Thursday, January 31, 2008
Triumph Recreates Vintage Steve McQueen T-Shirt
Do You Know This Man? Aussie Cops Searching For Crazy BBQ Motorcyclist
We’re not in the habit of snitching on anyone, but come on; this motorcyclist poses a serious danger not only for himself, but also for others. A passing motorist took this photo of the unknown biker last Sunday as he was traveling on the Eastern Freeway in the Kew areaVia: Herald Sun – Thanks for the link Simon!
2008 Dodge Challenger: Production Versions Spotter at Roush
One of readers sent us this picture earlier today featuring a pair of production Dodge Challengers sitting in front of the workplace of Ford Tuning specialist, Roush. We’re not jumping to any hasty conclusions but if anything else, the fact that the two Challengers where spotted there, does raise a few questions. Thanks for the pic Oot!
Some Fishing Advice to Dale Jr.
NASCAR's most popular driver could learn a thing or two from the biggest fish in the pond. Don't take the bait! No matter how delicious the opportunity think for a second about the hook which is dangling the worm. Unless Dale Earnhardt, Jr., starts thinking before he opens his mouth, he's going to get hooked every time.
The fact is the media often cries over their constant coverage of "Junior" often declaring they would love to cover something else instead. They "tire" of all Junior all the time. Yet, those same journalist are more than willing to troll for opportunities to snag Junior on their line.
A recent example is the misunderstanding generated during the Media Tour hosted by Lowe's Motor Speedway. A stop at DEI, the former home of Dale Jr., left many wondering where were the trophies and cars and other fan junk chronicling the years when DEI and Dale Jr were one and the same. When the tour reached Hendrick Motorsports, the new home of Dale Jr. out came the questions. Where were the cars, the trophies, the collection of accolades earned during his stint at DEI?
There it was, the hook and worm and like the young naive big mouth bass Junior bit was all his might. He decried the actions in no uncertain terms.
The smarter fish would have looked at the worm, huffed and said, "My future is at Hendrick Motorsports. I am here to do the best job I can for Rick and Amp and the National Guard. My job is to help Mr. Hendrick continue to fill his showroom with the trophies won by winners and champions. That is my job now."
With those words the story would have passed and those reporters begging to write about something, anything, other than Dale, Jr., would have been forced to use their creative minds in a productive manner.
Dale, Jr., is refreshing as an individual because he is more often to speak his mind than hide behind some corporate shell. If only he would engage the mind before engaging the mouth. He'd find himself hooked a few less times.
The fact is the media often cries over their constant coverage of "Junior" often declaring they would love to cover something else instead. They "tire" of all Junior all the time. Yet, those same journalist are more than willing to troll for opportunities to snag Junior on their line.
A recent example is the misunderstanding generated during the Media Tour hosted by Lowe's Motor Speedway. A stop at DEI, the former home of Dale Jr., left many wondering where were the trophies and cars and other fan junk chronicling the years when DEI and Dale Jr were one and the same. When the tour reached Hendrick Motorsports, the new home of Dale Jr. out came the questions. Where were the cars, the trophies, the collection of accolades earned during his stint at DEI?
There it was, the hook and worm and like the young naive big mouth bass Junior bit was all his might. He decried the actions in no uncertain terms.
The smarter fish would have looked at the worm, huffed and said, "My future is at Hendrick Motorsports. I am here to do the best job I can for Rick and Amp and the National Guard. My job is to help Mr. Hendrick continue to fill his showroom with the trophies won by winners and champions. That is my job now."
With those words the story would have passed and those reporters begging to write about something, anything, other than Dale, Jr., would have been forced to use their creative minds in a productive manner.
Dale, Jr., is refreshing as an individual because he is more often to speak his mind than hide behind some corporate shell. If only he would engage the mind before engaging the mouth. He'd find himself hooked a few less times.
HD Partners shareholders vote down deal to purchase NHRA
GLENDORA, Calif. (Jan. 31, 2008) – NHRA has been notified by HD Partners Acquisition Corporation ("HD Partners"(AMEX: HDP, HDP-U, HDP-WT) that it did not receive the necessary number of votes to finalize the transaction announced last May to acquire all of NHRA's professional racing assets.
