Driving Sports

Fisker Performing Track Testing in SoCal

Fisker Automotive, Inc. and Quantum Technologies announced today they are performing initial vehicle testing and fine tuning the battery software management system for the Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid production car. These initial test track developments are taking place in Southern California.

Three Fisker Karma prototypes have been built, and are currently undergoing testing for the electric powertrain developed by Quantum Technologies. Concurrently, the Fisker Automotive engineering team is working on crash test simulation. Further validation and certification on the vehicles will be performed over the coming months.

Speed Racer is Fun - But Not Great

Speed Racer was kind of goofy when it was a low-budget cartoon import from Japan. It had its endearing qualities, but no one took it very seriously. Later, it was popular on retro items from T-shirts to lunchboxes, with key fobs being especially popular.

So along come the Wachowski brothers (of The Matrix fame) and they set out to do a high-budget, SFX extravaganza of the original cartoon - and it's still kind of goofy. I played hooky today and went to see the matinee - it's worth $7 for a car guy, but if I'd paid weekend prices and stood in line, I'd feel shortchanged.

So, the good points - the special effects are dazzling. The producers clearly love their oversaturated colors and they spent big big bucks on rendering. The movie doesn't take itself too seriously, in stark contrast with other spin-off movies from low-budget cartoons - this could have been another Judge Dredd, but mercifully it's not.

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.

US Postal Service Issues Classic Car Stamps

The United States Postal Service is issuing a new line of stamps commemorating classic rides of the 50s. The new first class stamps show some serious lead sleds of the Big Three in their glory days - when no tailfin was too garish and chrome showed the world who was boss.

The "50s Fins and Chrome" 42-cent First-Class stamps go on sale Oct. 3, and feature paintings by renowned automobile illustrator Art. M. Fitzpatrick--a '57 Chrysler 300C, '57 Lincoln Premiere, '57 Pontiac Safari, '57 Studebaker Golden Hawk and a '59 Cadillac Eldorado. The stamps were modeled after cars still on the road today.

Modesto Worst in U.S. For Car Theft

The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) reported today that the Modesto, CA, Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) had the highest per capita rate for vehicle thefts in the nation in 2007.

For 2007, the ten MSAs with the highest vehicle theft rates are:

  1.   Modesto, CA
  2.   Las Vegas/Paradise, NV
  3.   San Diego/Carlsbad/San Marcos, CA
  4.   Stockton, CA
  5.   San Francisco/Oakland/Fremont, CA
  6.   Laredo, TX
  7.   Albuquerque, NM
  8.   Phoenix/Mesa/Scottsdale, AZ
  9.   Yakima, WA
  10.  Tucson, AZ

Xtreme Motorsports Announces Electric Sand Car

Xtreme Motorsports of California announced that it has completed the engineering & manufacturing plans for the industry's first completely electric sandcar.

With the ever-rising concerns by California Air Resource Board (CARB) of new emissions laws within the sandcar industry and the growing concern about future climate change, Xtreme Motorsports has completed the engineering and production plans for the first "Zero Emissions Sandcar" (ZES). Utilizing the latest in motor & controller technology from Azure Dynamics, a leader in providing solutions for the electric car industry, along with advanced Lithium Ion battery technology from AEVehicles, these new Sandcars are the most exciting line of vehicles for the consumer we have put out to date.

Chick Cars and Guy Cars - It's True!

InsureMe, an insurance referral service, recently announced results of research to determine if the stereotypes relating to automobiles hold up to empirical rigor. The findings were surprising.

"In a word, yes," said Peter Deusterman, InsureMe's in-house statistician. "They hold up much better than I would've predicted."

InsureMe is a web-based service that helps people obtain auto insurance. In the process it collects consumer information, including car ownership data. While all information is anonymous, it is occasionally studied to note certain trends.

"If you tell me you drive a car that's made in Italy, I can tell you how many X chromosomes you have," said Deusterman with a smile. "One." Deusterman asserted he can tell you with reasonable, statistical confidence. According to the data, 86 percent of people seeking insurance quotes for Ferraris, Maseratis and Lamborghinis in the past 13 months were men.

(Ed. Note: Yeah, OK, I have 4 Alfa Romeos, I plead guilty to being a guy!)

Silent But Deadly - "Zero" Electric Dirt Bikes Hit the Market

Zero Motorcycles of Santa Cruz, California today announced the Zero X, a no-compromise electric motorcycle that has race winning performance without the obnoxious noise and pollution of regular gas motorcycles. Its electric drive system provides incredible torque, delivering all you would expect in a full-fledged high performance motorcycle.

"I rode the Zero X prototype in a demonstration motocross race in Las Vegas in 2007 and was very impressed," said National Motocross Champion, Hall of Famer and TV commentator Jeff Emig. "I'm expecting the production version to have a huge impact in the motor sports industry."

