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Summer is right around the corner, and that means theaters will soon be packed with the kind of action-slathered goodness that theater-goers crave. King of explosions Michael Bay has released the latest theatrical trailer for his new boomfest, Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon. Judging by the short clip, the whole crew is in for another sequel-baiting adventure. Bumblebee returns as the world’s most fearsome Chevrolet Camaro and Optimus Prime seems to have received a crash course in badassery since the last time we saw him grace the silver screen.

For reasons that remain unclear, the Prime has yet to punt Shia Labeouf into another galaxy, so fans can look forward to enduring him throughout the span of the film. Labeouf’s new co-star Rosie Huntington-Whitley seems to do a smart enough job of looking equal parts damsel and distressed. The film hits theaters on May 1, so you don’t have long to wait before you can sink your teeth into the action. Hit the jump to check out the trailer for yourself.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon trailer lands on the web

Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon trailer lands on the web

It looks as if Honda may be toying with the notion of bringing hybrid technology to the motorcycle world. According to Motorbiker, the Japanese manufacturer filed a patent for a hybrid bike complete with a detailed drawing of the machine. The interesting part is that the line sketch fits pretty well with the profile of the company’s Goldwing; a bike that’s built for sucking up mile after mile of comfortable interstate cruising. As Motorbike points out, most hybrids are happiest off of the highway, which makes the big cruiser an odd platform choice for a battery pack.

We would have thought that the company’s CBR250R would have been a more fitting bike to bestow the glory of electric motivation upon, but that’s just us. The small commuter is built to spend time in stop and go traffic and field quick runs about town, which would be perfect for the fuel-economy optimizing attributes of a hybrid. Of course, all of those battery packs have to fit somewhere and a Goldwing has plenty of space on board. Head over to Motorbiker to check out the patent drawing and the full patent for yourself.

[Source: Motorbiker]

Report: Honda working on hybrid Goldwing?

Rolls Royce is letting owners and enthusiasts unleash their creative juices on the 2011 Phantom with a new app for the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. The program lets would-be buyers and reams build their very own, fully-customized version of the hyper luxury sedan, complete with a frightening 44,000 exterior color options. If, somehow, you can’t find a shade you like, you can use your device’s camera to take a picture of the exact hue you’re looking for, and the app will apply it to your virtual Phantom.

True, this may not be the most utilitarian app out there, but it could definitely occupy a good portion of a long layover or school play without all the racket of Angry Birds. Once you’ve nailed down the perfect color for your Roller, you can scroll through photo galleries of interior piping choices, wood grains and options to make sure everything matches up just so.

The best part of this virtual Rolls builder is that it’s completely free from the App Store, which means even street urchins like us can afford to build our dream Roller, however unattainable the car may be in the metal.

[Source: Rolls Royce]

Build your next Phantom with the Rolls-Royce iPhone app

Tornadoes are wreaking havoc in the southern United States, causing Mercedes-Benz and Toyota to put the brakes on production at each of their respective Alabama manufacturing facilities. Mercedes-Benz builds GL-Class, M-Class and R-Class vehicles in Tuscaloosa, while Toyota’s Huntsville plant produces V6 and V8 engines for the Tundra and Tacoma pickup trucks and the Sequoia sport utility vehicle.

Both facilities are closed at the moment, and power outages are affecting many areas in the South. Reps for Toyota and Mercedes have stated that their plants will remain closed through the weekend.

[Source: Automotive News Image: Butch Dill/AP]

Mercedes-Benz and Toyota plants halted by tornado outage

While you might associate James Bond with Aston Martin, it’s been a few years since we’ve seen 007 piloting his DBS on the silver screen. And it’ll be at least another year until the 23rd Bond film makes its debut, if not longer. In between, fans can keep up on the spy’s adventures through the pages of new Bond novels, in which the secret agent drives a Bentley. And so to commemorate the launch of the latest volume, Crewe has designed a special edition enclosure for the occasion.

Now Bentley, of course, is in the business of making cars, not books, so you know that when they were brought on board to make this unique edition of the latest Bond novel, Carte Blanche, it’d have to be something a little more unique than the paperback you’d find at your local drug store. And indeed it is: the special edition is printed in red and black ink on ivory paper, book-ended, as it were, by red leather endpapers, and covered in white Nappa leather into which the title and logos are embossed.

