Buick GL8 – Click above for high-res image gallery
China and have enjoyed a fruitful relationship since the brand’s introduction there in 1999, and is now celebrating the sale of the three-millionth Buick in the country. This greatly exceeds Buick sales in the U.S. over that same period, and GM managed to move all that metal with only 400 stores across China.
Shanghai GM credits the Buick brand strategy laid out in 2008 as a reason for the impressive totals, with sales rising by more than 100,000 units per year. That approach has resulted in the introduction of several new or revised Buick models over the past few years, including the and the and . Hit the jump to read over GM’s press release.
A few years ago, India wasn’t a place one would naturally associate with Formula 1 racing. Now, however, the country has its own F1 team (Force India), a couple of F1 drivers (Narain Karthikeyan and Karun Chandhok) and will soon host its first grand prix.
The race is scheduled to take place on October 30, 2011, on the new Hermann Tilke-designed Buddh International Circuit. named for the region in which it resides. The circuit was designed to be one of the fastest on the calendar, with lap times for a contemporary F1 car set to come in around 1 minute, 20 seconds, with projected speeds topping 320 km/h (just under 200 mph). With 5.14 kilometers (3.19 miles) of track and sixteen turns, the facility is being constructed as part of a $400 million project that the FIA is expected to sign off on this July.
For die-hard sports fans, a home-team win can make the whole week better. But according to a study by researchers at North Carolina State University and the University of South Carolina, winning can also be deadly-at least for motorists.
The schools focused on fatal accident rates the cities involved in 271 significant (i.e. playoff, rivalry, etc.) pro and college football and basketball games from 2001 to 2008. Fans were then asked to rank close games, and the results were compared against National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data for those game days. The results were startling; in areas where the winning team team won a close game and had a high number of fans on site (whether at the actual game venue or in the team’s hometown if it was playing on the road), road fatalities increase significantly.
The results don’t show that those involved in these accidents actually watch the games, but they illustrate a pattern of more aggressive road behavior following close games. In fact, prior studies found that fans’ testosterone levels of fans increase with a close win, while the losing team sees no rise. The research shows that alcohol also plays a factor, which comes as no surprise. It’s interesting to note, however, that while some fans on both sides are obviously to partake in a drink (or several) while watching the game, the cities of losing teams didn’t show an increase in fatalities.
The moral of the study might be to stay off the road after your team wins.
Mercedes-Benz SLS 63 Supersport GT by Kicherer – Click above for high-res image gallery
The isn’t exactly subtle to begin with, but Kicherer’s take on the theme is decidedly more… stealthy. For starters, the German tuner wrapped the car in matte black vinyl for a more subdued look. It then replaced the big Silver Star in the mouth with a blacked-out blank grille that looks like a baleen whale’s mouth. And while the rims on the 20-inch wheels (21 in the back) are polished for a little contrast, the spokes get a blackout treatment as well. Matte-finish carbon fiber trim and aero pieces complete the overall package.
Underhood, the engine has been tuned from the stock 563 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque up to 621 horsepower (equivalent to 630 on the metric scale, hence the 63 moniker) and 516 lb-ft. That’s good for a claimed 3.5-second sprint to 62 mph and a 199 mph top end. Have a closer look in the gallery below.
2011 Cadillac CTS-V Sportwagon in the desert – Click above to watch video
True to its word, Motor Trend has released a follow-up video to its three-way drag race between the , the and the , though this isn’t exactly your run-of-the-mill comparison test. Given the quirkiness of the vehicles at hand, MT took all three vehicles out to a dry lake bed for a little fun in the sun. If you like watching high-dollar, high-horsepower cars get down and dirty, you’ll want to check out the video .
It’s hosted by none other than our pal Jonny Lieberman, and he’s even wearing proper this time around. So, which of these automotive oddities came out on top? You’ll have to to see for yourself.
