Thing is, it turns out the trendy payload was only skin-deep. We're thinking it was plywood, but you judge for yourself. All we know is — to hold aloft that prestigious award you don't need something as strong as steel girders. Nah, you only need it to look like it.

INTERNATIONAL MaxxPrO™ MaxxPro,™ the International® Mine Protected Vehicle. Built to withstand ballistic arms fire, mineblasts, IEDs, and nuclear, biological, and chemical environments that threaten the safety of its crew. Armoring flexibility allows upgrades to achieve the correct level of protection the mission requires. And International's proven severe service platform means quality, durability and reliability are on the battlefield. The International MPV. Miles Ahead. In protection and progress.

MaxxPro and Maxxpro XL Basic Specifications
Length: 254"- 282"
Width: 99"
Height: 120"
Wheel Base: 153"- 176"
Ground Clearance (Center of Vehicle): 14"
Ground Clearance (Differential Clearance): 11"
Angle of Approach: 58°
Angle of Departure: 46°- 48°
Gradeability: 70% low range
Side Slope: 30%
Mass Tare (GVM): 27,850-29,850 lbs
Payload: 3,650-11,150 lbs
GVWR: 31,500-41,000 lbs
Seating: 2-man crew plus 4-10 passengers
Configuration: 4 x 4
Turning Circle: 58'-68'
protection levels
Ballistic Protection: Armor and glass protection to meet mission needs
Mine Protection: Specialized 'V'-shaped hull design protects against mine/IED blasts
Engine
Make: International® I6 Diesel
Type: Turbo inter-cooled, direct electronic injection, four stroke
Displacement: 8.7 L (530 ci)
Emission Standard: EPA 2005
Maximum Power: 330 hp @ 2,100 rpm
Power/Mass Ratio: 18.9 - 20 hp/US ton
Maximum Torque: 1,150 ft-lbs @ 2,100 rpm
Batteries: 4 x 12-volt Batteries
Alternator: 400 amps
Other Features:
• Blackout lights
• Diamond Logic® Electrical System
Transmission
Make: Allison 3000
Type: 5-Speed Automatic
Trans fer Case
Make: 4 x 4 Two-Speed
Steering System
Steering Type: Hydraulically assisted recirculating ball axles
Front Axle: 16,000 lbs - 20,000 lbs Drive/Steer
Rear Axle: 21,000 lbs - 23,000 lbs Drive
Suspension
Springs: Semi-elliptical leaf springs
Shock Absorbers: Double acting telescopic hydraulic
Service Brakes: Full air brakes with ABS and traction control
Parking Brakes: Air-activated, hand-operated, rear axle brakes
Fording Depth: 36" without preparation
Wheels and tires
Rims: 10" x 20"
Tires: 395/85R20
Run Flats: optional

The commander can see the driver or gunner's view from a touchscreen in his or her section and therefore safely control the vehicle instead of having to move around or take a dangerous peep out of a hatch. It's perfect for working in those dangerous Baghdad or Detroit neighborhoods. We're sure it won't be long before we see a decommissioned one of these on eight chrome dubs somewhere.

BMW RETURNS TO ALMS WITH THE LATEST GENERATION BMW M3 BMW of North America to partner with Rahal Letterman Racing for 2009 season

Chicago, IL/Woodcliff Lake, NJ - February 6, 2008... BMW presented the racing version of the new BMW M3 at the Chicago Auto Show. Powered by a 485 bhp eight cylinder engine, this impressive race car has been designed to compete in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) beginning in 2009. The car is based on the fourth generation of the BMW M3, the high-performance sports car produced by BMW M GmbH.

BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen says: "With the sporting genes of the production BMW M3 being clearly evident, developing a racing version of the car was the next logical step. The fact that the road-going vehicle is fitted with a V8 engine as standard provided us with an ideal base. However, the BMW M3 is more than a race car, it has achieved legendary status amongst race fans across the globe. I am convinced that this unique story of the BMW M3 racing cars will now be expanded upon by the addition of further chapters."

BMW's 2009 entry into the American Le Mans Series will be driven by a partnership between BMW of North America, LLC and Rahal Letterman Racing, co-owned by US motorsport legend Bobby Rahal.