Very nice and all, but what really sets this edition apart is the polished aluminum case – crafted on a machine specially commissioned for the task – which represents the form of the new Continental GT that Bond drives in the story. And for one last special touch, the pages are pierced by a “bullet hole”, in which sits an individually-numbered and polished 9mm round. Only 500 examples will be made, each fetching £1,000 (approximately $1,650). Follow the jump for the official press release, and check out the images in the gallery below for a closer look.

[Source: Bentley]

Continue reading Bentley builds a bespoke Bond book

Bentley builds a bespoke Bond book

The 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 certainly has the stats of a kick-ass track car. Who can argue with a naturally aspirated, 4.0-liter flat-six with 500 horsepower, an 8,250 rpm redline and a Nürburgring time of 7:27? Just as exciting is the fact that the GT3 RS 4.0 weighs only 2,998 pounds soaking wet, thanks to a host of weight-saving measures like light-weight carpet and scads of carbon fiber. And when was the last time you saw a street-legal production car with front dive plates for added down-force?

You know what else we like? Video of the GT3 RS 4.0 on the track. After the jump is video of the 997 911’s final iteration tearing up the Porsche development test track in Germany. While you’re watching, you can also learn more about the 4.0 from Porsche GT boss Andreas Preuninger. It’s too bad that we’re only $184,948 short of the GT3 RS 4.0’s starting price of $185k, because we’d sure like to be one of the 600 owners to have this 911 in our long-term garage. Hit the jump to enjoy the sights and sounds.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 takes to the track

Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 takes to the track

The 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 certainly has the stats of a kick-ass track car. Who can argue with a naturally aspirated, 4.0-liter flat-six with 500 horsepower, an 8,250 rpm redline and a Nürburgring time of 7:27? Just as exciting is the fact that the GT3 RS 4.0 weighs only 2,998 pounds soaking wet, thanks to a host of weight-saving measures like light-weight carpet and scads of carbon fiber. And when was the last time you saw a street-legal production car with front dive plates for added down-force?

You know what else we like? Video of the GT3 RS 4.0 on the track. After the jump is video of the 997 911’s final iteration tearing up the Porsche development test track in Germany. While you’re watching, you can also learn more about the 4.0 from Porsche GT boss Andreas Preuninger. It’s too bad that we’re only $184,948 short of the GT3 RS 4.0’s starting price of $185k, because we’d sure like to be one of the 600 owners to have this 911 in our long-term garage. Hit the jump to enjoy the sights and sounds.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 takes to the track

Video: Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 takes to the track

If you have no interest in motorcycles, mechanics or old machinery, it’s probably best you skip this post. You see, the short film after the jump is perhaps the best depiction of the highs and lows associated with those three horsemen that we’ve ever seen on screen. The video features plenty of lengthy shots of a Triumph motorcycle single dashing across the open country side. It’s exactly what every motorcyclist thinks of when the words “perfect” and “ride” worm their way into conversation. There’s no traffic and no foul weather – just miles of meandering asphalt and nowhere to be.

But our hero rider runs into a bit of a mechanical hiccup when he stops for a spell. Fuel floods the cylinder, and despite his best efforts, he’s reduced to a raving ball of frustration after frantically trying to get the bike to start. As the crew at Visordown accurately point out, the scene is the visual embodiment of Robert M Pirsig’s famous line, “If the machine produces tranquility it’s right. If it disturbs you it’s wrong until either the machine or your mind is changed.”

We won’t spoil the ending for you, but if you’ve ever found yourself in a similar situation, you know the elation of victory all too well. Hit the jump to check out Blazer for yourself.

Note: Language makes this one Not Safe For Work.

[Source: Visordown]

Continue reading Short film depicts the definition of ‘triumph’

Short film depicts the definition of ‘triumph’

Get excited, kids. The Driver franchise is back with a new chapter, and this time the story takes the damage to San Francisco. Our good friends over at Joystiq got to spend a little time behind the controller of the game ahead of its launch. The storyline picks up after the conclusion of Driv3r, which means we’re done playing around in the late ’70s. Ubisoft Reflections has gone through the trouble of rendering a fair portion of down town, Marin County, East Bay and Treasure Island for our tormenting pleasure, though according to Joystiq, that’s not the most interesting part of the gameplay.

