Group B monsters in action – Click above to watch video
Though it only existed for four short years, Group B racing has continued to captivate fans of all ages. From 1982 through 1986, motorsports enthusiasts around the world gathered en masse to watch Lancia, , Renault and Peugeot battle for supremacy. and even got in on the action with the legendary 288 GTO and 959, respectively. The cars were lightweight, powerful and . In other words, the cars were a sight to behold and a treat to the ears. They were also incredibly dangerous.
Large groups of people stood on the edge of the road as the beasts rumbled by at triple-digit speeds. Accidents happened and there were a number of fatal incidents for both drivers and viewers alike. In 1986, the FIA banned Group B cars, but the legendary vehicles are still held in high regard. If you need a refresher, roar to watch the Group B monsters in action.
Once you’ve watched the clip, sound off in the comments and let us know what you think would be the most terrifying vehicle to try and pilot. Group B cars are near the top of the list but we’re sure you can think of some others… Top Fuel Dragsters, board-track racers, land-speed record streamliners…
2010 will be forever known as the year after that really bad year. 2009 was a horrible string of days for just about everyone who had two pennies to rub together, but automakers were hit particularly hard.
The only good thing for automakers about such a bad 2009 is that it made every month in 2010 look good in comparison. And so it is that those green bills earned from all those extra car sales is represented by the preponderance of green-shaded cells in our By the Numbers table. Here’s the crib sheet of noteworthy news to be gleaned from our wall of numerals below. If you spot more noteworthy items, call them out in the Comments.
The four remaining “Core” brands of General Motors sold more in 2010 than the eight brands of Old GM sold in 2009: 2,202,927 to 2,084,492.
Ford Motor Company outsold Toyota Motor Company to regain its No. 2 sales position by General Motors.
If Hyundai and Kia were counted together in the U.S., their combined sales of 894,496 units would make them the seventh largest automaker in the U.S.. Separately they are the seventh and eighth largest and the largest single-brand automakers in the U.S.
Subaru, one of the best performing brands of the past two years, sold more vehicles in 2010 than Volkswagen, Europe’s largest automaker: 263,820 to 256,830.
Buick sales increased the most in 2010 with a 51.89-percent increase, while Smart sales fell the farthest with a 59.39-percent decline.
The three best performing brands of 2010 are from General Motors (Buick, Cadillac and GMC)
Audi sold over 100,000 vehicles in the U.S. for the first time ever.
*Brands and companies are displayed in descending order according to their percentage change in volume sales. There were 306 selling days in 2010 versus 308 selling days in 2009, so the change in monthly sales volume will be different than the change in average daily sales rate (DSR) for each brand/company. Also, brands are combined and reported as companies only if their sales figures are released jointly.
JDM Legends brings vintage Japan to the U.S. – Click above to watch video
Trey Cobb, the founder of Cobb Tuning, has a love for vintage Japanese automobiles. In 2009, Cobb and fellow Japanese car junkie Eric Bizek decided to build a company around that love affair and JDM Legends was born. Based in Utah, JDM Legends imports, restores, services and sells classic Japanese cars.
The team has already brought a 1973 Toyota Celica, 1970 Datsun 510 and a handful of early Nissan Skyline models back to life. More cars are planned for the future and two of the Skylines are currently being offered for sale.
JDM Legends had someone stop by with a video camera and capture the cars currently in the garage. Though the film is a bit slow, the cars look particularly stunning in high-definition. to watch the clip.
Toyota Prius versus sheep – Click above to enlarge
The flatus of the is less harmful than the flatus of a sheep. Who knew? Apparently, Israeli arm, that’s who.
As you can see from the advertisement above, the methane gas produced by livestock can indeed be worse for the environment (animal gas, including that from humans, is in fact a greenhouse gas) than the emissions from the ass end of an automobile, depending on what you’re trying to define – and that goes for any automobile, not just one that’s as popular in squeaky clean circles as the Prius hybrid.
