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RS*R Scion tC goes adrift to go 2008 Formula Drift 2008-04-16 22:13:00 RS*R Scion
tC goes adrift to go 2008 FormulaDrift
April 8, 2008 - Torrance, CA - Scion today announced it will drift the RS*R Scion tC in Formula Drift events this year.Scion’s drift car is based on its most popular model, the tC sports coupe. The factory built front-wheel drive tC turned into a drifting contender through a rear-wheel drive conversion performed by acclaimed exhaust and suspension manufacturer, RS*R. The tC shares its platform with Toyota’s Japanese market Avensis four-wheel drive and Caldina all-wheel drive, enabling it to undergo the conversion. RS*R used its extensive performance shop experience to change the tC’s stock transverse engine configuration to a longitudinal setup in order to drive power, through the transmission and drive shaft, directly to the rear whe
Intellichoice Latest ‘Best Deals of the Month’ Show Value, Not Price, On Buyers Mind 2008-04-17 23:09:00 Intellichoice Latest ‘Best Deals of the Month
’ Show Value
, Not Price, On Buyers
MindCAMPBELL, CA (July 5, 2007) – PRIMEDIA’s IntelliChoice.com (www.intellichoice.com), the leading source for automotive ownership cost and value analysis, today announced its “Best Deals of the Month” for cars, trucks and SUVs for July 2007.CAMPBELL, CA (July 5, 2007) – PRIMEDIA’s IntelliChoice.com (www.intellichoice.com), the leading source for automotive ownership cost and value analysis, today announced its “Best Deals of the Month” for cars, trucks and SUVs for July 2007. Winners for July reveal that the recent increase in incentives and rebates, especially among American automakers, are thus far having little impact on overall value.“So far, our perennial winners, which cover everyt
Forbes Top Ten Good-byes For 2006 Cars 2008-04-17 23:06:00 Forbes Top Ten Good-byes For 2006 CarsBy JoelAdd commentsBig ReviewsAs 2006 comes to an end, Forbes discusses ten vehicles that the year proved to be their last days as well.As 2006 comes to an end, Forbes discusses ten vehicles that the year proved to be their last days as well.According to Honda, the Acura RSX was pulled because it didn’t make sense for its luxury brand. The new Honda Civic has similar performance numbers as the RSX and considerably less expensive. The automaker at this time has no plans to replace it.Competition, lack of updates, and lackluster sales closed the door on the once popular Dodge Stratus. Chrysler plans to replace it with the upcoming Dodge Avenger.The Ford GT was simply stopped to maintain its rarity.The Ford Taurus was the last domestic-built model to do Read more:Forbes
L.A. Auto Show: The Big Leagues? Not Yet 2008-04-17 23:01:00 L.A. Auto Show
: The Big Leagues
? Not YetcommentsBig ReviewsUpon attending this year’s L.A. Auto Show, I walked away somewhat disappointed. Perhaps it’s because I’m a grizzled veteran of automotive journalism of close to a decade. I have the receded hairline and pudgy middle to prove it. This year’s show was hyped like never before. The new date which moved it back so it no longer overlapped with the Detroit show promised all sorts of unique debuts, and finally the West Coast receiving its due respect as the center of automotive culture.Upon attending this year’s L.A. Auto Show, I walked away somewhat disappointed. Perhaps it’s because I’m a grizzled veteran of automotive journalism of close to a decade. I have the receded hairline and pudgy middle to prove it. This year’s s
Toyota, healthcare, and its non-unions 2008-04-17 22:58:00 Toyota, healthcare, and its non-unionsHealthcare costs continue to rise here in the U.S. I can sympathize why the United Auto Workers and other unions in Detroit are fighting tooth and nail to maintain their phenomenal health coverage. Foreign automakers with plants on U.S. soil (called “transplants”) have made sure to match such benefits to keep their workers happy and, more importantly, prevent any unions from forming.So what would happen to those benefits if unions didn’t exist anymore?They would disappear. That’s the simplistic answer. Unfortunately, it won’t be that easy.Many analysts believe that China and possibly even India will replace the U.S. as the major car markets in the world. I agree and that explains why Toyota and other automakers, including Ford and GM, are est Read more:Toyota