Early in the action, our hero Tanner winds up in a coma and spends the rest of the story line haunting San Francisco and possessing random drivers to track down the infamous Jericho. Apparently players can snap up any vehicle they see simply by lining up a reticle and pressing a button. It sounds a little shaky to us, but that doesn’t mean we won’t light a few hours of our life on fire by flopping down on the couch with Driver: San Fracisco when it lands this August. Hit the jump for a video.

[Source: Joystiq]

Continue reading Tanner returns in Driver: San Francisco

Tanner returns in Driver: San Francisco

It’s no secret that Formula One exerts high levels of force on both drivers and cars. Case in point: As seen in the video after the break, Red Bull driver Sebastien Buemi experienced catastrophic failure of his front wheels under hard braking. Buemi was setting up for a corner and slowing from around 185 miles per hour when both of his front wheels tore themselves away from his race car.

We shared this news last year, but this version of the clip has a few more angles from which to take in the carnage. Click past the jump for a terrific show of F1 force.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Forces at play in Formula One enough to destroy wheels

Forces at play in Formula One enough to destroy wheels

When gas prices hit $4 per gallon in the past, pickup sales suffered as a result. We have to wait until April sales are released to know how much truck sales have been hurt by the latest spike at the pump, but it’s clear that the Ford F-150 is getting a big boost from its turbocharged V6.

Automotive News reports that 36 percent of all F-150s are equipped with the optional EcoBoost V6, which costs between $750 and $1,750 depending on the model. What’s more, the EcoBoost model is reportedly accounting for 40 percent of all F-150 orders, and there is currently a scant 13-day supply of the boosted trucks.

Traditionally, full-size truck buyers have been more inclined to opt for larger V8 engines, but the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 appears to have changed some minds. The mill’s V8-like 365 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque means that capability won’t be compromised, while fuel economy rises by up to 20 percent. The Environmental Protection Agency gave the boosted F-150 a 16 mile per gallon city rating and a 22 mpg rating in highway driving.

At the same time, Ford claims a maximum tow rating of 11,300 pounds with an EcoBoost-equipped F-150, depending on the model configuration. For comparison’s sake, F-150s that come with the 411-hp, 6.2-liter V8 can also tow 11,300 pounds, but fuel economy tops out at only 18 mpg in highway driving.

With the EcoBoost F-150 off to a rousing start, the next big question is whether the boosted V6 has staying power in the event gas prices drop back down to more normal levels. We’ll have to wait and see, but with power and capability that matches other trucks in the F-150 lineup and a significant fuel economy savings, we can’t see why not.

Photos copyright (C)2010 Jeremy Korzeniewski / AOL and Ford Motor Company

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Ford’s EcoBoost V6 accounts for 36% of all F-150 sales

The third installment in the DiRT video game franchise, DiRT 3, hits stores on May 24, 2011. It will cost you $59.99 for a copy, which is steep, but completely in-line with the pricing for today’s video games. If you have a few extra coins hiding under the couch cushions, however, then GameStop has a tantalizing product bundle for you. Spend $299 to reserve a copy of DiRT 3, and you will also get the Traxxas Ken Block R/C Ford Fiesta.

If you were already considering buying the radio-controlled gymkhana machine, then this is a great deal, because it essentially throws the game in for free. If, like us, you were thinking of buying the Codemasters game, and you currently have R/C cars on the brain, this deal means you have to explain to your wife why the American Express bill shows a GameStop purchase for nearly five times the previously discussed amount.

Click past the jump to see why sleeping on the couch will be worth it come May 24. Thanks to all for the tips!

[Source: GameStop via MotorworldHype, YouTube]

Continue reading DiRT 3 available for pre-order, includes Traxxas Ken Block R/C Fiesta [w/video]

DiRT 3 available for pre-order, includes Traxxas Ken Block R/C Fiesta [w/video]

Facebook is the latest big deal with all kinda of brands all over the world, as companies have spent small fortunes to bolster their social media presence. Has all that attention worked? It apparently has for Audi, as the Four-Ringed automaker has topped everyone in a key statistic.

Mashable reports that a study by Visibli shows Audi has the most engaged fans on Facebook. Better than Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber and, perhaps best of all, better than any other automaker. In fact, American Airlines is the only other brand to make the list that isn’t a celebrity. To become “most engaged,” Audi managed 228 “Likes” out of every 100,000 fans; far exceeding the Bieber’s average of 181 per 100,000. This is where we’d typically work in some Bieber lyrics while rubbing it in that he lost, but we can honestly say we don’t know any.

