Driving Sports

Jeff Survives Alcan 5000

Driving Sports news hound, Jeff Zurschmeide, has survived the Alcan 5000 Arctic Rally and is heading back home. I'm sure we'll hear all about it when the words start flowing from his fingers once more. Look for regular Driving Sports updates to kick back into high gear starting on Monday, March 3.

Dreadnought Gets Wide

The best way to increase grip, is to increase the amount of rubber between the chassis and the ground. Said another way: bigger tires. Currently, the wagon is sitting on 225/45/17 tires. This isn't bad, but to really have any amount of decent grip, we need to go bigger. Much bigger. However, the stock, slab-sided body means one can only add so much rubber.

Project Miata Teardown

Finally started the teardown on the Miata Time Attack project car. As our initial diagnosis showed, it was, indeed, a funked exhaust valve causing the low compression on cylinder number 4 (circled with orange, for your viewing pleasure).

Later this week the head will be shipped down to Delta Cam in Tacoma, where they'll replace the valves and generally add some hotness to the topside of our little 1.6 motor. In the meanwhile, I have to decide if I'm just going to leave the bottom end alone, or pull it out and give it a once-over, too. Hrm. Decisions, decisions.

Click the jump to see the complete head (lobbed off with the stock intake manifold still attached), in all of its diminutive glory.

Travis Pastrana gets a new co-driver

Rally ace and sometimes adrenaline junkie, Travis Pastrana, has lost his long-time co-driver, Christian Edstrom to retirement. Edstrom, who said that he was taking a hiatus from rally, cited needing more time for his family and career opportunities for leaving SRT. This is not the first time, however, that Edstrom has threatened leaving Pastrana and SRT. After a nasty crash last season, it was rumored that Edstrom had had enough of the balls-out driving of Pastrana. However, Edstrom soldiered on, but it seems that the duos most recent collision with a deer may have rattled Edstrom loose.

Racing at the Arctic Circle

Greetings from the Arctic Circle!  For a brief, shining moment, there's Internet access here in Dawson City, Yukon, and so I decided to seize the day and let you know what we've been doing.

What we've been doing is tear-assing through Canada, overwhelming kitchens and bars that normally see about two tourists a week this time of year. And doing a little TSD Rally and Ice Racing on the side.

We spent the first day getting across the border (and only a few of us got strip-searched, as I understand it.) and spent the night in Quesnel, B.C.  Next day we rallied the Blackwater Road - a tight, twisty track through deep snow. We knew we weren't in Kansas any more when we chased a Moose off the road in front of us.

The third day, we crossed into the Yukon - stopping for lunch at a place called "Mamma Z's" (no relation, honest) - absolutely the best Italian Food in Dease Lake, B.C. - and that's no exagerration. We spend the night in White Horse - and the next day was Ice Racing. 

New-Gen Legacy GT Coilovers

On the topic of Project Cars, I'm also building a hot 2007 Legacy GT for Subiesport Magazine. A few days ago I received a "beta" set of coilovers from our friends at Endura-Tech suspension. As soon as the weather clears I'll get these installed and tested. It's been either raining or threatening rain for the past two weeks here in Seattle.

This is a twin tube gas damper design that's 10-way rebound adjustable, with a spring rate of 8k on the front and 6k in the rear. This is a very similar setup to what was used on the now legendary "Zero to Hero" project series (see video).

I've been running a set of H&R Sport springs over the stock shocks on this car so far, and that's been a huge improvement over the factory setup, but I damaged one of the struts at my last race. This will both fix the strut as well as bring handing to "the next level." I'll post more on these after I get them installed.

Jeff on a Canadian Adventure

Driving Sports' news monger, Jeff Zurschmeide, is out of the office for ten days, so you may find our regular updates proceeding a bit slower than usual. He's competing in the Winter Alcan 5000 Rally as part of Team Mitsubishi.

To catch is daily blog entries, visit the team blog at www.team-mitsubishi-alcan.com. Yesterday he saw a moose!

