The Miles Electric is the brainchild of Polo by Ralph Lauren Jeanswear founder and avowed environmentalist Miles Rubin and it has taken a more stealthy approach to the public spotlight. The Highway Speed is an all-electric converted version of the Hafei Saibao 3, a Chinese-made compact that actually passes European safety standards — shocking! Pun intended.

The Miles Electric Highway Speed, which is the unofficial but silly name, draws power from a 37 KW lithium iron phosphate battery pack which charges on 220V power and has enough juice for a 100 mile round trip. The still murky motivating motor reaches a claimed acceleration of 8.2 seconds 0-to-60 MPH with a top speed over 80 MPH. Chassis and battery components are built and assembled in China at the Hafei assembly line while the motor and controller are US made components.

But what's the bottom line on all of this? Price, somewhere in the neighborhood of $40,000 to $45,000, but considering the battery pack exceeds the 20 KW capacity which earns the federal $7,500 incentive, the price becomes a bit more reasonable. But that's not really the bottom line anyway is it? The real question is whether Americans, and Californians specifically, would consider buying a largely Chinese-made electric vehicle built by a company captained by a fashionista environmentalist. [via Hybrid Cars]

Cars.com Set to Kick Off 2009 Marketing Campaign With New Super Bowl Spot

CHICAGO — Nov. 10, 2008 — Cars.com, a leading online automotive shopping destination, today announced plans to kick off its 2009 marketing campaign by once again advertising during the Super Bowl. This is the second year that Cars.com will advertise in the Big Game. Super Bowl XLIII will air on NBC on February 1, 2009.

“We made significant strides in moving our brand forward through our Super Bowl ads and our overall marketing campaign in 2008,” said Mitch Golub, president of Cars.com. “We want to keep that momentum moving forward in 2009, and advertising on the Super Bowl - which was seen by a record 97.5 million viewers - gives Cars.com a way to kick off that campaign in a big way."

Cars.com will have one 60-second commercial that will air during the second quarter. The spot will feature a new twist on its successful 2008 “Confidence Comes Standard” campaign. The campaign features car shoppers who are confident in their new car purchase because of the preparation they did on Cars.com. Their preparation keeps them from resorting to an outrageous “Plan B” scenario they initially thought they would need to get the deal they wanted from the dealer.

The Cars.com 2009 plan will be a national, integrated media campaign that will run throughout the year and will be backed by the local promotional power of Cars.com's affiliate network, which includes hundreds of leading newspapers, TV stations and their websites.

Since Cars.com launched its first national media campaign in May 2004, the company has continued to set records in the number of monthly unique visitors to the site. Today, more than 10 million people visit Cars.com each month.

"Cars.com’s media campaigns have always been about reaching high-quality, ready-to-buy customers and delivering them, ultimately, to our dealer partners," Golub said. “As we roll out our national media campaign for 2009, we will continue to drive recognition of the Cars.com brand and further establish the site as a leading car shopping destination so, as consumers begin looking for a new car, Cars.com is top of mind.”
About Cars.com
Cars.com is the leading destination for online car shoppers, offering credible, easy-to-understand information from consumers and experts to help buyers formulate opinions on what to buy, where to buy and how much to pay for a car. With comprehensive pricing information, side-by-side comparison tools, photo galleries, videos, unbiased editorial content and a large selection of new- and used-car inventory, Cars.com puts millions of car buyers in control of their shopping process with the information they need to make confident buying decisions.

Launched in June 1998, Cars.com is a division of Classified Ventures, LLC, which is owned by leading media companies, including Belo (NYSE: BLC), Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI), The McClatchy Company (NYSE: MNI), Tribune Company and The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO).

Automobili Lamborghini establishes new branch in People´s Republic of China

As part of the strategy to further expand its global business activities, Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. will found a branch in China. Following a recent decision by the Board of Management, the Italian luxury sportscar manufacturer will establish Automobili Lamborghini China in the country´s capital city Beijing and will start operations at the beginning of 2009.

Lamborghini´s rise to become one of the most successful and profitable super sportscar manufacturers is the result of a clear dual strategy. First, the creation of an incomparable new, broad and attractive product portfolio. Second and equally important, the ongoing expansion of brand representation to ensure substantial presence in all major markets of the world.

