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There’s ridiculous bass, and then there’s this madness. Steve Meade Designs is a custom car audio shop that specializes in the kind of audio systems that require 10 batteries and three alternators to run. This clip features Meade’s own 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe, and its compliment of four 18-inch subwoofers, backed by a total of 13 amps and 26 smaller speakers, including 10 6.5-inch mids, and 10 one-inch tweeters.

The result of all that firepower directed at four 18-inch woofers is a phone book-shredding bass attack. We don’t mean phone book-shredding in the figurative sense, either. As the videos after the jump clearly show (hint: fast-forward first video to 3:00), Steve Meade Designs has built a stereo system so powerful it can shred your average metropolitan phone book to bits in minutes. Just think about what it’ll do to your ear drums.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Custom car audio system shreds phone books with sound

Video: Custom car audio system shreds phone books with sound

Review: 2012 Ford Focus Titanium

We’re happy to report that the 2012 Ford Focus is several orders of magnitude superior to the model it replaces. Read on to find out why.

Spy Shots: Audi RS4 Avant caught on the right track

Despite the rumors of its demise, the next-generation Audi RS4 appears to be on track (literally) based on this Avant mule that our spy shooters have just spied on Germany’s Nürburgring.

Ford’s second-gen SYNC system off to a buggy start

“SYNC generation 2″ has been plagued by more than a few bugs. And part of the problem is due to its design.

Also of interest:

• Video: Moab’s Hells Canyon conquered… in a Ford Crown Victoria?!
• Is Jeep planning a Hemi V8 Wrangler?
• Ford SVT Raptor RV created by Phoenix Campers
• Tesla sues BBC for libel over rigged Top Gear test
• Saab production temporarily halted by unpaid suppliers *UPDATE

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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 3.30.11

Working cars into your daily diet used to be a bit of a challenge, unless you regularly consume race car birthday cakes or something. That is, until now. The Canadian YouTube sensations at Epic Meal Time have solved your car guy culinary crisis with their latest creation: meat cars.

The body of the meat car is something like a highly modified sherpherd’s pie, but instead of corn, they used macaroni and cheese. Bacon permeates everything the team does, from the ground beef and bacon skin of the shepherd’s pie, to the beer and bacon grease batter, to the bacon grease buttery mashed potatoes.

Keeping things rolling along is a set of four salami wheels wrapped in onion tires and garnished with a healthy dose of chrome. These may be cars made of meat, but they do actually roll. Top that off with a candy (yes, actual candy) paint job, and you have a stylin’, 23,266 calorie meat ride. Mildly NSFW language in the video after the jump.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: How to build your very own meat car

Video: How to build your very own meat car

You can’t make an omelet, or so the saying goes, without breaking some eggs. So while it’s unfortunate that the restructuring at Bertone means the dissolution of its museum collection, it also means that its contents are going up for auction. And they’ll be crossing the block at no less fitting a location than Villa d’Este.

Those in the know will recognize Villa d’Este for the Concorso d’Eleganza held there every year, where the most gorgeous and rare of classic cars mingle with the finest concept cars unveiled throughout the year. This year’s concours will mark the first time that RM Auctions will be holding an event at the open-air show on picturesque Lake Como, and in addition to the myriad unspeakably beautiful classics on the docket, RM has just announced the consignment of six concept cars from the Bertone Museum, each one-of-a-kind in its own right and available to collectors for the first time.

The consignment includes the 1967 Lamborghini Marzal, 1970 Lancia Stratos HF Zero, 1963 Chevrolet Testudo, 1974 Lamborghini Bravo, 1980 Lamborghini Athon and 1978 Lancia Sibilo. Each was a seminal design for Bertone, and each is expected to fetch well into the six and even seven figures. The Marzal, particularly, which was driven by Prince Ranier and Princess Grace at the start of 1967 Monaco Grand Prix, and the Stratos, the first prototype for the iconic supercar rally machine of the same name, are expected to sell for between €1,000,000 and €1,800,000… that’s as much as $2.5 million apiece in equivalent American funds.

Have a look at the collection (sans the Lancia Siblio, images for which are en route) in the high-resolution image gallery below, and follow the jump for the full details in the press release. Hat tip to Sea Urchin!

