Cars

Harley Davidson engines 1911-2007 infographic

2012-01-07T18:20:00.000-08:00

found on http://hdshovelhead.blogspot.com/

Andy Gregg's bike furniture

2012-01-07T18:18:00.000-08:00

http://hdshovelhead.blogspot.com/ had all but the first photo, that and more are at http://www.bikefurniture.com/

Interesting new brake light idea... why not?

2012-01-07T18:10:00.000-08:00

found on http://hdshovelhead.blogspot.com/

a new pinstripe thing, records.. and they look cool

2012-01-07T17:57:00.000-08:00

anyone know anything about this "Artists against Humger, SD 3rd annual"?

images found on http://hdshovelhead.blogspot.com/

more cool stuff from SwissStache

2012-01-07T17:31:00.000-08:00

Above is a GT40 used during the filming of LeMans

Above: a rare Porsche

Above: Dodge power wagons with the french military

Above, Henry Ford and the 999 being driven by Barney Oldfield

http://swissstash.tumblr.com/

Red-Footed SRT Spotted at Dodge's Detroit Auto Show Booth

2012-01-07T12:40:00.000-08:00

Volkswagen isn't the only automaker posting teaser pictures of one of its Detroit Auto Show debuts from the Cobo center. The Chrysler Group is also giving us a sneak peek from its SRT booth in Detroit.

"Behind the scenes as NAIAS approaches. Our SRT brand has staked out its space: Can you name the car under wraps?" the company asks us on its social media page.

2013 Ford Fusion Shows its Face on App, Aston Martin Asks for its Grille Back

2012-01-07T10:25:00.000-08:00

While not a leak in the strictest sense, the ghost of the 2013 Ford Fusion sedan made an unexpected (but hasty appearance) on Ford's dedicated iPad application giving us our first look at the mid-size sedan model that will be officially revealed on Monday at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show.

Volkswagen Teases "Big Detroit Reveal", What Could it be?

2012-01-07T08:56:00.000-08:00

We're less than 48 hours away from the grand opening of 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit and we've already had our first leak of the day with the official pictures and video of the 2013 Dodge Dart.

Now, Volkswagen's Canadian arm is trying to capture our attention with the release of a picture shot at its Detroit Auto Show booth that shows an unidentified vehicle wrapped up in a sheet.

"The North American International Auto Show kicks off Monday in Detroit. Volkswagen has something big to reveal. What do you think it will be?" the company asks on its Facebook page where it published the picture.

2013 Dodge Dart Photos and Video Leaked Ahead of Detroit Motor Show Debut

2012-01-07T08:02:00.000-08:00

There has been much excitement over the brand-new 2013 Dodge Dart as it's the first Chrysler product to be based upon a Fiat architecture – in fact so much that some couldn't just wait and unleashed a slew of pictures as well as the first video of the compact sedan on the road.

The Dart effectively replaces the Caliber in Dodge's lineup offering the Chrysler Group a direct rival to the Ford Focus and Chevrolet saloons.

It is based on a wider and longer version of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta's platform and will offer American buyers an initial choice of three gasoline four-cylinder engines including a pair of natural aspirated units with a displacement of 2.0-liters and 2.4-liters rated at 160 and 184-horses respectively as well as a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine from the Abarth 500 with 160-ponies.

All Hitler wanted was a Harley for Sturgis (funny adaptation of a movie clip)

2012-01-07T07:15:00.000-08:00

Thanks to my buddy Mike who often sends me cool and funny stuff like this to share with all of you!

Chevrolet Debuts Sail Hatchback and MPV Concept at New Delhi Auto Expo

2012-01-07T07:12:00.000-08:00

The 11th Auto Expo that takes place these days at New Delhi was the ground for the display of the Chevrolet Sail and MPV Concept, GM’s first products from its joint venture with China's SAIC.

The Sail is a five door sub-compact hatchback that has been developed at GM’s Technical Center in Bangalore to ensure that it will meet the needs of the Indian buyers.

Carscoop's A-to-Z Guide to the 2012 Detroit Motor Show [Updated]

2012-01-06T21:02:00.000-08:00

Every year, the first major international auto show takes place on American soil: it’s the North American International Auto Show, or NAIAS as it is more commonly known, and it’s located right in the heart of the U.S. automotive industry, Detroit.

It’s only natural, therefore, for domestic manufacturers to display their newest models at the Motor City.

Among other presentations, Ford will unveil its new Fusion global mid-size sedan that will be sold as the Mondeo in other parts of the world including Europe, while Cadillac is already releasing spoilers of the brand new 2013 ATS and so is Dodge, which will introduce the first product of the Fiat-Chrysler collaboration, the Alfa Giulietta-based 2013 Dart compact sedan.

Cool pinstriper "3 Sheets" pulled a rabbit out of a hat, so to speak... he came up with a new take on pinstriped pistons and conrods, very damn cool

2012-01-06T20:52:00.000-08:00

see more of his work at his website http://www.3sheetsart.com/ and in my gallery of the work he did on Paul's ( Mad Bomberz CC) custom http://justacarguy.blogspot.com/2010/09/this-has-to-be-doug-dorrs-truck-its-in.html

We Hear: 2013 Ford Fusion to get Two Turbocharged Gasoline Engines Plus Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid Variants

2012-01-06T18:00:00.000-08:00

In roughly two days from now, Ford will lift the covers off the next generation Fusion at the Detroit Motor Show.

While the Blue Oval has not released much information yet on the Fusion, which will be marketed as a 2013 model in North America, we were able to confirm the initial engine lineup.

The 2013 Fusion will arrive in U.S. dealerships later this year with a choice of four powerplants. The gasoline range includes a pair of EcoBoost four-cylinder gasoline units with a displacement of 1.6-liters and 2.0-liters.

Big Deal Video of the Day: Hyundai Teases 2013 Genesis Coupe

2012-01-06T16:09:00.000-08:00

Erroneously, Hyundai thinks American consumers have no idea what's going on in the rest of the (automotive) world. We beg to differ even though some may seem eager to play along with Hyundai's meaningless teasing game…

"Take a sneak peak of the 2013 Genesis Coupe being introduced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, MI on January 9th 2012. We're very excited to share with you this sneak peak, check back next week for the full video and more footage," says Hyundai on its YouTube channel.

Detroit Show Video: Is this the 2013 Shelby GT500 Convertible or did Ford's Rep Make a Mistake?

2012-01-06T15:29:00.000-08:00

Without getting into any names, the crew over at Jalopnik are making it a point to prove Autoblog (the dot com one) wrong on its assumption that Ford will reveal the 2013 Shelby GT500 Convertible at the rapidly approaching Detroit Motor Show.

We decided to take a look around and see what we could find and the result was this official Ford video that just came out with a company representative taking us for a quick tour around the Blue Oval's booth at the Cobo center in Detroit.

