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New Fast and Furious trailer promises a fun film
2009-01-19 13:20:00
We hesitate to admit it, but the first Fast and Furious remains one of our favorite car movies of all times. The second installment of the series stunk, the third was great - but the first rules for all time. And #4 is coming up on April 3rd - with the original major characters complete and intact. For your viewing pleasure, the second trailer for the new film: See the links below to view similar posts from our Fast & Furious coverage over the years:
More About: Movies , Media , Film , Trailer , Promises

December S2000 sales another disaster
2009-01-07 01:37:00
Only 72 S2000s were sold in the month of December . For the record, Honda itself was down 34% compared to December 2007, and Acura was down 39.3%.
More About: Sales , Disaster

All-new Taurus SHO coming to market
2009-01-02 17:32:00
Jalopnik.com has purloined uncovered http://jalopnik.com/511859 1/the-ford-taurus-sho-is-back (<r ight click> and <open in new tab>) images of a Ford  prototype that indicates a new Taurus SHO is coming to market. Look for it in the calender 2010 timeframe! As a former owner of both Generation 1 and 3 SHOs, we have just a few (!) opinions as to the viability of a new SHO. We've also taken our well-received SHO vs SHO comparison article  (comparing our original 89 SHO to our 97 SHO with owner impressions of both and specifications of all three generations) and created a SHO vs SHO vs SHO article guesstimating what the 2010 SHO specs will be and comparing them to the original 3 generations. The new Ford Taurus SHO will be a large and heavy car: 202+ inches and 4150+ pounds). How viable is this in today's market? Will this be worthy of the name SHO or will it be an unworthy a luxo-barge? Follow the link ab...
More About: Market

DrivingEnthusiats.net blogs readership up 47% YTY
2008-12-28 02:37:00
Despite blogging at a much reduced rate during 2008, DrivingEnthusiast.net blog readership has increased by 47% year-to-year according to our latest website stats. 2008 is the tenth year of existence for this website. What started as a personal effort remains a personal effort: DrivingEnthusiast.net isn't corporate owned and is 100% privately financed. What started simply as a means of sharing detailed pics of the then-new 1999 Cobra IRS 10 years ago grew to over >10k pages and >12k images.  A tiny revenue stream from Google and Amazon.com just barely supports our monthly ISP expenses. The increase in readership stats is good news, and more than a bit surprising given the very little time we've had for automotive events this past year. Despite newly updated press credentials for GM, Nissan, and Lotus, and having to miss the last big GM press event of the year (and perhaps forever?), we've had to miss more things automotive in 2008&nb...
More About: News , Website , Blogs

Jay Leno Tank Car - street legal in California
2008-12-27 05:08:00
The ultimate tank engine swap? The Sherman engine in the Mustang might sound better... but here's a swap that is registered in California and is street legal. Jay Leno built an entire car around an M-47 Patton tank engine: Read more here:  http://www.popularmechanics.com/aut omotive/jay_leno_garage/1302941.html  ; Of course, Jay being Jay... it wasn't powerful enough. So it's off to Banks Engineering for a turbo installation: Yes, it's driven regularly.  Imagine being at a car show and having this pull up! This is yet another reason why I can't stand Letterman: Jay is not only far more funny, he's the ultimate car nut.
More About: Media , Legal , Tank

The ultimate swap? 27 Litre Merlin engine into Rolls Royce
2008-12-27 04:45:00
This has to be the last posting on swaps tonight or we'll never get any sleep... If a tank engine into a car isn't enough for you, how about transplanting one of the most famous airplane piston engines ever? The Merlin engine of Spitfire fame: And if you still have anything left of your sanity, I have one last word for you to consider: R-4360. Remember, swappers never say "it won't fit".
More About: Rolls Royce , Engine , Ultimate , Swap , Rolls-Royce

Heavy metal swap: Sherman Tank engine in Mustang
2008-12-27 04:28:00
We'll end the night on a ridiculous note... we've been reading about swapping various Focus, Contour and Taurus engines for the last couple of hours. Here's the ultimate swap: a Sherman Tank engine into a Mustang . Courtesy of YouTube, we get to see and hear it running. Yes, it might be possible to have too much engine... but it sounds SO good...! See the related videos on the YouTube site http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilyGlrM1Q6 A for more details on the engine. Now that we've brought up the topic of tank engine swaps, we expect that somebody will swap one into a Focus sooner or later ;-)  That'll make that Boss 429 Ford EXP we saw way back in '92 or '83 look like a little kiddie toy.
More About: Media , Metal

