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James Winner Jr. made a unique mark on the automotive world. He created a product that took the country by storm and ushered in a new age of aftermarket theft deterrents. And now he’s gone. Mr. Winner lost his life on September 14th, 2010 during a two-car crash in Clarion County, Pennsylvania.

After having his Cadillac stolen a few decades back, Winner realized there had to be a more aggressive way of securing a vehicle than simply relying on the alarm that came with the car. He put his brain to work and came up with The Club and sold millions of units around the world.

Winner, 81 years old, was driving his Lexus when for unknown reasons he crossed the divider into oncoming traffic and hit another car. Mr. Winner, as well as the driver and passenger of the car he hit, were pronounced dead at the scene. Seat belts were reportedly worn by both drivers.

The Club sold well and Winner made some serious scratch, but he didn’t keep it all for himself, becoming a prominent philanthropist in his community and donating large sums of money to hospitals and other worthwhile foundations across the country. Our condolences go out to all the families of those involved. Thanks for the tip, Charlie!

[Source: WKBN Image: Michael McCauslin/Wikipedia]

James Winner Jr., inventor of The Club, dead at 81

Suzuki has released details on a new special edition version of its SX4 for the UK. Called the SZ-L, the five-door will come from the factory wearing a host of appearance upgrades aimed to give the vehicle an urban flair, including a few splashes of gunmetal accents on the roof rails, grille, wheels and skid plates. The gray theme continues on inside with Alcantara trim in all the right places and ghost stitching around the leather steering wheel. Unfortunately, as awesome as all of the menacing gunmetal trim is, the hatchback’s mechanicals leave something to be desired.

Instead of pairing the blacked-out goodies with the company’s bones-cheap all-wheel drive system, the SZ-L is only available with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine powering the front-wheels. That blows one sad trombone in our book. The upshot is that Suzuki is only offering the special edition with a five-speed manual, so slusher fans need not apply.

The Suzuki SX4 SZ-L starts at $20,533 in the UK (at current conversion rates) and there’s no word as to whether or not a similar model will show up on our shores. Hit the jump for the press release.

[Source: Suzuki]

Continue reading Suzuki SX4 blacks out for UK special edition

Suzuki SX4 blacks out for UK special edition

New General Motors CEO Dan Akerson’s first bit of big news isn’t exactly good news: paying back the taxpayer for loans during GM’s dark days is going to take years. How many years remains uncertain, with Akerson saying the company’s performance will be the test, since repaying the government in a lump sun would be “unrealistic.” It helps that this news isn’t exactly unexpected, and if we can take anything from Akerson’s 15 days on the job, well, at least he’s honest.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Report: GM’s Akerson says taxpayer payback will take years

Road Race Motorsports has given the Suzuki Kizashi not just a boost, but a kick in the pants and elsewhere. Instead of the stock sedan’s 185 horsepower, RRM turbocharged the engine up to 300 hp, adds a sports suspension and sport brakes, along with a choice of bodykits. If 300 ponies is a little more than you’re after, RRM also has a 200-hp package, and the suspension offerings come in Stage 1, 2, and 3.

Our own Jeff Glucker drove it this week and wrote that “the carbon bucket seat was not built for my butt and I was half-assing (literally) in the seat. Thankfully, [the RRm Kizashi] was still easy to drive and predictably more fun than the stock model.” Follow the jump for the press release and check out the high-res images in the gallery below.

[Source: Road Race Motorsports]

Continue reading Road Race Motorsports creates Platinum Edition Suzuki Kizashi

Road Race Motorsports creates Platinum Edition Suzuki Kizashi

Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time to meet the winners of the 2010 Progressive Insurance Automotive X-Prize. But before we get to declaring the victors, let’s take one last look at the finalists:

Mainstream Class

• Edison2, Very Light Car (team name, car name)

Alternative Class – Tandem

• X-Tracer, E-Tracer

Alternative Class – Side-by-Side

• Aptera, Aptera 2e
• Li-ion Motors, Wave II
• RaceAbout Association, RaceAbout
• TW4XP, TW4XP
• ZAP, Alias

Want to see the actual winners (besides the two that are rather obvious, of course)? Click past the jump.