We think this is a pretty funny and effective ad, though something tells us it might never see the light of day in the United States. Sadly.
It looks like we may have an inkling as to what Pagani will call its next supercar. According to the Italian web site Al Volante, the company has gone through the hassle of registering the name “Huayra.” The nearly unpronounceable moniker sticks the company’s tradition of branding its products after the famous winds of the world (not unlike many and models). In this case, Huayra is the word for “wind” from the ancient South American language of Quechua. Either that, or the company’s marketing department threw alphabet soup at the wall until they came up with a suitable smattering of vowels and consonants.
Until now, the next Pagani has simply gone by the internal code name C9. And while the company has been kind enough to share a strange with the world, hard facts about what we can expect from the Zonda successor are few and far between. There’s some indication that the beast will pack a mighty V12, and we’d be surprised if it didn’t have enough horsepower to melt asphalt at a whim, but otherwise, we’re completely in the dark as to what to expect. Thanks for the tip, JH!
We know… the suspense was killing us, too. We’ll spare you the sleepless nights and get right to the list of America’s best-selling cars and trucks for 2010:
1. (528,349 +27.7%)
6. (260,218 +0.8%)
2. (370,135 +16.9%)
7. (229,263 +12.6%)
3. (327,804 -7.5%)
8. (219,219 +21.3%)
4. (311,381 +8.1%)
9. (203,714 +7.2%)
5. (266,082 -9.8%)
10. (199,652 +13%)
As you can see, the F-Series was the best-selling nameplate in 2010 for the 34th straight year, followed by the Silverado. The Camry, which managed to edge out the Silverado for second place in 2009, came in as the third-best-seller in 2010, its numbers down by about 7.5 percent from 2009. Also down were sales of the fifth-place Corolla (by nearly 10 percent).
We’re just speculating here, but we’d guess there’s one rather obvious reason Team Toyota’s sales figures have fallen, and it’s spelled R-E-C-A-L-L. Even so, those are still mighty impressive numbers, particularly in light of the amount of bad ink the Japanese automaker has endured this year. Every other vehicle in the top ten was up in sales, with the two Ford models earning gains of over 20 percent each. For reference, to see last year’s list of best-sellers.
December sales ended 2010 on a largely positive note for most manufacturers. You’re probably more interested, however, in how these brands and companies performed for the entire year of 2010. Hold on to your Sirius satellite radios, because those numbers are on their way, but first we have to dispense with December.
There’s actually nothing too shocking in the sales numbers for December, as most manufacturers finished strongly, with an increase in sales versus December 2009, and those that were down were either not down by very much (Lexus, Jaguar, Toyota and Dodge) or are the usual suspects (Mercury, Lincoln, Volvo, Chrysler and Smart).
Dodge and Chrysler are looking forward to selling significantly updated hardware in 2011, while Toyota will continue to work its way out of the dog house with those consumers that lost some faith in the Japanese juggernaut during its recall debacle in 2010. With that in mind, we expect even more brands to be bragging about the blockbuster year of sales they just had when the next new year rolls around.
*Brands and companies are displayed in descending order according to their percentage change in volume sales. There were 27 selling days in December 2010 versus 28 selling days in November 2009, so the change in monthly sales volume will be different than the change in average daily sales rate (DSR) for each brand/company. Also, brands are only combined and reported as companies if their sales numbers are released together.
Automotive News is reporting that the United Auto Workers has set its sights on securing a position on the executive board of each domestic automaker. The move would mirror similar relationships between labor unions and German automakers in Europe, and UAW President Bob King says that his organization has broached the subject with the Big Three in the past. Moving forward, having a slot on each of the automakers ruling boards is something that the UAW will continue to push. King says that such a relationship would allow the UAW to preserve current jobs while advocating for the creation of new employment opportunities.