Ford Focus with SHO Taurus V-6 swap
2008-12-27 04:19:00
Of course the greatest Ford V-6 engine ever was the SHO V-6... built and designed by Yamaha for Ford. It's been swapped out of SHO Tauri and into many deserving recipients. One is the Ford Focus below. See the site here: http://www.modifiedfocus.com/shoswap.htm& nbsp;- which unfortunately doesn't have any technical details or results.
More About: Taurus , Swap , Ford Focus

Speaking of SVT Contours... how about a turbo?
2008-12-27 04:01:00
Thinking tonight about SVT Contours... and wondering where a clean one might be found... we just remembered this site documenting the results of a turbo installation. How about a 400 HP SVT Contour? Click to (<right click> and <open in new tab>): http://www.suneil.net/Ford %20Contour%20SV T.htm 
More About: Turbo , Speaking

Ford Focus with SVT Contour V-6 swap
2008-12-27 03:49:00
Here's a great swap story we've been following for... just about forever. The owner swapping an SVT Contour V-6 into his Focus came this ->|  |<- close to finishing the swap before he had to leave home to go back to school.  The engine is in, but the electronics aren't done. The rest of the story will play out when he returns home next summer... but in the meantime see the Focus Fanatics forum story here: (suggest <right click> and <open in new tab>)  http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/ showthread.php?t=121550&page=1  Reference: What does an SVT Contour engine look like? We have the most complete set of pics on the 'net on our site: http://www.drivingenthusiast.net/sec-ford /FMC-engines/6m25d-svt/default.htm  Don't know what an SVT Contour is? Try our extensive CDW162 platform section here: http://www.drivingenthusiast.net/sec-ford /FMC-products/platform-cdw162/default.htm  
More About: Ford , Swap , Ford Focus

Saw my first GT-R on the street... getting a ticket
2008-12-25 04:56:00
Saw my first GT-R on the street the other day here in Austin, getting a ticket from some our finest. I don't know if the driver was speeding or not (I would have been), but he didn't have a front plate and the cops in this state use that as an excuse to pull over sports cars. Ok, it's legally required in this state... but no matter how many times the state legislature brings the issue up for a vote the police "associations" put an end to it before it reaches a vote. Question of the year: is the GT-R "legitimate"? I'm of course referring to the launch control controversy that is all over the web... where if you use it and then break your tranny you won't be covered by your warranty. And the tranny costs $20k for a replacement. Why put a feature on a car if using it voids the warranty? Fast forward the following video to the 6 minute mark for more discussion on this question. Then ask yourself: why is this transmission so weak? That brings us to the dearly-departed 4...
More About: Street , Ticket

Honda NSX cancelled...
2008-12-17 13:52:00
Several news sources reported this week that the new Honda NSX has been canceled due to worsening economic conditions. Honda CEO Takeo Fukui also canceled the rollout of the Acura brand in Japan. This is certainly bad news for NSX fans...and it may also have implications for any upcoming S2000 replacement. With nothing officially announced by Honda as to an S2000 replacement, all we can do is to wait.... look for spy pictures... and keep out fingers crossed. A moment of silence for the NSX:

Ford Focus RS - another Ford we don't get (at least not yet...)
2008-12-14 16:44:00
As Ford  followers know, the current Focus in North America is simply a re-skinned version of the last Focus and is no longer related to the far superior European Focus. The North American Focus has no enthusiast value at all, although due to the gas crisis it has sold above expectations. The last North American Focus with any enthusiast interest at all was the SVT Focus, and that became obsolete against the competition so quickly that it is all but forgotten these days. The European Focus, however, has always offered at least two enthusiast variants and has recently taken a quantum jump forward with the new RS model. With a patented "RevoKnuckle" front suspension  to all but eliminate torque steer by optimizing geometry coupled with a Quafe limited slip diff feeding 235/35-19s, Ford continues it's emphasis on handling above all else. 305 HP PS and 440Nm peak torque from a DOHC 5-cylinder, serious Recaro seats, and big Brembo brakes make this a ve...
More About: Ford Focus

Sensitivity Training - with Brandon and The Frog
2008-12-14 16:10:00
This site is relatively new - and very creative. AN original video series sponsored by Valvoline. Under the Hood with Brandon and The Frog (suggest <right click> and <open in new tab>): Site: http://www.brandonandthefrog.com/  RSS feed: http://www.brandonandthefrog.com/feeds/po sts/default?alt=rss
More About: Training

Edmunds track tests the 370Z
2008-12-14 15:53:00
The reviews are in and they are pretty good.Of course, quarter mile drag racing doesn't hold any interest for true driving enthusiasts, but the 13.4 second time does indicate the great range of this engine. Far more importantly, the skidpad, slalom, and braking data are all excellent. We still have some concerns, such as the absolutely lousy rear/side visibility and the bad reputation of the 6-speed manual (is it truly "fixed" now? That's been claimed before!). We also don't like the RE050s and would have preferred RE-01Rs or better yet the new (and so far Japan only) RE11s. The big Nissan-spec 4- and 2-piston calipers are an open question - we would have preferred that Nissan keep the Brembos. Nonetheless, the new 'Z looks so good that we may have to order one for the Driving Enthusiast fleet...
More About: Track , Nissan Z , Tests , Edmunds

