cost jurexx'cars modifications: June 2011

Thursday, June 30, 2011

FPV’s Murdered-Out Falcon GT Concept with Supercharged Boss 5.0 V8 Debuts in Melbourne

Not to be outdone by rival Holden Special Vehicles (HSV), Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) unleashed its first-ever concept car at the 2011 Australian International Motor Show in Melbourne.

Unlike HSV and its Black Edition Clubsport and Maloo R8s, FPV went for an all-blacked out look for its bespoke GT muscle car, which is based on the local market, rear-wheel drive Falcon sedan.

General Motor’s Holden Special Vehicles unit in Australia is following in the footsteps of Mercedes-Benz’s AMG division as well as more recently, Porsche, with the presentation of a black-themed and named special edition series based on the E Series 3 range launched last September.

Making its world debut at the 2011 Australian motorshow in Melbourne, the SV Black Edition package is offered in the ClubSport R8, Maloo R8 and ClubSport R8 Tourer, which are the sports versions of the Commodore sedan, ute, and station wagon models respectively.

It’s a global economy we live in and as such, it doesn’t come to much of a surprise when we see the same vehicles launched under different brands and names in various parts of the world.

Of course, it would be somewhat unfair to Holden if we didn’t mention that it has played a key role in the development and design of several GM products including the 5-door Cruze that will be show in pre-production trim at the 2011 Australian International Motor Show (AIMS), which takes place in Melbourne from July to 10.

*This article has been (patronizingly) posted in a larger-than-normal font for our older readers

From next year, the fonts in Ford’s Edge and Explorer SUV models will be some 40% larger as well as thicker. The reason? Baby Boomers have poor eyesight. No, really, Ford’s done a study and everything. The bigger fonts will extend to interior display screens control and A/C controls, and will gradually be rolled out onto other models in the Ford range in coming years.

In a statement on their website, Ford expressed its desire to make it, “easier for people of all ages, particularly aging Baby Boomers, to read display fonts.” Ah, like the little boy or girl who flat-out tells his grandparents that they’re old and wrinkly, Ford has snagged upon that babying / slow and loud way anyone under the age of 30 speak to anyone over the age of 50:

“YES, MRS. JOHNSON. THE WEATHER IS NICE TODAY. DO YOU THINK YOU’LL GO DOWN TO THE PARK?”

The MP4-12C GT3, McLaren’s first race car outside of Formula 1 since the legendary F1 GTR, will make its debut in front of the public at this weekend’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. Based on the new MP4-12C, the GT3 will appear in a revised form after McLaren’s team further honed the supercar. Read more »

Hamann Details Tuning Program for New BMW 6-Series Convertible, More to Come in Frankfurt

Earlier this year, BMW tuning specialist Hamann Motorsport teased its tuning program for the freshly launched 6-Series Convertible with the release of the first photos of the car.

Today, the German company gave out information on its initial offerings for the soft-top 6-Series and announced that it will unveil a more aggressive tune at the upcoming 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show this September.

The thundering sounds of Australia’s V8-powered racecars will soon be heard in the U.S.A. as Texas Governor Rick Perry and Queensland Premier Anna Bligh, announced today a five-year agreement to bring the famed Australian V8 Supercar series to the new Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas beginning in 2013.

"The addition of V8 Supercars into our lineup at Circuit of The Americas will add to what we already know will be a rich and exhilarating fan experience," said Steve Sexton, President of Circuit of The Americas.

Take a good look at the picture posted above. Now raise your hand if you know what’s going to happen next. If the first thing that popped into your head was that the tree is going to fall down, well, let's just say that you may want to see if this cultural motorcycle club is accepting new members.

If your thoughts involved a flying chopper inflicting a lot of pain to the biker, give yourself a pat on the back and head over the jump for a few good laughs.

