Ferrari 599XX

Ferrari 458 Italia

2011-05-12T00:28:00.000-07:00

Project Zeus, as the Vancouver-based tuner calls it, involves adding a Novitec aerodynamic kit to the 458 which includes front lip spoiler, side skirts, rear skirts, rear lip spoiler and a gloss-black roof.

Also contributed from a European tuner is an Akropovic sport exhaust system which likely adds a horsepower or two to the 458 Italia, although SR Project doesn't say.

The tuner fits Forgiato Aguzzo (sharp forged) wheels to the 458 with 21-inchers at the front and 22-inch rims at the back.

Novitec also supplies the lowering springs for the suspension tuning.

But we can call this a Canadian creation, can't we, eh?

Ferrari Genuine Maintenance

2011-04-28T21:24:00.001-07:00

The program is only available to Ferrari 458, California and FF customers, and it can be handed over to second-hand buyers.
The program started off in Europe as of March, but the company has said it will become available in other international markets later this year. CarAdvice contacted Edward Rowe of ATECO and European Automotive Imports, Ferrari importers for Australia, about the program, he said,
“At the moment it [the program] is for European customers only. It will be rolled out on a market by market basis over the next 12 months.”
Mr Rowe said that Australian market introduction depends on various legal and market requirements. He did say that if he was to predict when the program would become available, if at all, it would likely be early in 2012, at around the time of the local launch of the Ferrari FF.
For all those living outside Australia, the program is available now and covers all scheduled maintenance items including fluids and spare parts. The company has also said there is no limit on kilometres either and the program can be transferred to a second owner. Ferrari recently said about the program that it is,
“Designed to anticipate one annual service each year during the seven years, but, as there is no mileage restriction, clients who reach the service intervals by mileage (every 20,000km) will be able to have their car serviced more than once per year.”

Ferrari 458

2011-03-30T01:28:00.000-07:00

For years, Ferrari 458 ownership has been about compromise. A Ferrari is purposeful, racing-bred technology made to work well on the street, but it comes at a price, both literally and figuratively.Ferrari 458 are expensive to own and maintain, and for that reason, many people only use them selectively to carve canyons on weekends and at racetracks.Even worse, many owners simply drive them to the mall and back, stopping at Starbucks to show off real excess to people who think $4 coffee is a luxury. Besides the obvious expense of owning and operating such a machine, there are a few other drawbacks.
PAST FERRARIS SEEM CRUDE BY COMPARISON. Yes, the paddle-shifted F1 Gearbox can shift in 100 milliseconds, but we’ve seen smoother clutch operation from drunk 16 year-olds who’ve stolen their fathers Corvette. The radio, sourced from Blaupunkt, is completely indecipherable and sounds like it was assembled at Best Buy. The so-called Navigation system, optional with the 430 Scuderia, is completely useless. Ferrari 458 The air conditioning doesn’t blow cold when it’s hot outside, but works great in the dead of winter. As for Spider models, the top is slow to operate, prone to breaking, and expensive to fix. And often, so many Ferraris simply won’t start when asked.

599XX: An Extreme Track Car

2011-01-05T23:55:00.000-08:00

Particular attention was also paid to cutting the weight of the engine unit components. This was achieved both by optimizing forms - as in the new crankshaft - and adopting exclusive materials, as in the carbon-fiber used for the intake plenums. A new gearbox shift strategy cuts overall gearchange times to 60 ms.

The Ferrari 599XX is characterized by an innovative electronic concept called the "High Performance Dynamic Concept" which has been designed to get the maximum performance from the car by managing the combination of the car's mechanical limits with the potential of its electronic controls. The mechanical and electronic systems work together to get the maximum performance from the car under extreme high performance driving, for consistent lap times. The sporty handling has been improved thanks to the adoption of second generation SCM suspension system. Track usage is also made easier thanks to the new "virtual car engineer", a screen in the car that provides a real-time indication of the vehicle's efficiency.

Ferrari 599XX Race Car

2011-01-05T22:28:00.000-08:00

While based on the 599 GTB Fiorano with the same transaxle layout and engine type, the Ferrari 599XX is an extreme track car. Ferrari's engineers have carried out extensive work on the engine's combustion chambers and inlet and exhaust tracts. These modifications, combined with the fact that internal attrition has been reduced and the maximum revs have been boosted to 9,000 rpm, helped achieve the target power output of 700 hp at 9,000 rpm.

Nissan GT-R first disc 3.8 V6

2010-10-14T20:39:00.000-07:00

style changes include a wider front grille

What is this?

The new Nissan GT-R has been shown to us at the end of 2007. At the time of his chief engineer Kazutoshi Mizuno has clearly indicated that there would be another three years perfecting the concept would be to a point where the real GT-R unveiled. And this, apparently it is.

Does not look much different, right? But it is not. The major changes in style, but some daytime running lights, larger grille and new rear diffuser, carbon running, but the car has been extensively updated mechanics.

See photos of the first drive Nissan GT-R 3.8 V6
How is it?

Tantalisingly enough, Mizuno remaining cautious in the numbers, but we will know more lift and valve timing convoluted production has increased at least 478bhp to 523bhp.

In addition, there is now a carbon mast brace on the engine room dampers modified relating to tires, brakes front construction and design changes, larger (up to 10 mm 390 mm), an increase of 10 per cent of production and we believe to improved economy and emissions of CO2.

What is this? Nissan does not say, at least for now. However, it is safe to assume that one-tenth or two of them claimed 3.6sec 0-60mph time and top speed can be made are now closer to 200 mph miles 190 hours.

As for the lap of the Nurburgring, Nissan is therefore the focus has been his team go on a tear the day I drove the car, but the weather prevented the process.

