Top Gear Compares Evo, WRX, S4 - Video
This is an older clip from the show Top Gear but it's still a great comparison of the Mitsubishi Evo 8, Subaru STI, and Audi S4. Personally I'll take the Audi although some of the corners that they put the Evo into are pretty amazing. Anyways enjoy.
Pimp My Discovery Channel
The popular MTV car customization TV show "Pimp My Ride" featuring the creative talents of West Coast Customs is leaving MTV at the end of this season to move to the Discovery Channel.
The producers of "American Chopper" and "American Hot Rod" will be developing a new show for WCC where they customize a variety of vehicles including private jets, helicopters, and super cars. Apparently WCC was a little tired of fixing up crap cars just for the shock value. The biggest question is what will happen to Xzibit? Look for him on his new reality show Pimp My Cardboard Box!
In related TV news the British TV show "Top Gear" is also going to be coming to the Discovery Channel with an all new cast, and test facility.
December 30, 2005
2007 Ford Shelby GT500 convertible - Review
Road and Track has just done a review of the 2007 Ford Shelby GT500 convertible. You can easily distinguish this drop top Mustang from any other pony car with a quick glance. It features a menacing front end that is much taller due to the domed aluminum hood that hides the supercharged 5.4-liter V-8. The car is made to look even more aggressive with the addition of a chin splitter, rear diffuser, and deck spoiler.
Final numbers haven't yet been compiled for horsepower and torque but they should be right around 475 for both. These numbers are achieved in larger part to the new Eaton M122 supercharger that is forcing 10 to 12 psi through the combustion chambers.
Road and Track found the car to be very easy to shift thanks to the dual-disc clutch and smooth Tremec 6-speed with a 2.97:1 ratio. With the Shelby weighing almost 300 pounds more then the standard Mustang it was reported to be "remarkably balanced, almost lithe."
With a nicely appointed interior featuring well bolstered seats, SVT styling cues, and generous use of aluminum trim round out the package. Pricing isn't set yet but should be around $40,000 for the coupe with the convertible adding $4000. The car is set to go on sale in June.
Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible
Price: $44,000
Engine: Supercharged dohc 5.4-liter V-8
Transmission: 6-speed manual
0-60 mph: 4.5 sec
1/4 mile: 12.9 sec
December 29, 2005
Track testing of Ferrari FXX - Video
The Ferrari FXX is by far the most amazing car that has ever come out of Maranello. With a 6.2-Liter V-12 pumping out over 800 horsepower this is as close to a Formula One car as you can buy.
This is a video of the FXX under going track testing on Ferrari's private playground. The video is not the highest quality but shows how amazingly fast the car is.
Porsche Carrera GT All Time Best Seller
Porsche announced yesterday that they have sold and delivered 1,111 Carrera GT super cars. For most automobiles that won't be much of a milestone at all but when the car has an MSRP of $440,000 and can top 200 mph it's a huge mark.
By selling 1,111 Carrera GT's it became "the most successful high-performance sports car of all time." To top it off Porsche chief executive Wendelin Wiedeking said, "...Porsche has made money with the Carrera GT. In this respect, this sports car has also been an economic success for our company, as expected."
Porsche has said that the last GT will roll off the Leipzig assembly line in April 2006 so hurry up and get yours before they're gone.
December 28, 2005
Michelin recalls 10,000 tires
Michelin is recalling 10,000 of it's high performance Pilot Sport Z rated tires.
The recall is due to the tire potentialy developing a blister in the sidewall that can lead to the tire going rapidly flat. No accidents have been reported due to the defect yet.
The tires in question are 255/35 ZR 20 97Y Extra Load Pilot Sport tires. These have been fitted as OEM tires on cars such as Audi A8 and Jaguar XJ8 during the past three years.
[Forbes.com - Michelin recall]
December 27, 2005
Review - 2007 Audi RS4
If your interested to know what it might be like to drive the 2007 Audi RS4 Motor Trend has a review of the new street-legal DTM race car.
With a 4.2-liter V-8 producing 414 horses (74 more then the current S4) and 317 pound-feet of torque (only 15 more then the S4) the RS4 is ready to blister down the highway or race track. Stopping power comes from 14.4 inch cross-drilled rotors mounted to 255/35R19 tires.
The entire car is lowered 1.2 inches and almost all of the exterior body work is revised except for the roof and door which are common to the A4 and S4. As for the interior the seats are upgraded to more race like seats and carbon-fiber trims the cabin.