That’s all well and good, but as MT points out, there could be issues with plopping UAW representatives on the boards of America’s automakers. The biggest of those is that whoever the union chose to represent the organization would be facing large conflicts of interest when it came time to vote on labor decisions, though other issues would likely arise as well.
[Sources: - sub. req. Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty Images]
The 2011 Dakar Rally is only two stages old, but there’s already a big-time force at the top of the leader board. CNN reports that defending Dakar champion and driver Carlos Sainz has put the pedal to the metal to win the first two events and is leading driver Stephane Peterhansel by a substantial three minutes, five seconds. Sainz’s race truck whooped on the competition in the 324 kilometer second stage with a one minute, three second lead over teammate Nasser Al-Attiyah. Sainz managed the impressive stage despite consistent issues with his windscreen wiper blades. Sainz claims the problem forced him to slow down for 12 kilometers since his vision was so compromised. In total, the Dakar rally stretches 13 stages and 9,500 kilometers. Today’s stage is 500 kilometers from San Miguel de Tucuman to San Salvador de Jujuy.
Sainz isn’t the only former champ faring well at Dakar. Three-time motorcycle champ Cyril Despres is having his way with the two-wheeled competition, as the talented pro took his second straight stage. Despres leads Marc Coma of Spain by two minutes 35 seconds.
Can’t say we didn’t see this one coming… According to the Associated Press, seven insurance companies* are suing in California court for damages in excess of $230,000. We suspect that figure could rise, as it’s derived from just 14 of the alleged 725 total accidents the insurers claim Toyota is at least partially at fault for.
The suit reportedly alleges that Toyota is at fault for accidents blamed on unintended acceleration because the Japanese automaker failed to equip its vehicles with a brake override system that would electronically force the engine to return to idle if both the accelerator and brake pedals were pressed at the same time. After the recall hubbub first began, Toyota that all of its future models will come with this technology.
For its part, a Toyota spokesperson unsurprisingly responded that “any allegation that a vehicle-based defect is the cause of unintended acceleration in this or any other complaint is completely unfounded and has no basis.” In December of 2010, a high-profile case in California regarding unintended acceleration in a for $10 million, though it never admitted any wrongdoing. in that accident.
In October of 2010, against Toyota seeking $3 million in compensation as a result of 270 claims of sudden acceleration.
*The seven insurance companies bringing forth this suit are: American Automobile Insurance Co., Fireman’s Fund Insurance, National Surety Corp., Ameriprise Insurance, IDS Property Casualty Insurance, Motorists Mutual Insurance and American Hardware Mutual Insurance.
[Source: Associated Press via Image: David McNew/Getty]
Ohio police use Tazer on diabetic driver – Click above to watch video
According to the Cincinnatti Enquirer, motorist John Harmon was on his way home from work when his blood-sugar got too low. As a diabetic, this meant trouble, and Harmon’s vehicle veered into another lane. A nearby Hamilton, Ohio sheriff’s deputy spotted the unintentional maneuver and pulled him over. The officer then approached the car with his gun drawn and screamed at Harmon before smashing his window open. Harmon, 52, was then cut out of his seatbelt and dragged him to the ground. On the way down, his elbow was severely dislocated but the pain didn’t end there. During this process he received seven shocks from a Tazer and kicked in the head… all while cowering on the ground in pain. According to the account, an Ohio Highway Patrol Officer arrived on the scene and was shocked to find Harmon being treated in this manner. He separated the officers from Harmon, only to discover Harmon’s diabetics.
Harmon is currently suing the sheriff’s office, but the officers are all still working. In fact, the original officer on the scene filed felony charges against Harmon and his boss signed off on them.
The Highway Patrol video of the incident is available . A word of warning, however: While you can’t see the commotion, you can hear Mr. Harmon’s anguished voice.