"As I type, we're on the final transit of the day, 150 miles to our hotel in New Hazelton. Tomorrow we leave British Columbia and head north into the Yukon Territory. We'll travel over 700 miles in one day to the town of White Horse."

I made that same trip back in 2000 when I drove a 1992 Subaru Legacy Turbo on the Summer edition of the Alcan 5000. Hopefully, Jeff will be able to bring his Mitsubishi Outlanders back in one piece. My car was shipped back in boxes.

Time Attack Miata Gets Gear

Look what just showed up in the mail today for our Time Attack Miata project: A pile of goodies from AEM! Lessee, we have an AEM Plug-n-Play stand-alone programmable engine management system (EMS). There's also a pair of gauges: the UEGO gauge/controller that taps to the wideband for real-time tuning results (AFR/Lambda-switchable), and AEM's Serial gauge, which monitors 19-data channels from the EMS. These will go on just after we get the Bell Engineering turbo kit installed. It's looking up to be a fun month of March in tuning-ville.

Audi Rolls Out Special Edition A4

Audi of America Inc. debuted the 2008 A4 Special Edition this week at the Chicago Auto Show.  The new configuration was created for customers wanting a thoroughly modern German luxury sport sedan with more exterior appeal and attractive packaging.  This adds to the popular S line exterior bumpers and grille introduced as standard features on the A4 for the 2008 model year, which include a sportier front bumper and grille design, lower side door flares, and integrated rear trunk lid spoiler.

IRL Gets All Tipsy on Ethanol

Ryan Hunter-Reay is "an environmental freak." His words.

"I'm full on recycling all that stuff," the IndyCar Series driver said. "I'm a surfer, so I'm in the ocean and see the pollution and how it affects that. Being with ethanol, we're firsthand green."

No comment was made on how IRL fuel tastes with cranberry juice and a wedge of lime, however.

The IndyCar Series, which is the only motorsports series to use 100 percent fuel-grade ethanol in its Honda Indy V-8 engines, is taking another step in improving racing's environmental footprint and being a proponent of a less oil-dependent future.

Mercedes Begins Shipping New SLK Line

The Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Roadsters have long captured the hearts of sports car enthusiasts. Following an extensive facelift incorporating around 650 newly developed components, the SLK models of 2008 are even more dynamic and now offer an even more emotionally charged driving experience. Key visual enhancements include new-look front and rear sections, as well as a meticulously modified interior with a new instrument cluster and three-spoke sports steering wheel. The high-revving V6 sports engine in the SLK 350 developing 224 kW/305 hp and an optionally available direct-steer system truly bring the bold, dynamic character of the two seater to the fore.

Furthermore, all of the engines in the line-up are now far more economical on fuel and therefore emit even less CO2, despite a substantial increase in output in some cases. The new-generation SLK models will be available for delivery from April 2008.

Balanced Beemer - 2008 BMW 528i Reviewed

It’s not too often that I like a BMW.  Even though I drive a MINI Cooper S - a BMW design - I tend not to enjoy the driving experience in the BMW-badged cars. I think it’s because the venerable Bavarians have gone too much for the execu-tone market and too little on the sporty driving side.

So I was pleasantly surprised with the new 528i. The test car has a 6-speed manual transmission mated to BMW’s DOHC straight-6 3.0-liter engine. The clutch and shifting is light, and the engine’s 230 horsepower and  200 lb-ft of torque provide surprisingly good power for their low numbers. I suspect BMW may be fudging those ratings down to get the number-obsessed to buy up into the 535 or 550, but that’s just a guess.

Earn Big Money by Letting Strangers Park at Your House

ParkatmyHouse.com (http://www.parktmyhouse.com/), a successful British-based website designed to connect drivers with open parking spaces, announced today that it will launch the service in the United States. The site is run by Anthony Eskinazi, a 24-year old entrepreneur from London, England, whose modern innovation has changed the way people find parking.