Said Eddy Hartenstein, chairman and chief executive officer of HD Partners: "We are very disappointed with today's vote, given our collective enthusiasm for NHRA and the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. Unfortunately, in the time since we first announced this transaction in May of 2007, we have witnessed a dramatic shift in both the financial markets and the perceived strength of the U.S. economy, which we believe adversely impacted the final outcome of this transaction. With that said, we continue to believe that the NHRA and the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series, led by Tom Compton and his management team, are very vibrant properties with a bright future. We wish them all the best for continued success."
NHRA will continue to operate as it has in the past. NHRA worked closely with HD Partners the last several months to finalize the transaction. Given the time and energy spent on this effort, NHRA has no plans to pursue a similar opportunity in the near future. For now, NHRA will remain focused on the business and continued growth of NHRA.
"We appreciate the efforts put forth by Eddy and the entire HD Partners team the last year-and-a-half. NHRA is in the best financial position in its history and prospects for future growth are at an all-time high," said Tom Compton, president, NHRA. "It is the health of the company, the sport and strong future prospects that led HD Partners to pursue this transaction in the first place and those elements still exist.
"Few would argue we have a great product and an incredible opportunity in front of us to build and grow the sport of NHRA and NHRA POWERade Drag Racing. The initiatives communicated during this process still hold true and we will work together with the racing community, sponsors and business partners to achieve them and continue the growth of the sport."
Headquartered in Glendora, Calif., NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. It presents 24 events through its NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. NHRA has 80,000 members and 140 member tracks. The NHRA-sanctioned sportsman and bracket racing series provide competition opportunities for drivers of all levels. The NHRA develops the stars of tomorrow by offering the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, NHRA Summit Racing Series and NHRA Street Legal Drags presented by AAA. NHRA also offers the O'Reilly Auto Parts Jr. Drag Racing League for youths ages 8 to 17.
From NHRA
Said Eddy Hartenstein, chairman and chief executive officer of HD Partners: "We are very disappointed with today's vote, given our collective enthusiasm for NHRA and the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. Unfortunately, in the time since we first announced this transaction in May of 2007, we have witnessed a dramatic shift in both the financial markets and the perceived strength of the U.S. economy, which we believe adversely impacted the final outcome of this transaction. With that said, we continue to believe that the NHRA and the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series, led by Tom Compton and his management team, are very vibrant properties with a bright future. We wish them all the best for continued success."
NHRA will continue to operate as it has in the past. NHRA worked closely with HD Partners the last several months to finalize the transaction. Given the time and energy spent on this effort, NHRA has no plans to pursue a similar opportunity in the near future. For now, NHRA will remain focused on the business and continued growth of NHRA.
"We appreciate the efforts put forth by Eddy and the entire HD Partners team the last year-and-a-half. NHRA is in the best financial position in its history and prospects for future growth are at an all-time high," said Tom Compton, president, NHRA. "It is the health of the company, the sport and strong future prospects that led HD Partners to pursue this transaction in the first place and those elements still exist.
"Few would argue we have a great product and an incredible opportunity in front of us to build and grow the sport of NHRA and NHRA POWERade Drag Racing. The initiatives communicated during this process still hold true and we will work together with the racing community, sponsors and business partners to achieve them and continue the growth of the sport."
Headquartered in Glendora, Calif., NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. It presents 24 events through its NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. NHRA has 80,000 members and 140 member tracks. The NHRA-sanctioned sportsman and bracket racing series provide competition opportunities for drivers of all levels. The NHRA develops the stars of tomorrow by offering the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, NHRA Summit Racing Series and NHRA Street Legal Drags presented by AAA. NHRA also offers the O'Reilly Auto Parts Jr. Drag Racing League for youths ages 8 to 17.
From NHRA
Call for news...
We're getting close to press time for the next issue of Inside Track Motorsport News.
If anyone has any team or sponsorship announcements they'd like to make public, please send them to me at greg at insidetracknews dot com
p.s. - I love scotch. Scotchy, scotch, scotch. Here it goes down, down into my belly...