Intellichoice does Best Deals for Month of October 2006 2008-04-17 22:58:00 Intellichoice does Best Deals for Month
of October
2006CAMPBELL, CA (October 10, 2006) - PRIMEDIA’s IntelliChoice.com, the leading source for automotive ownership cost and value analysis, today announced its “Best Deals of the Month” for October 2006, with Toyota notching an impressive ten vehicle turnout on the list.CAMPBELL, CA (October 10, 2006) - PRIMEDIA’s IntelliChoice.com, the leading source for automotive ownership cost and value analysis, today announced its “Best Deals of the Month” for October 2006, with Toyota notching an impressive ten vehicle turnout on the list.In addition to carrying the car segment with its Prius and Avalon, which it has done consistently for most of the past year, Toyota is putting pressure on Detroit with top rankings in the SUV and truck cat
The Importance of Research 2008-04-17 22:57:00 The Importance of Research
IntelliChoice.com updates vehicle data several times a month in order to capture the many expiring rebates and ongoing programs offered by manufacturers-giving consumers the most up-to-date analysis.IntelliChoice.com’s “Best Deals” designation enables consumers to identify how rebates affect a vehicle’s value throughout ownership and not just at the time of purchase. Ownership costs can vary significantly among different trim lines of the same model. Additionally, IntelliChoice.com continuously updates fuel costs based on the latest data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.Vehicles designated an “IntelliChoice.com Best Deal of the Month” are typically cars and trucks that have good to great ownership cost values before any manufacturer reba
About IntelliChoice.com 2008-04-17 22:53:00 About IntelliChoice.comPart of PRIMEDIA’s Enthusiast Media, IntelliChoice is the market leader in automotive ownership cost and value analysis. Founded in 1986, IntelliChoice is committed to empowering consumers to make better purchase decisions by providing independent and essential automotive information and tools. Through the IntelliChoice web site (www.intellichoice.com), consumers get the help they need to research, compare, configure and price vehicles. The site also connects buyers to the buying alternatives of their choice, including vehicle manufacturers and online buying services.
BMW Driving Event 2008-04-19 22:18:00 BMW Driving
EventOver the summer I attended a BMW driving event geared towards drivers who are just starting out in their quest not to have an accident, namely, teenage drivers. I don’t fit into this category anymore, but still got in some nice time throwing the X3 around at breakneck speeds and on slick pavement conditions.Over the summer I attended a BMW driving event geared towards drivers who are just starting out in their quest not to have an accident, namely, teenage drivers. I don’t fit into this category anymore, but still got in some nice time throwing the X3 around at breakneck speeds and on slick pavement conditions. Photo credits: Heather Lawver. In the parking lot outside of where the Washington Redskins pretend to play football, I attended a three-stage driving event that
BMW 2 Series and M2 2008-04-19 22:14:00 BMW 2 Series and M2Euro CarsThe BMW 1 Series hatchback has been on sale in Europe for awhile now, and now the German automotive powerhouse will be bringing the coupe version of the 1 over to the States as a 2 Series. Normally I wouldn’t be so excited, but the best part about this car arrival is that BMW is finally hitting my market segment with a powerful coupe for around $25,000.The BMW 1 Series hatchback has been on sale in Europe for awhile now, and now the German automotive powerhouse will be bringing the coupe version of the 1 over to the States as a 2 Series. Normally I wouldn’t be so excited, but the best part about this car arrival is that BMW is finally hitting my market segment with a powerful coupe for around $25,000.The new 2 series is rumored to start at $23k for a baselin
BMW vs. Mercedes 2008-04-19 22:07:00 MW vs. Mercedes