"We are very pleased to be returning to the American Le Mans Series with our latest generation BMW M3," states Tom Purves, Chairman and CEO, BMW of North America. "Sports car racing has been part of BMW of North America's history practically from day one. Just two weeks after the company was incorporated in March 1975, a BMW CSL won the Twelve Hours of Sebring. We are confident that the fourth generation M3 will continue the legacy of its two predecessors which combined to win six manufacturer's championships over nine seasons in US sports car racing. As it has been in the past we believe the ALMS is the ideal venue to showcase the potential of the newest BMW M3."

Echoing that sentiment Bobby Rahal adds, "BMW has an illustrious racing heritage. Rahal Letterman Racing is eagerly anticipating, not only becoming part of that heritage, but helping to enhance it. Our dedication to this project will be without equal and we look forward to racing at the front of the grid with BMW in the years to come."

Martin Birkmann, Motorsports Manager, BMW of North America, adds: "We are very excited to announce our return to the American Le Mans Series with the 4th generation M3 at the same time as the road car hits the BMW showrooms. We are also excited about our partnership with Rahal Letterman Racing. The ALMS offers racing where we can compete against the finest and most renowned automotive brands from Europe and the US. Motorsport is deeply ingrained in the BMW DNA and we are pleased to partner with an organization which shares that same heritage. Rahal Letterman Racing is the perfect partner to be behind the wheel of our new BMW M3 racing effort."

The BMW M3 Race Version: Sportiness personified.

In the course of developing the race version of the BMW M3, BMW's engineers were faced with an ambitious task: to improve upon the sportiness of an already sporting car. A better base would, though, be difficult to find. In standard form the vehicle delivers powerful dynamics and sporting aesthetics. Thanks to an eight cylinder engine producing 414 bhp, BMW's customers are provided with a unique driving experience.

Those engine blocks, cast in BMW's light alloy foundry in Landshut - the very source of BMW's Formula One castings - selected for race duty need to withstand even more power: the BMW P65 race engine delivers 485 bhp.

In order to enable the BMW M3 to make full use of this performance on the race circuit, the experts in Munich have not concentrated solely on the engine, but have race-tuned the chassis as well. The race version of the BMW M3 is wider and significantly lighter than its production equivalent, enabling it to perfectly transmit the power of its V8 to the track. Widespread use of carbon-reinforced plastic (CRP) provides proof of substantial weight reduction. As with the production version, the race car's roof is manufactured from this high-tech material.

The race version of the BMW M3 is clearly aimed at the top echelon of motorsport. As such, it is no surprise to discover that in the course of its development, begun in mid-2007, numerous Formula One techniques were applied. These include computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and wind tunnel analyses, both of which have ensured the best possible aerodynamic package for the BMW M3.

Intelligent control systems have been incorporated throughout the BMW M3. The POWER400 control unit actuates all the accessories fitted to the car, such as lights, wipers, etc., via two bus systems. Traditional relays and fuses are thus eliminated, ensuring considerable weight saving, improved reliability and ease of application. The functions of the BMW P65 engine are managed by an ECU 408 electronic control unit, developed in-house by BMW Motorsport. The software and applications, too, have been developed by the experts in Munich.

An intensive test program, during which the performance of the race car will be honed by BMW Motorsport, looms for the BMW M3 over the coming months. Development drivers will be BMW works drivers Andy Priaulx (GBR), Jörg Müller (GER) and Augusto Farfus (BRA), currently racing in the FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC). The aim is, after all, for the BMW M3 to be an immediate front-runner upon its comeback to the American Le Mans Series.

Technical Specifications BMW M3 Race Version.