Instead, I slipped on the Nordschleife, and found the final booster shot be less important than the apparent widening of the band of torque. Of course, there are no data for this, but the GT-R felt better gear than before seems natural.

But I would say that the main change concerns the suspension, which seemed incredibly stable, though very interested in his nose up close, that have been absurd to push the slippery track conditions.
Should I buy?

Now it seems that the great shock that Nissan will be charged. A version should be sold in the United Kingdom at a cost of over £ 70,000, which could easily lead to an increase of 10 Grand Prix.

were and, while the GT-R will be improved and comprehensive, perhaps even more than is expected for this type of bonus would be.
Andrew Frankel

Nissan GT-R 3.8 V6

Price: € 70,000 (EST) Maximum speed: 196 km / h 0-62 mph: 3.5 seconds (EST) Economy: 23.5mpg (combined) CO2: 279g/km; notch weight: na Engine: 3799cc V6, twin turbo, petrol, power: 523bhp at 6400rpm (EST) £ 442 Nm at 3200rpm (EST) Transmission: automatic dual-clutch 6-SPD

BMW 550i The BMW 5 Series

2010-09-26T22:36:00.000-07:00

2011 BMW 550i - Click above for high-res image gallery

More than one mile above sea level, located in the heart of Sequoia National Park, is the General Sherman tree. This nearly three-hundred foot tall Giant Sequoia is considered the largest tree in the world, as based on total volume. More impressive than its mass is its age – scientists believe it is between 2,300 and 2,700 years old. Giant Sequoias have prospered over centuries, while countless lesser trees have come and gone, because they posses very unique qualities. Their foot-thick bark allows them to resist fire, and their shallow roots take advantage of rain showers during periods of drought. And, in an interesting twist of natural survival, their tall canopies effectively block the sun, preventing competitors from taking hold and surviving in the darkened shadows at their base.

The BMW 5 Series is in a similar position. The long-established benchmark mid-size sport sedan finds itself in a constant battle with competitors trying to push it aside in an effort to capture its territory. Instead of resting on its laurels, BMW re-engineers the four-door once every eight years to conform to a changing and ever crowding segment.

Introduced earlier this year, the all-new 2011 BMW 5 Series breaks new ground. Now sharing platforms with the 7 Series, the sedan seems to have changed its tune from sport to luxury. We spent a week with the range-topping 550i, fitted with the automaker's twin-turbo 400-horsepower V8, to put our fingers on its new mission.

Bosal Muffler Single inlet and outlet configuration; 35 in. L x 10 in. W x 12 in. H

2010-07-30T15:28:00.000-07:00

Bosal Muffler - Natural, Aluminized steel, Direct OE Replacement, Standard OE Replacement
Part Number: BOVFM1760
Manufacturer Number: VFM-1760
Bosal Muffler Bosal Muffler
List Price: $105.20
Our Price: $89.15
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BOSAL REAR MUFFLER, ALUMINIZED STEEL, NATURAL FINISH, SOLD INDIVIDUALLY -- Single inlet and outlet configuration; 35 in. L x 10 in. W x 12 in. H; Oval casing; Standard direct fit OE replacement; Made to fit vehicle-specific requirements for backpressure, emissions, sound levels, and sensors; Precision-manufactured to high tolerances for long life; Easy installation.

Nissan Juke new

2010-06-09T21:43:00.001-07:00

The stylish Juke was designed for Europe, where they load up large-car features on what we would consider very small cars. The Juke rides on the global B-platform, which is shared with the Nissan Versa and Cube and the Renault Clio. But in this application, it has sophistication you would find on something like an Acura MDX, with clutch packs on the rear half shafts and a smart differential up front sending power to the wheels that need it most. A dash-mounted “I-CON vehicle information interface” allows you to select three different settings for throttle, transmission and steering response: normal, sport and eco. A separate switch allows you to select three settings for the vectoring all-wheel drive. The all-new single-scroll turbocharged 1.6-liter direct-injection gasoline four will make “180-plus” hp, according to Nissan, and “170-plus” lb-ft of torque. Final U.S. figures will come out closer to this CUV's launch in October.

The Juke is fully loaded inside as well. In addition to standards such as an iPod jack and Bluetooth, it offers navigation, keyless entry and even a g-meter on the dash screen. Styling inside and out is so strong it's almost distracting. Overly pronounced fender flares give it a WRC shape, while the center console looks as if someone put a little superbike between the seats, with the shifter popping up out of the “gas tank.” The shapes all come from the Qazana concept shown at Geneva in 2009.

How does it drive?

We took a Juke up the twisting Highway 23 to Mulholland out in the Santa Monica Mountains and got a chance to play around with that torque-vectoring AWD. In the normal setting, with all power going to the front wheels, we could easily get wheelspin from the inside front tire while accelerating out of tight corners on that damp, drizzly morning. The middle setting, which varied torque front to rear, was a little better controlled, but for harder hammering, clicking the switch to the lower setting kept all four wheels delivering torque all the time with no discernable slip.

It was hard to distinguish differences among the normal, sport and eco settings on the I-CON vehicle-information interface that altered throttle, shift and steering response. Maybe more seat time will better demonstrate the subtleties.

The sad thing is that all of that sophistication in the drivetrain is sapped by the soul-destroying choice of a CVT transmission. Why load it up with impressive torque vectoring and clutch packs on the half shafts only to cancel out many of those gains with a wailing CVT? A six-speed manual is available, but only on front-wheel-drive models. Sounds like CAFÉ has struck again.

Nissan lists the Mazda 3 and the Mini as competitors in this segment. If only those two cars came with this sophisticated powertrain. Or this sophisticated powertrain came with the transmissions of those two competitors.

