Culture|Garage

No word if he was using Microsoft Sync on his rental Ford Focus or not, but a California man visiting New York listened to his GPS navigation system a little too literally and mistook the railroad tracks for the street. Once again, in the battle of train versus car, the train won by a knockout punch.

Apparently the guy turned right when his GPS told him to turn right, and I guess he didn’t notice the “street” was a little bumpy, and also made of twin tracks of steel. He jumped out of the Focus just in time for it to get smashed, but he “tried to stop the train by waving his arms, which apparently was not totally effective in slowing the train.”

The train must not have had the Brembo kit installed. Either that or the tires were worn, which we all know results in increased stopping distances.

The man will be held responsible for the damage to the choo choo and the track, as well as other losses of revenue, although maybe they can somehow put him in the next Under Siege movie as Steven Seagal’s stunt double if it involves a train again.

The full article after the jump. Read the rest of this entry »

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While many Initial D fanboys take their stab at touge drifting in Toyota and Nissan beaters, this owner takes it to a whole new level. The Porsche Carrera GT is one expensive supercar known for being particularly difficult to control, but this owner makes it look so easy.

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The Mazda RX-8 is either a love it or hate it type of car, and not everyone is a fan of its rotary history. Leaked from a JDM car magazine, these new photos show the subtle and handsome visual improvements on the car. Changes include a brand new bumper, larger updated grille, and side ports located under the revised headlights which resemble those on the Mazda 6. The back of the car remains the same with the exception of LED taillights which have not changed from the previous model.

The car pictured above is the Mazda RX-8 RS version, which is a new model and includes Bilstein shocks, 19″ wheels, and amazing Recaro seats which 85% of the American population will have trouble fitting in and therefore never see (just take a look at the water-downed seats on the US bound 2008 Subaru WRX STi). The facelifted RX-8 will make its debut at the 2008 NAIAS in Detroit.

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An online petition on the website of current Prime Minister Gordon Brown is attempting to push the Top Gear presenter next in line for the position. Over 30,000 signatures have been signed up so far, and the PM’s office is reportedly “taking it seriously.”

No comment has been made yet by Clarkson.

Here’s to hoping something comes of the situation, so Clarkson’s self-confidence and ego can receive a much needed boost. The full article after the jump. Read the rest of this entry »

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A.S.O. Announced today that the Dakar rally, scheduled to start tomorrow, will be canceled due to political tension in the area. This has been done in an effort to ensure the safety of all participants. A.S.O. has promised that this will not endanger the future of the event.

Press Release after the jump. Read the rest of this entry »

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We already have been introduced to the MUGEN Civic Si sedan and to be honest how many have you noticed on the streets?  In Chicago, I have spotted only one since their introduction and they really are nothing more than a bodykit and wheels, don’t expect any major power upgrades.  The MUGEN Inspire (mad tight JDM Accord) treatment includes a new grille, stainless steel exhaust system, front and rear aprons, and one very ugly looking spoiler, along with 18″ wheels in a couple of finishes, sports tuned suspension and better brakes.  Don’t expect to see this on US soil anytime soon.

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Apparently while many STI and EVO owners decide to go wingless, German tuners today are adding very hefty wings, but is all for show? I’ll let you be the judge of this wing, seen here on the Porsche GTR 650 Gemballa Avalanche. And PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH the wing.

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This comes up all the time, “what’s the best driving mix/cd/playlist?” Following is my “ultimate driving mix.” It’s pretty eclectic, rap, indie, oldies, rock, pseudo-country, etc. Pretty much everything but techno/trance. Most of you will probably despise the majority of the songs that made it into my ultimate playlist but I don’t care… I am the one footing the hosting and domain bills. After the jump you will see the full listing and a link to the song (if I can find one) and if you venture over to the forum you can submit your own ultimate driving mix.

The list, all 31 of ‘em: Read the rest of this entry »

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