Weight: 2,535 lbs./1150 kg

Tank capacity: 29 gallons/110 Liters

Chassis/body: Unitary construction steel body with welded safety cell made of extremely rigid precision steel tubing; safety fuel tank in CRP sandwich tray; pneumatic four-stamp jack system

Aerodynamics: Front fenders, rear apron, hood, roof, trunk lid, rear wing, front wings, and flared rear wheel arches in CRP

Transmission: Carbon fiber clutch with hydraulic central slave cylinder;
6-speed sequential racing transmission with straight-cut, unsynchronized gears;
additional oil/air cooler; quick shift system with ignition cut-out controlled by shifting force; mechanical limited slip differential with additional oil/air cooler

Front axle: Based on production version, with increased wheel caster angle, enlarged track width and enhanced wheel camber; five-way adjustable shock absorbers; tubular stabilizer bar

Rear axle: Based on production version, with enlarged track width and enhanced wheel camber; five-way adjustable shock absorbers, tubular stabilizer bar

Front brake system: Six-piston aluminum brake calipers, inner-vented grey-cast iron brake disks 15.0 in./380mm in diameter

Rear brake system: Four-piston aluminum brake calipers, grey-cast iron brake disk, 13.1 in./332mm in diameter

Steering: Rack and pinion steering with electro-hydraulic power

Wheels: Aluminum wheels, 18 inches

BMW P65 Engine.

Type: Eight cylinder, V-configuration

Capacity: 3999 cc

Bore x stroke: 92 x 75.2 mm/3.62 x 2.96 in.

Max. output: approx. 485 bhp

Max. torque: approx. 368 lb-ft/500 Nm

Cylinder block: Aluminum cylinder block construction with bed plate lower section

Crankshaft: Steel crankshaft

Pistons: Forged skirt pistons

Conrods: High-performance steel

Cylinder head: Aluminum DOHC (Double Over Head
Camshaft); four valves per cylinder

Valve train: Four overhead chain-driven camshafts, valve actuation via rocker arms

Intake system: Eight throttle valves, made of CRP with load-charge optimized ram tubes

Exhaust system: Headers, mufflers

Fuel system: Single cylinder multi-point injection

Lubrication: Dry sump lubrication

Cooling: Water/air cooler and oil/water heat exchanger

Electrics/Electronics.

Engine management: BMW Motorsport ECU 408 with two high-performance micro-processors; Individual cylinder injection and ignition;
BMW Motorsport Lambda Controller
Pit speed limiter, Quick Shift function;
Engine data memory system

Energy management: Electric energy management and monitoring with BMW Motorsport POWER400 control unit,
networking of all sensors and actuators through bus system

Wiring harness: Weight optimized

Ignition coil: Eight high-performance pencil coils with integrated ignition drivers

Spark plugs: High-performance spark plugs

Cockpit: Free programmable LCD Display with integrated shift indicators

Steering wheel: Quick release multi-function steering wheel w/ integrated display unit

Though the outside is iffy, the insides aren't bad, and the sound system choices are respectable, with a 360W Rockford Acoustics designed 8 speaker system, 7" touchscreen, and 6 months of free Sirius radio. We don't want to bust on the Galants too much because that would be mean, but at this point, prettying up the Galant is like putting lipstick on a pig. In case you were wondering why there are only pics of two cars, we're assuming the Galant Sport (sans V6) would have put the gathered masses to sleep.

XC70 SR Press Release

Las Vegas, NV (October 30, 2007) - Southern California's lifeguards have been glamorized by Hollywood for decades. While they share the spirit of adventure and camaraderie, these dedicated men and women are highly trained professionals who take safety very seriously.

Guided by the surfing lifestyle and casual beach culture, the XC70 SR's brilliant yellow and red paint scheme is authenticated by Catalina Island's City of Avalon official seal. The Volvo XC70 is capable of back-country emergency duty; all-terrain victim support services and a broad array of rescue missions that are critical to those in need.

"California's picturesque Catalina Island, and its historic city of Avalon, hosts tourists and sportsmen from around the world. Its unique deep canyon terrain, remote wilderness areas, deep water coves, secluded surf spots and hard-to-reach campsites and anchorages make rescue operations a top priority," said Catalina's spokesman, Wayne Griffin. "The impressive Volvo concept model is equipped to meet the real world needs of emergency service providers in Catalina and wherever all-access, fast response vehicular support is demanded. With high service demands here on the island, a flexible use rescue unit would be an asset; this concept vehicle could realistically meet our many unique evac demands including the many surf related incidents we respond to every year," he added.

The Volvo Catalina Island Rescue unit epitomizes the company's slogan and offers rescue operations specialists a glimpse of what is possible - a safe, comfortable and capable response support vehicle from a manufacturer committed to the idea that human life is to be celebrated and preserved.