[Source: RM Auctions Images: Tom Wood/RM]

Continue reading Crazy collection of concepts from Bertone to be auctioned by RM at Villa d’Este

Crazy collection of concepts from Bertone to be auctioned by RM at Villa d’Este

Go back a few years and the prospect of political unrest in a host country was seldom a factor in determining where to hold a motor race. But that age of innocence appears to be behind us.

We got our first taste of things to come when the world-famous Dakar rally was forced to cancel in 2008 and later relocate from North Africa to South America due to threats from al-Qaeda. But what we hoped would have been an isolated occurrence is re-emerging as a serious consideration for racing series the world over.

The start of the 2011 Formula One season was due to get underway in Bahrain on March 13, but protests in the gulf state forced its cancellation and the delay of the season’s start, which only took place this past weekend in Australia. (The GP2 Asia series was also forced to cancel its Bahrain races in February and March.) The question is, will the cancellations in Bahrain emerge as an exception, or the new rule? Follow the jump to read on….

[Image: Adam Jan/AFP]

Continue reading Will protests in the Middle East cause the cancelation of additional races?

Will protests in the Middle East cause the cancelation of additional races?

Last week we told you about the fresh, faster Nürburgring track times of the Nissan GTR, with video that proves that Godzilla 2012 managed to shave 2.48 seconds off its best lap. We were under the impression that the GTR’s new top time wasn’t enough to best the Corvette ZR1, but a side-by-side (or rather a top-to-bottom) comparison video of both runs gives us the definitive answer.

Beyond the jump is a video pitting the in-car camera view of the ZR1 (top screen) versus the 2012 GTR (bottom screen). Pay close attention from the five minute mark to about 6:20 into the clip, as the vehicle with the lead loses it for good at this point in the race. Very entertaining little competition, but you’ll have to hit the jump and watch to see the winner for yourself.

[Source: CarScoop]

Continue reading Video: Watch split-screen action of 2011 Nissan GTR vs. Corvette ZR1

Video: Watch split-screen action of 2011 Nissan GTR vs. Corvette ZR1

The beautiful state of Virginia is reportedly looking to offset some of the $20 million it costs to operate and maintain its 42 rest stops, and perhaps you can help. NBC Washington reports that the state is selling the naming rights to each of the stops to help raise revenue needed to keep the facilities open.

Former Governor Tim Kaine apparently closed 19 of the facilities back in 2009 as a cost-cutting measure, but current Governor Bob McDonnell re-opened the structures eight months ago, promising to find other ways to raise the needed money. Also being discussed is the idea of using prison labor for maintenance. Somewhere, somehow Warden Norton is pleased.

Meanwhile, we’re wondering whether “Autoblog: Obsessively Covering This Rest Stop” has a ring to it. Let us know what you’d name a Virginia rest area in Comments.

[Source: NBC Washington Image: Virginia Department of Transportation]

Virginia offering you the chance to name your own rest stop?

Spy lenses have once again caught Porsche engineers out testing the next generation 911. Both cabriolet and coupe versions were seen out running on the Nürburgring. The 2012 Porsche 911 is expected to be slightly larger and boast a wider rear track. The boxer engine in the base model is rumored to produce 345 horsepower.

Current intelligence also has it that Porsche plans to unveil the car at the upcoming 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. Until then, check out the spy photos in our galleries below.

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Porsche 911 Cabriolet, Coupe spotted making the rounds

According to a new report from Bloomberg, General Motors is working on a Buick-badged version of its Opel Ampera plug-in hybrid, Europe’s mechanical twin to the Chevrolet Volt. The car hasn’t received final approval yet, as GM still isn’t sure it can get buyers to justify in inevitable premium over the $41,000 pre-incentive Volt.

To make a Buick version more marketable, the General may attempt to take measures to extend the car’s all-electric range, like using lighter materials, but that may be a higher level of investment than the program calls for. That said, any Ampera with a waterfall grille will probably require a few more creature comforts and better interior materials to command Buick’s typically higher pricepoint.

