The March 11 earthquake in Japan left the country’s auto industry with a broken supply chain and a few serious plant problems. Bloomberg reports that is looking to strengthen some key plants in an effort to minimize harm from any future quakes, starting with the heavily damaged Iwaki engine plant in the Fukushima prefecture.
The plant, which has been repaired ahead of schedule, will receive a reinforced foundation at a reported cost of $37 million. CEO Carlos Ghosn reportedly stated that the facility will be repaired first out of necessity, but added that other plants will be fortified in the future. Ghosn added that the precautions could limit the cost of future calamities.
And while the cost to strengthen the foundation of plants is high, studies show that the next big quake could come sooner than later. Prime Minister Naoto Kan recently shut down the Chubu Electric Power Co. nuclear plant in response to studies that show an 87-percent likelihood of a high-magnitude quake in the next 30 years.
Arguably more than any other driver, Kimi Raikkonen has a penchant for breaking with convention and forging his own path. The Swedish driver started out in F1 amid protests over his relative lack of experience – having contested fewer than a dozen professional lower-level races in his career – and finished 10th in his debut championship.
The next season, he was driving for McLaren, the season after that he won his first grand prix, and within just a few years was crowned world champion for . And when that got boring, he made an unprecedented moved to the World Rally Championship. But that’s apparently wearing thin on a driver not known for sitting still, so off he goes to NASCAR.
We first of Kimi’s plans back in March, and a few days later already had confirmation of his (KBM) to debut in the Camping World Truck Series – the entry point into NASCAR racing. Now he’s set to make his oval-track debut this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway, and this is the truck he’ll be driving.
The No. 15 Toyota Tundra is being fielded by KBM for Kimi’s ICE1RACING team, and features sponsorship from – wait for it – Perky Jerky. The dried meat snack packs guarana (a plant with twice the caffeine of coffee) and was apparently invented when some guys spilled energy drink on their beef jerky while trapped on a ski lift. (Seriously, we couldn’t make this stuff up.) Today it’s the “official jerky of the Daytona 500″, and should go down well with the Red Bull sponsorship on the Citroën DS3 which Raikkonen drives in the WRC. Official press release .
2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid – Click above for high-res image gallery
Do you demand satisfaction? No, not the glove to the face brand, but the type of satisfaction that makes you proud to own the car in your driveway. AutoPacific has done some research to determine which automakers are the doing the best job of keeping customers happy. The results are in for the 2011 Vehicle Satisfaction Awards (VSA), and you may be a wee bit surprise to learn that and have taken top honors.
Lincoln has earned the award for Highest Satisfaction Premium Brand. Chrysler earns the nod for Highest Satisfaction Popular Brand. Each automaker also earned specific shout-outs for certain vehicles. The was given a VSA in the Luxury Midsize and Hybrid categories, while the nabbed a VSA in the Premium Luxury Crossover SUV spot. Chrysler’s earned the Premium Midsize SUV VSA, and the Chrysler Town & Country was given the Minivan VSA.
The top individual nameplates were the (truck) and (car). You can view all of the winners by to the full press release.
Following the launch of the refreshed coupe, is prepping the inevitable droptop variant, which our spies have just caught testing on the Nürburgring.
As you’d expect, the Conti GTC benefits from a Mulsanne-inspired front fascia, as well as some slightly updated taillamps. Inside, a new dash will be on hand, as well as updated front buckets – just like the coupe.
Under the hood, the Bentley W12 has received a few updates for the 2012 model year that result in more power and fewer C02 emissions. In the future, you’ll even be able to spec the GTC with an all-new 4.0-liter V8… Just like the coupe.
Click through our high-res image gallery to see the Bentley GTC out running the ‘Ring.
2012 Porsche Panamera S Hybrid – Click above for high-res image gallery
I had been anticipating the pre-dawn run to the airport for a few days. Having spent the week with a Turbo, complete with the torque-boosting Sport Chrono pack (yes, ), the blast to SFO was a fitting sendoff. It was also perfectly timed.
I was boarding a marathon flight to Austria for the global launch of the , and after seven days with the Turbo, I was smitten. And concerned.
While the 500 horsepower and 568 pound-feet of torque from the boosted V8 proved the old adage about absolute power corrupting absolutely, it was the completeness of the Panamera package that left me slack-jawed. When the Stuttgart brain-trust puts its mind to something, they do it right. Look no further than half a century of rear-engined evolution and the much-maligned, but incredibly capable . Now add the Panamera to that list. Its sheetmetal might not suit your tastes, but managed to create the best driving luxury sedan on the market. But a hybrid? They’d better not screw this up.
