Filed under the old Batman adage, “Crime Doesn’t Pay,” here we have a being sacrificed for the sins of its owner. Seems someone was caught street racing by California authorities, and they didn’t appreciate it. So they relieved the offender of one mighty red IS-F and then didn’t send it to an auction or a good home, but straight to hell. Slowly. There’s a one-minute video with simple instructions on how to make pepperoni .
Nebraska’s , an art installation built in 1987 by Jim Reinders, is up for sale. A 38-car tribute to the druid monument in England, Reinders built the automotive megalith on a farm once owned by his father on the outskirts of Alliance, Nebraska.
Not to be confused with the Ranch in Texas, the site is owned and operated by the non-profit group, Friends of Carhenge, and it attracts some 80,000 visitors a year. Trouble is, the site doesn’t charge admission and Friends of Carhenge is in debt, having taken out loans to maintain the structure.
The organization hopes to find a buyer who can fund amenities like a campground and go kart track on the property, which would give visitors reason to pay admission. Check out the website for additional information.
co-founder Sergey Brin announced at Web 2.0 that Google’s next goal for its is to go 1,000,000 miles without driver intervention. According to Brin, Google’s teams have already amassed more than 1,000 incident free miles without driver involvement.
Up to now, Google’s driverless cars have gone 160,000 miles, but with some limited human input. The company admits that there’s been one fender bender, but attributed that to human driver error rather than Google’s software.
Google would like to reach a point where it’s legal for driverless cars to mingle with everyday traffic, but Brin said there’s a lot of research and development left to do. Before the technology can be marketable, Google says it needs to be developed to need to a point at which human drivers can ignore the road entirely. for a video with more details.
just launched a new iPhone app that lets users position computer-generated renderings of the upcoming FT-86 sports car against real-world backdrops and then share them with other users. Judging from the videoToyota released to promote the app, Instagram shouldn’t feel threatened; the renderings aren’t exactly stellar, and the novelty of positioning a CGI FT-86 on your iPhone screen is likely to wear off quickly. Fortunately, the app is free. Just remember, kids, you get what you pay for.
These men are, or at least were until recently, Libyan rebels in battle against the dwindling forces of the now-deceased Muammar Gaddafi. And the red, black and green lump they’re standing in front of was once a bulldozer.
It was transformed in the city of Misrata from a plain old earth-mover into a battlewagon: steel-plates sandwich reinforced with concrete. The only views outside were through portholes just big enough for gun barrels and RPGs.
It was built to take Tripoli but wasn’t called into action, instead being trekked to Sirte to defend against snipers and push through barricades. Obviously, it didn’t fail. There’s a vid of the concrete leviathan .
In the effort to leave no marketing stone unturned, a member of the Earnhardt family has teamed up with a custom home builder to create an exclusive line of houses. Kerry Earnhardt, the eldest son of Dale Earnhardt, Sr., has aligned forces with Paul Schumacher of Schumacher homes. Needless to say, this Schumacher has no affiliation with the racing legend.
Each house is named after a particular memory from the lives of Earnhardt and his wife, Rene. One design, Pocono, honors the track at which Kerry Earnhardt won his first race, while one of the largest plans, Giant Sequoia, is crafted as a tip of the hat to the larger-than-life presence of Dale senior.
All told, there are 19 home designs to choose from. You can check them out by heading over to the for a closer look. In a quasi-related note, Road & Track reports that Dale Earnhardt, Jr. recently said that he’d like to see Michael Schumacher hop across the pond for a quick stint behind the wheel of a Sprint Cup racer.
There is a lot to love about the . It’s a compact roadster with a torque-happy, twin-turbo diesel V6 mated to two electric motors capable of more instant twist. When we , we were limited to just 40 miles per hour, but the Four-Ringed automaker tells us that a trip to 62 takes only 4.4 seconds.
And because this Spyder is a green monster, it can travel up to 30 miles on electric power alone. Using a mixture of the diesel and its lithium ion battery, it will consume on average a scant 2.2 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers.
