower gear with just the turn of a dial when conditions warrant it

A weight reduction of 150 pounds for the V-6 version thanks to its downsized – yet superior performing – engine, as well as more lightweight materials, suspension and chassis components

Fuel-saving electric power assisted steering (EPAS) and other engine actions that deliver a fuel savings benefit of about 5 percent. Between 80 to 90 percent of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles will have EPAS by 2012

Aerodynamic and other parasitic improvements that add up to a 5 percent fuel economy gain

Other futuristic design cues that can be found with the Explorer America Concept take place on the inside. The wide door opening thanks to the sliding rear doors and the absence of a B-pillar between the doors opens up to an interior that looks more Battlestar Galactica than Explorer. While most of what you see is unlikely to be found in the new model of Explorer it still represents the innovations that are going to find a way to influence future design. [myginpage=01072008-explor] The Detroit Auto Show is just around the corner and you can expect to hear a lot more about EcoBoost from Ford in the coming weeks. You can also expect to see more about the Ford Explorer America Concept as Ford looks to gauge the publics opinion to help shape the next generation Explorer. Source[Ford]

The Hummer HX Concept is Ready to Roll into Detroit this Weekend

will bee — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 13:13:49 +0000

The Hummer HX has gone from sketch to design to concept and now it is ready to wheel out on the stage at the Detroit Auto Show to show its stuff. Based as an entry-level Hummer and aimed to compete directly against the relatively unchallenged Jeep Wrangler the Hummer HX appears to be intended to rule the trail. Beneath the hood the HX Concept is packing a 3.6 liter SIDI E85 FlexFuel engine that can take both regular gasoline and ethanol based E85. That same engine is producing 304-hp and 273-ft lb of torque with a six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission sending that power to all four wheels. here are those who think of Hummer as a wasteful SUV builder and there are those who love their Hummer and all it provides. The Hummer HX Concept steps a bit out of the typical Hummer mold as it is the smallest Hummer yet designed, has the first FlexFuel standard engine and is designed around an aeronautical theme of light weight materials. While these steps will not earn them the Al Gore Gold Medal for Environmentalism it just might peak the interest of many car/SUV buyers. Follow the link to read more about the Hummer HX Concept from Hummer themselves and for a Gallery of photos. Source[Hummer via AutoBlog] [myginpage=01092008-humhx] (The official Hummer Press Release was leaked onto the web a bit earlier than GM intended, so do not be confused when reading it that the Auto Show has already started and that you are missing it.) Hummers Official Press Release

HX CONCEPT PROVIDES VISION OF A RUGGED, OPEN-AIR HUMMER

Youthful, open-air entry-level-size HUMMER
Designed by a trio of young designers
Convertible body with removable roof panels and modular rear roof assembly
Easily removable fender flares and doors
Full-time 4WD with front and rear locking differentials
Aeronautically inspired interior with functional, lightweight design elements
Reconfigurable instruments for highway and off-road driving
3.6L SIDI V-6 E85 FlexFuel engine with six-speed automatic transmission

DETROIT – With its unmistakable HUMMER design and a compact, go-anywhere driving ethic, the HUMMER HX concept challenges the hierarchy of the trail. HUMMER displayed the nimble, reconfigurable off-roader at the 2008 North American International Auto Show.

More compact than a HUMMER H3 – 81 inches (2,057 mm) wide, with a 103-inch wheelbase (2,616-mm) – the HX concept is an open-air, two-door off-road vehicle that packs the off-road acumen for which HUMMER has become legendary, along with an easily convertible body that acclimates to varied trail conditions, cargo needs or passenger whims. Its design is based on the ideas developed by a trio of young designers who are new to the HUMMER studio.

"The HX is HUMMER's vision an agile, trail-ready, open-air vehicle that fits the lifestyles of everyone who needs or wants to drive off road," said Martin Walsh, HUMMER general manager. "Of course, it carries exceptional off-road capability and the distinctive styling for which all HUMMERs are known."

The HX offers an open-air driving experience via a pair of removable roof panels above the driver and front passenger, and a modular, removable rear roof assembly. With the roof panels and roof assembly removed, the HX is transformed into a true convertible.

Easy removal of the roof panels and rear-roof assembly enables quick conversion from a closed vehicle to an open one. The HX also was designed with several roof assemblies, allowing this versatile vehicle to be configured as an SUT (with the roof assembly removed), a stylish slant-back or a traditional, wagon-like design that offers a bit more cargo space.

The HX was shown with a slant-back configuration, wearing a desert-inspired matte olive paint scheme, at the North American International Auto Show. Additional convertible features include:

Removable doors – easily removable pins in the exposed hinges allow the doors to be removed quickly – an appreciated feature of many serious off-roaders
Removable fender flares – attached with quarter-turn quick-release fasteners, the composite fender flares can be quickly removed for additional trail/rock clearance, or if the flare is damaged during off-road driving

"The modular design of the roof and removable body panels mark an evolution of HUMMER's design aesthetic," said Carl Zipfel, director of design. "These features demonstrate a deeper understanding of enthusiast desires when it comes to off-road driving – and the slant-back design gives the HX a look all its own."

Purposeful exterior

The design of the HX was driven by input from three young designers who were new to GM and the HUMMER design studio. As part of their "initiation," they were charged with developing concept drawings for a smaller, youthful HUMMER and the HX is a direct result of their creativity. The HX concept is based on one of the designers' original illustrations, but incorporates the best ideas and elements from the other designs.

"HUMMER appeals to young people globally and served as a perfect first assignment for our newest talent," said Ed Welburn, vice president, Global Design. "Today's graduates from top design schools are ready to hit the ground running. The HUMMER design challenge gave our newest designers an opportunity to sprint."

Inside and out, the HX carries a purposeful aesthetic that, from initial sketches to finalized clay models, was refined in only six months.

"This is the HUMMER design language stripped down to its essence," said David Rojas, creative designer. "The HX has an aggressive appearance and great proportions, with beauty lying in its functional austerity."

On the exterior, the lightweight theme is evidenced in the appearance of exposed, billet aluminum suspension components that feature CNC-machined lightening relieves, as well as clean, unadorned bodywork and minimal trim. The lightweight theme is taken to its extreme when the roof panels, roof assembly, fender flares and doors are removed.

Classic HUMMER design cues make the HX instantly recognizable, including the round headlamps located in square housings, an upright windshield profile, minimal overhangs, hood vents and prominent air intakes. The air intakes are functional and feed a V-6 engine beneath the hood, while the hood vents are active – they articulate to allow hot underhood air to escape.

And while the headlamps and grille are clearly HUMMER cues, they've evolved on the HX with a "chopped circle" motif. The grille slots and headlamps, as well as elements on the interior, have the appearance of circles or ovals that have been clipped at the top and bottom, creating a unique appearance that speaks to the vehicle's purposeful aesthetic.

"The 'cut-off' circles suggest larger, heavy-duty components that were trimmed to fit the compact HX," said Rojas.

And while it is unadorned by extraneous embellishments, the HX's exterior is nonetheless outfitted with features that speak to HUMMER's legacy of technology and innovation, including HID headlamps with focusing rings that adjust automatically when they're turned on – much like the lens of an auto-focus SLR-type camera. LED technology is used for the front turn signal lamps and taillamps.

Aeronautically inspired interior

From aircraft-inspired seats to integrated, off-road-ready tools, the HUMMER HX's interior has a beauty that lies in its purposeful intent. It was inspired by the functional and lightweight elements found in aircraft.

"Aeronautical parts are designed to be both lightweight and strong, and that is the feeling exuded by the HX's cabin," said Stuart Norris, interior design manager. "There isn't superfluous trim or decoration – it is a purposeful design that conveys beauty through strength."

Reinforcing the stripped-to-the-essence feel, the exterior's matte olive color carries over onto the interior's largely sheet metal-covered panels. The color is accented with pressed or extruded aluminum components, such as the handles, switches and other necessary parts.

Furthering the aeronautical influence is the instrument panel, which uses an exposed, extruded aluminum cross-vehicle beam as its foundation. On the beam, the instrument cluster and other vital controls are mounted; and it also features a unique, removal top cover that provides significant storage capability.

"The instrument panel is a styling element of the HX, and the removal of the top cover reveals a secondary design that enhances the vehicle's core design ethic," said Norris. "With the top cover removed, the interior conveys even more of a basic essence – and the structure beneath the cover is beautiful to those who appreciate finely crafted metal."

A rubberized floor and ballistic nylon-material covering on the instrument panel and other interior components reinforces the functional aesthetic.

Seating and console details

Like aircraft seats, the HX's seats are constructed on a lightweight framework with minimal components that feature lightening holes and strength-enhancing cross braces or triangulations. They are mounted on exposed, aircraft-style tracks and trimmed with a weather-resistant neoprene material.

The HX seats four, with a pair of bucket-type seats in the second row. The rear seats mimic the front seats' design and can be removed to generate more cargo room. All the seats feature a four-point, racing-style safety harness.

The inner seat track on both front seats is located beneath the outer edges of a prominent center console. The console offers exceptional storage capability and houses a unique shifter that mounts low and out of the way when the vehicle is parked – also hiding from sight the engine starter button. It has a spring-loaded cover that pops up when the driver is ready to select a gear.

The console also houses a resting place for phones, MP3 player and iPods or iPhones. In fact, there is no conventional radio in the HX, only integrated speakers. Passengers plug in an iPod, or similar device, to a USB connector to play music in the HX.

"From the console to the cargo area behind the seats, there are simply untold storage possibilities within the HX," said Norris. "It's like a four-wheel backpack that's already fitted with the necessities."

Gauges and tools

The "cut-off circles" motif of the exterior is seen even more so on the HX's interior, as the gauge cluster, instrument panel vents and even the steering wheel carry the design element.

A three-element gauge cluster – each of the three instrument "pods" carries the cut-off circle design – delivers crucial driver information in either a highway or off-road mode. This conceptual reconfigurable gauge layout uses LCD screens with multiple layouts, including a navigation system. The nav system features GPS and compass information; and is designed to upload trail information before setting off on an excursion.

