car-oh-car: May 2011

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Ford�s Facebook Fans Choose �Mayhem� Moniker for the Mustang V6 Performance Package

Ford held a contest on its official Mustang Facebook page asking fans to suggest a name for the new V6 Performance Package. More than 3,000 submissions were made and nearly 6,700 users installed the �You Name It� app that let them take part in the contest. Some 1.4 million fans were then asked to vote with the winning name being �Mayhem Mustang Package�. The top-voted submission came from Jeremy Marler from North Carolina, who won a three-year lease on a 2012 Mustang, equipped of course with the Mayhem Mustang Package. Read more �

Mercedes-Benz Presents SLS AMG Emergency Medical Vehicle Study

We are not quite sure what you would do with a two-door, low riding, Gullwing-door emergency medical vehicle with a boot capacity of just 176 liters, other than to reach an accident scene in a flash, but even if that�s the case, we assume a motorcycle would be a better choice. Then again, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Emergency Medical Vehicle is just a pure study and it will make its world premiere at this week�s 2011 RETTmobil in Germany. The show is the largest European trade fair for rescue and mobility and it runs from May 11 to 13. Read more �

Volkswagen Transporter Tuned up by MR Car Design

Just because Volkswagen�s Transporter can be used in a professional manner moving goods, people or even both, doesn�t mean that tuners aren�t paying attention to it. On the contrary, the Transporter has received a lot of tuning love over the many years it has been in production. The tuning proposal for the pre-facelift Transporter you see pictured here comes from German aftermarket specialist, MR Car Design. Read more �

Mazda6 and Subaru Tribeca to be Axed, According to Report from Japan

Mazda and Subaru may soon be forced to axe two of their models in the US market, the Mazda6 mid-size vehicle and the Subaru Tribeca SUV, due to low volumes that undermine the efficiency of the U.S. plants that they are built in, according to a newspaper report from Japan�s business daily Nikkan Kogyo. It should be noted though that spokesmen for both companies declined to comment on the report.

Nikkan Kogyo wrote that Mazda is planning to discontinue production of the Mazda6 at the Flat Rock, Michigan plant, which it operates as a joint venture together with Ford Motor Co., as sales missed expectations. When Mazda introduce the latest generation of the mid-size model in 2008, the company expected an annual production of around 100,000 units, but last year, the plant churned out just 45,168 Mazda6s. In April, Mazda6 posted an increase of 7.8 percent but sales reached just 2,734 vehicles.

STaSIS Engineering Brings 540 Ponies to the Audi R8 V8

After the 710HP Audi R8 V10 we told you about earlier this year, American aftermarket specialists at STaSIS Engineering introduced to the UK another upgrade for the German sports car, albeit this time for the V8-powered model. At 540HP, the Audi R8 V8 Challenge Extreme Edition has 120 more horsepower than the standard V8 model and 15 more horsepower than the V10 factory version. STaSIS says the car also features an upgraded suspension response and handling abilities. Read more �

Monday, May 9, 2011

Girl Power: Meet Japan�s Drifting Lady, Sumika Kubokawa

Who ever said that drifting is only for men surely hasn�t seen Sumika Kubokawa in action. The 27 year old from Japan is a member of Team Orange, one of the leading drift teams in the D1 Grand Prix Series, and as you can see for yourself in the video after the jump, she certainly knows her way behind the steering wheel.

In her interview with Driftcolors, Sumika says she is an avid fan of the Nissan 180SX, which was sold in North America as the 240SX and in some other countries under the 200SX name. Sumika also said she street drifted for a brief period when she was younger but was caught and hasn�t done it again. Check out her interview as well as the first and second episode of the series after the break.

VIDEO: Oprah Hands Out New 2012 VW Beetle to One of her Fans

Last November, Oprah Winfrey gave us our first tease of the spanking new 2012 Volkswagen Beetle during one of her daily shows by revealing the car�s silhouette. Now, being that the show reaches millions of American viewers, and as everybody knows, Oprah has that special Midas touch when it comes to promoting products; Volkswagen had no problem to donate a brand new 2012 Beetle to each of the 275 audience members.

