Friday, July 27, 2007

Nissan's Breathalyzer System Will Deter Future Lohan's

This is for all you Paris Hiltons and Lindsay Lohan’s out there! Nissan is in the midst of developing something that will contribute to the safety of society and keep menaces like Lohan and Hilton, who just can’t learn from one mistake, to stay off the road. It’s an in car breathalyzer which is activated when the car key is switched to “on”. It requires the driver to blow into a device before the engine will start. If the blood alcohol level is above the preset limit, the ignition is automatically disabled and you’re walking or taking a crusty cab home!

We think Nissan should hurry things up and get this thing out on the market before the Olsen twins do something drastic.

Via: Jalopnik

By: Dani

Green Peace Labels Porsche As Climate Pigs








The guys over at Porsche received a rather bothersome yet expected visit from Greenpeace yesterday at their Zuffenhausen plant in Germany. Greenpeace has accused the automaker of building cars they claim to be “climate pigs” and displayed the message rather aggressively by posing a pink Cayenne Turbo with a pig’s nose and ears. However, the Porsche people came to the battle completely prepared. They presented counter arguments on large banners posted outside of the plant bearing the headline “Good to Know” followed by some interesting facts and figures, such as, Porsche's contribution to CO2 emissions in traffic less than 0.1 per cent and that Porsche is introducing the hybrid engine: less than 9 liters fuel consumption on 100 km.

In the grand scheme of things, Porsche claims that it is only accountable for less than one-tenth of 1 per cent of all exhaust emissions in Germany. I guess most people’s concern might be that if Porsche does “go green” will the performance level be compromised? On that note, Porsche's parting message to Greenpeace was stated in a final banner that read, "Dear Friends from Greenpeace: Porsche is Better than You Think. But the Good News is that David taking on Goliath was Underestimated, too . .

Via: Autoblog.com

By: Dani


Thursday, July 26, 2007

2008 MINI Clubman Drips Into The Web

Official specs and pictures of the new MINI Clubman –formerly known as the Traveller, dripped into the web last night, prior to its Frankfurt Show debut in September. The long wheelbase MINI features five doors but not in the places you’d think. See MINI equipped the Clubman with three passenger doors, the extra door being rear hinged on the right hand side of the vehicle, and two side-opening doors at the rear that split open to aid loading.

According to initial information provided by Edmunds, the Clubman will be offered with a choice of turbocharged or non-turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engines producing 120 and 175 Hp respectively along with a 1.6-liter common-rail diesel delivering 110 Hp. We’ll have more on the Clubman later on the day. -More images after the jump

Via: edmunds

Kia Cee’d By Giacuzzo

Indicative of Kia and Hyundai’s gaining popularity in Europe, tuners have started offering several sport packages for the Korean’s new sub-compact hatches. On its behalf, German tuning house Giacuzzo undertakes the task of visually improving the new 5door Kia Cee’d with an optic package that includes a front and rear bumper spoiler, an exhaust system and a roof spoiler. Additionally you can choose through a wide range of 19-inch alloy rims. -More pictures after the jump

Link: Giacuzzo

Fifth Gear: BMW M3 vs M3 CSL


Talking about BMW’s decision to offer every M3 model from now on with a CSL version (see what BMW’s M division vice president said here) we thought it would be a good idea to remember how the E46 M3 compared against its lightweight, CSL sibling. See what Fifth Gear’s Tiff Needell had to say about the two M3s in the video above.

Lumma Design BMW 6-Series CLR 600 S

Lumma Design has released a new visual sport package available for all BMW 6-series (including M6 and convertible versions). The “brawny” yet tasteless if you ask us (...), CLR 600 S bodykit includes a front spoiler, side sills with integrated air intake ducts, rear apron bumper with diffuser and a rear spoiler which can be replaced optionally with a rear wing. The CLR 600 S sits on 20 or 21-inch multispoke alloys. For the 20-inch version, LUMMA uses a combination of 245/35 tires up front and 275/30 in the rear. The larger alternative favours the front axle with tires 255/30 and 295/25 for the rear axle. -Continued after the jump

Lumma also pepped the motor area adding two air intake plenums, an air filter housing each made of carbon fibre make along with a red coloured valve cover. Inside the German tuning house has equipped the BMW 6-Series with tinted gauges and an optionally extended speedometer to 360km/, a sports steering wheel in wood/leather or carbon/leather combination, aluminium foot pedals and foot mats sporting stitched logo.