The center gauge pod houses a speedometer and tachometer, but changes to a wheel angle indicator when the transmission is in the low position. This off-road mode changeover from the highway mode gives the driver information that is more pertinent to the driver conditions. The trail view of a camera mounted in the rear-view mirror can be displayed on the instrument panel, too.

The off-road mode features of the instrument panel comprise the virtual tools of the HX, while others are mounted for physical use, including a folding shovel, flashlight and first-aid kit. They all carry the "clipped circle" design motif found throughout the vehicle.

Ready for rocks, trails and more

With its compact dimensions, almost no overhangs and grippy 35-inch tires, the HX is ready for all terrains. Like all HUMMER production models, the HX has sturdy, body-on-frame construction, onto which is mounted front and rear independent suspensions.

The front suspension features an electronic-disconnecting stabilizer bar for enhanced maneuverability when driving off road, and the rear suspension is located with CNC-machined, billet trailing arms. Heavy-duty shocks with piggyback reservoirs were custom-made for the HX by renowned racing shock manufacturer Fox; one is mounted at each wheel position.

A full-time 4WD system pulls the HX over, through and around off-road obstacles. It transfers torque to the front and rear axles, each of which is equipped with a locking differential. The torque meets the trail via custom 35-inch-tall off-road tires that are mounted on a set of custom, bead-lock-style wheels that have a two-tone appearance; dark-painted wheel centers complemented by silver-anodized outer rims.

A complete underbody armor kit, including a front skid plate, powetrain protection and more, protects the HX from wayward rocks and other potentially damaging objects. A power-operated winch is located in the front bumper, and the HX has recovery hooks mounted on the front and rear bumpers, just in case its help is required for wrangling others out of unfortunate off-road situations.

Motivation for the HX comes from an E85 FlexFuel 3.6L SIDI V-6 that is backed by a six-speed automatic transmission. The transmission is teamed with the 4WD system to offer exceptional low-speed traction and crawling capability. Four-wheel-disc brakes provide confident stopping power.

SPECIFICATIONS

Model:	HUMMER HX Concept
Body style / driveline:	two-door, four-seat open-top, four wheel-drive
Construction:	welded steel frame, electro galvanized steel
Engine type:	3.6L V-6 VVT (variable valve timing) with spark-ignition, direct injection
Displacement (cu in / cc):	217 / 3564
Bore & stroke (in / mm):	3.70 x 3.37 / 94 x 85.6
Block material:	sand-cast aluminum with cast-in bore liners
Cylinder head material:	cast aluminum
Valvetrain:	DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, variable valve timing (VVT)
Fuel delivery:	direct high-pressure fuel injection
Compression ratio:	11.3:1
Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm):	304 / 227 @ 6300 rpm (est)
Torque (lb.-ft. / Nm @ rpm):	273 / 370 @ 5200 rpm (est)
Fuel Type:	unleaded regular or E85 ethanol
Transmission:	Hydra-Matic 6L50 six-speed electronically control automatic transmission
Suspension:	front: independent SLA, custom Fox Racing coil-over shocks; 2-in shocks, 2.5-in springsrear: semi-trailing link, custom Fox Racing coil-over shocks; 2-in shocks, 2.5-in springs
Wheel travel (in / mm):	front: 9 / 228 rear: 11/ 279
Brakes	four-wheel disc; Brembo 6-piston calipers (front); Brembo 4-piston calipers (rear)
Rotor diameter x thickness (in / mm):	15 x 1.25 / 381 x 31.75
Wheel size & type:	20-inch x 9-inch
Tires:	35-inch custom Bridgestone Dueler
Wheelbase (in / mm):	103 / 2616
Overall length:	171 / 4343
Overall width (in / mm):	81 / 2057
Overall height (in / mm):	72 / 1829
Track (in / mm):	67 / 1702 (front); 68 / 1727 (rear)
Minimum ground clearance front (in / mm):	13 / 320
Approach angle (degrees):	56
Departure angle (degrees):	51
Breakover angle (degrees):	25
Grade capability (percent):	60
Side slope capability (percent):	40
Water fording capability (in / mm):	24 / 610 (at 5 mph)
Seating capacity:	4

UK Officials Crushed 45,000 Cars in 2007 Due to Uninsured Drivers

will bee — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 12:43:45 +0000

In their efforts to crack down on uninsured motorists administrators in the UK have adopted the policy of crushing cars. Maybe illegal street racers will not feel so alone and picked on now that they have been joined in the crushing by uninsured motorists? Or maybe now they have two reasons to worry if places like California, Canada and Australia adopt this policy as well. There were 100,000 vehicles impounded by UK police in 2007 for the lack of car insurance. Of those 100,000 45,000 were crushed. Considering the stereotypical condition and characteristics of an uninsured motorists car it can be presumed that those cars that were crushed were deemed unfit for the road. Those of us who live in states that do not have car inspections have seen cars that fit that description. It seems that 2007 was a down year in the UK as they succeeded in their crackdown by crushing 78,000 cars in 2006. While many argue that those cars would benefit others more by being auctioned or parted out, there are arguments against that too. First of all the cars being crushed are probably older and emit high levels of emissions. So the UK is doing their part for the environment. Secondly, if the cars are deemed not to be road worthy why go through the expense of selling it for 50 pounds to someone who will potentically just turn around and put its non-roadworthy, high polluting chassis back on the road? And third, there is a better chance the government is getting a greater return on the scrap metal than they would on the auctioning off of the cars... at least I would hope so. If the point of their policy is to make the roads a safer place by taking away cars from uninsured motorists then it would make sense to carry that policy all the way through. Meaning if the car is unsafe it should not be returned to the road. In the US there are a number of states that suspend the license of uninsured motorists, but they still leave them with the car. Maybe losing a license is not a big enough deterrent considering the number of accidents that involve the uninsured. With illegal immigration rising and an economy that seems to be nearing recession the number of uninsured motorists is likely to rise. Do you think states in the US should consider impounding and possibly threatening the crushing of uninsured motorists vehicles? Is the crushing of cars a sufficient deterrent? Source[autospies] Related articles: Australian Govt Crushing Illegal Street Racers California Crushing the Cars of Illegal Street Racers

Speed Racer's Mach 5 will Thunder into Detroit for the 2008 NAIAS

will bee — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 11:54:53 +0000

Warner Bros. has announced that the "Powerful" Mach 5 will be on display for all to see at the Detroit Auto Show in preparation for the movies debut this coming May. The car will be introduced during media week January 13-17th and then during the public showing January 19-21st. So if you hope to get a glimpse of the movie car and you are not in the media be sure to get there that first weekend of the public showing. The movie Speed Racer, filmed by the creators of the Matrix Trilogy Larry and Andy Wachowski, will reach theatres nationwide on May 9th of this year. Which ofcourse for fans of the Speed Racer series and fans of the Wachowski brothers that might just seem like too long to wait. Speaking as a fan I know that I cannot wait to see both the movie in May and the Mach 5 in Detroit. Thanks for the tip, Ben. Source[WarnerBros.]

Dodge Caliber SXT

Jon — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 22:50:18 +0000

7 Tips on Getting a New Car and 7 Things to Check During Your Test Drive

Jon — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 22:51:57 +0000

After five years without a car, I decided late last fall (2007) that I had to have a vehicle. For various reasons, including a planned move to Toronto in a few months, it has become a necessity to have a car. I also missed not seeing a lot of friends, all of whom are car-less and live in a nearby city. I had to give my outdoor photography sessions and much more. So after so long without, I gave in and got a vehicle shortly after New Year's Day. If you're in the position of buying a new car, regardless of your reasons, here are a few tips. 1. Decide on budget beforehand. With all the sexy cars to lust after, it's easy to get sidetracked. While I love old muscle cars and new sports cars, I've never been partial to spending a crapload of money on either. (Though I did spend nearly $600/mth on car payments on each of two Subarus and $600/mth on highway toll fees one year.) I go for form over function. You have to decide what you can afford, and whether it'll satisfy your needs. When you're earning the big bucks, you can rethink what you're driving. (I'm planning my "sports car-driving midlife crisis" for a few years from now.) I'll admit, I was tempted to go for the 2008 model of the Dodge Caliber SRT-4. 2. Factor in mandatory and incidental costs. It's easy to forget all the other costs that come as a package when you decide to have a car: monthly car payments, car insurance, driver's license fees, license plate fees, gasoline, parking, checkups, repairs, emergencies. And with gas prices rising, having a car will be at its most expensive ever in a year or two. (Unless you're in a high-paying career, fuel efficiency is probably on your mind.) 3. Determine preferred car category. I wanted a hatchback (aka 5-door) because of cargo convenience. I'm planning to move back to Toronto in a few months, and a 5-door will help immensely. I've previously had a Mazda hatchback and a Subaru station wagon, but a wagon is more than I need. It's fact that I would have selected a sexier compact car if I didn't need the functionality of a hatchback, but I also might have been tempted to spend more money than necessary. 4. Get recommendations. I'll admit it: I've never previously owned a N. American-made car. If I could convince myself that Canadian climate wouldn't be a factor, I'd get myself a 1969 Mustang. But since it is a factor, I've oddly tended towards Japanese models with AWD. (Though I really miss the giant '72 Chevy Caprice "boat" we once had in the family.) The fact that I ended up with a Dodge Caliber SXT this time is not only because of an initial recommendation but also subsequent research. My brother, a longtime car enthusiast who sometimes races formula cars at a track northwest of Toronto, recommend Dodge Caliber for a variety of reasons. (Disclaimer: neither of us work for Dodge nor have any monetary connection.) So if you know someone that can give you a recommendation, use that as a starting point for your research. 5. Research online. Car makers and car dealers are all online now (not so when I bought my last car). So even if you use the local newspapers to find special promotions, go do comparisons online as well. My brother initially recommended the Dodge Caliber SXT, RT, and SRT-4. I researched these online, along with another 14 hatchback models from a total of about 11-13 car markers. I actually created a mindmap complete with vital info about each model, a picture of each car, financing/ leasing details, and whatever other info I collected. Building a comparison list allowed me to quickly produce a short list of about six hatchback models. 6. Shop around for financing. My shortlist was further reduced when I factored in the base cost of cars with AWD. My previous two cars - both Subarus - were very expensive. Subarus have gone down in price since, but with the fiasco I went through when local Subaru dealership went bankrupt and screwed me over royally, I vowed never to buy another. Most carmakers, including GM (who bought a portion of Subaru), charge at least $21,000 base for a 5-door AWD car. Some don't offer AWD as an option for 5-speeds or even 5-door cars. Armed with an even shorter list after my research and when considering my budget, I was left with Dodge Caliber and one of the two 5-door Kia models. But Kia offers better financing options than leasing, and I have no desire to own a Kia when the lease is up. Dodge, on the other hand, had better leasing rates and is putting out a lot of great cars. I also lucked out because the dealer I spoke with, Brent, sweetened everything with a lot of free options. (Brent was truly one of the nicest car dealers I've interacted with.) I managed to get a new car for a very affordable monthly rate, with just $2000 down - which was loaned to me by a family member on the condition that I get only a new car.) On top of that, I managed to get a 27-month option, so I'm not committed to it too long. I'll be in Toronto long before the lease expires, and if I don't need a car after that, I'm not stuck with a long lease. 7. Do a test drive. I only ever bought one car without a test drive, but that was because it was a Subaru. Both my brother and mother had nothing but good things to say about their Subarus, and I had to make a quick decision. However, since I prefer 5-speed to automatic, I've since learned to do a test drive before buying/ leasing. There's really little reason not to. What to Check For During Your Test Drive If you're taking the time to do a test drive, why not go in there with a list of things to test for? If you're committing your hard-earned money for a lease or purchase, be sure you know what you're getting. I was so excited to have a car after so long that I basically only tested the gearshifting.