Wrapped with eye-catching Surf Rescue graphics and City of Avalon insignia, the concept model can be easily seen on a crowded beach, in deep canyon terrain or from air support equipment. It sports a custom-crafted front fascia that wears a one-off milled aluminum billet grille. Front and rear skid plates and wider wheel lip cladding has been added for extra body protection from flying sand. The new fascias also reduce front and rear overhang, thereby improving approach and departure angles.

The chassis has been lifted an additional five inches from the stock ride height for improved ground clearance. It also makes way for a massive set of custom designed 20-inch wheels and Pirelli 275/45R20 tires sporting a unique tread pattern for increased traction. The rear subframe has been beefed-up for added ruggedness with milled aluminum billet components.

True to form, the XC70 SR is topped by a unique aerodynamically designed roof-mounted emergency light bar integrated with a rescue board rack. Not only does this treatment contribute to the stunning good looks of the vehicle, it also helps to reduce wind drag by attaching directly to the XC70's OEM supplied roof rails.

When it's time to respond to a call, the driver or front passenger can activate a barrage of flashing blue strobe emergency lights. In addition to the roof, they're neatly inset into the lower front valance panel, headlight and rear combination light clusters as well as the inside rearview mirror.

Lifeguards get wet and sandy on the job so the interior has been modified for heavy-duty use - without sacrificing style. The XC70's standard front bucket and folding rear seats have been recovered in wetsuit style neoprene fabric that's custom tailored in black and gray with bright yellow inserts. Decorative interior panels throughout the cabin are tinted yellow to segue with the spirit of the exterior hue.

Bulky emergency rescue gear housed in the cargo compartment can easily be accessed via the XC70's power rear tailgate. Secured to the neoprene covered floor are two scuba tanks, an oxygen tank, a small first aid kit, a resuscitator box and a large waterproof box containing additional medical supplies and surf rescue equipment.

The XC70's 3.2-liter in-line 6-cylinder normally aspirated engine produces 235 horsepower and 236 lb.-ft. of torque. It's mated to a six-speed "Geartronic" automatic transmission that enables the driver to shift manually when desired. All-wheel-drive with Instant TractionTM is standard. Electronic Hill Descent Control (HDC) uses the vehicle's brakes and engine torque to crawl in bottom gear on steep downhill slopes.

GAME-CHANGING TRUCK COMBINES STYLE, FUNCTIONALITY; INTERNATIONAL LONESTAR DEBUTS AT CHICAGO AUTO SHOW
New Flagship Product Blends Striking Design, Fuel Economy, Comfort

CHICAGO, Feb. 7, 2008 - The deep-throated roar of a big bore diesel engine wrapped in a sleek chrome grill announced the arrival today of the world's most innovative big-rig truck. Navistar International Corp. (Other OTC: NAVZ) unveiled its International® brand's new flagship product, the visually stunning and technologically advanced LoneStar, at the Chicago Auto Show.

With a striking, aerodynamic appearance and breakthrough functional innovations inside and out, the International® LoneStar® is the result of extensive customer research and automotive-inspired design - a new truck that changes the game for today's trucking professional. It creates a new category of Class 8 trucks called "Advanced Classic," in which technology and innovative styling converge with next-generation aerodynamic design to deliver superior fuel efficiency. LoneStar also sets a higher standard for comfort - through improved ergonomics, an industry-leading suspension, advanced electronics and a quiet cab.

"This truck is unlike anything on the road today," said Daniel C. Ustian, Navistar chairman, president and CEO. "The International LoneStar closes the gap between workstyle and lifestyle for driving professionals, combining peak productivity with emotional appeal. It is the product of Navistar's culture of relentless innovatation, and embodies the spirit both of today's driving professionals and the dynamic, transforming energy inside our company."

"Our customers told us they want three things: A truck that makes a statement about the driver, comfort on the road whether working or resting, and the combination of fuel economy and servicability that helps them make more money," said Dee Kapur, president, Navistar Truck Group. "LoneStar delivers on all accounts. Now, drivers don't have to compromise. They can have it all - looks, efficiency, comfort, functionality and productivity."