Fiat’s major attraction in this year’s Goodwood Speed of Festival, which begins tomorrow, will be the famous Mefistofele. The record-breaking classic, which is based on a 1908 Fiat SB4 Corsa, returns after a decade to Goodwood and will be displayed in the “Cathedral Paddock” area. Read more »

Bugatti’s One-of-a-Kind “L’Or Blanc” Veyron Grand Sport Special with...Porcelain Fittings

Say hello to the world’s first car to wear fine porcelain on its body as well as in its cabin, the one-off Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport 'L'Or Blanc'. Admittedly, applying porcelain fittings on one of the fastest and most powerful production sports cars ever made doesn’t seem like a sound move, but when it comes to Bugatti, anything goes.

Created in partnership with Konigliche Porzellan-Manufaktur (KPM), the 'L'Or Blanc' was unveiled on Thursday at the porcelain manufacturer’s workshop in Berlin, German.

“At first, it seems to be an unusual idea to use porcelain in a car, especially in the world’s fastest convertible,” comments Dr. Stefan Brungs, Director of Sales and Marketing at Bugatti Automobiles. “But this is what Bugatti stands for: the realization of exceptional ideas whilst striving for the utmost in quality and aesthetics. This allows us to continue Ettore Bugatti’s heritage, who himself loved to experiment with new materials,” Brungs added.

Donald Clegg, a 59-year old doctor from Prestwich in the UK was four times over the legal limit when he crashed his Vauxhall Zafira into a row of parked cars. He was also sleepwalking at the time and attired in a dressing gown and slippers…

Dr. Clegg pleaded guilty to driving over the limit “without due care and attention” and was sentenced to a minimum 12 month driving ban, a fine of £650 and was ordered to pay £315 in court fees and charges. The court rejected that Dr. Clegg’s sentence should be suspended due to his somnambulism (somncogoism?).

The wall of secrecy surrounding the brand-new 2012 Porsche 911 has cracked thanks to a forum member of Teamspeed who downloaded and shared Car & Driver’s upcoming August issue in which the magazine has an exclusive first ride of the car. C&D joined the Porsche team during the new 911’s final tests in South Africa nd here’s what they found out.

The new 911 is code-named 991 and will be launched in September at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Compared to the 997 that it replaces, it is 2.5 inches longer and has a 4.0-inch longer wheelbase so that it can accommodate a hybrid system, presumably from the Panamera.

Abarth is marking its return to the Goodwood Festival of Speed for the second year in a row with the 500-based 695 Tributo Ferrari. A 1.388 cc turbocharged 4-cylinder engine delivering 180 PS at 5,500 rpm and 250 Nm of torque at 3,000 rpm powers the spirited city car with the Ferrari badges. Read more »

Toyota Sports Up Prius with new PLUS Package from TRD

At last year’s Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas, Toyota displayed a lightly modified version of the Prius Hybrid to inaugurate its new line of accessories under the PLUS moniker.

Now it’s time for the Japanese automaker to release the production version of its modestly sported up Prius with the commercial launch of the PLUS Performance Package that will be available for order in July in limited numbers.

The package features styling and performance upgrades, and is optionally available on all Prius models with pricing set at $3,699 for the Prius Two, Three, and Four trim levels and $2,999 for the Prius Five.

Today, June 30, Kia celebrates the 20th anniversary since it sold its first ever car in the UK. In 1991, the small hatchback Pride was the only Kia model on sale in Britain and in that year, the company managed to sell just only 1,786 cars.

However, two decades is a very long time in the automotive industry. Since then Kia has changed remarkably on its way to become an important player on a global scale. In 2010, Kia sold a record 56,114 cars in the UK and, for the first time ever, more than 2 million units worldwide.

Available since autumn 2010, the second iteration of the BMW X3 continues to draw the attention of European tuners. Seen here in AC Schnitzer guise, the F25 X3 has been upgraded with a styling package and go-fast modifications.

For starters, AC Schnitzer has upped the performance on the 2.0-liter diesel-powered xDrive20d from 184-horses to 218HP, while the company is also working on a kit for the xDrive30d as well as the 6-cylinder 2.8i and 3.5i petrol models, which will be released later this year.