So how did Audi manage to top every other brand and celebrity? Visibli CEO Saif Ajani is stumped for answers, adding “we’re trying to find out ourselves.” One possible explanation is that Audi has been “like-gating” certain content. Basically, you have to “Like” something to view a video, release or photos. Hey, whatever works…

[Source: Mashable via Social Car News]

Audi has most engaged Facebook fans, beats out Justin Bieber

The last time we heard from the Motus crew, they were packing up their gear and hitting the road for a long trip designed to put both the MST-01 and the MST-R through their paces. Now it would seem that the American-built bikes recently put in some time on the track with the suspension gurus from Ohlins to get the kit sorted before full production kicks off. Fortunately for us, they brought along a video crew to document the action and give the whole world a sample of exactly what a pushrod V4 sounds like.

We like what we hear.

So, how long will it be before you can get your hands on either bike? Motus isn’t handing out any set dates just yet, but the company does say that it’s currently shopping for dealers. If you think there’s a dealer in your area that might be into selling American-made sport tourers with 160 horsepower on tap and an Ohlins-tuned suspension, drop Motus a line. Hit the jump to check out the full video for yourself.

[Source: Motus via YouTube]

Continue reading Motus hits the track with MST-01 and MST-R

Motus hits the track with MST-01 and MST-R

Lamborghini is continuing to share footage of the latest addition to its stable with the commoners of the world. The newest clip follows two Aventador models as they make short work of a rolling piece of country asphalt. There’s no weird CGI or apocalyptic theme here. Oh no. Instead, you’re treated to a quick vision of what life would be like if you and your significant other managed to fork over the ransom necessary to bring not one, but two examples of the Lamborghini Aventador home for the enjoying.

Life would certainly be different. The company has also showed off an additional clip of the same duo dashing through downtown Rome.

As you may recall, the Aventador is the latest in the evolution of the Raging Bull. The 691 horsepower carbon-fiber beast weighs in at feathery-light 3,472 pounds, which gives it the kind of power-to-weight ratio typically found on a race track. If you like what you’re smelling, the suits at Sant’Agata will put you in the driver’s seat for around $370,000. If you can’t quite swing that (or if you’re not sure you if you want to buy a pair of these or that island you have your eye on), we’ll have a first drive of the Aventador for you shortly. In the meantime, hit the jump to check out the full video for yourself.

[Source: Lamborghini via YouTube]

Continue reading Lamborghini Aventador pairing frolics in the Italian countryside

Lamborghini Aventador pairing frolics in the Italian countryside

Armchair quarterbacks have been quick to charge Toyota with losing its engineering nerve, labeling it a brand content to churn out safe, middle-of-the-road milquetoast offerings for every segment in which it competes. Admittedly, this isn’t the same company that once marketed a supercharged, mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive minivan shaped like a suppository, nor is it the same company that sold homologated rally specials alongside its workaday iron. But to say that there are no bold spirits in Toyota City just ain’t so – just look at the bonkers LFA supercar, for goodness’ sake.

But you needn’t have a millionaire’s bankbook to see that the Japanese automaker still has cheek to spare – just check out the 2011 Lexus CT 200h. Not only is Toyota’s premium marque dipping its toes into America’s compact luxury market – a segment that nobody but Mini has figured out how to make big dollars on – it’s doing so with a hybrid, an expensive powertrain configuration that, Prius aside, only sells in marginal volumes.

Admittedly, Lexus has made no bones about the fact that it’s squarely targeting Europe with the CT (a market where hatchbacks consistently do big business and “small premium” is not an oxymoron), but make no mistake, this is a brave bet. Lexus says it’s gunning for 1,000 units a month – a small number in the grand scheme of things – but it’s expecting the moon when compared to competitors like the Audi A3, BMW 1 Series and Volvo C30, which typically sell in the hundreds per month. Yet this bold bet is showing early signs of paying off. Thanks in part to heavy advanced marketing, Lexus cleared its decks of over twice that many units in March – 2,199 – the CT’s first month on sale.

Continue reading Review: 2011 Lexus CT 200h…

Photos copyright (C)2011 by Chris Paukert /AOL

Continue reading 2011 Lexus CT 200h

2011 Lexus CT 200h

Armchair quarterbacks have been quick to charge Toyota with losing its engineering nerve, labeling it a brand content to churn out safe, middle-of-the-road milquetoast offerings for every segment in which it competes. Admittedly, this isn’t the same company that once marketed a supercharged, mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive minivan shaped like a suppository, nor is it the same company that sold homologated rally specials alongside its workaday iron. But to say that there are no bold spirits in Toyota City just ain’t so – just look at the bonkers LFA supercar, for goodness’ sake.

