‘News’ Archives
Ford SVT Unveils Improved 2011 Shelby GT500
With 540 horses under the hood, there weren't (and aren't) too many vehicles on the market that will keep up with this thing - the last year's Shelby GT500 model was an absolute beast. Staying true to the Shelby name, the 2010 Shelby GT500 became an instant unicorn to many Mustang lovers. But at times it was just that - a beast. Earlier today, [...]
170 Horsepowered Fiat 500 For the US Market – Confirmed
Chrysler Communications Manager, Scott Brown, confirmed yesterday that a 170 horsepower Fiat 500 will show up on the U.S. market. I spoke with Brown while attending a media preview of the 2010 Portland Auto Show. He specifically stated the turbocharged 170 hp engine would not be part of the initial Fiat 500 launch, but would indeed follow. The [...]
US Market Fiat 500 to have 170 Horsepower?
The blog, Fiat 500 USA, is saying that the U.S. Market Fiat 500 will have 170 hp and 170 ft.lbs. of torque from its turbocharged 1.4-liter MultiAir engine. The blog also says there will be a normally aspirated engine making 100 hp and 95 ft./lbs. or twist, too. I was not able to verify this on Chrysler's media site, but hopefully the blog is [...]
MINI Countryman or Crossman Leaked
There has been a possible leak of photos of the fourthcoming MINI Countryman (also possibly known as the Crossman). You can see, it has four doors, a raised ride height, and some other styling cues that set it apart from a Cooper. Allegedly, it will have an AWD system, too. Perhaps the Suzuki SX4 will have some competition in the subcompact AWD [...]
Exclusive Zeus Nissan Cube
I really like the Nissan Cube. We're now starting to see some custom gen-three Cubes come out of both Japan and the U.S. One of the best looking kitted out examples I've found I ran across on Nissan Cube Life. This Cube wears a host of Exclusive Zeus aero parts from Japan, including (I believe) the company's wheels. So simple, so clean. I [...]
Ford Transit Connect wins North American Truck of the Year
The people at Ford must be pretty happy. Not only did the Ford Fusion Hybrid get picked as North American Car of the Year at the Detroit Auto Show, but the Ford Transit Connect won North American Truck of the Year. It's the first time a front-wheel-drive only vehicle has won the Truck of the Year; it's also most certainly the smallest vehicle to [...]
Chevrolet Aveo RS To Go Into Production in 2011
A number of outlets are reporting that the turbocharged Aveo RS is indeed going into production. Undoubtedly, many of the features will not transition from the concept to the production model (huge wheels, massive brakes, etc.). However, allegedly, Chevy is saying the 1.4-liter turbocharged engine (making apparently 138 hp and 148 ft./lbs. of [...]
Ford Fiesta Spotted in the S.F. Bay Area
Ford has quite the little car on their hands. The new Fiesta has been going through a trial period in the US, with very clever marketing done by Ford showcasing it's progress. Gone is the hamster on a wheel excuse for an engine, boring box styling, and the Rubbermaid interior of the original that wheezed around US roads, and the drivers are all to [...]
In an Odd Move, Koenigsegg Purchases Saab
While most of the lifeboats hang in their davits, a few have splashed down and are rowing away from the sinking ship that is GM. Prudently offering Saturn, Saab and Hummer for sale, GM finally has a $600 Million bite on their lure. Taking a government backed loan from the European Investment Bank, Koenigsegg Group AB is looking to share their [...]
Happy Birthday Ford!
Well my dear friend, it's a day of celebration. 106 years, numerous logos, good times and bad, and you're still out on the dance floor till closing time. While your two biggest competitors are downing their Geritol, wallowing in debt, and making everyone question American cars, you're still kicking ass and taking names. Many companies have come [...]
Barrel Monster Takes Honor as Top Roadside Prank
Imagine you're driving to work, down Hillsborough Street in Raleigh, NC. It's barely past dawn, and as you get closer to a small construction site, you come across this little work of art. Barrel Monster, the culmination of boredom and art, had his materials stolen from the site, and returned to direct traffic, albeit in the creepiest manner [...]
House Passes “Cash for Clunkers” Bill, Senate Soon to Follow
So here you are, overheating again on the side of the road in 50 degree weather, with your trusty old college car starting to give up the ghost. Problem with your old college car, is well, it was old in college, and you're now in your 30's. You've wanted to replace it, but it's worth what? $500? Nope, according to Uncle Sam, it's worth $4,500 at [...]
In an Uncertain Time, GM Hits a Corvette Milestone
Amid quite a lot of fanfare, GM employees at the Bowling Green plant have something to smile about in these tough times. They just finished the 1,500,000th Corvette. Bowling Green might still be taking a production break, GM might be in Chapter 11, but let that sink in again. 1.5 million Corvettes. That is something to be proud of. While slow [...]
GM Finds a Very Clever Loophole for their Chapter 11 Filing
So the sad fact has finally reared it's ugly head. GM, the largest and most diverse company to file Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, is looking for the best path through the mess they've been mired in. While Chapter 11 gives them the ability to operate, the company that will emerge will be vastly different than the one that we know today. With [...]
U.S. Air Force Creates Super Cars as Recruitment Tools
It's no great secret that the United States has a tough time recruiting new soldiers these days. Always clever though, the military offers plenty of programs to help entice young adults into serving their nation. Whether it's money for college, money to help buy a house, or kick starting your life away from the boring suburbs, the military can [...]