Geneva Preview: Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Officially Revealed
Unless you’re not one of our regular viewers, we don’t have anything more to say about the facelifted Mercedes-Benz SL-Class than what we’ve already told you in our previous posts. However, just for the sake of any newbies, here are the most significant changes: redesigned front end with new bi-xenon lights, bumper and grille, restyled rear bumper, seats with AIRSCARF neck-level heating, optionally available direct-steer system, new-look steering wheel, restyled instrument cluster and modified COMAND system.As for the engine range, the 2009 SL is offered with a new entry-level version, the SL 280 fitted with a 230 HP 3.0-liter V6 engine while the SL 350 gets a newly developed 3.5-liter V6 unit delivering 316 HP. The SL 500 with a V8 engine and the top-of-the-range SL 600 with a V12 powerplant remain without changes. Sales in Europe start this April –Details and high res images after the jump
PRESS RELEASE:
Mercedes-Benz will continue its long tradition of producing legendary sports cars when it launches the new-generation SL-Class in spring 2008. The world's most successful premium roadster in its class features a new design with the emphasis firmly on sportiness and effortless assurance. These traits are also reflected in the handling qualities of the two-seater model, which now delivers even more athletic performance thanks to the new direct-steer system as well as offering enhanced comfort and safety.
The SL 350 is powered by a newly developed, extremely high-revving sports engine boasting an impressive output of 232 kW/316 hp yet returns a fuel consumption figure that is 0.4 litres per 100 kilometres lower than that of its predecessor (NEDC). The SL range will now feature two six-cylinder models in the shape of the SL 350 and the new SL 280 (170 kW/231 hp) as well as the familiar SL 500 with a V8 engine and the top-of-the-range SL 600 with a V12 powerplant.
The Mercedes sports car extends its lead in the safety stakes courtesy of bi-xenon headlamps, included as standard, and the Intelligent Light System whose light functions are designed specifically for typical driving situations. Further new features on board include AIRSCARF neck-level heating. This system - invented by Mercedes-Benz and available as an optional extra - enhances comfort when driving with the roof down, extending the roadster season until well into the winter months. SL passengers are kept informed and entertained by the standard-fit COMAND multimedia system, which has also been fully redeveloped and features additional functions.
The new-generation SL caps a glorious history of Mercedes sports cars, which began in 1954 with the introduction of the legendary 300 SL "Gullwing", followed in 1957 by the launch of the first SL Roadster. To date, the
Like its predecessors, the new-generation SL also merits its "incomparable" tag. No other sports car in this market segment offers such a perfect balance of sportiness, safety and comfort. These three qualities are the cornerstones of highly eventful, active motoring that provides a profound sense of well-being - for hallmark Mercedes refinement at the highest, sportiest level.
New design idiom with unmistakable sporty overtones
When it came to developing a concept and design for the new-generation SL‑Class, the Mercedes-Benz engineers set out with the aim of accentuating the Roadster's sporty attributes even more strongly than before. This aspiration is reflected in the new front-end design featuring as its centrepiece a wide and, therefore, very dominant radiator grille whose V‑shape symbolises sporty virtues such as forwards thrust and performance potential.
A horizontal louvre makes the radiator grille appear wider and, in doing so, emphasises the powerful aspect of the SL's front end, making it seem surprisingly new yet also very familiar. By using expressive stylistics in this way, the Mercedes designers are able to forge a link with the SL's history and create a front-end design that is reminiscent of the earlier SL Roadster models, which also expressed their poise and assurance through wide, very distinctive radiator grilles. Hence the front-end design of the new-generation SL shows Mercedes-Benz taking the styling of the legendary sports car to the next level.
The designers also pay homage to the forefather of the SL model series: the two powerdomes on the bonnet and the gill-style air outlets in the front wings are unmistakable hallmarks of the 300 SL from 1954 and have been given a modern interpretation for the new Mercedes sports car.
These classic design features drawn from five decades of roadster tradition are
in stylish harmony with new elements of the modern Mercedes design idiom, including the distinctive V-shape of the front section and, above all, the headlamps, which are drawn deeply into the flanks, thus further emphasising the impression of breadth at the front end. As well as giving the SL a highly contemporary look, this striking headlamp design also sees the Roadster continuing its traditional role as a trendsetter. Just like its predecessors, the new‑generation SL features a front-end design that will serve as a template for future Mercedes passenger cars.
At the rear, too, the new-generation SL demonstrates its sporty nature even more clearly than before. This is achieved above all by a new, diffuser-look bumper which adds a motorsport touch. In conjunction with the equally new trapezoidal exhaust tailpipes this design element emphasises the width of the body, further symbolising the power just waiting to be unleashed by the roadster.