Fast forward to today, the German have already unwrapped the third generation Beetle at the 2011 New York and Shanghai motor shows in April, so it�s time for Volkswagen to create some buzz around the car with the release of a video showing Oprah handing the keys to one of the lucky audience members. You can watch it right after the jump.

Want a Ferrari 458? Why Not Take Two?

In Australia and indeed the world, Ferrari waiting lists are notoriously long. At one point the average wait time for a Ferrari 575M Maranello was as much as three years, as demand rapidly stripped out the brand�s relatively small production capacity. Whatever is a cashed up Ferrarista to do?

Well, you could just buy whatever�s available and drive that until your hot pink Ferrari 458 with the diamante-encrusted wheel arches and baby seal leather interior arrives. I mean, who cares about depreciation when you can lay down half a million on a factory fresh Ferrari? You�d be surprised how many Ferrari customers in Australia are doing this exact thing.

Audi A6, S6 and RS6 Models Recalled Over Valve Nipple Crack Fears

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA] has released a recall notice for certain model year 2001-2004 Audi A6, 2002-2003MY S6 and 2003MY RS6 vehicles equipped with 4.2-liter V8 engines and manufactured from June 19, 2001, through June 8, 2004. Overall, 5,992 A6, S6 and RS6 models are being recalled in the States over a potential problem with a part described by the company as the rollover valve nipple. Read more �

BMW�s �The Ultimate Driving Machine� Slogan Returns in Ferrari-Emulating Commercial

Back in 1997, Ferrari and Shell released a stunning commercial shot in the Mojave Desert in southeastern California, featuring a Formula 1 car being refueled by a Shell airplane. Fast forward to 2011 and BMW USA has remade the famous ad, albeit in a slightly different manner. Read more �

Saab�s 900 / 9-3 Convertible Turns 25 this Year

This year marks the 25 anniversary of Saab�s Convertible model that was first launched under the 900 nameplate and later on, the 9-3 moniker, which is still used today. And while the Swedish firm�s current financial woes don�t allow for a more appropriate celebration, Saab released some key facts and figures on its drop top model.

The convertible�s history started in 1983 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, where Saab unveiled a new concept model with a powered soft-top based on the 900 liftback. After gauging the public�s reaction, Saab decided to introduce a production version of the four-seater model, which was built by Finland�s Valmet Automotive.

Seven Years On, London�s Congestion Charging Scheme Has Had Little Effect On Air Pollution

Congestion and air pollution are killing the world�s major cities. Among them: New York, Beijing, Tokyo, Mumbai and London to name a few. And if you believe the most skewed of environmentalist hype, it�s all down to personal transport. Only it�s not. The UK�s Health Effects Institute (HEI) recently released details of a study called the, �The Impact of the Congestion Charging Scheme on Air Quality in London,� that shows that things may not be as clear-cut as some of us thought.

Led by Professor Frank Kelly of King�s College London, the study (as the title suggests) investigated what affect London�s much-derided Congestion Charging Scheme has had on the city�s air quality. The result: not much. Through the use of emissions / exposure modeling, analysis of air monitoring data and the, �assay for the oxidative potential of particulate matter,� Professor Kelly and his colleagues found:

�From their comparison of actual air pollutant measurements within the CCZ with those at control sites in Outer London, the investigators reported little evidence of CCS-related changes in pollutant levels at roadside monitoring sites, where their modeling had suggested the most pronounced effects would be seen.�

Holden Begins Local Testing of New Cruze Hatchback

Following the Australian market launch of the locally made and subtly refreshed Cruze Series II Sedan in March, GM�s Holden division announced today that it has began testing the five-door hatchback version of the subcompact model to fine tune the car before its introduction later this year. Holden also released two new photos of the Cruze hatch, which was designed by the firm�s Port Melbourne design studio. Read more �

Audi USA Promotes its Pre-Owned Program with Two New Commercials

Imagine buying a new car and being annoyed constantly by the car's next owners telling you not to do this or that in order to keep the vehicle in top shape. Not a very nice image, but thats exactly what Audi portrays in a series of commercials that promote the brand�s Certified pre-owned program. Read more �

