2010 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet – Click above for high-res image gallery
Ford has yet to officially announce the 2012 Mustang Cobra Jet, but the full details on the car are apparently now available thanks to a Puerto Rican Ford dealer that published the specifications early on their website. The car, named after the legendary Cobra Jet drag racers of the late 1960s, was relaunched in 2008 at the SEMA show and revised in 2010 (pictured above).
Now Ford Racing is updating the car once again with a slew of new upgrades and options. The 2012 Cobra Jet will come standard with an aluminum block (previously an option) and the 5.4-liter V8 now also boasts a fortified crankshaft and upgraded forged connecting rods. The rear suspension and brakes have also been improved, and springs rates both front and rear have been optimized. New black anodized Weld Racing wheels are wrapped with Cobra Jet branded Goodyear tires with an all new compound. Finally, three colors will be offered – red, white and blue – with an optional graphics package.
Hit the jump for the full list of specs and features for the 2012 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet.
If you’re in the market for a new car, today just might be your day. According to both Time and TrueCar.com, a perfect storm of factors have collided to make this the best day all year for consumers to get the greatest deal possible on a new hunk of sheetmetal. With a perfect mix of dealer incentives and manufacturer rebates mingling with the fact that dealers are now staring down the barrel of end-of-the-month sales targets and a stack of 2011 models coming down the pike, savvy buyers should be able to call the shots.
Time reports that some models are seeing discounts of 19-37 percent off of their retail MSRP. If you’re clever, you just might be able to snag the keys to a for a hair over $10,000(!) or a for just $7,341 – a savings of around 31 percent off of the Korean’s sticker price. Head over to TrueCar.com for a look at other big savers.
2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG – Click above to watch the video
To some, the is a demure looking beast, but don’t let the classy lines fool you. Beneath that long, elegant nose is a 6.2-liter, 563 horsepower AMG V8 that propels the top to supercar status. But while the SLS can hold its own on the race track against some of the world’s finest automobiles, it also has the punch to take on low-brow muscle cars at their own game.
While the folks at Car and Driver no doubt have the resources to hit the track, they instead opted to take the SLS AMG out for some donuts. We’re not talking polite, single turn donuts, either. This is the kind of donut that leads to a fast trip to the tire store for some very expensive Continental ContiSportContact rubber. And just for kicks (and visual flair), the C/D gang has left its gullwing doors ajar for maximum tire smoke inhalation. to watch the tire-shredding action for yourself.
Cadillac ULC – Click above for high-res image gallery
According to Autocar, may have a burning desire to lock horns with . The site quotes designer Niki Smart as saying that the time is right for The Wreath and Crest to build a model akin to the company’s Urban Luxury Concept that we saw at this month’s LA Auto Show. His reasoning? The company needs metal that’s more appealing to European buyers than what’s available in the current lineup. That means a heavier focus on small, hatchback designs that still retain the premium Cadillac aesthetic. Smart seems to think that translates into a fighter.
With its scissor doors and 78 mpg hybrid drivetrain, the Urban Luxury Concept isn’t any closer to production than the now-iconic Sixteen Concept of years past. Even so, Smart told Autocar that GM’s Advanced Design Studio has looked into ways to make the vehicle production ready, funky doors and all. While we aren’t exactly wild about the design of the ULC, the thought of a flingable Cadillac with a V on its hatch is certainly a notion worth mulling.
A Rasmussen Reports poll fielded in November – before General Motors’ IPO – finds a rise in the preference of “American-built” vehicles, as well as a willingness to accept U.S.-built and products as the same as buying an “American” product.
Forty-one percent of respondents said they look for an “American-built” car first when they’re in the market for a vehicle. That sentiment is attributed by many analysts and researchers to a sense that people are showing more and more sentiment for “buying local.” That’s just a few points below the 44 percent who said they look for “the best possible deal regardless of where it was manufactured” while just 12 percent said they look first for a foreign-built car.
The sentiment favoring American-built car brands has risen quite a bit since Rasmussen conducted a similar poll in June 2008 when just 32 percent said they looked for an American brand first.
Good news for foreign owned automakers building vehicles in the U.S. Forty-one percent of respondents said they viewed buying a foreign brand of car that’s manufactured in the U.S. as “the same as buying an ‘American’ product” meaning those people believe a Mexican-built is just as American as an Ohio-built . Forty-two percent, however, dissented from that notion while the rest were unsure.