Euro CarsThis German car showdown has been done to death, or has it? What forces Bimmer owners to look down at Merc-lovers? How come I’ve never heard a song sung about BMW cars like there are about Benzes? And to quote Jadakiss: why don’t they make the CL6 with a clutch?This German car showdown has been done to death, or has it? What forces bimmer owners to look down at Merc-lovers? How come I’ve never heard a song sung about BMW cars like there are about Mercedes? And to quote Jadakiss: why don’t they make the CL6 with a clutch?If you’ve never been in nor driven either car before, you’d first go to their respective websites and say, “Wow! Mercedes sells way more models than BMW” and you’d be right. Mercedes has a veritable alphabet soup of ways to drop a g
By The Numbers (Subaru) 2008-04-19 22:04:00 By The Numbers
(Subaru
)CHERRY HILL, N.J., March 1, 2007 — Subaru of America, Inc. today reported February sales of 12,875 total units. Sales of the Impreza model line remain strong as it recorded a double digit increase of 14 percent over the same period last year.CHERRY HILL, N.J., March 1, 2007 — Subaru of America, Inc. today reported February sales of 12,875 total units. Sales of the Impreza model line remain strong as it recorded a double digit increase of 14 percent over the same period last year.Subaru B9 Tribeca posted 964 units for the month. Subaru Legacy recorded of 5,776 unit sales, while the Outback accounted for 4,282 units of that line for the month. Subaru Forester recorded 2,971 units in February, while Baja posted 217 units for the month. Subaru Impreza posted a strong
X Game Rally stomped by Subaru team 2008-04-19 22:01:00 X Game Rally
stomped by Subaru
teamLOS ANGELES, August 2006 –Subaru Rally USA driver Travis Pastrana and co-driver Christian Edstrom took the gold medal in the inaugural X Games Rally event held August 2-5, clinching a sweep of the podium by Subaru rally cars. Pastrana edged out a win over rally legend and former Subaru World Rally Champion Colin McCrae.LOS ANGELES, August 2006 –Subaru Rally USA driver Travis Pastrana and co-driver Christian Edstrom took the gold medal in the inaugural X Games Rally event held August 2-5, clinching a sweep of the podium by Subaru rally cars. Pastrana edged out a win over rally legend and former Subaru World Rally Champion Colin McCrae.After discovering he had won the X Games rally competition, a jubilant Pastrana said, “This was a great day for rally
Why Are People Crazy Over Subaru Outbacks? 2008-04-19 21:59:00 Why Are People Crazy
Over Subaru
Outbacks?When I heard people go crazy over cars, I used to sit back and laugh. How ridiculous! I’d hear guys talking to their cars, asking them questions, and generally acting as if their car was a living, breathing thing. Generally, I thought they were nuts. Until I bought a Subaru Legacy Outback.When I heard people go crazy over cars, I used to sit back and laugh. How ridiculous! I’d hear guys talking to their cars, asking them questions, and generally acting as if their car was a living, breathing thing. Generally, I thought they were nuts. Until I bought a Subaru Legacy Outback. Now I am one of those crazy people who talks to her vehicle and who has even given it a name. Bertha. Don’t ask me how I came up with the name Bertha. It just happened one
BMW FS Offers Award-Winning Service 2008-04-20 21:21:00 BMW FS OffersAward
-WinningService
By JoelAdd commentsEuro CarsWoodcliff Lake, NJ - August, 2007… For the fourth consecutive year, BMW Financial Services (BMW FS) ranked highest in dealer satisfaction for retail leasing in the J.D. Power and Associates Dealer Financing Satisfaction StudySM.Woodcliff Lake, NJ - August, 2007… For the fourth consecutive year, BMW Financial Services (BMW FS) ranked highest in dealer satisfaction for retail leasing in the J.D. Power and Associates Dealer Financing Satisfaction StudySM.BMW Financial Services provides financial services to more than 625,000 customers in the United States and leases or finances more than half of the new BMW vehicles sold there.In the retail leasing category, BMW FS ranks the highest in all four retail leasing factors: Offering
Actor Will Ferrell Takes Keys Of BMW Hydrogen 2008-04-20 21:20:00 Actor Will Ferrell