New Mopar Grilles and Alloy Wheels for 2011 Chrysler 300 Sedan

Mopar, the Chrysler Group�s in-house performance and styling brand, has been on the busy side lately having introduced several upgrades for the latest Jeep vehicles, as well as standalone versions of the newest Dodge Charger and Challenger models. Now, the Detroit firm�s tuning division is onto its next project sprucing up the new Chrysler 300 sedan with a range of custom grilles and bespoke alloy wheel designs. Read more �

Fiat Tries to Revive Bravo Sales with Better Equipped and Lower Priced MyLife Version

Fiat's slow-selling Bravo compact model has received a new version, called �MyLife� that comes with some minor styling updates, additional standard features and more competitive prices. On the outside, the Bravo MyLife sports a glossy black finish for the upper and lower grilles, B-pillars and fog light framings, plus new 16-inch two-tone wheels and chromed door handles and grille borders. The Golf-sized hatchback is available in two colors, Distinct Grey and Superb Red. Read more �

Chipped Ford 2.0-liter EcoBoost Gains 40 More Ponies

As Ford gradually spreads out its new 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine to more models across its international lineup, tuners are jumping in to offer their performance goods. And the easiest way to do this of course is by reprogramming the car�s engine controller. Superchips Ltd has developed a new firmware upgrade for the European version of the four-cylinder EcoBoost currently found on the refreshed S-Max and Galaxy minivans, as well as the Mondeo. Read more �

New Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 35 Comes with 235-Horsepower

This year, Volkswagen is celebrating the 35th anniversary of the introduction of the original Golf GTI in 1976, and to mark the event, the German carmaker has unleashed a special version, named �Edition 35�. As with the �Edition 30� launched in 2006, the latest anniversary model benefits from an upgraded and more powerful engine as well as discreet styling tweaks that differentiate it from the standard Golf GTI.

Starting with the mechanical updates, the GTI's 2.0-liter turbocharged TSI engine is tuned to deliver an extra 25 horsepower, for a total of 235 horsepower. The increase in output should improve the hot hatch�s performance, but Volkswagen has not yet revealed any official figures, simply stating that the car will be more fun to drive. The automaker didn't say whether the �Edition 35� will feature a lower suspension than the stock car, as was the case with the �Edition 30�.

BMW Opens its First Official Parts Store on eBay UK

Being that in this day and age, most owners searching for parts and accessories for their vehicles will at least take a quick look on eBay, BMW�s UK division decided to engage in e-commerce and open up a store on the local version of the online auction and shopping website, becoming the first automaker to do so on eBay UK.

The Bavarian automaker said that this is the first time it will sell parts and accessories directly to owners as up until now, those wanting to pick up Genuine Parts have had to place their order through one of the company�s dealerships.

Sebastian Vettel Wins Exciting Formula 1 Turkish Grand Prix

It has been some time since we last watched such an exciting Formula 1 race as the one held on Sunday at the Istanbul Park circuit. Even though the weather did not play any role and the winner's position was not threatened at any time, it was an eventful race. Behind Sebastian Vettel, who has won three out of four GP�s this year, anything was possible.

Mark Webber crossed the finish line in second place, with the Australian managing to overtake Ferrari's Alonso with seven laps to go, after the Spaniard held the second position for a large part of the race. Still, for Alonso and Ferrari, this is the best result so far this season.

Aston Martin to Auction Ulrich Bez�s Rapide for Japan

In a goodwill gesture towards the people of Japan, Aston Martin boss Dr. Ulrich Bez will auction his company Rapide sports sedan at this year�s annual Bonhams event at Newport Pagnell, with all proceeds from the sale to benefit charities providing aid to the victims of the recent earthquakes and Tsunami. The Bonhams auction house said that in support of this initiative, it would waive its commission the Rapide sale that will take place in Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire, on Saturday May 21. Read more �

Saturday, May 7, 2011

GM Issues Recall for 2011 U.S.-spec Chevrolet Cruze Models

After the initial 2,100 inspections triggered by a detached steering wheel, General Motors announced a new recall involving 154,112 units of the 2011 model year Cruze - pretty much all models built for North America since production started in summer 2010.