Continue reading Automotive X Prize: And the winners are… (spoiler alert)

Automotive X Prize: And the winners are… (spoiler alert)

The natural gas-burning Honda Civic GX has been around since 1998, and even though the Environmental Protection Agency anointed it the cleanest internal combustion vehicle in history, sales have been less than brisk.

There are quite a few reasons the Civic doesn’t sell in high volume, including a hefty $25,000 price tag and the $4,600 required to install a home refueling station. But according to our comrades over at Translogic, that won’t stop the Japanese automaker from offering up a new GX for the 2012 model year.

The new GX will still likely cost quite a bit more than the standard Civic and it will still need a pricey home charging unit, but improvements will also be made. For example, Honda spokesperson Jessica Fini tells Translogic that consumer feedback complaining about the levels of available equipment on the last GX prompted the automaker to offer more “desirable options like a navigation system and upgraded stereo.”

We’re happy to hear that the GX will live on in 2012 and beyond. After all, it’s tough not to love an environmentally friendly Civic that can deliver about 30 miles per gallon at fuel prices that can be one third the price of regular gasoline. We’ll be looking out for details on the 2012 GX, along with the entire Civic lineup in the months ahead.

[Source: Aol Autos]

Report: Honda confirms natural-gas GX trim for next-gen Civic

Top Gear is here in the United States. No, not the Top Gear USA team of Tanner Foust, Adam Ferrara and Rutledge Wood but the blokes from the BBC. Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond have been spotted driving a trio of excellent exotics in the Blue Ridge section of North Carolina.

If you happen to live in the area, be on the lookout for a Ferrari 458 Italia, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and a Porsche 911 GT3. We imagine they’ll be running three wide, engines roaring and cameras rolling. But… North Carolina?

[Source: MotownMuscle via Jalopnik]

Top Gear spotted in North Carolina

By September 22 the 600 Chrysler dealers given the chance to snag a Fiat dealership will need to have submitted their applications. A group of dealers are in Florida now and have been shown the U.S.-spec Fiat 500 Sport, and next month 165 of those dealers will find out that they’ve been chosen to sell the car. Once they get the letter, they better get to work: Chrysler expects them to have their standalone dealerships completed by next February for sales to begin in March.

That’s just 90 days or so for dealers to either revamp or build from scratch, and a fair number of them will need to deal with freezing winter weather while they do it. The prize that Fiat’s offering is 50,000 little cars, which would average 303 per dealer each year, and brisk aftermarket trade. Fiat’s told dealers to work on the expectation of clearing a $1,500 margin on each car, so an outlet that came in at the median number is looking at $454,500 in cream. Of course, these are all imaginary numbers at this point – for now, there remain the selection process and winter and construction to get through.

[Source: BusinessWeek]

U.S. Fiat dealers to be chosen next month, have until February to finish showrooms

If you hit an animal with your car, do you stop and take a picture of your victory against nature kill? Did you know that someone out there is snapping pics of the deceased critters? His name is Ron Ringen and his friends refer to him as Dr. Roadkill.

According to The New York Times, Ringen is not a “unique” artist trying to turn a profit but rather a retired veterinarian helping wildlife researchers. His goal is to log enough data (animal type, location, etc.) to better understand the impact of roadways on the surrounding animal populations. This information will go a long way in developing new methods of preventing or reducing animal/car interactions.

Ringen has found and photographed over 1,400 animals, and after he gets his shot, he then records the location in a GPS device. The animals he has found have ranged in size from tiny sparrows to a 1,500 pound black bull.

Mr, Ringen is not the only one scouring the blacktop for roadkill. There are volunteers across the state assisting in the capture of information. WildlifeCrossing.net has nearly 300 registered users and they have information on nearly 7,000 dead animals. The California program is doing well and it has recently added a second state, Maine, to their website.