Blind spots. This is usually the first thing I check for, but I forgot and find that there are some serious blind spots on the Caliber.
Dashboard controls. Sounds crazy, but learn where the wiper, defrost, and hazard light controls are before you go out on the road - even before the test drive. (It was snowing heavily when I did the test drive, so I insisted the dealer come along.)
Ambient sounds. If you get a sunroof and actually use it, you'll have to deal with the high decibels of air rushing past. But what does it sound like in the driver's seat when the roof is closed? What about
Handling. Check for how the car handles in both the city and on the nearest highway, if possible. Since I was getting a 5-speed, I also checked the gearshifting and clutch. My father's research led him to believe that the Caliber's clutch was "heavy". I found it to be no different than with my two 5-speed Subarus and the Suzuki compact I'd had before that.
Acceleration. I don't plan to be on the highway a lot, but if you will be, make sure the car you're getting can cope with traffic along your daily route. Can you accelerate fast enough to merge safely with traffic?
Leg room. Don't just check legroom for the driver but also the passengers. A few days ago, I visited friends I hadn't seen years. After the fact, I realize that my new car is not comfortable when three people including the driver are around or over six feet tall. Of course, I can't do anything about it now.
Parkability. Something about the design of the Caliber makes me uncomfortable while parking - and that's regular parking, not parallel, which I've yet to try. Obviously, this is something that I should have checked on the test drive. Again, too late.

When you decide on the car that you're getting, make sure that you've either test-driven that model, or that the car you try handles the same way.

Detroit Auto Show: Ford's Verve Sedan Concept reClasses the Small Car Segment

will bee — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 12:18:00 +0000

Back in the 1980's when the small car or compact car segment was booming what you found were commonly stripped down econo-boxes. As North America moved on to SUV's and worked to negate its compact past Europe was moving forward and melded the small car segment into a sophisticated and high selling class of vehicles. With the Verve 4-Door Sedan Concept Ford is attempting to introduce some of that European class into the newly revived small car segment in North America. The Verve Concept is built off a sharing between Ford North America and Ford Europe to bring one of its winning designs over to America. Ford has thus brought to the 2008 Detroit Auto Show their 4-Door Verve Concept that is intended for North America and their European 3-Door hatchback Verve. The 4-Door Verve Sedan is design to provide a sophisticated, premium small car with the technology, style and substance of the much larger cars available. While you may be buying a smaller sized car there is no reason you should feel lesser for it. Below are galleries containing images of both the North American 4-Door Verve and the European 3-Door. With the proper persuasion maybe we will see both versions available here in the US and hopefully with a properly aspired engine. And for more details on Fords Verve Sedan Concept check out the Ford Press Release below. [myginpage=01142008-fordverve4] [myginpage=01142008-fordverve3] Source[Ford] FORD PRESS RELEASE DETROIT, Jan. 13, 2008 – Ford Motor Company is revealing the Verve, a concept vehicle that makes clear the vision for the new small cars Ford soon will introduce in North America. The Verve is bold and sophisticated – to help it clearly stand out from other small cars on the road. Ford is building on decades of small car leadership in Europe as it develops new small cars for North America to appeal to increasingly savvy customers who value technology, design and fuel efficiency. Both four- and three-door Verve body styles are being unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, as curtain-raisers to a new global family of small cars set to debut in Europe and Asia beginning later this year and in North America in 2010. The four-door is the basis for the production vehicle that will be sold in North America. The European three-door is being shown to test market reaction to the bodystyle – as a possible additional small car for the North American market. The Verve concept has been developed with Ford’s new global product development strategy that better leverages the company’s global strengths. Globally, Ford is building on its European small-car expertise to stake a bigger claim in this critically important segment. Ford’s celebrated small car lineup in Europe includes such top-sellers as the Ford Focus, Fiesta and Ka. “We’re looking at every aspect of what’s defined Ford as a small-car leader in Europe and working to build on this expertise in driving dynamics and design across a global family of Ford cars that are as exciting to drive as they are to look at,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president, Global Product Development. “The Verve concept family provides a vision for a new world standard for quality, design and comfort in the small car segment,” Kuzak added. “These concepts demonstrate how leveraging our global strengths can yield attractive benefits for our customers in markets around the world.” Those benefits include a bold, modern, design along with sophisticated electronics, premium materials, surprising functional space and a fuel-efficient 4-cylinder engine – all previously unseen in this segment. Small Car Popularity Skyrockets in North America Momentum in small-car sales is outpacing overall industry growth worldwide. Globally, small car sales have grown from 23 million units in 2002 to an estimated 38 million in 2012. That’s nearly 45 percent of the total expected 85-million unit industry, a level never before achieved. In the U.S., sales of small cars likely will grow by 800,000, or 25 percent – to a record 3.4 million units by 2012. In fact, small cars and crossovers are the only vehicles with projected near-term growth in the U.S. Driving the growth in the U.S. market is a group of young people aged 13 to 28 years – dubbed “Millennials.” Today, this group stands 1.7 billion strong worldwide and will represent 28 percent of the total U.S. population by 2010. As a group, Millennials embrace eco-friendliness, stay in constant touch using modern technology and demand best-in-class products from around the world. This group will grow from representing 19 percent of the driving public in 2004 to amassing 28 percent in 2010. Every day, 11,000 Millennials in the U.S. come of driving age. When it’s time to buy their first car, nearly half of this group shops the small-car segment. “Millennials will be the defining group of customers in the future, driving all types of consumer trends,” said Jim Farley, Ford’s group vice president, Marketing and Communications. “Ford’s European-based cars are a great fit for this generation of drivers, who have grown up with the Internet and mobile phones as necessities, not luxuries – believing that bigger isn’t necessarily better, precision is everything and technology rules.” Verve Redefines Small-Car Segment The Verve concept demonstrates that largesse is no longer the price of admission for a delivering a premium driving experience. “The Ford global design team remembered, not so fondly, the econo-boxes of the 1970s and created the Verve concept as a vision of just how good a small car can be,” said J Mays, Ford’s group vice president of Design and chief creative officer. “Verve aims to ‘right’ North American buyers’ earlier small-car experiences by offering a product that changes customers’ views of small cars from ‘cheap’ to chic – and from affordable to desirable.” The Verve concept is built off of a design architecture flexible enough to yield three distinctive vehicles that are each recognizably Ford. The flexible design architecture also allows Ford to adapt quickly to rapidly changing customer tastes and will help the company enter new markets utilizing regionally tailored products off of a common platform. The North American Verve sedan, painted in Rouge Red, has been modified slightly from its European and Asian counterparts – most notably in its front fascia. Designers created a bold, three-bar graphic with a Ford blue oval in the upper grille opening and downsized the lower, inverted trapezoidal grille. Two unique LED side markers flank the front fascia. What carries through all three global concepts are Verve’s sophisticated design language and its inspiration: A modern world of fashion and cosmetics, echoed in the Verve’s rich colors and distinctive, high quality materials. The hood sculpture is toned and athletic but not overtly muscular. This form language combines with the more pronounced, rearward-stretching headlamps to give the face of the Ford Verve concept a friendly, open and inviting personality. The prominent headlamps feature two projector beams and a light-emitting diode (LED) array. From the side view, the concept looks energetic and purposeful. Its profile is emphasized by the pillarless side window shape and the upper contour that mirrors the body’s curving upper contour line. This extends rearward from the angular A-pillar to marry the sculpted, semi-high-mounted, LED tail lamps sculpted to become part of the fullness of the body shape. These elements blend cohesively together and support the vehicle’s panoramic glass roof. The 18-inch, 12-spoke, two-piece alloy wheel design lends even more drama to the car, punctuated with a subtle sidewall stripe that complements the rich body color. Other accents on the vehicle include a discreet chrome bar in the door handles and similar use of brushed aluminum on the lower grille surround, the rear license plate surround and on the lower edge of the front fog lamps. Technologically Inspired Verve’s unique architecture embraces key electronic systems such as navigation, a dynamic sound system and in-car phone controls. Aesthetically, the Verve interior follows the curves and contours of the instrument panel shape. Functionally, the center stack design decouples traditional elements of the entertainment system – the screen, control elements and the electronics. Separating these features allowed designers to position controls for optimal ergonomic positioning in a design that resembles the logic of a mobile phone. The center console includes a tray for a mobile phone or MP3 player as well as a large bin for a purse near the handbrake. The center stack is a unique combination of sculpture, colors, materials and jewelry-like brightwork. The concept’s climate controls, highlighted in a lozenge shape at the midpoint of the center stack, feature large twist dials that were inspired by the sculpture found in high-quality power showers. The primary gauges – speedometer and tachometer – are uniquely framed by binocular-shaped, short tunnels of brightwork that complement the center stack and contrast the rich interior colors like a fashion accessory. Ford Verve concept’s steering wheel is another work of sculpture. Its center section, sculpted of soft-feel material and framed in brightwork, provides a rich tactile and visual centerpiece for the Ford oval. “Customers in this segment demand the best,” says Mays. “While young in age, they are sophisticated, globally connected and demand the best the world has to offer, be it consumer electronics, fashion or automobiles. The Verve concept shows people that when it comes to style and sophistication, Ford can compete – and even outshine – the best in the business.” Ford: European Small-Car Know-How Driven by a new global product development system that leverages Ford’s global strengths, Ford designers in Dunton, England, and Cologne, Germany, developed the common small-car platform based on the converging tastes of global consumers. Ford maintains small-car leadership in Europe with vehicles set apart by their world-class driving dynamics and dynamic designs. With more than five million vehicles produced in Europe since it was launched in 1998, the Ford Focus is one of the only vehicles in the world to be named “Car of the Year” both in Europe and in North America. It is Ford’s perennial top seller in Europe and, in 2007, was Europe’s top-selling car in its class. The Ford Fiesta – which is smaller than the Focus – debuted in 1976, and it has sold more than 12 million units in Europe. The iconic Ford Ka redefined the small city car sector in Europe with its eye-catching and enduring design and fun-to-drive character when it was introduced more than 11 years ago. Sales remain strong – with more than 1 million cars sold. The European Ford Fusion – introduced in 2002 – increased its sales by approximately 19 percent in 2007 versus the previous year and remains in the European top three sellers in its segment. “We’re known in Europe for uniquely executed small cars, and this is the perfect time to bring this expertise to buyers in North America,” Kuzak said. The Ford Motor Company Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 250,000 employees and about 100 plants worldwide, the company’s core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com. Verve Sedan Concept Specifications