By connecting people who want to rent out or sell their under utilized parking spaces with those who are looking for convenient and cheap parking, ParkatmyHouse offers a marriage made in heaven - convenient parking in exchange for hard cash.

Perhaps a home-based detailing business is an extra opportunity?

Land Rover Chooses Nevada Passage for G4 Competition

Land Rover North America and the Nevada Commission on Tourism announced today that this year's Nevada Passage will serve as the national selection event for the 2008/2009 Land Rover G4 Challenge.

      

Twenty athletes from around the nation will travel throughout Nevada competing in driving and outdoor adventure activities designed to test teamwork and skills such as 4x4 driving, navigating, trail running, mountain biking and kayaking. The top two two-person teams from the national competition advance to the international selection event in early 2009, where one team will be selected to represent the United States in the final challenge in Asia.

Team Mitsubishi Alcan Ready To Roll on Arctic Adventure

Team Mitsubishi Alcan is prepared to take on the Arctic in the world’s most extreme Time-Speed-Distance Rally competition - the Alcan 5000 Winter Rally.

The Alcan is a two-week, 5000-mile journey from Seattle, Washington to Tuktoyaktuk, NWT, and back. The event begins Sunday, February 17 in Seattle, and  ends on February 27 in Jasper, Alberta. Along the way teams will travel over frozen rivers, cross mountain ranges and the Arctic Circle, and experience temperatures as low as -60F. Over 20 teams have entered the event.

Mitsubishi Employee Wins Hot Wheels Design Award

Mitsubishi Motors Employee Gary Ragle Selected as One of Seven Winners in First-Ever Hot Wheels® Designer's Challenge^TM

Toy manufacturer Mattel has announced that Mitsubishi Motors Research and Design of America (MRDA) employee Gary Ragle is among seven designer finalists to be selected in the company's first-ever Hot Wheels® Designer's Challenge^TM. MRDA was among six automotive manufacturers to participate in the challenge, which marked the first time Hot Wheels® has turned outside the company to seek new vehicle designs.

Cat Scratch Fever - 2008 Jaguar XKR Reviewed

There was a time when luxury automakers just got so staid and stuffy that they were no fun at all. Cadillac lost its mojo in a sea of GM standardization, no one was sure if Lincoln was even making cars any more, and Jaguars were just nicer-looking mid-size Fords.  The average age of luxury brand buyers was rising fast - and something had to be done.

A few years ago that all began to change - manufacturers found that their luxury brands were the perfect vehicles to attract a new generation of buyers if they could offer luxury cars with real performance - measured and proven on the dyno and on the race track, not just claimed on the brochure. Cadillac did a great job reinventing itself with rides like the CTS and STS-V, and Jaguar returned to its racing history and gave us the XK convertible and the XKR coupe.

VW Introduces New Jetta Wolfsburg Edition

Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced the Wolfsburg Edition Jetta 2.0T. Volkswagen will produce approximately 12,500 of these special edition models. This new version Jetta 2.0T follows last year's highly successful Wolfsburg Edition Jetta 2.5 L.

      

Staying true to the Wolfsburg Edition heritage, the Wolfsburg Jetta 2.0T will offer customers a value priced version of the sporty and spacious Jetta sedan, equipped with the highly acclaimed four-cylinder turbo-charged engine that produces 200 horsepower and 207 ft-lbs. of torque. Each special edition Jetta 2.0T includes unique "Wolfsburg Edition" badging on both front quarter panels. The Wolfsburg Edition Jetta 2.0T features 17-inch alloy wheels, leatherette seats, and is available in the following color schemes; Reflex Silver, Black, Salsa Red, and Platinum Gray.

The Daily Champ Car Grind

The latest rumors about reunification between Champ Car and IRL had just started to go stale when various pundits started in about Champ Car going bankrupt this week. Champ Car President Steve Johnson vigorously denied the rumor, but it's not unusual for companies to deny such bad news right up to the moment they announce it.

