Driving Sports

Sync Your Ride!

Lincoln Navigator owners wishing they had Ford's industry-exclusive SYNC in-vehicle communications system, need wish no more.

Ford has introduced an affordable, dealer-installed SYNC accessory kit that allows select 2008 Navigator and Navigator L customers to enjoy Ford's voice-activated communications system. SYNC works with most Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and digital media players.

Ford first introduced the Microsoft-powered SYNC system on the 2008 Ford Focus. And 11 other 2008 vehicles soon followed, including the Ford Edge, Taurus, and the Lincoln MKX and Lincoln MKZ. As part of Ford's aggressive migration plan, SYNC will be offered on nearly every 2009 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicle.

Western Automotive Journalists Gather For "Media Days" At Laguna Seca

The Western Automotive Journalists organization gathered this week in beautiful Monterey, Calif. to test drive the 2008 sports and luxury car field from virtually every automaker doing business in North America. Journalists from up and down the west coast arrived to test the full fleet of 2008 cars on the winding mountain roads of Carmel Valley and at speed on the track at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

Yes, that's the new Nissan GT-R parked next to the NISMO Edition 350Z in the photo to the right. Yes, they're as good as you think they are.

Events such as this serve a number of purposes, including a rare chance for side-by-side tests of comparable cars from different automakers, and also to allow a relaxed atmosphere to talk shop with the manufacturer representatives. But I wouldn't lie to you and tell you it was anything like working - this event is big-time fun.

New Handheld GPS Offers Real-Life View

Satellite Navigation takes a technological leap forward today with the launch of the G280 and G800 from NDrive. Boasting the world's first photo mapping system, the G280 and G800 feature real life photo images instead of the traditional 1D/3D maps found on other devices. The new G280 and G800 take navigation to the next level - but unfortunately, it only works in England at the moment. But if it's on the market there, you can bet it'll be here in the states shortly.

Supercar Life Expands Options for Hot Rides

Supercar Life, the first adventure lifestyle company to offer drives of exotic cars on racetracks, is expanding its program lineup to appeal to hard core driving enthusiasts as well as to those who prefer to travel first class.

Supercar Life's new Track Package ($4,990) includes a full day piloting $1.5-million worth of supercars on premier tracks around the country. The Luxury Package ($5,690), formerly the only option, adds top-shelf accommodations, gourmet dinner and VIP ground transportation. Details and registration can be found at www.supercarlife.com or by calling 1.877.420.0090.

Mazda Reveals Revised Mazda6 for '09

Mazda today revealed the all-new Mazda6 and confirmed that North American sales will start in late summer 2008.

Specifically developed for North America, the all-new Mazda6 inherits and evolves the sporty styling and superb driving performance of the first generation Mazda6. The North American model features a larger body and greater engine displacement to meet the particular demands of the North American market. Handling and comfort were also optimized for North American road conditions.

Acura's New TSX could be a CTS-X.

Acura made their world debut of the all-new second-generation TSX sports sedan along with the appearance of the redesigned RL luxury performance sedan at the New York International Auto Show today. With new engines, refined drivetrain, and Acura's latest Keen Edge Dynamic styling, the all-new TSX and RL highlight a new direction for Acura sedans: they look like the Cadillac CTS.

This is not really a bad thing - the CTS and all its variants are great cars. And it's to Caddie's credit that they could elicit the sincerest form of flattery from an automaker like Acura.

Kia Kites Killer Koup Koncept

The KOUP concept from Kia Motors America was unveiled today at the 2008 New York International Auto Show. The simple yet bold and aggressive KOUP exterior is complemented by its realistic and sleek interior design. Originating from the Kia Motors America Design Center in Irvine, Calif., the KOUP concept embodies Kia's philosophy of "Exciting and Enabling" with its balanced proportions and fluid design set to evoke an emotional driving experience.

Grand Am Rolex Series Fields Grow

An impressive 66 cars made the show at the Grand Am Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona, and now 44 entries are signed up to race in just two weeks at Homestead-Miami Speedway for the GAINSCO Grand Prix of Miami.