Takes Keys Of BMW Hydrogen 7By JoelAdd commentsEuro CarsWoodcliff Lake, NJ - August 16, 2007… BMW today announced the launch of the Hydrogen 7 Pioneer Program as it handed over the keys of a BMW Hydrogen 7 - the first hydrogen-powered luxury sedan - to Hollywood actor Will Ferrell.Woodcliff Lake, NJ - August 16, 2007… BMW today announced the launch of the Hydrogen 7 Pioneer Program as it handed over the keys of a BMW Hydrogen 7 - the first hydrogen-powered luxury sedan - to Hollywood actor Will Ferrell. Through the Hydrogen 7 Pioneer Program, BMW will give industry leaders and prominent figures in entertainment, politics, business and more a BMW Hydrogen 7 for their daily use.In launching the program, BMW underscores the fact that the BMW Hydrogen 7 is not a concept Read more:Actor
BMW M5 Rolls on Continental Tire at Performance Driving School Rolling 2008-04-20 21:03:00 BMW M5 Rolls
on Continental
Tire at PerformanceDrivingSchoolRolling
Charlotte, NC – July 17,2007 - Continental Tire of North American (CTNA) will supply select tires to the BMW Performance Center and the BMW Performance Driving School in Spartanburg, South Carolina, it was announced today by Ed Marohn, Director of Automotive Aftermarket Sales for Continental Tire of North America. The tires will be provided for the BMW M5, which is the featured vehicle for the BMW Performance Driving School.Charlotte, NC – July 17,2007 - Continental Tire of North American (CTNA) will supply select tires to the BMW Performance Center and the BMW Performance Driving School in Spartanburg, South Carolina, it was announced today by Ed Marohn, Director of Automotive Aftermarket Sales for Continental Tire
2008 BMW 1-Series To Come To U.S 2008-04-20 20:59:00 2008 BMW 1-Series To Come To U.S.By JoelAdd commentsEuro CarsWoodcliff Lake, NJ - June 30, 2007, 6PM EDT… BMW will introduce a modern and authentic performance coupe that draws inspiration from its iconic 2002 models of some 40 years ago. Woodcliff Lake, NJ - June 30, 2007, 6PM EDT… BMW will introduce a modern and authentic performance coupe that draws inspiration from its iconic 2002 models of some 40 years ago. The next BMW legend, the 1 Series Coupe, represents the core BMW philosophies of pure performance and premium design. By combining sporty rear-wheel-drive dynamics, agile handling, powerful engines and seating for four, the 1 Series Coupe will reinvent the niche that the legendary BMW 2002 created.On sale in the spring of 2008, the 1 Series Coupe will be available in two versi
BMW’s US Expansion Plans and Plants 2008-04-20 20:55:00 BMW’s US Expansion
Plans and Plants
Munich. The BMW Group sees further growth potential in the USA and will therefore expand its activities in its largest single market.Munich. The BMW Group sees further growth potential in the USA and will therefore expand its activities in its largest single market. “We will expand the production capacity of our US plant in Spartanburg in the medium term from the current 140,000 to well over 200,000 vehicles per annum”, stated Norbert Reithofer, the Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG at the Annual General Meeting held on Tuesday in Munich. “This is one element of our future strategy. Taking this step will help to lower our US dollar currency risk”, he added. The adverse impact for the BMW Group from the weak US dollar and Japanese yen
By The Numbers (BMW) 2008-04-20 20:54:00 By The NBy The Numbers
(BMW)umbers (BMW)Woodcliff Lake, NJ - March 1, 2007… The BMW Group (BMW and MINI brands combined) reported February sales of 24,642 vehicles, an increase of 11.9 percent over the 22,018 vehicles sold in the same month of 2006. Year-to-date, BMW Group sales increased 5.0 percent, to 46,453 vehicles versus the 44,236 sold in the first two months of 2006.Woodcliff Lake, NJ - March 1, 2007… The BMW Group (BMW and MINI brands combined) reported February sales of 24,642 vehicles, an increase of 11.9 percent over the 22,018 vehicles sold in the same month of 2006. Year-to-date, BMW Group sales increased 5.0 percent, to 46,453 vehicles versus the 44,236 sold in the first two months of 2006.BMW Brand SalesBMW reported sales of 22,274 automobiles and Sports Activity Vehicl