The reason for this action is related to a steering issue as well, with GM saying it wants to check that the steering shaft was properly installed. The company didn't say whether or not the two recalls are related, but added it will use the latest one action to check on another issue that might affect some 120,000 models with automatic transmission. In this case, GM wants to verify whether the transmission shift linkage was properly installed.

Friday, May 6, 2011

Chrysler Hires NFL Rookie of the Year for New �Imported from Detroit� Campaign

Unless you�re a fan of the NFL, chances are you�ve never heard of the new face of Chrysler�s �Imported from Detroit� campaign, Ndamukong Suh. For those of you whom the name doesn�t ring a bell, Suh is a young football player who was recently named Defensive Rookie of the Year. In the summer of 2010, the 24-year old signed a five-year contract with the Detroit Lions worth $68,000,000 with $40,000,000 guaranteed � no, we got the zeros right�.

Even though the Ford family is signing his checks, Suh is the star of Chrysler�s latest �Detroit� ad for the new 300 sedan titled �Homecoming�. The commercial plays up the values of humble beginnings and hard work ethics with Suh putting up a face that makes you ask �why so serious?� Hit the break to watch the advert.

VIDEO: Texas Motorcyclist Miraculously Escapes from Ugly Accident

The North Texas Tollway Authority released footage of a shocking accident that happened on a Dallas highway on March 17, 2011. The rider of the bike, 25-year-old Zacharie Perez, was hit violently by a careless driver from behind while slowing down. As a result of the impact, the motorcyclist was thrown onto another car.

The U.S. Army veteran managed to escape alive from the accident, but sustained several injuries including a broken rib. In a state where helmets are not mandatory for motorcycle drivers, Perez said that wearing it saved his life.

Mercedes-Benz Sends Off G-Class SWB with Special Edition Version

It won�t be long before Mercedes stops production of the short wheelbase version (SWB) of its iconic G-Class series, but before that happens, the German company is launching a limited production model, fittingly called the �BA3 Final Edition� as a last hurrah. It is joined by a special version of the long-wheelbase model (LWB) called the �Edition Select�, based on the G500. Read more �

Pontiac GTO Judge Resurrected�Sort Of: Tuner Prepped Model Based on the Camaro

The makers of the fire-breathing Phoenix T/A that we saw at the 2009 SEMA show in Las Vegas are back with yet another proposal for a Pontiac model based on the latest iteration of Chevy�s Camaro pony car. This time the people over at Trans Am Depot will give birth to a modern day interpretation of Pontiac�s famed 1969 GTO Judge. The tuner named its creation �The GT9 Goat�.

The teaser renderings and photos of the faux-Pontiac reveal a bespoke front end with a split grille and a revised hood with air scoops, while at the back we find new tail lamp and bumper designs as well as a restyled trunk sporting a prominent wing. The characteristic profile side stripes, quad tail pipes and the newly styled alloy wheel options round off the exterior changes. There�s no word yet if there will be any kind of upgrades to the interior and the mechanical hardware of the Camaro.

One-off Mini Red Mudder to be Unveiled at Life Ball Event on May 21

In keeping with the tradition it started in 2001 by allowing famous fashion designers to play around with its vehicles for Europe�s biggest AIDS charity event, Life Ball, Mini will once again reveal a special one-off model at this year�s happening. After established names like Gianfranco Ferre, Donatella Versace, Diesel and Calvin Klein got their way with the MINI, this year the honor has been awarded to DSquared�. Read more �

Chrysler�s Ram Truck Brand to Debut New �Guts. Glory. Ram.� Tagline

Following in the footsteps of its sister brands Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep, the Chrysler LLC Group�s Ram Truck division is relaunching its marketing strategy with a new tag line that will make its official debut during this weekend�s TV broadcast of the Kentucky Derby racing event, which the company is an official sponsor.

The firm�s new motto is �Guts. Glory. Ram� and according to the Auburn Hills-based group, it pays homage to the history of Ram Truck Brand and �represents the hard work and dedication placed in the design, engineering and production of each and every Ram truck�.