Those 44 entries represent full season Rolex Series machines, comprising the largest grids of any top-level motorsports series in the United States in 2008. 

Competitors tested at Homestead for two days last month and are just as anxious to get back on the track. Among those is Miami resident Oswaldo Negri, who has topped the speed charts in nearly every official and unofficial testing and practice session so far in 2008.

Walker Racing Sticks With Atlantics

After a long and eventful three week break, Walker Racing was happy to get back on track.  The Indianapolis based squad completed a successful two days of testing at the breathtaking Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in California, with drivers Canadian Kevin Lacroix, and Englishmen Greg and Leo Mansell.

“All three drivers did a great job.  The test went really well and we accomplished a lot.  We completed lots of laps and the team did fantastic. There was a lot of good camaraderie.  We really did improve quite a bit to everyone else and the overall times didn’t reflect our true progress,” stated Derrick Walker, Walker Racing owner.

New Lens Technology Makes Better Driving Shades

Drivewear, a lens technology developed by Younger Optics specifically for driving, provides a precise balance between protection against glare and the amount of light which reaches the eye with the necessary visual information to maximize the driving task, even behind the windshield of a car.

"The average American spends more than 15 hours or 300 miles driving each week," said David Rips, president and CEO, Younger Optics. "Drivewear was created for them -- to make a long commute safer and more enjoyable due to less eye strain and fatigue."

USA Today Discovers Amateur Racing

National newspaper USA today has a great story about amateur racers in Mazdas, and chose to feature MazdaSport and Forever MX-5 Autocross columnist Jason Isley, saying:  "Like any other working stiff, Jason Isley commutes to the office in his sporty coupe during the week.

But come Friday, he wrestles the baby carrier out of the back seat of the Mazda RX-8, wrenches on a set of extra-grippy tires and slaps some magnetic racing numbers on the sides. Plop on a helmet, and the transformation is complete: family man to top-performing race car driver."

[Read the whole story in USA Today]

Rental Cars Get Some Style

In all the world, there's generally nothing more stultifying to the soul of a car guy than a rental. How many underpowered automatic vinyl-seated monstrosities have we all had to endure? Rental agencies are the dumping ground for the unloved and unlovable ugly babies of the automotive world.

But international travelers can now sign up for a luxurious treat with Auto Europe's new prestige car hire service. Visit http://www.auto-europe.co.uk and select 'Luxury London Cars' from the Specials menu to discover a red carpet roll call of cars made by BMW, Mercedes, Jaguar, Lotus, Porsche, Bentley and Aston Martin.

The new service is designed for those with money to spare while traveling on business or pleasure. Every car is guaranteed to be less than 2 years old and most are loaded up with extras like satellite navigation, tinted windows, DVD players, TVs and Bluetooth phone kits. "You may even get a fridge to keep your refreshments chilled!" exclaims Auto Europe's announcement. This is key, because if you've ever been to Britain, you know that they view a frosty drink as an outrageous self-indulgence suitable only for Saudi princes. Even the Royal Family drinks their Red Bull warm over there.

Closer to home, Avis Rent A Car System today announced the addition of the storied Chevrolet Corvette convertible to its U.S. fleet. The Vette is the newest member of the Avis 'Cool Car' Collection, a series of popular high-end vehicles that can be specifically reserved by make and model. The Chevrolet Corvette convertible is now available with guaranteed reservations at select Avis locations in Arizona, California, Florida and Las Vegas.

Honda Tops Consumer Reports Best List

Overall, the best cars sold in the U.S. are still made by Honda, according to the Automaker Report Cards published in Consumer Reports' Annual Auto Issue on sale March 4. Honda also led the pack last year, the first time the country's largest expert, independent, non-profit consumer product testing organization issued such information.