Highlights of Chrysler LLC Plan Submitted Today
2008-12-03 10:20:00
Highlights of Chrysler LLC Plan Submitted Today to the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs and the House Committee on Financial Services   Chairman and CEO Robert Nardelli looks forward to testifying before the committees later this week Chrysler will urge the immediate adoption of legislation that will allow domestic automakers to weather the current national economic crisis and continue to invest in industry-leading products, technologies and vehicles of the future   Washington, D.C., Dec 2, 2008  -  The first question is, what changes has Chrysler made to help itself? Since Chrysler became an independent company in 2007:  We eliminated over 1.2 million units of capacity, or 30 percent;  We reduced fixed costs by $2.4 billion and, separated over 32,000 employees – including 5,000 on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. And at the same time …  We invested in product improvements – over half ...
More About: Highlights , Dodge Challenger

FORD MOTOR COMPANY SUBMITS BUSINESS PLAN TO CONGRESS
2008-12-03 10:18:00
FORD MOTOR COMPANY SUBMITS BUSINESS PLAN TO CONGRESS; PROFIT TARGET, ELECTRIC CAR STRATEGY AMONG NEW DETAILS Based on current business planning assumptions, Ford expects both its overall and its North American Automotive business pre-tax results to be breakeven or profitable in 2011 Ford provided initial details of an accelerated vehicle electrification plan for a family of hybrids, plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles.  The plan includes a Ford full battery electric vehicle (BEV) in a van-type vehicle for commercial fleet use in 2010 and a BEV sedan in 2011 Ford’s plan calls for an investment of approximately $14 billion in the U.S. on advanced technologies and products to improve fuel efficiency during the next seven years Ford said it will sell its corporate aircraft as part of its overall cash improvement plan DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 2. 2008 – Ford Motor Company this morning submitted to Congress its comprehensive business plan, which details the co...
More About: Business , Business Plan

GM Submits Plan for Long-Term Viability to the U.S. Congress
2008-12-03 10:17:00
GM Submits Plan for Long -Term Viability to the U.S. Congress Reaffirms GM’s commitment to energy-saving vehicles and technologies Outlines the need for Federal bridge loans and line of credit Requests Federal board to oversee loans, assist with restructuring Aggressive plan details GM actions to support long-term success WASHINGTON – General Motors Corp. today submitted a plan to use Federal bridge loans to create a leaner, more competitive company, one that is profitable and self-sustaining for the long term. The plan, submitted in response to Congressional hearings in November, includes a detailed blueprint for a successful, sustainable General Motors. Building on a product renaissance and comprehensive restructuring that has been under way for several years, the plan calls for: Increased production of fuel-efficient vehicles and energy-saving technologies; Rationalization of brands, models and retail outlets; Reduced wage and benefit costs, including furt...

FORD CEO ALAN MULALLY TESTIFIES ON CAPITOL HILL
2008-11-22 22:10:00
Testimony of Alan R. Mulally President and Chief Executive Officer, Ford Motor Company Senate Banking Committee November 18, 2008 Thank you Mr. Chairman, Senator Shelby and members of the Committee. I appreciate the opportunity to be here with you today representing Ford Motor Company as you consider issues that are absolutely critical to this venerable American company and to the nation. In my judgment, there are two fundamental questions on the table today: Is there a competitive and sustainable future for our domestic automotive industry? Is the provision of government assistance to help bridge the domestic auto industry through these difficult economic times more favorable to our nation than the costs of inaction? I respectfully submit that the answer to these questions is a resounding yes. The domestic industry is increasingly more competitive and sustainable and is in many respects on par with our foreign competitors. A decision to make government assistance availabl...
More About: Hill , Capitol Hill , Capitol

Nissan 370Z - official video
2008-11-21 01:00:00
Straight from Nissan , a 9 minute video of the new 370Z in action!
More About: Video , Nissan Z , Official

GM Propaganda Video for bailout
2008-11-20 12:43:00
We hate the video and the idea of giving them anything, but you be the judge...
More About: Video , Propaganda , Bailout

GM appeals to suppliers for help
2008-11-19 12:26:00
Letter sent last night to all suppliers. Note that it's not a "bailout", it's a "bridge loan". Yea, sure....
More About: Suppliers