If General Motors can figure out how to build and sell an Buick Volt/Ampera, the car will probably arrive in 2013 as a 2014 model. For now, range and performance will likely be pretty similar to the Volt.

Photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: Bloomberg]

Report: GM readying Buick Ampera

With examples from the 250 series fetching earth-shattering prices, the Ferrari 365 GTB/4 “Daytona” is quickly becoming a classic favorite. The wedge-shaped GT from the late 60s and early 70s was a clear separation from the bulbous models that proceeded it, and is today regarded as one of the definitive classic Ferraris of all time. But even among the 1,400+ built, some are more special than others.

For starters, this particular example – which is going up for auction in May under the auspices of Historics at Brooklands – is one of only 158 right-hand-drive models. But chassis #16531 is set apart from the other 157 by its fate once arriving in the UK.

Its first owner was HRH Charles, Prince of Wales, who only drove it for about a week before selling it. A few owners of varied stature owned the car since, until it appeared on the BBC’s ever-popular car show Top Gear. You may recall the episode (twelfth in the fifth season) when James May set sail for Saint-Tropez from Portofino in a speedboat, while Richard Hammond took the coastal road in a Daytona? Well this is that very same car.

Resplendent in metallic blue, tan leather interior and Borrani wire wheels, this 365 GTB/4 has only 26,281 miles on the odometer, and was verified on the dyno shortly before the Top Gear filming to have lost none of the 352 horsepower with which it left the factory. It’s a beauty. Details in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Historics at Brooklands]

Continue reading Ferrari Daytona of royal, Top Gear provenance up for auction at Brooklands

Ferrari Daytona of royal, Top Gear provenance up for auction at Brooklands

The crew over at Inside Line has manged to put together a test that any auto enthusiast should be eager to read about. Ford’s entire lineup of Mustangs has something unique to offer, and IL wrangled up one of each different ‘Stang on offer: V6, GT, Boss 302 Laguna Seca and Shelby GT500. In the end, there can be only one…

All four cars were flogged on a pair of tracks, including the 1.6-mile loop at Streets of Willow. The finishing order based on lap times was predictable, but the numbers are impressive across the board. Also, Inside Line didn’t choose its winner based solely on fastest time around the track. Click past the jump to watch the cars in action, then be sure to head over to Inside Line to read about the results.

[Source: Inside Line]

Continue reading Video: The newest Mustangs go head-to-head on the track

Video: The newest Mustangs go head-to-head on the track

A 17-year-old girl from Fort Myers, Fl. allegedly pistol whipped her mother into buying her a 2004 Nissan 350Z last week. The teen, an Ivy League-bound honor student at the prestigious Canterbury School, reportedly lost control when her mother refused to co-sign on the car.

According to the Naples Daily, Rachel Ann Hachero went home after her mother’s refusal grabbed a 9mm Sig Sauer pistol, hit her mother with it, and demanded she accompany her to the dealership. Not wanting to get shot, the mother complied and signed off on the purchase. The next day while her daughter was at school, the mother recovered the gun and drug paraphernalia from the girl’s purse and called the police.

Hachero’s mom says she doesn’t want to press charges because of her daughter’s Ivy League scholarships, but a judge says Hachero must remain in juvenile detention for the time being. The girl has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill, unlawful possession of a firearm by a person younger than 18 and battery. To make matters worse, the gun was found to be one of three stolen from a Lee County, Florida Port Authority employee last July. Top tip, Berto!

[Sources: Naples Daily, Crime Time]

Report: Ivy League-bound teen girl pistol-whips mom, demands Nissan Z

Jaguar has announced a new 2.2-liter diesel engine capable of 187 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque that can also travel 52.3 miles per gallon in the combined European cycle as fitted to a prototype of its 2012 XF sedan. The engine will also have little trouble meeting Europe’s stringent CO2 regulations, as The Leaping Cat claims the engine only emits 149 g/km of CO2.

On the technology front, this new 16 valve common-rail diesel features a water-cooled turbocharger, low friction pistons, a fresh crankshaft and new injectors. Jaguar engineers also fitted a new oil pan and new electronic systems to allow for an intelligent Stop-Start system that operates more efficiently. The efficient little motor will work in concert with an also new eight-speed ZF transmission. Jaguar claims the diminutive diesel will propel the XF to 60 miles per hour in 8.5, while promising a top speed of 140 miles per hour.