Since its introduction in late 2010, Ford’s new 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine has proven to be a hit with European consumers having sold more than 50,000 units. The engine, which is manufactured in Ford’s UK Bridgend plant, is available in six different models (Focus, Mondeo, C-MAX, Grand C-MAX, S-MAX and Galaxy). The company attributes its success to its blend of performance, economy and low CO2 emissions. Read more »

All-New 2012 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid Coming this Fall

Toyota officially placed the arrival of the all-new 2012 Camry sedan and its hybrid sibling (2010/2011 Camry pictured above) in the U.S. market for this fall during the company’s annual national dealer meeting which took place on Wednesday in Las Vegas.

The Japanese company said that the next generation of its best-selling model will move away from the conservative designs of the past.

“Designed to meet the changing needs of the 21st Century driver, the new Camry will provide technologically advanced features, a contemporary design inside and out, improved performance and refined ride and handling,” Toyota said in a press statement.

Apparently, Aston Martin isn’t the only British automaker to lose contact with reality when it comes to pricing special edition models. Soon after Aston Martin slapped a €48,995 (equal to £44,100 and US$70,700 at the current exchange rates) sticker on its Colette-trimmed Toyota iQ…err… we mean Cygnet, the BMW Group division announced that its new MINI Inspired by Goodwood is priced at £41,000 (€45,600 or US$65,700). Read more »

Refreshed Mazda Demio goes on Sale in Japan

Mazda announced today that sales of the facelifted Mazda Demio, or Mazda2 as the rest of the world knows it, have begun in Japan. The new Mazda2 is the company’s supermini and the target sales for its home market is 6,000 units per month. Read more »

BMW Takes Leading Car Role in New “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol” Film with i8 Concept and 6-Series

Tom Cruise’s return for another impossible mission as Ethan Hunt also marks the BMW Group’s return to Hollywood, as the Bavarian automaker will be the main automotive partner in the fourth installment of the Mission Impossible franchise.

BMW’s product placement in the “Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol” film comes in the form of the concept version of the upcoming i8 Hybrid Coupe, the Vision EfficientDynamics study while the latest 6-Series Convertible will also play a role in the movie.

Only a few weeks after making its public debut at the Villa D’Este Concours and winning the design award for concept cars and prorotypes, Aston Martin’s new V12 Zagato raced at the Nurburgring 24-hour race. Now, the British automaker is bringing the stunning model, which was created by the two companies to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the legendary DB4GT Zagato, to the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Read more »

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Two for the Price of One: Amadou Ndiaye’s Bugatti Atless Concept

Two cars that helped establish Bugatti’s reputation as a world-class automaker during the difficult interwar period were the Type 35 and Type 57 Atlantic. Stunningly beautiful, intricately built and incredibly powerful, these two cars summed up all that Bugatti was and wanted to be.

Now, Canadian industrial designer Amadou Ndiaye has taken these two classic automobiles and melded them into one with his Bugatti Atless design study.

The man behind the “Forward Russia!” movement, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, took his campaign motto a smidgen too seriously when he almost...forwarded a Mercedes M-Class he was driving into a crowd of people cheerfully waiting for him on the side of the road.

While we can’t be 100 percent sure, from the video it looks like Medvedev either forgot to put the SUV’s handbrake on or even worse, didn’t shift out of drive and into park before jumping out of the vehicle to meet his voters.

Fortunately, Medvedev’s security was alert and managed to stop the Mercedes before it hit the crowd. The incident allegedly occurred in the city of Kazan on Monday. The video, which you can watch after the break, went viral and has already more than 200,000 views on Youtube in less than 24 hours.

Back in May, we saw Bentley trying out the drop-top version of its subtly evolved 2011 Continental GT, the GTC, at the Nurburgring racetrack. Now, our spies have spotted Bentley’s people working on the more athletic GTC Speed in the Alps.

Like the standard Continental GTC, the Speed shares the sharper styling cues of the coupe model launched last year adding a more aggressively designed front bumper with new openings, hood air vents and a discreet boot lid spoiler along with larger alloy wheels to the mix.

The GTC Speed will benefit from the revisions we saw on the coupe and which include a redesigned dashboard with an updated instrument panel and a new touch-screen interface plus new seats and trim materials.