Overall length	145.35 in.
Wheelbase	97.99 in.
Overall width	65.12 in.
Overall height at curb	54.33 in.

Track width

Front	58.03 in.
Rear	57.32 in.
Front Overhang	32.05 in.
Rear Overhang	57.32

Headroom

Front	37.8 in.
Second Row	35.83 in.

Legroom

Front	42.09 in.
Second Row	32.76 in.

Powertrain Fuel efficient 4-cylinder engine

2008 Detroit Auto Show: GM Brings Style and Stars to Auto Show Runway

will bee — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 12:45:19 +0000

GM brought out the heavy star power to dress their runway Style show at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show. While the performers are used to getting all the attention they were merely poised as accessories, highly paid, well dressed accessories to the new designs for 2008 coming down the GM runway. Those in attendance for the GM Style runway show were Mary J. Blige, Kid Rock, Maroon 5, Jeff Gordon, Adrian Brody and the Mayor of Detroit Kwame Kilpatrick (who was not hurting for Style points himself). The Auto Industry has been using star power for decades to draw the buyers eyes to their new designs, but GM's Style show raises the bar beyond flashy unveiling's and smokey entrances. Below are two galleries of some of what you might have seen. [myginpage=01142008-gmstyle] [myginpage=01142008-gmstyle2]

2008 Detroit Auto Show: GM Surprises Us with the CTS Coupe Concept

will bee — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 12:19:59 +0000

While the new CTS Sedan has been out pounding the pavement and garnering numerous awards GM designers have been quietly cutting their diamond inspired CTS Coupe out of clay. The CTS Coupe takes many styling cues from the Sedan and yet has many distinctive lines that are all its own. The lower sport-tuned stance, the steeper rake from the front to the trunk, the angular cut and handle-less doors and the short rear all give the CTS Coupe plenty of aggression to separate it from the rest of the Cadillac field. Currently the CTS Coupe is still labeled as a concept car, but it seems impossible that Cadillac would not be rushing this design into production. With space for nearly any engine configuration that GM has available beneath the hood the CTS Coupe already has the base design for the next CTS-V and the bones and brass to carry, dare we say, the new LS9 Corvette ZR1 engine. ...Maybe we are getting ahead of ourselves. The CTS Coupe is slated to come available with the same engines as the CTS Sedan which includes the 304-hp direct injection 3.6 liter V6. The Coupe is also expected to house the 2.9 liter turbo-diesel that is being produced for International Markets. However, it is not just the boldly cut stance of the exterior that will draw a crowd as GM steps out of the old mold and gives this Cadillac a fresh, young interior. The CTS Coupe comes filled with a mix of technology and leather that looks surprisingly refreshing and pleasing considering much of GM's traditional interiors. Check out the photos in the gallery below for a closer look. With OnStar, XM Radio, GPS voice navigation, 40-gig harddrive and a traditional clock with hands to add that touch of retro-class the CTS Coupe interior befits the exterior quite well. That said, I have never been a fan of Black-and-Tan interior inside a Silver exterior, but that is just my own little quibble. So do not fear... this is not the last you will see of the Cadillac CTS Coupe. Well... especially if you check out the gallery and Press Release below. Source[Cadillac] [myginpage=01152008-ctscoupe] PRESS RELEASE CT COUPE CONCEPT CELEBRATES CADILLAC’S DESIGN RENAISSANCE DETROIT – Having earned critical acclaim, industry awards and brisk sales, Cadillac CTS has moved into the vanguard of contemporary design. In doing so, Cadillac designers faced the question of what to do next. Their answer celebrates that design legacy with the exhilarating Cadillac CT Coupe Concept, which premiered at the 2008 North American International Auto Show. The CT Coupe takes Cadillac’s acclaimed Art and Science design language and adds more of both. More expressive, more technical and very personal, the CT Coupe extends the dramatic design of its sedan predecessor with all-new sculpted bodywork aft of the front fenders. “The CT Coupe Concept is a dramatic design statement,” said Ed Welburn, VP, GM Global Design. “We did not create it as the result of sifting through reams of market data, nor is its shape trimmed to suit the input collected at a consumer clinic – it is emotion on four wheels and the very essence of what defines Cadillac today.” The CT Coupe Concept has a classic 2+2 interior layout, highlighted by black leather and Alcantara microfiber trim that is complemented by yellow ochre-colored seat inserts and leather stitching. It is designed to accommodate a range of engines for the global luxury market, including Cadillac’s popular 3.6L Direct Injection V-6, as well as a new 2.9L turbo-diesel currently in development. “This Coupe Concept is a natural extension of our design language, and of the CTS itself,” said Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager. “Very simply, the dramatic design of the sedan begged the question of what it would look like in the unbridled form of a Coupe.” Generated from the spark of the CTS design team’s imagination, the CT Coupe casts a profile unlike anything else on the road. Its fast-rake styling – it has the same wheelbase as the CTS, but an overall height that is approximately four inches (101 mm) shorter – blends with hand-sculpted bodywork that bulges around the wheels, giving the vehicle a ready-to-pounce stance that is dramatic, powerful and sleek. “Just about every decade, Cadillac designs a breakthrough car that becomes synonymous with the brand’s character of the period, such as the 1938 60 Special, the 1959 lineup, the 1975 Seville and the 2003 Sixteen Concept,” said Clay Dean, global director of design, for Cadillac. “The CT Coupe Concept is the next great design, carrying the baton from the Evoq Concept that ushered in the Art and Science era in 1999.” A design gem Among the CT Coupe Concept’s signature design cues are a number of elements that suggest the look of a carefully cut diamond – particularly at the rear. These elements are seen in everything from the chrome header above the rear license plate holder to the indents that comprise the basic form of the rear fascia. “The diamond-cut elements enhance the sleek profile of the car,” said John Manoogian II, director of exterior design for Cadillac. “The CT Coupe uses the elements, along with other nods to classic Cadillac cues – such as vertical headlamps and taillamps – to acknowledge the brand’s heritage without resorting to nostalgia. It is a forward-looking design in every sense of the term.” Although based on the sedan, the CT Coupe shares only the instrument panel, console, headlamps, front fenders and grille with the production model. Unique elements include: * Classic hardtop styling, with no B-pillar * CTS production windshield laid at a faster angle to create a sleeker profile * Chrome, split seven-spoke wheel design; 20-inch front wheels and 21-inch rear wheels * Sculpted lower front fascia with unique brake-cooling vents * Slim-profile outside mirrors * XLR-type hidden door handles with proximity remote opening * Unique front fender vents * Diamond-cut rear fascia with mesh lower grilles and center-outlet exhaust * Taillamps with a subtle fin profile and are highlighted with LED lighting technology with light pipes * Rear spoiler integrated into the center high-mounted stop lamp * Sculpted roof-mounted antenna for OnStar, XM Satellite Radio, etc. “The cliché is to say that there were no compromises in the design, but that is absolutely accurate in the case of the CT Coupe,” said Manoogian. “Each line and angle of the bodywork was carefully honed, and the final design’s proportions were judged by the eyes of the design team, not computer-generated math data.” The surfaces of CT Coupe Concept are complex, inviting careful inspection. The rear fenders, for example, were sculpted by hand in the design studio until they provided a perfect, muscular form that wrapped tightly over the wheels. At the top, the rear fenders are beveled – owing to the diamond-cut theme – and become part of a horizontal plane that runs from the leading edge of the taillamps and merges into the roof. “At first glance, the design appears effectively simple, because there are no extraneous moldings, spoilers or other protrusions, but the more you look at it, the more complex it becomes,” said Manoogian. “The angles and bevels were carefully carved to enhance the car’s sleek shape, but aren’t ‘busy’ or distracting – there’s really nothing quite like it.” Personal passenger environment A classic 2+2 interior environment enhances the CT Coupe’s personal feel. It shares the hand cut-and-sewn instrument panel and center console with the CTS, but features unique front and rear seats, a continuous console running between the front and rear seats, and custom door panels. “The CT Coupe is a personal car – something a customer would choose to reward him or herself – and the passenger environment reflects that,” said Eric Clough, interior design director. “The interior uses the already excellent CTS design and takes it to a new, bolder level.” Custom-trimmed sport seats from Recaro are located in all four positions. They support the grand-touring nature of the car and are covered in rich, black and suede-like microfiber material, with yellow ochre-colored inserts. The yellow ochre color provides dramatic contrast with the black surrounding trim, but is a subdued hue consistent with the interior’s overall feeling of refinement. Yellow ochre stitching also is used throughout, including the seats, instrument panel, shifter knob and more. Black microfiber fabric covers the front armrest, as well as an armrest located between the rear seats. The armrests are part of a continuous console that stretches from the instrument panel to rear seats. Carbon-fiber trim accents the console. The interior also features ambient lighting throughout, creating a distinctive environment at night. Like the sedan, the CTS Coupe Concept’s interior is home to a host of technologies, including a premium Bose audio system, 40-gigabyte hard drive and XM Satellite Radio. OnStar with Turn-by-Turn Navigation enhances the vehicle’s onboard navigation system, which – like the CTS – features a screen that rises out of the center of the instrument panel. Performance-bred powertrain and suspension systems As is the case with its design, the CT Coupe extends the acclaimed capabilities of the sedan in terms of performance technology. This includes the capability to support a broad engine range of gasoline and diesel engines. The CT Coupe, of course, ascertains the sedan’s 3.6L V-6 engines, including the 304-horsepower (227 kW) Direct Injection power plant. The Coupe Concept also is designed for a new 2.9L turbo-diesel being developed for international markets. This new engine, tailored for use in the CTS, will deliver an estimated 250 horsepower (184 kW) and 406 lb.-ft. of torque (550 Nm). A six-speed manual transmission backs the engine, sending torque to an independently sprung rear axle. The CT Coupe’s sport-tuned suspension gives it a slightly lower ride height than a production CTS – a look enhanced by the car’s rakish shape and large, 20-inch front and 21-inch rear wheels. Behind the chrome, split-spoke, aluminum alloy wheels is a set of high-performance brakes, featuring cross-drilled rotors. Six-piston calipers clamp down on the front rotors, while four-piston calipers grab the rear rotors. All of the rotors have a distinctive, yellow-painted finish.