Volkswagen Camper Van tent – Click above for high-res image gallery
Fancy a camping trip? You could go out into the wilderness and pitch a tent, or you could take a van like an original bus and enjoy the great outdoors through its windows. But if both of these sound enticing, there’s a third option: the Volkswagen Camper Van tent. Yep.
Officially licensed by Volkswagen, this tent replicates the outside of ‘65 VW Type 2 Transporter van at full scale. Available in red, yellow or blue, it can accommodate four adults in two separate zippered roomms, which could be perfect for reliving those memories from the Summer of Love – or living them again for the first time when that acid flashback kicks in. Deliveries begin in August, but you can pre-order yours now at for about $480.
Paying off debt is a dream shared by most Americans, however, most of them aren’t staring down $7.5 billion that’s owed to the United States and Canadian governments. accountants currently see that on the balance sheet, and we imagine that figure looks rather daunting. Lucky for them, Chrysler is set to pay it back. All of it.
Chrysler is preparing to announce details of a $3.5 billion bond offering. Those funds, along with $1.3 billion in cash from and a $2.5 billion term loan, will be used to pay back the two government loans.
Fiat has previously expressed a desire to own a larger stake in Chrysler, and paying down this debt is the bridge it needs to cross to make that happen. , but rumor has it that the Italians want 51 percent by year’s end, and possibly as much as 70 percent at some point in the near future. For now, however, Fiat is showing that it’s dedicated to returning Chrysler to a position of success.
Ferrari Superamerica 45 – Click above for high-res image gallery
During this weekend’s Villa d’Este Concorso d’Eleganza, will debut its special one-off , a vehicle built exclusively for collector Peter Kalikow. Hello, gorgeous.
The Superamerica was designed, engineered and built in-house, and the car incorporates things like a carbon fiber rotating hardtop, as well as a completely redesigned boot in order to house the roof while it’s removed. This appears to be similar to the mechanism used on the Ferrari 575-based Superamerica, as well as the (significantly cheaper) . Body-colored rear buttresses mold into the wide wheel arches. Other unique touches include brushed aluminum A-pillars, wing mirrors and a chrome front grille.
This special Superamerica 45 is painted in Blu Antille, which is designed to match the 1961 400 Superamerica cabriolet that Kalikow has in his collection. The 45’s wheels are body-colored with a contrasting diamond finish, and a darker blue is used on the front splitter, side skirts and rear diffuser.
We’re sure Mr. Kalikow will be thrilled. for Ferrari’s official press release.
2011 Chevrolet Volt – Click above for high-res image gallery
General Motors has only sold 1,703 copies of the through April, but the automaker plans to crank up the volume for the 2012 model year. GM has announced that it will shut down its Detroit Hamtramck plant for four weeks to prepare for 2012 Volt and Opel Ampera production. The upgrades will enable GM to build 16,000 total units this year, and in 2012 production will grow to 60,000 units; 45,000 of which will be destined for U.S. consumption.
When the 2012 model comes online, GM will begin to open up sales throughout the U.S. The 2011 model is only being sold in California, New York, Connecticut, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia and Washington, D.C. The Volt and Ampera will also be shipped to Canada, China and Europe beginning later this year.
During the lengthy shutdown, GM will add new tools, install overhead conveyor systems and other equipment. The General will also set up the plant to build the during the four-week shutdown, though more work will be completed before the mid-size sedan is launched. to read over the GM press release.
Back in February, President , a move that would likely speed up the $7,500 payment. Under the proposal, dealers would and apply for reimbursement from the government.
Well, according to U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, Congress will consider the proposed plug-in point-of-purchase rebate as part of changes to U.S. tax and energy policy for 2012. LaHood, who was touring ’s on Tuesday, told those in attendance:
We’re doing a lot of talking about it. When you give people that incentive to buy a battery-powered car, they’ll do it. We know these incentives help.
Under current policy, consumers who buy qualifying vehicles like the or the receive a $7,500 credit when they file their federal income tax returns. LaHood says that the Obama Administration firmly believes that allowing dealers to handle the incentive as an immediate rebate will entice consumers and, hopefully, convince them to buy plug-in vehicles.