2011 Kia Picanto – Click above for high-res image gallery
has just released details on the next-generation Picanto for UK buyers. The pint-sized city car has grown a bit, gaining a bit in both the wheelbase and width departments, and buyers will find an all-new, more aggressively styled exterior, too. Traditionally, the Picanto has only been served up as a five-door hatch, though Kia says that for the first time, UK buyers will be able to take advantage of a new three-door variant as well. The rest of the model’s markets will have to make do with just the five-door design.
Kia has also thrown in a smattering of new drivetrain options as well. Buyers can choose between 1.0-liter or 1.2 liter gasoline engines, though there are no power figures for either at the moment. Kia says that each engine will be available in LPG, bi-fuel and flex-fuel variants depending on market demand. The company hasn’t released an on-sale date, either, but we do know that the public will be able to get up close and personal with the Picanto at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show in March. Hit the jump for the full press release. Thanks to all for the tips!
In the American sports car landscape, the is the king… of sales for 2010. For the first time since 1985, the Camaro has outsold its arch rival, the . In fact, sold 7,655 more of its sporty coupes than the Blue Oval. moved 81,371 Camaros compared to 73,716 Mustangs.
Both automakers have reasons to celebrate, however, because sales for each model are up year over year. Compared to 2009, Mustang sales climbed 10.6 percent and Camaro sales soared by 31.9 percent. and General Motors are looking at positive numbers across the board, with the exception of GM’s now-defunct brands. Heck… even now-defunct sales rose one percent in 2010.
[Sources: Ford, General Motors] Photo copyright (C)2011 AOL
Some automakers are in it for the racing. Others make cars to preserve some sort of legacy. But most are in the business, like any other company, to make money. And is certainly no exception. But while its road car division rakes in the dough hand over fist, the German automaker has made a science out of making its racing division profitable.
How is that, you ask? Because unlike some of its rivals, Porsche first and foremost provides factory-built racing machines to privateer customers. That’s how the dominates GT racing grids around the world with such variants as the recently unveiled . And if the latest reports from Germany are anything to go on, Porsche could be preparing a new racer at the rapidly approaching Detroit Auto Show.
Now we already knew that Porsche was planning something big for its return to the NAIAS after a four-year absence. And the signs seemed to point towards a new variant of the 918 Spyder concept we saw in Geneva last year. But the latest word from Auto Bild suggests that instead of a roadgoing production coupe version as some had suspected, Stuttgart will instead unveil a racing version of the new mid-engine flagship supercar in Cobo Hall.
The reports further suggest that the race-spec 918 will carry a more conventional V8 powertrain than the hybrid setup of the previous concept, and that the car will – like the rest of Porsche’s aforementioned customer racing paddock – be available to privateer teams to purchase and campaign on the world’s racing circuits. Sounds tempting – and profitable – and fortunately we won’t have long to wait before we find out one way or another.
Wherever cars are produced or tested, there will be spy photographers waiting to snap photos. Michigan is a hotbed of such activity, and one shooter’s lens has just caught a white being driven to a local fast food joint for lunch. Spying a LaCrosse wearing Michigan manufacturer plates is nothing special, but a quick glance of the wheels and brakes reveal this to be one special sled. You’re looking at what we’re hoping is a 2012 Buick LaCrosse GS.
While we don’t know what’s under the hood, we can clearly see this is wearing the 20-inch rollers pulled from an Opel Insignia OPC. According to the photographer, the wheels are wrapped with Bridgestone Potenza summer tires size 245/40R20. Behind the wheels sit larger front rotors and calipers. We can only hope that an equally exciting engine is nestled within this LaCrosse’s flanks.
1987 Buick Grand National vs. 2011 Buick Regal Turbo – Click above to watch video
When first announced that Americans would once again be able to get their power-hungry hands on a turbocharged , enthusiast minds immediately leapt to visions of a modern day Grand National. Now, however, it’s clear that the new isn’t exactly the second coming of old-school forced-induction glory. That hasn’t stopped the crew at Inside Line from lining the two up on the quarter mile and sharing their exploits with the world. The editors chose an ‘87 Grand National as the representative of the old-school set, and predictably, it puts the new-age Regal CXL Turbo in its place without breaking a sweat down the quarter mile.