GM Chairman Bob Lutz Warns CAFE Laws will Raise Car Prices; $6,000 on Avg.

will bee — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 12:14:40 +0000

After what could be considered a successful opening for GM at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show a little snippet from Bob Lutz escapes to lay more smack on the new CAFE Laws and to generally "Poo Poo" on everyone's good time. Both sides that pushed for or against the new CAFE Laws and their requirements of 35mpg by 2020 did their own fair share of "fearmongering" some are just not ready to quit. Bob Lutz levied his warning to an eager audience that the new CAFE requirements are going to result in an increase in car prices of between $4,000 and $10,000; or $6,000 on average. His warning translates that the research necessary to discover a means to reach those standards and the development of the technology that will be implemented into our future cars will raise the price tag on cars by 2020. Considering the leap in prices I have seen in the last 10 years a $6,000 may be getting off light. True the CAFE Law is a bit ambiguous with different standards for trucks, cars, luxury/exotics and imports, but it seems that such national laws or imposed standards are the only means by which auto makers are forced to improve such things as fuel mileage. Sure many auto makers run out the token concept or produce the occasional fuel saver car, but more often than not those are basic econo-boxes and not quite as interesting as sports cars, light trucks or crossover SUV's. With cars like the Volt and the Saturn Vue Plug-in Hybrid aimed toward production by 2010 (ish) you might think that GM is best poised to tackle the CAFE tiers as they approach or increase year by year until 2020. Factor in their 2Mode Hybrid system that has already been implemented in the Chevy Tahoe, GMC Yukon and this year in the Cadillac Escalade and they should seem well on their way. And look, those cars are already seeing their $4,000 to $10,000 price increase for the new technologies, so we no longer need to fear the future when it is already here, right? Source[LeftLaneNews]

2008 Detroit Auto Show: Chrysler Reveals more on their Jeep Renegade Diesel Hybrid Concept

will bee — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 13:04:01 +0000

Chrysler showed off their ENVI trio this weekend at Media Weekend at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show with the Jeep Renegade Diesel-Hybrid being the greenest of the bunch. Running on two electric motors fueled from a lithium-ion battery pack the Renegade can run 40 miles on a charge. However, with the assistance of the BLUETEC diesel engine and its added 115-hp (watch-out!) the extended range of the Renegade is 400 miles with a fuel rating of 110-mpg. Ofcourse, this is just a concept vehicle and is not meant to be taken literally. It is merely to show you what Chrysler could do, but is not quite ready to do just yet (ever the optimist). We have seen many Jeep concepts before that have looked promising, however were never meant for you to get your hopes up. Sometimes it seems that concepts are merely highly paid models intended to bring you closer to the lesser models (in some cases) that the auto makers are wanting to sell us. The Jeep Renegade Concept seems very much in that vain. Here is a taste of the idea of the technology that we are working on. Enjoy! Savor! Dream about great fuel savings! ...Now come take a look at this Wrangler and its 3.8 liter V6 that eeks out a whopping 17-mpg. If you read the press release below you will see that it is filled with all the appropriate buzz words for today's concept car market: "environmentally responsible," "110-mpg," "one-with-nature," "recyclable," "harmony with nature." And in reality as a concept it fulfills all those things, hypothetically... conceptually. The question will remain can Chrysler and Jeep really bring such "harmony with nature" to their production line and into their dealerships? The reality is such environmentally minded improvements will only come in bits-and-pieces and unlikely as a whole. ...Maybe by 2020. Now with that said lets enjoy some photos of the Jeep Renegade Diesel-Hybrid Concept and revel in the display of what they depict as possible. Then feel free to peruse the Press Release down below. [myginpage=01162008-jeepren] PRESS RELEASE

Jeep Renegade Concept: BLUETEC Diesel Range Extended Electric Vehicle in Fun, Open-air, Sustainable Design Package

Detroit, Jan 14, 2008 - A B-segment Jeep concept vehicle, the Renegade is a sporty, “minimized” two-seater ideally suited for the all-weather fun of dune-surfing or rock-crawling.

“With an electric motor powering each axle, the Jeep Renegade concept is designed for a ‘hang on and have fun experience,’” said Tony Shamenkov, Jeep Renegade concept principal exterior designer.

Constructed of environmentally responsible materials, sustainability is a key theme of the Jeep Renegade concept.

Renegade is targeted at customers in the “Stylish Green” segment of the marketplace – those who are extremely environmentally oriented, appreciate high-tech and innovation, and enjoy performance combined with style in keeping with their “green” attitude.

Jeep Renegade Concept Technology The advanced propulsion system in the Jeep Renegade concept starts with a 40-mile lithium-ion battery pack. A range extender – in Renegade’s case, a small-displacement (1.5-liter, 3-cylinder) BLUETEC diesel engine – allows for journeys beyond 40 miles. In fact, the Jeep Renegade concept boasts a 400-mile range.

Renegade’s BLUETEC diesel engine generates an additional 115 horsepower when needed, while greatly reducing exhaust emissions when compared to standard gasoline engines. Renegade is capable of achieving an equivalent petroleum fuel economy of 110 miles per gallon, which is four-to-five times greater than an equivalent gasoline-only vehicle.

The all-new Jeep Renegade concept’s lightweight aluminum architecture and regen-braking system help to improve overall efficiency, while dual electric 200 kilowatt (268 horsepower) motors propel a very capable 4x4 system – complete with low range and locking differentials -- worthy of carrying the Jeep name.

Jeep Renegade Concept Exterior The Jeep Renegade concept’s “one-with-nature” personality is emphasized by its large, flaring wheel openings, oversized wheels and tires, and cut-down speedster windshield -- all of which combine to deliver on the Renegade’s promise of cross-country fun and agility.

Among the unique exterior details are “deconstructed” rubber-clad headlamps and taillamps, as well as just-for-fun elongated triangular openings in each of the two sculpted doors.

While the Renegade features a roll bar, it has no top. Instead, the cargo deck just behind the cockpit can be fitted with a variety of “lids.” Options include a plain lid, or lids configured to accommodate the gear of a particular outdoor day-trip activity, such as mountain biking or kayaking. Or it can come “as built” -- with formations designed to accommodate two matching water scooters with open storage underneath. Fluid-fill caps, a plug-in port and a first-aid kit are also included.

Jeep Renegade Concept Interior Sustainability – a ratio between the energy needed to build and ship the vehicle as compared with the impact these processes have on the environment – is a key focus of the Jeep Renegade concept’s interior design.

Materials used in constructing the Jeep Renegade concept were deliberately selected to be environmentally responsible, both in manufacture and end-of-vehicle-life recyclability.

Innovative construction includes one-piece molded soy-based foam seats and doors, a one-piece co-molded instrument panel with a urethane skin, a co-molded aluminum/silicone steering wheel, a one-piece molded chassis created without using environmentally-harmful resins, and a one-piece molded interior compartment “tub.” This environmental care in designing the Renegade’s interior is aligned with Jeep’s “harmony with nature” philosophy.

“The Jeep Renegade concept’s interior — actually the entire vehicle — is designed to minimize the number of parts necessary for assembly and function,” said Scott Anderson, principal interior designer of the Renegade concept. “We designed the Renegade with an eye toward simplification of systems, both in parts and processes.”

The HVAC system, for example, is not coolant-based, while the color, grain and gloss of the interior parts are molded in one piece. Even the no-gloss exterior color of the Renegade’s lightweight composite body is molded in to avoid the use of solvents present in automotive paints.

The dual-cockpit instrument panel is symmetrically balanced for easy “plug and play” left-hand drive and right-hand drive applications. There is no conventional wiring. Instead, the instrument panel features wireless electronics in sealed, self-contained units, removable by the customer. The panel is built about an exposed cross-car beam containing an integrated power strip, and on the passenger side, yaw, pitch and roll indicators (also built into the fluid-fill gauges). The instrument panel itself is hollow, allowing ample open storage below the beam. Separately-configured impact-absorbing vinyl-wrapped knee-blockers “float” beneath the cross-car beam. The thin multi-plane acrylic instrument cluster mounts to the steering column, while the similar but separate center control screen mounts on a swivel base -- providing easy access to both occupants.

Located at the intersection of the steering wheel’s T-shaped spokes, the circular LED screen rotates, allowing the driver to select the drive mode, while a flattened rim provides roomier thigh clearance. A driver air bag is concealed beneath the screen. Red or green translucent shift buttons allow Park, Reverse or Drive selections.