- MORE -
International LoneStar Launched / Page 2

LoneStar is a breakthrough product that resulted from a breakthrough process. The truck progressed directly from math and clay models to production - without any development prototypes.

"Our engineering team, which has diverse backgrounds in the automotive, aerospace and trucking industries, felt confident that we could develop this truck without spending months in prototyping," said Tom Baughman, vice president and general manager, Navistar Heavy Truck Vehicle Center. "We knew we had a winning truck, and we wanted to make it available to our customers as soon as it could be ready."

LoneStar features advanced ride and handling, class-leading quietness and the luxurious and functional Suite interior that rivals many offices and living rooms.

Automotive-style features built into the LoneStar include:
• Standard ABS
• Roll stability
• Traction control
• Bluetooth Integration for hands-free phone use
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Automotive-style dash and gauges with rosewood or titanium trim
• 50-degree wheel cut

LoneStar's interior is as distinctive, innovative and practical as its skin. After listening to hundreds of driving professionals, the design team developed an interior that features a level of comfort and functionality typically found in recreational vehicles.

Interior highlights include:
• Wood flooring in the sleeper cab
• Sofa-bed design with back pillows
• Swivel chairs
• Closed "airline" cabinets for maximum storage
• Monsoon stereo system with 11 speakers, sub-woofer and amplifier
• Pull-down bed with 42-inch premium mattress
• Workspaces to plug in laptop computers and work in a desk-like setting
• Mini refrigerator

"In an average week, a truck driver may spend 120 hours in his or her truck - driving, eating, sleeping, running a business, even entertaining friends," said David Allendorph, chief designer for Navistar's Truck Group. "We designed the LoneStar's environment to be both highly functional and comfortable. No other truck's interior delivers the style, comfort and practicality we have built into the LoneStar."

Fuel efficiency is increasingly important for truck owners. LoneStar is projected to be five percent to 15 percent more fuel efficient than classic trucks, equating to an annual savings of $3,000 to $8,000.

"The aerodynamic design of LoneStar's hood, windshield and side skirts will save them real money," Allendorph said. "Truck pros can have a unique, customizable truck that will reward them at the pump. When you are spending $1,000 or more with each fill-up, you really appreciate the fuel efficiency of the LoneStar."

The distictive grille and sloped hood were inspired by International's D-Series trucks, which helped transform America's cross-country transportation in the early 20th Century. A restored and modified example of that truck, the DMAXX, also is on display at the International booth.

The LoneStar will be available for order from nearly 900 dealer locations in North America beginning in April 2008. Production of the trucks will begin in August 2008 at Navistar's plant in Chatham, Ontario, Canada and will be delivered to customers in fall 2008.

In addition to the LoneStar and DMAXX, other Navistar vehicles at the Chicago Auto Show include the International MaxxPro™, Navistar's mine-resistant military vehicle that helps protect the U.S. military from roadside bombs; a military version of the International MXT that includes Raytheon's advanced medium-range air-to-air missile (SL-AMRAAM) launcher; and the civilian International MXT, an extreme pickup truck launched at the Chicago Auto Show in 2006 that can haul nearly eight tons and tops out at $135,000.

That's what we've got in about five seconds of thinking about what we would do if we were the Chief of Badge Engineering for an automaker. What about you?

Intern Kevin's Swag Watch

Swag from Suzuki for the launch of the Suzuki Equator was an Automoblox, a modular toy for three year old children. It's neat that it's modular and can be put together in all sorts of different combinations, only one of which actually makes sense. It's even funnier that it has the Suzuki badge on the front given that, in essence, that's what an Equator is.

From Motor Week was an anti-gravitational magnetic pen modeled after a shift knob that cradles itself in a weighted base.

From Toyota is a screen-printed t-shirt flooded with Matrix logos. It would be a sweet shirt... if it wasn't a Toyota Matrix.

Cars.com provided a low-quality battery powered cell phone charger, along with it is approximately 953 attachments for different cell phone charger ports, none of which fit any of our phones. Due to it's shoddy quality and inferior third world country design, a simple action such as inserting the battery backwards caused the unit to warm up to ridiculous temperatures.