Automotive News

Filed under: Etc., Euro

We understand a lot of strange urges, especially when it comes to cars. What we don’t understand is the urge to do something illegal, commit it to video, and then upload that video to one of the world’s most famous broadcast mediums.

A teenage mechanic in England took his dad’s MR2 for a high speed run on the M65 and, recording the event for posterity on his cell phone, got to an indicated 140 mph. An off-duty police officer watched him thread traffic and use the shoulder for his run, and got his license plate number but didn’t follow and arrest. A week later, the officer was told about a YouTube video, and it turned out to be the teen in question on that very drive. Campbell told the court that he didn’t upload the video, but he sent it to a friend who did. The court did give him a small break, shaving 20 MPH off his offense, and charged him for driving 120 instead of 140. For his friend’s efforts, Campbell gets to spend a stint in the brig while he contemplates his next feature film.

Thanks for the tip, EricDJ!

[Source: This London]

 

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This vehicle represents two pieces of history: it’s an Escort Cosworth, which might as well have come out of a Harry Potter novel it was so wild; and this particular Cossie was owned by none other than Jeremy Clarkson. Yes, that Jeremy Clarkson. It was, in fact, one of his favorite cars. That’s quite a complement coming from a man as difficult to please as Jezza. It isn’t clear how long ago he owned it — the article simply says “once owned by” — but it is clear that he named it “Gary.”

Besides the name, the only other aspect of the car that gives us pause is the color: Mallard metallic green. Only the British could come up with that. The verde monster has a 2.0-liter engine which someone, perhaps Clarkson, upgraded with a larger turbo, uprated fuel pump and modified head gasket. It should get more than the standard 227 bhp and get to sixty even faster than the “hair-raising 5.7 seconds.” All this, and that can’t-be-missed two story tail can be yours for just £16,989, and a huge insurance bill.

[Source: Auto Trader UK]

 

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Filed under: Motorsports

Castro-Neves leads Franchitti into turn 1, click for more

The first IRL race at Belle Isle in Detroit is underway and twenty laps in pole sitter Helio Castro Neves still leads Andretti-Green’s Dario Franchitti and Tony Kanaan. The cars are flying under the bright sunshine here in the middle of the Detroit River. Roger Penske ordered up perfect weather for this event.

 

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Filed under: Car Buying, Sedans/Saloons, Chevrolet, GM, Honda, Toyota

When news came back in May that GM would encourage Chevy dealers to have a Camry on hand for customers to compare directly to the forthcoming Malibu, we lauded the company for walking the walk. Similarly confident in the Saturn Aura, the General ran a program earlier this summer in which Aura shoppers were offered comparison drives in both the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. According to GM, the Saturn program was a success, and Aura sales rose during the promotion. Despite that, the Malibu vs. Camry deathmatch is now officially DOA.

No specific reason has been given for the change of heart. A GM spokesperson says only that “it’s been off the table for quite some time” and that “it wasn’t the best approach” for the Malibu. The (undoubtedly significant) costs associated placing comparison vehicles in the 4,000+ Chevy dealers was said to not be a factor in the decision.

[Source: CNNMoney]

Continue reading GM backs off in-store Malibu vs. Camry comparos

 

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Filed under: Motorsports

The Great Pickup Controversy has been settled. It was reported last week that the Rocket Ranger, from SPAL USA, crossed the Bonneville Salt Flats at 215.091 miles per hour. In doing so, SPAL claimed it set the top speed world record for a pickup truck. However, back in 2002, Gale Banks Engineering’s Project Sidewinder Dakota ran the flats at 217.306. So SPAL actually didn’t get the world record, yet because of their 215+ run they now hold the national top speed title. Why? Because as in boxing, there are multiple bodies that ignore one another and crown their own champions. The FIA certifies world records, the Southern California Timing Association certifies national records, and neither body acknowledges the other’s certifications. SPAL got its from the SCTA, Banks from the FIA. Banks has congratulated SPAL, but wants to unify the titles with its own run in the future. So it ain’t over. Stay tuned.

[Source: PickupTruck.com]

 

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Filed under: Etc., Euro, Audi

While there were some R8s that burned in the development phase, Audi worked hard to massage the platform and make it production ready. These pictures are reportedly a mule, not a production R8 that went up in flames. Scuttlebutt has it that fuel spillage was the culprit here, though speculation of something else is also offered if you click through and read the related thread on the R8talk forum. Either way, it’s a tragic end to this particular R8’s short life. Of course, in the end, it’s only a car, so as long as everyone escaped unharmed, it’s not even a blip on the cosmic scale.

[Source: R8Talk.com]

 

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Filed under: Motorsports, Honda

Click the photo of polesitter Helio Castroneves for more warmup shots

The IndyCars just finished up their final warmup for todays’ race on Belle Isle. Helio Castroneves ended up on top of the session, with Scott Dixon and Dario Franchitti swapping their qualifying positions, coming in second and third respectively. The teams are now heading back to the paddock to finish their final preparations before they lineup on the grid at 2:30 this afternoon. 21 photos from the session can be seen in the attached gallery below.

 

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Filed under: Gadgets, Etc.

There’s a hurricane bearing down on your city and you want an an all-in-one system to listen to emergency services. You also want it to look good. As usual, Porsche design has come to your rescue with the Eton P9110. In addition to its AM/FM/Shortwave radio, it has a flashlight, cell phone charger, siren, red strobe, and a hand crank so you can keep it powered. Because it’s from Porsche design, it’s made of aluminum, sports knurled knobs and machine bolt treatment, and the crank utilizes a magnetic locking system. Of course, it also costs two-and-a-half times more than the most expensive Eton product, but you know what they say: there is no substitute.

[Source: Gizmag]

 

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Filed under: Safety, Hatchbacks, Subaru

Well, it seems the folks at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety like the look of the new Subaru Impreza. Granted, a wrecked version of the car is what’s got them going, but that’s good for the rest of us. Why? Because the offset frontal crash test performed by Subaru shows that the Impreza passed with flying colors. After the IIHS received and analyzed data from the crash performed by the automaker, it rated the 2008 Impreza 2.5i 5-door as “Good” (the highest rating) in each of the individual injury measurement categories. Naturally, it also scored an overall rating of “Good.” We’re sure that IIHS will take it upon itself to smash up a few Imprezas in its independent testing regimen in due time, as well. Until then, click the read link to see the full breakdown from IIHS based on the manufacturer’s test.

Thanks for the tip, Michael!

[Source: IIHS]

 

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Filed under: Motorsports, Acura, Audi, Chevrolet, Dodge, Porsche, Ferrari

Click the photo of the Audi R10 overtaking the Ferrari F430 for more race action

In qualifying for the first ever American Le Mans Series race in Detroit, the LMP2 class cars put the mighty Audi R10s in their place. The diesel racers that have dominated for almost two years were relegated to the fourth row of the grid. However. once the green flag fell all bets were off. If you’re a race fan and you love to see cars battling for position on the track, not to mention seeing a variety of different kinds of cars sharing it, check out the ALMS. The Detroit race ran two hours and forty-five minutes and the action never let up. If you haven’t watched the race but plan to do so, stop reading now. Otherwise for results follow the jump.

Continue reading 2007 Detroit Grand Prix: ALMS race action

 

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