Base Price: $65,000 (est)
Engine: 4.2L 414 hp / 317 lb-ft DOHC 32-valve V-8
Transmission: 6-speed manual
0 - 60: 4.7 sec
2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
The pending spring 2006 release of the Toyota FJ Cruiser should have off roaders drooling. Unlike most SUV’s that are designed to be driven to the mall and soccer practice the FJ Cruiser is all about going off the beaten path.
The Land Cruiser has always been a tough and capable 4X4 and Toyota wanted to make sure that the new FJ would live up to its heritage. To ensure it’s on and off road capabilities the FJ is available with two different 4x4 systems, two transmissions, and two types of locking differentials. Standard equipment features automatic limited-slip differential for the rear wheels, five-speed automatic, and two wheel drive.
All 4X4 models offer 9.6 inches of ground clearance, 34-degree approach and 30 degree departure angles. Skid plates that protect the engine, transfer case, and fuel tank. Suspension travel is 8 inches front and 9 inches in the rear.
Automatic models come with a transfer case that can be driven in 2-Hi, 4-Hi and 4-Lo mode. Manual models are always in four-wheel drive, with the transfer case offering 4-Hi, 4-Hi with locked differential and 4-Lo with locked differential.
The FJ Cruiser will be powered by the 4.0-liter V6 from the Tacoma, Tundra, and 4Runner. It features 24 valves and VVT-i to produce 239 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque at 5,200 rpm.
Mileage ranges between 16 and 18 for city and 19 to 22 highway depending on what drive train and transmission you choose the best numbers 18/22 are from the 4X2 automatic FJ. All models offer a 5,000-pound towing capacity.
All this adds up to Toyota's vice president of marketing, Jim Farley, dubbing the 2007 version "…the most distinctive and capable 4x4 in the Toyota lineup
With a starting price below $25,000 this is a very capable SUV.
Toyota launches new bB / xB
Toyota's Japanese site has posted the new production-version Toyota bB which is know in North America as the Scion xB.
The new xB is being marketed as a "car-shaped music player" with a nine speaker sound system, mp3 capable stereo, and lights that flash in time with the music so you can have a rolling night club. Sorry your epileptic friends have to find there own ride.
More info and pictures after the jump...
Toyota will continue to offer a multitude of optional accessories to customize the xB as it has with it's other Scion products. The new xB is also aimed at providing it's occupants a relaxing environment by using a newly developed "Mattari-mode seats" in the front that not only recline but sink up to 80mm to create a couch-like experience. Which Toyota claims "delivers an unprecedented feeling of relaxation and privacy".
Two different engines are available for the bB / xB a new 1.5 liter VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent) or an improved-output 1.3 VVT-i. Both can be mated to a four-speed automatic transmission or Super ECT.
December 24, 2005
BMW Z4 M Website Goes Live
BMW launched a new website for the forth coming Z4 M Roadster.
Using the E43 M3 motor turning out 343 horsepower the Z4 M should be able to get your adrenaline pumping. With a 0 - 100 km/h in 5 seconds and weighing 350 pounds less then the M3 this is one quick roadster. The Z4 M will offer standard 18 inch wheels,upgraded interior and unique exterior styling cues from that of the standard Z4.
Ferrari Billboard
Much along the lines of the Million Dollar Home Page and Smash My Viper the Ferrari Billboard is selling space on its web site to advertisers.
The twist with Ferrari Billboard is he's trying to sell enough 'squares' to buy a new Ferrari F430. They will then cover with the ads sold on the web site and drive across the country doing promotions.
But if not enough pixels are sold he's going to wrap a Ford Escort wagon with ads and tour the country. And what’s cooler then an Escort wagon with 10,000 tiny little bumper stickers.
December 23, 2005
Motorcycle tops 300kph on video
Here's a video of some nut job blasting down the highway in Europe at over 300kph; that would be 186mph!!
Any idea what kind of bike he's able to do this on?
More videos here: Gear6 - Videos
Subaru Impreza S204 unveiled
Subaru Technica International (STI) has just shown the latest version of the Impreza, dubbed S204.
This limited production Impreza will be powered by the 2.0 L flat-four but in its highly modified trim will turning 320 hp and 318 ft-lb torque. The car also features STI exclusive suspension, carbon fiber body work, and 18 inch BBS wheels. STI is only producing 600 of these so you best get in line now and be prepared to pony up $41K.