Do I want it?

That is the $64 million question, though the Juke is expected to sell for considerably less than that when it arrives in early October in the United States. Preliminary pricing says it will start at less than $20,000, but that'll be for the FWD setup. The Juke is supposed to be aimed at young males, though we guess that, outside of AW readers, the number of rally-car and superbike aficionados is higher in Europe than in the States. Nissan isn't concerned, since this was, after all, a European vehicle, and any U.S. sales will be the global sales equivalent of gravy.

Our product-planning suggestion? Offer a manual, or even a regular automatic with all of those clutch packs.

We hope the Juke takes off, if for no other reason than a successful U.S. Juke could mean greater availability of European- and Japan-market cars here. More choice is always good, especially if the choices involve fun-to-drive cars.

2011 Nissan Juke

On Sale: October

Base Price: Less than $20,000

Drivetrain: 1.6-liter, gasoline direct-injection turbocharged four; 180-plus hp, 170-plus lb-ft, FWD (AWD optional), six-speed manual (CVT with AWD)

Curb Weight: 3,000 lb (mfr est)

Cadillac CTS Performance

2010-06-09T21:43:00.000-07:00

The first thing I'd do is opt out of these seats. Yeah, I know they're Recaros and I guess to some that's supposed to mean performance or something, but frankly they're not that good. Support is in the wrong places, and I can't adjust them to a comfortable position. Maybe it's me, but I've never had this problem with Recaros before.

The rest of the car is OK; it's tight and solid. Something weird happened this morning when I first started the car; it was jerky under part throttle. It idled smoothly and if I got in to the gas, it smoothed out, but partial throttle it was just the slightest bit rough. Once it was warmed up it felt fine. There is enough power here, though.

The interior is nice except for the aforementioned seats, and I find the touch screen hard to see in certain light.

Overall, not a bad piece, but no way in hell I'd take one over an A6. The Audi A6 with the supercharged 3.0-liter V6 hits the sweet spot for me.

SENIOR EDITOR FOR NEWS BOB GRITZINGER: Maybe I found a button that Wes didn't, but once I let some of the pressure out of the lumbar support, that Recaro driver's seat fit like a glove. Some might find the CTS cabin a tad claustrophobic, but I find it a cozy and contained cocoon with everything right where I want it. The driving position felt near-perfect for my 5-foot-10 frame.

I agree that this V6 offers plenty of power, revving nicely when pushed and running silently otherwise, matching the whole Cadillac ethos of refined performance. It may not be quite as silky as an inline BMW six-cylinder, but what is?

Otherwise, the car rides and handles well, managing bumps without drama and smoothing out most surfaces without any disconnected softness in the suspension. The steering effort builds perfectly in cornering.

There's little here to quibble about: I'd like some clarity to the busy center stack, which combines big obvious knobs and buttons with the not-so-obvious touch-screen controls. The combination, which I think Lexus also seemed to think was smart, makes it hard to figure out which control to use to manage audio and navigation. My tendency is to grab the big knob in the middle to change map scale, or to tune the radio, and it doesn't do either. Just a little frustrating, and something that I assume an owner would figure out in due time.

Overall, this is one great sports sedan, one that drives, handles and looks the like one.

SENIOR WEB REPORTER GREG MIGLIORE: This athletic Cadillac is a great example of power and luxury. It handles very spryly, and I did a couple of energetic loops through turnarounds with ease. The chassis is nice and tight and the body well controlled. I also found the steering to be very precise, and it offers more feedback in more vigorous driving.

The V6 is a gem, and the power is strong and enjoyable. I love the rear-wheel drive. To me, that's a pillar of true luxury and performance.

This CTS cuts a sharp appearance, with sporty wheels, excellent headlights and taillights and gobs of refined attitude. When I think of gutsy styling, the CTS is the definition of those words.

The interior is quiet, and the dials very elegant. I liked the Recaros; they fit me perfectly. And I thought the interior struck the right tone for a stately yet powerful demeanor.

2010 Cadillac CTS Performance

Base Price: $42,390

As-Tested Price: $52,390

Drivetrain: 3.6-liter V6; RWD, six-speed automatic

Output: 304 hp @ 6,400 rpm, 273 lb-ft @ 5,200 rpm

Curb Weight: 3,874 lb

Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 21/19.8 mpg

Options: Performance luxury package including audible theft-deterrent system, LED interior ambient lighting, driver and front-passenger heated and cooled seats, rear split-folding seats, power tilt/telescoping wheel, keyless access, remote start, rear park assist, sapele wood-trim package, automatic cabin odor filter ($2,855); Recaro high-performance seats and metal pedals ($2,800); navigation system including premium sound, 10-speaker system, 40GB hard drive, satellite traffic ($2,145); 19-inch summer-tire performance package including 19-inch polished aluminum wheels, 19-inch summer tires, sport suspension system, steering-wheel-mounted shift controls, performance cooling system, performance cooling disc brakes ($2,090); underhood appearance package ($110)

2010 One Lap of America

2010-05-11T15:25:00.000-07:00

2010 One Lap of America – Click above for high-res image gallery

This year's running of the One Lap of America wrapped up this weekend after a tidy 3,480 miles, and after a one-year absence from the top spot on the podium, a Porsche 911 has emerged victorious. The No. 3 GT2 (shown above) of Doug Wilks and Leh Keen outlasted all comers, including the No. 4 Nissan GT-R of Catesby Jones and Jose Collado that finished in second place, and the No. 5 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 of Danny Popp, Todd Rumpke and Jeremy Herzberg.