      

With an overall score of 78 out of 100 points, Honda was followed closely by Toyota (75) and Subaru (72). BMW, Mazda, Nissan, and Volkswagen tied at 71, after rounding. Only Honda and Subaru have earned the distinction of having all of the models tested make Consumer Reports' Recommended list. Honda is also the only automaker whose entire model lineup is currently recommended. Full details and rankings are available in the article "Who makes the best cars?" in the magazine and for online subscribers at www.ConsumerReports.org.

Honda earned the top score because it builds cars that are well-rounded, have excellent reliability and perform very well. But not all of Honda's models lead their class. The new CR-V SUV can't quite match the top-ranked Toyota RAV4. The Accord was edged out by the Nissan Altima, and the Honda Odyssey minivan scored slightly lower than the Toyota Sienna.

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."

Porsche Spices Up Chicago Auto Show

Porsche added some spice to the 100th anniversary of the Chicago Auto Show by unveiling the Cayenne GTS to the American public this week. Already known for exceptional on and off-road prowess, the GTS has been formulated, tested and tweaked to offer the best on-road characteristics of any Cayenne Porsche has ever produced.

Isuzu to Leave U.S. Market - Will Anyone Notice?

Isuzu Motors America, Inc. announced that effective January 31, 2009, it would discontinue distributing new Isuzu passenger vehicles in North America. The discontinuation of passenger vehicles results from the prospective cessation of production by General Motors Corporation of the Ascender Sport Utility Vehicle, and the i-290 and i-370 pickup trucks.

It's a long fall from the days when "Joe Isuzu" was making funny commercials and the funky Isuzu Trooper was in the vanguard of Japanese Mini-SUVs.  The Isuzu iMark predated Apple Computer's successful prefixing gimmick by decades, but who remembers that?

Although Isuzu will cease supplying passenger vehicles in North America, "we are fully committed to continue providing service support to our customer base and Dealers for years to come" said Terry Maloney, President/COO. Isuzu will continue to honor all product warranties and roadside assistance programs and will maintain its owner-relations call center. In addition, to assure long-term service to its customers, Isuzu will be offering all current, U.S. Isuzu vehicle dealers the opportunity to continue on as service dealerships for Isuzu. "Let me make it crystal clear, Isuzu will discontinue the sales of vehicles only. Our parts and service operation will remain fully functional. We expect the vast majority of our dealers will continue to service our loyal Isuzu customers."        

Should you have any questions, please call the Isuzu Hotline at 1-800-255-6727

Audi Takes An Interesting Direction in Super Bowl Advertising

Audi of America Inc. says it will boldly declare its intention to redefine luxury in the automotive segment with its first Super Bowl ad in nearly 20 years.  The 60-second ad, which was inspired by the Oscar-winning film “The Godfather,” is critical to connecting with luxury vehicle customers.  In addition to the creative content associated with the epic film, the ad features prominent placement of the Audi R8, the brand’s first mid-engine street-going sports car.

Mazda Expands Green Focus in ALMS

MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development used the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) Winter Test to unveil their 2008 colors, reflecting the addition of two new partners. BP and Yokohama Tire Corporation have joined the B-K Motorsports Lola B07/46-Mazda MZR-R LMP2 team with multi-year partnerships.

“BP and Yokohama will be active partners in our ALMS program as we enter our sophomore year with our Mazda MZR-R powered program, and we look forward to our most successful ALMS project yet,” said Robert Davis, Senior Vice President, Product Development and Quality, and the man behind MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development.

Subaru Introduces Diesel Engines in Europe

Subaru has introduced two models of their Legacy line using diesel power in the company's signature flat-opposed "Boxer" engine design. We're salivating just looking at the specs:

• Legacy  Sports Tourer and Outback
• Two-litre  horizontally-opposed engine develops 147 HP and 258 lb-ft of torque
• Almost  50 mpg Combined for Sports Tourer with 151 g/km CO₂
• 126 mph top speed and 0-60 mph in 8.5 seconds  for Sports Tourer
• Moving sound levels of 70.5 dB (A) lower than  Rolls-Royce Phantom’s 72.0 dB (A)
• Standard equipment includes HID headlamps with pop-out washers, electrically-folding door mirrors, front projector foglamps, CD player with MP3 facility, dual-zone climate control with rear outlets and cruise control
• On  sale Feb ’08

All the factory-supplied info you need to know after the jump. All the info you want to know, that is, except for when we'll be able to get one of these Green machines here in the USA...