December 22, 2005
North American International Auto Show 2006
Each year the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) attracts many important new vehicle introductions and advanced concepts. More than 40 of the world’s top manufacturers construct lavish displays to showcase more than 700 vehicles from around the globe.
If you're planning on attending the show in Detroit MSN Autos has a web page devoted to making your experience one to remember.
Information ranging from the history of the show, to highlights of 2005's NAIAS, and even maps of how to get to the show. With more than 1 million square feet of exhibition space and with expected attendance to top 800,000 this should be a show to remember.
Lola to Enter Biodiesel Car at Le Mans
London-based D1 Oils producer of environmentally-friendly fuel is going to attempt to enter a D1 Lola B2K running on biodiesel in next years Le Mans race.
The D1 Lola B2K car runs on a blend of vegetable oil and diesel. The car is powered by a modified Volkswagen Toureg engine and produces nearly the same output as the gas powered engine with top speed being only 15 mph less on the biodiesel mixture. D1 is hoping that the fuel savings of the diesel will help to compensate for the reduced horsepower and top speed of the Lola.
The car will still need to under go safety testing and qualify for the race but if it does it won’t be the only diesel powered car in the field. The new Audi R10 which was unveiled earlier this month is also powered by a diesel motor.
December 21, 2005
Top Gear Lamborghini Test Drive - Video
Top Gear went for a ride with Lamborghini's own factory test driver. They go blasting through the test track in a 495 hp all wheel drive Diablo tyres smoking all the way.
Photos of New Dodge Challenger Concept
Leftlane News has scooped some great photos of the new Dodge Challenger set to be unveiled next month at the Detroit auto show.
These photos haven’t been verified to be real but they sure do look good. Gotta love that retro interior complete with pistol grip shifter. Move over Mustang you've just been out done.
December 20, 2005
Toyota to over take GM as largest automaker
Toyota announced Tuesday a global production target of 9.06 million vehicles for next year which would position it to possibly over take General Motors as the world's largest automaker. For Toyota to accomplish this goal they would need to produce nearly 10 percent more vehicles then they will in 2005. GM is expected to produce around 9 million cars for 2006.
GM shares fell to an 18-year low of $19.63 on the news but rallied as trading progressed. GM shares were down 84 cents, or 4 percent, at $20.21 in late morning trading on the New York Stock Exchange. They have traded in a 52-week range of $20.60 to $40.82.
[Business Week - Toyota to overtake General Motors]
GM recalls Express and Savana vans
DETROIT (Reuters) - General Motors Corp. is recalling 425,593 full-size passenger and cargo vans because the seat belt will not latch properly, U.S. safety regulators said.
The recall affects GM's Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
GM Hybrids will Debut at Detroit Auto Show
It's been reported that General Motors will unveil its first hybrid utility vehicles at next month’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
Making their debuts will be the ’07 Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid cross/utility vehicle and the ’08 Chevrolet Tahoe Two-mode Hybrid SUV. Saturn is a mild hybrid and the Tahoe is a full hybrid.
Also making their debuts in Detroit will be the ’07 Cadillac Escalade EXT and ESV SUVs
December 19, 2005
Lola Cars Announces the Return of T70
Lola Cars are proud to announce the return of a motorsport legend. The Lola T70 Mk3B. Lola Cars is going to be producing a limited run of T70 Mk3B's with the first chassis set to be unveiled at the MIA/MDUK stand in January at the annual Autosport Racing Car Show in Birmingham, England.
Lola is producing these cars to the original specification of the manufacturer, bringing the experience of the golden age of sports car competition to a new generation of historic racers.
The cars will not come with an engine but will be ready to accept a 5.0L small block Chevrolet just as they were equipped originally.
Lola are currently accepting deposits for the first five T70 Mk3B continuation chassis for delivery in early 2006. More photos after the jump. Thanks to Autoblog for the tip.
Lola Heritage
Download the T70 brochure
2006 Detroit auto show preview
The North American Auto Show is set to open in less then a month and rumors have been swirling about what will be unveiled. Autoweek has put together a run down of what they know will be on show stands when the auto show opens on January 8th.
Probably the biggest buzz surrounding the show has to do with the Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger
concepts that are sure to add fuel to the current muscle car craze. Photos of both cars have been passed around the internet but nothing has been confirmed by either Dodge or Chevrolet as to their authenticity.