Cracks are starting to show between the teams and Champ Car, with Derrick Walker telling the Associated press "It has all the makings of the end of Champ Car. How it's going to be done, I don't know. But I think Champ Car is going to shut down."

Yet, Robert Davis, Senior Vice President of Product Development and Quality for Mazda North American Operations, said "Current rumors and speculation regarding the fate of open wheel racing remain just that, rumors and speculation.  Regardless of the final outcome, Mazda is fully committed to all rungs of the MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development Ladder, including our top rung, the [Champ Car] Atlantic series. Mazda is working diligently with all series partners, promoters, tracks, and sanctioning bodies, to preserve full schedules for each of our potentially impacted series."

Regardless of who said what to whom, these rumors may yet become a self-fulfilling prophecy. With the future of Champ Car - even their ability to hold their next race - in doubt, who will step up to sponsor an event? Who will commit money or time to fulfill a contract with Champ Car that may evaporate in bankruptcy court?

No one - and that by itself could spell doom for Champ Car and victory for Tony George and the IRL.

VW Jetta TDI Cup Dates Announced

Volkswagen of America and SCCA Pro Racing have announced the eight dates comprising the 2008 schedule of the new Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup race series.

Making its debut on American shores this summer, the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup series is an innovative approach to motorsports. The Jetta TDI Cup is composed of 30 factory-prepared and managed 2008 clean-diesel Jetta TDIs, piloted by talented drivers aged 16 to 26, who are relative unknowns in the industry. Volkswagen's goal is to find the driver with the most talent and help them break into the world of professional motorsports.

2008 USA D1 Series Cancelled

After a messed-up 2007 schedule, we really thought D1 had its act together by finally hiring Mike Mucklin and his crew to get the USA series moving again for 2008. Our enthusiasm, and the series for 2008, died last November when Mucklin walked, citing frustration with his Japanese counterparts and their inability to make final decisions on -- well, anything. After months of not returning phone calls, the replacement appointments from the home country finally issued a press release citing what we already knew, "D1 Grand Prix Announces the Cancelation [sic] of 2008 Points Series."

The other series, Formula D, is still going strong. So this doesn't mean drifting is dead in the Americas. Not by a long shot.

If you really want the details about D1's incompetence decision, the complete release is after the jump.

Acura to Debut New TSX Sedan

 

Acura announced today it will debut the all-new 2009 Acura TSX sports sedan at the 2008 New York International Auto Show and released an exterior photo of the new model. Scheduled to go on-sale in the spring, the 2009 Acura TSX will be the second generation of Acura's popular entry level sedan and feature numerous advancements in performance, styling, technology and safety.

"The new 2009 TSX speaks clearly to the direction we are taking our Acura sedans in the future," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president auto sales, "The TSX is a significant step in the advancement of our sedan lineup and the continued enhancement of the Acura brand."

World Speed Trap Database Goes Online

Njection.com (http://njection.com/) reaches a landmark of over 50-thousand speed traps worldwide mapped online using the Speed Trap Mashup (http://njection.com/speedtrap). Utilizing Microsoft Live Maps, the Speed Trap Mashup allows users to rapidly access speed trap information by country, state, city, zip code, or address, and if any are missing, speed traps can be added anonymously by anyone. Zooming in on local speed trap provides detailed information such as the type of speed detection used, posted speed limit, rating, and level of enforcement. You can even access the map for real-time local traffic information. The next step is exporting this data to mobile devices with GPS capabilities.

IRL Buyout of Champ Car Stalled - Egos Back in Play

Rumors and talks have been going on for years concerning a possible reunification of American open wheel racing. With the massive egos of Tony George and Kevin Kalkhoven in the mix, it's tough to predict what's going to happen.

Kalkhoven is reportedly pissed off that news of the latest offer from George (made directly to Champ Car's teams, by some accounts) was leaked to the media last week. Also, there's a conflict between the IRL's Japanese Motegi date and Champ Car's Long Beach Grand Prix. Long Beach is the second-largest open wheel racing event in the United States after the Indy 500. It's by far the largest open wheel street-course racing in the United States.