The poll also found 59 percent saying they “consider just the Detroit Big Three – , and – to be American car companies.”
Fifty-four percent of Americans said they are less likely to buy a GM car because the federal government is/was the automaker’s majority owner. Still, in a separate survey in early June, 48 percent of those who planned to buy a new or used car in the next year said they are at least somewhat likely to buy either a Ford or a vehicle made by GM. Those findings included 20 percent who were ‘Very Likely’ to buy a Ford and 26 percent ‘Very Likely’ to buy a GM product instead.
It seems that the nation’s stockpile of W76 nuclear warheads is due for a tune up. According to The Kitsap Sun, the Navy is moving 1,600 and 1,800 of the warheads from their home at the Kitsap-Bangor Naval Base in Washington State to the Texas panhandle for updating. The 100-kiloton are between 23 and 32 years old, and as such, require updates to their aiming, firing and fusing systems. In order to get those updates, the warheads will have to travel by road in special, unmarked tractor trailers. For obvious reasons, the Navy isn’t into sharing the travel itinerary for the warheads, but according to The Kitsap Sun, specially-trained federal agents are tasked with transporting the weapons.
The trucks are forbidden from driving in foul weather, and a host of secure shelters along the way will house the big rigs should the skies turn cloudy. Likewise, the drivers aren’t allowed to go for more than 32 hours without sleeping in a real bed, despite the fact that the tractor cabs are sleepers. In addition, the trailers themselves are protected in the event of an accident.
Still, the knowledge that large numbers of nuclear weapons are coursing through the country’s interstate system should give us all pause before cutting off that tractor trailer in traffic.
If, like us, you’ve been racking your brain to figure out how is possibly going to be able to offer the FT-86 anywhere near its price target, Road & Track may have part of the answer for you. The magazine is reporting that the next-generation Lexus IS will ride on a stretched version of the low-dollar coupe’s platform, allowing Toyota to spread the development costs between the two models. With the production version of the FT-86 due in dealerships in 2012, the IS is expected to bow shortly thereafter in 2013.
Of course, this also helps explain some of the rumors we’ve been hearing recently, too.
An added nugget of goodness in this news is that the next-generation IS may be a sharper car in every way thanks to its shared bloodline with the sporty FT-86. Toyota head honcho Akio Toyoda has already made it clear that he would like to see his company’s products return to their sporty roots, and as a result, the new IS should be quite a bit more athletic than its predecessor. Don’t expect to see the -sourced flat four in the nose of the Lexus, though. Chances are the four-door will still get its power from derivatives of the four- and six-cylinder options currently available.
24-cylinder Detroit Diesel madness: Click above to watch the video
Want to see something really crazy? How about a 24-cylinder Detroit Diesel engine with twelve giant blowers, all polished up and ready for its new assignment. For what it’s worth, its previous assignment was providing the motive force necessary to spin the propeller of a ocean-going yacht.
And its new assignment? Nestled tightly within the confines of a Peterbilt semi truck, mated up to an Allison transmission of some sort and mounted on a custom-built 40-foot-long chassis. Sounds pretty epic to us, and we’re thinking that 3,424 horsepower (our feeble brains are telling us it should have well over 5,000 pound-feet of torque…) ought to be just about enough.
And the man behind the madness? That would be Big Mike, the burly bearded millionaire you can read about in detail . Nicely done, Mr. Harrah. to see a video of this ridiculous piece of machinery make its first dyno run.
Why The Most Anticipated Driving Game Ever Is Not A Must Buy
Gran Turismo 5: Review – Click above for high-res image gallery
1,000 cars. Hundreds of events. 71 track variations. Six years in development. There are lots of numbers to throw around and lots of numbers behind the latest release of Gran Turismo, the version that fans of the franchise have been aching for while suffering through delay after delay. Gran Turismo 5 is finally here, and in plenty of ways it’s the best installment that the storied franchise has seen to date.
However, it’s also the least polished release, least complete feeling and seemingly the buggiest – yes, even worse than the infamously rushed Gran Turismo 2. It’s a frustrating mix of amazing content and glaring shortcomings that will leave even the most devout GT fanboys and girls with mixed feelings. But, of course, the full story is rather more complicated than that. So let’s get to it…
2012 Audi A6 leaked images – Click above for high-res image gallery
It would seem that, despite ’s best efforts to hold back the floodwaters while teasing its fans with some rather , you appear to be looking at the German automaker’s new sedan thanks to the folks at . You’re forgiven if you have to squint a bit to notice the changes, but this is, in fact, a pretty thorough (if conservative) reworking of Audi’s middle child.