Drag Race: Chrysler EV versus Dodge Challenger
2008-11-17 13:36:00
This new video illustrates an important point we've made on this blog about how future performance vehicles *must* change technologies - but *can* still increase performance and improve dynamics. The future is not at all dark for driving enthusiasts! The video has the 1st-gen prototype of a Chrysler Corp electric vehicle, against an old-school and very traditional performance car. In a drag race held by the Los Angeles Times, the EV won. The Challenger weighs well over 4000 pounds, and the EV is closer to a thousand less. The EV is a pre-production mule based on an adapted Lotus gasoline-engine product that isn't sold in this country. The 1st-gen Chrysler electronics will certainly improve before production and are ultimately limited by battery technology as with other electric vehicles. Battery technology is certainly the #1 investment area in automotive research these days. Chrysler's strategy to show off it's three electric vehicles at this point in time is...
More About: Race , Dodge , Versus , Drag

Comparison of 350Z versus 370Z brace under hatch
2008-11-16 18:30:00
One of the biggest "usability" differences between the 350Z and the 370Z is the bracing under the hatch. We always wondered exactly what was under the gigantic brace between the shock towers of the 350Z when we came across a stripped one at a racetrack. Here is the 350Z brace in all it's glory. You can see that it was probably overkill. It certainly killed the usability of the hatch area. The 370Z brace is a different story completely - it's not a shock brace at all. Instead, it goes between the B-pillars where it probably contributes a lot more to structural integrity (and crashworthiness) than the 350Z brace ever  did. Kudos to Nissan for removing the ridiculous 350Z brace, improving usability, and for actually improving the structural integrity and crashworthiness of the car. It's rare when safety and user friendliness attributes can come together at once. If I have one concern, it's that some racers will try to use the brace as a harness mount: it's structu...
More About: Versus , Comparison , Nissan Z

Big week for Nissan at the Los Angeles auto show
2008-11-16 17:20:00
This is going to be a big week for Nissan with announcements at the Los Angeles show including the all-new 370Z. In preparation for this week, it would be good preparation to review the 'Nissan GT 2012" business plan presentation by Carlos Ghosn from May 2008. The presentation includes both video and slides: (suggest <right click> and <open in new tab>): http://www3.stream.co.jp/web06/nissan/pre ss/EN/epre/080513/bb/index.html The Z announcement and official unveiling is only a few days off.  However, this weekend there were two official unveilings of actual production cars held in the Los Angeles area and of course numerous spy photos have been seen over the past year. Thanks to all of this there is only a little we don't know about the new 'Z: we've already got pictures of the complete exterior, the engine compartment and interior, and one to answer our big question about the location of the brace. The big brace of the 350Z is gone, r...
More About: Auto Show , Show , Auto

Sleek horsepower... WAY back in the day
2008-11-15 20:25:00
The artist is Sartorius, the date is 1793.
More About: Back , Back in the Day , Sleek

S2000 sales take a further dive - how low can they go?
2008-11-10 01:21:00
We're down to only 100 cars sold in October, less than a third of last year's poor sales. This winter will be a disaster...
More About: Sales , Dive

SVT Raptor: The band plays on as the Titanic goes down
2008-11-04 14:58:00
Industry analysts have described the F-150 as "the wrong truck at the wrong time". Introduced as full-size truck and SUV sales are dropping like a stone, or like the Titanic to the bottom,  the F-150 propagates the impossible financial model that has all but killed off the Big Three. That model is based on huge sales of option-laden (aka hyper-profitable) luxury trucks and SUVs to people who don't need them and are often drawn in by unsustainably-low interest loans and incentives.  And when gas prices go up again (versus the recent lull designed to pander to voters) sales of these kinds of vehicles will again continue their fall. Yes, it's a free-market economy and people can buy what they want (as witnessed by Ford Motor Corporation sales dropping another 30% last month). But just like Democracy, there is a certain degree of responsibility to society involved - and propping up irresponsible products that take 2 steps backward...
More About: Band , Plays , Raptor

Austin's own SW does 241 MPH in his Supra @ 9200 RPM
2008-10-30 02:55:00
Congrats to SW for an incredible 241 MPH in the latest Texas Mile. Video follows - note how quickly the car accelerated. It's completely unreal.
More About: Toyota Supra , Supra

new 2009 Nissan 370Z debuts!
2008-10-30 02:27:00
Nissan today released 3 official pictures of the new 'Z. These are the only pictures released today, and specs will not be available until the official debut date before the Los Angeles show in November. As we've seen from the spy pics, the new styling is evolutionary, and incorporates the new family head and taillights. Retro touches include the rear side windows. We do know the updated FM platform used in the latest G37 is underneath, and given all the issues with the current Z platform that's a very good thing.
More About: Nissan , Nissan Z