As you may recall, a GT-R took the checkered flag last year, but persistent spark plug issues in the orange-and-gray #1 prevented a repeat performance in 2010. The massively tuned No. 39 BMW 325is of Anthony Magagnoli and Kevin Kreisa was impressively consistent, coming through in fourth place after the carbon fiber-bodied #23 Corvette Z06 of Danny and Kyle Corcoran suffered catastrophic engine failure on a transit stage to drop out of the top five. The failure was particularly unfortunate for Danny Corcoran, known as "Mr. One Lap" to his fellow competitors, as he was participating in his 20th – and likely final – event.

Other standout performances included the heavily modified #54 Honda Civic Si of Jonathan Weir and William Chan, with that car beating out far pricier machinery to finish eighth overall, winning the Econo Car class in the process. Also posting solid results was the No. 124 Mazda5 of Richard Fisher and Jason Saini (ringing up in 15th place) and the No. 20 Porsche Panamera Turbo of Bill and Todd Treffert. The bone-stock Panamera was but a couple of weeks old and barely broken in, yet it turned in a robust performance, including a launch-control aided quarter-mile time of 12.08 seconds in Tulsa, the sixth quickest time among all cars.

This year featured a robust crop of first-time One Lappers, suggesting that, despite America's continued difficult economy, America's toughest road car challenge has a bright future ahead of it.

For full race results, check out OneLapOfAmerica.com, and for event-by-event coverage, visit our friends at MotorTrend.com.

The Weekend That Was

Day One

Honda CR-Z National Market Sales Soar - 10 times more jobs than expected

2010-03-24T20:14:00.000-07:00

The Wall Street Journal reported that orders for Honda CR-Z have been ten times higher than expected. Honda had initially hoped to sell 1,000 units per month domestically, but all orders are now more than 10,000.

With its debut in the United States and Europe in the coming months, the Japanese car manufacturer seems to be only a few barriers between her and her goal of 40,000 to 50,000 units per year.

It is not difficult to see the connection between the technical hiccups and increasing sales Toyota Hybrid Honda in the production process. People have lost confidence in his favorite brand, and were now comparable to the best success is to recognize things.

"If Honda get the sales, go to the brand at the expense of support from Toyota. They are not blind to the situation," said Chris Richter, auto analyst at CLSA Asia-Pacific Markets.

"Honda is the second largest volume of hybrid cars after Toyota and the Insight hybrid car was the first mass-produced hybrid automobile sold in the United States"

Regarding the sale was the move of sports marketing: 90% of the vehicles were for men in their 30s and 40s ordered. If you care to guess how people will react to this part of the Pacific Ocean? "

SMS Supercars

2010-01-11T00:51:00.000-08:00

2010 SMS 620 Camaro - Click above for high-res image

Steve Saleen is continuing his foray into building specialty cars other than Mustangs, and after launching the production of its 570 and 570X Challenger last year, his new company, SMS Supercars, has started the new year off right by releasing the first images of the upcoming 620 Camaro.

Using the SS model with the 6.2-liter V8 as a starting platform, the SMS 620 Camaro features much of the same design elements as the Challenger including the side induction hood, five-spoke wheels, and Alcantara and leather seats. Power is increased via an SMS supercharger system that boosts the LS3 V8 to 575 horsepower and 600 pound-feet torque. Like the Challenger, an "X" model is also available that includes additional engine modifications good for 715 hp and 700 lb-ft torque as well as upgraded suspension, brakes, differential, and wheels.

Like the SMS 460 Mustang, the 620 Camaro is currently only in illustrated form, but the production version should be ready sometime in the second quarter of 2010. You can find full details in the press release after the jump.

2010 SMS 620 Camaro

some drivers elect to circumvent the system

2010-01-11T00:28:00.000-08:00

Emissions tests are often part of the registration renewal ritual for many car owners. Some appreciate being able to breathe deeply, others see it as a de facto tax, while still another group of automotive unfortunates have cars that won't pass without much expensive work. Whether for purely financial reasons, or a chafing anti-authoritarianism, some drivers elect to circumvent the system.

Federal indictments have been handed down to 10 Nevada emissions testers for falsifying emissions tests. The ten testers allegedly accepted cash stipends for "clean scanning" a car. Normally during a Nevada emissions test, vehicles are plugged in via their OBD-II port and the Vehicle Identification Number is entered into a computer. The computer then scans the car's on-board system and passes or fails the automobile. "Clean scanning" is a deception whereby a different vehicle, one that will pass, is connected to the computer, and the VIN of a failing car is entered. More than 1,000 vehicles are believed to have been falsely passed this way by the indicted.

Fooling around with the federal Environmental Protection Agency has these 10 individuals facing up to two years of incarceration and maximum fines of $250,000 per person. Is it mere coincidence that this high-stakes game of palm greasing happened in Vegas?

Kia just announced a similar system called Uvo

2010-01-11T00:03:00.000-08:00

Every carmaker has seen Ford's success in promoting its Sync technology, and they want a piece of that pie - as do many suppliers. Sync is built on top of a Microsoft-developed software platform and after a couple of years of Ford exclusivity, Kia just announced a similar system called Uvo. At the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this week, Continental announced its own competing platform for in-car connectivity called Autolinq.

While Microsoft's in-car operating system is completely proprietary, Continental's system is based on the Google's open-source Android OS. Android's popularity is on the rise thanks to cell phones like the new Nexus One and the Motorola Droid. Continental hopes to leverage that community of software developers to create applications that can be downloaded directly to the car. This roughly mirrors Ford's recent announcement that developers will be able to create apps for Sync.

Continental plans to release a software development kit for Autolinq by the end of March, and have applications to demonstrate in the second half of this year. So far, there's no word on any automakers adopting Autolinq for their vehicles.