[Source: Motor Trend via ]
-V Sportwagon, Porsche Panamera Turbo and BMW X6 M
Ford Mustang drives out of the rubble in Tuscaloosa, AL – Click above to watch the video .
The death toll from Wednesday’s tornadoes has reached a staggering 204 in the state of Alabama alone. The once proud university town of Tuscaloosa, home to the multi-time NCAA National Champion Crimson Tide football team, lies in ruin. For now, there isn’t much in the way of inspiring news from the state.
This morning, though, a video hit the web of a Tuscaloosa resident driving his convertible out of the wreckage. The Mustang is far from a pretty sight, and likely won’t be moving anywhere else under its own grunt any time soon, but it’s inspiring nonetheless – a small glimmer that not all is lost.
True, a ragged, fifteen-year-old dragging itself from the ruins of a terrible natural disaster isn’t exactly the feel-good hit of the summer. True, the car’s miraculous survival doesn’t serve as a sign that Alabama’s return to normal is right around the corner. What it does show, on however small a level, is that there’s always hope, no matter how bleak things get. Check out the video . Thanks for the tip, Douglass!
It’s often said that you’ll be happy if you find a way to do something you love. Mike Yager took that saying to heart. In 1970, at the age of 20, Yager went out and bought his first , a 1967 convertible. Four years later, Yager borrowed $500 to start up a small business selling parts manuals and accessories from the back of a car. That business, along with Yager’s reputation, grew strong in the Corvette community. In 1976, Mike Yager made a life-changing move to turn this into his full-time job, and Mid America Motorworks was born.
Thirty-seven years after he borrowed those Benjamins, Yager has turned Mid America Motorworks into a company that ships over four million catalogs per year. And his collection of Corvettes has grown exponentially since he bought that ‘67 drop-top. Some standouts include , and a that’s painted Ferrari red and wears the prancing stallion on its front fenders.
It’s not just Corvettes, however, as Yager also has a soft spot for old Volkswagens. He celebrates both makes at his annual Funfest events, one for VWs and one for the Corvette. The Funfest weekend has grown since the very first one took place back in 1994. In 2010, Mid America’s 180+ acre Effingham, Illinois facility played host to over 17,000 cars and more than 45,000 people.
The man’s knowledge of Corvettes is also freakishly extensive. Yager has applied it into a book called the Corvette Bible. In it, Yager delves into the details of every Corvette model produced since the first 300 rolled off an assembly line for the 1953 model year.
This isn’t just a book for ‘Vette collectors, however, because it’s filled with amazing photography and a wealth of knowledge that makes an informative read for even casual Corvette fans. Now in it’s second edition, the Corvette Bible covers cars right up to 2011. The first edition was good enough to earn a spot on the New York Times bestseller’s list, so we think the second edition deserves a spot on your coffee table.
That’s why we secured a signed copy to give away to one lucky reader. Leave a comment on this post to enter (only one comment or else you’re disqualified), and we’ll choose one lucky recipient for the win.
How to Enter:
Leave a single comment on this post (if you leave two or more, all of your entries will disqualified)
You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the U.S. or Canada (excluding Quebec)
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What We Like: The at BMW. After more than a year of with “Joy” as a lead ad positioning, a new marketing team at the German automaker is re-emphasizing “The Ultimate Driving Machine” as the brand’s central positioning. The 30-second ad contains what many BMW followers like – a fast car and a big plane. No, the plane, which looks to be a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, is not hovering so close to the 5 that it could fill the guy’s coffee cup. But the CGI is good enough to pull off the visual trick.
What We Don’t Like: Not much at all. Getting a story and message across in a 30-second TV ad is not easy. But BMW and this ad agency, Grey West, did a nice job of conveying a fuel efficiency story.
Strategy: BMW marketing chief Dan Creed, who took over at BMW North America a few months ago, is all about re-affirming “The Ultimate Driving Machine” as Bimmer’s main message. At the New York Auto Show, he walked us to the front of BMW’s stand to look at a giant rendering of the ad slogan, which dates back to the early 1970s. At last year’s show, there was a giant banner that proclaimed “Joy of Driving.” “We know there is a lot of joy in driving a BMW, but we are going to show it in pictures and film rather than say it,” says Creed.