Volkswagen to Debut Beetle-Based Electric Hot Rod at the Detroit Motor Show

2012-01-06T14:37:00.000-08:00

We just learned that Volkswagen's surprise debut at next week's 2012 North American International Motor Show in Detroit will be a pure-electric concept model based on the new generation of the Beetle – despite previous reports saying otherwise.

The conceptual EV version of the recently launched 2012 Beetle will sport a heavily modified body with a lowered roof and wider fenders with its looks slightly resembling the Volkswagen Ragster Concept (pictured above) that was displayed at the 2005 Detroit Motor Show.

DC Design Avanti is India’s First Sports Car, will Enter Production in 2013

2012-01-06T14:18:00.000-08:00

The Italian automotive industry is renowned not only for supercar-making companies like Ferrari and Lamborghini, but also for its carrozzerias like Pininfarina and Bertone, which design and engineer cars for other automakers as well as manufacture their own limited production models.

The Indian automotive industry, on the other hand, is best known as the country that manufactures the world’s cheapest car, the Tata Nano, which may or may not lose the title to the Bajaj RE60.

While Italy is safe for now (…), India will soon have its own sport car thanks to DC Design’s Avanti that was launched at the 2012 New Delhi Auto Expo.

Founded by former GM designer Dilip Chhabria, DC Design is mostly known for its one-off prototypes. The Avanti, however, is a production ready sports car that will be manufactured at the company’s brand new plant at Talagon near its existing Prune facilities.

Oops…Honda Civic Driver Flies Onto a Cadillac CTS at a Parking Lot

2012-01-06T12:58:00.000-08:00

Unless we knew better, we'd say that some drivers are purposely trying to get their automobiles airborne…

Following a bizarre incident earlier this week when a thief managed to perfectly land a stolen car on the roof of an apartment building in California, another driver, this time in Massachusetts, somehow piloted his burgundy colored Honda Civic sedan onto a Cadillac CTS at an office parking lot in Wellesley.

The Civic driver allegedly stepped on the gas instead of the brake pedal and hit a curb, which slung the car into a parking lot and onto the Cadillac.

Officer Chris Cunningham of the Wellesley Police Department said that no one was hurt from the accident that took place on Thursday morning. Video follows after the jump [pun intended…].

We count our victories by the bombers we get to their targets, by the husbands we return to their wives, by the fathers we get back to their children.

2012-01-05T21:04:00.000-08:00

Terrence Howard and Cuba Gooding, both are oscar winners, and this looks like the best aerial combat movie since Pearl Harbor, or Flyboys

One of two 1961 Corvettes special ordered by Don Yenko Chevrolet for delivery to Grady Davis - of Gulf Oil Research and Development fame, made with the special factory speed parts that Duntov could equip it with

2012-01-05T20:54:00.000-08:00

Going up for auction at Mecum’s January 24-29, 2012 Kissimmee Florida event, possesses a host of rare options and a provenance worthy of the velvet rope treatment at any of the world’s finest auto museums or vintage races. Gulf Oil sponsored and driven to an SCCA B-Production national championship by the likes of Dr. Dick “The Flying Dentist” Thompson and Don Yenko, it stands as one the most successful and important production-based Corvette race cars ever constructed.

Upon delivery to Don Yenko Chevrolet and then Grady Davis, Number 11 was prepped for the Twelve Hours of Sebring where it was piloted by Don Yenko and Ben Moore to a third place finish. The Corvette was then moved to SCCA competition where, again in Yenko’s hands, it won Virginia, Cumberland, Bridgehampton, Dunkirk, and Lime Rock. A good season, this. Except these were just the first five races. At the sixth race at Meadowvale, competitors grumbled. Rumors spread. Soon, tech inspectors pulled the Corvette and found the car was running an aluminum flywheel and not, as required by SCCA rules, one made of steel. Though legal in the FIA races in which Number 11 first competed, the part’s presence at an SCCA B-Production race earned Yenko a six-month suspension.

Competitors sighed with relief. Grady Davis called Dr Dick Thompson.

Sitting in Number 11’s race seat, Thompson picked up where Yenko left off and drove the Corvette to victory Bridgehampton, Indianapolis, Thompson, Road America and Watkins Glen. In the half-season spent with the Corvette, Thompson won every race and the B-Production National Championship

photos from http://www.sportscardigest.com/duntovs-secret-corvette-gulf-oil-race-car/ via the Vintage Racing League weekly newsletter

Zora Arkus Duntov, somethings I knew, some things I just learned

2012-01-05T20:38:00.000-08:00

In addition to the galleries of Super Sport Corvettes that Zora made, I've posted very little biographical info about him. I just read the following

The Belgian born son of Russian Jewish parents, Duntov had already outrun the Nazis, revolutionized hot-rodding (with his eponymous line of Ardun accessories for Ford’s Flathead V8), and aided the development of Allard sports cars by the time he saw the new-for-‘53 Corvette at the New York Motorama. He loved the car’s lines and despised everything else. So he wrote a letter to GM telling them as much and was hired shortly thereafter.

Duntov’s love of speed was no mere whim. While helping Allard engineer their sports cars he proved a talented driver as well and later piloted a Porsche 550 to class wins in two 24 Hours of Le Mans; the last of which, ironically, during the same 1955 event that would eventually lead to the AMA ban on racing. Nonetheless, he profoundly influenced American motorsports and, in particular, the Corvette.

By 1955 the Corvette traded the 150hp straight six engines and powerglide automatic transmissions of ’53 and ’54, for 195hp, 265ci V8s and three speed manual transmissions. By ’57 the Corvette added a 283hp 283ci V8, a limited slip differential and fuel injection. All the while, Duntov kept his eyes and talents focused on the racetrack and by the 1957 AMA ban on racing he stood at the center of one of the greatest contradictions of mid-century corporate America. While GM’s brass touted safety, forward styling and advanced color theory, Zora Arkus-Duntov quietly slipped some of the country’s most successful race cars out the back door; among them the championship winning Corvette seen here.

Duntov would have a hard time explaining why his engineers vacationed together in Nassau during Speed Week. Harder still the suitcases packed with Bermuda shorts and prototype intake manifolds.

Duntov’s available speed equipment; since the words ‘speed equipment’ weren’t exactly politically correct in ’61, however, the high performance parts were identified by their harmless sounding RPO or “Regular Production Option” numbers. It seems that while the AMA might wonder why any factory would offer a fuel injected, 315hp 283ci V8, they were far less likely to question “RPO354.”

Ditto RPOs 675, 685, and 687 which, in non-GM-speak are a Posi-traction differential, four-speed manual transmission, and heavy-duty suspension and brakes, respectively. The boxes of uninstalled parts that came with a few cars, on the other hand, are a different story altogether. Known by a select few as the ‘Sebring package,’ the vented hood, stiff front anti-rollbar, aerodynamic headlight covers, and 37 gallon fiberglass gas tank didn’t have RPO numbers and, by all accounts, left Duntov’s office without his bosses’ blessing or knowledge.