That sounds like a lot of “too good to be true,” but Audi promises to be the leader in luxury electric cars by 2020, and a production version of this vehicle is expected for 2014. to watch new footage of the e-tron Spyder in motion. It might not be ready to go on sale, but it at least looks mighty fine on the roads of Malibu, California, near where we drove it.
A new study published online in the Journal of Psychology & Marketing tells us what most gearheads already know: If you perceive your car as extension of self, you’re more likely to drive aggressively.
Unsurprising to us, yes, but also to Ayalla Ruvio, lead author of “Aggressive Driving: A Consumption Experience.” In a statement released by Temple University, she admits that her study “explains much of the phenomenon we knew existed.” An assistant professor of marketing at Temple’s Fox School of Business, Ruvio conducted her research – which consisted of surveying fewer than 300 people – in Israel.
Ruvio’s astute command of the obvious extends to determining that “young people who are in the early stages of forming their self-identity might feel the need to show off their car and driving skills more than others” and “a sense of being under time and pressure leads to more aggressive driving.”
Click to read the full release, wherein Ruvio also name-checks Shania Twain and Thelma and Louise.
A new study conducted by Transportation for America has discovered that approximately 70,000 bridges in the United States are structurally deficient, meaning that an engineer has identified a significant defect in the structure’s support or decking. That’s a large number, but perhaps more shocking is the fact that the study indicates that every second, 71 drivers in Chicago drive over one of those derelict crossings. The study found that approximately 10 percent of the city’s bridges are in need of significant repair, which equates to around 400 structurally deficient bridges all together.
According to Gideon Blustein, executive director of the Infrastructure Council at the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, Chicago may be in danger of losing its reputation as a hub of transportation unless the government invests in its aging infrastructure.
Transportation for America says that to catch up on the nation’s back log of repairs would cost approximately $70 billion. Now, here’s where we’re confused. Unemployment is at record levels and our nation is in desperate need of infrastructure repair. According to Chicago Federation of Labor President Jorge Ramirez, $1.25 billion spent on transportation generates approximately 35,000 jobs. Seems like a two-bird, one-stone scenario to us. for a quick video.
This year marks the fifth anniversary of Classic, the official U.S. restoration arm of the Stuttgart firm. Although it sits on an easy-to-miss corner of yet another ochre-hued industrial complex in Irvine, California, what is inside is anything but common
The technicians who refurbish Benz history believe it is their job to make everyone else believe that no such job has been done. Mercedes Classic isn’t where old is made new, but where old is made as-new. And that means that, yes, they will turn down certain requests that go too much against the grain of the brand. You can get a brief look at the men and their machines in the video , and if you’re a fan of the Silver Arrow, then a trip to the Classic Center is highly recommended.
is hitting SEMA with a volley of modified and models this year. The company says that the aftermarket show is the perfect venue for showing off just how customizable both vehicles can be, and with creations from the likes of Roush, Cobb Tuning and Gold Coast Automotive among others, there should be a hatch or sedan on hand in Las Vegas for everyone. Roush is doing what the company does best: plopping an R900 TVS Supercharger on top of the four-cylinder engine in the Focus for a substantial bump in power, and a full Roush exhaust ensures that the engine will breathe easy.
Cobb Tuning, meanwhile, will be going the turbocharging route with its Focus. The car will boast forged pistons, a custom turbo kit and front-mounted intercooler, as well as a unique air box, intake and exhaust manifold. No one’s saying just how much power the Focus will make, but a StopTech Trophy big brake kit should ensure the car can be brought down from speed in a hurry.
The star of the Fiesta show this year will likely be from Gold Coast Automotive. With an intercooled Jackson Racing Rotrex supercharger, Wilwood braking hardware on all four corners and a custom front diffuser and rear spoiler, this GCA entrant could be the mightiest Fiesta of them all. for the full press release.
