CarsDampers and tuning

Even though Japanese Starlet Ads are way more fun, there’s still some entertainment value to be had from Late Malaise Era US-Market ads. Yes, the ‘81 Starlet got the best mileage of any car sold in the United States that year- the lack of airbags, air conditioning, power windows, cup holders, and other items now considered absolute necessities certainly helped.

Filed under: Economy, Etc., Euro, Hatchbacks

When the Yugo first arrived on our shores in 1985, it made headlines with its bargain basement $4,000 USD price tag. Of course, four large didn’t buy you much of anything, except for a series of breakdowns and the laughter of virtually every motorist that easily passed you by. While the Yugo hasn’t been sold in the U.S. since 1991, for the right price you can now bid for the distinct pleasure of owning Zastava, the Serbian company responsible for producing and exporting the biggest punch line in automotive history. The government of Serbia has announced that Zastava, the country’s only automaker, is selling off over 90% of its shares this coming April for an undisclosed amount. While the eastern European automaker employs 4,000 workers and can build up to 60,000 vehicles per year, but currently the factory is only producing 15,000 units.

The Yugo was such a disaster when it hit the States, it seemed as though every comedian was required by law to make at least one joke about it. It didn’t help that one Yugo owner was killed when the cheap compact became the one and only vehicle ever to be blown off the Mackinaw bridge that connects the upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan. If the price is right, though, we’re sure someone will sop up the company, if only for the production capacity and cheap Eastern European labor.

[Source: Detroit News]

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WORKS definitely made a good job at pimping the Mitsubishi Lancer with high-grade performance parts. This Lancer is all-set for the 2008 SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge Touring Car Championship. Tuning Mitsubishi cars for a long time now, WORKS is confident that they have made a great go-getter out of the Lancer. Just as well, they are confident that Mitsubishi will be right back on track in the World Challenge, just after seven years of being inactive.

“To get involved in professional racing with a manufacturer whose vehicles inspired WORKS to start in the first place is a dream come true, ” Peter Kang, the founder and CEO of the performance parts maker WORKS said in an interview. “We are looking forward to a challenging and successful year in SPEED World Challenge.” The Lancer’s debut in the World Challenge is just right after their grand opening at the Infineon Raceway. Expansion for the company is soon to be expected.

“Mitsubishi Motors North America is pleased to be associated with WORKS, and we look forward to their successful efforts in the SPEED World Challenge races,” Jun Asami, Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations at MMNA said in the same interview. “The SWC Lancer is certain to demonstrate the strength of this all-new Lancer platform and give tuners worldwide inspiration to customize their cars. “

Not only will this 2008 Mitsubishi bring home a god for Mitsubishi, but it is also sure to give luster for WORKS.

Source: Auto Racing Daily

While not many people know, Saleen is originally known for creating performance parts before it became a full-fledged carmaker. Their recent masterpiece is the Saleen S302E Ford Mustang. This smooth S197 is all beefed up with 302 ci powerplant, making the car reach 60 km/ph in just a remarkable 4 seconds! It generates a tough 620 horsepower over 600 lb-ft of torque—this baby will not let you down when you are in the climax of your speed. But, this beauty is not all about that speed factor (although admittedly it created a lot of buzz). The Saleen 302E is voted as the “sharpest” Ford Mustang that the world of performance parts is yet to see.

E definitely screams “extreme” in this Saleen Mustang. Its high-quality suspension system will allow the S302 to reach the extreme levels of racecar experience. With an enhanced 6-inch piston caliper and a 15-inch braking system will allow the needed smooth stop when you need to tame its 620 horses.

Of course, along with this high-powered vehicle is a piercing tag price. A little under the $80,000-mark can assure one that they can experience power and performance right in their hands. Mustang always gets a high demand from car enthusiasts that it gets to raise its price even if people do not want to. (Nevertheless, they still go for this steed anyway.) Production is set to begin this December, which is why enthusiasts are biting their nails already just to get a hold of this car.

For photos of the S302E, check the source.

One way to improve car performance is to install some spoilers. But since the Christmas season is almost here, and the makers of performance parts are also joining the market of possible Christmas gifts. Presenting, cheap spoilers as an innovative Christmas gift. As the word suggests, cheap means affordability. Not low quality. After all, these performance parts are going to be Christmas gifts—why not find an ideal gift that is not too costly but still works? For the women out there, a spoiler for your man’s ride is not so bad.

Spoilers usually come with other body kits that are sure to enhance the speed and drivability of the car. Spoilers, as the name suggests, “spoil” air movement that is contradicting with the car’s movement. They are usually mounted atop the vehicle’s rear, although some are placed at the end of the roof. Street/race cars are distinct for they are usually adorned with performance parts. The beauty in giving Spoilers as Christmas presents is that a lot of thought and practicality can be poured onto it. Spoilers are not only valuable in aesthetics, but also in aerodynamics.