The Jeep Renegade concept’s sporty doors incorporate unique canvas-pull remote “handles,” while the rush of the moving landscape visible through the door’s elongated openings enhance the feeling of carefree, open-air mobility.

The Renegade’s contoured, figure-form seats -- covered in scuba-like waterproof materials that are both soft-touch and flexible -- feature in-seat belts and unusual, hollow, lightweight upside-down “U-shaped” headrests. The seats feature a urethane skin with soy-based foam co-molded with a composite substructure. The integral seatbelts, along with slender accent strips on the seats and instrument panel, repeat the Palm Metallic exterior color.

A “thermal unit” in the center console plugs into the electrical battery pack, permitting food to be either heated or cooled.

"Inspired by the simplicity and functionality of scuba diving gear, we wanted the interior of the Jeep Renegade concept to be weather-tight and durable,” Anderson said.

The Renegade’s wireless interior is designed to be hosed down. It features a drain in the floor, while the formations built into the floor mat are designed to channel water to the opening. Hollow-section billet-formed pedals float above the tub floor.

Fun, functional and fabricated from recyclable materials, the Jeep Renegade concept offers agile, capable performance without sacrificing the environment its drivers seek to explore. Keeping with Jeep owners’ desire to use their vehicles as an extension of their active lives, the Jeep Renegade concept promotes enjoyment of the good things of the earth while taking care of its future.

A Speed Racer Opponent's Car Takes the Stage in Tokyo Reveal

will bee — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 13:15:31 +0000

As the Speed Racer's Mach 5 receives plenty of gawking in Detroit one of his opponents cars gets it's own staging area at the Tokyo Auto Salon. The futuristic racing car pictured above is actually a fine product placement from an winning racing team in Japan. The Autobac's Racing Team Arguri (ARTA) were the team and drivers champions of the 2007 series in the GT500 Class of the Japanese Super GT series. Ofcourse their actual racing car differs a great deal (obviously), the movie car does share the race teams colors, sponsors and car number. While in person and in photos the car may appear to be a living cartoon I am sure it will seem much faster beneath the magical lights and CGI effects that the Wachowski Bros. and Warner Brothers will put it through. [myginpage=01172008-sr-oppo] Thanks for the tip, Ben. Source[Rocket Punch via SuperHeroHype]

It was a Banner Year in Sales for Lamborghini in 2007

will bee — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 11:57:53 +0000

There is a lot of talk in the media and among economists about the decline of the US Dollar; a looming economic recession; the decline of the housing market and yet despite all there there are still some people with a bit of play money burning a hole in their pocket. Lamborghini has been the benefactor of some of that play money in 2007 as they achieved a record year in sales. For 2007 Lamborghini sold 2,406 cars, which was a 15% increase over 2006 total of 2,087 cars sold. There turned out to be 1,000 people in the US with some play money that opted for a new Lamborghini in 2007. Europe accounted for 959 of the total cars sold in 2007. Lamborghini is not alone in having a banner sales year. Bentley, Rolls Royce and Ferrari have all had exemplary years in sales. That is a significant contrast to the year the domestic auto market had in 2007. Ford lost it's #2 seller in America ranking to Toyota, and GM too is bracing for Toyota's invasion on the #1 spot. Maybe to protect themselves from reprisals by angry American automotive employees new Lamborghini owners should get a bumper-sticker that says, "my other car is a domestic." Ofcourse we would all know that is a lie, but all they will need is a split seconds delay in-order to get away.

Barret Jackson Auction: Being Car Crazy is FAR From Cheap!

will bee — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 12:51:09 +0000

Is it one thing to be Car Crazy and still another thing to just be Crazy? Is to be the first that significant? When the news broke that pre-sales for the new Dodge Challenger SRT8 were reaching a premium of up to $20,000 over MSRP I was, not shocked so much, but outraged. Not at the dealership's for "getting theirs" and not at Dodge for enjoying some much needed "love", but at the general idea. How Crazy are we to need to be at the head of the line? How much are we really willing to spend? Well, I believe I got my answer to that this weekend at the Barrett-Jackson Auction. This year the right to be the first to own one of the three instant classic/collector cars was being auctioned off. The winning bidder in either auction would receive the first car off the assembly line, Car #1, of either the Dodge Challenger SRT8, the Chevy Corvette ZR1 or the Shelby Mustang GT500 KR. All of them are tremendous cars and all worth their weight in drool and desire. However, how much is it worth to be the first to own them? ...Let us see. The Dodge Challenger gavelled out at a stunning $400,000. That would be about 20 times her MSRP, correct? The Shelby Mustang GT500 KR #0001 ended bidding at a pleasing (to someone) $550,000. A pretty nice mark-up. The Chevy Corvette ZR1 received the best closing bid of all at a mind-boggling, yet cool $1Million. On the plus side for the Corvette, every dollar above the $99,999 list price of the car goes to the United Way. So that is being extra-giving for two good causes: the United Way and your own. Apparently there is some reward to giving big. So now you know what it costs to be the first. In 2008 it costs a lot. Now when you are off considering that new Mitsubishi Lancer this year maybe you need to follow their lead and bump yourself up to the Evo? You need to decide if you are Car Crazy or just not Crazy enough. As an indication that Car Crazy's want more than to be the first, Robosaurus found its new crush at the Barrett-Jackson auction to the tune of $575,000. Now how do you break the news to your wife on that one? Source[AutoBlog]

Chrysler to Seize the Hemi: Is the V8's End Near?

will bee — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 12:55:36 +0000

Following the similar path that GM announced not too long ago, Chrysler has announced that the Hemi engine "is not the powertrain of the future" as co-President Jim Press put it. This should not come as too much of a surprise as rising gas prices have already affected the sales figures for large V8 engines across the board. More and more people are opting for efficient V6 engines in their place. Another obvious factor in the decision is the passing of the new CAFE standards. Chrysler is not about to spend the added research money into determining a way to make the Hemi fuel efficient enough to fit into the future fuel economy ratings. It would be a long and expensive path to take as direct-inject V6 engines are closer to spec and can come close enough in horsepower ratings to satisfy most buyers. Just the same it is a sad day in the V8 community as this is the second time the Hemi engine has become a casualty to rising fuel costs and emissions laws. The 70's witnessed the first abandonment of the large V8 during the fuel crisis of 1973 and as stricter insurance laws came into effect. What was left of the V8 was then thinned even further by the first emissions laws. It is going to be interesting to see as auto makers move now to squeeze better efficiency out of their engines. Is direct-injection, or cylinder deactivation, or a 2Mode gasoline/hybrid alternative enough or will it have to be a combination of those and other options? No matter what path they choose I would not be willing to count the V8 as dead just yet. ...Ya just never know. Source[autoblog]

eBay: Charity Auction of #43 2008 Challenger SRT8

will bee — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 12:27:31 +0000

Less than a week after seeing the rights to the very first production Challenger SRT8 go for $400,000 at the Barrett-Jackson Auction we have our second auction opportunity for a very special car. Starting February 12 bidding will begin on the #43 Challenger SRT8. The car will be painted a special B5 Blue and will be the only Challenger painted that color. The famed color and significance of the #43, for the rare few reading this that do not know, goes back to Nascar driver Richard Petty. The proceeds from this auction will go toward the Victory Junction Gang, a childrens charity that was founded by Nascar driver Kyle Petty following the death of his son Adam. The organization has a camp where children with chronic diseases can go to take part in various activities and maybe forget for a while about the disease they are living with. The winner of this auction will also receive two VIP passes with airfare and lodging to the Dodge Challenger 500 in May of 2008, along with a meet-and-greet session with Kyle Petty himself. So if you were getting that sinking feeling like you really missed your chance in bidding to win the #1 Challenger SRT8 at the Barrett-Jackson Auction then you can start feeling better now. The #43 car is far from a second place option.

Early Preview of the Hummer H3T Pick-up

will bee — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 12:19:33 +0000

Following up on the heels of their HX Concept in Detroit and just ahead of its official unveiling scheduled for Chicago some high-res photos of the up-and-coming Hummer H3T pick-up have found their way across the internet. Based off of the H3 model the H3T goes where the other Hummer truck attempts have not; a complete truck bed. In the case of the H3T the truck bed is a completely separate piece from the cab and even comes with bed rails to better express its "truckiness" (yes, made up word included). There are two suspension packages expected to come in the H3T: off-road and road/tow. While there is plenty of truck versatility in the back the interior of the H3T comes with the same available packages as the H3. Also like its H3 counterpart you can look for the H3T to come with the same available engine packages: 3.5 liter 5-cylinder or the 5.3 liter V8. (...H3T Photo Gallery Following Link) Judging from the photos and as would be expected Hummer took no short-cuts on the H3T. Giving the truck bed its space required GM to extend the frame the standard frame of the H3 another 22 inches. It will be interesting to see how the elongated frame effects the off-road handling of the H3T and how it matches up with its Hummer expectations. The Hummer HX Concept received quite a bit of approval at the Detroit Auto when it was rolled out onto the stage. It was a bold move for GM and there are those still awaiting word as to whether the HX will see production. For those catching a first glimpse of the H3T there seems little worry about whether this mid-sized truck will see production as it appears to be production ready. So check out the gallery below and make up your own mind: Has Hummer struck gold again or is it all too much too late? [myginpage=01282008-h3t] Source[GM via Autoblog]

Daryl Hannah's Bio-Diesel El Camino finds a Winning Bidder

will bee — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 12:36:43 +0000

Daryl Hannah's bio-diesel, flat black el Camino as found a winning bidder on ebay. Closing at a wallet friendly $15,600 the auction winner will be awarded his Hannah friendly el Camino and its bio-diesel pumping 55-gallon fuel drum as soon as he is ready to pick it all up we can only presume. Because why would you go through all of this and then pass up the chance to meet the cars owner in the flesh? While I am personally not one for movie memorabilia or autographs of the stars Daryl Hannah's el Camino might have been a possible exception. At least it is something that can be driven and has some environmentally kind purpose, and since the auction for the car closed at a relatively acceptable price it might not be a purchase that would be too hard to swallow. That is until the first time it breaks down and spends some time in the garage with my other project car. Then I might not feel so good about my purchase. Source[AutoblogGreen] Related Links: Daryl Hannah offers up her BioDiesel El Camino… just looking to share the love?