 

Mazda offers mid-year upgrades to Mazda3 series in Canada

Mid-year Enhancements and a New 2.0L Mazda3 Sport GX Trim Add More "Zoom-Zoom" to Popular Compact Line-up

Mazda Canada is offering consumers more choice when it comes to its popular Mazda3 line-up by announcing some mid-year enhancements and the availability of a new 2.0-litre engine Mazda3 Sport GX model for the 2008 model year.

Unique to Canada in the North America market, the new 2008.5 Mazda3 Sport GX is powered by the same 148-horsepower, 2.0-litre engine found in the current Mazda3 GX and GS sedans. The new trim sports 15” steel wheels, body coloured grille, GFX front and rear bumpers, and sporty fog lamps. ABS with EBFD, 4 wheel disc brakes, side air bag and air curtains, and an AM/FM CD player with MP3 capability are also standard features.

L'Estage/Richard Win Canadian Rally's First Round

Hyundai takes manufacturer's victory in the hunt for the  2008 Canadian Rally Championship

MANIWAKI, Quebec -- Defending Canadian Rally Champion Antoine L’Estage took the first win of the 2008 Canadian Rally Championship Presented by Subaru on Saturday, besting a competitive field of top drivers at the Rallye Perce-Neige in Maniwaki, Quebec.

“It’s a very good start, I’m very happy,” said L’Estage at the finish.

It’s the second win of the early season for him and co-driver Nathalie Richard, who also took victory at the U.S. season-opener two weeks ago. L’Estage said it took a push late in the day in his Hyundai Tiburon to secure the victory in icy conditions.

Andrew “ACP” Comrie-Picard and co-driver Marc Goldfarb finished second overall in their Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX.

Rocket Scientists to Visit NASCAR - Seek Intelligent Life

In honor of NASA's 50th anniversary and the 50th running of the Daytona 500 in 2008, NASA will participate in two racing events in Daytona Beach, Fla., Feb. 12-17.

NASA and NASCAR officials were mum on the rumor that this is being called the "UFO Tour" - so named because it appears in southern towns and causes people to disappear for a short while and return without memories of the experience.

Technology developed for the space program has helped NASCAR drivers increase their performance and stay safe over the years. They wear cooling suits similar to what astronauts wear during a spacewalk. Also, foam that NASA developed for aircraft seats protects racecar drivers' necks in a crash.

The Fast and the Furious 4: Hero STI

For our readers that are Fast and the Furious fans (you know who you are), we have a little treat for you. A couple more spy pictures, and a few film details, on the 2008 Subaru STI to be driven by the hero, Paul Walker, in the sure-to-be summer blockbuster of next year.

These shots were taken by our camera-equipped cockroach cam. Not bad for a bug, eh? As you can see, the car is currently the signature World Rally Blue, but our sources say it's not going to stay that way. After these Veilside customizations are completed the whole car will get a new color. (Nobody is fessing as to what, however.)

Though the first film was based on illegal street racing, and the third film focused on illegal drifting (nobody is sure what the second film was about) our sources also give word that this one will be inspired by Rally. That's right, the action is set to take place around the Baja 1000 as well as stage roads from the more Subie-centric pro rally environ.

Does that mean Paul Walker and Vin Diesel will be mixing it up with Travis Pastrana at Sno*Drift 2009? Crazier things have happened, and the roll cage inside this car looks the business, but our source is remaining tight-lipped on any more plot specifics. Our guess is that rally would be (at most) a side-show to the action.

We also hear that one of the other cars that will appear in the film is a Nissan GT-R (to nobody's surprise), though we're not sure if that will be a "hero" or "villain" car.

Click the jump for a couple more spy shots.

The Soft-tail Side of Sears

This week, Sears will unveil DieHard and Craftsman branded bikes, designed by Orange County Choppers. Sears also announced a marketing agreement with Orange County Choppers (OCC) that makes DieHard the "Official Battery of Orange County Choppers". With this agreement, all custom motorcycles created as part of the "American Chopper" TV series (as seen on TLC) will be powered by DieHard.