Camaro photos
Challenger photos
Autoweek - 2006 Detroit Auto Show Preview
December 18, 2005
Hummer H3 - Review
The recently introduced Hummer H3 was designed from the ground up to be a more user friendly vehicle then it's big brothers the Hummer H1 and H2. With a base price around $28,000 the H3 is almost half the price of the H2 and nearly 1/4 the price of an H1.
The H3 has all of the styling cues that have been found on Hummers since day one including the 7-slot grill, vertical windshield, and spare tire on the rear door. But the size of this truck is 17 inches shorter then the H2, 6.5 inches narrower 4 inches lower, and has an 11-inch shorter wheelbase.
The H3 is powered by an inline five-cylinder engine that is able to power the truck reasonably well but by no means are you going to be drag racing this truck. But that’s not what Hummers are about, they have always been designed to be over come what ever you may run into and this H3 looks to continue that tradition. Hummer claims the H3 is able to do just as well as the H2 while crossing 24-inch deep streams and climbing over rocks.
A full-time all-wheel-drive system with low-range gearing and locking center differential help off-road driving, and that drive system provides more grip on slippery roads.
Diehard off-roaders should get the $1,025 Adventure Preferred Equipment option. It has a locking rear differential, low-ratio transfer case, off-road suspension and on-off road tires.
However, that package can't be ordered with the shiny $800 chrome alloy wheels, which don't make sense for off-road travel but will be hard for some H3 buyers to resist.
The biggest advantage of the H3 over the H2 is the fuel economy. The H3 is able to deliver almost 20 mpg highway and 16 city while the H2 is only able to manage between 9 and 11 mpg city.
Overall the H3 provides a lot of vehicle and image for your $28,000 but if you need more room and power and can afford the price tag and fuel the H2 or H1 will be the Hummer for you.
December 17, 2005
c'était un rendez-vous
On an August morning in 1978, French filmmaker Claude Lelouch mounted a gyro-stabilized camera to the bumper of a Ferrari 275 GTB and had a friend, a professional Formula 1 racer, drive at breakneck speed through the heart of Paris. The film was limited for technical reasons to 10 minutes; the course was from Porte Dauphine, through the Louvre, to the Basilica of Sacre Coeur.
No streets were closed, for Lelouch was unable to obtain a permit.
The driver completed the course in about 9 minutes, reaching nearly 140 MPH in some stretches. The footage reveals him running real red lights, nearly hitting real pedestrians, and driving the wrong way up real one-way streets.
Upon showing the film in public for the first time, Lelouch was arrested. He has never revealed the identity of the driver, and the film went underground until a DVD release a few years ago.
click the image below to play the movie -
December 16, 2005
Ford GT Stolen off Showroom Floor
Late Tuesday night a Ford GT was stolen off a California dealer's showroom floor. According to the report from the local ABC station the thieves kicked the backdoor of the dealership in, crow bared their way into the showroom, cracked the safe to get the keys, and then jump started the Ford GT!
10 safest cars for 2006 model year
Every year the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) picks the ten safest cars form that model year as Top Safety Picks. The test to determine the safety of a vehicle consists of a 40 mph off-center frontal crash, side-impact crash and rear crash tests. The vehicles that offered the best protection for the occupants are awarded gold or silver Top Safety Picks. The IIHS also breaks the vehicles into classes small, midsize, large car, and minivans.
All winners featured side impact airbags and seat/head restraints that were designed to offer protection against neck injuries in rear impacts. The big winner this year was Volkswagen / Audi winning 5 of the 10 awards. Surprisingly no minivan meets the IIHS criteria to become a top safety pick.
Read on to see the 10 picks -
Break down of the winners for 2006 model year:
Large Cars
* Ford Five Hundred/Mercury Montego—Gold
* Audi A6—Silver
Midsize Cars
* Saab 9-3—Gold
* Subaru Legacy—Gold
* Audi A3—Silver
* Audi A4—Silver
* Chevrolet Malibu—Silver
* Volkswagen Jetta—Silver
* Volkswagen Passat—Silver
Small Cars
* Honda Civic—Gold
December 15, 2005
Details on the new Audi TT
German auto magazine Auto Bild has scooped some details on the forthcoming Audi TT. It's said to be released in September of 2006, with an engine option that will produce 330 ponies.
Body work will be updated with new headlights and the new ugly large front grill. Auto Bild is also reporting that the car will grow in length making the rear seats actually usable yet maintain the original TT's look. It's likely that the car will also receive Audi's latest dual-clutch manual/automatic transmission.
How to parallel park
How many times do you think it took to perfect this parking job!