1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic In Detail – Click above for high-res image gallery
Peter Mullin’s vision for an automotive museum showcasing his favorite era of motoring has passed the 12-month mark. The Mullin Automotive Museum is located in Oxnard, California, and it’s home to a stunning collection of French Art Deco jaw droppers. Over the past year, the museum has expanded its collection by adding a few new residents.
-The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance award-winning 1939 Type 57C Atalante
-1924 Bucciali B6-C24 Grand Prix Reconstruction
-1910 Charron Type TC Convertible
-The 1951 Paris Auto Salon 1951 Talbot T26 Gran Sport Convertible
-1928 Lorraine Dietrich B3-6 Sports Roadster
-1923 Voisin C6 Laboratoire Replica
-1934 Voisin C27 Aerosport
-The Grand Prix de Tourisme Winning 1922 Voisin C3 S Grand Prix
-1919 Voisin C3 Berline
Not just home to cars, though that’s certainly the primary focus, the Mullin Automotive Museum has also acquired a handful of art pieces that sit alongside the vehicles. Statues, bowls and over 15 crystal radiator mascots that were created by Rene Lalique. We’re willing to bet that those Lalique radiator mascots are worth a bit more than the badge that was stolen off our 300ZX back in college. Feel free to check out the full press release .
Aston Martin shotgun by Browning – Click above for image gallery
In most situations, we’d rather be driving than riding shotgun. All the more so when there’s an in the picture. But for this particular handcrafted creation, we just might make an exception.
The shotgun you’re looking at was commissioned by British Aston enthusiast Ron Collier from Browning, the Belgian gunsmith workshop founded by a Mormon from Utah. The B25 12-gauge shotgun took a year to make, and depicts Collier’s two 80s-era V8 Vantage Volantes, along with the winged Aston Martin logo.
Since Collier has since parted with the pair of Astons, he’s selling the mint-condition firearm as well. will put it under the gavel on June 23, where it is estimated to fetch in the neighborhood of $30,000. Which may seem like a lot for a gun to an outsider, but it strikes us as a good value for a one-of-a-kind Aston Martin (of sorts).
2011 Maybach 62 – Click above for high-res image gallery
Schmuck. It’s the German word for jewelry. It’s also the kind of customer who would be interested in buying a paved in diamonds. But that doesn’t appear to be deterring the top-of-the-line Daimler brand from icing out its limousines like a rapper with a new record contract.
Back in 2006, to offer precious stones to deck out its interiors. Now the German auto marque is passing the torch on to Swiss jeweler de Grosogono. In a star-studded party at the Cannes Film Festival, the two companies announced a new partnership that will allow customers with more cash than taste to have their Maybach iced out.
The first example of a Maybach 62S will be unveiled to the gathered guests with a diamond-emblazoned rear armrest (sounds comfortable), but a more thoroughly bedazzled limo is set to be unveiled in November at no less suitable a venue than the Dubai Motor Show. We can hardly wait.
Fortunately enough, no officialphotos have yet been made available, but you can read the official announcement if you’re so inclined.
1965 Pontiac GTO does donuts – Click above to watch the video
We love ourselves some vintage muscle cars, and none more so than the one that started it all: the . It’s 389-cubic-inch V8 engine burbling underhood, its paper-thin bias-ply tires at all four corners and its complete lack of any kind of safety equipment mean the old Goat is nothing if not a hoon’s dream car.
But what does it have to do with boxers? Beats us. Whether you’re talking about the kind you wear under your jeans (in this case from Camouflage) or the kind that licks you in the face, we’re completely baffled as to why the donut-performing muscle car is being used to advertise boxers.
Oh well. The Pontiac GTO (1965 vintage, in this case) is always welcome on these pages, and boxer puppies are adorable. You’ll find both of them in the video . Enjoy! Thanks for the tip, Diland!
Times change and so do trends. These days, everyone’s clamoring for more environmentally-friendly and fuel-efficient cars that even is tinkering with electric propulsion. The program is being carried out on the electric prototype. But go back nearly a century and speed was the cause célèbre du jour. And then just as now, Rolls-Royce was keen to prove its mettle. This was the car with which it did so.
As Rolls-Royce presented the first-generation Phantom to the world, it was eager to show what it could do, so the company’s managing director Claude Johnson had the crew at Crewe put this prototype together. Named in his honor, the “CJ Sports Car” featured a more aerodynamic “torpedo” coachwork by Barker. Although many experimental Phantoms followed (straight through to the aforementioned 102EX), this was the only one that the company held on to after it was done testing, and was even rumored to have been loaned out to Laurence of Arabia at one time.