Duntov would have a hard time explaining why his engineers vacationed together in Nassau during Speed Week. Harder still the suitcases packed with Bermuda shorts and prototype intake manifolds.

Partnered with Zora to win races in Corvettes were Don Yenko, and Dr Dick Thompson. Dick was a dentist, and such an expert in winning SCCA raes with Corvettes he wrote a book on what a buyer should do to order the things only the insiders knew about (the RPO codes) and items like aluminum flywheels... and that little trick got Don Yenko suspended from SCCA racing for 6 months. FIA racing allowed the aluminum, but SCCA didn't allow them in B-Production

info from http://www.sportscardigest.com/duntovs-secret-corvette-gulf-oil-race-car/

Found in a family members trash after they cleaned out the garage rafters, a rare 1968 Scat Pack Super Bee light sign, for sale on Craigslist

2012-01-04T19:29:00.000-08:00

Aprox. 55" wide, 35" Tall, 8" Deep
Aprox. 6 lbs
Plastic with cardboard back.
Original hanging chain attached.
Original 2 prong electrical cord attached.
5 original light sockets attached.

original Dodge Dealer Lighted Scat Pack Super Bee Sign. Found (actually my family whose house this came from dumped it into the trash) after cleaning out a garage of a family member who had it stored in the rafters. As you can see from the photos, all the light sockets work (non original bulbs) and the plastic does not have any burn marks! Everything is original including the hanging chain.

The seller has already talked to his local Dodge collectors, and the most he's been offered and turned down was 1500, mostly because the Mecum Auction people have raised his expectations to 2007 price levels. His other problem is not wanting to ship the sign. Wow, talk about narrowing your possible buyers to your own area code.

Car collector extraordinaire Bruce Meyer defines the acronym CSX as Carroll Shelby Experimental

2012-01-03T20:43:00.000-08:00

That is what I thought it was too, but after reading Shelby Cobra Fifty Years, the author Colin Comer, expert in Cobras, defined CSX as Ace car company 3rd series (a =1st b=2nd c=3rd) S was for Shelby, the customer... and X was for export.

So, what is the right definition? I'll have to get the Shelby company, or the SAAC to let me know, and settle this.

Autoweek’s Vinsetta Garage

2012-01-03T20:07:00.000-08:00

Named for a storied auto-repair shop on Detroit’s legendary Woodward Avenue, Autoweek’s Vinsetta Garage originates in the Motor City, for people who live for cars everywhere.

http://www.vinsetta.com/

here's my opinion of it after watching it:

Started with a look at Bruce Meyer's cars, and some other collector guys with a LeMons Caddy and Bobcat, then a discussion on what is a car person/guy, a dialog with Courtney and Auto Week editor, in a E type Jag.... which the editor calls a Drophead Coupe. Get off your high horse, it's a convertible you egotist. Why are so many editors full of themselves? Ditto Jag owners.

Then a self promoting Auto Week dream week rundown of what the lucky 20 will get to do if they win.

Every moment of the show has a music bed soundtrack as if the watcher can't get enough music, or needs a sound bed to get them through the show. It's too loud. It's not necessary. It's annoying.

Every 5 minutes is a commercial, and self promoting commercial among others. So half the 30 minute window was commercial or self promotion.

So, in a nutshell, mediocre to annoying. Better than Hot Rod TV, but not by much. It's no wonder so many of us keep watching British Top Gear

Hot Rod Delux turned up a great story this month... a found deuce had unexpected history, on El Mirage, and a timing tag turned up!

2012-01-02T21:51:00.000-08:00

I just keep getting Hot Rod Delux, it never seems like Hot Rod and Car Craft, wasting our money on endless pages of ads and warmed over articles on rebuilding engines and transmissions... they stick to old photos, cool old cars, and lots of interesting stuff turns up... like this duece.

Lewis McMillan bought this one at the LARS (LA Roadster Show) in 1978, and had no idea it had dry lakes racing history. (I label dry lakes racing as "dry lakes racing, LSR, racing. LSR" in the post labels)

He shipped to his home in Lexington North Caroline, and stored it away til he could get to it... 24 years later when he'd collected all the parts he wanted to add, like a Halibrand quick change, boxed frame, etc

Speaking of cool parts, those headlights are 1943 Seagrave fire truck lights!

So when he dug into fixing up the car, he discovered a matchbook with a guy's name on it, and it turned out to be the guy who raced it in 48! Arvel Youngblood. The new and old owners met and Lewis learned about the car... somehow a friend of Lewis found the timing tag and reunited it with the car. Awesome.

Mary Ann Foss and Black Magic (58 Pontiac), they won the 1964 D/SA title

2012-01-02T20:55:00.000-08:00

Long story short, a mother of 4 kicked butt on the track! If you have the 1964 Nov issue of Hot Rod, go to page 72. If I remember, I will scan that and post it here.

Image from http://allshops.org/cgi-bin/community/communityalbums.cgi?action=openalbum&albumid=9980177328148

The Salt 2 Salt Studebaker set some records at Bonneville this year, with an interesting 182 cu in v8

2012-01-02T20:29:00.000-08:00

photo from http://www.flickr.com/photos/70716191@N00/sets/72157627367551319/ where they have a gallery of Bonneville photos or go to their home page (the home of the 1953 Studebaker coupe that established the records in: XO/BGC, XO/BFALT, XF/BFALT, XF/BGALT, F/CGALT, and F/CFALT ) for links to many years of Bonneville galleries http://www.salt2salt.hutman.net/

The trick of getting such a small displacement is using a tiny one year only block, and the crank from another model year to get the right numbers.

Cool Model T stuff found on Acesdeluxe.blogspot.com

2012-01-02T19:39:00.000-08:00

http://acesdeluxe.blogspot.com/

I just learned of a new museum, lots of cars and motorbikes, it's in Murdo, on I90 1/2 way across South Dakota

2012-01-02T19:24:00.000-08:00

Here is the inventory from 2011, it's not 100% accurate, but close enough to let you know what you can expect to find, you can get a look at them at http://www.pioneerautoshow.com/tour-cars.php

Ronnie Kaplan's #33 Javelin... 1970 Trans Am race car, it's a Red White and Blue color scheme I haven't seen before

2012-01-02T18:47:00.000-08:00

Ronnie was the Javelin Trans Am team leader 1967-1969 and a conversation about his time racing is here: http://www.tajavelin.com/penske_kaplan.html

Found on http://homeracingworld.yuku.com/topic/24746/javelin-livery

Get your Red White and Blue TA Javelin fix at http://www.tajavelin.com/photos.html

Awesome drag racing video, it's been too long since I posted one... the audio and video are incredible, especially at minute 4:07 watching the Hemi Under Glass carry them the full 1320