An imaginary pod of dolphins pictured swimming in a sky of stars may look cool on a pinball machine but on an Italian exotic like the 1994 Ferrari 348 Spyder it’s more like decorating a classical sculpture with graffiti…

And if that ain’t enough to make you flip your lid, learn that the Austin, Texas dealer selling this cars claims that the paintjob, which is the work of the “world famous Hawaiian artist Christian Lassen” cost –get ready for this- $100,000!

The crew over at Autoblog.com is reporting that BMW plants to sell a six-cylinder version of its new 6-Series Coupe in America after all. When the Bavarian automaker introduced the latest 6-Series Coupe and Convertible models, it had stated that the U.S. would only get the 650i with its 4.4-liter turbocharged V8 that delivers 400-horses in NA-trim and 407HP in the EU.

When Scion announces a new model year change for one of its vehicles, more often than not, it concerns an upgraded audio system and nothing much else. That’s the case with the 2012MY xB which enters the new model year with a standard AM/FM/CD/HD/USB 160-watt maximum output Pioneer audio system, which includes HD Radio technology and Bluetooth connectivity allowing for both hands-free phone connection and streaming audio capability. Read more »

Robocarpocalypse Begins: Nevada Asks DoT to Draw Up Legislation for Driverless Cars

I can’t remember if there were self-driving cars in the third Terminator movie, though frankly I can’t remember anything other than that red leather and vinyl outfit Kristanna Loken was wearing. What were we talking about? Oh, yes, the robocarpocalypse.

With the passing of Assembly Bill 511 in the Nevada Senate, the U.S. Department of Transport will now have to draw up rules governing autonomous vehicles on the state’s roads.

The 458 Italia, Ferrari's V8 supercar, is the default choice in its category. Sexy, with a fabulous design and the latest in automotive technology, it is a pure driver’s car to be enjoyed by anyone who can afford it.

Yet McLaren plans to spoil Ferrari’s party claiming that its own brand-new supercar, the MP4-12C, can beat it. On paper, little separates them. But the question for car fanatics remains: which one is better?

To find out, Channel 5's Fifth Gear presenters Tiff Needell and Jason Plato decided to pit the Ferrari against its new challenger from Britain. Their verdict? To find out, just follow the jump and watch the video…

Even though Renault’s revival of the Gordini badge has left a bitter taste to fans of the famous nameplate, the French carmaker’s decision to use the brand for upscale versions of its vehicles has proved to be successful with almost two-thirds of Twingo Renaultsport models sold in Europe and one third, in the case of Clio Renaultsport being Gordinis.

Recently, Renault also applied the Gordini treatment, which consists of bespoke styling cues and equipment upgrades, to a non-RenaultSport model, the Wind Roadster. This move inspired Carscoop reader reader L il-k Amaru to render a Gordini version of Renault’s most recent new model, the redesigned Koleos SUV.

Petty Raceway: Expect fireworks on Canada Day

RIVER GLADE, NB (June 29, 2011) – Petty International Raceway will celebrate Canada Day 2011 with a spectacular show virtually guaranteed to thrill fans of all ages. Besides stock car racing in three divisions the facility will host "Man the Daredevil" – one of Canada's longest running – and most thrilling motorized stunt shows.

"It's been more than 15 years since we've been in the Moncton area," said Toby Thibodeau, a stunt performer of more than 30 years and wife of show founder Tony Riddell. "We're really excited. We've added so much to the show since the last time we were in the area. There will be crashing, smashing, explosions, and fireworks. There is never a dull moment."

As part of the Petty show Thibodeau plans to be the first woman to ever perform a stunt called "Steel Wall" – there will also be professional motorcycle stunts, junk cars will be smashed, and professional drivers will have the audience holding their breath as they perform stunts, stunts, and more stunts.

As if that's not enough, the stage is set for "fireworks" during the stock car racing segment of the show.