As an added bonus, the folks at Jaguar were kind enough to pass us high-resolution photos of the refreshed XF undergoing testing. The camo is quite good, though we can see some alterations to the lower air dams, and we’re guessing tail lamps, headlamps and the grille have also been given a once-over.

Jaguar says in the post-jump press release that the 2.2 diesel will make its way under the bonnet of a future XF production car, with “an estimated on-sale date being announced at the New York Auto Show.” Keep in mind that the Big Apple show is international in scope, so assuming that a U.S. announcement means it will be sold here probably isn’t a good idea. Hit the jump to read over the Jaguar press release.

[Source: Jaguar]

Continue reading Jaguar debuts new 2.2-liter diesel engine under hood of 2012 XF prototype

Jaguar debuts new 2.2-liter diesel engine under hood of 2012 XF prototype

Chrysler has a hardcore group of owners who have taken their Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger and Challenger models to the next level of aftermarket bliss. For those Mopar super fans, Chrysler throws a little party called the Spring Festival of LXs. The event draws owners from all over eager to show off their customized rides, and this year, Team Pentastar had a little something special for those in attendance.

Chrysler unveiled the 300 S-Concept models, modded versions of its already hot-looking 2011 Chrysler 300. In the case of the featured video car, the big rear-drive Chrysler receives updates ranging from bigger, more audacious wheels, body-color moldings and an a new grille that looks like the outline of a brick wall. The interior has also received some custom touches, including a sea of red leather just about everywhere one’s body touches, along with an italic ‘S’ on each throne. Hit the jump to watch video of the unveiling, and be sure to click the gallery below for images of the 300 S-Concept at the event.

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Chrysler debuts S-Concept 300 models at Spring Festival of LXs [w/video]

Chrysler debuts S-Concept 300 models at Spring Festival of LXs [w/video]

Effective tomorrow, Hyundai is reportedly ending its vehicle return program, which allowed Hyundai owners who unexpectedly lost their income to return their cars. The program was a breakthrough when it was introduced in January, 2009 at the height of the global credit crunch.

According to Inside Line, only 350 people have taken advantage of the program, which fell under the blanket of the automaker’s Hyundai Assurance coverage package. With the job market slowly returning to a somewhat normal state and economic conditions on the rise, Hyundai apparently feels that the program has outlived its usefulness.

In the face of a worrying economy, Hyundai of America moved 538,228 vehicles in 2010. Despite the loss of the vehicle return program, the Korean automaker will apparently continue other programs associated with Hyundai Assurance, including its 10-year/100,000-mile warranty and five-year roadside assistance plan.

[Source: Inside Line Image: Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty]

Report: Hyundai vehicle return program ending tomorrow

In 2010, Ford reinvented its SYNC system with the launch of the refreshed Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX. But the new integrated system – MyFord Touch and MyLincoln Touch or what’s known as “SYNC generation 2″ – has been plagued by more than a few bugs. And part of the problem is due to its design.

If one of its various functions trips up – navigation, phone or entertainment, among others – the system can restart. This can leave the driver faced with a blank display and a restart procedure that can take two to three minutes. Double bummer: It usually wipes out your paired phones and indexed music.

After talking with several colleagues who have experienced similar issues (including one where the volume was stuck on max while the A/C continued to blow cold air in 42-degree weather) and experiencing these issues first hand for ourselves, we called up Ford’s Head of Technology Communications, Alan Hall, and got on the phone with one of the Blue Oval’s engineers to see what’s causing the issues and how the automaker is addressing them.

Continue reading Ford’s second-gen SYNC system off to a buggy start…

Continue reading Ford’s second-gen SYNC system off to a buggy start

Ford’s second-gen SYNC system off to a buggy start

American Expedition Vehicles, a Jeep aftermarket conversion firm from Montana, recently stuffed a Chrysler 392 Hemi between the fenders of a Wrangler for Jeep CEO Michael Manley. This is the same 392 Hemi that powers the 470-horsepower Dodge Challenger SRT8 392.