Flash or Cash: Drive Rich, Live Poor 2008-04-20 20:47:00 Flash or Cash: Drive Rich, Live PoorBy JoelA recent article in the Chicago Tribune looked at some of the spending habits of millionaires and there was an interesting side-note on the cars they drove.A recent article in the Chicago Tribune looked at some of the spending habits of millionaires and there was an interesting side-note on the cars they drove.Eye-opening were the brands most-driven by millionaires overthe last few decades. What do you think it was in 1996? Mercedes? BMW? Lexus? Nope, good ol’ Ford. Now today’s top preferred car brand was, surprisingly or not surprisingly, Toyota. Not even the swanky Lexus division, but just Toyota. Also interesting was the fact that in 1996, 37 percent of millionaires bought a used car, and that 60 to 70 percent of millionaires had never owne Read more:Flash
BMW should have put 3 before 7 in tech 2008-04-20 20:46:00 BMW should have put 3 before 7 in techBy JoelAdd commentsEuro CarsOver at The BMW Blog, blogger “Mike” posted an interesting view of the BMW 3 and 7-Series. In his post, he states that BMW should have implemented the now-infamous iDrive on the 3-Series first instead of the 7. Why? Because younger drivers are “…looking for something new. They are willing and accustomed to learning new technology.”I can see what he means. Most older drivers not only don’t want to put the time to study new technology but many don’t have the time to do so. It’s not like they have to learn a new skill or technology for work; driving has not changed dramatically over the past hundred years. No, the big difference is that BMW’s iDrive is a paradigm shift in viewing and using a car’s controls.
Past continues to help/haunt automakers (Part One) 2008-04-20 20:44:00 Past continues to help/haunt
automakers (Part One)By JoelAdd commentsAsian Imports, Domestics, Euro Cars, Personal StoriesAs a fledgling car enthusiast out here in Orange County, Southern California, I’m always interested in hearing what non-enthusiasts think about cars. Ultimately, they’re the ones who determine which vehicle–and its manufacturer–succeed or fail in the marketplace. If what I’m hearing is true, then karma’s a real bi@!$ for several automakers.Acura, Honda:Most of the folks I’ve talked to never consider purchasing an Acura. Several people actually gave me blank stares. But those who own Acuras love them. Honda, on the other hand, gets a huge response: “All our cars are Hondas.” “Honda’s have a great rep.” “I never have problems with my Honda.” As
The New 2006 BMW M5 2008-04-20 20:40:00 The New 2006 BMW M5The new BMW M5 sedan, with its 500 horsepower engine, is in the same league as the Mercedes-Benz E55 AMB and the Audi RS6. All three carmakers quote a 0 to 62 miles per hour time of 4.7 seconds, and all three are capable of a top speed of 155 miles per hour. The BMW M5 is different from its competitors, however, in that it feels like it was designed and built by people with a passion for driving.The new BMW M5 sedan, with its 500 horsepower engine, is in the same league as the Mercedes-Benz E55 AMB and the Audi RS6. All three carmakers quote a 0 to 62 miles per hour time of 4.7 seconds, and all three are capable of a top speed of 155 miles per hour. The BMW M5 is different from its competitors, however, in that it feels like it was designed and built by people with a pas
What That Car Really Costs to Own 2008-04-21 21:35:00 What That Car Really Costs
to OwnKnowing a vehicle's long-term cost over time can save you thousands.Over time, a Mitsubishi Lancer could cost $3,000 more than a Mini Cooper Clubman.A less-expensive car can cost you more in the long run than a more-expensive alternative, our new ownership-costs comparisons have found.At about $17,500, a Mitsubishi Lancer could cost $5,000 less than a Mini Cooper Clubman to drive home. But when you estimate the total costs of ownership for each car, the Lancer could cost you $3,000 more over five years. A Toyota Highlander can cost you $3,000 more to purchase than a Ford Explorer V6, but owning the Ford after five years can cost $6,500 more.In addition to shopping for a good deal, car buyers should also consider how much a model will cost them to own. That