But you needn’t have a millionaire’s bankbook to see that the Japanese automaker still has cheek to spare – just check out the 2011 Lexus CT 200h. Not only is Toyota’s premium marque dipping its toes into America’s compact luxury market – a segment that nobody but Mini has figured out how to make big dollars on – it’s doing so with a hybrid, an expensive powertrain configuration that, Prius aside, only sells in marginal volumes.

Admittedly, Lexus has made no bones about the fact that it’s squarely targeting Europe with the CT (a market where hatchbacks consistently do big business and “small premium” is not an oxymoron), but make no mistake, this is a brave bet. Lexus says it’s gunning for 1,000 units a month – a small number in the grand scheme of things – but it’s expecting the moon when compared to competitors like the Audi A3, BMW 1 Series and Volvo C30, which typically sell in the hundreds per month. Yet this bold bet is showing early signs of paying off. Thanks in part to heavy advanced marketing, Lexus cleared its decks of over twice that many units in March – 2,199 – the CT’s first month on sale.

Continue reading Review: 2011 Lexus CT 200h…

Photos copyright (C)2011 by Chris Paukert /AOL

Continue reading Review: 2011 Lexus CT 200h

Review: 2011 Lexus CT 200h

The Chevrolet C6 Corvette platform soldiers on for 2012, though buyers can now look forward to a few subtle changes compared to the 2011 model. The entire 2012 Chevrolet Corvette line now benefits from a slightly massaged interior that includes a new steering wheel and new seats. The thrones pack more supportive bolstering along the sides and microfiber inserts are also available for the first time as well. The reworked tiller features hide-wrapped spokes and what General Motors calls “streamlined” switch trim. Anyone who has spent time in a recent Corvette will know that these interior tweaks are much-needed improvements.

Otherwise, the base 2012 Chevrolet Corvette will remain remarkably untouched. Those who opt up to Z06 and ZR1 trims will find a few new changes, however. Michelin Pilot Sport Cup Zero Pressure tires are now optional on both the heavy hitters, and the company’s engineers say that the new rubber should be good for an eight-percent gain in lateral acceleration and that private testing at Virginia International Raceway delivered an improvement of three seconds per lap over the standard tire.

The Z06 also gets treated to optional gear like performance traction control, a full-width rear spoiler and a carbon fiber hood. The mighty ZR1, meanwhile, will utilize taller gearing in the fifth and sixth cogs to maximize fuel economy. Something tells us they might just help out on the top-end as well. Hit the jump for the full press blast as well as an introductory video.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading 2012 Chevrolet Corvette gets upgraded interior, new tires and options [w/video]

2012 Chevrolet Corvette gets upgraded interior, new tires and options [w/video]

The public portion of the 2011 New York Auto Show is in full swing, but not everyone can (or wants) to make the trip to the Big Apple. The producers of the show have come up with a solution, which allows you to check out the action from the comfort of your favorite computin’ chair.

Your host for New York Auto Show After Dark is an attractive lass named Serene. She and her crew have put together a few videos, giving you a look at a few select vehicles and events at the 2011 NYIAS. Click past the jump to view the clips and take in a bit more of the New York Auto Show.

Of course, you can also see high-res image galleries of all the new vehicles from the show right here.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Can’t make the New York Auto Show? Take a virtual tour with a hot model

Can’t make the New York Auto Show? Take a virtual tour with a hot model

The public portion of the 2011 New York Auto Show is in full swing, but not everyone can (or wants) to make the trip to the Big Apple. The producers of the show have come up with a solution, which allows you to check out the action from the comfort of your favorite computin’ chair.

Your host for New York Auto Show After Dark is an attractive lass named Serene. She and her crew have put together a few videos, giving you a look at a few select vehicles and events at the 2011 NYIAS. Click past the jump to view the clips and take in a bit more of the New York Auto Show.

Of course, you can also see high-res image galleries of all the new vehicles from the show right here.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Videos: Can’t make the New York Auto Show? Take a virtual tour with a hot model

Videos: Can’t make the New York Auto Show? Take a virtual tour with a hot model