Direct-steer system: consummate sporty driving pleasure
The SL name is synonymous with driving pleasure as well as design. These Mercedes sports cars have always offered a scintillating driving experience that does not deal in compromises - neither in terms of handling dynamics nor by any means when it comes to comfort or safety. It was under this premise that the Mercedes engineers modified and perfected the SL technology, one example being the new, optionally available direct-steer system, which is as simple as it is ingenious and provides a whole new driving experience when cornering.
This new development is based on the familiar standard-fit speed-sensitive power steering system with lower steering forces - the benefit of which is noticeable above all when driving slowly, manoeuvring or parking. New features include a variable rack ratio, which adjusts in line with the steering angle, increasing sharply as soon as this reaches five degrees. All of which means that, compared to a steering system with a constant ratio, the driver does not have to move the steering wheel as much when cornering. The car's response is therefore noticeably more direct, allowing the driver to steer more spontaneously or, in other words, more sportily.
When driving slowly or parking, the new technology combines with the speed-sensitive power steering to provide even more comfort than before because the large ratio further reduces the steering effort required.
In addition, the SL still offers some of the very finest chassis technology available in the shape of four-link front suspension and multi-link independent rear suspension. Meanwhile the Active Body Control (ABC) system, specified as standard for the SL 500 and the SL 600, is a unique masterpiece. It compensates pitch, roll and yaw on the part of the body and adapts the suspension settings automatically to suit the current driving situation. This makes for excellent agility on the one hand and optimum driving stability on the other, without compromising the car's super levels of comfort. Mercedes‑Benz has further fine-tuned the ABC shock-absorber settings for the new-generation SL in order to bring a whole new quality to this unique blend of sportiness, comfort and safety.
Size 255/45 R 17 wide-base tyres and 17-inch light-alloy wheels are fitted as standard on the new SL 280 and SL 350 models, whereas the V8-powered SL 500 Roadster runs on 18-inch wheels shod with 255/40 R 18 tyres. And the exclusive character of the twelve-cylinder SL 600 model is accentuated by 18-inch ten-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels with 255/40 R 18 tyres at the front and 285/35 R 18 tyres at the rear.
Engines: new, extremely sporty six-cylinder powerplant
Mercedes-Benz is extending the SL-Class line-up by introducing an attractive entry-level model in the shape of the SL 280 developing 170 kW/231 hp. The six‑cylinder powerplant delivers its peak torque of 300 Nm from 2500 rpm and accelerates the roadster from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds, whilst fuel consumption (NEDC) is just 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres.
For the SL 350, the Mercedes engineers have developed a V6 powerplant that brings the sporty qualities of the new SL generation right to the fore. The term "sports engine" could not be more apt: through a process of meticulous engineering, the
In this case, however, the extra power does not come at the expense of fuel economy: with a consumption figure of 9.9 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC), the new SL 350 undercuts the previous model developing 200 kW/272 hp by 0.4 litres per 100 kilometres.
The sporty character of the V6 power unit is also clearly audible. Its powerfully sonorous sound is the result of meticulous work carried out by sound designers. So these specialists also contribute to the sporty driving pleasure. In this respect, the standard-fit seven-speed automatic transmission also has an important role to play: on the one hand by allowing fast multiple downshifts when accelerating, on the other hand by providing a new double-declutching function that is activated during manual downshifts. As well as producing a sporty sound, this function also enhances comfort and safety as the double-declutching equalises the rotational speeds of the crankshaft and transmission. This set-up gives the driver the advantage of even more harmonious gear changes. Plus there is a noticeable reduction in load-change reactions.
The flagship engines in the SL line-up remain the eight-cylinder unit in the SL 500 developing 285 kW/388 hp and the V12 powerplant in the SL 600, which develops 380 kW/517 hp thanks to its twin turbochargers. The Mercedes engineers also worked meticulously on these models to further reduce fuel consumption by up to 0.4 litres per 100 kilometres.