If you have some spare time, a camera and a GPS device you can help track the pattern of roadkill incidents. Safer roads equal a better driving experience, and that’s something we can all get behind.

[Source: The New York Times]

Meet California’s Dr. Roadkill

Lamborghini is returning to its roots by offering up an array of Raging Bull-branded lawn care equipment. The Italian supercar manufacturer notoriously got its start hocking tractors, so it should come as no surprise that the suits at Sant’Agata have decided to return to the company’s agricultural beginnings. Lawn-care company IKRA has licensed the Tonino Lamborghini name for an array of landscaping implements of destruction, including grass and hedge trimmers, electric chainsaws and cordless sheers.

Sadly, from what we can tell, none of them come with a V12.

Somewhat surprisingly, the pieces aren’t ridiculously priced, either. The IKRA electric chainsaw will set you back around $200 while the electric hedge trimmer comes in at a very manageable $150. Chances are, this is as close as most of us will ever get to owning a piece of Italian exotica. You can head over to the Tonino Lamborghini site for a closer look at the arsenal of landscaping goodies.

[Source: Tonino Lamborghini via The Independent]

How to carve up your lawn like a Lamborghini

	At $28,000, plug-in Toyota Prius should be cheapest PHEV in U.S. Once 2012 rolls around.		Paris Preview: Fisker will show off first “factory-built” Karma plug-in hybrid More to come, as always.
	Michigan Governor Granholm rides shotgun in the Chevrolet Volt Surprise, she likes it.	Other news: Who’s ordering the Nissan Leaf? Bill Nye, Alyssa Milano, wealthy baby boomers and perhaps even you Report: Biodiesel industry threatened by plug-in vehicle push Michigan’s Consumers Energy announces discounted rate programs for plug-in vehicles

AutoblogGreen for 09.16.10

Ford gave us a sneak peek at its production-ready 2012 Focus, and while our lips may be sealed about the specs and our impressions, we can give you the low-down on the Blue Oval’s new airbag technologies that will debut in its forthcoming C-segment stunner.

For the driver, the new steering wheel airbag uses a tether system that pulls in the lower section of the bag back toward the dashboard. This creates a small pocket that will soften the blow of the airbag to the driver’s chest and ribs, reducing the threat of bodily injury in a frontal crash.

The side airbags also work to prevent injuries to the driver and front passenger by adding shoulder vents that stay open during inflation, reducing pressure for smaller occupants. Taller folks will block these vents with their shoulders, and this added pressure can actually prove to be helpful.

Along with the shoulder vents, Ford has used an adaptive venting system in its passenger-side front airbag, which diverts some of the inflation gas outside of the bags. This better protects passengers by enhancing head and neck protection by matching inflation force with the size of the occupant, which is monitored by the weight sensors already built into the seats.

As you’d expect, these safety features won’t just be limited to the 2012 Focus. Ford says that this technology will quickly spread to the rest of its model range within the next few years. To see exactly how these systems work, follow the jump to watch an instructional animated video, as well as actual crash test footage. Ford’s press release is available for your reading pleasure, as well.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford introduces airbags with enhanced crash protection, debuting on 2012 Focus [w/video]

Ford introduces airbags with enhanced crash protection, debuting on 2012 Focus [w/video]

We spend more than a few moments of our day on the “what ifs” of the automotive world. What if Jaguar decided to get back into the supercar game? What if Ford made a Bronco with Raptor underpinnings? What if Jeep finally decided to build another pickup? Even so, we’ve never wondered what a sports car built by the off-road kings at Jeep would look like. Fortunately, we don’t have to. In 1969, Jeep got it in its mind to build a vehicle with the road manners of your average car, the off-road prowess of its rugged CJ line and a meaty V8 up front.

The result was the XJ001 Prototype. With a unique fiberglass body and a windshield-frame that doubled as a roll-bar, the design wasn’t exactly the most attractive creation on four wheels. But the concept packed a 360 cubic-inch V8 behind its headlights and the beginnings of a Quadratrac all-wheel drive system down below, making it an unholy terror on or off road. The ridiculously optimistic nature of the beast has us entirely smitten, but unfortunately, the XJ001 is nowhere to be found today. The truck/car hybrid met its end during a shipping accident where it burnt to the ground.