According to sources close to Chrysler, the 392-powered Jeep wasn’t just built on a lark. Manley’s Wrangler is apparently a mule for “executive evaluation.” That’s Chrysler speak for “they might build it.” Manley’s vehicle channels its 470 hp through a six-speed manual and will reportedly slide its back end in third gear with liberal application of the throttle. All we can say is this: Build it. Right now.

[Source: MSN Autos]

Is Jeep planning a Hemi V8 Wrangler?

Production issues in Japan continue three weeks after the 9.0 magnitude earthquake and tsunami devastated the island nation. Major Japanese automakers have consistently pushed back plant start-up times and Toyota is no different, with a current forecast of an April 11 or April 14 re-boot. And that’s best-case scenario. The automaker said in a statement Tuesday that it was looking into supply issues, adding “depending on vehicle type, there may be a significant impact on our production capabilities.”

Automotive News reports that the longest wait time could be for Toyota’s Miyagi assembly plant, which makes the Yaris subcompact. Sources tell AN that the plant will likely be down for at least a month, as ruptured gas lines in the facility link to a heavily damaged natural gas plant in the quake-devastated region of Sendai. The automaker is said to be looking at other options to power the otherwise repaired facility. The prolonged shutdown at the Miyagi plant could ultimately affect Toyota’s U.S. supply of Yaris models, which only come from that plant.

One factory that has been revitalized is the plant that makes the Prius, Lexus CT 200h and Lexus HS250h. But a source apparently informed AN that a Toyota purchasing executive admits that the facility is only running at half capacity.

Right now, the situation in Japan hasn’t had much affect on U.S. vehicle availability, but a prolonged shutdown of supplier plants could be devastating. IHS Global Insight estimates that 30 percent of the world’s global auto production could be lost if Japan plants remain closed for six weeks or more.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Report: Toyota Yaris plant to be shuttered for at least another month

Have you ever pulled a prank only to wish you hadn’t? We’re guessing there’s at least one teenage boy in Australia who knows exactly what we’re talking about. The young man in question, who has yet to be officially identified by police, apparently rode his Kawasaki dirt bike right through a busy supermarket. If you think that’s funny, then you should see what happens next.

Beyond the jump is store security camera footage of the incident. After the pubescent biker zipped through the first set of doors, he quickly approached the second set of automated doors, which failed to open as (poorly) planned. After appearing to slide for some distance, the biker runs headlong into the still-closed doors to the delight of blooper fans the world over.

Now, the biker didn’t appear to hit the door all that hard, and he did eventually get away, but the Australian police think they know the identity of the suspected culprit. The local law enforcement is, as you may have guessed, very interested in talking to their primary suspect. Some of the charges being discussed are dangerous driving, driving without a license and conduct endangering life. Hit the jump to check out the video.

[Source: Herald Sun]

Continue reading Video: Teen rides motorcycle into supermarket, crashes into automated doors

Video: Teen rides motorcycle into supermarket, crashes into automated doors

Despite the rumors of its demise, the next-generation Audi RS4 appears to be on track (literally) based on this mule that our spy shooters have just spied on Germany’s Nürburgring. Seen here testing in the all-too-desirable Avant body style, the next RS4’s final design will likely be a bit more aggressive, incorporating a much more pronounced front fascia complete with lower air intakes similar to those on the RS5 Coupe. On this mule, we can clearly see the larger wheels (straight from the RS5 – how ’bout that), bigger brakes and slightly wider track.

As for power, the safest bet is to expect that the RS5’s high-revving 4.2-liter V8 will carry over to the RS4, producing somewhere around 450 horsepower. Other rumors have suggested that an all-new 4.0-liter turbocharged V6 could be put to use here, but based on all of the scuttlebutt we’ve heard, the 4.2-liter V8 still looks to be the safest bet. Since the RS4’s key competitors will be the BMW M3 and Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, Audi would probably be wise to use the 450-hp mill in an effort to keep things as competitive as possible. The RS4 will surely be no slouch, and we’re bursting with eagerness to see (and drive) the end result.

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Audi RS4 Avant caught on the right track