Ford Sync App Ecosystem and MyFord

2010-01-07T22:27:00.000-08:00

Hands on with MyFord Touch and SYNC App Ecosystem – Click above for high-res image gallery

You've read the PR, seen the press shots and probably snickered a little at the quote from Ford's Derrick Kuzak indicating that his company's latest tech "will cause people to fall in love with their vehicles again." After getting a chance to play with a few entrants into the company's so-called SYNC App Ecosystem, and getting behind the wheel of a MyFord Touch-equipped mockup vehicle, we're not laughing – but we are smiling. It's impressive tech, so follow the jump to see some videos and check our impressions.

Ford Sync App Ecosystem and MyFord

Slotting in between the Note and Qashqai

2010-01-07T22:00:00.000-08:00

Nissan has named the latest addition to its line up of quirky crossovers, as well as releasing the gloomy teaser shot you see here. Inspired by the Qazana concept shown in Geneva last year, and following in the footsteps of the hugely successful Qashqai, the 'Juke' is designed to offer customers a funky alternative to the traditional small hatchback.

From this dimly-lit photo it's clear that the concept car's swollen wheels arches have been carried over, along with the narrow, elongated headlights and oversize fog lights underneath. It appears the 370Z-inspired rear boomerang lights will also make production, while the windscreen and roofline have taken on a more angular profile.

Slotting in between the Note and Qashqai, the Juke will expand Nissan's broad range even further. And when it goes on sale in October, it should provide a welcome boost for the UK car industry too - it will be built alongside the Qashqai and Qashqai+2 at Nissan's Sunderland plant.

Full details on the newcomer will be realeaed at the global media unveiling on February 10th, but it's public debut won't be until the Geneva Motor Show in March.

Obama urged to push Japan to open its cash-for-clunkers program to U.S.

2010-01-07T19:31:00.000-08:00

Like everywhere else on the planet, new car sales are down in Japan (17 percent versus 2008 levels, to be exact). And, like a number of other countries, Japan has decided to spur automobile sales by creating a cash-for-clunkers-style program at a cost of $3.7 billion. Unlike similar programs from other countries, including the one that ended late last year in the U.S., Japan has drafted a set of rules that strongly favors its own automakers – in effect precluding American cars from qualifying for sales incentives of up to $2,830 per vehicle. Eighty-seven percent of all Japan's domestic models qualify.

By way of comparison, there were multiple C4C bills considered by U.S. policymakers, and the program that eventually went into effect allowed any and all sufficiently fuel efficient vehicles to qualify for its incentives, regardless of their country of origin. After it was all said and done, 319,300 out of a total of 677,000 (just about half) of all C4C sales were Japanese cars.

According to the Detroit News, a number of American lawmakers, including Rep. Betty Sutton, D-Ohio, have called Japan's program "discriminatory and fundamentally unfair... unacceptable and outrageous." To highlight her displeasure over Japan's insular auto market – to wit, imports make up less than five percent of all new car sales in Japan – Sutton has introduced a bill this week urging President Obama to attempt to force Japan into including American automobiles in its C4C program. What are the chances of it passing? Something about snowballs comes to mind...

a stiffer chassis that should answer criticism of the WRX's shifting weight balance

2010-01-07T19:09:00.000-08:00

If the Impreza WRX isn't tough enough for you, Subaru may just have the answer. The Japanese firm has announced the WRX 'R205'- boosted to produce 312bhp thanks to a re-mapped ECU and a new exhaust and turbo.

Elsewhere, the newcomer is fitted with newly tuned suspension and a stiffer chassis that should answer criticism of the WRX's shifting weight balance. Larger, more powerful brakes have also been added.

Outside, the R205 is set apart by new front and rear spoilers and exclusively designed 18-inch alloy wheels.

Unfortunately, the limited run of 400 models can only be ordered through Japanese dealerships.

Mitsubishi Roadest

2010-01-03T21:02:00.000-08:00

2010 Mitsubishi Outlander Roadest - click for high-res gallery

Normally when an automaker updates a model, even if it's just a quick cosmetic change, the earlier version is treated like cheek meat – nobody wants it unless it's a real good deal, and the dealers just want them gone. Mitsubishi evidently thinks its home-market will be kinder to the compact crossover-ute-thing we know and love as the Outlander.

While a new Evo-esque beak has been grafted onto our Outlander for 2010, the softer, older version will continue to be offered to JDM buyers alongside a more cosmetically aggressive model. To avoid confusion, a country-specific rhinoplasty-enhanced model will be branded Outlander Roadest (note that the fascia and, grille and foglamps are all distinct from the U.S. model), while the older bodywork model will continue on as just plain "Outlander." Regardless of the looks, both iterations will get a new 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine as standard, good for 148PS (about 146 horsepower). The offal-likeness is in play with pricing as well, with the new-old Outlander selling for just ¥1,995,000 (about $22,000) while the Roadest will command ¥2,475,900 ($27,100).

Mitsubishi Roadest

The tuner has also considered the S5’s handling and enhanced

2010-01-03T20:51:00.000-08:00

Konigseder’s new kit for Audi S5 Coupe proves that you can improve on perfection! The S5’s discrete and classy body is now sporty and aggressive as well thanks to the tuner’s modified new bumper,sport wheels and new exhaust with those magnificent tailpipes. The only criticism is the side skirts which are unnecessarily big!

Audi S5 has also received a new set of exhaust system from Konigseder which improves its V8 rumble (well if you buy the V8 model! which you should). And there a pair of twin tailpipes which again, are quite big, but kinda cool.