It’s worth noting that as fun as this ad is, the message is about the 5 Series’ fuel economy, not the horsepower. BMW is trying to broaden its message to be more inclusive of men and women, as well as tell its story about its investments in the South Carolina plant that produces and . But Creed also wants the brand and the cars to show some leg when it comes to marketing and advertising. BMW remains an exciting brand, and a premiere stable of driving machines. That shouldn’t be lost when telling the broader story.
BMW is kicking off a review for a new ad agency. It parted ways with Austin-based GSD&M late last year. New York-based Kirshenbaum Bond Senecal + Partners produced . Grey West, which has handled BMW’s retail and pre-owned advertising since 2008, produced the ad and will presumably get a crack at the whole enchilada.
Grade: A-
Watch the commercial and give it your own grade below.
“Refuel” reintroduces us to The Ultimate Driving Machine
Unless you suffer from the kind of neurological defect that causes you to turn into a grinning fool every time you hear an engine bounce off of its limiter, you might not be entirely happy to have a rally school set up shop next door. in Snoqualmie, Washington has made a name for itself as one of the best venues in the country to learn your way around a steering wheel, but according to The Sno Valley Star, not everyone’s thrilled with the institution’s success.
Local residents have complained of noise from both cars and the school’s PA system after DirtFish recently hosted the Global RallyCross for ESPN. The school obtained a special two-day permit from local authorities for the event.
DirtFish president Ross Bentley said that the event was within the county’s noise limits, and that all operations had ceased by 6 p.m. the evening of the RallyCross. Most days, events wrap up at 5 p.m. or earlier. Legitimate problem or much ado about nothing? Feel free to sound off (pun sadly intended…) in the Comments.
More new CARS 2 characters from England – Click above to view them all!
The real Royal Family may be grabbing all the headlines today with the wedding of their Prince William to commoner Kate Middleton, but another Royal Family deserves some attention as well. We’ve learned that Pixar will be introducing a new Royal Family in , set to open in theaters nationwide on June 24th.
The Royal Family in CARS 2 will be represented by The Queen (voiced by Vanessa Redgrave) and Prince Wheeliam. The Queen appears to be a stately old of sorts with a diamond-encrusted crown on her roof and royal blue-and-white two-tone paint job. Prince Wheelium, meanwhile, appears as a sharp -like machine. Both Royal Family members in CARS 2 are particularly excited to play their part as hosts to the final stage of the World Grand Prix on the streets of London.
Joining them on screen are a few more Brits, including a double-decker bus named Topper Deckington III, a traditional London cab named Chauncy Fares and a royal guard named Sgt. Highgear. Check out all five new characters in our gallery below. All of the English automobiles in CARS 2 will no doubt be rooting for one of their countrymen, either or , to take the checkered flag in the World Grand Prix.
HKS is an aftermarket automotive tuning company that was founded in Japan back in 1973. In 1982, the company expanded and HKS USA was established. Sadly, the HKS team has decided it’s time to shut down U.S. operations and consolidate work with its Japanese headquarters. HKS will continue to sell parts in the United States. [Source: ]
2012 Audi A6 – Click above for high-res image gallery
When is success a bad thing? If you’re , it’s when you can’t get adequate quantities of new vehicles to U.S. dealerships. Wards Automotive talked supply and demand with Audi of America president Johan de Nysschen, and it’s apparently very difficult to keep Audi dealers stocked. The Audi prez says the luxury brand is down to a 27-day supply of vehicles, adding, “We simply can’t get our inventory up to a 60-day supply.”