Finally, Lumma mounted a set of a H & R performance springs set that lowers the CLR 600 S by 30 mm. Later on the German tuner will offer a performance package for all 6-Series models.








Limousine Beached In San Francisco!

Limousine
Hi boss, sorry to tell you this but as I was cruising down 300 Connecticut St in San Francisco, the limo came to a sudden stop. Can’t figure out why, but it seems that I’m damn stuck. Better hurry up and send Rosco to come get me out of this mess because the limo doesn’t look to well and everyone’s making fun of me…

Black humor apart could someone tell us why the hell do people even bother renting limos in a city like San Francisco that’s renowned for steep hill roads?

Thanks for the tip Seyen! Via: ftlauderdalelimo

2008 Nissan GT-R Spy Video


Yep, here’s another spy video of the forthcoming Nissan GT-R. Only difference here is that, judging by the quality of the video, it wouldn’t be far fetched if we agreed with our fellow bloggers at WFC who claim there’s a possibility that the video was produced by Nissan folks themselves. Not that it matters since we’re not far away from the presentation date which is set for October at the Tokyo Motor Show.

Via: WFC

Escapee Stops For A Pack Of Cigarettes During Police Car Chase!

Being a heavy smoker myself, I can honestly understand the crave one might have for a cigarette. However, when police are on your tail, logic says that you don’t give in to your desire to smoke. Obviously, reason has no relation whatsoever with a suspected bank robber in Phoenix who actually stopped at a convenience store to buy cigarettes before resuming the pursuit! According to the clerk, the guy asked for a pack of cigarettes, paid $20 and left in a hurry without getting any change. Police eventually caught the suspect a little later thanks to a spike strip, which blew out one of his tires, thus taking him into custody where he’ll have plenty of time to smoke…

Via: kutv

Diatto GT Ottovu To Be Produced In 99 Units

Remember Zagato’s Diatto GT concept that was previewed at the Geneva Show last March? Well while many may have long forgotten the historic Turinese marque, turns out that those who didn’t made the impossible, possible; the Italian sports car will go into limited production as the Diatto GT Ottovù!

Don’t get your hopes high though as just 99 units will be built. The Diatto GT Ottovù which is inspired from the 1920s Diatto Grand Prix car, is based on a forged steel chassis while the body has been entirely realized in aluminum (total weight 1,450 kg – 3,197 lbs.) As expected, the Diatto GT Ottovù utilizes a front-mounted engine and rear-wheel-drive layout. Power will come from a 4.6-liter V8 engine with volumetric compressor and double cam, which produces 530 hp and can be increased up to 650 hp. The V8 engine, which is prepared by Cosworth and Roush is coupled to a 6-speed gearbox with manual or automatic option. -Continued after the jump

Diatto is expected to start putting in place a specialized dealer network as the GT Ottovù will be sold in the United States as well as Europe. No word on prices yet, but as you can understand, something that’s as exclusive as the Diatto GT Ottovù will definitely cost more than your average Italian supercar.

Via: Autoblog.nl , Source: Italiaspeed

Volvo Recalling 42,211 XC90s Due To Fire Risk

Sweden's Volvo Car Corp. is recalling 42.211 XC90 SUVs in the United States due to a potential problem with the battery. Specifically, misplaced jack crank handles under the battery bracket after battery service/maintenance could lead to a short circuit resulting to a fire. Volvo said it would ensure the handle is properly stowed and add a warning label once the affected cars are brought in for maintenance. Volvo told the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that the recall covers XC90s manufactured from June 7, 2004, to May 13, 2005, at their plant in Torslanda, Sweden.