The tuner has also considered the S5’s handling and enhanced it by using new suspension components which lower the ride height. Alternatively you can choose the H&R adjustable system. That is capable of lowering the car for 60mm!

The car also comes with Brembo braking package with bid discs and 6-piston calipers. These discs are nicely placed inside the new 20-inch Competec C01 wheels. These 10-spoke rims come in a matte black finish and are wrapped in 245/30 tires at front 285/25 for the rear.

In the real world of asphalt and hydrocarbons

2010-01-03T20:32:00.000-08:00

Digimods Subaru Impreza - Click above to enlarge

In the real world of asphalt and hydrocarbons (yes, that's possibly redundant), the Subaru WRX STI is a common target for zealous mods. While much tuning can go on under the stock skin, which isn't exactly subtle on a Rex, it's de rigeur to go at the exterior with pieces of thermoplastic and visions of reshaping dancing in your head.

If you're not deft enough to translate inspiration to metal, or you don't have a WRX, or you just want to avoid getting gunk under your fingernails and cutting your hands all up while trimming out big pieces of sheetmetal, you can do it with bits and bytes instead. Of course, a digital mockup is a good way to test out ideas before taking the nipper to the roof, too.

Pete from Digimods has decided that the WRX could really use a rear-mounted engine, plenty more scoops, and a giant roof duct to supply air to the engine, and drown it if it gets taken out in the rainy season. It's a very nicely done rendering. Some will love, some will hate, all will likely have something to say. Have at it, kids!

Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne presents 5-year business plan

2009-11-06T21:10:00.000-08:00

Chrysler LLC has concluded its 7-hour-long marathon presentation of the business plan (read our Live Blog of the event here) that will see it through the next five years, and what we're left with is a little confusing. It's almost as if the automaker's new executives, amidst apologizing for the company's past and promising to do better in the future, were hoping we'd all fall asleep or get lost in the details. Well, we didn't fall asleep or get lost, and below you'll find a breakdown of what we learned while spending the day hip deep in Chrysler's future product. You can also check out the slides from Chrysler's presentation relating to product in the gallery below.

Models On Their Way Out

Jeep Patriot (end of 2012)
Jeep Compass (end of 2012)
Jeep Commander (end of 2010, may continue being sold internationally)
Chrysler PT Cruiser (end of 2010)
Dodge Dakota (mid 2011)
Dodge Caliber (mid 2012)
Dodge Viper (mid 2011, may return in 2012)

New Models That Are Coming

Jeep compact SUV (2013, supplied by Fiat, may be Panda)
Jeep small CUV (2013, supplied by Fiat, replaces Patriot and Compass)
Jeep Liberty (2013, replaced by Fiat product but retains name)
Chrysler small car (2013, supplied by Fiat)
Chrysler compact sedan (2012, supplied by Fiat, replaces PT Cruiser)
Chrysler Sebring (2013, replaced by Fiat product but retains name)
Chrysler midsize CUV (2013, supplied by Fiat)
Ram midsize unibody pickup (under consideration for 2011)
Ram large and small commercial van (2012, supplied by Fiat)
Dodge small car (2013, supplied by Fiat)
Dodge compact sedan (2012, supplied by Fiat)
Dodge Avenger (major update 2010, replaced by Fiat product 2013)
Dodge full-size CUV (2010)
Fiat 500 (late 2010, convertible 2011, Abarth 2012)

Models Staying, Receiving Attention

Jeep Wrangler Diesel (2010/2011, not confirmed for U.S. market... yet)
Jeep Grand Cherokee (all-new 2010)
Chrysler 300C (all-new 2010)
Chrysler Town & Country (major update 2010, next-gen 2014)
Ram 1500/2500/3500 (major update 2012)
Dodge Journey (major update 2010)
Dodge Nitro (major update 2011 under consideration)
Dodge Challenger (refresh 2011)
Dodge Charger (all-new 2010)
Dodge Grand Caravan (major update 2010, next-gen 2014)

UPDATE: You can dive whole hog into the plan yourself at Chrysler's website.

With SMS Supercars recently launching the 570 Challenger

2009-11-06T16:50:00.000-08:00

SMS Superparts - Click above for a high-res image gallery

With SMS Supercars recently launching the 570 Challenger and with a Mustang and Camaro, it was inevitable it would soon offer many of the parts individually. On the first day of SEMA Steve Saleen and his new company announced Superparts, the aftermarket sales and distribution arm of SMS Supercars. Many of the parts on the 570 Challenger are now available individually, including the SMS 296 supercharger, aerodynamic parts, and suspension, wheel and tire packages.

Also making its debut at the show is the new SMS 296 supercharger for the 2005-2010 Ford Mustang. The system uses many of the same core components from the Challenger kit, but has a few new features specific for the 4.6-liter V8. The most notable feature is the "Duo-Path" induction system that splits the incoming air starting at the throttle body, going around the supercharger housing to the back of the engine where it enters the rear intake of the compressor. Expected power will be in the 475-650 range depending on the package.

Read more on the SMS Superparts announcement after the jump, or opt for the visuals with the '90s-style 2010 Mustang and a 570X Challenger painted in Sour Grape Green in the high-res gallery below.

2009-11-06T16:42:00.000-08:00

Honda FF engine demonstrator - click above for high-res image

For 2010, Formula F is getting some fresh blood. The Sports Car Club of America's board of directors has given the thumbs up to Honda's proposal for a new engine in the class. Next year, competitors will be able to swap out their ancient Ford Kent engines for a new 1.5-liter four based on the Fit.

Honda Performance Development created the engine so that it was specifically able to bolt up to many contemporary Formula Ford chassis designs with minimal modification, all while providing comparable performance. The air restrictor and ECU calibrations can be adjusted by HPD to ensure performance parity with the series' existing engines.