COSTS VARY AMONG SIMILAR MODELS 2008-04-21 21:34:00 COSTS VARY AMONG SIMILAR MODELS• While Hyundai and Kia models have low prices and long warranties, the savings are often offset by poor resale values. Hyundai's Accent and Elantra don't prove any less expensive after five years than Honda's more expensive Fit and Civic. • Most Lexus models have relatively high maintenance and repair costs (primarily due to maintenance), despite excellent reliability. The Lexus ES racks up an average of $2,300 in maintenance and repair in the first five years, about twice what you'd pay on a Lincoln MKZ. • A little sports car can cost less to own than a family sedan. The Mazda Miata and Mazda6 V6 sell for about the same price. But at the end of five years, we estimate the Miata owner will be about $6,000 ahead. • The Toyota Prius is one of the few h
CALCULATING THE COSTS 2008-04-21 21:32:00 CALCULATING THE COSTSOur cost of ownership Ratings comprise six main factors:Depreciation is the largest cost factor by far. On average, it accounts for about 48 percent of total ownership costs over five years. Depreciation is a vehicle's loss in value over a defined period. To calculate it, we start with the price of a typically equipped model and factor in the discounts offered off of the manufacturer's suggested retail price on some models. The average model depreciates about 65 percent over five years. Some vehicles depreciate faster than others because of oversupply, limited appeal, or rebates on similar new models. When we don't have depreciation data for a new model, we use estimates based on comparable vehicles.Fuel costs can really add up, especially for SUVs. For example, you co
Maintenance and repair 2008-04-21 21:29:00 Maintenance and repairMaintenance and repair costs make up 4 percent of ownership costs over five years on average, according to data from 675,000 Consumer Reports subscribers who responded to the online version of our 2007 Annual Car Reliability Survey.They gave us their estimated costs for the last year — excluding tires — and their responses provided data for more than 300 models on vehicles up to eight years old. We used estimates based on similar models when data was unavailable. The majority of the costs are covered by the factory warranty during the first few years. But for some vehicles it can still add up. On average, we found that the Range Rover is the most expensive vehicle to own for maintenance and repairs, costing about $2,000 in the fifth year alone. But the Toyota Land Read more:Maintenance
Mitsubishi honors Top Ten dealerships Nationwide 2008-04-23 21:58:00 Mitsubishi honors Top Ten
dealerships Nationwide
By JoelAdd commentsCar EventsOctober 15, 2007 — CYPRESS, Calif., — Celebrating 25 years of selling cars and trucks in North America, Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) today recognizes ten dealers from across the United States who have owned and operated Mitsubishi franchises since 1982. From Florida to Washington, each 25-year dealer will be honored at special regional events during the month of October. Mitsubishi President and CEO, Hiroshi Harunari will present each dealership owner with a special award commemorating their success and long franchise history with the company. The celebration kicked off last Friday when Mr. Harunari visited Auburn Valley Mitsubishi in Washington State, the first dealership in the U.S. to sell a Mitsu Read more:Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi Third Annual Factory Owner’s Day 2008-04-23 21:57:00 Mitsubishi Third AnnualFactoryOwner
’s DayBy JoelAdd commentsCar EventsSeptember 5, 2007 — Normal, Illinois. — Mitsubishi Motors North America today announces details of its third annual Factory Mitsubishi Owners Day (MOD) event which will take place at the company’s Normal Illinois manufacturing plant Saturday, September 8th from 10-3 p.m.September 5, 2007 — Normal, Illinois. — Mitsubishi Motors North America today announces details of its third annual Factory Mitsubishi Owners Day (MOD) event which will take place at the company’s Normal Illinois manufacturing plant Saturday, September 8th from 10-3 p.m.Created in 2005 and hosted by the Mitsubishi Motors Research & Design California team, the annual party brings together hardcore Mitsubishi brand lovers from across the Read more:Mitsubishi
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