"This agreement brings two powerful brands together and enables DieHard to reach an important user segment -- powersports enthusiasts -- who demand the best from their motorcycles," said Richard Gerstein, senior vice president and chief marketing officer at Sears, Roebuck and Co.      

"By partnering with the most recognizable brand name in batteries, we've definitely strengthened our production line of bikes," said Paul Teutul, Jr. "Thanks to Sears!"

Rally Sweden WRC In Progress

The World Rally Championship heads to the long and winding forest routes of Rally Sweden ready to tackle the challenge of all-out sideways action as crews wrestle their machines across sheet ice. The only specialist snow rally of the year, it is one of the fastest and most competitive as WRC crews battle to prove their mettle on the only wholly ice-covered speed tests they will encounter all year.

Travelling to the city of Karlstad for the event that has honed the skills of so many past greats, it is clear to see how the conditions develop the flamboyant mastery of Scandinavians behind the wheel. Aboard his Subaru Impreza WRC2007, Petter Solberg is no exception. The Norwegian grew up driving cars on the tundra of his homeland and won here in 2005, finishing on the podium twice since joining the team. He is currently sitting in fifth place after Stage 7.

Maserati Wins Playboy's Affection

Although the ultra-high-end automotive industry is going through a turbulent period, Maserati is captivating the aspirational car crowd with a car that further enhances the Modenese company’s positive performance. The deluxe version of the Quattroporte saloon won unanimous praise from the critics, and was crowned ‘Best Newcomer of the Year’ at some auto show or another. It's a Maserati - it's supposed to be nice.

The interest generated by the Collezione Cento stems from the care and attention to detail lavished on the saloon by Maserati during its construction. Or maybe the price tag and the booth models - who can say for sure?

Chrysler Shows Off 2008 Dodge Challenger

The return of the iconic Dodge Challenger brings what pony car fanatics crave: ground shaking performance, unmistakable design cues reminiscent of the original Challenger, world-class ride and handling characteristics and benchmark braking. On top of that it features a wide variety of modern amenities and technology designed to delight a new generation of driving enthusiasts.

“The all-new Dodge Challenger SRT8 is engineered to give customers everything they want in a modern muscle machine,” said Mike Accavitti, Director – Dodge Brand and SRT Global Marketing, Chrysler LLC. “The new version of Dodge’s American classic boasts tire-smoking performance and head-turning design while offering a wide array of state-of-the-art technology, such as GPS navigation, ‘Keyless Go’ entry, a MyGIG™ infotainment system and UConnect hands-free communication.”

Lexus Finally Unveils an Interesting Car!

Stop the presses! Someone please pinch me! Lexus has finally unveiled a concept for a car that doesn't make me want to kill myself from sheer boredom!  Please, I beg you, someone assure me that they'll actually build it and get away from their usual rolling piles of self-satisfied smugness!

The LF-A Roadster is based on the sturdy yet lightweight carbon-fiber and aluminum   body used for the LF-A coupe, which helps maintain the structure's strength   and rigidity even without a top.

Like its coupe counterpart, the LF-A Roadster is powered by a high-revving   V10 engine that approaches 5.0 liters in displacement. The V10, capable of more   than 500 horsepower and test-track speeds greater than 200 mph, is mounted in   front of the passenger compartment but behind the front-axle centerline in what   the LF-A's engineers refer to as a "front-mid" configuration.

The engine is connected via a torque tube and propeller shaft to a transaxle   that is controlled by paddle shifters. The torque tube is a structural member   that adds rigidity to the drivetrain and chassis while also reducing vibration.

BMW Takes M3 Back Into ALMS

BMW of North America to partner with Rahal Letterman Racing for 2009 season

BMW presented the racing version of the new BMW M3 at the Chicago Auto Show. Powered by a 485 bhp eight cylinder engine, this impressive race car has been designed to compete in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) beginning in 2009. The car is based on the fourth generation of the BMW M3, the high-performance sports car produced by BMW M GmbH.