Fill 'er up - Premium - and an episode of "Idol" please

More from the "We swear we're not making this up" file...

PumpTop TV is now live at the first of at least 60 gas stations in the greater Phoenix area, according to AdtekMedia, Inc., owner/operator of the nation's premier TV network found at the gas pump. The first PumpTop TV installation was completed this week and is now up and running at a Shell station in Mesa, Arizona.

PumpTop TV is a network of LCD screens mounted at eye level on gas pumps at various gas station brands. News video from ABC, real-time traffic maps, along with weather, sports, business, health and entertainment news are delivered to consumers as they fuel their vehicles at the gas pump.

No word on whether they'll carry American Idol, Lost, 24, or the Playboy Channel.

Ferrari threatens legal action against 360 owner

When is a Ferrari no longer a Ferrari? When an owner adds 6-ft of metalwork between the front and back of the prancing stallion, according to Ferrari lawyers. The UK's Times Online reports:

Dan Cawley, 36, of Cheadle, Manchester, has 14 days to remove all prancing horse badges, Ferrari names and “360 Modena” symbols from the 6m (20ft) car. “What kind of precedent does it set when you can’t do what you like with your own property?” asked Mr Cawley.

[Times Online]

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.

We swear, we're not making this up

A product called "Jig-A-Loo" touts itself as "the #1 all-around lubricant." The company recently debuted their product in U.S. automotive retail outlets Pep Boys and A&A Auto stores.

The company's tasteful product press release states: "An invisible lubricant and water repellent, dubbed "lubripellent," Jig-A-Loo has hundreds of practical uses for your car, truck or van and is quickly becoming the preferred lubrication product among the automotive industry. Jig-A-Loo is gaining momentum with auto enthusiasts because the quality of the product far surpasses anything else on the market."

No word on whether it makes a tasty dessert topping, however.

"We are excited for auto enthusiasts in the U.S. to discover the benefits Jig-A-Loo has been providing Canadian car enthusiasts for decades," said Patrice Lafleur, Vice President, Jig-A-Loo World. For nearly 50 years, Jig-A- Loo has been a common household name in Canada because it's a premium product that delivers unparalleled results."

Oh, it's Canadian. That's a handy explanation.

According to the manufacturer, Jig-A-Loo is ideal for wood, metal, leather, most plastics and a number of other surfaces. Unlike traditional lubricants, Jig-A-Loo contains no oil, grease, wax or detergent making it an exceptional water-repellent, a rust and freeze inhibitor that will not drip or stain. An affordable wonder, the product has a suggested retail price of $6.50-$7.00.

For more exciting ideas about product usage and information visit www.jigaloo.com

Ford Celebrates 100 Years of the Model T

The car that put the world on wheels, the Ford Model T, is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2008 and Ford is planning a year-long series of celebrations to honor the iconic vehicle.

Celebrations will officially commence at the 2008 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance in Amelia Island, Fla., March 7-9.  Ford has many other regional events in the works for a year filled with celebrations, including a special Model T display at the West Coast’s largest Ford enthusiast car show - the Fabulous Fords Forever! event at Knott’s Berry Farm Amusement Park in Anaheim, Calif., on Apr. 20th.  In July, Ford Motor Company will be the title sponsor of the Model T Ford Club of America’s “T Party 2008” that will be held in Richmond, Ind.   

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.

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.

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.

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 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!"

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.

Could You Be Driving Your Retirement Right Now?

In January hundreds of thousands of car enthusiasts flock to the Scottsdale/Phoenix area to put in the ultimate bid for some of the rarest and most beautiful cars in the world. They are paying homage to this internationally attended event which yields world records for high sales in almost every collectible vehicle category. The high sale this year went to a 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spyder for $3.3 million.

Hagerty Insurance has announced its picks for the Hagerty Hot List: Top 10 Future Collector Cars. The list was created to advise consumers what hot cars of today will remain desirable in the next 20 years. With Hagerty's Hot List, you just might already have that future collectible sitting in your garage. All you have to do is wait...

Top Gear: Motorhome Racing

Richard Hammond from the epic UK car show, "Top Gear," tries a new sport involving motorhomes and a racetrack. Anyone want to give this a try here in the States?

Remember the Bricklin SV1?

What does Subaru, Yugo and this odd looking future car of the past have in common? Malcolm Bricklin. The car pictured here is the first automobile Bricklin designed himself, the SV1. Those guys behind it aren't the roadies from the Lynyrd Skynyrd tour, no, they're the team that made it happen.

Not just another Ford V8-powered supercar-wannabe from the late 70s, the SV1 was well ahead of its time in the implementation of safety features: Crumple zones, "safety paint" colors and impact bumpers were all on the menu. Only 3,000 were ever built. For more info, check out the Bricklin Owners Club.