Via: azcentral

1968 Pontiac Firebird With 2004 GTO Interior & LS7 V8!


Now this has to be one of the most stimulating Firebirds we’ve ever seen. Spotted by VW Vortex forum member “Nourdmrolnmt”, this first generation Pontiac Firebird (if we’re not mistaken, it’s a 1968 model) looks fairly stock on the outside. Take a look inside though and get ready for a surprise; the owner of this first-gen Firebird has fully rebuilt the interior using a 2004 Pontiac GTO dashboard, switchgear and bucket seats!

Understandably, this wasn’t an easy task as many components had to be custom built. For example the leather on the dashboard are hand stitched while the seat belts on the front bucket seats had to be moved from the door to inside the seat due to lack of a B pillar in the Firebird. -Continued: Click “Read More…” below

Behind that menacing face of the Firebird, the car’s owner threw in a tuned LS7 V8 engine delivering about 650Hp combine with a T56 6speed manual gearbox from a Dodge Viper. Other notable “accessories” include the all-round disk brakes. According to Nourdmrolnmt”, the owner informed him that he had spent more than $100.000 in the Firebird!

Via: vwvortex

Audi R8 Spider - Official Sketch?

Continuing the series of “leaked Audi design sketches” -allegedly obtained by Georg Kacher, Car Online revealed today the R8 Spider. Just keep in mind that, like we said yesterday with the Audi A1, we have no way of affirming the authenticity of the sketches. According to Car, in order to save space, the open-top R8 will have removable targa panels, rather than a removable fabric roof or an electric folding hard-top. The most interesting design element on the R8 Spider are the twin speedster-style humps behind the cabin that incorporate breathing vents for the mid-engined 420Hp naturally aspirated 4.2-litre V8.

Via: Autoblog.it , Source: Car

Unbelievable: Man Falls 100ft -30m Off A Cliff In His Mazda And Survives!


Other people slip on the road and die; others plunge 100ft – 30.5m over a cliff in their car, smash into the rocks and well, survive without suffering any serious injuries at all! The lucky guy (what an understatement…), was found by rescue workers totally conscious and complaining only of a sore back. According to eyewitnesses, the man who is thought to be in his fifties looked very agitated driving back and forth in his Mazda sedan around the Mullion Golf Club car park in Cornwall, England, before he seemed to make up his mind and drive off the cliff.

Via: dailymail

Fiat 500: 2007 Production Sold Out In 3 Weeks!

Things seem to be getting better and better for the Fiat Group as the Italians just announced that this year’s initial production for the new 500 has been sold out in just three weeks! “As of yesterday, we had received 57,000 dealer orders for the 500, of which 51,000 are from Italy and 6,000 are from France,” said Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne in a call with financial analysts yesterday. Due to the unusual success of the new 500, Fiat will raise production in the Tychy plant from this September building between 65,000 and 67,000 units this year, and 140,000 units a year from 2008. -Continued after the jump

Bear in mind that Fiat also builds the Panda at the Polish plant and that from autumn 2008, Tychy will also be responsible for the forthcoming Ford Ka mini car which is based on the Fiat 500. In all, within a year Fiat expects Tychy to be able to build 140,000 units a year of the new 500 along with 120,000 units of the Ford Ka and 240,000 units of the Fiat Panda.

Via: ANE

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Fifth Gear: BMW Williams F1 vs BMW M5


In this intriguing episode of Fifth Gear, Tiff Needell and his co-hostess Vicki Butler-Henderson get a once in a lifetime opportunity to compare a BMW Williams F1 car with a BMW M5 on the Rockingham racetrack in the UK. Of course, you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to guess the winner, but who cares! Point is, the folks over at Fifth Gear managed to race an F1 car with a sports sedan at a racetrack. Damn some people get all the luck don’t they?

Thanks for the tip Rob!

De Tomaso Pantera: Design Proposal Based On The Gallardo

Work of the talented German designer Stefan Schulze, the above 3D rendering is a design proposal for a modern day De Tomaso Pantera, a mid-engine Italian sports car equipped with a Ford V8 produced from 1971 through 1996. Just to put some Italian genes in the project, Schulze says the retro styled Pantera is based on the Lamborghini Gallardo platform. Looks quite nice overall, though we would have preferred it if Schulze avoided the Ford GT40 hints up front and the Lamborghini Miura styling elements in the rear end. -Image gallery after the jump

Via: Autoblog.it