These parts are not difficult to find. Even through online shopping, spoilers for any specific type of car brand and model can now be found. For those who are willing to shell out $500 (which is a very cheap price for these performance parts), then the spoilers are the way to go this Christmas.

Last October 27, 2006 at the Arena Civica in Milan, Italy, the Mini Cooper, Volkswagen Eos and a host of other stunning automobiles emerged victorious at the XIV L’Automobile più Bella del Mondo or The World’s Most Beautiful Automobile” competition for 2006. The international jury led by Bruno Alfieri, the Italian journalist and editor who created the awards back in 1993, chose the best looking cars in various categories such as city cars and compact cars, mid-size hatchback, limousine, coupe, spider, station wagon, concept cars and many more.

After examination of the various new models introduced in 2006, the jury proclaimed the winners in their respective categories. However, upon a closer look on the list of winners, one can see that Japanese and American cars are conspicuously absent from the list. Europe does offer some of the most stunning of automobiles, but do they have the monopoly when it comes to aesthetics? We don’t think so. Still, the list offers a veritable showdown of some of the most beautiful cars ever to grace the road.

City cars and compact cars: Mini Cooper

Mid-size hatchback cars: Volvo C30

Mid-size sedans: Volvo S80

Limousine: Bentley Continental GTC

Coupé: Mercedes CL

Coupé-cabriolet: Volkswagen Eos

Spider: Alfa Romeo Spider

Sportscars: Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano

Station wagon: Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon

MPV: Citroën C4 Picasso

Crossover: Audi Q7

Specials: Studiotorino RK Coupé

Concept Cars: Renault Twingo Concept

2006 Ferrrari 599 GTB Fiorano

A leaked “global master plan” revealed Toyota Motor Corp.’s plan: to take a 14% share of the world car market by 2010. The report by the Wall Street Journal said that Toyota, currently the second largest global automaker, is on track to overtake GM as the world’s biggest car maker by grabbing 14% of the global automotive market, up from 11% in 2005.

The plan expects that Toyota’s global auto ales will reach 73 million vehicles by 2010. In 2005, Toyota sold over 65 million vehicles worldwide. To meet this burgeoning demand, the report said Toyota will increase production its plants in China and India. A new minicar that is geared towards families in developing countries is supposedly also in the works.

Meanwhile, Toyota spokesman Paul Nolasco declined to comment on the supposed plan adding that the Toyota has no concrete plans yet to offer a new minicar model. However, he confirmed that Toyota is indeed targeting developing markets including Russia, China, India and Brazil.

In a recent Top Gear episode, Jeremy Clarkson presented the car that drives itself: BMW 330i.
We all know that many have tried, until now to make a car that can run by itself, without any driver intervention, but for many times they’ve failed.
Anyway, BMW shows that it has reached a higher technology level, that permit to the car to “run” alone, without being driven by someone.
The Germans gave the car for test to Top Gear and they have tested it on a race track.
And, it’s not only that it run on a normal road, it really can be used in circuit, it is able to make powerful acceleration and fast brakes.
The sensation must be amazing, because I think is quite hard to know that you don’t have to drive it… and to see it at big speed, by itself. Really amazing car, don’t you think?

BMW 330i without pilot

Tags: BMW, BMW330i, Top Gear, car news, car videos, high technology

More: BMW, BMW330i, car news, car videos, high technology top gearBMW, BMW330i, car news, car videos, high technology, top gear

Filed under: Aftermarket, Frankfurt Auto Show, Tuners, Sports/GTs, Mercedes Benz

Carlsson Aigner CK65 Eau Rouge.

Random Benz tunage? Frankfurt’s got more than you can shake a schnitzel at. But the only reason we snapped off a few shots of this particular CK was because of its two-tone hue, even though it is a subtle rip on the Veyron. Only after we got back and started going through some of our overlooked photos did we realized that this particular M-B was something a bit more special.

The Carlsson Aigner CK65 Eau Rouge is the product of a collaborative effort between the German tuning house and Etienne Aigner, a high-end leather purveyor. As you can imagine, the interior appointments are luxurious to a fault, with acres of dyed dead cow, Alcantara and wood lining every conceivable surface. What lies beneath though is far more compelling.

A turbocharged V12, aided by everything from new intercoolers to some heavy ECU tuning, produces over 700 HP and 800 lb.-ft. of torque, making the CL capable of a blast to 60 in 3.9 seconds. Ultra-light aluminum wheels, sized 21×9-inches in front and 21×10.5-inches in the rear, are wrapped in Dunlop SP Sport Maxx ZR 21 tires, reducing unsprung mass by a full 50-percent at all four corners.

There are more mods than we can mention, so Carlsson’s press release is posted after the jump. And you can check out a gallery of live and press pics below.

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