December 14, 2005
2006 911 Turbo uncamouflaged
This isn't the first time the yet to be unveiled 2006 911 Turbo has been spied but it is the first time it's been seen lacking it heavy camouflage and blackout paint. Autoweek caught these photos as the new 997 left the factory for a shakedown test. It looks as if the turbo model will once again have it's own unique front and rear bumpers with massive air ducts for cooling the 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine, and it's massive brakes.
Rumors have been heard that the new 997 turbo will produce 500hp, 80 more then the previous model. Much of the gain will be a result of a new technology to Porsche called VTG or Variable Turbine Geometry. This has been in use on diesel engines for a number of years but not on gasoline powered motors. VTG continuously adjusts the angle of the turbo's vanes to deliver more power and torque at a wider power band.
Mitsubishi Drops Out of FIA World Rally
Mitsubishi’s financial troubles are starting to show; the impossible has happened!
Mitsubishi announced today that it would not be participating in the 2006 FIA World Rally Championship and will not return until at least 2008. The reason cited is so Mitsubishi can “focus management resources” on its three-year revitalization plan. It will be interesting to see if the Lancer Evolution will be able to keep pace with Subaru WRX now that they won't be going head to head on the rally circuit.
Read on for the official press release……
Press Release:
Mitsubishi Motors to Suspend Participation in the FIA World Rally
Championship Series.
Tokyo, December 14, 2005? Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) has announced that it has decided to suspend participation in the FIA World Rally Championship series from 2006.
With the Mitsubishi Motors Revitalization Plan as a basis, MMC has made a solid start toward revitalizing its business operations. However, to strengthen and build upon this base, MMC realizes that it must focus management resources on the continued promotion of the revitalization plan.
Mitsubishi Motors hopes to return to the WRC Championship series from 2008, after the completion of the 3-year revitalization plan, which covers fiscal 2005 to 2007.
This decision however does not extend to MMC’s efforts in the Dakar Rally (commonly known as Paris-Dakar). Mitsubishi Motors will continue to compete in this event.
— Starting with an overall championship in the Safari Rally in 1974, the Mitsubishi WRC Team has accomplished a spectacular 34 wins in the WRC series. The team won the drivers’ title 4 consecutive years from 1996 to 1999, and won the prestigious manufacturers’ title in 1998.
December 13, 2005
Smash my Viper - Update
The guys (and girls) at Smash My Viper have posted the first 'damage' video.
They went to a shopping mall and asked people to key the viper; how fun would that be! Most people don't seem to understand what a 6" scratch is (watch the video to see what I mean). It should be fun to watch when the Viper starts to get hit with a baseball bat or have a bowling ball thrown at it.
[Smash My Viper - Damage Video]
Road & Track Readers' Choice Award: The Best Car 2006
Road & Track has announced the Reader's Choice awards for 2006 and for the second time in two years the Chevrelot Corvette has claimed top honors. The January issue will give the complete break down of each car and how it was choosen but here is a list of the finalists in order:
Best Car Finalists
Chevrolet Corvette Z06
BMW M5
Porsche Cayman S
Pontiac Solstice
Infiniti M45
Mazda MX-5 Miata
BMW 330i
Dodge Charger R/T
Dodge Viper SRT-10 Coupe
Audi A3
Mercedes Benz CLS500
Cadillac STS-V
Dream Car Finalists
Ferrari F430 Spider
Bugatti EB 16.4 Veyron
Aston Martin Vantage
Bentley Continental Flying Spur
Audi R10 unveiled
The Audi R10 has been the subject of as much speculation as any sports car in history. It was unveiled this morning and it looks spectacular! The live presentation can be seen at Audi.com The car is producing 650 hp and over 1100 Newton meters of torque. R10 release page.
Fourtitude.com has a full gallery of images - R10 Gallery
December 12, 2005
Mazda recalls 2001 - 2002 Miatas
Mazda Motor Corporation is voluntarily recalling Miata models from 2001 and 2002, in order to lower vehicle emission levels.
Many of these cars could exceed federal emission standards because of inadequate emission control when the vehicle is started cold. EPA discovered the potential emission compliance problem in the 2001 and 2002 models after testing at its National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory in Ann Arbor, Mich.
Mazda will replace the vehicle’s central processing unit with one that has different engine calibrations to reduce emissions that come from cold starts. According to Mazda, the calibrations will not have an effect on vehicle performance or fuel economy, and the repairs will be made at no cost to vehicle owners. Nationwide, approximately 32,000 vehicles are affected by this recall.