The is being , and if we’re to take the America’s chairman at his word, another new one will be in the pipeline after that. Colin Dodge tells Automotive News, “We’re going to need two or three cycles to be as professional as the people who have been doing it for 50 or 60 years.”
By that, Dodge is referring to, well, , and . Indeed, domestic manufacturers have been far less impacted by the arrival of Japanese full-size pickups than many had speculated. Nissan’s Titan was introduced for the 2004 model year, but annual sales topped out at 86,945 in 2005, according to AN. This year, Nissan has moved just over 15,000 of the trucks, but is apparently undeterred by slow sales.
On tap for the next-gen Titan will most certainly be some different engine options, as the Nissan spokesman thinks the 5.6-liter V8 that’s been offered since launch has held the Titan back. While nothing definitive is mentioned in the interview, he does say “very efficient powertrains” will be part of the mix. At the very least ,we might expect a variation of Nissan’s VQ-series V6 to finally find a home behind the Titan’s grille.
There are many things to love about the Rennsport Reunion. Stacks of beautiful metal, the chance to meet racing legends face to face and the sound of historic race cars barking at the paddock walls all make for an experience unlike any other. But for us, the best part is watching those vintage racers take to a track like Laguna Seca in anger. This year, Mark Hotchkis hopped behind the wheel of the Hotchkis Porsche 962 for a few quick laps on the renowned road circuit . He wasn’t there for a leisurely Sunday drive.
Hotchkis wasted no time slicing through traffic and generally consuming tarmac like only a properly-wielded 962 can. The Replay XD guys were kind enough to strap a few dozen cameras to the car to give us an idea of the action from every angle, and the result is pretty entertaining way to blow four minutes and change. to check it out for yourself.
has announced that the company will bring a version of the company’s Crosstourer Conceptmotorcycle unveiled at the 2010 EICMA Show to production. The final version of the adventure/sports tourer hybrid will be unveiled under the lights of the 2011 EICMA show next month. According to Honda, the Crosstourer will boast a 1200cc V4 engine borrowed from the company’s VFR1200F, which means the bike could boast up to 170 horsepower. Combined with a more upright riding position, off-road aesthetics and a long-travel suspension, Honda hopes that the Crosstourer will be a more versatile addition to the company’s stable. There’s also word that the production version will come equipped with a dual-clutch transmission.
The Crosstourer Concept wore styling that appeared to be heavily influenced by the BMW GS family, which certainly doesn’t bother us in the least. With its wire spoke wheels, near vertical windscreen and subtle skid plates, the bike looks to be a legitimate alternative to the rest of the adventure bike set. But, as we all know, looks aren’t everything. We’ll have to wait until we get our gloves on the final version before we can say one way or the other whether the bike can hold its fenders high against the likes of the Triumph Tiger and BMW GS lines. for the official press release.
Things are apparently getting nasty inside as the company continues to scramble for a route to viability. Autocar reports that Guy Lofalk, the court-appointed administrator placed in charge of the company’s reorganization affairs, recently applied to terminate the automaker’s reorganization process. That move would effectively strip Saab of the protections it enjoys from its creditors while it seeks further investment from outside sources, which means it wouldn’t be long before the company found itself snuffed out. But CEO Victor Muller has vowed that Saab will continue to fight for survival, and the automaker has reportedly moved to have Lofalk ousted from the process as a result of his actions.
How’s that for some corporate drama?
Muller also said that he believes that Lofalk’s talks with Pang Da and Youngman may have lead the two Chinese automakers to consider a full takeover of the Swedish brand instead of merely buying a 50-percent stake in the company. The two companies reportedly made a takeover offer today, but Muller says that Lofalk has overstepped his authority. Saab has since outright rejected the takeover offer, and both Pang Da and Youngman have backed away from the automaker altogether. That would appear to leave Saab with little more than a small investment from to keep it afloat.
has confirmed that its Transit van will be manufactured in Kansas City. The company plans to invest $1.1 billion in facility upgrades and tooling to produce both the next-generation and the Transit in preparation for the van’s arrival on U.S. soil in 2013. That investment is $700 million more than Ford had previously allocated for its Kansas City facility. Ford says the extra cash will go toward new paint and body shops in addition to an integrated stamping plant. The upgrades will also allow Ford to increase F-150 pickup production with the addition of a second manufacturing shift.