But while a short supply of new vehicles typically signals strong demand and minimizes incentives, Audi is faced with a custom order rate that is up to 31 percent. When you are maxed out at factories in Europe and there is that whole matter of shipping the vehicle across an ocean, an order . And if customers face a long wait for what can sometimes be an emotion-driven buying decision, not everybody can be so patient, and Audi risks losing sales as a result. The waiting game hasn’t stopped Audi from turning up the heat in California, though, as the Four-Ringed Automaker’s sales have jumped from 3.5 percent to 10 percent market share.
Beyond supply issues, the German automaker is also struggling to push higher-end products, as de Nysschen says the volume products are the and . Only 15 percent of overall sales come from the , a number Audi hopes to stretch to 55 percent. The automaker is hoping the helps solve that problem as well, along with a high mix of diesel-powered SUVs.
Prince William and Kate Middleton leave Royal Wedding in Aston Martin – Click above for high-res image gallery
Kings and princes aren’t generally in the business of driving themselves… well, anywhere. More often than not, such dignitaries can be found ensconced in the lap of luxury known to us mere mortals (or at least non Royals) as The Back Seat. Then again, it’s not every day that a prince finds himself a brand new princess to call his very own, as is the case with the newly crowned Duchess of Cambridge.
And so it’s refreshing to see Prince William drive himself and his bride around London following the in front of a massive swarm of onlookers. The best part, though, is that the Royal Couple chose to drive away in a perfectly appropriate . Not just any Aston Martin – this Seychelles Blue DB6 MKII Volante actually belongs to William’s dad, Prince Charles, and was gifted to him by his mother (that’d be The Queen, naturally) in 1969 on Charles’ 21st birthday.
A few details worthy of note: This droptop DB6 has been . Well, sort of. Aston Martin retrofitted this car’s engine with a kit that allows it to run on alcohol fuel, which is created using grapes grown on a vineyard owned by the Royal Family. So it’s green… -ish: it can only manage about eight miles per gallon. Also, take a gander at the big L on the front of the car. That ; apparently even for Royal Learners. Also, the rear plate is a special one: JU5T WED. Clever.
And finally, are you wondering what William and Kate actually choose to drive when nobody else is looking? William reportedly owns an , and Kate drives an .
Check out our high-res image gallery of the Royal Lovebirds in the Aston Martin DB6 Volante below, and feel free to check out video of the event .
State Farm Driver Feedback app for the iPhone – Click above to watch video
Somewhere deep in the recesses of your mind is the desire, surely Freudian, that “I’d like more input and feedback on how I drive, even to the grocery store.” Or, at least, State Farm believes that’s how some of you feel since it has just released a Driver Feedback app for the iPhone that will give you just that.
Invoking the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, State Farm says, “Three of the riskiest driving behaviors are hard acceleration, hard deceleration, and hard swerves.” Using the iPhone’s GPS and accelerometer the app will keep track of the trip and how hard or soft your acceleration, braking and cornering and then issues a score for each category. The complete game-ification of safe driving means that you can also compare your trips and scores, and share with others.
We aren’t sure what the criteria are for measuring Light vs. Moderate vs. Severe actions, but if anyone must know it’s State Farm… right? If you need more convincing, check out the short video .
100-year-old NASCAR fan drives NHMS – Click above to watch the video
We’re not the biggest fans in the world, but we can’t think of a much better way to celebrate a 100th birthday than with a few laps around New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Rachel Gilbert, a NASCAR follower since the 1960s, took five live laps around the speedway in a pace car. Ms. Gilbert, we salute you.
The great grandmother of nine never passed 50 miles per hour, but she seemed pretty darn pleased with her shot at NASCAR glory. The good people at the speedway also gave Gilbert VIP tickets to the July Spring Cup and a shirt signed by Carl Edwards. to watch video of Gilbert as she cruises around NHMS.