Hyundai Hedges Hydrogen Hunch

Hyundai's new hydrogen-powered, zero-emission concept, the i-Blue Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV), debuted in North America at the 100th edition of the Chicago Auto Show this week. Developed at Hyundai's Design and Technical Center in Chiba, Japan, the i-Blue concept illustrates the design direction for a future FCEV production model. The all-new i-Blue platform features Hyundai's third-generation fuel cell technology, currently being developed at Hyundai's Eco-Technology Research Institute in Mabuk, Korea.

NHRA Loses Xplod, Sanctions NOPI Series for 2008

NHRA announced that beginning in 2008, the world’s largest motorsports sanctioning body will combine forces with NOPI Motorsports to sanction sport compact drag racing events at NOPI events. The new sport compact race series will be called NOPI Drag Racing Series sanctioned by NHRA - and the new series replaces NHRA's Xplod Drag Racing series.

“This is a logical step for sport compact drag racing,” said Gary Darcy, senior vice president of sales and marketing, NHRA. “Bringing together NHRA and its 50-plus years of experience in conducting competitive drag racing events, and NOPI’s lifestyle activities and events, results in one series that can meet the needs of all the fans, sponsors and the entire racing community.”

Mitsubishi Announces 2009 Eclipse, Galant at Chicago Auto Show

Mitsubishi introduced its revised 2009 Eclipse this week. The new car arrives in dealerships this summer. Restyled front and rear bumper fascias distinguish the Eclipse models for 2009, with the GT also now sporting a new large rear spoiler. The GT model also gains standard high intensity discharge (HID) head lamps for 2009, further sharpening front styling while aiding visibility for nighttime driving. Also, Mitsubishi announced an update to the venerable Galant mid-size sedan.

The Japanese automaker is on a roll this year, having already introduced a revised Lancer in early 2007 and the new Lancer Evolution in December.

2008 Ford Taurus X Reviewed

The term “Crossover SUV” or “CUV” gets a lot of play these days. It means whatever you want it to mean, and it’s a hot market segment right now. People expect a Crossover to get better fuel mileage, handle better, and generally be less work to drive than a full-on SUV, and in general they’re correct.

The original Crossover idea was that an automaker could build both a car and an SUV on the same unibody chassis, and thereby save money on drivetrain, platform, suspension, brakes, and all that. The idea comes down from the Minivan, which was generally built on a car chassis and used car brakes and other common components.

Audi R8 Servin' Up Some Fresh Donuts

Nothing better to do on a cold morning in Moscow than to cook some yummy donuts in your $100,000 sports car. Apparently, this isn't such an uncommon sight, as traffic is passing as usual. Click the jump to see the tool in action. Of course, we'd love to be just such a tool.

2008 Subaru Impreza STI Reviewed

If you were expecting the all-new 2008 WRX STI to be merely a warmed-over upgrade to the already released WRX, you’re in for quite a shock.

Martyn Harding, product planning manager at Subaru of America, explains. “The actual body shell of an STI is significantly different than a WRX. The metal thicknesses, the types of  steel and additional bracing; so it’s significantly stronger. We know we’re going to put big sticky tires on it and make a lot of horsepower. You have to have a body shell to back that up.”

Cadillac CTS Beats the Germans, Not the Japanese, According to Consumer Reports

The redesigned 2008 Cadillac CTS beat out the BMW 328i and the redesigned Mercedes-Benz C300 in Consumer Reports' testing of upscale sports sedans for the March issue. BMW and Mercedes-Benz have long been considered by many Americans to set the standard in the sport-sedan category.

The CTS achieved an "Excellent" overall score, surpassing both the 328i and C300, which received "Very Good" overall scores. The CTS is also ranked above some previously-tested sports sedans including the Lexus IS250, the Acura TSX, and the Audi A4.