Previously, we had heard word that Ford would embrace the T-Series for the Transit, with models breaking down into trim levels similar to what’s seen on the current F-Series, though the press release after the jump specifically refers to the new van as the Transit. Does that mean Ford will rely on a new system of trim designation for the van? It’s hard to say, but either way, it certainly sounds like the days of the /Econoline range are numbered. to see the full press release for yourself.
The has plenty of hot hatch potential, but its frugal, 1.6-liter, direct-injected four-cylinder just isn’t going to cut it for those more concerned with speed than fuel economy. While a turbo model has , we’ve now got confirmation – sort of.
While hasn’t said anything official about the turbo Veloster, it has unveiled a new turbocharged 1.6-liter engine at a conference in Korea this week. Hyundai says it spent 52 months and over $60 million developing the new mill, which meets California’s ULEV-2 and Euro 5 standards.
The 204-horsepower Gamma four-cylinder gets its extra 66 horses thanks to a twin-scoll turbocharger and an air-to-air intercooler. The turbo, which is integrated into the exhaust manifold, also boosts the Gamma’s torque to a tire-squealing 195 lb-ft.
With a curb weight of just 2,600 pounds, the Veloster could be quite a pocket rocket with this engine fitted underhood. Let’s hope a limited-slip differential is also in the cards.
We expect some sort of official announcement from Hyundai regarding the Veloster Turbo as early as November 1 at SEMA. To read the release announcing the new turbo engine, click .
Last time we checked in with Canada’s commercial front we were greeted by , a half ton of rikishi getting lathered up on car hoods and being fed strawberries. Woof.
The wrestlers have taken a break for this new commercial, which features Subie employees and a few customers showing off their schweve just because they live in a Subaru world. It’s a little out there, but we’ll admit, the salesman’s got some moves. Check out Subaru of Canada’s newest ad spot .
For over a year, I’ve been looking for a way to get into an electric vehicle, but my options have been decidedly limited. I’m either lacking the funds () or the alternatives have lacked character (, Focus Electric).
But now there’s this: The 2012 BMW ActiveE. It’s the next step for in electrification – a bridge between the Mini E and the forthcoming i3 – that takes a standard and adds a brace of batteries and electric motor to create a rear-wheel-drive sports coupe with a 100-mile range. Even better, the price is right.
Unlike the Mini E that required owners to plunk down a hefty chunk of change each month, the ActiveE’s outlay is far more palatable: $2,250 down and $499 a month for a 24-month lease – well below what you’d drop on a new (or even used) gas-powered 1 Series.
Now , but could it be worth my hard-earned Blogger Bucks to become a beta tester for BMW’s electrification efforts? I flew 5,800 miles to Munich to find out.
Tanner Foust recently saddled up in the Ford Focus RS 500 for a quick blast around the Nürburgring and brought a camera crew along for the ride. We were hoping to watch the hot shoe cane the life out of the 350-horsepower hatchback around the world’s most infamous road course. Unfortunately, that’s not what we got. Foust appears to have been held up by traffic on more than one occasion, and while he was able to stretch the Focus RS 500 to around 150 mph on at least two occasions, we weren’t treated to any nail-biting footage. Well, that’s not entirely true. Had we been the motorcycle rider Foust was tailgating, we would have likely found the TV star in the paddock later on and had a few choice words on topics like following distance and contact patch ratio.
Still, Foust has nothing but glowing praise for the hottest Focus of them all despite the vehicle’s front-wheel drive tendencies. to check out the clip for yourself.