If you’re getting bored of the racing games that are relegated to the track, the franchise is hoping to grab your attention with The Run. The new game, which doesn’t hit stores until November 15, promises to mix hot rides with a healthy dose of drama. The premise is simple: The gamer will need to make their way across the country while bad guys and the law chases them all the while. In other words, its kind of like Smokey and the Bandit meets Fast and Furious, perhaps with a touch of Grand Theft Auto.
to watch the first trailer for the upcoming game. The clip is short and it doesn’t reveal much, but we did catch a glimpse of an , a , a and even a Ford Taurus Police Interceptor. That’s not a lot to go on, but the post-jump press release says gamers will “blow across borders, weave through dense urban traffic, rocket down icy mountain passes and navigate narrow canyons at breakneck speeds.” Sounds like it could be fun.
Formula Drift champ Vaughn Gittin Jr. , and since then we’ve been hoping to see the car in action. We’re sure Vaughn’s been itching to get behind the wheel, as well, and he finally got the chance yesterday when he took the RTR-X out to Willow Springs Raceway for its very first test session.
A 1969 isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to drifting, but the RTR-X looked like a natural at getting sideways. Granted, this pony car has very little in common with your everyday 1969 Mustang. Under the hood is a tuned version of the ’s 5.0-liter V8, and the suspension looks more like something out of Formula 1 than from a vintage muscle car. You can read more about all the features of the RTR-X , or check out our photos from the test day in the high-res gallery below.
2011 DTM Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG safety car – Click above for high-res image gallery
The DTM series and have a long and beautiful history together. Particularly when it comes to the AMG-tuned C-Class. That’s the car that the German automaker in the touring car series, and stands as the most successful in the series’ history. Also, one of the most coveted models Mercedes AMG ever made was the . And now the latest will be setting the pace as the series’ new safety car.
The safety car is essentially the same as the model you can order from your local showroom, complete with the AMG Performance Package, but has been outfitted with such features as flashing LEDs front, rear and top, Safety Car decals on every exterior surface and an interior fitted with a communications radio, TV monitor for watching the live race feed, a pair of bucket seats with four-point harnesses and a steering wheel covered in Nappa leather and Alcantara.
While this latest iteration will debut at Hockenheim this weekend, this isn’t the first time that the C63 has been called into this particular line of duty. In fact Mercedes-AMG has provided pace cars to DTM every year since its relaunch in 2000, the C63 filling the role . But rather than replacing the , the Mercedes alternates with Audi from race to race. Which are the only two teams currently on the grid, leaving us to wonder what they’ll do when BMW joins in next year.
An American auto show wouldn’t be the same without the participation of Japanese automakers. But the inverse could hardly be said, as all three of Detroit’s automakers are set to be no-shows at the Tokyo Motor Show once again.
News of and passing on the semi-annual Japanese auto expo came back in February, with word of ’s plan to pass just now being released. It will be the second time that the Big Three are staying back in Detroit, after having sat out the last show in 2009. Tokyo Motor Show organizers tried to attract more exhibitors by changing its venue and timeframe – a necessary move, as Tokyo is quickly losing ground to the auto shows in Shanghai and Beijing.
A slew of European automakers are set to be on hand in Tokyo, as the has been released to include and several of its brands, as well as and , along with , Renault, Citroën, Peugeot, and . However, like its American counterpart, and its brand portfolio are notably absent from the list.
Automaker earnings have been mostly impressive so far, and is no different. Reuters reports that the Korean automaker has posted earnings of $890 million for the first quarter of 2011, up 91 percent compared to the $466 million profit from Q1 2010. Overall revenue for the quarter was $10 billion, up 37 percent year over year. Kia’s healthy earnings come as sales rose 30 percent to 619,089 units. The automaker fared especially well in South Korea, China and the United States, where new models like the and have really taken off.
Kia’s profit surge comes one day after of $1.7 billion. Hyundai shares are up 44 percent on the year, while Kia shares are up 16 percent.
The man’s knowledge of Corvettes is also freakishly extensive. Yager has applied it into a book called the Corvette Bible. In it, Yager delves into the details of every Corvette model produced since the first 300 rolled off an assembly line for the 1953 model year.