Mazda will phase in the recall by region to assure availability of the replacement part. Owners with questions about this recall can contact Mazda Customer Service at 800-222-5500, or e-mail customerassistance@mazdausa.com .
For additional information on the 2001 -2002 Mazda Miata recall program, see: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/cert/recall/mazda2.htm .
Kiplinger's Best in Class 2006
Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine just released it's 55th annual new car buyer's guide. Kiplinger's have selected what it considers to be the Best in Class vehicles in ten different categories.
Asian brands earned top scores in five of the ten categories. Honda fielded the most winners with three: the CR-V as Best Crossover SUV; the Odyssey as Best Minivan and the Acura TL as Best Car priced between $30,000 and $45,000.
For 2006 there are two domestic brands represented in this Best in Class listing. The Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland is Best Truck-Based SUV, while the Chevrolet Corvette earned top honors as Best Sports Car.
The remaining three slots went to European brands MINI, Volvo and Volkswagen.
Best in Class 2006 models:
* Under $18,000: Volkswagen New Beetle
* $18,000 to $23,000: Hyundai Sonata GL
* $23,000 to $30,000: MINI Cooper S Convertible
* $30,000 to $45,000: Acura TL
* Over $45,000: Lexus LS 430
* Sports Car: Chevrolet Corvette
* Station Wagon: Volvo V70 R
* Minivan: Honda Odyssey
* Truck-Based SUV: Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland
* Crossover SUV: Honda CR-V
December 11, 2005
2007 Camry Unofficial Specs
Autoblog has followed up it's spy photos of the 2007 Toyota Camry from the other day by digging up specs on the new model. These specs are by no means official you'll have to wait until the Detroit Auto Show to find out for sure.
2007 Toyota Camry
Models include value CE, volume LE, sporty SE and luxury SLE
Same length as previous model
2.2-inch increase in wheelbase
Curb weight on base model up 175 lbs.
Standard curtain side airbags
158-hp 2.4L I4 with 5-speed auto or manual standard
268-hp 3.5L V6 with 6-speed auto optional (LE, SE, XLE)
192-hp hybrid drivetrain with 2.4L I4 and CVT transmission
16- and 17-inch wheel options
Keyless entry/starting system standard on hybrid, optional for V6 XLE
December 10, 2005
C6 Corvette vs SRT 10 Dodge Viper - Video
This is an excellent video from England’s TV show 5th Gear. It’s a head to head comparison of the new Corvette and Viper. It's amazing how much performance you get for your dollar with the new Corvette! A more fair comparison of the two would be the Z06 vs. the Viper but maybe they didn't want to embarrass the Viper any further?
December 09, 2005
2007 Camry spotted!
Autoblog has obtained a bunch of photos of the yet to be released 2007 Toyota Camry SE. Lots of nice photos after the jump.
[2007 Toyota Camry - Spy Shots]
Update.....
Ascari A10 600hp street car
Ascari has just revealed that it that they will be releasing next summer a 600bhp A10 road version of its Spanish GT Race Car. It's currently undergoing testing for its release in the summer of '06. It's expected to top 220mph propelled by its five-liter V8 engine with six-speed manual.
We are extremely excited by the prospect of launching the A10," says Ascari's Chris Burton "This car's roots are in the racetrack making it a truly inspiring driving machine, yet refined enough by design to be driven every day as a supercar."
Only 50 models will be hand-built and will have a price tag of around £350,000.
Your oppurtunity to smash a Viper!
A 23 year old college student has decided that a great way to make some money is to destroy his Dodge Viper. SmashMyViper.com was launched the other day with the goal of raising $1,000,000 through selling advertising space and people purchasing 'damage' to the car. Choices include keying the car, drilling holes thorough it, throwing objects at it, and smashing it with a baseball bat! If you pay extra they will even have a model do the damage to the car.
December 08, 2005
Rumors of a Corvette SS
Edmunds.com is running a story that GM is develeoping a so called super Vette dubbed Corvette SS. It suposed to be powered by a 'charged' LS9 small block and develop in the realm of 600 hp! Could this be the long rumored Corvette 'blue devil'?
December 07, 2005
Could this be the new Camaro
Early this morning photos cropped up on LS1tech.com that claimed to be photos of the Camaro prototype. There are three photos so far a front, rear, and interior photos and it looks wild! I'm guessing with all the other photos that have been seen these are nothing more then an early concept; only time will tell.