The engine's electronically fuel injected engine promises significantly reduced service requirements compared to the Kent, along with better efficiency. The engines will be supplied complete with intake, exhaust and conversion kits. The kit for the Swift DB-1 including the engine and all necessary parts runs $11,750 with deliveries starting February.

Honda Fit FF engine

Win one of five Sony PSP/Gran Turismo bundles - Day 4

2009-11-06T16:19:00.000-08:00

It's Day 4 of our SEMA Sweeps! After giving away three of five limited-edition PSP/Gran Turismo bundles, we're ready to give away our fourth. Yesterday's winner has been randomly selected and contacted, so here's how you can win today.

We're doing this in honor of the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, and with it, the Seventh Annual GT Awards, so take advantage of our generosity and follow the directions below for your chance to win.

Today we're asking whether you prefer the PSP-3000 or new PSP Go. Your answer won't have any effect on your chances of winning since the sweepstakes winner is drawn at random, so pick your favorite portable Sony system, leave a comment and keep your fingers crossed!

Entering is easy. All you have to do is:

Leave a comment in this post telling us whether you prefer the PSP-3000 or PSP Go.
You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the U.S. or Canada (excluding Quebec, désolé!)
Limit 1 entry per person per day
This entry period ends at 3:00PM EST on Friday, November 6
At that time, we'll randomly select one winner to receive one PSP/GT bundle (ARV $199.99) that includes a Mystic Silver PSP-3000 system, Gran Turismo PSP game on UMD, a PlayStation Network downloadable voucher for a white Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, 2GB Memory Stick PRO Duo, PlayStation Network downloadable movie voucher (title TBD) and Sony MusicPass voucher good for 10 downloadable songs.
For a list of complete rules, click here

Hummer to Chinese machinery manufacturer Tengzhong

2009-10-12T16:39:00.000-07:00

2009 Hummer HX concept – Click above for high-res gallery

Last week, it was reported that General Motors had signed a definitive agreement to sell Hummer to Chinese machinery manufacturer Tengzhong. The Chinese company and its partner in the deal, Lumena Resources Corp., would pay $150 million and receive Hummer and its intellectual property, ownership of U.S. franchise agreements, and manufacturing, business, and component assistance during a four- or five-year transition period.

The questions being raised now concern what is happening on the other side of the Pacific. The Chinese Commerce Ministry reportedly hasn't received Tengzhong's application to officially bring Hummer home, which has led observers to wonder if there will be a holdup or reversal of the deal. According to a Hummer representative, however, Tengzhong had to finalize the deal with GM before it could present it for approval to the Chinese authorities:

Gallery: Detroit 2009: HUMMER HX in the design studio

Rockstar Energy Drink Drift captain Stephan Papadakis comes charging

2009-10-12T16:29:00.000-07:00

Autoblog goes drifting with Tanner Foust – Click above for high-res image gallery

"It feels like I'm down on power!" yells Tanner Foust in the general direction of the gathered throngs containing both his crew and assorted media. Tanner and myself are currently five-point bolted into his new stock car-engined Formula D Scion tC. We've just exited an aborted lap around the Toyota Speedway at Irwindale because something – so says Foust – is amiss with the car.

Rockstar Energy Drink Drift captain Stephan Papadakis comes charging towards the Scion and begins earnestly, if not frantically, checking the car's vitals through the steering wheel's digital readout. Steph floors the motor a few times, checks the numbers and exasperatedly tells Foust that everything looks fine. "Oh," says Tanner, patting me on my beer belly. "Must be him." Very funny, jerk.

Gallery: Autoblog Goes Drifting with Tanner Foust

Introduction to Karting - Part 2 2009

2009-10-10T07:15:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the second installment of our Introduction to Karting series. Hopefully the first piece piqued your interest with tales of tiny machines pulling 3 g in the corners then hitting 60 in under three seconds on their way up to over 140 MPH. (Well over, as it turns out; one commenter indicated he hit an indicated 156 this season.) That kind of performance is unequaled outside of top-level formula motorsport, yet is available to anyone with some disposable income and a passion for going quick.

However, karting isn't for everyone so suitably endowed. The physical demands placed on a kart racer are hard to comprehend until you're in a fast turn, holding your breath because you can't inhale, feeling like your head is going to fly off and land somewhere in the pits. Chances are it won't, but whether or not you can withstand that while maintaining a good racing line and keeping an eye on a swarm of opponents is an important thing to find out before breaking out the charge card. The best way is, of course, to try it, and given the big up-front cost to buy a kart, a rental is the way to go.

To get our first real experience we signed up for an afternoon's racing school. We walked the track, worked with multiple instructors, got a lot of advice, had an impromptu race, and stuck it out for way more seat time than was probably advisable for a newbie. How'd we do? Read on to find out, and see some videos of our on (and, occasionally, off) track antics.

GM marketing boss Mark LaNeve apparently unaware that diesel is now cheaper than gas 2009

2009-06-05T23:58:00.000-07:00

Over the last several years, we've heard a lot of excuses from many auto executives as to why their companies aren't offering diesel engines in their American market cars. Yesterday, General Motors' Mark LaNeve, the company's vice president of sales and marketing, made an appearance on C-SPAN's Washington Journal. The final question of the segment came from a viewer wondering why GM has failed to offer U.S. consumers the chance to buy some of the high-mileage diesel cars it offers in Europe.