We’re digging the stylish front and rear LED lighting treatments, and the interior predictably appears to be a thing of beauty. We can’t yet say for certain what sort of powerplant options Audi will bestow upon the 2012 A6, but the car in these photos has a six-cylinder turbo diesel. Globally, we’re counting on a full slate of gasoline and diesel engines along with optional Quattro all-wheel drive, while in the States we’re likely to get a couple of petrol engines, a single TDI option and standard AWD.
The whole kit n’ kaboodle is slated for an official web unveiling tomorrow, so we should know all the details soon enough. In the meantime, check out the high-res image gallery below and let your voice be heard in the ‘Comments.’
has announced that it will voluntarily repair 650,000 models for a fault in the hybrid cooling system. According to Reuters, a glitch in the vehicle’s coolant pump could cause the vehicle to overheat and lose power, though no accidents or injuries have been reported in association with the problem to date. It’s worth noting that this isn’t an official recall in conjunction with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, it’s a service action.
According to the report, the way the electric water pump is designed can allow air bubbles into the system, a development that can slow coolant circulation and increase the heat build-up in Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive components. if the overheating problem isn’t tended to in a timely fashion, it could trigger a warning light and cause the vehicle to slip into limp mode.
The repair notice covers 2004-2007 model year Prius vehicles, 378,000 of which were sold in the U.S.. Toyota will repair the problem free of charge starting in December, and Prius owners can expect to be notified of the campaign shortly. The Japanese automaker is also stressing that it has changed the coolant pump design in the Prius since 2007 and that none of the company’s other hybrid vehicles are affected by the problem.
New Stratos GT2 by Amalgam – Click above for high-res image gallery
If you’re looking for the bragging rights with four wheels, getting your hands on any of a number of exotic supercars – most of them hailing from Italy – will undoubtedly do the trick. But if every kid on the block already has one, you’ll need to go with a coachbuilt custom. Still not enough bragging rights? Then a racing version is in order.
That’s what Jim Glickenhaus did with his custom Ferrari P4/5, commissioning a second Competition model to follow the road car. Now Michael Stotschek is following the same route with his new take on Lancia’s fabled Stratos. The Pininfarina-designed New Stratos road car just made its debut at France’s Paul Richard HTTT circuit, and already reports of a racing version are popping up online.
While the original Stratos cut its teeth on the rally stage, the new model is reportedly being prepared for circuit racing in accordance with GT2 specifications. The work is reportedly being carried out by Danisi Engineering, which has previously worked with the likes of Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Iveco and Pininfarina on a variety of racing machinery, from touring cars to Dakar trucks.
Few details are available at this point, but high-end model studio Amalgam has already got a 1:8 scale diecast model on its way, and as you can see from the images in the gallery below, some serious aero modifications are apparently in the works for the racing Stratos. Thanks for the tip, Chris!
Ding! There goes the charming little reminder that your car is getting low on fuel, as most new cars come straight from the factory with an audible reminder that it’s time to fill up. No big deal, right? Just takes a quick second to remember which side the filler is on, then you get out, unscrew the cap and insert the nozzle. Fill ‘er up… couldn’t be easier.
Unless you live in New Jersey or Oregon, notesThe Wall Street Journal, where it’s still illegal to pump your own gas. According to Bikram Gill, a businessman who bought up 26 gas stations in New Jersey, “Any idiot can do it.” We know for a fact that there are idiots in all 50 states, and in 48 of them, those idiots are free to handle the somewhat volatile fuel themselves. In 1951, though, the Supreme Court of New Jersey decided it was too dangerous to allow just anyone to pump gas, suggesting that the process of refueling is best left to the professionals.
Predictably, there have been attempts to change the law. In 1988, a judge issued a ruling that it was unconstitutional to disallow Americans the right to pump their own gas, but it was later overturned by a court of appeals. And again in 2006, governor John Corzine attempted to put self-service stations along the Turnpike, but the voting public said ‘No Thanks.’