Related info:
It was reported last week that the 'new' Camaro would be powered by the Corvette motor.
Camaro to be built on Kappa chassis
Looking for cheap gas?
MSN Auto has a nice tool for finding the cheapest gas prices in your area, and they even give you a map to plot your course! Just enter your zip code and they will kick back the lowest, average, and highest price. And just to play with your emotions they also show the highest and lowest prices in the country. At the moment the winners are a gas station in Adel, Georgia at $1.58 and Kaunakakai, HI at $3.10 per gallon.
Subaru will build Toyota's in Lafayette Indiana
It was rumored about last week and now the official announcement has come, Subaru will be building Toyota's by 2006. Toyota president Katsuaki Watanabe and Fuji President Kyoji Takenaka announced yesterday in Tokyo that Fuji Heavy Industries, parent corporation of Subaru has agreed to produce cars for Toyota. This is a result of Toyota purchasing an 8.7% share of Subaru from General Motors early this year. Autoblog has found out that Subaru is expected to build the Camry sedan at the plant by the close of 2006.
December 06, 2005
Gas mileage not what you thought it would be?
Do you find that your car has never quite lived up to the gas mileage you thought it might get? Chances are the gas mileage numbers printed on the window sticker of your car will never be accurate. According to Blue Water Network, a California based environmental watch group, the EPA fuel mileage numbers can be off by as much as 34%.
The EPA mandated test to determine fuel mileage were created in the 1970's and have only been updated once and that was in 1985. These test's don't accurately simulate real world driving conditions and skew the fuel estimate numbers to be much higher then they turn out to be.
In testing, only one person is inside the vehicle. There's no extra weight as there is when the car, minivan or SUV is carrying more people or cargo.
[Truth about Fuel Economy - MSN]
The test driver must accelerate, brake and idle the car according to a prescribed routine where the average city speed is about 20 miles an hour. Indeed, the city driving test cycle simulates an 11-mile, stop-and-go trip that takes 31 minutes and has 23 stops, the EPA says. About 18 percent of the time is spent idling, as if the car is at stoplights and in rush-hour traffic.
The testing is conducted in controlled conditions, with ambient temperature between 68 degrees Fahrenheit and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. There's no simulation of wintry weather or hot desert climes.
The highway portion—which the EPA also calls "non-city" because it incorporates travel on rural roads—is a 10-mile trip that averages 48 mph and has no stops, according to the EPA. The maximum speed is 60 mph, far below the 70- to 80-mph speed limits that drivers today encounter on interstates.
The impacts of fuel-using accessories such as air conditioning and heating are not measured, because this equipment is not turned on during the test. Even daytime running lights, which have been estimated to use up to a tenth of gallon of fuel, aren't considered.
IS 500 Coupe has been spotted
Leftlane news is reporting that this photo is of the Lexus IS 500 which should be aimed at competing with the BMW M3 and Mercedes CLK. Rumor has it that the car will be powered by the venerable 4.3L Toyota V8 and will pump out 300 horses.
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December 05, 2005
This week on Gear6
Toyota launches new F1 car
Bugatti Veyron supercar - review
Nissan Maxima - Spy Shots
Volkswagen GTI 2006 – Review
Sabb 9-2X / 9-6X offically killed
Camaro show car to use Corvette motor
Lexus to join American Le Mans series
Road America announces new track enhancements
Ford Shelby GT - Photos
Ford to cut 7,500 jobs
Toyota recalls double for 2005
December 04, 2005
Toyota recalls double for 2005
It may seem as if Toyota can do no wrong these days but the reports are in and Toyota doesn't look quite so good. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data on recalled vehicles through November 17th show the number of Toyota's with problems have doubled in the past year.
In 2004 1.1 million Toyota's were recalled and records show 2.4 million vehicles have been recalled this year. In comparison for 2003 Toyota on recalled about 210,000 vehicles.
Industry analysts say that this trend isn't uncommon for a company that is expanding as rapidly as Toyota. Or could this be a sign that Toyota is starting to slip? Read the full article after the jump.
Ford to cut 7,500 jobs
Following last weeks announcement by GM that they were cutting 30,000 jobs the Wall Street Journal is reporting Ford is about to cut 7,500 jobs.
The report claimed Ford would probably shut down assembly plants in St. Louis, Atlanta and St. Paul, Minn., along with an engine-parts facility in Ontario and a truck-assembly plant in Mexico.