The Green Mile vs. the Quarter Mile; EPA vs. Horsepower

will bee — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 12:34:51 +0000

There is a conflict brewing in the auto industry and it is not just with the designers and decision makers. The conflict is in the consumer as well. There are Green forces that are encouraging us to want fuel efficient, low emissions vehicles while at the same time there are Performance forces that encourage us to desire the vehicle that goes faster or hauls more. It is a Frosted Mini Wheat of a conundrum and until there are sufficient cars on the road that satisfy our Frosted Side for performance and our healthy Wheat side with low environmental impact we are going to continue to have this fight. According to Wards Auto (via the Motor Authority) the EPA, the federal agency that regulates emissions and determines MPG ratings for cars (among other tasks), is calling for an end to the horsepower wars that they see being waged within the auto industry. Apparently the Gas Guzzler Tax that is slapped on high horsepower and low fuel mileage cars is not deterrent enough. They are calling on the auto industry to scull back the horsepower battle and to refocus their energies on Greener projects. The auto industry is bereft with multiple personalities. While promoting alternative fuels and PZEV (partial zero emissions vehicles) with one group the same manufacturer is showing off their latest high performance sports car with another group. The winner between the two will be whichever sells the best. The auto industry is market driven and the people will determine what is built. So what do the people want? Well, if you could definitively answer that question the car industry would pay you millions. Bob Lutz believes that in order for the small car market to flourish gas prices will need to go higher still; as high as $4 per gallon. It seems that $3 per gallon has only stirred a minor shift in car buyers choices. If you consider the banner year the exotic sports car market had in 2007 it seems that for those who have money fuel prices are not a hindrance, yet. In the end the pro-consumer is going to want Green Performance; both their frosted and their wheat side. Toyota struck a chord with many concept car ooglers when they introduced the FT-HS that sported a 400 horsepower hybrid-gasoline engine. It had striking looks, the promise of performance and the peace of mind of hybrid benefits. However, even that concept now seems mired in the auto industries confusion of whether to go Hybrid, plug-in hybrid, EV or hydrogen/alternative fuel. Given the choice will you the consumer choose Performance over Fuel Efficiency? Or is Green Technology the future and Horsepower an antiquated concept that will fade away in time? Give us your thoughts in the comments section below, and we shall see at the end of 2008 if the consumers auto purchases answers the question for us.

Project Better Place: Israel Targets 2011 for Electric Vehicle Infrastrutures Integration

will bee — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 12:43:31 +0000

As the rest of the world grows stymied over the multiple alternatives to oil that are combating for a market share the Israeli government in a cooperative effort with Project Better Place and Renault-Nissan is preparing for the future. ...The very near future. The plan calls for the mass marketing of an electric vehicle (EV) with an inter-changeable battery system and a series of battery recharging/swapping stations through-out Israel by 2011. What appears like an overly ambitious plan with a short time-table is potentially a daring adventure based on a working model: the mobil phone. Just as cell phone towers span the land to spread each cellular companies signals to all areas, so to will the refueling stations for the battery powered cars. The cars on-board computer will calculate the amount of charge remaining in the battery and will also calculate the distance to the nearest recharging station. To put this plan in action it is taking the cooperation of many groups. First the Israeli government lifted the tax on EV cars until 2018. Renault has signed on to build the initial cars for the program that will come with a lifetime warranty and space for an interchangeable battery. Then Nissan jumped in with the agreement to build the batteries for the system with the aid of NEC. Thus it will be up to Project Better Place to build the infrastructure along the roadways, much as gasoline stations do today, where car owners can come for a necessary charge. The battery system for the EV plan will be more subscription based than owner based. When you buy the car it does not come with the battery. The owner subscribes for battery usage just as they do a cell phone. Thus as the need arises an exhausted battery can be swapped out (presumably with little trouble) for a freshly charged battery. It is said the subscription fee will be based on kilometers just as cell phone subscribers buy their plans by minutes of use. We cannot help but be impressed and inspired by the thorough planning that has gone into the Israeli project, which aims to serve as a working model for the rest of the world. Their target date of 2011 is indeed ambitious but should not be unattainable. The success of the plan will be based on the battery subscriptions that can maintain the Project Better Place recharging stations. Unlike the typical gasoline station the battery recharging stations will not be dependent on customers. The subscriptions to the service will support the stations operations whether or not they are busy on a daily basis. As the EV plan gains a foothold in the Israeli auto market you can look for other auto manufacturers to join in. In order to lure the pro-sumer from his regular gas guzzling ride toward an EV that fits the recharging system it will be important for their to be exciting designs. While Renault was smart to jump in at the beginning they are not necessarily recognized for their exciting nor innovative designs. Look for more news on this topic in the months to come and for further information on the over-all plan head on over to Project Better Place's website. It would appear that they are going to be very busy the next few years.

Auto Makers Tough Choices: Should We Stray or Should We Grow

will bee — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 12:27:36 +0000

Recession? ...Here. Weak Dollar? ...Present. Isuzu? ...Isuzu? ...Isuzu? Just like the housing market in the US the Auto Industry is not only dealing with their reorganizations from their gluttonous years but also with the economic situation that has gripped this country. As could be expected each auto maker has its own approach to handling such shifts, and it is there strategic efforts that will determine their future. Focusing for a moment on how the foreign auto makers are handling the American economic situation some are adding new plants and assembly factories, some are re-imagining themselves and others may be doing Pres. Bush's least favorite thing... the cut and run. To combat a slumping US dollar and to protect themselves from a loss of profit Volkswagen is looking to expand more into North America. While American companies still out-source their jobs over seas to nations with cheaper labor, the Germans are starting to look at America the same way... sorta speak. They can save money and salvage greater profits by moving some more manufacturing and assembly plants into the US. Another way to gain some market share and garner greater attention in a crowded and complex industry is to re-imagine yourself. Both Hyundai and Suzuki are in the beginning stages of doing just that. These Asian auto makers have stepped up their design and engine choices to stand stronger along the other autos in their segments. Hyundai already had what might be the best warranty in the business, and now they have some stylish designs to make them even more appealing. With the Genesis Sedan and sporty Genesis Coupe Hyundai has received much attention and praise leading into the 2008 sales year. Likewise, Suzuki is looking to make similar inroads into the mass market with their Kizashi concept that wooed audiences at the Tokyo and Frankfurt Auto shows. But then there is Isuzu. There efforts in the North American market have been meager at best over the past decade. Rather than spending to much of their time on design Isuzu preferred to rebadge the efforts of the likes of GM and then sell them as their own. The I-Series pick-up truck by Isuzu was strictly a Chevy Colorado that had been relabeled to sell at Isuzu dealerships. Due in a large part to those efforts Isuzu saw their share of the North American auto market plummet into insignificance. In 2007 they sold 7,906 units, which is less than half as many cars as they sold in 2006. Isuzu response to their downturn is to pull-out of the North American market all together. As much as we like to chastise the auto industry for being slow to respond and stagnent and unimaginative in their production cars, we must also recognize that it is a very challenging industry that is highly competitive and where one wrong choice can cost a manufacture millions-upon-millions of dollars. Will the North American auto market miss Isuzu? ...Not in the least. Will the new designs for Suzuki and Hyundai spark new interest in the companies and result in a greater market share? ...it seems likely as long as their production quality can match their design quality. In sports the best Offense is a good Defense. But in business... those that rise to the challenge in troubled times... the best Defense is a good Offense. We shall see in time if the Offensive and aggressive strategies of the likes of Volkswagen, Hyundai and Suzuki will pay off in the years to come.

Shoppers of Nissan GT-R to face Dealer Mark-ups as High as $60,000 over MSRP

will bee — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 12:38:50 +0000

As the arrival date of the first of 1500 Nissan GT-R's bound for the states draws closer the inevitable is starting to take shape. Despite Nissan's efforts to thwart it general economic principles are going to take the GT-R and run high with it. That is what the fellas at ExhaustNote learned in their survey of various Nissan Dealerships around the country. The high demand for the Nissan GT-R is running smack into a small supply here in the US and that is going to result in premium pricing. To put it simply... do not expect to pay that MSRP price of $69,000. If you were finding a $69,000 price tag to be a reasonable price and nicely inside your car budget will it still be so with a $20,000 premium? How about a $40,000 premium? What about a mark-up of $60,000? Would a resulting sales price of $129,000 take the Nissan GT-R out of your reasonable car market even considering the high demand? At $129,000 the Nissan GT-R is stepping into a whole different price segment, but one that in testing was proved that the GT-R competes well. The MSRP, barring mark-ups or premiums, for a Porsche Turbo is $122,000. The Porsche GT3 comes in at $105,000. Will buyers be willing to wait out their time on the GT-R list hoping for a chance to acquire one at a low premium or will they jump ship to the tried and true craftsmanship of a Porsche? The hype and hope of a $69,000 GT-R led many admirer's and would be buyers to fantasize and we are only left to wonder whether the premiums expected to be loaded over the sticker price will rain on some dreamers parade. Or maybe we should not be blaming economics at all. Maybe it is Nissan's fault for underestimating the American market by alloting a mere 1500 cars? Let us see how they sell first before we go assigning blame. For now we will stick with innuendo. Source[ExhaustNotevia Autoblog]

Hyundai Genesis

Ryan — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 02:32:10 +0000

Hyundai Genesis Featured in SuperBowl

Ryan — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 02:33:45 +0000

So what are your thoughts on the Hyundai Genesis? Hyundai seems to be gambling on the luxury market and are trying to make a move with the Genesis. When I say "gambling" I mean it: look at how many spots they bought in the Super Bowl. Does Hyundai really have a BMW beater? Or is this just hype?