Safety: lights for every driving situation, whatever the weather
For five decades, Mercedes sports cars have been setting the pace when it comes to innovative developments in active and passive safety for open-top cars: in the 1960s the SL was the first sports car to feature a safety body based on Béla Barényi's principle, while in the 1970s the SL pointed the way ahead with its three-point inertia-reel seat belts fitted as standard. These developments were followed by ABS and the airbag in the 1980s, while the automatic roll-over bar and the robust integral seats celebrated their world premieres in the early 1990s. The comprehensive range of safety equipment available for the Mercedes sports car was rounded off in 2001 following the introduction of innovations such as adaptive front airbags and head/thorax sidebags.
The new-generation SL continues this tradition, the main focus of the engineers' efforts this time being to improve driving safety at night and in fog. Hence the sports car is equipped as standard with powerful bi-xenon headlamps, which are considerably more powerful and more energy-efficient than comparable LED headlamps. In addition, the optionally available Intelligent Light System provides five different light functions designed specifically for typical driving situations and weather conditions: country mode, motorway mode, enhanced fog lamps, cornering light function and active light function. The variable-control bi-xenon headlamps activate the various light functions automatically. Motorway mode is activated in two stages when the speed exceeds 90 km/h, increasing the driver's range of vision by up to 60 percent.
When the active light function is activated, the headlamps pivot to the side in line with the steering angle when the driver enters a bend, allowing them to see around 25 metres further into a long bend than is the case with conventional dipped beam. The cornering light function is activated automatically at speeds below 70 km/h when the driver steers and/or indicates. This means that, as well as enhancing safety when turning at junctions or on slip roads, this light function is also active when cornering at low speed and improves illumination of the areas at the side of the carriageway. The enhanced fog lamps ensure better illumination of the verges, making it easier for drivers to get their bearings. The intelligent headlamp technology installed in the SL can therefore make an important contribution to road safety.
Interior: sporty ambience and hallmark Mercedes comfort
A look inside the new-generation SL shows what Mercedes designers mean when they talk about the "balance of sportiness and comfort". The integral seats, the new-look three-spoke leather steering wheel and the completely restyled instrument cluster immediately make it clear that this is a thoroughbred sports car. Everything fits perfectly, all the controls are easy to see and within just as easy reach. The speedometer and rev counter sport a classic chronometer design with new-look dials that promise unerring precision.
As soon as the ignition is switched on, the cockpit instruments grab the driver's attention: the red speedometer and rev counter needles are aroused from their "six o' clock position", rotate once around the dials to their maximum values and then revert to their zero positions. The message these needle movements convey to the driver is unmistakable: "start your engine".
A wide range of colours and materials allows Mercedes customers to design and appoint the interior of the new-generation SL to their individual tastes. There are two types of leather to choose from, as well as five different aluminium or fine-wood trims and five colour combinations. The interior looks especially luxurious and refined when specified with the new natural beige/black colour scheme and the new wood trim elements in pale burr walnut with a high-sheen finish.
The SL 600 underlines its top billing in the SL line-up even more clearly than before. Inside the passengers are cosseted by extremely soft Exclusive nappa leather and trim elements in elegant poplar wood. V12 emblems on the seat backrests, on the centre steering wheel spoke and on the door sills, as well as the uniquely designed interior door panels round off the refined twelve-cylinder ambience perfectly. On the outside, the flagship SL model is distinguishable by its exclusive 18-inch ten-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels and discreet yet highly effective detailing such as the matt-silver-painted louvres of the side air outlets and the centre divider in the trapezoidal exhaust tailpipe trims. Mercedes-Benz has upgraded the already extensive standard-equipment package by adding the KEYLESS-GO system and a remote-locking boot lid.
AIRSCARF: Mercedes invention extends the open-air season
The long list of systems that help to provide an outstanding level of comfort in the roadster includes a further innovation in the new-generation SL. AIRSCARF - the neck-level heating system developed and patented by Mercedes engineers - is so called because it distributes air at just the right temperature through the head restraints, forming a warm, invisible "scarf" around the driver and front passenger.
This Mercedes-Benz invention allows the occupants to enjoy open-air driving pleasure for longer and even more often than before. The roadster season lasts until well into the winter months as AIRSCARF provides the SL occupants with all the warmth they need.