With $1,000 on the line for the winner of the sportsman race – and 28 of the Maritimes top teams on the expected entry list – competition should be fierce during all 50 laps of the sportsman feature and in the qualifying heat races. There will also be heats and a feature for a 4-cylinder division, and for the first time ever Petty International Raceway will host Bandolero Car races.

The Bandolero Car is a turnkey, spec-series racer designed for drivers as young as eight years old and the young-at-heart at any age. At approximately 550 lbs. and with approximately 30 hp the Bandolero Car as grown to become perhaps the most popular entry-level race car in North America.

Dave O'Blenis, from Salisbury, was at Petty last weekend to practice not one, not two, but three cars, in preparation for the Canada Day show. O'Blenis will enter the sportsman race and his two daughters, Alexandra, 14, and Courtney, 12, will drive Bandoleros.

"It will make for a hectic day," said Dave O'Blenis, who raced in the MASCAR division at Petty in 1999 and 2000. "But we're really looking forward to racing so close to home. The new owners at Petty have done a phenomenal job at refurbishing the facility and it's good to see them so passionate about making every show unforgettable for the fans and the racers."

What is the chance of an O'Blenis hat trick on Friday?

"My car was decent when we practiced last weekend," said Dave O'Blenis. "Alexandra said her car felt good, too. Courtney said hers was off a bit; we found the problem and fixed it, so she should be fine."

The Canada Day show starts Friday at 7 p.m. Admission is just $15 for adults, $10 for youth aged 8 to 15, and children seven and under get in free (when accompanied by an adult). Tickets are available at the box office starting at 5 p.m. when the grandstand opens. The pits open at 2 p.m.; pit admission is $20 and restricted to those 16 and older.

Petty International Raceway is located on Highway 106, just 40 km west of Moncton, New Brunswick. To learn more about Petty International Raceway, its location, admission, policies, history, and more, please visit www.pettyraceway.com. To receive current updates please follow us on Twitter (@pettyraceway_nb).

More Info: Joan Roué, for Petty Int'l Raceway | 902.444.0703

Cold-War Leftovers still Very Popular in Russia

It’s been over two decades since the collapse of communism in the former USSR and the introduction of capitalism to what is now Russia. However, a relic from the past, a car that was introduced back in 1982 (actually even older if you count the vehicle upon which it was based on), is still quite popular with the locals.

The car we ‘re talking about is the Lada 2107 which along with the 2104 and the 2105 versions are Russia’s second best-selling cars, only behind Lada’s much newer Kalina hatchback.

A problem with the electronics of the hybrid system, which could cause certain Lexus RX 400h and Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUVs to lose power or stop running, is the reason behind the Japanese carmaker’s latest recall.

Toyota said about 45,500 Highlander Hybrid and 36,700 Lexus RX 400h vehicles from the 2006 and 2007 model years sold in the USA are affected by the voluntary recall.

Another day, another new story for Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget –or, as you might know it, Saab. The Swedish company announced on Wednesday that it has entered a €25 million convertible bridge loan from Gemini Investment Fund Limited.

The loan’s annual interest is 10% and the conversion price is €1.38 per share, while Saab can at any time repay the loan, presumably when the expected Pang Da and Youngman Lotus funding is received, without a penalty.

FLAMBORO SPEEDWAY: Fitzpatrick and Showler to compete in Canada Day Race of Champions

AYR, ON - June 29, 2011 - J.R. Motorsports is pleased to announce they will be contesting the Canada Day Race of Champions in celebration of Flamboro's 50th Anniversary this Friday, July 1st. The event features most of Ontario's finest Super Stock driver's in a shootout with NASCAR stars Ken Schrader, Jimmy Spencer and Ernie Irvan.

Fitzpatrick, fresh off a 10th place finish in the Road America Nationwide series race and a 2nd in the Mosport Canadian Tire series event a day later, will be driving the #14 Camaro with sponsorship from Racetime Radio. He will be partnered up with longtime friend Jeff Showler in the #44 Camaro with support from Dynamic Fluids.

"I have been looking forward to this race all year," said Fitzpatrick. "I love the Super Stock class and Flamboro is my home track so I am really glad I was able to come here and support them in their 50th Anniversary celebration. It's also a huge thrill for me and the other drivers to be able to go wheel to wheel with some of our heroes in the sport. It's going to be a great show."