10EX is expected to fetch around £400,000-£800,000 ($650k-$1.3m) when it goes up for auction on June 23 at RM’s inaugural Salon Privé auction at West London’s picturesque Syon Park estate. Joining it on the docket will be numerous other Rolls-Royce, , , classics (among others) representing the finest of historic British motoring. for the full press release.
There can be only true king. In this feudal system, it’s Ford F-150, which has attracted more buyers than the Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra and Ram 1500 for years. Why? We took to the saddle of Ford’s latest entry-level F-Series equipped with the company’s new 5.0-liter V8 to find out.
We love a good station wagon. Audi has just pulled the wraps off its sleek new 2012 Audi A6 Avant, and we’re already swooning over the capacious cargo-hauler.
Remember that Scion FR-S prototype we spied heading to the Nürburgring earlier this week? Well, it’s now doing hot laps, complete with a body kit and huge wing.
Also of interest:
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Fiat 875-cc TwinAir engine – Click above for high-res image gallery
Italy knows how to put an engine together – at least, according to the International Engine of the Year voting committee. The votes have been tallied, and has taken home four out of 12 awards. The company’s 875-cc TwinAir mill has earned the title of Best New Engine of 2011, Green Engine of the Year, Sub 1.0-liter Engine of the Year and International Engine of the Year. helped Italy earn two more awards, with the 458’s 4.5-liter V8 unit being crowned Best Engine Above 4.0-liters and Best Performance engine. All told, Italian powerplants claimed half of the awards handed out.
was no slouch, however, with the German automaker acquiring four awards in the competition. and also earned recognition. A great showing, but the Italians earn the win thanks to Fiat taking the top prize. to read the full press release and learn more about the International Engine of the Year awards.
To commemorate the epic milestone of , is literally giving away “Prius Goes Platinum” badges to more than 11,000 current owners.
If you own a Prius, don’t delay. Starting today, only the first 1,000 Prius owners who sign up at will get their hands on a free custom-molded, adhesive-backed vehicle badge. The next 10,000 takers get their badges in sticker form, while everyone else gets their badges digitally. The auto-generated badge reflects, in an artistic sort of way, the CO2 emissions saved by each individual Prius.
Attention Prius owners: Click to claim your one-of-a-kind “Prius Goes Platinum” badge.
The crew from Road & Track recently teamed up with NASA astronaut Drew Feustel to create a special-edition issue of the magazine to commemorate STS-134. Along with the infamous April Fools features on both the space shuttle Endeavour and the NASA Crawler, Feustel picked out a handful of his favorite R&T stories from the magazine’s illustrious past.
Those include an epic muscle car shoot out from 1967 that covered the , and the Plymouth Barracuda as well as a stack of choice Peter Egan columns. Feustel also threw in a piece on the Lamborghini Miura S from 1988 as well as another article on the Austin-Healey Sprite 1100 from 1963. All told, the collection sounds like the best of Road & Track history.
A copy of the issue is currently circling above Earth on Endeavour right now, but you can order up a terrestrial copy for your own enjoyment from the Road & Track site. Tell them we sent you.
Eurocopter EC145 by Mercedes-Benz Style – Click above for high-res image gallery
To many people around the world, and its silver star of glory represents the epitome of luxury and style. Want to be chauffeured around in a limousine? An or a is what the doctor ordered. Need a bit more space? A is at your service. But if you’re looking to soar above the skyline and take that Benz luxury with you, the German automaker’s design studio has partnered with Eurocopter for this unique whirly-bird.
Unveiled at the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibit in Geneva, this EC145 – a favorite for luxury travel as it is for medevac teams and a myriad other applications – has had its cabin outfitted by the Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Studio on Italy’s Lake Como. There, design chief Gorden Wagener oversaw the fitment of the chopper’s cabin with all the usual Benz touches, from ambient lighting to wood trim. The cabin has also been arranged in a flexible layout, with seats that can be moved around on rails to seat up to eight passengers or removed to offer extra space for the privileged few.
The project is the first initiative of Mercedes-Benz Style, the automaker’s new product-design division, who we expect will be rolling out a number of licensed designs over the course of the coming years. for the full press release, and check out the high-resolution images in our gallery.