It Came from Kyrgyzstan: Steel Drake�s Volkswagen Concept Sports Car

Imagine for a second that, in the very near future, Audi is facelifting the TT to look more like its big brother R8. Then, halfway through the project, Audi cans it and hands over all its sketches and prototyping model to Volkswagen which then decides to put the two-door coupe into production.

Kyrgyzstanian graphic designer �Steel Drake� has created something very much fitting with this scenario in the form of his Volkswagen Concept Sports Car. Looking like a scaled-down, front engined Audi R8, Steel Drake�s Concept Sports is a simple-yet-sleek design let down only by some questionable design choices.

Opel Corsa OPC Nurburgring Edition Photographed at its Natural Habitat

Last month we wrote about the Opel Corsa OPC Nurburgring Edition, a 210HP version of which only 500 units will be built. Opel had initially released three photos of the new car but now, the German carmaker returns with a bevy of new pictures of its pocket rocket. Naturally, all shots are taken at the Nurburgring racetrack, on the old Nordschleife section as well as on the modern Grand Prix circuit.

Opel didn't offer any new information on the car aside from announcing that the average fuel consumption is 7.6 liters/100 km (30.95 mpg) with corresponding CO2 emissions of 178 grams per kilometer.

VIDEO: Bijan Pakzad�s Ostensibly Opulent Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport

On April 16, Iranian born fashion designer Bijan Pakzad passed away at a hospital in Los Angeles after a stroke. The man who became famous for dressing some of the most influential and well-known people in the world including President Barack Obama, Frank Sinatra and Carry Grant, also had a passion for cars. The Los Angeles-based designer not only amassed a huge collection of luxurious limos and supercars which he drove on a regular basis, but he also collaborated with some of the most renowned automakers.

Following a collaboration with Rolls Royce for the development of a limited edition version, Bijan also joined forces with Bugatti helping to create a bespoke series based on the 1,001HP Veyron, the latest being a Grand Sport. Bijan�s version of the open-top Bugatti hypercar was finished only six weeks ago and features a special two-tone theme and numerous other appointments. Follow the break to check out the video of the special edition Veyron Grand Sport along with commentary from Bugatti Design Director Achim Anscheidt.

U Spy: One More Reader Spots the 2012 Mercedes-Benz M Class SUV

Even though the official presentation of the new M Class isn�t due until later this year - most likely at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show in early September, an increasing number of lightly camouflaged prototypes have been caught roaming around the roads of Germany.

During the past few months, we�ve covered the 2012 M Class pretty extensively with both professional and reader shots. This new photo of a pair of M Class SUVs sitting side by side at a parking lot with other Mercedes models comes courtesy of Carscoop reader Patrick Favoreel.

VIDEO: New VW Amarok Takes Down a 140 Tonne Chimney

Volkswagen marked the UK launch of its new Amarok truck with a rather unusual demonstration, using four pickups to demolish a gigantic, 67-meter (220 feet) tall steel chimney weighing in at around 140 tons. To complete a job that would normally have been done by a 40-ton excavator, structural engineers and demolition experts meticulously planned the task, undertaking a series of tests to see if the Amaroks had the necessary power and traction to do the job.

The structure was prepared using a standard procedure of flame cutting a �shark�s mouth� at the base of the chimney in order to reduce its structural integrity while ensuring that it remained free standing. The cars were fitted with a �quick release� safety mechanism for the towing ropes to ensure the safety of the stunt drivers in case the structure fell in the wrong direction.

Polk Gives us a Peak at Vehicle Density in Emerging Markets

According to Polk, an automotive statistics website, one of the key performance indicators of a maturing auto market is the number of cars per 1,000 people or the nation�s �vehicle density�. Ten years ago in the U.S., for instance, it was 453 vehicles per 1,000 people. What with the global financial crisis and high fuel prices resulting in many people selling their cars, this has now dropped to 419 per 1,000 and is expected to continue its decline to 414 per 1,000 by 2015.