While the CTS vaulted past most competitors, the Infiniti G35 and Acura TL still outscore it and lead this class in Consumer Reports' ratings. The CTS ranks third among the 12 sports sedans that CR has rated at its Auto Test Center in East Haddam, Connecticut.

Time Attack Impreza: Curve Appeal

I for one have never been much for big power. Sure, lots of grunt is good and fun, but does it make your car better? For most of us interested in some form of amateur motorsport, the answer is no.

While this idea of less power is better might be blasphemous to some, Subiesport Technical Editor, Tim Bailey is one of these, I find that having balance, predictability and just a little bit less power than you have talent is a good way to find lower lap times.

But before I get into my most current round of chassis R&D, I have to set the record straight. In a previous article my colleague, employer and rival, Ryan Douthit stated, “Who's car has yet to put down a hot lap at our testing airfield? Oh right, that would be Travis' beloved Dreadnought Impreza. Excuses have ranged from 'the clutch is going' to 'the engine can't take any more,' yes, I've heard it all. Fact is, the car simply hasn't been able to withstand an entire lap, let alone run a complete race.”

Which side are you on?

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Skip Barber/Mazda Boosts Kart Racing

After three days of intense competition and evaluation by motorsports industry professionals, Connor De Phillippi was named as the champion of the 11th Annual Skip Barber Karting Scholarship Shoot-out, topping 50 of the best karters from the U.S. and abroad.  Connor will now have a sponsored ride in the 14-race 2008 BFGoodrich/Skip Barber National Presented by Mazda.  This prize is valued at approximately $45,000, the richest prize available to karters in North America. In addition, the following karters were awarded scholarships as follows:

·   Brett Smrz, a FULL SEASON in a Skip Barber Regional Racing Series

·   Fabio Orsolon, a HALF SEASON in the BFGoodrich/Skip Barber National Presented by Mazda

·   Maverick Bartlett, $10,000

·   Court Vernon, $10,000

·   Michael DeNino, $10,000

In total, approximately $130,000 was awarded.

VW Touts Two-Pedal DSG Success with New 7-Speed

Five years ago Volkswagen presented the first production dual-clutch transmission in the world: the 6-speed DSG. Since then over one million 6-speed DSGs have been sold. In just the first eleven months of last year 364,000 were sold. This is now being followed up by another transmission: the world’s first 7-speed DSG to be produced in high-volume. For many car drivers this could signify the best reason yet to turn away from conventional transmissions. VW Claims the new DSG can do everything better than a manual gearbox. It is more fuel efficient, sporty and comfortable.

Jag Wins Top Brit Award for Hot XF Sedan

Jaguar's new XF has claimed the top prize – the highly respected 'Car of the Year' award – at the 2008 What Car? awards in London. The XF also took top place in the 'Best Executive Car' category, ahead of the BMW 5 Series and the Mercedes CLS.

Steve Fowler, group editor of What Car?, said: "For us, the XF goes straight in there with the very best cars from Jaguar's past. And given that the car market today is more competitive than it's ever been, it's fair to say the XF is the best car Jaguar has ever built.

Canadians Kick Off Rally Racing Season

The nation’s top rally drivers are set to kick off the 2008 Canadian Rally Championship Presented by Subaru February 8-9 at the Rallye Perce-Neige Maniwaki.

Defending Canadian champion driver Antoine L’Estage and his co-driver Nathalie Richard will battle it out against the best of the rest at the winter-weather event in the Gatineau region of Quebec. The Hyundai-supported driver has claimed back-to-back Canadian Rally Champion titles.

Time Attack Miata Under the Scope

Only a week has gone by and already we have an update on the Miata Time Attack project car.

A few days ago I took the car down to the local boys at F.A.M.E. Automotive (I believe they're huge Irene Cara fans) where we did a compression test to check the health of the motor. Unfortunately, cylinder #4 was well outside the normal variation for compression (100psi, versus 180psi in cylinders 1-2-3.) That meant more drastic diagnostics were required: a leakdown test