[Source: Off Road Action]

Jeep XJ001 Prototype makes us want to grow a mustache, wear jean cut-offs

Review: 2011 Ford F-450 Lariat

The king of its class gets updated for 2011 and we test out the top-spec Lariat model to see how it copes with the daily grind.

Video(s): Mini Countryman WRC gets wrung out

The Countryman may seem like an odd entrant into WRC, but couple the marque’s rally heritage with these latest spy videos and it’s obvious that Mini is serious about slinging dirt.

Marchionne shows 2012 Dodge Viper at dealer meeting

Marchionne shows off the next Dodge Viper along with a Jeep pickup truck at its Florida dealer’s meeting.

Also of interest:

• Report: Electric CUV coming from Kia in 2013
• Holden Redlines its V-Series performance offerings
• Spy Video: Ferrari 612 Scaglietti caught testing at Fiorano
• Report: Bentley experimented with diesels, but poor salability means they won’t be built
• Honda recalling Accord Crosstour over airbag issue

Browse our archive of Daily U-Turn posts or subscribe to the RSS feed

Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 9.15.10

Fisker Automotive is taking it slow, but the upstart automaker hopes that an attractive lady or two will take your mind off of the production delays until the Paris Motor Show starts later this month. Why Paris? Because that’s where the first “factory-built Karma” will be displayed in public for the first time. Also in Paris, Fisker representatives will give details, “about the expansion of its prestigious global importer network” that will help the company reach its target of 100,000 vehicles a year.

CEO Henrik Fisker said in a statement that:

We had a chance to change the premium vehicle segment with a new kind of vehicle and a new brand that appeal to consumers who are passionate about the environment, and who wish to drive a beautiful car that reflects their desire to lead a lifestyle of responsible luxury. We are very excited to be introducing the first factory-built Karma luxury plug-in hybrid in Paris, a city known for inspiring its own passions.

Here’s one more interesting tidbit from the release: “The Fisker Karma … can achieve an annual average economy of 2.4L/100 km (100 mpg) and emissions of just 83g/km.” An annual miles per gallon rating seems like an odd addition, but considering the venue, it might be necessary to stoke the flames of consumer interest.

[Source: Fisker]

Continue reading Paris Preview: Fisker will show off first “factory-built” Karma plug-in hybrid

Paris Preview: Fisker will show off first “factory-built” Karma plug-in hybrid

Mid-season driver changes don’t happen often in Formula One, but they do happen occasionally. And the Sauber team – formerly owned by BMW – has done exactly that. After the bulk of a season of lackluster performance, the Swiss team has announced that it is removing Pedro de la Rosa from the cockpit for the grands prix left on the calendar.

In his place, Sauber has called Nick Heidfeld back up to the plate. Having spent seven seasons driving for Sauber in the past, scoring a dozen podiums along the way, Heidfeld is a known and proven talent at the team’s headquarters in Hinwil.

Despite his talents, the German driver failed to secure a race seat for the 2010 season, and was retained instead by Mercedes as a test driver. He was subsequently released from his contract with Mercedes when he was recruited by Pirelli to test its new tire compounds, but will likely have to give that up given his renewed ties to Sauber.

Heidfeld will be driving alongside Kamui Kobayashi, who despite having failed to finish more races than de la Rosa, has scored more than three times as many points. With 27 world championship points and five races to go, Sauber sits in 8th place out of 12 in the constructors’ championship standings, just ahead of Toro Rosso and the new teams. Will Heidfeld help the team turn around from the backmarkers they are now to the title contenders they were just a couple of seasons ago? Share your thoughts in the comments section below, or follow the jump for the team’s official announcement.