In the increasingly economically developed BRIC countries, that is Brazil, Russia, India and China, it�s not as dense but it is emerging. In Russia, for example, it�s 235 vehicles per 1,000. In India and China, it�s more like 27 vehicles per 1,000. Though consider this: with populations topping 1.6 and 1.3 billion respectively, 27 vehicles per 1,000 would be more like 100 vehicles or plus per 1,000 if those nations had population numbers equaling the United States.

Ford�s Cologne Plant Celebrates Production of One Million New Fiestas in 33 Months

The festivities over the new Fiesta continue at Ford with the production of the one-millionth current generation model at the company�s central European plant in Cologne, Germany. The production milestone comes less than two months after Ford announced that European sales of the new Fiesta reached the 1 million mark in the beginning of March, 2011. Current global sales of the new Fiesta stand at 1,350,000 unit since its introduction in October 2008. Read more �

Mercedes-Benz Revises E-Class Engine Range, Slashes Fuel Consumption by up to 20 Percent

In tune with the times, Mercedes-Benz has announced a comprehensive suite of mechanical upgrades for the E-Class series, which result in significant gains in fuel economy. From now on, all models are fitted with the firm�s eco-friendly BlueEfficiency package, direct injection technology and start-stop systems. In addition, all automatic models are equipped with the improved 7G-Tronic Plus 7-speed transmission. Read more �

Unrestricted Vauxhall Insignia VXR with 170mph Top Speed Available for the UK

Following last month�s presentation of the Opel Insignia OPC Unlimited, Vauxhall introduced its own version of the performance sedan with the VXR moniker featuring the de-restricted package. The Unlimited option removes the standard Insignia VXR�s 155mph (250 km/h) restrictor, allowing Vauxhall�s range-topper to exploit its all-wheel-drive chassis and 325HP turbocharged 2.8-litre V6 engine to the full topping out at 170mph (274 km/h). Read more �

New Porsche Cayman S Black Edition with 330 Horses and Added Features

Porsche is once again making use of its �Black Edition� nameplate for one of its models, this time for the Cayman S, which benefits from a power boost and additional standard equipment. Limited to 500 units worldwide, the Cayman S Black Edition features an upgraded version of the 3.4-liter six-cylinder boxer engine, with output increased by 10 horsepower to 330HP at 7,400 rpm (200 rpm higher). Maximum torque remains unchanged, however, at 370 Nm (273 lb-ft) at 4,750 rpm. Read more �

Hyundai Sketches All-New i40 Sedan for Europe, will Debut in Barcelona

Just a couple of months after debuting the i40 Station Wagon at the Geneva Salon in March, Hyundai is now getting ready to lift the covers off the sedan version of its mid-size model, which will receive its world premiere at the upcoming 2011 Barcelona Motor Show on May 12th. The South Korean automaker released the first teaser rendering of the i40 Sedan, which will effectively replace the older generation of the Sonata in the European market and compete in the D-segment against the likes of the Opel Insignia, VW Passat, Toyota Avensis and Citroen C5. Read more �

Volkswagen Reveals Polo R WRC Racer with 300HP [Video]

After months of rumors and whispers, Volkswagen officially announced that it will enter a factory team to the World Rally Championship starting with the 2013 season. The announcement was made in Italy, where journalists had the chance to take a first look at the car VW will throw in the competition, the 300HP Polo R WRC, shown here as a prototype. Read more �

Official: Jaguar to Build C-X75 Hypercar with the help of Williams F1, Production Limited to 250 Units

The super rich automotive collectors of this world will soon have one more choice to add to their list as today, Jaguar officially confirmed the limited production of its flashing C-X75 hypercar that drew much attention at last year�s Paris Motor Show.

To be developed in cooperation with Williams F1, the C-X75 will make use of hybrid powertrain with Jaguar aiming to have the car on sale in 2013. The British maker said only 250 examples will be built, each costing between �700,000 - �900,000, or US$1.16 million to US$1.44 million at today�s exchange rates, depending on market and local taxes.

To have it in the market within a considerable timeframe, Jaguar will replace the jet-powered setup of the original concept with a more conventional, yet still innovative for today�s standards, powertrain comprising of a state-of-the-art, small-capacity, highly-boosted internal combustion engine with one powerful electric motor at each axle offering all-wheel drive capability.

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