The optionally available heating system, which celebrated its world premiere in the SLK Roadster in 2004, has been modified by the Mercedes engineers for the new SL generation. Now the blower and heating are incorporated in the head restraints of the integral seats: two small ventilators suck in air behind the head restraints and channel it through the electric heating element to ensure rapid heating. The temperature-controlled air then flows out of special openings on the front of the head restraints and warms the occupants' head and neck areas. Both driver and passenger can select the heating temperature using a three-position switch in the door lining; the system then controls the desired temperature automatically depending on the speed at which the car is being driven.
Infotainment: latest multimedia technology in the centre console
The new-generation SL is also fit for the future when it comes to information, entertainment and communications: Mercedes-Benz has further modified the standard-fit COMAND system, equipping it with additional functions. The result is infotainment par excellence: the multimedia device combines a car radio including a dual tuner with telephone controls, a CD/DVD changer and a slot for SD memory cards. Further new additions include a Bluetooth receiver, which connects a mobile phone to the standard-fit hands-free system wirelessly, and a large colour display (6.5"), which enhances user-friendliness and serves as a high-resolution screen for playing DVD films - although not whilst the car is being driven, for obvious safety reasons.
An even wider range of high-tech electronics is available ex factory: Mercedes customers can now order the optional COMAND APS system. Its additional features include a Europe-wide navigation system whose data are stored on a hard disc and therefore allow extremely fast route calculations. For playing music, there is an integrated six-disc CD/DVD changer and a Music Register for around 1000 MP3 tracks. A saved database enables automatic recognition of the music tracks and their artists. This information is then posted on the colour display.
The standard COMAND APS package also includes the latest-generation LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control system, which controls the navigation, telephone and audio systems based on its ability to recognise entire words. This system is of great benefit as drivers no longer need to spell out their commands. Instead, they simply say what they want, whether it be a destination for the navigation system, a radio station or a name in the stored phone book.
For the first time, it is also possible to connect an iPod, USB stick or other external audio device to the COMAND system thanks to a newly developed, universal media interface in the centre console (optional). This UCI (Universal Consumer Interface) is more than just an electronic "socket", however; it also includes an ECU that links the external music memory to the SL's on-board electronics and control system. In this way, the iPod music tracks can also be indicated on the instrument cluster and on the COMAND display in the centre console. Plus they can be called up easily using the buttons on the multifunction steering wheel. The audio device's battery is charged for as long as the portable music memory is connected to the car via the UCI.
For a complete in-car music experience, Mercedes-Benz can equip the new-generation SL with the Harman Kardon "Logic7" sound system (optional extra), which is also used in the S-Class and whose performance has been confirmed in numerous tests. The sound system has an output of 510 watts and converts the SL interior into a mobile concert hall - whether the vario-roof is up or down - courtesy of ten high-performance loudspeakers and state-of-the-art surround technology.
The new-generation SL-Class will make its public debut in March at the International Motor Show in
Nissan Navara Outlaw: Limited Edition Version Launched in Australia
Nissan The Navara Outlaw also comes with an upgraded stereo system comprising a six stack CD with AM/FM radio, MP3 compatibility and an auxiliary audio jack. Available with a choice of special Outlaw Red or Midnight Black paint schemes, the Navara’s price is set at $47,990 AUD or exactly $2000 over the standard ST-X diesel's price.
Volkswagen Tiguan Goes On Sale in The UK
The German carmaker’s first compact SUV is available from today at Volkswagen Retailers across the Escape models differentiate themselves from the rest of the range thanks to a front end treatment which is biased towards off-road applications, as well as a number of other features suited to venturing off the beaten track. Prices for the Tiguan start in the
Standard equipment levels on all models include alloy wheels, air conditioning, MP3 compatible stereo and CD player, ABS and ESP, plus twin front and side airbags and a curtain airbag system.
Official: Isuzu Abandons North American Passenger Vehicle Market
We had been hearing various rumours about Isuzu leaving the North American market the past few months, but now its officially-official; as from January 31, 2009, Isuzu will stop distributing new passenger vehicles in In the official press release, Isuzu Motors America said it is leaving the North American market because General Motors may discontinue the Ascender Sport Utility Vehicle, and the i-290 and i-370 pickup trucks in the near future. Of course, the fact that Isuzu’s sales in the States fell from 103,997 units in 1999 to 7,098 in 2007 may have something to do with that decision.
Via: AN (Sub. req.)
