Culture|Garage

So car manufacturers are dropping pictures left and right about upcoming models before Geneva and BMW has just revealed the John Cooper Works Mini Cooper S and Clumban models.

If you wish to own the sportiest variant of the Mini Cooper S or Clubman, save up your pennies for the John Cooper Works models, which always bring a smile to my face after falling in love with the new Mini in The Italian Job (2003). Read the rest of this entry »

ShareThis

Since it’s Saturday as I write this, I thought it appropriate to find something a little different, but still pertinent to current automotive events. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you…the TANGO! Read the rest of this entry »

ShareThis

Oops. More leaked pictures prior to the big car show. You are looking at the Lancer Prototype S, that wasn’t supposed to be showed off until next month’s Geneva Car Show. Everything looks great until you get to the rear of the car… then well, that hatch thingy happened. And here’s the thin, I love hatches and wagons, but this just a Lexus RX ass was grafted onto a Lancer Raliart. Supposedly, this will be hitting the European market later this summer.

More pictures of this thing after the break.

Read the rest of this entry »

ShareThis

I want this job.   Autocar tested the new GT-R vs the E92 M3 vs the Porsche GT3.  The test is pretty unbiased.  The GT-R and GT3 trounce the M3.  The Nissan pulls quicker track times, got to 60mph and 100mph a full second ahead of the Porsche.  But some good points were brought up.  The GT3 is just more visceral, it’s a challenge, whereas with the GT-R it’s consistent reliable performance that any old person could get into and make fast.

My favorite quote was: “What we are saying is that a car that is made by a company that used to be called Datsun is as good as the best 911 Porsche ever made.” 

The second part of the video is after the break.

Read the rest of this entry »

ShareThis

Thanks goes out to reader Shaun for sending us the link to this video. Factory Five, the self-professed, world’s largest component car car manufacturer (component is a euphemism for kit) is showing off their 33 Coupe. The video was shot at their annual owners convention-get-together-thingy. Apparently, Factory Five was a little sketch on the details, but the chassis is stiffer than the Cobra kit and is built to accept a wider range of engines. All in all this is a pretty hot kit car.

Having ridden in a Factory Five Mk3 Roadster (Cobra), the quality is damn good, however I am sure a lot of it depends on who pieces it together.

edit: the guy that shot the video just contacted me, he has more info and some pictures on his site, thanks Nick!

ShareThis

Wagon fans rejoice! The new 2009 Audi A4 sedan has been on display in Frankfurt this year and Audi AG has finally released details and pictures of its upcoming A4 Avant a month before Geneva’s unveiling.

The Avant is nearly identical to the sedan from the B-pillar forward and it features 50-cubic feet of cargo space in the back. The Avant gains about five inches in length, but is almost ten-percent lighter than the outgoing model.

There is little known about powerplant information but America once again gets stiffed with limited options. We will get stuck with the 2.0-liter TFSI on the Avant, while sedan buyers get a choice of either the four-cylinder or the 3.2-liter V6.

Full Gallery & Press Release Read the rest of this entry »

ShareThis

Wow. Korea is really turning out some pretty cool automotive products. We have Hyundai coming at us with the Genesis and now Kia is looking for some SOUL.

The above shot is a teaser of what Kia will be showcasing at Geneva.  The concept model can be found after the jump.

Their aim is squarely at those looking to personalize their car.  The market will be young and young at heart.  If I were to wager a bet, the pricing will probably come in at or under the Scion xB pricing.

Looking forward to seeing the full shots.  Until then, enjoy the previously released concept shots

Read the rest of this entry »

ShareThis

Ok, I know the Contour didn’t fair well. Granted the SVT Contour was hot and still quasi-lusted after by car dude/ttes. But the new Mondeo just looks gorgeous. Or am I way off base? Not to mention, the Fiesta Jim posted below, is pretty hot too.

Instead we get the Ford 500 Taurus and the Fusion!? I don’t know what is holding them back? Drop the Fusion, it’s ugly. And targeting young business professionals is a joke. Unless the young business professional works at Avis.

I mean, I can see it not being a wise decision to bring over a $30,000 Focus ST. But wouldn’t this have broad enough appeal?

The Mondeo just has something going on for it… look at the interior after the jump.

Read the rest of this entry »

ShareThis