It would appear that LaNeve might have done better to take a pass on the question. Instead of talking about the cost of making those diesels meet U.S. emissions regulations or the difficulty in helping Americans overcome the misconceptions about the fuel, he claimed that no one has successfully cracked the diesel passenger nut in the U.S. (which based on VW's May sales appears to be wrong). More startlingly, LaNeve went on to claim that diesel is $1.25 a gallon more expensive than gasoline. According to the Energy Information Agency, the national average for diesel this week is $2.35 / gallon while regular gas is $2.52 or $0.17 more than diesel. Admittedly, the fact that diesel is now cheaper than 87 octane gas is a recent development (a trend that nobody is sure how long it will last), but – going on national television and quoting outdated fuel prices as a reason for your bankrupt company's business decisions... well, that doesn't strike us as a terribly hot idea.

You can hear the question and response at 20:30 into the video replay over at C-SPAN.

Ferrari's 599XX Is Not For The Faint Of Heart. Or Wallet ..

2009-03-31T01:03:00.005-07:00

We have only heard rumors of this machine, and it has finally been on show at the Geneva Motor Show 2009. The 599XX has made my heart skip a beat, probably the meanest looking Ferrari I have seen which doesn’t look like a full blown race car. I like the combination of Red and Dark Grey top half & Rims. They have thrown everything they have into this machine, this is the most extreme version. Only a select few will be offered the chance to buy this machine. I’m still stunned by it!

Link: Autoblog

Ferrari's 599XX Is Not For The Faint Of Heart. Or Wallet.

2009-03-31T01:03:00.004-07:00

The Geneva Motor Show isn't all about hybrids, EVs and hopeful thinking. There are some hardcore sports cars there as well. Ferrari, as always, brought out some serous iron. Or in this case, some serious alloy, carbon composites and technical know-how.

Witness the 700-horsepower 599XX. It’s about as serious as a sports car gets, but sadly, we’ll never see it on the roads. The 599XX is designed exclusively for the track.

The 599XX is based on the magnificent 599 GTB Fiorano but is a different beast altogether. It’s slathered with all the latest high tech goodies from Ferrari’s racing department and is not aimed merely at the rich. The 599XX, like the FXX before it, is to be sold, in Ferrari’s words, to "a select group of clients," which is to say people are are both rich and want to go wheel-to-wheel during exclusive Ferrari track days. When those few fortunate souls aren't actually behind the wheels of their 599XXs, Ferrari will graciously store them.

Not only do owners of the 599XX get to do some weekend racing, they get to help out with the testing and development of innovations that will make it into road-going Ferraris. That means they'll be playing will all the cool stuff before anyone else.

The 599XX packs a lot of its own cool stuff. It ditches the Fiorano's front end for an airdam/splitter. There's another splitter and a wing at the back, and the XX's aero package is good for almost 1,400 pounds of downforce at 185 mph. Such speeds are attained thanks to the heavily modified and lightened 6.0-liter V12 that red-lines at 9,000 RPM. Carbon ceramic brakes clamped by aluminum calipers bring the car down from frightening velocities post haste.

The 599XX is available in any color so long as it's red. No word on the price, but that doesn't matter. Ferrari has already contacted those it wishes to sell the cars to, and it's a safe bet every one of them can afford it.

Photo: Ferrari.

Ferrari 599XX: First Live Shots Of New Track-Ready Stallion! 2009

2009-03-31T01:03:00.003-07:00

Here's the exclusive first shots of the Ferrari 599XX, a F1-inspired carbon-fiber track weapon designed to test new race-ready technologies. We recommend you poke a hole in a paper plate before directly viewing this gallery.

Ferrari 599XX First Pictures

2009 Ferrari 599XX - Fast Cars, Cool Cars and Hot Cars at Fast

2009-03-31T01:03:00.001-07:00

Here are the first pictures from the Geneva International Motor Show of Ferrari’s brand new laboratory on wheels program for it’s uber exclusive clients. This program leverages all of Ferrari’s F1 knowledge and will most likely lend a hand towards the next generation Ferrari 599 GTB. Just like the Ferrari FXX Evoluzione program.

Related Ferrari FXX Evoluzione Mont-Tremblant 2008 Race Photo Galleries

Ferrari 599XX at Geneva | Car News | Geneva Motor Show | evo

2009-03-31T01:03:00.000-07:00

Ferrari 599XX and HGTE dynamic pack

Hi-tech Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano track car to debut at Geneva, alongside handling pack for the road car

Ferrari is planning a couple of major reveals at next week’s Geneva motor show, and they both concern our favourite current supercar – the fabulous 599 GTB Fiorano.

The biggest news is the 599XX, a unique tech-fest in the vein of the Enzo-based FXX. In Ferrari’s words it’s ‘aimed at a select group of clients’, which in the FXX’s case meant a group of wealthy owners who ran a car on exclusive Ferrari trackdays and stored it with the supercar giant when not in use. The car wasn’t road legal (unless you investigated some unofficial tweaks) and it’s unlikely the 599XX will be a road car.

Instead it’ll be a unique track toy that demonstrates all of the Prancing Horse’s new technology and innovations, with its lucky owners trying out and helping along the development of stuff that will make it onto series production Ferraris further down the line. A lot of the tech is filtered straight down from the company’s F1 research, and fittingly the 599XX will be displayed at Geneva wearing the F12008 Grand Prix car’s colour.

Also on show, and of more relevance to the rest of us (just), is the Handling GT Evoluzione dynamic package for the 599 GTB Fiorano. It’s essentially the same idea as the Fiorano handling back bestowed upon the Ferrari 575M, the 599GTB’s predecessor.

Whether the latter’s handling can be improved much more remains to be seen, but we’ll find out more details as Ferrari reveals its new cars and tech on March 3 when Geneva opens. Come back then for more details, and in the meantime read our Geneva motor show previews.

Ferrari 599XX

2009-03-23T07:54:00.000-07:00