In Case You Missed It: Hyundai Debuts Genesis Super Bowl Ad

will bee — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 04:26:28 +0000

Hyundai unleashed their first marketing videos for their new Genesis Sedan in two 30 second spots during the Super Bowl Sunday night. Emphasising its ambitious position as an affordable luxury sedan by highlighting its comparable size to the BMW 7 Series and its 375-hp V8 power, Hyundai is sliding onto the scene with both sublty and elegance. The Genesis will be Hyundai's first legitimate shot of stepping outside of the economy market segment of cars and into a new realm for the Korean car builder. We shall see quite soon how their efforts effect those in the market for a new sedan. But enough with the hype. Check out the videos below and see for yourself how the Hyundai Genesis steps into its leading role with the grace and class of a premium luxury sedan that comes with an approachable price tag. ***

Audi Super Bowl Commercial Puts "Old Luxury" On Notice

Ryan — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 11:44:58 +0000

The luxury car market is clearly where the money is, seeing how the big Super Bowl car commercials centered around the luxury niche. Perhaps the most memorable car commercial from the Super Bowl this year was Audi's warning to the old way of doing luxury.

Seems that Audi wants to sex-up the luxury car niche, offering some performance and muscle to go along with the elegant style. What do you think? Is the luxury market prepared for performance focused luxury?

Chicago Auto Show: GMC to Unveil New Denali XT Hybrid-Flex Fuel Concept

will bee — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 12:29:37 +0000

GM has really been looking for additional candidates in their line-up for the 2-Mode Hybrid system and thanks to a design by their Australian cousins at Holden they have yet potentially one more. The GMC Denali XT Concept not only sports some aggression and some retro yet future thinking design elements, but it also sports a new engine package with great appeal. In the Denali XT Concept GMC has paired up GM's 2-Mode Hybrid system with a 4.9 Liter small-block V8 with both direct injection and cylinder deactivation (or Active Fuel Management as GM refers to it). Also for the first time for GM the 4.9 Liter V8 in the Denali XT can be fueled by any mixture of gasoline-ethanol all the way up to E85. All together the combination of these technologies would make the Denali XT Concept one of the most Environmentally friendly Sport Utility Trucks to come to market thus far. The Denali XT Concept comes with an adjustable air suspension incorporated in its four-wheel independent suspension to allow the SUT to perform well on the road. Yet its light weight uni-body construction and cargo area that measures 55" by 47.5" that can carry 1100 lbs of cargo still provides this sleek design enough truck capabilities to satisfy the average driver. To add to its versatility the Denali XT has a towing capacity of 3500 lbs and rear seats that fold down to allow for longer payloads. GM Press Release and photo gallery follow after the link. [myginpage=02042008-denalixt] As a concept the Denali XT certainly stands out among the average GMC or GM vehicles coming out of North America. Maybe that is because this one comes from Holden in Australia who has produced such concepts as the Efijy and their latest VE Commodore Ute which may find its way to America soon. We look forward to seeing more of the GMC Denali XT at the Chicago Auto Show this week. For an extensive list of what GMC has in store for the Denali XT Concept check out the Press Release below. PRESS RELEASE CHICAGO – GMC unveiled the Denali XT concept at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show. It offers a 50-percent increase in combined fuel economy over comparable small pickup trucks when running on gasoline, and it incorporates a new, muscular form in a performance-styled, hybrid sport-utility truck (SUT).

The Denali XT has a unibody architecture and rear-wheel drive, enabling its distinctive design and efficient performance. It builds on the equity of the Denali line and its reputation for advanced engineering and refinement, including the first combination of GM's two-mode hybrid system with an E85 ethanol-capable engine. Denali XT's new, more efficient 4.9L version of GM's small-block V-8 features fuel-saving technologies such as direct-injection technology and Active Fuel Management.

The engine is matched with GM's unique two-mode hybrid propulsion system, giving the powerful SUT exceptional fuel economy and uncompromising capability – including all-electric drive at low speeds. It is a powertrain combination that makes the Denali XT perfectly suited to a variety of active lifestyle activities, such as hauling skis and snowboards to the mountain or towing a sport jet boat to the lake.

"Like all GMCs, the Denali XT is functional and capable, but it blends those traits with a more efficient, sporty driving experience," said Jim Bunnell, GMC general manager. "It is a vehicle that exemplifies GMC's engineering excellence, as well as GM's commitment to hybrid and advanced technologies."

With its unibody structure, the Denali XT is lighter than conventional body-on-frame trucks, with great ride-and-handling characteristics. This design enhances fuel economy while giving the vehicle a sporty driving experience. True to its GMC Professional Grade heritage, the Denali XT is filled with technologies and features that maximize its flexibility, including a cargo space-enhancing Midgate® and height-adjustable suspension.

The Denali XT's proportions are framed around a high cowl and 123.4-inch (3,134 mm) wheelbase. This enhances the vehicle's truck functionality, but packages it in an efficient, unibody architecture.

Design and construction were spearheaded by Holden Design, within the Australian arm of GM's global design and engineering network.

"Denali XT is about working hard, playing hard and enjoying an active lifestyle," said Bunnell. "It is the same philosophy that has helped make the GMC Acadia crossover a huge hit with consumers."

Dramatic design statement
A muscular form and wide, firmly planted stance give the Denali XT a confidently capable road presence. Minimal overhangs, large wheels, sleek headlamps and a low roof profile deliver an aggressive, performance-oriented appearance.

"It is a robust yet tailored design statement that is unlike anything else on the road," said Ed Welburn, vice president, Global Design. "It has the youthful look of a custom automobile that incorporates the capability customers expect from a truck."

The Denali XT's design includes a new take on GMC's iconic grille, with a prominent, four-bar element in addition to the large, red GMC logo and signature Denali background. Flared fenders accentuate the wide road stance. The stance is also enhanced when the Denali XT is lowered on its air-adjustable suspension, which creates a sleeker appearance that simultaneously improves aerodynamics. Large, bold 23-inch wheels and custom Kuhmo tires complement the Denali XT's stance.

Inside, the Denali XT blends mechanical functionality with leather-trimmed comfort.
Billet-metal surrounds, controls and instruments convey the cold precision of an aircraft cockpit. This is balanced by the warmth of bespoke saddle-leather trimmed seats and other contact surfaces.

"The form language is smooth and structured to characterize GMC's power. The details have a deliberately contrasting mechanical aesthetic to mark GMC's engineering sophistication," said Warrack Leach, lead designer.

The interior features innovative instrumentation with "floating" red-illuminated numerals backed by surface chaplets in the clusters and a large integrated vehicle interface screen. The interior illumination was supplied by Osram.

The Denali XT seats four. The high-cowl vehicle architecture enables higher seating positions, allowing the couple distance between front and rear occupants to be reduced without compromising knee room. This packaging efficiency creates generous interior and cargo bed dimensions within a more compact package.

Truck capability
With stiffness that is greater than most conventional, body-on-frame trucks, the Denali XT's unibody structure supports a very capable truck platform. It also serves as the mounting point for a four-wheel independent suspension that gives the vehicle its performance feel on the road. The multilink front suspension features a forward-mounted steering rack and dual lower links with ball joints at the outer ends, providing sharp responses to driver input. At the rear, a four-link suspension design uses coil-over shocks and a decoupled stabilizer bar to enhance cornering control, reduce body roll and optimize longitudinal compliance. In short, it's a truck that hauls more than cargo on twisting roads.

The rear cargo area is wide, deep and flat, with no suspension or wheelhouse protrusions; the cargo floor measures 55 inches long (1,397 mm) by 47.5 inches wide (1,206 mm). It all adds up to the space to haul a wide variety of lifestyle accessories.

The easy-to-operate Midgate can be lowered to extend the cargo-carrying capacity inside the vehicle. The rear seats fold flat to provide a longer floor for carrying items such as skis, surfboards or wood from the home improvement store. A fixed rear window allowed engineers to retain the vehicle's structure, reducing mass and complexity.

The Denali XT has an estimated payload capacity of 1,100 pounds (499 kg) and a towing capacity of an estimated 3,500 pounds (1,587 kg). This capability is delivered through unique vehicle and powertrain integration, where the multiple modes of GM's two-mode hybrid system provide towing capability.

New 4.9L SIDI V-8 and two-mode hybrid system
For the first time, GM's rear-wheel-drive two-mode hybrid transmission is paired with a smaller-displacement version of the small-block engine. The new V-8 4.9L E85-capable engine powers the Denali XT with an estimated 326 horsepower (243 kW). It uses direct-injection technology to produce the power of a larger engine, but consumes less fuel and produces lower emissions.

Also, the functionality of GM's Active Fuel Management system has been expanded through the use of hybrid technologies, enhancing the cylinder-deactivating feature to further improve fuel efficiency.

The Denali XT's two-mode hybrid system is partnered with the 4.9L engine and uses an electrically variable transmission to enhance fuel efficiency in city and highway driving. In city driving, all-electric propulsion is used at low speeds; on the highway, fixed-gear operation enables efficient performance even when towing a trailer.

The specific characteristics of the Denali XT allowed the synergistic evolution of GM's small-block V-8 and two-mode hybrid beyond the recently introduced in GM two-mode hybrid products, such as the GMC Yukon Hybrid and Sierra Hybrid. During this optimization process, additional powertrain technologies have been integrated, including Active Thermal Management, which transfers thermal energy from one driveline component to another to improve efficiency; and a high-efficiency axle configuration, which fundamentally reduces the losses normally associated with conventional axle configurations.

The integration of the advanced internal combustion engine technologies and two-mode hybrid system on the Denali XT reinforces GMC's Professional Grade position as a brand that continues to exceed customer expectations.

GMC DENALI XT CONCEPT SPECIFICATIONS

Body style / driveline: four-door, four-seat; rear-wheel drive sport-utility truck
Construction: body-frame integral
Engine type: 4.9L SIDI V-8 with Active Fuel Management
Horsepower (hp / kW): 326 / 243 (est)
Fuel type: unleaded regular or E85 ethanol
Transmission: two-mode hybrid
Suspension: front: independent SLA; rear: independent SLA
Brakes four-wheel disc
Wheel size & type: 23-inch aluminum; split 5-spoke
Tires: front: Kuhmo 255/35/R23
rear: Kuhmo 285/35/R23
Wheelbase (in / mm): 125.4 / 3134
Overall length: 205 / 5207
Overall width (in / mm): 76.3 / 1938
Overall height (in / mm): 62.5 / 1587
Track (in / mm): 65 / 1651
Cargo floor length (in / mm): 55 / 1397
Cargo floor width (in / mm): 47.5 / 1206
Payload (lb / kg): 1100 / 499 (est)
Towing capacity (lb / kg): 3500 / 1587 (est)


Email: