The Cars & Bikes

2011 Ford Fiesta

2010-04-30T10:40:00.000-07:00

2011 Ford Fiesta

What is it?

The Fiesta is Ford's much-hyped world-car entry into the small B-class segment in the United States, a slice of the market currently populated by the Honda Fit, the Toyota Yaris and the Nissan Versa. B-class means it's smaller than the Ford Focus. But the class itself has grown by more than 30 percent in the last decade independent of the price of gasoline, Ford says, and the Fiesta represents a chance for Ford to party down at the bottom of the size chart. The Fiesta also represents something of a gamble that downsizers looking to save either money, gasoline or the planet--or have their college-age kids do so--will embrace Fiesta's 30 mpg city/40 mpg highway mileage and $13,995 starting sticker. Prices top out close to $20,000.

How's it drive?

With the front wheels powered by a 1.6-liter four putting out an underwhelming 120 hp and 112 lb-ft of torque to move the 2,500- to 2,600-or-so-pound car, it's not something you'd use to make quick freeway passes. But the chassis and suspension are tops in the class and take corners with the solidity of a more serious sporty hatch. With the somewhat long-throw five-speed manual, the Fiesta is fun, but coupled to the Getrag six-speed dual-clutch automatic, the car just flops and plods along. You can't really select gears with the Getrag; it does almost all the thinking for you, so whatever sporty elements are surely possible with this transmission remain undiscovered.

The electric power steering is tops in the class, and the Hankook 195/50R-16 Optimos gripped well. The interior is even quieter than Ford engineers said it would be, and the trim pieces inside are distinctly textured to give it an artsy feel. The available exterior colors will really catch the eye of buyers. And the addition of features such as Sync AppLink to link your BlackBerry or Android phone to the car adds another segment of buyers.

Do I want it?

For the price of a more fully optioned Fiesta, you could get into a Mazda 3 or a Volkswagen Golf and have more fun driving them. But you could also save a few thousand and have this perfectly fun front-runner and save money on gasoline, too. Your choice.

Kubica happy with life at renault F1 team

2010-03-13T06:42:00.000-08:00

Robert Kubica thinks the Renault Formula One team is "heading in the right direction" after its below-the-radar performance in winter testing.

Kubica said he already feels at home in his new team, which he joined for 2010 after leaving BMW Sauber at the end of last season.

While there are four obvious front-running teams, many observers say that Renault could be a strong package as the season progresses. The team spent a lot of time running race fuel loads and did not set any headline-grabbing lap times.

"I feel as ready as I can be considering that winter testing has been so limited," said Kubica. "I've spent a lot of time with the team and we already have a strong working relationship, which means we can make the most of the time at the track. There has been a lot for me to learn and there are still questions to answer, but we got some good information from the tests and I tried to extract the maximum from every lap.

"It's difficult to judge performance, but we're heading in the right direction. We also haven't run with all our new updates yet and there is another aero upgrade for [the first race in] Bahrain [next weekend], which we hope will match the wind-tunnel predictions and improve performance.

"Overall, it seems that all the top teams are quite close, but some have definitely hidden their full potential during testing and will also have more updates for Bahrain. So far, I think Ferrari and Mercedes look very strong."

Kubica said that Renault has to develop quickly, something it's been able to do often in the past.

"It will be a long season and our goal must be to develop faster than our competitors," he noted. "There was a big gap to make up at the end of 2009, so we will have to take two steps forward if we want to catch the top teams. Performance is what we need; it's always the best medicine."

2010 Audi A5 Cabriolet

2010-02-19T09:19:00.000-08:00

2010 Audi A5 Cabriolet

SENIOR EDITOR FOR NEWS BOB GRITZINGER:

Pretty and potent, this A5 convertible. The car looks great inside and out--I'm really liking Audi's rear-end treatment these days--and pulls stronger and smoother from its four-cylinder turbo than I expected. Everything's here, except the manual transmission that seems as if it should go with a convertible to take the fun quotient over the top. At the very least, toss in some paddle-shifters to push the sporty factor--or is Audi saving that for the S5 Cabrio?
This convertible is rock solid over rough roads, which is a real tribute to Audi's ability to whack the roof off a car and still keep its structural integrity intact. I drive some bumpy, sharp freeway exit ramps that can usually toss just about any car off course or induce chassis shake, but not this Audi. Steady as she goes. Given the inherent visibility problems with coupe-convertible roofs, the reverse camera and the lane-warning system are excellent, though the system is a little unsettling with its bright yellow warning flashes from the mirror housings. It's enough to make you think you drove into a construction zone.
I didn't get any top-down time, but with the roof in place, road and wind noise were negligible. It's nicely insulated. Everything's here to allow for cooler-weather top-down cruising too--mega-seat heaters, three-zone climate control and a killer audio system.

COPY EDITOR CYNTHIA L. OROSCO:
I had a great weekend in the A5. And while it seems odd to point this out in a convertible, we were grateful for the good HVAC system, because both days were pretty chilly. Some other convertibles I've driven seem to do a better job of insulating the cabin from the noise. But the A5 was fun to drive nonetheless, the power coming on easy the harder you pressed the pedal and the brakes being spot-on solid to bring the fun to a stop.

The driver and passenger seats offered good legroom, and the seats had good bolster, even though it was a bit of a chore climbing in and out, the car being so low to the ground. The back seat didn't seem like it would be very comfy, with next to no legroom and being a tight fit even for a purse or bag. But the trunk was roomy and offered plenty of space for our purchases. Other plusses: the rearview camera, the blind-spot warning lights on the side mirror housings, the back glass that actually allows you to see out.
With each model I drive, I love Audis more and more. The lines, the user-friendly radio and navigation controls, the good materials and all the power on tap. Now if only I had a reason--and the resources--to buy one.

SENIOR WEB REPORTER GREG MIGLIORE: This is a truly enjoyable cruiser to lap around town in. Nice, smooth steering with a little bit of feedback. The brakes are nice and responsive too, with satisfying pedal travel. For just a 2.0-liter I4, there is plenty of power in this motor, and it's perfect for a car this size and weight.
The chassis is solid and handles the pavement well; it's good for this convertible, which could easily be a total package for either a fun weekend car or a daily commuter. Or both.
Also worth noting is that the body looks elegant with nice lines and a presence set off by Audi's signature headlights. As Bob notes, the structural integrity is still there, which isn't always the case for droptops. The roof works well and easily. All in all, this is a thoroughly enjoyable car.

2010 Audi A5 Cabriolet

Base Price: $44,925

As-Tested Price: $56,525

Drivetrain: 2.0-liter turbocharged I4; AWD, six-speed automatic

Output: 211 hp @ 4,300-6,000 rpm, 258 lb-ft @ 1,500-4,200 rpm

Curb Weight: 3,682 lb

Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 22/23.3 mpg

Options: Prestige model including 18-inch wheels, advanced keyless startup, premium sound, Audi navigation, xenon headlights, LED tail lamps, Bluetooth, three-zone climate control, heated front seats, Homelink garage-door opener, auto-dimming mirrors with compass, Audi music interface, memory seat for driver, rain/light sensor ($8,300); comfort package including ventilated and heated front sport seats with lumbar, perforated genuine Milano leather, headroom heating system ($2,400); Audi side assist, backup camera, rear sensors ($900)

The 2009 Nissan Cube Krom

2010-01-04T08:14:00.001-08:00

The 2009 Nissan Cube Krom, an AW Drivers Log

EXECUTIVE EDITOR ROGER HART: I must say, this is one of the ugliest things on the road, but like an ugly mutt, I kind of like it. I guess I've liked all the rectangular boxes on wheels that have come along, from the Honda Element to the Scion xB to this. The reason comes down to seating position, I like sitting upright with tons of headroom and functionality. The big rear-access door and the ability to fold the seats down makes hauling stuff easy.

Toss in the cool little things--like the bungee cords on the door handles, the colorful accent lights, the unique design touches, numerous cupholders and the straightforward connection for iPods and other music devices--and the result is a fun, functional ride. Yes, it gets looks for its strangeness, but for $20,000, you're getting quite a versatile package.

I'd like to dump the CVT, as it gives the car a cheap overall feeling, but other than that, I came away actually liking the thing. I surprised myself.

COPY EDITOR CYNTHIA L. OROSCO: The funky styling either made people love or hate the Cube. I went to lunch with a large group of friends over the weekend, and everyone had to check it out. Several thought the curviness was sharp and loved the way the “hatch” (back door) opens to the side--including me, which allowed for very easy loading. During a monthly grocery run, we filled the back, and even though it doesn't look like there's much room from the back seat to the door, there is.

The extra height was great and allowed for plenty of headroom and good views when checking blind spots. And ditto for the wraparound part of the back windshield on the right side of the car.

The changing lights in the footwells and cupholders were a cool touch that everyone seemed to like. Bonus: The cupholder to the left of the steering wheel made it very convenient to keep a drink, the cell phone, etc. at easy reach.

The engine was quite buzzy and could definitely use more power. Granted, it wasn't bad getting up to speed and cruising along down the expressway, it did feel at times like there was some lag. But the brakes were great and stopping was solid.

As for the shag-carpet dash topper option, eh, I would have passed. It fits the Cube's whole retro vibe, but it doesn't serve a purpose. I guess you could put glasses/an iPod/whatever there, but it still might slide across the dash in a turn or otherwise fall off.

The car alarm was a failure. Well, it certainly would have driven off a would-be thief. Except that what kept setting it off were loud motorcycles, an old clunker and even the neighborhood dogs. The system is overly sensitive, and it was a big pain and annoyance to have to run for the key fob to turn off the blaring.

Overall, I fell in love with the Cube. I like the funky shape and that it doesn't look like every other car out there. Way to go, Nissan.

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT JONATHAN WONG: I liked this Cube a whole lot more than the first one I drove. I think it comes down to the better wheel and tire combination. There are alloys on here wrapped with Toyo tires, while the first one I had was a true stripper model with steel wheels and hub caps and God only knows what kind of tire.

With looks like this, it's expected to have motorists stare at you with weird expressions or just smile at the Cube's odd appearance. One guy in a Mustang sliced through traffic to catch up, only to slow down and ride along right next to me for a mile or so. Either he, was very taken with the car or wanted to see what the idiot behind the wheel looked like.

While this car is not for me, and I don't think I would ever be delusional enough to actually buy a Cube (or any small boxy car for that matter), I did enjoy driving this particular one. I would take a Cube over the Scion xB in a heartbeat.

There's enough pull from the 1.8-liter four-cylinder, and the CVT does a respectable job of channeling the power to the front wheels. As with most CVTs, it makes the car sound like it's surging at times. Even so, it didn't make me want to punch a hole through the dashboard like in past CVT-equipped vehicles.

Steering is light and fairly quick to response to inputs. The suspension also isn't half bad and offers sufficient damping, while at the same time keeping the car from flopping all over the place. It's rather composed when rounding corners, but the skinny-ish tires are still a limiting factor.

This Krom package is cool with the slick bumper treatments and the front chrome grilles. I'm not thrilled with the warning label on the rear window that warns you not to take the car through an automatic car wash for fear of having the rear spoiler ripped off, though.

As I said after my first drive of a Cube, it seems like a car that your Nintendo Wii character would look at home in with its asymmetrical styling and water-drop design elements around the interior on the headliner and bottom of the cub holders. In the end, this car has a fun personality; I respect that and wouldn't mind driving one from time to time. I just still wouldn't want to own one.

2009 Nissan Cube Krom

In Fleet: July 30-Aug. 13

Base Price: $20,090

As-Tested Price: $20,420

Drivetrain: 1.8-liter I4; FWD, continuously variable transmission

Output: 122 hp @ 5,200 rpm, 127 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm

Curb Weight: 2,864 lb

Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 29/28.0 mpg

Options: Interior design package including carpeted floor mats, carpeted cargo area mat, shag dash topper, front-door bungees ($230); vehicle alarm impact sensor ($100)

Ferrari boss: Michael Schumacher poised to return with Mercedes Grand Prix

2009-12-23T07:46:00.000-08:00

Ferrari boss: Michael Schumacher poised to return with Mercedes Grand Prix

Michael Schumacher:

told the president of Ferrari in a telephone conversation this week that he expected to make a Formula One comeback in 2010 with Mercedes-Benz.

German media reports suggest that the deal has been done subject to the fitness of the seven-time world champion, who was unable to make a comeback with Ferrari last September due to a neck injury sustained in a motorcycle accident earlier in the year.

While hosting a pre-Christmas lunch in Maranello, Ferrari boss Luca di Montezemolo said of Schumacher: “We spoke yesterday [Wednesday]. He told me there was a strong possibility [that he would race for Mercedes Grand Prix], but it was not 100-percent decided.

Di Montezemolo, who apparently was surprised, added, “I thought there must be someone else who sounded like him. The real Michael Schumacher is a Ferrari consultant who confirmed to me that he will finish his career with Ferrari. The other one is also German, he has the same name, same age, 40 or 41, but this one has decided to do a new career. Everybody can do what they prefer in life. It is wonderful he wants to try again. I like these people. But it is not the Michael I know. It is his twin.”

Di Montezemolo continued:

“I have cried in this job twice. The first time was in 1975 at Monza when Niki [Lauda] won the championship for Ferrari for the first time in 13 years. The second time was when Michael got out of the car for the last time at a track day. It was very moving. For me, this is difficult. If I talk with him as a friend and see this determination [to race again], I am pleased. But as the president of Ferrari, I am sad. He has given a lot to Ferrari and received a lot from us.

“This is why we have to accept that there is another guy called Michael, not the real Michael that we knew. I don't know what the possibilities are at Mercedes for this other Michael."

The irony here is that it was di Montezemolo who first got Schumacher fired up about making a comeback, when he asked the seven-time world champion to stand in for the injured Felipe Massa after last year's Hungarian Grand Prix.

“I called Michael and told him I needed his help to replace Felipe,” di Montezemolo said. “For five minutes he said no. I had to convince him to consider it. Then he said yes. When I spoke to him again, he had been to see his doctor in Germany. He said he could not do anything because of the problems with his neck. He was more than sad--he was destroyed."

It seems that once introduced to the idea of racing again, Schumacher became set on it. With Massa and Fernando Alonso signed up for 2010, however, there was no vacancy at Ferrari, which was why, as di Montezemolo has now confirmed, the Scuderia tried to persuade the FIA to change the rules and allow teams to race a third car.

Separately, the German newspaper, Bild reported that Schumacher's 2010 Mercedes Grand Prix deal had been signed subject to the medical examinations, and that his program would begin before the end of this month in Abu Dhabi, where he would drive a GP2 car on the Yas Island circuit.

Mercedes-Benz Motorsport director Norbert Haug has declined to comment. However, Daimler boss Dieter Zetsche confirmed to Bild that the identity of the team's second driver would not be announced until after the New Year.

All the signs are that subject to the condition of his neck, Schumacher will be Nico Rosberg's teammate next season, racing for the brand that got him started in big-time motor racing.

Schumacher will be 41 on Jan. 3. His younger rivals might care to note that Juan Fangio did not even race a Grand Prix car until he was 38 years old, won his first world championship two years later, and clinched his fifth title at the age of 46.

The 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid

2009-12-23T07:37:00.000-08:00

The 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid

SENIOR WEB REPORTER GREG MIGLIORE:

The watershed moment in the Mercury Milan Hybrid came for me as I was dashing across town for a lunch meeting. Merging onto an expressway in close quarters where lanes begin and end rapidly, I was able to punch the throttle, bring the car up to speed to avoid a guy in a Camaro and set sail down the interstate.

It was perfectly normal.

The Milan is more representative of the direction hybrids are going: mainstream. And that's what this car is. It drives normal. Your can put stuff in it. It has enough power for regular driving. It's neither eye-catching nor offensive.

All of this stands out to me because this could be a decent family car, if a midsized sedan is what your family needs. That's in contrast to the driving characteristics of the Honda Insight, the most recent hybrid I've driven. That car makes more of a design statement and has a creative interior, but frankly, driving the Insight on the expressway--in the rain--was not something to relish.

The area where the Milan does stand out is the dash, which is colorful, informative and--dare I say--fun to use. This is part of a concentrated effort by Ford to dress up its hybrids and make them enjoyable to drive--without beating you over the head with green feelings. The eco gauges open with the turn of the key and offer plenty of useful info. The instantaneous fuel economy was nice, the leaves were cool, and in general it was fairly easy to comprehend, considering the wealth of information you can configure it to show you.

I also give props to the navigation system, which returns eco information about the car's internals, as well as useful info such as local gas prices. It's a typical Mercury interior--comfortable, nice leathers and well-done overall. At idle, the car is eerily quiet, especially in electric mode. The stop/start feature works well for the most part, particularly at traffic lights.

The steering is a touch light, but that's the Milan, not any indictment on the hybrid version. And the car handles and brakes fine.

I made a point being heavy on the accelerator a couple times and was surprised that this car never really wheezed. I also got fuel mileage pretty close to the EPA numbers. I didn't crack 40 mpg, but mid- to upper-30s readings were no problem.

It was not an adrenaline-inducing weekend for me. But this is a fine execution of a contemporary hybrid, in my judgment.

COPY EDITOR CYNTHIA OROSCO: It's nice to get the look and feel of the Milan/Ford Fusion/Lincoln MKZ with the fuel economy and green goodness of a hybrid--especially when the car has such good power. Even clipping down the expressways at nearly 80, I was still getting 30-plus mpg, according to the cool instrument cluster that shows you how well (or poorly) you're doing on fuel economy. I like the gauges and the leaves and watching how well you're doing on the mileage, but it can be distracting.

Something that also can be distracting is the navigation screen in the center stack, although I really like it. The screen is nice and bright and provides a variety of information in a compact space. But it would be nice to have the screen and controls angled a bit. It's sometimes difficult to read/reach with the vertical setup. Otherwise, the interior of the Milan looked good, the seats were comfy and there was good space throughout. Ditto for the trunk. And thankfully, the start/stop feature wasn't jerky at takeoff, like some other hybrids. It was very smooth, as was the night overall in the Milan Hybrid.

2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid

Base Price: $28,225

As-Tested Price: $33,075

Drivetrain: 2.5-liter I4; FWD, continuously variable transmission

Output: 156 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 136 lb-ft @ 2,250 rpm

Curb Weight: 3,729 lb

Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 39/23.2 mpg

Options: Rapid spec 300A including moon-and-tune package moon roof, Sony sound system/CDx6/MP3 capable with 12 speakers, driver's vision package including blind-spot information system with cross-traffic alert, rear-view camera, rear spoiler, leather-trimmed seats with heated front ($3,735); dual-zone air conditioning ($1,775)

Anti Lock Brake System

2009-12-22T11:06:00.000-08:00

Anti Lock Brake System

ABS System

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The EFI SyStem

2009-12-22T10:54:00.000-08:00

Electronic fuel injection

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2010 Tesla Roadster Sport

2009-12-12T06:06:00.000-08:00

2010 Tesla Roadster Sport: Electric chic gets quicker--it's EV with attitude

One thing that surely anybody alive and breathing just about has to love is mashing the accelerator pedal in an electric car--more so if it's an electric car designed primarily to thrill you.

Except for drag racers and guys who regularly pilot those reverse bungee-cord human-slingshot rides at state fairs--and maybe even them, too--the thrill of silently and suddenly ker-thwapping yourself to 60 in a one-speed Tesla Roadster and then watching it zwip all the way up to its 14,000-rpm redline is just about unsurpassed. We spent a couple of hours doing that. Whew!
As if the “base” Tesla Roadster's 0-to-60-mph time of 3.9 seconds wasn't enough, the Roadster Sport model now does 0 to 60 in 3.7 seconds.
“Nobody ever complained about the power [of the base Roadster],” said Tesla's Jeremy Snyder, manager of the SoCal region for the company. “But there's a heck of a lot of people who wanted it.”
Getting it wasn't all that hard. A hand-wound stator with increased winding density and unique firmware give the Roadster Sport 295 lb-ft of torque, compared with the standard car's 273 lb-ft. That's 288 hp compared with 248, to look at it another way.
The Roadster Sport also has 10-way adjustable shocks with remote reservoirs, three-way adjustable antiroll bars, Tesla's own forged-alloy wheels and Yokohama AO48 Ultra High Performance tires, 195/50R-16s in front and 225/45R-17s in the rear. You even get “Roadster Sport” badging on the doorsills, on the rear deck and under the rear hatch.
How does it work? As we said, in a straight line, it's thrilling. Launching up on-ramps and into open spaces anywhere traffic allows will make you downright giddy. But with nearly 1,000 pounds of batteries inside, the Tesla understeers in corners. It does so less at lower speeds, and we know that you can make just about anything plow into a corner if you enter it too fast. But as you approach what might be called spirited driving, the car feels all of its 2,723 pounds. If you've driven any of the Lotus roadsters from which the Tesla traces its basic structure, you will really notice the extra weight. But if you haven't, chances are you'll find this to be a sprightly ride. And it's definitely the best-handling electric car in the world.

A picture of 2010 Tesla Roadster Sport

The 2010 Tesla Roadster Sport makes electric driving even more fun.

The 2010 models also get a host of improvements: a push-button gear selector, a (dinky) glovebox, an HVAC system that doesn't sacrifice your comfort for the comfort of the battery pack and increased use of sound-deadening material throughout to make what was an almost silent car even quieter.
Tesla quotes range for either model at 244 miles, while pointing out that an owner in Australia recently went 313 miles on a single charge. It depends on how you drive. We chose the “performance” mode instead of the “max range” mode. But you can switch back and forth with a toggle of the key.
On our drive, we started out with the bar graph that indicated battery charge almost all the way to the full side. Our potential range was listed at 184 miles driving as you would on the EPA city cycle. Driven as the car had been in its last 30 miles by Snyder, we were given a range of 119 miles. We started on the freeway at normal speeds, where the dials indicated that we were drawing 20 kilowatts at 65 mph (imagine 20 hair dryers moving your car down the freeway). Later, up on Mulholland, there was some spirited driving, followed by a return on Pacific Coast Highway to the Tesla store in Westwood, mostly done at traffic-induced reasonable speeds. When we got back, after 78.2 miles total, the dash readouts said we had a 99-mile range driv-ing in ideal mode and 110 as driven. The battery charge was just less than half full. Pour those numbers into whatever wacky formula you choose to come up with a mpg equivalent.
Tesla has now delivered about 900 cars worldwide, 300 of them in SoCal. Are they going to make it and be the next General Motors/Toyota/Mercedes or only the next Corbin Sparrow? We like the car and have enjoyed every Tesla we've been in over the years. There will be pundits who say that for our Roadster Sport's $128,500 sticker price you could get fill-in-the-blank: 45 Bugeye Sprites, 400 two-stroke dirt bikes, 10 weeks at a Club Med, hair transplants for everyone you know, etc.
Regardless, it's good to have the choice. And if the price of gasoline goes up and all of the companies that say they're going to make electric cars actually do, the choices will grow exponentially. Choice is good.

2010 Tesla Roadster Sport
ON SALE: Now
BASE PRICE: $128,500
DRIVETRAIN: 288-hp, 295-lb-ft, 375-volt AC induction air-cooled electric motor; RWD, single-speed fixed gear with 8.28:1 overall final drive
CURB WEIGHT: 2,723 lb
0-60 MPH: 3.7 sec (mfr)
FUEL ECONOMY: 244-mile range

Rolls-Royce Ghost, an AW Flash Drive

2009-12-12T05:53:00.000-08:00

Rolls-Royce Ghost, an AW Flash Drive

What is it? What it isn’t is a 7-series with a Rolls-Royce body. No, the Ghost is the new baby Rolls, and it shares less than 20 percent of parts with the big BMW. Underhood the Ghost uses BMW’s V12 engine block, stroked to 6.6 liters. The twin-turbo V12 produces 563 hp, good enough for a 4.7-second 0 to 60 mph time. It will go on sale in February for $250,000, including destination and gas guzzler charges.

What’s it like to drive? Awesome, as you’d expect. The Ghost feels a lot more British than we thought it would. It drives very much like a Rolls: Smooth, smooth ride, seamless acceleration and whisper quiet at all speeds. The car will actually go through corners as well, with nicely weighted steering and adaptive roll control. It is fast and, did we say smooth? The car feels well connected to the road.

Do I want it? Indeed you do. It’s the everyday Rolls-Royce. Rolls says it has orders for 1,500 cars already, and all will be built at the firm’s Goodwood assembly plant. It’s an impressive car, gorgeous inside and out, and one that should be hugely successful. It deserves to be.

The 2009 BMW 335i Coupe, an AW Drivers Log

2009-12-08T10:50:00.000-08:00

The 2009 BMW 335i Coupe,

An AW Drivers Log

MOTORSPORTS EDITOR MAC MORRISON: Fantastic car, though this price tag is about as high as it should ever go. But the 3-series is, in many ways, the Porsche 911 of the luxury/sport sedan/coupe world: Timeless styling that harks back to the original and improved and refined performance each time around. As with the 911, you often wonder how BMW could possibly continue improving this model range, yet it does time and time again.
A negative: Echoing the sentiments of Editor Wes Raynal every time he drives a car equipped with run-flat tires, this rubber is not nice in the ride-quality dept, at least when you drive it in the state with the country's worst roads. The impact harshness through these tires is borderline brutal. I'd rather have a donut spare tire and some standard non-run-flat tires. It's not worth the tradeoff on a daily basis.
I do have some questions about the sport package: Does it not include suspension changes? It's just seats, trim and increased top-speed limiter? So what, it is up from 155 mph to, what? And what kind of option is that? Not that I don't like it in theory, but what practical good does that do you in this country? Of course, if I owned one of these, I would want that option, if only to know the car could do more than 155, even if I never approached that speed on a public road.
Oh, I love this Montego blue paint, by the way.
This car handles great, looks great, brakes and steers great. You can drive it on the throttle, and it seems BMW has addressed the turbo-lag problem that a software update created a couple years ago. As it is, this turbocharged six-cylinder is outstanding in its power delivery and flexibility. And 300 hp is just about perfect for most who will drive this car.
Another winner from BMW. But you knew that already.
2009 BMW 335i Coupe
In Fleet: Oct. 8-22
Base Price: $43,025
As-Tested Price: $50,270
Drivetrain: 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged I6; RWD, six-speed manual
Output: 300 hp @ 5,800 rpm, 300 lb-ft @ 1,400-5,000 rpm
Curb Weight: 3,571 lb
Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 20/20.5 mpg
Options: Premium package including universal garage-door opener, digital compass mirror, auto-dimming mirrors, auto-dimming rearview mirrors, lumbar support, BMW assist with Bluetooth ($2,650); sport package including sport seats, shadowline trim, increased top-speed limited ($1,550); 19-inch wheels with performance tires ($1,000); satellite radio with one-year subscription ($595); Montego blue metallic paint ($550); heated front seats ($500); iPod, USB adapter ($400)

5 Extravagant Car Amenities

2009-11-16T07:07:00.001-08:00

Sure, we may need a car to get from point A to point B, but would we ever need our car to have an air purifier? How about leather interior ceilings? Or a bejeweled fuel cap? To those of us who are still chugging around in a bottom-of-the-line economy car, these amenities might seem utterly ridiculous. Some may gag at the idea of such excess and opulence. But don't be too quick to judge. After all, it wasn't too long ago that features like power locks and windows seemed reserved for the ultra-rich (and ultra-lazy). Now, not only do these come standard on most cars, but many feel they couldn't live without them.

We've assembled a few of the coolest and seemingly ridiculous amenities that can be incorporated into a car. Some make the ride more comfortable. And others -- let's face it -- are just for showing off. Either way, we can always drool and hope that some of these amenities will become popular and inexpensive enough that they'll trickle down to the rest of us.

10 Top Selling Hybrid Cars

2009-11-16T07:05:00.000-08:00

10 Top Selling Hybrid Cars

Sure, gas prices are low now, but in the summer of 2008, when gas prices hit upwards of $4 a gallon, it scared a lot of drivers. Suddenly, green driving was all the rage and consumers tried eco-friendly driving. Some even switched to the most fuel-efficient car models they could find, and of course, they searched for as much hybrid car information as they could get their hands on, too.

Hybrid cars and trucks use an electric motor to power the car when the gasoline engine isn't necessary. That allows the internal combustion engine to shut off, saving gas. Because of those savings, hybrid cars have become increasingly popular. And hybrids aren't just for granola-crunching hippies anymore, either -- luxury car makers have gotten into the game.

Keep reading to see which hybrids were the most popular in 2008.

2009 Aston Martin One-77

2009-11-16T06:33:00.000-08:00

2009 Aston Martin One-77

Here it is!!, Aston Martin most expensive in history was finally unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. The name says everything about the model: Aston Martin One-77. Will be limited to only 77 units, which is rumored to be already sold out. But do not worry, if you want to buy one, you have to be about $ 1.9 million dollars in his pocket, which few of us have!

Aston Martin One-77 is powered by a V12 engine of 6.0 liters (the same as the DBS, DB9 and the Vantage V12) which generates an output of 700bhp. With an estimated weight of 1.500kg, the One-77 will occupy the highest positions in terms of performance on the road. The maximum speed we can say with confidence that will be above the 200 mph, with a time of 0 to 60mph in approximately 3.5 seconds.

The supercar has a carbon fiber chassis and rigid ultra-light, front and rear independent suspension and adjustable.

How will the Finns get revenge this time?

2009-11-10T05:33:00.000-08:00

How will the Finns get revenge this time?

France and Finland have endured something of a frosty relationship. This probably stems from the time in 2005 when France's then president, Jacques Chirac, declared that Britain had the worst food in Europe--after Finland. It provoked something of an international incident--well, in Finland at least.

Here in Britain, we are resigned to terrible cuisine, yet the cultural norm is to never complain about anything. What else would you expect from a land that offers haggis as a national delicacy? That's a sheep's stomach stuffed with barley and offal, in case you're tempted.

Hostilities resumed big time between the French and the Finns last week, in Paris and Wales. Over in France, home-grown hero Jean Todt defeated Finland's Ari Vatanen for the FIA presidency. Meanwhile, in the Welsh capital of Cardiff, France's Sébastien Loeb took on Finland's Mikko Hirvonen for the FIA World Rally Championship title.

In both cases, France came out on top--serving only to reinforce every Frenchman's general notion that they are superior at everything to the rest of the world. But the Finns are determined to fight back, as the Finns have sisu. This largely untranslatable word roughly means “sustained courage and determination in the face of adversity.” Perhaps it is the same unhinged impulse that drives the Finns to roll around in the snow after broiling themselves in the sauna. Or to think that tractor pulling (in which tractors pull assorted loads across a field) makes a viable spectator sport.

As the Finns found out the hard way throughout history, given that their country borders Russia, an attack is the best form of defense. Vatanen wasted no time in informing people of his belief that the crucial FIA presidential election was somehow rigged.

“I thought that more people would vote for me, but apparently the delegates felt the pressure,” he said, with no hint of sour grapes. “It's very hard to renew this regime. I hope that the FIA will become more democratic but so far, it is just wishful thinking.”

In other words, to borrow from the French, plus ca change, plus c'est la meme chose.

Which brings us back to Sébastien Loeb, who racked up World Rally Championship title No. 6 last weekend. That's a decent enough consolation prize for being slowest in a recent GP2 Series test and subsequently not being awarded an FIA superlicence, which put an end to his dream of racing for Scuderia Toro Rosso in Formula One's Abu Dhabi season finale.

When Loeb keeps on winning championships with such monotonous regularity, it is hard for us journalists to find a new angle on the story. So we've been knocking around a few ideas for fresh headlines. How about: “Lousy GP2 driver wins World Rally Championship,” or “Title No. 6 for man with no superlicence”?

The French may have comprehensively won the week, but the Finns must be plotting something, since they always like to have the last laugh. For example, going back to the hot potato (pardon the pun) of Finland's gastronomy, a Finnish pizza chain managed to exact perfect revenge last year for Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi's assertion that Finns are so ignorant of world cuisine “they don't even know what Parma ham is.”

In response, Kotipizza won the 2008 America's Plate International Pizza Contest, naming its award-winning pizza the Berlusconi. This was because Berlusconi (clearly a buddy of Chirac) had bizarrely claimed that Finns only eat smoked reindeer, which is, in fact, a specialty of north Norway and Russia.

The acclaimed Berlusconi pizza's secret ingredient was, of course, smoked reindeer.

Maserati, Nissan likely to return to 24 Hours of Le Mans

2009-11-10T05:24:00.000-08:00

Maserati, Nissan likely to return to 24 Hours of Le Mans

Nissan and Maserati appear certain to end long absences from the 24 Hours of Le Mans next year.
Both manufacturers aim to take advantage of the decision of the Le Mans organizer, the Automobile Club de l'Ouest, to allow the same cars that will race in the new-for-2010 FIA GT1 World Championship to race in the 24 Hours. That means Nissan's GT-R, which is built to the new GT1 rule book, and Maserati's MC12, which will be allowed to race in modified form for one more season, will be eligible for Le Mans.
Gigawave Motorsport--Nissan's development team in FIA GT competition this season--wants to take two GT-Rs to the 24 Hours in 2010. Should Gigawave land a Le Mans entry, it would be the first time that a Nissan has raced at Le Mans since 1999.
Meanwhile, Michael Bartels revealed that he plans to take up the guaranteed Le Mans entries his Vitaphone Maserati Racing team claimed for winning the FIA GT Championship in 2009.
"We have been trying to go to Le Mans with the MC12 since 2005 [when he established Vitaphone Racing]," he said. "The Maserati board is very supportive of the idea of racing there."

Honda Atlas-Heavy Bikes

2009-11-08T15:02:00.000-08:00

Honda Atlas-Heavy Bikes

The Honda Atlas Cars Pakistan Limited is a joint venture between Honda Motor Company Limited, Japan and the Atlas Group, Pakistan. Outside Japan it is the biggest and largest motorcycle plant in Asia

With the emphasis of a heavy bikes being on speed, acceleration, braking, and maneuverability, there are certain design elements that most motorcycles of this type will share. heavy bikes have comparatively high-performance engines resting inside a lightweight frame. The combination of these help maintain structural integrity and chassis rigidity. Braking systems combine higher performance brake pads and multi-piston calipers that clamp onto oversized vented rotors.

BIKES SUPPLIERZ

2009-11-08T14:56:00.000-08:00

BIKES SUPPLIERS

Common Heavy bikes supplierz are:

1- CHONGGING HI-BIRD MOTORCYCLE INDUSTRY

2- WIZTEM INDUSTRY CO.LTD

3- NINGBO BESTAR CO.LTD

4- SHANQHAI XUE MENGINTERNATIONAL TRADING

5- CHINA FLAME GROUP LTD

6- EAGLE INDUSTRIAL & CO LTD

7- YAMAHA

8- SUZUKI

9- HONDA ATLUS

WORLD'S FASTEST HEAVY BIKE

2009-11-08T14:48:00.000-08:00

WORLD'S FASTEST HEAVY BIKE

SUZUKI GXR-1300

Shelby Supercars Ultimate Aero Twin Turbo

2009-11-08T14:38:00.000-08:00

Shelby Supercars Ultimate Aero Twin Turbo

The Shelby Supercars Ultimate Aero Twin Turbo set the new World’s Fastest Production Car record with an average top speed of 255.83 mph.

On a temporarily-closed 2 lane public highway in Washington State, the SSC Ultimate Aero posted a top speed of 257.11 mph (413.83 kph) on its first pass and 254.55 mph (409.71 kph) on its return pass, achieving a new top speed record: a staggering 255.83 mph (411.76 kph).
SSC used a turbo V8 outputting 1183 HP and 1094 lbs. of torque. The use of lightweight carbon fiber materials allows for a low dry weight of 2750 lbs. giving the Aero TT the production record for lbs/hp ratio at 2.33.The Ultimate Aero achieved 0-60 mph in 2.78 seconds and 1/4 Mile in 9.90 seconds at 144 mph.
The Aero TT is not completely stripped either, it features air conditioning, power windows, power mirrors, a navigation system, and a 10 speaker Audio/CD/DVD. Base price is expected to be around $585,000

2009-11-08T14:30:00.000-08:00

Inside garage, you'll find a luxury car Porsche 911

Convertible and 1988 Porsche 959 Coupe.
Steven Ballmer drives a 1998 Lincoln Continental.In fact, due to the 959’s questionable emissions and unknown crash ratings, It took a federal law signed by President Clinton to legally drive his 959 on American roads.

2003 Ferrari Enzo

2009-11-08T14:27:00.000-08:00

General Info:
Price: $643,330
Miles Per Gallon: --- mpg
Curb Weight: 2767 lbs
Layout: Mid-Engine/RWD
Transmission: 6-Speed Semi-Automatic
Engine
Type: V12
Displacement: 5998 cc
Horsepower: 660 bhp @ 7800 rpm
Torque: 472 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm
Redline: 8200 rpm
Performance
0-60 mph: 3.6 sec
0-100 mph: 6.3 sec
Quarter Mile: 11 sec @ 130 mph
Skidpad: ---
Top Speed: 217 mph
Braking, 60-0 mph: --- ft
Slalom Speed: --- mph

Future cars pictures

2009-11-08T14:24:00.000-08:00

Thinking about future car? Maybe thinking about flying future car hahah..no..let me you to see this future cars gallery first

Saleen S7 Sports Car

2009-11-08T14:19:00.000-08:00

General Info:
Price: $395,000
Miles Per Gallon: 10/17 mpg
Curb Weight: 2870 lbs
Layout: Mid-Engine/RWD
Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
Engine
Type: V8
Displacement: 7000 cc
Horsepower: 550 bhp @ 6400 rpm
Torque: 525 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Redline: 7000 rpm
Performance

0-60 mph: 3.3 sec
0-100 mph: 8.9 sec
Quarter Mile: 11.8 sec @ 120 mph
Skidpad: .99g
Top Speed: 215 mph
Braking, 60-0 mph: 111 ft
Slalom Speed: 70.5 mph

Los Angeles auto show: Porsche to roll out Boxster Spyder

2009-11-08T02:37:00.000-08:00

Los Angeles auto show: Porsche to roll out Boxster Spyder

Porsche will introduce a lightweight addition to its Boxster range next month at the Los Angeles auto show. The new Boxster Spyder gets exclusive styling touches, a bump in power, improved handling and a weight reduction.
Visually, the Boxster Spyder gains a lower-slung soft top that stretches farther back than the base and S cars. Together with the lower side windows and a rear lid that features two bulges, it harks back to the Carrera GT supercar.
Power comes from the 3.4-liter boxer six-cylinder used in the Boxster S, but with an additional 10 hp for a total of 320 hp. A new sport suspension with 0.8-inch lower ride height, standard limited-slip differential and specific wheels sharpens handling.
Tipping the scale at 2,811 pounds, the Boxster Spyder will be the lightest offering across Porsche's current range. With the help of aluminum doors and lighter-weight interior door panels from the 911 GT3 RS, the Boxster Spyder weights 176 pounds less than the Boxster S.
The result is a 0-to-60-mph time of 4.6 seconds on cars equipped with the ZF dual-clutch transmission and a top speed of 166 mph with the roof down.
The Spyder becomes the third regular production model in the Boxster lineup, joining the base and S versions. Previously, a Boxster Spyder was available in 2004 and 2008, but only as special limited-edition vehicles to pay tribute to the 550 Spyder race car and homologated road car of the 1950s.
Sales begin in February as a 2011 model with a base price of $61,200.

2009-11-08T02:29:00.000-08:00

Song of Myself

I celebrate myself, and sing myself, And what I assume you shall assume, For every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you.

I loafe and invite my soul, I lean and loafe at my ease observing a spear of summer grass.

My tongue, every atom of my blood, form'd from this soil, this air, Born here of parents born here from parents the same, and their parents the same, I, now thirty-seven years old in perfect health begin, Hoping to cease not till death.

Creeds and schools in abeyance, Retiring back a while sufficed at what they are, but never forgotten, I harbor for good or bad, I permit to speak at every hazard, Nature without check with original energy.

The 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG, an AutoWeek Drivers Log

2009-11-08T02:24:00.000-08:00

The 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG, an AutoWeek Drivers Log

MANAGING EDITOR ROGER HART:

It's always a pleasure to drive a car fitted with this engine. Man, it's a screamer. This is a German muscle car, without a doubt. It rumbles the pavement at full throttle, and with all of the AMG go-faster bits, it handles like a race car, too.

I doubt you could ever get bored with this car. From the ultra-adjustable seats to the terrific sound system to the fact that you have 518 hp at foot, I found myself smiling all the way into the office.

SENIOR EDITOR FOR NEWS BOB GRITZINGER:

German muscle, no question, but also with a serious dose of styling panache and an electronics store worth of goodies built into the chassis and powertrain. Not slowing down quickly enough to stop for the car slowing ahead of you? There's beep-beep for that. Changing lanes without noticing the car in the blind spot? There's a telltale warning light in the mirror and a beep-beep for that, too. Can't see the wildlife at night? There's night vision to illuminate all of that. Want to drive without worrying about speeding up or slowing down with traffic? There's Distronic cruise control for that. And none of this even touches on all the creature comforts the CL has to offer, from massaging seats to a monster audio system. I could go on.

Outside, the car looks trim and tough, with enough curves and bulges to give it more than enough attitude.

It's too bad that this whomping engine is hooked up to a seven-speed tranny that takes a little too long to catch up to what the engine is doing, so at times there's pronounced tranny lag. But when the power does come on, it's serious and steady. The car also holds the road like it's wired down or something, again thanks to a bevy of electronics that do a great job of making one look like the greatest driver since Parnelli Jones.

I'm not sure the night vision is really necessary, but it's a cute parlor trick. And if you're paying this kind of money, you deserve a few of those thrown in on the option list.

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT JONATHAN WONG:

Yep, there's no better way to describe this beast than German muscle. You just have to remember that this German brute packs a healthy dose of luxury and whiz-bang technology, as Bob points out.Around town, it's subtle with a comfortable ride. I didn't get to play around with the transmission shift settings because of the rain during my first stint, and even short jabs of the gas pedal broke the rear tires loose.

As I said, in normal mode the car was comfy, just light-footing it around in the rain last night with slow, ginger shifts from the seven-speed automatic. Steering is heavy and feels a bit lazy in response. A couple of quick turns that I was brave enough to take on had the car exhibit good grip, but you can't consider this car anywhere close to being light on its feet.

Over the weekend, I punched the car into Sport mode for quicker transmission gear changes, sharper throttle response and stiffer suspension. The difference in initial turn in and more aggressive shifts is noticeable. The car also stays noticeably flatter taking turns. With stability control turned off, it allows for minimal step-out of the rear end before automatically awakening and killing the party.

However, it's a rocket ship in a straight line with an addicting growl from the big V8. Find a clear path on the expressway, give the right pedal a push and you're off to the races. So, the German muscle-car tag really is fitting.

The heavy dose of technology is expected, and some of the features will have their novelty wear off pretty quickly, but for $155,000, there better be some stuff on the car that I certainly won't need. I do wonder how much the night-vision system will cost to fix when it eventually breaks.

2009 Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG

In Fleet: April 24-May 8

Base Price: $143,175

As-Tested Price: $155,670

Drivetrain: 6.3-liter V8; RWD, seven-speed automatic

Output: 518 hp @ 6,800 rpm, 465 lb-ft @ 5,200 rpm

Curb Weight: 4,597 lb

Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 13/14.22 mpg

Options: AMG performance package including 20-inch AMG twin five-spoke forged light-alloy wheels, 186-mph top speed ($7,070); Distronic plus package including Distronic plus, parking guidance, blind-spot assist ($2,880); premium II including rear-view camera, night-view assist ($2,120); iPod integration kit ($425)

F1 driver market still awaiting next moves

2009-10-30T21:15:00.000-07:00

F1 Driver Market still Awaiting Next Moves

Rubens Barrichello (shown) and rookie Nico Hulkenberg will drive for it in 2010

Expect Williams F1 to confirm on Monday that veteran Rubens Barrichello and rookie Nico Hulkenberg will drive for it in 2010, but thus far, there have been no more definitive moves in the driver market.

Newly crowned world champion Jenson Button still has not re-signed with Brawn GP, and suggestions persist that McLaren-Mercedes might steal him to partner Lewis Hamilton as Heikki Kovalainen's replacement. McLaren has still not done a deal with Kimi Räikkönen, though the Finn insists that he does not have any other F1 options after agreeing to leave Ferrari at season's end with a year remaining on his contract.

As reported previously, Timo Glock

looks Expect Williams F1 to confirm on Monday that veteran increasingly likely to leave Toyota to join Renault alongside Robert Kubica. That will leave Romain Grosjean without a job and spell an end to the era of the team employing drivers who have a management deal with or are protégés of former boss Flavio Briatore.

With the established top drivers spurning Toyota, and Glock and Jarno Trulli both leaving, the Cologne-based team is now linked with Kovalainen, who McLaren is certain to drop.

SEMA show: Lexus loves Las Vegas

2009-10-30T20:44:00.000-07:00

The Lexus IS 350 C by Fox Marketing gains a host of suspension mods and a supercharger.

Look for several Lexus cars in Las Vegas, two with F-Tuned bodies, four from various tuners and one genuine LFA supercar making its U.S. debut after last week's worldwide reveal at Tokyo.

The LFA likely will be the white one (as opposed to the black one; there ain't too many of these around) that we drove a month or two ago on the autobahn and for three glorious laps around der Nordschliefe. The car was impressive, man. If you have a spare 400 grand, we recommend it.

IS 350 C by Fox Marketing

Brian Fox took an already fine Lexus IS convertible and added a ProCharger C-2 Blower, iForged Spring wheels, F-Sport Big Brakes 14-inch, six-piston calipers, Yonaka SPECII 36-way adjustable coilovers, custom lip molded front spoiler, IS F front fenders, IS F side skirts, 2-inch fender flares, a rear bumper flare and a SEIBON carbon rear wing. Oh, and that howling green paint job. If the lights go out in the Las Vegas Convention Center, you will be able to find your way to the exits by the glow of this car.

IS350C by VIP Auto Salon and JTuned.com

A somewhat milder tune but a good one, with semi-screaming matador red paint.

O-60 magazine and Design Craft Fabrication IS 350C

If there is to be controversy on the Lexus stand, it surely will be about this car's Ings+1 exterior body kit. Notice the official shot is from the rear three-quarters? If you go by the car, have a look at the sloping

Snout and let me know what do you think?

The Lexus IS 350 C F-Sport by TRD gets 19-inch wheels and a brake upgrade

IS 350C F-Sport by TRD

TRD's F-Sport contributed the 19-inch wheels, the upgraded brakes and the lowering gear for this ride, while Five-Axis did the ground effects kit. But it's all overpowered (in a good way) by that PPG “orange glow” three-stage candy paint. Wow! If it was legal to drive this around the swimming pool at the Rio, we would.

GS 350 F-Sport by TRD

See above but put it on a GS. And cancel the

poolside cruise.

IS 300 by David Huang

Huang claims 1,000 hp and, this being SEMA, where anyone can claim anything, we won't question the figure. But we will be happy to drive it around Las Vegas to verify. Or maybe at LVMS. Or Nellis.

Acura LMP2 race car to compete at Le Mans next season

2009-10-20T11:06:00.000-07:00

Acura LMP2 race car to compete at Le Mans next season

The British Strakka Racing team has made a deal to purchase an LMP2-class Acura ARX-01b prototype from Fernández Racing and will campaign it in 2010. Strakka, which ran in LMP1 with a Ginetta-Zytek in 2009, will run the car at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and in the Le Mans Series in Europe. The Fernández team, which won the 2009 LMP2 championship in the American Le Mans Series, looks certain to close its doors after team boss Adrian Fernández stated that his organization has no hope of finding a deal to keep it going--at least not before a self-imposed Nov. 1 deadline.

Strakka is yet to announce the deal officially, but its future direction has become an open secret. It

informed Zytek, the LMS organizers and the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, the Le Mans organizer, of its plan for next season.

Rising sport-scar star Danny Watts will continue to drive for Strakka in 2010, despite effectively being a Ginetta-Zytek works driver in 2009. Strakka has secured his services with what the team described as a “long-term contract.”

Watts, 29, described his new deal as an “ideal career move” and “a very easy decision to make.”
“Strakka is an ambitious team with firm plans for the future,” said Watts, who will continue to drive with Nick Leventis in 2010. “I want to be part of an organization that knows where it’s going and how to get there.”

Honda Performance Development, which has run the Acura prototype program since it debuted in 2007, has yet to confirm its plans for 2010. It is unlikely that the team’s LMP1 prototype program will continue

Johnson keeps winning in NASCAR playoff

2009-10-20T10:44:00.000-07:00

Johnson keeps winning in NASCAR playoff

Despite their 90-point championship lead and grudging self-acceptance as NASCAR's best team, driver Jimmie Johnson and crew chief Chad Knaus refuse to say they are locks to win their fourth-consecutive Sprint Cup. And, of course, team owner Rick Hendrick is right there with them, parroting the company line

“The same things that got those other drivers behind in the Chase [for the Championship] can happen to us,” Hendrick said after his No. 48 Chevrolet team won Saturday night's Bank of America 500 at Lowe's Motor Speedway near Charlotte, N.C. “To me, we don't have enough points because so much can still happen in the last five races. I mean, we still have Martinsville and Talladega to get through. We're still too early in this thing to take anything for granted.”

But don't try to convince the 11 other Cup-eligible teams that have chased the No. 48 throughout the first half of the 10-race playoff. On Saturday night, Johnson led five times for 92 of the 334 laps in beating Matt Kenseth, Kasey Kahne, Jeff Gordon, Joey Logano, Clint Bowyer, Casey Mears, Kyle Busch, Martin Truex Jr. and Kurt Busch.

Johnson did not always have the best car. Kahne led 67 laps, Gordon led 64, Denny Hamlin led 54 and Kenseth led 45. But when it mattered late in the race, when the cream came toward the top and the pretenders struggled, Johnson was clearly in charge.

“Chad made some great calls, and the guys had the car great at the end,” Johnson said. “Things worked out well for us.”

The 2.3-second win built Johnson's lead from 12 to 90 points over Martin and 135 over Gordon with races at Martinsville, Talladega, Fort Worth, Phoenix and Homestead looming.

“And that's why we're not looking ahead,” Johnson said. “You just don't know what's going to happen the rest of the year. Somebody could lose his brakes at Martinsville and take you out. And nobody has any control over what happens at Talladega. That's why we're keeping our guard up.

“I feel good about our chances as long as we're racing for the championship. I think we can win this thing if it comes down to the racing. But it's the unknowns that get you. It's the things you can't control, the punctured tire or the big wreck or something like that. We have the potential every time we go out, but sometimes that's not enough.”

The win was Johnson's second straight in this year's Chase, his third in its first five races, his sixth overall this year and 17th in the 55 Chase races since NASCAR implemented the playoff system in 2004. He took the lead for good with 14 laps left when he passed Gordon shortly after the night's last restart. Earlier, he led in segments of 30, two, 19 and 27 laps; he was among the top five at all 17 of the race's 20-lap scoring periods.

While Johnson headed toward another win and perhaps the Cup, several of his rivals took themselves out of contention. Denny Hamlin had an engine problem and finished 42nd; Carl Edwards was an engine-related 39th; Juan Pablo Montoya was a wreck-related 36th; Brian Vickers was 34th, and Martin and Greg Biffle finished 17th and 16th, respectively.

Vickers, Hamlin, Edwards, Kahne, Newman and Biffle were all but written off in the championship fight after last weekend's race in Fontana, Calif. They remain mathematically alive but have no realistic shot at the title. Montoya is sixth, 195 points behind, and is no longer considered a serious threat. With another mediocre finish or two, Kurt Busch and Tony Stewart will be done as well.

That leaves the Hendrick Motorsports trio of Johnson, Martin and Gordon to fight it out at, say, Phoenix and Homestead. Be advised: Bet against No. 48 at your own risk.

TOP 10 FINISHERS
1. Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet
2. Matt Kenseth, Ford
3. Kasey Kahne, Dodge
4. Jeff Gordon, Chevrolet
5. Joey Logano, Toyota
6. Clint Bowyer, Chevrolet
7. Casey Mears, Chevrolet
8. Kyle Busch, Toyota
9. Martin Truex Jr., Chevrolet
10. Kurt Busch, Dodge

POINTS LEADERS
1. Jimme Johnson, 5,923
2. Mark Martin, -90
3. Jeff Gordon, -135
4. Tony Stewart, -155
5. Kurt Busch, -177
6. Juan Pablo Montoya, -195
7. Greg Biffle, -268
8. Ryan Newman, -288
9. Kasey Kahne, -331
10. Carl Edwards, -341
11. Denny Hamlin, -372
12. Brian Vickers, -485
Next race: Oct. 25, Martinsville, Va.

Mopar times four: Drag Challenger, luxury Ram and two crazy Jeeps head for SEMA

2009-10-20T10:33:00.003-07:00

Mopar times four: Drag Challenger,
luxry Ram and
two crazy Jeeps head for SEMA

In a telltale sign that Chrysler is rediscovering some mojo, the Mopar squad is bringing four eye-catching rides to the SEMA show next month that play to its base of enthusiasts who like gutsy sheetmetal--and who like to drive it fast and go anywhere.

Front and center at the Las Vegas spectacle will be a 556-hp Dodge Challenger, a luxuriously--yes, luxuriously--appointed Dodge Ram and two Jeep Wranglers, one of which turns into a mobile campsite.
“The aftermarket is not an afterthought in our design studio,” said Ralph Gilles, Chrysler's design chief and CEO of the newly created Dodge car brand.

The Mopar Dodge Challenger 1320:

takes its name from the 1,320 feet on a quarter-mile drag strip. As the moniker implies, it's based on the Mopar drag pack, which is a stripped-down, lightweight racing version of the Challenger. It draws power from a 426-cubic-inch Hemi V8 paired with a six-speed manual and Hurst shifter. The Hemi's growl is augmented by custom side pipes for more rumble.
This muscle car rides on Mopar police wheels, which are widened in the rear. It also gets a four-corner coil-over kit, and carbon-fiber parts include the hood, hood scoop and front spoiler. Dodge also dips into the Viper parts bin for the seats. The package is capped by yellow, almost green paint and black graphics.

The Mopar Dodge Ram Bianco:

is based on a Hemi-powered Ram 1500. This luxury truck gets a Mopar carpet in the bed, body kit and fender flares, as well as a hard tonneau.
It's lowered with a Ground Force kit that also enhances handling. The truck rides on 22-inch wheels, and other fittings include a cold-air intake and dual exhaust.

The Mopar Jeep Wrangler Overland:

transforms a Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon into a go-anywhere campsite, and its name is a nod to the history of Jeep. The rear seats are removed for more cargo space, a tent is mounted to the cargo rack and the seats are water-resistant.
The off-road experience is bolstered by an American Expedition Vehicles three-inch suspension lift and full traction rear sway bar. The truck rides on 35-inch tires. Other features include AEV steel bumpers and more lights for nighttime driving in the desert or the wilderness.

The Mopar Jeep Lower Forty:

is hallmarked by crazy 40-inch tires mounted on 20-inch forged aluminum wheels. It's based on a Wrangler Rubicon, and the idea is to raise things without disrupting the center of gravity, thus there's no suspension lift.
The windshield is chopped three inches and it gets a 10-degree rake. There are custom fender flares and a carbon-fiber hood. The truck also gets a roll cage, Katzkin two-tone leather seats and a custom cargo rack. Power comes from a Hemi V8 that worked with a six-speed Getrag manual transmission

The 2009 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S

2009-10-20T10:08:00.000-07:00

MANAGING EDITOR ROGER HART:

This is the best SUV in the world. Why? Because it doesn’t really drive like an SUV. From a pure philosophical point of view, I really dislike this thing. Porsches should be sports cars, race cars, things that capture your imagination and take you places in such a way that other vehicles are merely transportation. But not an SUV.

Having said that, there is so much Porsche in this thing that the folks in Stuttgart can almost be forgiven. Almost.

I know all about how much money this thing made for Porsche and that it allowed for the development of other products. This thing flat out flies, considering it is such a big heavy vehicle, all two and a half tons worth.

I really like the center cluster in the dash with all of the pertinent info, copying--for the most part--the dash layout of the 911. The ignition on the left side is another nice little touch.

Few people really need such a vehicle, but if you have the bank account and need/want an SUV, this is really the only one to think about.

MOTORSPORTS EDITOR MAC MORRISON: Labeling the Cayenne as the world’s best SUV is accurate--if your definition of “best SUV” is that it defies the laws of physics when it comes to ride and handling in light of the high weight and relatively high center of gravity. From a purist driver’s standpoint, there’s no other choice, er, substitute, as Porsche would say. I’ve driven many Cayennes over the years since Porsche introduced it, and each time I laugh at its sheer audacity. How dare it perform so well? You throw this car into corners and it doesn’t roll, it just sticks and goes. And this latest Turbo S has enough power and torque to suck the lane markings right off the road. The SUV eats highways and backroads alike for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

However, this is an incredibly steep price to pay for a relatively compact SUV that doesn’t offer loads of interior room. I understand as well as anyone that these kinds of purchases are hardly rational, but I see a difference between dropping this kind of money on a 911 Turbo as opposed to an SUV. For as great of an engineering achievement as the Cayenne is, it’s still nowhere near as much fun to drive as a similarly or even more inexpensively priced performance car. You could almost have two Corvette Z06s for this price, and that’s just one example. You could have two Cayman S-es, a Nissan GT-R and a BMW M3, a Corvette ZR-1 and a decent but normal SUV for domestic duty, two 911 . . . the combinations are endless. When you think about it that way, it suddenly puts some real perspective on things, no? Even if you do have loads of cash to burn.

One other note: Carbon-ceramic brakes? Not sure I’d go for them here. They squeal from time to time, which I can live with, but the somewhat soft brake pedal makes it hard to modulate them smoothly, especially when you are just cruising sedately around town and not getting any real heat into them. And at $8,840 for the option, I could live easily without them. But there I go, trying to make logical sense of this beast. That’s always a mistake in this class.

2009 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S

In Fleet: Aug. 10-17

Base Price: $125,775

As-Tested Price: $139,070

Drivetrain: 4.8-liter turbocharged V8; AWD, six-speed automatic

Output: 550 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 553 lb-ft @ 2,250-4,500 rpm

Curb Weight: 5,192 lb

Fuel Economy: (EPA/AW) 14/12.3 mpg

Options: Porsche ceramic composite brakes ($8,840); moonroof ($1,190); XM satellite radio ($750); Bluetooth phone interface ($695); trailer hitch without hitch ball ($630); light comfort and driver memory including automatic headlamps, courtesy lights on exterior mirrors, dimmer controlled interior lighting, self-dimming interior and exterior mirrors, programmable homecoming illumination, driver memory ($610); universal audio interface ($440); front and rear floor mats interior color ($140)

Tokyo auto show: Lotus Exige Scura special edition gets debut

2009-10-19T21:46:00.001-07:00

Lotus will reveal the Exige Scura at the Tokyo auto show this week, a special-edition speed demon that's lighter, bolstered with performance refinements and wrapped in black exterior packaging.

Scura translates as “dark” in Italian, and that is derived from the high-gloss phantom black triple stripes that run the length of the car, giving it a menacing yet sporty look. The rest of the exterior is coated in a “soft-feel” matte black finish.