"I am really excited to be in this event Friday," stated Showler. "Flamboro has created a great event and I can't wait to get out there and race with the NASCAR stars. I think my biggest competition will be my teammate though so it should be a pretty thrilling race for all of the great fans there," he added.

The Canada Day Race of Champions starts Friday, July 1st at 1pm with an autograph session with all of the NASCAR stars followed by racing at 2pm.

For more information on the event click on Flamboro Speedway's site: http://www.flamborospeedway.itgo.com/

J.R. Motorsports is proudly supported by Dynamic Fluid Products, Inc., http://www.dynamicfluid.com/ and Racetime Radio :http://www.racetimeradio.com/

For more information on J.R. Fitzpatrick log onto http://www.gocanadaracing.com or follow him on twitter: @J_R_Fitzpatrick

From Jason Sharpe

Meet the Most Happy-go-Lucky Driver in the World [Video]

Upon viewing this accident that was caught on a security camera for the first time, the initial reaction is shock: a large bus (seemingly) drives through a red light and crashes with an oncoming bus at the intersection.

Take a closer look at the footage though and shock is quickly followed by bewilderment when you notice a small green vehicle, which looks to be a three-wheeler tuk-tuk (or rickshaw), passing between the two busses milliseconds after the impact and just as the second bus falls onto its side!

From what we can tell, the green tuk-tuk came from the park and turned right on the central road. The accident reportedly happened in Bangladesh on Monday. Check it out for yourself in the clip after the break.

The picture may seem familiar: Chinese and German businesspersons on the same table signing some papers, while German Chancellor Dr. Angela Merkel, and Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao, standing behind them with their country flags are floating in the background.

Only this time the Germans are Daimler’s executives, not Volkswagen’s, and the other signatory is BAIC (Beijing Automotive Industry Corporation).

Gordon Murray is best known as the mastermind behind the creation of McLaren’s F1, which at its time was the fastest supercar of the world – and, before that, for his work and revolutionary ideas in Formula 1 teams such as Brabham. However, that was a long time ago and now Murray is obsessed with creating a unique city car.

So today his company, Gordon Murray Design, unveiled in London their latest ultra compact city car, the T.27. It is a project that was completed in just 17 months from conception to a running prototype, including the design of a new electric powertain by Zytek Automotive Ltd.

Antoine L'Estage and Nathalie Richard Set Their Sights on a Sixth Consecutive Canadian Victory

Montréal (Québec), June 29th, 2011.- Quebec driver Antoine L’Estage (of St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC) and his co-driver Nathalie Richard (of Halifax, NS) will contest this weekend’s Rallye Baie-des-Chaleurs, Round 3 of the Canadian Rally Championship and Round 8 of the North American Rally Cup. Winners of the last five national rallies in Canada, the 2010 triple-championship winning duo is looking towards this very popular rally in New Richmond, Quebec to claim their sixth in a row and increase their lead in the championship standings.

The Rallye Baie-des-Chaleurs is one of the most popular in North America but it’s also one of the most difficult. « We are definitely on a roll and we hope that our entire Rockstar Royal Group team can continue to ride the wave this weekend in Gaspésie » shares Antoine L'Estage, who currently holds a fifteen point lead in the Canadian drivers’ championship. Baie-des-Chaleurs is one of my favourite rallies and I would like to win this rally for a third time. I go into every rally wanting to win but I won’t lose sight of the main goal, which is maintaining a good lead in the hunt for the title. he adds.

As is often the case, the weather conditions could play a big role in the outcome of the event but it’s not something that concerns Antoine L’Estage : I’m not worried about that – we have great Yokohama tires for the gravel rally roads whether it’s going to be dry and dusty or wet and muddy declares L'Estage.

Winner of last month’s Rocky Mountain Rally in Alberta, Antoine L'Estage climbs to fourth spot overall in the total number of lifetime Canadian national rally victories. He is only topped by rally legends John Buffum, Frank Sprongl and Taisto Heinonen, drivers who were Antoine’s idols prior to and in the early stages of his rally career. « It’s a very special feeling to have reached this level in overall victories. When I was a kid and I watched John and Taisto compete, and then later on, Frank. Never did I think that I would be at the top of the statistics with the three of them » confides the Rockstar Royal Group driver, who is the top ranked Quebecois in the history of the sport.

Second place in Pennsylvania...

Less than a week after claiming victory at the Rocky Mountain Rally, the team contested the STPR rally in Pennsylvania, the penultimate round of the 2011 Rally America series. Antoine L'Estage and Nathalie Richard were once again brilliant, leading the majority of the rally while suffering from an underpowered engine. The duo finished second in the standings by a mere 1.3 seconds, the closest finish in North American rally history since 2005. These points allow the team to continue their fight for the Rally America title in two weeks’ time in the states of Maine and New Hampshire and it increases the team’s lead in the North American Rally Cup.

Antoine L’Estage holds three North American championship titles (2007, 2008 and 2010), three Canadian titles (2006, 2007 and 2010), one American title (2010), and twenty-eight overall victories in Canada and the US. Nathalie Richard holds six overall national championship titles (3 in Canada and 3 in the USA), as well as thirty-four overall rally wins on both sides of the border. She is also a six-time North American Co-Driving Champion (2004 – 2010, excluding 2006).

Antoine L’Estage and Nathalie Richard participate in the 2011 Rally America and Canadian Rally Championships with the support of Rockstar Energy Drink, Royal Group, Yokohama Tires, Mitsubishi Canada, Drenth Motorsport Gearboxes, Garrett Turbos, Énergie Cardio, Libra Racing, Driver's Edge Autosport (OMP), VP Racing Fuels, Exe-Tc Suspensions and Hawk Performance Brake Pads. For more information on the team or on rallying in general, visit antoinelestage.com.

Peugeot Announces Special Edition RCZ Asphalt for the UK

Peugeot has opened the order books for a new limited edition version of its funky looking RCZ sports coupe. The United Kingdom will receive only 75 right-hand drive examples of the RCZ ‘Asphalt’ with pricing set at £29,995 (equal to US$47,840 and €33,540) a piece.

The Asphalt is based on the top-of-the-range GT trim featuring a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 200-horses.

Nationwide: Andrew Ranger sixth at Road America

ELKHART LAKE, WI — June 25, 2011 —Two-time NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Champion Andrew Ranger finished sixth, while competing in the NASCAR Nationwide Bucyrus 200 held at Road American in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin.

Ranger, in his first NASCAR Nationwide start this year, qualified the No. 53 Waste Management Recycling Corporation NDS Motorsports twenty-first out of the forty-two competitors who attempted to qualify for the 50-lap, 202.4-mile race. "We didn't get the qualifying position I would have liked" said Ranger, "I had a car capable of a much better qualifying time. We clocked the 6th fastest time in the second practice which is more indicative of how fast we were. We ended up 21st. There was no way we could overcome the handicap of going out first, right after the sports car race" he added.

When all other drivers rolled for first practice, all Ranger could do, was watch as the NASCAR Officials inspect the brand new car the team took to Road America. "The inspection process was long. Because we had a new car, they took much longer and they didn't get done until after the first practice was over" said Ranger. Since the order in which cars would go out for qualifying was determined based on the first practice times and Andrew did not register any time, he was the first car out on the track for qualifying.

In the race, the Roxton Pond, Quebec driver registered the third fastest lap time of the race. "Considering the car was new, we never got a chance to shake it down before the event, that not a spring or a shock was changed, the car was fast and handled great right off the truck. It’s a true testament to how strong and hard working the whole NDS Motorsports team is" said Ranger.

Ranger wheeled his car as high as fourth place and seemed en route to a great finish. A penalty for speeding on pit road and later a 30 seconds green flag pit stop were very costly, relegating Ranger to 18th place after everything had cycled.

It was decided before the event to use the regular over-the-wall crew which normally services the No. 53 Waste Management Recycling NDS Motorsports race car in the K&N Series for the Nationwide Series race. "I expected a longer pit stop going in. In the K&N Series, we are limited in what we can do in a single stop. To do a four-tire change and gas, as we did during the race, means three visits down pit road. Before the race I explained to every one of the crew members that doing the work slower was in fact going to be faster and keep us in the game. We should not take any chances. And that's what we did" said team manager Steve Hibbard.

The race needed three green-white-checkered-flag attempts to determine a winner. It was just what Ranger needed to improve his finish. "We got ourselves a bit behind with the penalty and the long pit stop. The late restarts bunched the cars back up, some wrecked and I was able to drive around them without being involved, not once, but three times. For once, luck worked in our favor and we get a result which is in line with our performance and expectations" declared Ranger. The No. 53 Waste Management Recycling NDS Motorsports crossed the stripe in the sixth position.

Andrew Ranger will return behind the wheel of the No. 35 Waste Management Recycling race car on July 15, when the NASCAR K&N East Series will be racing at the 1.058 miles New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, New Hampshire.

From NDS Motorsports // Steve Hibbard / Marc Patrick Roy

McColm 10th in 2011 NASCAR debut; Ajax racer exceeds expectations with great run in Race Time Radio Dodge

In attached photo courtesy of Gary Grant - TheGarageBlog.com - Joey McColm leads Steven Mathews around Mosport International Raceway.

June 27, 2011, AJAX, ON – Joey McColm showed no signs of rust scoring a 10th place finish on the famed Mosport International Raceway in Sunday’s NASCAR Canadian Tire Series race. The Ajax native made his season debut after electing to skip the first three events.
Steady misting rain on Saturday limited practice time, and NASCAR cancelled qualifying due to wet conditions. The race was lined up according to points, and since McColm hadn’t raced yet this year he started 24th in the 26-car field.
“I wasn’t sure what to expect when the race started,” said McColm. “I hadn’t turned a competitive lap since last September, but the car was amazing.
“The longer the race went the better the car felt. We never took tires, but I still had a lot of speed towards the end.”
McColm elected to pit fairly early during one of the race’s six caution periods. By taking fuel only McColm took advantage of good track position to keep his Dodge clear of most of the mishaps.
“We knew from the start we weren’t going to take on any tires during the race,” said McColm. “Our budget for this race didn’t allow for new tires, and to be honest I’m not sure it cost us much speed with the number of caution laps we ran.
“I’m very excited at how well the car is running since our next race is on the streets of Toronto. It’s a big deal to be part of the Toronto Indy. Hopefully we can have another good run and attract some marketing partners to race more this season.”
McColm is committed to running Toronto, and then he plans to race in Montreal at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, followed by two oval track events at Barrie Speedway and Kawartha Speedway. The Ryerson University civil engineering graduate has focused as much attention on his off-track activities as he has with his competitive program.
“We’re striving to become NASCAR’s first sustainable organization,” said McColm. “I have a great opportunity to use my race team to help educate the community as well as other race teams. It’s been an exciting season.”
McColm is involved in Earth Day Canada, and he is helping spread the message about environmental responsibility. To learn more about ways you can become more environmentally friendly, or to learn more about Joey McColm and his race team, e-mail jmccolm@cm2c.ca .

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Judge Rules Chrysler can’t have the “Imported from Detroit” Tag Line for Itself

As we mentioned last week, Chrysler used an award winning ad that aired during the Super Bowl on February 6 to introduce its “Imported from Detroit” message. But, guess what? It wasn’t the only to use the tag line.

Pure Detroit clothier also uses it, and opposed the automaker’s attempt to trademark the phrase. As it usually happens in those cases, Chrysler sued, Pure Detroit counter-sued, and their lawyers got to work. Eventually Chrysler lost.

US Federal Judge Arthur Tarnow ruled that Chrysler’s claim that it would suffer irreparable harm didn’t have merit. He also noted that the company didn’t have a trademark on the phrase, and dismissed its argument that the trademark law doesn’t apply on cars.

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

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