[Source: Sauber]

Continue reading Heidfeld in, de la Rosa out at Sauber F1

Heidfeld in, de la Rosa out at Sauber F1

BMW has gotten back into the short-film business to promote the new Tiger Edition M3. The German automaker has a long history of turning out incredibly intricate promotions for its products, and we’re still absolutely hooked on The Hire series starring Clive Owen and a bevy of other big-name actors. The company knows how to flip all the right cinematic switches, and it has applied that knowledge to the first advertisement for the feline-themed M3.

As we find out in the film, the Tiger Edition isn’t made in honor of any old Bengal or Siberian tiger – oh no. BMW crafted its Great Pumpkin 3 Series after the meanest of all the big kitties; the Saber Tooth. Aside from having to endure a little cheesy computer-generated skeleton action, the ad is worth a minute or two of your day. Or… not. Hit the jump to take a look for yourself.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: BMW M3 Tiger Edition – The Movie

Video: BMW M3 Tiger Edition – The Movie

While Ferrari was cleaning up at its home race at Monza this past weekend, the GP2 feeder series campaigned its penultimate race of the season. Venezuelan racer Pastor Maldonado, driving for Italian team Rapax, clinched the series title in its sixth season, but arguably even more intriguing was the concurrent launch of the new third-generation GP2 spec racer.

Like the car it replaces, the new GP2/11 is designed and built by Italian racing chassis manufacturer Dallara – also behind the cars used in IndyCar and Formula 3 as well as F1 newcomer HRT’s car, to name just a few – and will be used exclusively by all teams for the next three seasons. Major changes to the design close the gap to Formula One considerably and borrow from its latest developments, employing a larger diffuser, a narrower rear wing and a larger one up front, a raked front nose and anvil-shaped engine cover. Also like F1, the new GP2 car will switch from Bridgestone rubber to new Pirelli compounds.

Development has been underway for several months, and the new car – unveiled to the teams and press at Monza – will see its first race early next year in the season-bridging GP2 Asia Series. Considering that no fewer than fifteen drivers – Lewis Hamilton among them – have graduated from the series up to F1, GP2 has rapidly developed as the place to watch for the next generation of top talent at the pinnacle of open-wheel racing. So keep an eye on newly-crowned champion Paston Maldonado, and check out the new car in the high-res image gallery below.

[Source: GP2]

Third-generation GP2 spec racer unveiled at Monza

It feels like Jaguar’s renaissance has only just begun, and here’s the sedan that started it all, already prepping for its own renaissance. The Jaguar XF, in line to be fitted with some tailoring taken from the XJ’s handsome suit of sheetmetal, was caught again stretching its legs in the desert. The exterior changes won’t be radical, but expect a smattering of fascia work and some tweaking of lines and light clusters out back, along with some revised and refined interior elements.

(More) Spy Shots: 2012 Jaguar XF

At yesterday’s Chrysler dealer conference, the Pentastar people publicly revealed new or updated products from Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Fiat. But there was more on stage than just a facelifted Town & Country and a federalized Fiat 500.

Towards the end of his remarks, Chrysler Group and Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne pulled a Steve Jobs-style “one more thing,” and onto the stage rolled the 2012 Dodge Viper. According to our sources, the design was all-new, complete with an aggressive greenhouse and fresh, angular sheetmetal.

Chrysler has already confirmed that the next Viper is on its way in two years’ time, but showing it off this early is a clear indication that work is well underway. There’s still some debate about what powertrain will be fitted to the thoroughly updated Viper, but early reports indicate that the same 8.4-liter V10 could carry on, possibly with the inclusion of Fiat’s MultiAir technology to reduce emissions and boost output over 700 horsepower. An entry-level V8 option is a possibility, and there’s little doubt that Dodge is tapping Ferrari’s engineers to advise on everything from handling to steering and stability control systems.

Another supposed cameo at the event was a Jeep pickup, similar to the Gladiator concept, however, we’ve yet to confirm its attendance or any serious production plans. But for the time being, we’re content with the knowledge that Dodge’s next supercar is in the wings and we’ll being seeing it in person within the next several months.

UPDATE: More details from the Wall Street Journal.

Marchionne shows 2012 Dodge Viper at dealer meeting