2012-01-02T13:07:00.000-08:00

Found on http://acesdeluxe.blogspot.com/

Pulling teeth made easy the motorcycle way

2012-01-02T12:51:00.000-08:00

found on http://acesdeluxe.blogspot.com/2011_07_01_archive.html

With Van Halen playing the 1984 hit "Jump", Zona Rapida posted a gallery of cars flying over hills

2012-01-02T12:46:00.000-08:00

that is clever and funny
http://zona-rapida.blogspot.com/2011/11/fotografia-jump.html

The highlights of the 2011 WRC season, or... drifts, crashes, and how to fly a car

2012-01-02T12:28:00.000-08:00

Found on http://zona-rapida.blogspot.com/

If you want to browse through a summer car show in Canberra Australia, I found a webite for you

2012-01-02T12:17:00.000-08:00

you'ss be able to look at the sunkissed warm Aussie cars from where ever on the planet you are, no mattter how much snow is outside your home, see cars you've never seen before like the Armstrong Siddeley, and ponder what keeps the rest of the world from adopting the Ute as a common car model http://onfourwheels.blogspot.com/

Opening a car door for a girlfriend... what it means

2012-01-02T12:05:00.000-08:00

Either the car is new, or the girlfriend is

What to do with kids or toddlers when going for a drive 100 years ago was simple, put them in a car seat... but where the car seat was located was unreal by todays standards

2012-01-02T10:17:00.000-08:00

on the far back, or the far front, it's like the idea that placing a kid over a bumper never spraked the notion that kids in the proximity of a bumper become a bumper. Our ancestors seem to have lived by sheer accidental good luck sometimes.

all found on http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/179374/251713.html?1323523343

Charles Bronson was a car collector... who knew?!?! His Bugatti type 49

2012-01-02T10:12:00.000-08:00

Looked like a 34 hot rod, with a 427 cammer, so it was bought at a swap meet... when the new owner stripped it down to check it out, discovered it was built on a stolen Shelby Cobra chassis

2012-01-01T21:25:00.000-08:00

found in the book Shelby Cobras Fifty Years, photos by Jeff Burgy

2011 totals versus 2010 totals

2012-01-01T21:23:00.000-08:00

Visits in 2011

Total 735,331
This Week 22,061

PAGE VIEWS
total 2,994,177
this week 49,172

380 followers and 8670 posts

Visits in 2010
Total 614,209
This Week 13,287

PAGE VIEWS
Total 1,315,718
This Week 31,918

208 followers, and 6600 posts

Rene Ortega in Mexico has a marvelous gallery of Carrera Panamerica photos of cool cars

2012-01-01T19:46:00.000-08:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ranachilanga/

Senner Tuning Gives BMW X6 xDrive40d a Little More Oomph

2011-12-05T08:36:00.000-08:00

Looking to offer BMW X6 xDrive40d owners more options for customizing their diesel-powered model, Germany's Senner Tuning has released a new performance and styling package for the sporty crossover.

For performance purposes, Senner Tuning begins with the X6's straight-six turbocharged diesel engine by adding a sport air filter and a remapped ECU to lift output from 306HP and 600Nm to 336-horses and 665Nm (490.5 lb-ft).

VW Motorsport's Skillful New Signing, Sebastien Ogier, Wins the Race of Champions [Videos]

2011-12-05T08:04:00.000-08:00

Almost all motorsport racing series are over, so it's time for the Race of Champions, an annual challenege between drivers competing in different kinds of racing such as Formula 1, WRC and DTM.

This year’s event was held last weekend at the Esprit arena in Dusseldorf, with the VW Group providing many of the cars like the VW Scirocco R, the Audi R8 LMS and the Skoda Fabia S2000. It also displayed its brand-new 300HP Polo R WRC, with which it will enter the world rally championship in 2013 in front of the crowd for the first time.

Mercedes-Benz's First China-Made GLK Rolls Off the Production Line

2011-12-05T07:47:00.000-08:00

Following a June 2011 agreement between Daimler and Chinese joint venture partner BAIC to further expand their collaboration in China with additional projects, Mercedes-Benz announced on Monday that the first locally produced GLK SUV left the production line at the Beijing plant of Beijing Benz Automotive Co. (BBAC). Read more »

Colossal Supercar Pileup in Japan Destroys Eight Ferraris, Three Mercedes and a Lamborghini [Videos]

2011-12-05T07:17:00.000-08:00

In what may be if not the worst, one of the nastiest and most expensive supercar crashes of all time, 14 vehicles including eight Ferraris, three Mercedes-Benzes, a Lamborghini, a Toyota Prius and an unspecified Toyota, were involved in a massive pile-up on the Chugoku expressway in Shimonoseki, southwestern Japan on Sunday.

Luckily, no fatalities were reported though ten drivers suffered bruising and some minor injuries.

“The accident occurred when the driver of a red Ferrari was switching from the right lane to the left and skidded,” Mitsuyoshi Isejima, executive officer for Yamaguchi Prefecture’s Expressway Traffic Police unit told Bloomberg News. “It was a gathering of narcissists," said Isejima who added that the drivers were aged between 37 and 60 years old.

Saab in Talks with Youngman and Chinese Bank to Secure November Wages

2011-12-05T06:34:00.000-08:00

It’s been almost a week now since we last heard from Saab and as time goes by without a viable solution, the situation for the Swedish carmaker becomes more critical every day.

On Monday, Saab owner Swedish Automobile (SWAN.AS) announced that it is currently in discussions with Youngman Automobile and an unnamed bank in China about a potential investment in Saab.

New Vauxhall Insignia BiTurbo with 195HP Diesel Returns 57.6mpg UK

2011-12-05T06:14:00.000-08:00

A new and more powerful four-cylinder diesel engine has landed under the hood of the Vauxhall Insignia (sold under the Opel nameplate in the rest of Europe and as the Buick Regal in North America). The 2.0-liter unit delivers an output of 195PS (198bhp) at 4,000 rpm and a healthy peak torque of 400Nm (295 lb-ft) between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm. Read more »

China's Geely to Enter UK Market in 2012 with £10,000 Emgrand EC7

2011-12-05T05:39:00.000-08:00

Only a week after Geely's Emgrand EC7 became the first Chinese vehicle to receive a respectable four out of five star safety rating under the Euro NCAP crash tests, and the owner of Volvo Cars announced that it is getting ready to enter the UK’s new car market with the first models to arrive at the end of 2012. Read more »

Woman Speeds out of Ferrari Dealership in a Corvette and Flips Over [Video]

2011-12-03T20:15:00.000-08:00

A very strange accident involving a yellow Corvette C6 and two more cars just took place in Norwood, Massachusetts. A witness told Boston's NewsCenter5 that the person responsible for the accident is an unnamed woman who "races cars for a living".

And what did this female racing(?) driver do, we hear you ask? Well, according to an eyewitness account, the woman in the Corvette stopped at a Chevrolet dealership in Norwood on Route 1 looking for a faster set of wheels. The dealer didn't have anything to offer her so she went over to a nearby dealership to test drive a Ferrari.