Even so, the 2011 Regal Turbo managed to pull off wins in both the slalom and skid pad as well as brake tests, but both results are of little surprise given that the new Regal Turbo has the benefit of over 20 years of technology on its side. You can head over to for the full skinny on how both vehicles performed under the scrutiny of IL testing. Hit the jump to check out the quarter-mile video, too. Thanks for the tip, Brandon!
Despite the company’s storied rally history, seems to have eschewed building its line of R-Design vehicles into street-legal racers in favor of simply creating design packages that give the company’s sedans, crossovers and hatches some much-needed attitude. In the case of the , that means the vehicle evolves from a mild-mannered high-rider into a machine begging to be seen delivering a load of equally well-dressed ladies to an exclusive night spot. It may not be able to reduce its tires to a cloud of carcinogens or successfully execute a Scandinavian flick, but this CUV is a much more attractive offering than its straight-laced siblings.
rounded out 2010 on a high note. December was the automaker’s best month of the year, with 27 percent increase compared to the same month in 2009. All told, GM managed to sell 21 percent more vehicles in 2010 than in 2009. Retail sales alone (excluding fleet) jumped by 16 percent – and that’s with half the number of brands year-over-year . Much of GM’s success at the end of 2010 is thanks to strong crossover sales. GM says that CUVs were up 42 percent compared to a year ago. Pickup truck sales were 29 percent higher, but cars weren’t quite as strong. GM saw sales falter by six percent thanks to waning fleet sales, even while retail sales jumped by 14 percent versus a year ago. for more details. [Source: General Motors]
Toyota Prius – Click above for high-res image gallery
With the first year of this decade only a few days behind us, is already making sales predictions for the coming nine years. And according to a new report from Bloomberg, the Japanese auto giant believes that the will become its top-selling model in the United States by the end of the decade.
The sales forecasts take into account the expansion of the Prius line from the current hybrid sedan to incorporate new bodystyles, including the set to be unveiled shortly at the Detroit Auto Show.
The stands as the company’s top-selling model currently, but with sales of the Camry lagging and the Prius expanding, the dedicated hybrid – though facing increased competition from the likes of the and – is tipped to take the top spot in the Toyota lineup.
2012 Hyundai Veloster teaser – Click above to enlarge
Let the speculation end: The will have three conventional forward-hinged doors. We also know the Veloster will have a direct-injected engine (we’re pretty sure it will displace 1.6 liters), an available dual-clutch gearbox, hit an estimated 40 miles per gallon and will come with Bluetooth connectivity.
Also, note the split rear glass of the open rear hatchback, a similar arrangement to the and , among others. Clearly, hasn’t spilled all its beans just yet, so we’ll just have to wait until the start of the Detroit Auto Show this Monday, January 10 for the full reveal. In the meantime, feel free to continue the speculation in Comments.
2010 will be forever known as the year after that really bad year. 2009 was a horrible string of days for just about everyone who had two pennies to rub together, but automakers were hit particularly hard. 
December sales ended 2010 on a largely positive note for most manufacturers. You’re probably more interested, however, in how these brands and companies performed for the entire year of 2010. Hold on to your Sirius satellite radios, because those numbers are on their way, but first we have to dispense with December.
rounded out 2010 on a high note. December was the automaker’s best month of the year, with 27 percent increase compared to the same month in 2009. All told, GM managed to sell 21 percent more vehicles in 2010 than in 2009. Retail sales alone (excluding fleet) jumped by 16 percent – and that’s with half the number of brands year-over-year . Much of GM’s success at the end of 2010 is thanks to strong crossover sales. GM says that CUVs were up 42 percent compared to a year ago. 