New Aftermarket Contributor to the DS Blog

What?  This isn't Ryan or Jeff?  Who might this be?!  Well, allow me to introduce myself.  For those of you who don't know me already, my name is Armin H. Ausejo, Vice President of Marketing for World One Performance by day, Style Editor and Photographer Extraordinaire for Subiesport Magazine by...well, nights and weekends I suppose.  In any case, Ryan asked me to join on here at Driving Sports as a regular blog contributor, so here I am!

I'll be publishing 3 blogs per week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday), mostly devoted to the aftermarket industry that we car enthusiasts know and love.  Since I see the aftermarket industry as a customer, a vendor, and as a journalist, I hope that my unique view of things will be interesting for regular Driving Sports readers.  Here's a few things you can look forward to in the coming days and weeks:

• The Time Attack Experience
• The Professional Drifting Experience
• The Car Show Experience
• New aftermarket products for the 08 STI, Evo X, and GT-R (among others)
• Forum Aftermarket Mythbusting
• The Proper Way to Get Sponsored
• Product Price Negotiating

That just about does it for this introductory blog.  You'll be hearing from me very soon ;)

2009 Forester Slips in under Xmas

What's this? A new Forester? Everyone's favorite utility rig is getting a major yuletide update to compete against the every-challenging improvements from Honda, Toyota and Mitsubishi in the small ute market. The actual sheetmetal will be on display at the 2008 NAIAS show in January. In the meanwhile, take a look at Subiesport Magazine's website for pix and the facts.

2008 STI Reviews now Online

Reviews of the new 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI have started to hit the Interweb.

Driving Sports TV
Motive Online Magazine
Edmunds Inside Line
Popular Mechanics

The December issue of Subiesport Magazine also features a complete review, along with telemetry data from the lap at Laguna Seca.
 

No VW Scirocco for the USA

Car and Driver is reporting that in a recent interview with President and CEO of VWoA, Stefan Jacoby, that the USA will not be getting the new Scirocco after all. Here is a clip from the posting.

The decision has been made: no Volkswagen Scirocco for North America. Stefan Jacoby, president and CEO of Volkswagen of America, revealed the decision to Car and Driver in an interview at the L.A. auto show.

The four-passenger coupe will go on sale in Europe in mid-2008. But the U.S. already has the GTI and the R32, which are enough halo vehicles for what is a niche segment, Jacoby says.

“We need to focus on our core products,” he says, namely, the Rabbit, the Jetta, the Passat, and the launch of the Tiguan compact SUV. “The [2009 Scirocco] is lovely, but we can’t have everything.”

BMX Legend Mirra Makes His Rally Debut

Cool news for rally fans, straight from SRTUSA:

BMX legend Dave Mirra will make his competitive rally racing debut this weekend at The Rally Of The Tall Pines, the last round of the 2007 Canadian Rally Championship, held in Ontario, Canada. Mirra will be at the wheel of a Monster Energy Subaru Impreza rally car fielded by the Vermont SportsCar team.   Joining Mirra in a second Subaru fielded by Vermont SportsCar will be Subaru  Rally Team USA driver Ken Block, who  narrowly missed out on winning the 2007 Rally America National Championship at the final round last month.

Prodrive USA Closing

We just confirmed that Prodrive America will be closing its doors at the end of the year. If you were hankering to score some hot Prodrive wheels, now is the time to hit up your local dealer.

Best wishes to Horacio, Dan and the whole crew over at Prodrive America. Truly the nicest guys in the business. The upside is that Dan can now focus on honing his m8d Guitar Hero Halo sk1llz, y0.

I'll be getting more details straight from Prodrive UK when I visit next week as part of my Rally GB trip.