And so it remains illegal to pump your own gas in Jersey. Of course, the next time it’s raining or snowing or sleeting and you need to fill up, something tells us you’ll understand…
2011 Honda Brio – Click above for high-res image gallery
has pulled the sheets off of its new small-car prototype at this year’s Thailand International Motor Show. Called the Brio, the vehicle is slated to hit the market in India and Thailand in 2011. Honda says that it intends to develop unique models for various markets, noting that the Thai version will be more efficient than its Indian counterpart. Likewise, the Indian market Brio will come with a bigger focus on driving performance to suit customer demands. As of right now, there’s no indication as to what engine powers the Brio, but early reports lean heavily toward the company’s 1.2-liter four-cylinder mill.
The Brio should help Honda tap into the growing consumer interest in economical small cars in Asia. The Japanese automaker says that the Thai version will carry an MSRP of around 400,000 baht, or around $13,200 at current conversion rates.
Still, competition at that level is fierce. Honda can expect to square off against metal from , and just to name a few. to watch a video and to check out the full press release.
The history of the Uniroyal Giant Tire – Click above to watch video
Sitting alongside the Allen Park section of Michigan’s I-94 is a unique roadside attraction – the Uniroyal Giant Tire. It appears to be nothing more than a large advertisement, but looks can be deceiving. In actuality, the world’s largest tire was actually a part of the 1964-1965 World’s Fair in New York City.
US Royal, the precursor to the Uniroyal, built the tire and erected it as a ferris wheel. Gondolas were located around the perimeter of the tire, and the Uniroyal ferris wheel provided entertainment for nearly two million fair-goers. In 1996, once its fair duties were over, the tire was relocated to its current location in Allen Park.
Over the years, the tire has been updated to reflect current Uniroyal products and match current styling trends. In 1998, the world’s largest tire was punctured with the world’s largest nail to highlight the brand’s Nailguard line. That nail has since been removed but the 80-foot tall brand ambassador remains, standing tall as a Detroit icon. for a video showing the Uniroyal Giant Tire in its ferris wheel attire.
Britain is stepping up to the man. The island nation is moving to stop a proposal that would allow member countries of the European Union to enforce traffic violations across international borders. The legislation aims to help law enforcement pursue unruly drivers for four major offenses: speeding, running traffic lights, drunk driving and not wearing a seatbelt. Mike Penning, Britain’s road safety minister, said that while the UK is all for greater cooperation between the 27 countries in the EU, he feels there are still some wrinkles to be ironed out in the proposal.
Part of the conflict stems from the law requiring those caught speeding by traffic cameras to be held responsible for fines once they return to their native country. Penning is concerned about who pays the fine when someone other than the vehicle’s owner is behind the wheel and how the appeal process would work. All told, around four million Britons use their vehicles outside of the country’s borders.
2009 Land Rover LR2 HSE – Click above for high-res image gallery
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced that all models built between November 12, 2009 and August 23, 2010 are being recalled. We can’t really describe the issue any better than NHTSA, so here’s the official statement:
The shorting bar in the clock spring may become disconnected when the driver’s air bag module connector is installed, which means the driver’s frontal airbag may not deploy as intended or at all and therefore will not be able to properly protect the driver, increasing the risk of injury.
Naturally, the fix will be performed at the owner’s local dealership at no charge. Hit the jump for the entire statement from NHTSA.
Gallery:
Photos copyright (C)2009 Chris Paukert / Weblogs, Inc.
2010 Race of Champions – click above for high-res image gallery
Düsseldorf’s Esprit Arena hosted this year’s Race of Champions, making it the first time the event has been held in Germany and the first time it’s been held indoors. The 1.2 kilometer track, consisting of an outside and an inside loop, would play host to one of the finest collections of motorsport champions ever assembled: Formula One World Champions Alain Prost, Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel, World Rally Champion Sebastien Loeb, 500cc motorcycle World Champion Mick Doohan, Le Mans winner Tom Kristensen, World Touring Car champion Andy Priaulx and British Touring Car champ Jason Plato. However, it was a rookie from a country not known for its motorsports that took the fight to all of them and walked away with the belt. for our detailed recap.
After , the has reached the end of its production cycle. A is on the horizon, but before that beast roars to life the Italian automaker decided to take its resident raging bull for one more lap through Sant’Agata Bolognese.
Not content to trot the Murciélago out alone, also lined up a 350 GT, Miura, Countach and Diablo to escort the Super Veloce. Baby-brother Gallardo also gets in on the parade action by means of the local polizia. The whole affair was captured on video and, while it might not be action packed, it is packed with beautiful and exotic examples of Lamborghini’s history.
to watch the Murciélago take on final victory lap through its hometown.