Geneva Preview: 2008 Renault Twingo RS
European consumers searching for an affordable hot hatch will soon be able to add one more car to their list as Renault today took the wraps off the long-awaited Twingo RenaultSport (RS for short). Inspired from the Twingo Concept that was unveiled at the 2006 Paris Motor Show, the Twingo RS car slots into the Renaultsport range alongside its bigger sister cars, Clio and Megane RS. Apart from the relatively aggressive bodykit that includes wide fenders, new front and rear bumpers along with larger alloy-rims, the Twingo RS also features a new 1.6-liter engine delivering 133 HP along with various chassis refinements (suspension, brakes etc.). Unfortunately, that’s all Renault decided to share with us for the time being. We’ll have more on the new Twingo RS closer to the car’s debut at the 2008 Geneva Show in early March. -Image gallery after the jump
Robbie Williams’ Unsold CDs To Be Used To Resurface Chinese Roads!
Robbie Williams’ record label EMI has announced that over a million unsold copies of his “Rudebox” CD album that was first released in 2006 will be crushed and sent to Via: Cardomain , Source: Contact Music
Update: 2008 London Motor Show Poster In High-Resolution
We received a significant number of e-mails last night from our readers asking us for higher resolution versions of the 2008 London Motor Show poster that we first showed you yesterday –see here. Although we tried to send as many e-mails as we could, we reckon that it’s just better to let you download wallpaper versions of the picture straight from our blog. The image above is 800x600, but if you follow the jump, we’ve added the most common PC/Laptop wallpaper sizes along with one that’s 1800x1350. -Continued800x600
1024x768
1152x864
1280x1024
1600x1200
1800x1350
Nissan Qashqai : Success Leads to the Addition of Third Shift
With European sales in exceed of 130,000 models since the Qashqai’s debut in March 2007 and a customer order bank of 60,000 units, Nissan had no alternative but to proceed to the addition of a third shift in its Sunderland plant in the UK.
By December 2008, 800 additional manufacturing staff will be recruited. Of these, 400 will be permanent positions, with the remainder temporary contracts. Nissan hasn’t announced any specific numbers, but since the two shifts can produce approx 200,000 Qashqais per year, we’d say that the
Honda Civic Monster Truck!
We’re pretty sure that this monsterized Honda Civic hatch was made by those crazy folks from the discontinued “Red & Green” comdey show –who else would use duck tape as a means of body management… Not so sure however that the Civic actually moves, but it definitely made us laugh for about 3.7 seconds! -More pics after the jump
Via: Jalopnik
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
World of Outlaws family mourns passing of Bobby Jackson
CONCORD, N.C. Jan. 30, 2008 The World of Outlaws family was saddened to learn of the passing of former competition director Bobby Jackson on Monday night.
Jackson was one of the most revered members of the World of Outlaws team from 1987 to 2004, and his impact is still felt today as he mentored several current series officials before he became a NASCAR official.
"The racing community is very saddened by the loss of Bobby Jackson," said Carlton Reimers, the Advance Auto Parts World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series Director. "Bobby loved all types of racing, especially dirt track racing, but his heart was with the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series. For many years, Bobby was the Series Competition Director, knowledgeable and quick-witted, he presided over many great races. On a personal note he, along with Ted Johnson and Rick Ferkel, taught me most of what I know about racing. He will be missed. God speed and our prayers are with his family."
Jackson was one of the most revered members of the World of Outlaws team from 1987 to 2004, and his impact is still felt today as he mentored several current series officials before he became a NASCAR official.
"The racing community is very saddened by the loss of Bobby Jackson," said Carlton Reimers, the Advance Auto Parts World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series Director. "Bobby loved all types of racing, especially dirt track racing, but his heart was with the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series. For many years, Bobby was the Series Competition Director, knowledgeable and quick-witted, he presided over many great races. On a personal note he, along with Ted Johnson and Rick Ferkel, taught me most of what I know about racing. He will be missed. God speed and our prayers are with his family."
2008 Cuda Concept Design Proposition
Looks like the one-off, custom made 2008 Cuda coupe that made its appearance at last year’s SEMA Show (see video here) has enliven the interest in the Plymouth Barracuda. This computer generated rendering is the work of Rafael Reston, a digital designer from According to
Images: Rafael Reston ,Via: Seriouswheels
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