Honda to Introduce New Hybrid Variant of Accord Sedan Next Year

2011-12-03T08:57:00.000-08:00

[JDM Honda Accord pictured above]

There's plenty of news coming out from the sidelines of the Tokyo Motor Show and a lot of them concern Honda's future plans.

Along with the Acura-badged NSX hybrid concept that's heading to Detroit, we also learned that Honda is preparing a raft of hybrid powertrains for its mainstream models.

Subaru BRZ GT300 Fires up on the Track: First Official Video

2011-12-03T08:08:00.000-08:00

Only a select few will be able to get behind the wheel of the new BRZ GT300, but Subaru hopes to create a strong link between the production and the racing versions of its new rear-wheel drive coupe, both of which made their world premiere at this week's Tokyo Motor Show.

The impressive looking BRZ racer will compete in the in the GT300 class of the 2012 SUPER GT series in Japan. The GT300 cars are much more regulated than the vehicles in the GT500 class with their output limited to 300-horsepower, which means we may see Subaru opting for a turbocharger to increase the standard model's 2.0-liter boxer engine's output.

Report: U.S. Car Buyers Take a Second Look at Diesel-Engined Cars

2011-12-03T06:47:00.000-08:00

If you tried to find a diesel-powered car in the U.S. of A. you’d certainly have a hard time, as their total sales account for less than 3% of the total market. But the future may be different.

With gas prices constantly fluctuating and the government pushing manufacturers to improve efficiency, analysts predict that hybrids are not the only kind of vehicles that many buyers will turn to: diesel is another option.

Video: Was This a Dangerously Close Call or a Ballsy Move?

2011-12-02T18:56:00.000-08:00

A minor spat has broken out on Youtube over whether or not a Lotus Exige GT3 traveling close to 250km/h [155mph] should have passed in between a Mazda MX-5 and a Porsche Boxster during the Production Sports Cars CUE Enduro Series held at the Phillip Island circuit in Victoria, Australia.

If you watch the first video shot from an inboard camera on the MX-5, it looks like a rocket ship flew by inches away from the Japanese roadster. In fact, it all happens so fast that you have to actually pause the video to see the Exige GT3 driven by Barton Mawer.

According to the Philip Island Circuit's official website, the driver in the No66 MX-5 was Michael Hall. Here's what he said on Youtube:

"I'm chasing down a Porsche Boxster in the #66 Mazda MX5 whilst trying to hang onto the lead of Class E. Meanwhile Barton Mawer is trying to hunt down Alan Simonsen in the Lambo for the overall lead, and obviously not in the mood to waste any time."

High Heels and Shiny Wheels: The 2011 Tokyo Motor Show Edition

2011-12-02T17:32:00.000-08:00

Gentlemen, you may start your engines because we have a special treat for you today. After all the metal from the 42nd edition of the Tokyo Motor Show, it's time for something a little bit different but equally, if not more, interesting.

If the opening picture caught you attention, there's a lot more from where that came from in our high resolution gallery that you're more than welcome to enjoy directly after the break.

Last MGB Roadster Ever Made Returns Back Home Through the Window

2011-12-02T16:36:00.000-08:00

The MGB Roadster was an open-top British sports car that was launched by MG in 1962 and was followed three years later by a 2+2 GT Coupe. It had a very long life span, surviving until 1980.

At the time, the company changed hands from the British Motor Corporation to British Motor Holdings and then to British Leyland Motor Corporation. The decay and eventually, the fall of the British car industry began during that period.

If Looks Could Kill: Meet the 1999 Subaru Impreza Casa Blanca Limited Edition

2011-12-02T15:25:00.000-08:00

Subaru is one of those automakers that will either bore you to death or irk you with the styling of its products, but scarcely, if ever, cause any excitement with its designs.

The Impreza series is a characteristic example going from boredom to controversial and vice versa not only with each new restyling, but sometimes even within the same generation.

Time to meet the Impreza Casa Blanca - a special edition version of the first generation Sport Wagon with the 1.5-liter boxer engine that was introduced in Japan in 1999 to address the craze consumers had for retro styled cars at the time.

And yes, you read that correctly: the Casa Blanca isn't a ~~abomination~~ creation from some unknown coachbuilder but an official Subaru product and it was produced from 1999 to 2000 in a limited run of 5,000 units!

GM May Redesign Volt's Battery, Puts Opel Ampera Sales on Hold

2011-12-02T14:42:00.000-08:00

Providing a free loaner to Volt owners concerned about their car’s safety is all good and well – even better for some if the loaner is a Camaro or a Corvette.

However, General Motors, which is currently cooperating with the NHTSA to address the fire issues that ensued after the agency’s crash tests, may even go as far as redesigning its extended-range hybrid’s battery which is manufactured by South Korea's LG Chem.

Dodge to Drop New Generation 2013 Viper at Next Year's New York Auto Show

2011-12-02T14:07:00.000-08:00

The time for the return of the Dodge Viper after a two-year hiatus is almost up. In fact, we'll get our first look at the Chrysler Group's next halo car as early as next April at the 2012 New York International Auto Show.

Chrysler's SRT Brand President and CEO Ralph Gilles made the revelation in an interview with Viper magazine, while Automobile Magazine says that it has also confirmed the news with its sources at Dodge.

UAW Protests outside Hyundai's U.S. Dealerships to Support Illegally Fired Korean Subcontractor Worker

2011-12-02T13:24:00.000-08:00

Members of the UAW (International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America), one of the biggest worker unions in the U.S., protested on Wednesday outside more than 75 Hyundai dealerships across the country, from NYC to LA.

Hyundai itself was not the target, as one would have thought upon hearing the news. Rather, the union members who held "Stop Sex Discrimination at Hyundai" and "Reinstate Ms. Park" banners were showing their support for Ms. Park.

Mid-Size Cars Sales Fall as U.S. Buyers Downsize to Smaller Cars

2011-12-02T12:34:00.000-08:00

For decades, mid-size sedans like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Ford Taurus have been best-sellers and the most common sight on American roads.

But the trend is starting to change. According to J.D Power and associates, an increasingly large number of buyers are downsizing and choose small cars such as the Chevrolet Cruze or even the Honda Fit.

In fact, J.D. Power forecasts that, for the first time in two decades, compact cars will outsell mid-size models by the end of the year. Moreover, it projects that by 2015, compact and sub-compact cars will have a 20% share in the U.S. market, while mid-size models’ share will shrink down to 14%.

General Motors will have Four World Premieres in Detroit Including the 2013 Cadillac ATS

2011-12-02T11:56:00.000-08:00

With the press days over at the Tokyo Motor Show, automakers are now turning their focus on the next big automotive event, which is the 2012 North International Auto Show that takes place in Detroit from January 10 to 23.