Ford Shelby GT
Waiting to take delivery of your new Shelby GT 500? Road & Track has some nice photos to wet your appetite until it's parked in your garage. 475 hp, 0 - 60 in 4.5 seconds for only $44,000!
“For horsepower, performance and price, I don’t see anything else out there." - Carol Shelby
December 02, 2005
Road America announces new track enhancements
America's premier road course has recently announced they will be investing five million dollars over the next three years to enhance the already spectacular racing venue.
Press release:
(Elkhart Lake, Wis.) The Road America board of directors and staff is proud to announce a three-year, five million dollar facility enhancement plan. Road America continuously makes improvements to meet racer and fan expectations. Significant in scope and investment, the new three-year plan will allow for additional track and facility opportunities, and dramatically affect paddock operations.
Expanded in 1990, the main paddock is being enlarged by 3.5 paved acres. The increase will provide additional space for race teams, transporters, vendors, and two new skid pad areas. The hill behind the current medical center will be excavated and graded to the west to gain paddock space. A larger medical center will be constructed in a new paddock location that will allow better access for racers, spectators and emergency medical personnel.
Every season, racecars and motorcycles reach new levels of performance. A thorough review by Road America reveals areas where track utility can be altered to meet these levels and provide the best possible safety features. Several track alterations will be made to the track without changing the original track design. Turns 3, 5, 6, 8 and 12 will be resurfaced with a high-wearing asphalt compound to improve wear and maintain the track’s smooth, consistent asphalt surface. Modifications will also be made to the run-off area at turn 5 to make recovery faster and easier. Another notable safety change will be a reconfiguration of the Bill Mitchell bridge at turn 13 to accommodate a greater run-off area.
Road America’s growth will also build on its potential as a year-round, multi-purpose facility. The expansion plans also include the development of Paddock Village, a 35-acre garage/workshop business park targeted toward small business owners and motorsports enthusiasts. The 2700 square foot units have an open, clear span and are expandable to 16,000 square feet. Tall entry clearance is accessed through 14-foot garage doors. Paddock Village membership will include Road America track and facility privileges.
Road America is a 628-acre, year-round motorsports facility which celebrated its 50th year in 2005. In addition to major world-class race events, Road America offers the Suzuki Supermoto School, corporate ATV and karting programs, and top-of-the-line hospitality. Special promotions are held throughout the year and can be found on-line. For more information visit www.roadamerica.com or call 800/365-7223.
Lexus to join American Le Mans series in 2006
Following the news that BMW will join the American LeMans series next season, Lexus has also decided to join the fun. Lexus has commited to field a two car factory backed race team for the 2006 season.
"Much like we hope the new IS will become, we view the American Le Mans Series as an aspirational series," said Lexus Group Vice President and General Manager Bob Carter. "It's an ideal fit for Lexus because it celebrates the technology and performance inherent in the best cars."
Scott Atherton, president and CEO of the American Le Mans Series, echoed those thoughts.
"The Lexus brand coming into the American Le Mans Series is as close to a natural fit as we could ever imagine," Atherton said. "When anyone mentions Lexus, many of the same attributes that are associated with the American Le Mans Series come to mind – words like luxury, high performance, leading-edge technology, style and quality describe both brands. On behalf of the series, and its manufacturers and competitors, we are proud and honored to welcome Lexus into our competitive ranks."
Lexus is the second premium manufacturer to announce its participation in the American Le Mans Series this week. Tuesday, BMW confirmed its plan to bring two factory-backed M3s to the series grid starting at the 54th annual Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring in March.
[Lexus IS to comepete in American Le Memans Series]
December 01, 2005
Camaro show car to use Corvette motor
Chevy's sports car prototype to be unveiled at the January auto show is almost guaranteed to have a Corvette motor under the hood. GM's upcoming 2+2 Mustang / Challenger fighter is rumored to be called "Camaro" but suppliers close to GM are saying the name "Chevelle" might be resurrected.
Edmunds.com has learned that whatever its name, a rear-drive Chevy coupe off the Zeta Light platform is a done deal. Supplier sources say the first two Zeta Light offerings will be a sedan and a coupe, both from Chevrolet. The Zeta Light architecture is a version of GM's Zeta architecture, modified to take out cost and accommodate longer wheelbases. GM would price the Chevy coupe closer to the Mustang than the Corvette, giving it (most likely) a Corvette engine but leaving out the kind of sophisticated performance systems and upscale interior the Corvette has.