Lightweight carbon-fiber parts slim the Scura by about 22 pounds. Lotus's launch and traction-control features are standard. That's the outside, but lurking beneath is a supercharged 1.8-liter motor that makes 257 hp. The car can run to 60 mph in four seconds and can clock a top speed of a 152 mph.

The Exige Scura will be limited to just 35 copies. It will be called the Exige Stealth in Japan

Honda VT750C Shadow Aero

2009-10-16T14:35:00.000-07:00

Honda VT750C Shadow Aero

He 's no surprise that the Shadow Aero has been one of Honda ' of selling middleweight cruisers of s the best, especially considering how available this is amazing retro cruiser. With a look you record characteristics of a swamp-749cc V-twin, the silencing of the bullet-style, the classic bumper, the spoked wheels, a ton of chrome, paint and five new gorgeous layout-you 'd expect on a bike twice this size. For twice the price. The Shadow Aero. Proof that when you choose a Honda quality and value is standard.
Hot performance and a cool retro look - that 'sa shadow of Honda VT750C Aero in a nutshell. Its V-twin engine of 745 cubic centimeters sophisticated produces plenty of power for effortless city or highway crossing, but doesn 't oppresses you with its size and makes it heavier the way big-bike broke can. And check out those bumper classic valanced, the seat of the soil off, ow-lance with detachable section of the passenger, wide tires that roll on wheels of hell, and the suspension that looks retro but feels the luxury of modern-day . Easy on the eyes and easy on the wallet. The right of Aero VT750C shadow of a bicycle is easy to like.

The adjustments to the shadow Aero account perfectly for a wide range of knights who sought the designation retro classic, low seat height of the engine V-twin power-packed and the manipulation of the fine - all at a price that the 'right of s for the times.

New for 2009

- Badges 3-D new fashion in the classic red and black of the dark sweet -.

- The new titanium metal / white, blue to pearl / metallic silver and black / Snakeskin pattern to join the traditional red and black colors of the dark sweet -.

Engine / Drivetrain

- The 745cc V-twin engine liquid-cooled produces impressive power over a wide range of RPM.

- The crankshaft features the long-stroke design along with high-mass ACG to produce the peak of the strong V-twin feel and low-RPM torque.

- Choose the answer roasted the throttle of the carburettor offers the constant-speed 34mm.

- Combustion chamber of Double-Plug the Three-Valve (see technology section)

- Two - two silencers in the bullet-style characteristics of the exhaust system to a classic style of the cruiser.

- The finned cylinders enhance appearance and give a look at the big-bike.

- The Aluminum radiator maintains consistent engine temperature for the best performance and long life of the engine. Mounted between the frame rails for enhanced appearance.

- Five-speed transmission of the Largo-relationship.

- The ignition with electronic advance offers a reliable and is maintenance-free.

Chassis / suspension

- Characteristics of innovative design of main frame, the backbone of steel pipe that alcangam behind the massive steering head to the back of the mold box of the engine to the simplicity and strength.

- Skirts large-diameter steel the characteristics of chromium resistant and responsive to the 41mm front fork and triple-clamp of the large billet-aluminum for a distinctive retro look. Delivery control of manipulation reliable, neutral and luxury travel of 4.6 inches of wheel.

- The big band of 4mm-thick fork mounted under the bumper out the stiffness.

- Double-choc Preload the adjustability of the rear of the five-position spring characteristics of the suspension and the attractive chrome caps, to provide 3.5 inches of wheel travel for a smooth ride, well-controlled.

- The tires of the Grand-section are mounted on traditional spoked wheels with wide rims of chrome. The front features a fat 120/90-17 tire that provides a wide footprint and matches the substantial style of the machine.

- The single front disc brake caliper with the twin-piston holds a 296mm drilled rotor between the pads bonded metal. The rear brake features a 180mm cylinder.

- The final-axis leads the system provides smooth, low-maintenance operation.

Honda VTX1300C

2009-10-16T13:55:00.000-07:00

Honda VTX1300C

Turn the fire up the big 1312cc V-twin of Honda 's VTX1300C and Soak in the throaty exhaust from two-in-two, silencers ball model. Then push the elbow in speed, connection beefy rear tire and experience what it 's like to be the baddest boy on the block. Custom molded wheels, shock absorbers pendillés and the right amount of chrome simply perform the mission profile of street-rod VTX 's,

while four brilliant new colors make sure your turn is beautiful too. Enjoy the tour!

Smooth, called butter-smooth grab this for your eyes and won 'ta let go V-twin with a powerful form and sensual sound. Want a bike that seem broad and disappears even better? So be prepared to fall in love with Honda VTX1300C. Its V-twin engine chilled by a 1312 cc liquid includes a pair of three-cylinder valve designed to deliver higher with a minimum of maintenance disputes, and oil provides the full benefits of a dry-sump drain without background external lines of oil. You get great performance and a very clean look.

he VTX1300 offers loads of V-twin torque plus a wealth of distinctive styling variations to suit your own tastes, all at prices that keep this winning value-loaded a perennial favorite.

New for 2009
- VTX1300C colors include Titanium, red and dark blue-black metallic and metallic.

Unique VTX1300C Features

- The wheels are custom melting profile performance-custom.

- Shock absorbers front and rear complement minimalist called street-rod VTX 'S.

Engine / gearbox

- The 52 degrees 1312cc liquid chilled by a V-twin torque provide strong low-end and mid-span, with sufficient power to move and cross relaxed.

- The power crankshaft includes a single-pin to accentuate the engine le 'character of s.

- The primary biaxial counterbalancers duels minimize harsh engine vibration without eliminating the powerful pulse transmitted by Design V-Twin VTX traditional la 'S.

- The support system of the engine uses carefully matched hangers to eliminate unwanted vibration, while preserving the powerful V-twin engine.

- Combustion chamber Dual-socket Three-Valve (see Technology Section).

- Setters-release valve screw and nut against Easy-to-service.

- Choose the crisp response of throttle carburetor offers the constant-speed 38mm (cv) at all engine speeds.

Chassis / Suspension

- The engine la 's power is armed with a tubular steel frame which gives the mass VTX a long, low, classic position.

- Large 41mm extended front fork provides 5.1 inches of plush yet responsive travel.

- The rear shock passed bichromate of potash duels with the five-position préchargent device adjustment system advanced internal valve for a comfortable tour.

- The front disc brake features a twin-caliber piston 336mm rotor with a stainless steel large diameter, and the brake disc rear features a single -
caliber piston rotor with a 296mm stainless steel, together they provide excellent stopping power.

2009-10-16T10:18:00.000-07:00

New Images: Subaru Hybrid Tourer

Subaru has released additional images of its Hybrid Tourer concept, which the company will reveal at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show next week. The environmentally friendly design study is claimed to be a grand touring car with enhanced performance and safety attributes.

Click on the link below to see our previous news story, and be sure to check out our forthcoming highlight articles on this and all the other concept cars being unveiled at the show.

2009-10-16T09:16:00.000-07:00

This is different

In a nutshell, that is the best way to describe a tiny, quirky concept called the Land Glider, which will be revealed by Nissan at the Tokyo auto show.

It’s part car, part motorcycle and totally zero-emissions. The Land Glider draws power from two electric motors in the rear that use lithium-ion batteries mounted under the floor. It also has a “noncontact” charging system that allows the vehicle to be charged wirelessly.

Enthusiasts would enjoy a feature that allows the vehicle to lean 17 degrees for better cornering. The driver turns and the Glider leans--at least that’s how Nissan explains it.

The footprint is quite small: 122 inches in length, 55.7 inches tall and 43.3 inches wide. It’s a concept, but Nissan hints that it’s a glimpse of the company’s vision for urban mobility.

Harley-Davidson

2009-10-16T08:55:00.000-07:00

Harley-Davidson is axing two notable brands as it re-focuses on its core business.

The iconic American motorcycle producer said Thursday it will kill the 26-year-old Buell brand and will sell recently acquired Italian motorcycle company MV Agusta.

The announcement came as Harley revealed its third-quarter financial results, which saw its earnings and sales slip as it deals with global economic conditions.

Buell will wind down production by Oct. 30 and will sell off its inventory of motorcycles, accessories and gear. About 180 employees will lose their jobs, mostly in December. It will cost $125 million to close the brand.

Harley dealerships will continue to service and offer parts for Buell bikes, and warranties remain valid.

Buell was founded in 1983 and carved a niche for its motorcycles' designs and technology, while also finding success in racing. It's been a wholly owned subsidiary of Harley since 1998. It was founded by Erik Buell and has produced more than 135,000 motorcycles over its history.

Harley bought MV Agusta in August 2008 in an effort to expand in Europe. But 14 months later, it's reversing course, though during the brief ownership period the Italian company resumed production at its Varese factory and jump-started product development.