Today, we learned that General Motors is planning four world premieres but for now, the company will only tell us about one of the vehicles it will bring to Detroit, the 2013 Cadillac ATS, which is aimed squarely at the entry-level premium sedan segment rivaling the likes of the new BMW 3-Series and the Lexus IS.

BMW Releases Teaser Film on Mystery New X6 M Model, Could it be the Diesel?

2011-12-02T11:35:00.000-08:00

Those Bavarians are always coming up with something to grab our attention. Their latest mystery film is about a new edition or model of the X6 with the famed M logo.

The only official information we get from BMW is that the vehicle seen in the teaser clip will establish "a new category of automobiles" and that it represents "a new chapter powered by M".

The vehicle itself or rather certain parts of the crossover like the lights, hood and, of course, the moniker on the tailgate, are craftily blurred out.

Chuck Norris Approved: Alert Woman Ducks Rolling Mercedes ML

2011-10-31T13:35:00.000-07:00

A traffic camera located at an intersection in the small Russian town of Timashevsk in the Krasnodar region captured a terrifying accident involving a Mercedes-Benz ML350 SUV.

The driver of the German luxury crossover blew right through a red light at speed and was hit on the rear passenger side by an oncoming Daewoo Nexia, which sent the Mercedes rolling over towards a pedestrian on the sidewalk.

Amazingly, the alert woman saw the Mercedes-Benz SUV coming her way and she instinctively jumped to safety literally at the last moment. The ML350 came to a stop on an electric pole with the video showing the careless driver jumping out of the car, apparently unhurt.

New 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth Reaches U.S. Shores, will Debut at L.A. Show

2011-10-31T12:31:00.000-07:00

The Fiat Group may be constantly delaying Alfa Romeo's return to the U.S. market but at least it's keeping its word with the 500 range.

After the regular three-door hatchback and the rolling soft top 500C, Fiat is now introducing the most stimulating (from a driver's perspective) version of the series, the sporty Abarth model, which will be making its debut at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show on November 18.

SPY SHOTS: 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster Loses the Heavy Cladding

2011-10-31T11:56:00.000-07:00

Mercedes' big hardtop roadster model is entering its final development phase as we near closer to the next generation SL's launch date in the second half of 2012.

The current iteration of the SL, codenamed R320, has been in production since 2001 having received two facelifts, one in 2006 and another, more extensive makeover, in 2008.

The next SL will be brand new from the bottom up sporting a new platform architecture while sharing certain key components such as the suspension bits and electrical systems with the SLS AMG.

Saab Presents New Restructuring Plan to its Creditors

2011-10-31T11:18:00.000-07:00

On Monday, Swedish Automobile presented the restructuring plan of Saab Automobile to the company's creditors at a preliminary meeting in Vanersborg, Sweden.

Saab’s management informed the creditors about the key points of the reorganization process, which has the support both of the administrators who are overseeing the process as well as future owners Pang Da and Youngman.

Kia Joins Forces with Antenna Magazine to Build Rio and Forte Specials for SEMA Show

2011-10-31T11:07:00.000-07:00

Less than 24 hours before the doors open at the 2011 edition of the Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) Show and Kia Motors has revealed a pair of tricked concept models that will make their debut in Las Vegas.

Both the Rio 5-Door Surf and the Forte 5-Door Hockey were built in partnership with Antenna magazine.

Starting with the 2012 Rio, the surf-themed tuning project features a sunset-metallic golden-brown paint along with a custom body kit with a front splitter made of wood that matches the surfboard on the roof, and rear fascia with center-mount exhaust. A set of 17-inch three-piece gold wheels and a Thule roof rack that holds the surfboard complete the look.

Video: Stillen R35 GT-R Races Helicopter in New Zealand

2011-10-31T10:31:00.000-07:00

On the second day of the Targa New Zealand race, competitors and viewers alike witnessed a rather unusual spectacle: a sports car racing against a helicopter.

The vehicle in question was a Stillen R-35 Nissan GT-R driven by Steve Millen while acrobatic racing pilot, Leigh Hopper, controlled the Eurocopter “Squirrel”.

Now, this isn't the first time a sports car has lined up against a flying machine. But this spontaneous road-and-sky-racing during a pit stop was unexpected – especially as they made two runs instead of one.

Formula 1: Indian Grand Prix Results

2011-10-31T10:06:00.000-07:00

Niki Lauda may have been wrong in our opinion about Michael Schumacher’s return to Formula1, but as far as the latest world champion is concerned, his predictions appear to be spot on.

The Austrian had said that, given the right circumstances, Sebastian Vettel has the potential to match and even surpass Schumacher who so far, has broken nearly all records in F1.

Nissan Infographic Tells the Tale of NYC Taxis by the Numbers

2011-10-31T09:50:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, New Yorkers will get their first taste of the Big Apple's new taxicab, the Nissan NV200 minivan, at a special exhibition that takes place from November 1 to 5 on the pedestrian plaza across from the Flatiron building at Broadway and Fifth Avenue.

We'll remind you that the NV200 was selected as the exclusive cab of New York City for the next 10 years, starting from late 2013.

Today, Nissan organized a special event for a host of New York City officials, including Taxi & Limousine Commissioner David Yassky, to preview the vehicle's interior design.

VW Boss Confirms Production Version of XL1 Concept for 2013

2011-10-31T09:23:00.000-07:00

Remember the XL1 Super Efficient Vehicle (SEV) diesel-electric hybrid concept that Volkswagen unveiled at the Qatar Motor Show this past January? Martin Winterkorn, CEO of the VW Group, told to Autonews Europe that development plans for the ultra-efficient two-seater model are proceeding.

"We will start small series production by 2013 – in Germany," Winterkorn told the publication.

Northeast: Fall Dresses up as…Winter for Halloween

2011-10-31T08:59:00.000-07:00

The freakish October snowstorm that hit the northeast this weekend took its toll on Carscoop as we were among the many millions of people without power or internet access since Saturday. Fortunately, power was just restored in our area so we're back to our normal schedule...

All-New MINI Roadster Makes its Official Debut, wants to Challenge the MX-5 [254 Photos]

2011-10-29T16:14:00.000-07:00

With its eyes set on conquering a slice of the convertible market from the popular Mazda MX-5, MINI has revealed the final production version of the Roadster.

The Roadster is the soft-top variant of the Coupe introduced earlier this summer, and is the sixth model to be added to MINI's line-up as well as the first open-top two-seater in the brand's history.

As is the case with the Coupe, the Roadster is based on the current Mini hatchback so it doesn't come to much of a surprise that its dimensions largely mirror those of the Mini Convertible at 3,734mm long, 1,683mm wide and 1,390mm tall.

Sioux City Police Denies Mistreatment Allegation in Woman’s Forceful Arrest [Video]

2011-10-29T13:32:00.000-07:00

A patrol car dashboard camera video showing a woman being arrested in Sioux City has sparked allegations for police mistreatment.

Dacota Daniels, 34, was detained on August 8 at Sioux City by two officers, one in uniform and one in plain clothes after they stopped the rental car she was in as a passenger.

The plainclothes drug task force officer said in the report that he spotted Daniels’ fiancé, Christopher Robinson, driving the car despite being "known to have a barred license."

2011 Formula 1: Indian GP Qualifying Results

2011-10-29T11:58:00.000-07:00

This weekend, India hosts its first-ever Formula 1 Grand Prix at the newly constructed, 5.1 km (3.17-mile) long Buddh track in New Delhi. Along with being a big event for the country it also marks a new record for this year’s world champion.

The unstoppable Sebastian Vettel scored his 13th pole position this year, matching Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost for most poles in a season. He needs just one more to equal Nigel Mansell’s 1992 record of 14 poles, while his team has already set its own record in F1 with is 16th pole position in a season.

BMW 325i Convertible E30 wants to be an 8-Series when it Grows Up

2011-10-29T09:18:00.000-07:00

While there's only a single digit gap between the E30 and E31 codenames, in reality, these two BMW models couldn't be more different from each other.

The E30, a.k.a. the 1983-1991 3-Series, represented the firm's entry-level family car in the 1980s, while the E31, more widely known as the 8-Series, was the brand's flagship GT coupe in the 1990s.

But one German owner had the bright idea of taking a 1989 325i Convertible (albeit with pre-1987 tail lamps) and fusing the front end of an 850i Coupe on its nose. Of course, there was a slight problem with the width of the 8-Series fascia that was solved by…removing one of the BMW kidney grilles.

All-New 2012 Honda CR-V: First Official Photos of Production Model

2011-10-29T06:58:00.000-07:00

Over the past few months we've brought you pictures of camouflaged prototypes, the loosely disguised concept and even the patent designs of the next 2012 Honda CR-V, but today, thanks to our tipster Andy Ye, we bring you the first official images of the final production model.

Not surprisingly, the styling changes over the concept CR-V we saw this summer are restricted to the matte finish of the plastic cladding on the body, the smaller wheels and the clear graphics on the headlamps and tail lamps.

Honda has previously said that its new SUV will be "more sophisticated and dynamic" than its predecessor while also offering improved interior space and versatility as well as a suit of new technologies.

2012 Toyota FT-86: New Photos Surface Online

2011-10-28T19:09:00.000-07:00

When we brought you the first brochure images of the production version of the JDM Toyota FT-86 coupe on Thursday, we rightfully assumed that we should see more pictures of the rear-wheel drive model in the coming weeks before the official presentation at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show on November 30.

Better make that a little over 24 hours as we just discovered yet another collection of scanned images on a Japanese forum, providing us with an even better look at the exterior design of Toyota's mainstream sports car.

While the previous photos showed us a Modellista-prepped version, this time we have the standard FT-86 with or without some optional accessories such as the front panel air vent trims and rear diffuser accents.

Giggidy Giggidy Goo or What the Deuce? Miss Tuning Calendar 2012 [NSFW]

2011-10-28T16:36:00.000-07:00

For better or for worse, tuning shows are as much about modified cars as they are about booth babes - and that's regardless of where they take place. Just wait and see at next week's SEMA Show.

But just to get your engines running – or so to speak, we have a special treat for you, and no, we're not referring to the Nissan 180SX/200SX ...

Toyota Reduces U.S. Production Due to Thailand Floods

2011-10-28T16:04:00.000-07:00

It seems that nature's forces do not like Toyota. The March natural disaster in Japan affected Toyota the most and now, just as it is gearing up production to make up for the lost time, a massive flood in Thailand has plagued the automaker's three local factories forcing the company to change its plans once again.

Toyota issued the following statement: “Parts availability from Thailand is not predictable at this time and is changing with the continued severity of the flooding.”

BMW Begins Regular Production of new 2012 3-Series Sedan

2011-10-28T15:34:00.000-07:00

With the official presentation out of the way, the BMW Group began series production of its new premium sedan, the 2012 3-Series, at is Munich plant in Germany as it prepares for its worldwide market launch in February next year.

“The BMW 3 Series is the most important volume-produced model from the BMW Group as well as the biggest-selling model in the entire premium segment," said Frank-Peter Arndt, Member of the BMW AG Board of Management responsible for production.

Report: Ferrari California to Receive Mild Life Facelift with a Power Upgrade for 2012

2011-10-28T15:12:00.000-07:00

[2011 Ferrari California pictured above]

When Ferrari launched the California in 2008, the hardtop roadster model was a novelty for Maranello. Despite objections from purists, Ferrari proved to be right and the California was a major sales success.

Not only did it boost the brand’s sales but it also succeeded in its original goal to bring in buyers who would only consider Aston Martins, Porsches and Bentleys as they found Ferraris to be impractical.

Now, according to CAR magazine, Ferrari’s front-engined V8 model is about to get a major overhaul for 2012, with production of the refreshed version beginning as early as January.

Warning: Meet the Worst Accident Scam Artist in the World [Video]

2011-10-28T14:11:00.000-07:00

Traffic accidents involving pedestrians are all too common but once in a while, you get your archetypal "please hit me" scam artist that will try anything to get something from you or better yet, your insurance company.

And truth is, unless there's a witness or two around, you'll either waste or have a pretty hard time proving your innocence. On the other hand, if you've installed a dashboard mounted camera on your car, an accident con can turn a nightmare scenario into a rather enjoyable 30 second clip.

Enter the world of the one of the worst fraudsters we've ever seen in action. Period. According to the person that uploaded the video, the incident took place somewhere in Korea. You can watch it right after the break.

Il Monstro: 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ with 22,400 miles goes Under the Hammer

2011-10-28T13:28:00.000-07:00

The Alfa Romeo 75 is remembered as the last rear-wheel drive sedan to be produced by the Milanese brand. Yet, its claim to glory is much bigger than that as the 75 underpinned one the most bizarre Alfa Romeos to date: the SZ.

Initially presented as a Zagato concept at the 1987 Geneva Motor Show, the ES30 (Experimental Sports 3.0-liter), as was its internal designation, debuted in production form at the same show two years later as the SZ, which stands for Sports Zagato.

And it caused quite a commotion, thanks to its angular styling and angry looks. Some 25 years later, the SZ's exterior styling is still divisive, but nevertheless, it does stand out from the crowd…

It was available in one trim level in a red color with a dark-grey roof and tan leather interior – save for one example finished in black that was built exclusively for Andrea Zagato himself.

SEMA Preview: New Toyota Yaris Suits Up for Club Racing

2011-10-28T12:38:00.000-07:00

The annual aftermarket extravaganza that is known as the SEMA Show will host the debut of Toyota Yaris B-Spec Club Racer that will compete in the SCCA B-spec class race category next year with Action Sports Star and BMX legend Jamie Bestwick behind the wheel. Read more »

Chrysler Group's New SRT8 Video Works Visually but not Aurally

2011-10-28T11:44:00.000-07:00

We all like watching powerful cars drifting slideways and burning rubber and fortunately, we get plenty of that in the Chrysler Group's new SRT video starring the 2012MY SRT8 versions of the Chrysler 300, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Challenger and Charger.

But (there's always a but, isn't there?) while there's no doubt that the clip is visually stimulating, it completely misses the point when it comes to making our ears happy. Watch the video after the break and you'll see/hear what we mean.

Tesla CEO Confirms Plans to Launch All-New Roadster in 2014

2011-10-28T10:48:00.000-07:00

The Model S saloon that was previewed earlier this month in Beta form, the upcoming performance version of the same model as well as the RAV-4 EV that it will be produced in cooperation with Toyota, are not the only plans Tesla CEO Elon Musk has in mind for the Silicon Valley-based brand.

The company is also working on an EV crossover based on the Model S while Musk recently told Autocar magazine that Telsa is also planning to launch a BMW 3-Series rival and an all-new Roadster in 2014.

Chevy Teases Two Corvette Concepts Ahead of 2011 SEMA Show

2011-10-28T10:17:00.000-07:00

If anything, General Motors' Chevrolet brand will have one of the most comprehensive displays at this year's edition of the Specialty Equipment Market Association show in Las Vegas.

We've already given you a sample of the tuned Sonic hatchbacks, Cruze sedans and Camaro Coupe and Convertible concepts that are heading down to the strip, and now it's time to show you a pair of Corvette concept cars.

Mazda to Woo SEMA Show Crowd with MX-5 Spyder and Mazda2 Turbo Hot Hatch

2011-10-28T09:46:00.000-07:00

The countdown to the 2011 Specialty Equipment Market Association show in Las Vegas is heating up with only a few days left before the big event kicks off on Tuesday, November 1.

Mazda will be there with at least two concept models including the MX-5 Spyder and the Mazda2 Turbo.

Raw Video: Driver, Beware of the Spicy Newscaster…

2011-10-28T09:14:00.000-07:00

We can't see what reporter Alison Ariotti from Australia's Nine Network was wearing during this live TV broadcast, but the…package must have been interesting enough to distract the driver of the black Mazda CX-7 SUV who zoom-zoomed his attention from the road and on to the young lady and as a result, collided with a Mazda parked behind her.

So the lesson here folks is that if you happen to stumble upon a TV crew filming in the side of the road, please keep your eyes where they should be…

Cadillac CTS-V Coupe Le Monstre to Terrorize Las Vegas with 1,001HP Supercharged V8

2011-10-28T08:40:00.000-07:00

The SEMA Show is all about excess - be that for the appearance and performance of the tuned cars or the…upgraded booth models.

And there seems to be plenty of that going on with the 2012 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe created by "The D3 Group", which will be displayed at Toyo Tire U.S.A.'s booth at the Las Vegas aftermarket show.

Peugeot Expands Range of Accessories for RCZ Sports Coupe

2011-10-28T08:09:00.000-07:00

The funky-looking Peugeot RCZ sports coupe has been in the market for a little over a year and now, the French carmaker has decided to introduce a new line of accessories for both new and current owners.

First up is a new sports muffler with dual tailpipes on either side of the bumper that is available in a choice of two designs, with the oval shaped pipes priced at €733 in Germany and the round shape units at €788.

Audi Launches A1 e-tron Trial Program in Munich

2011-10-28T07:37:00.000-07:00

The first examples of Audi's A1 e-tron gasoline-electric hybrid project car hit the streets of Munich today as the German company in cooperation with E.ON and the public utility Stadtwerke Munchen and Technise Universitat Muncher initiated the trial program.

Audi has provided a fleet of 20 extended-range A1 e-tron electric vehicles, while E.ON and SWM have installed charging infrastructure both within the city limits and in surrounding areas.

Chevrolet Camaro and Camaro ZL1 Dress Up for Vegas

2011-10-28T06:58:00.000-07:00

Automakers are getting ready for some aftermarket fun at the annual SEMA Show that takes place in Las Vegas from November 1 through 4.

General Motors is heading down to the strip with a variety of concept and project cars including a number of prototypes based on the 2012MY Camaro coupe, convertible and of course, the upcoming ZL1.

Ford–Approved Body Shell Allows You to Build a '64-'66 Mustang Convertible from the Ground Up

2011-10-28T06:28:00.000-07:00

Sure, a fully restored first generation Ford Mustang Convertible with matching chassis and engine numbers is something that many car nuts dream of, but what if you could build a brand new example from the wheels up using officially licensed parts?

Ford now offers this opportunity with the release of an officially licensed 1965 Mustang Convertible body shell that can be turned into a ’64½, ’65 or ’66 model, depending on the trim and powertrain that is installed during the rebuild.

China's Pang Da and Youngman Agree to Buy Saab for €100 million and Save it from Bankruptcy

2011-10-28T06:00:00.000-07:00

Saab's parent company Swedish Automobile N.V. [Swan] said on Friday that it has agreed to sell the company to China's Pang Da and Youngman.

If the deal goes through, the Chinese will own Sweden’s car industry bar Koenigsegg as Volvo was sold to Geely in 2009 – admittedly at the much higher price of US$2 billion dollars than the €100 million (US$141.7 million) Pang Da and Youngman are willing to pay for acquiring 100% of Saab Automobile and Saab GB shares.

Refreshed 2012 Mitsubishi Shogun Hits UK Shores

2011-10-28T05:37:00.000-07:00

The 2012 model year brings a subtle makeover for the Mitsubishi Shogun that is set to arrive in UK showrooms next week.

The revised Shogun, which is also known as the Pajero and Montero in other markets around the world, comes with an updated Euro V compliant turbo diesel engine and a choice of either three door short-wheel base or five door long-wheel base body styles.

What a Feeling: Carscoop Reader Takes Lexus LFA for a Spin around Silverstone

2011-10-27T18:33:00.000-07:00

Say what you want about the Lexus LFA and whether or not it is worth the hefty $375k sticker price; if you're a true-blue petrol head and you were given the opportunity to get behind the LFA's wheel for a lap around a professional circuit, you'd do it in a heartbeat no matter what you thought about the car.

And that opportunity came for Carscoop reader Jean-Luc Cartwright from Britain who was able to drive the V10-powered Lexus LFA at the Silverstone racetrack in England.

SPY SHOTS: New Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake Caught Thinly Disguised

2011-10-27T17:11:00.000-07:00

When Mercedes-Benz presented the first generation of the CLS in 2004, nobody expected that it would virtually reestablished the so-called four-door coupe segment and go on to sell some 170,000 examples throughout the world.

Now, the Stuttgart-based automaker is getting ready to bring the shooting brake category into the limelight with a new variant of the second generation of the CLS.

The company not only acknowledged the production of the Shooting Brake model a few months after the presentation of a concept study at the Auto China motorshow in 2010, but even announced that sales will start in 2012.