The President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A., Stephan Winkelmann, points out the strategic rationale of the move: "China has the strongest dynamics of change to undoubtedly become the leading economy in the world. As one of the symbols of European luxury tradition, our products and our brand promise are irrevocably moving into the focus of a growing number of people. The development of wealth and the developing 'savoir-vivre' in China makes it one of the pivotal markets for Lamborghini's future growth. The decision to establish a branch in China illustrates our dedication to opening the potential of this market for Lamborghini. Our new regional office will ensure the presence of the brand and further the prosperity of the corporation on a global scale."

In 2008 Automobili Lamborghini expects a growth of car sales in China by 186% (28 cars in 2007 toward 80 in 2008). The market for luxury products is characterized by stable and solid growth and by a wide presence in practically all major economic metropolis throughout the country. At the time being, Automobili Lamborghini has three dealers located in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Beijing, one in Hong Kong, and another two will be shortly be opened in Chengdu and Qingdao. More are to be established.

Lamborghini is focused on establishing a roughly equal split of worldwide sales between the three major continental regions: Northern America, Europe and Asia

Stephan Winkelmann has appointed Eginardo Bertoli as Country Manager of Automobili Lamborghini China. Mr Bertoli will report directly to Enrico Maffeo, Director of Sales and Customer Service worldwide, who is based at the Lamborghini headquarters in Italy. Mr. Bertoli has a strong background in the automotive industry, having worked for a range of international companies such as Fiat Powertrain Technologies, Kongsberg Automotive and Interpump Group S.p.A.

Mr Bertoli's career has included senior positions in Italy, the USA as well as China. During his three years' assignment for Iveco Motors in Shanghai he gained substantial experience of the Chinese market. Zhang Xiaodong will be head of customer service China. He will manage all aftersales operations including warranty, parts and service, and will report to Eginardo Bertoli.

[Lamborghini]

In keeping with his elite Northeastern liberal ways, Joe Biden typically rides AMTRAK back and forth from DC and Delaware, claiming last summer, ““I am the reason Amtrak keeps moving.” When Joe isn’t single-handedly keeping our nation’s rail system in business, he drives a 1967 Corvette, which might indicate that he moonlights as some sort of pimp.

When asked what type of car he drove, John McCain couldn’t remember. Thankfully, a younger, less mentally decayed aid was able to point out that not only did McCain own a Cadillac CTS, but that he even passed his last vision test at the DMV. McCain did remember that his first car was a 1958 Corvette, although why he didn’t start driving well into his 20s we don’t understand.

In keeping with her role as a rugged frontier mother of five and sworn enemy of Communist Russia, Sarah Palin drives a Chevy Suburban. The eight-seat vehicle may not be big enough for her growing family though, which will number nine when her 17-year-old daughter gives birth and gets married. Palin’s suburban is provided by the state of Alaska; in keeping with her hard-partying ex-beauty queen nature, she previously drove a Ford Mustang.

In addition to his gas guzzling V8 Chrysler 300, Obama once owned an equally unfrugal 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee. We’re unable to confirm if either vehicle was ever used for drug dealing, but we’d like to ask that question, and strongly insinuate an answer anyway.

Of course, both candidates and their running mates aspire to trade up to the ultimate in wasteful government spending: a fleet of armored Cadillac Limos. While we don’t have official MPG figures on these vehicles, we can only assume that their environment-killing credentials are topped by Air Force One and Marine One, respectively. [via the LA Times]

DAVIS, California (April 13, 2007) — A dealership for electric car pioneer ZAP (OTC Bulletin Board: ZAAP) opened this week in the City of Davis.

This is the first electric car dealership for Davis, California, famous for being one of the most bicycle-friendly towns in the world. The University of California at Davis is also known for advanced transportation technologies, with its renowned Institute for Transportation Studies. Theo Drushell and Tom Kelly are Davis' first electric car dealers, with Davis Electric Cars.

"I think the size of [Davis] allows you to live on the outskirts and drive to town and back several times on the same charge," said Theo Drushell, co- owner of Davis Electric Cars, to the UC Davis Newspaper, The California Aggie (http://www.californiaaggie.com). "Davis is also flat, so driving around will take less energy."

The new dealership carries ZAP's XEBRA Sedan and Truck. ZAP calls the XEBRA (pronounced 'zebra') a 'city-car,' designed for short distance driving up to 40 MPH. Able to plug into any standard electrical outlet, the XEBRA was designed to quickly and affordably fill the need for all-electric cars and trucks brought on by recent high gas prices. ZAP says the XEBRA can be a great value for corporate and business fleets looking to save money on fuel, but also could be just what environmentalists are looking for as an alternative. Customers can even order zebra-stripes.

ZAP manufactures the XEBRA electric car and truck through a strategic partnership with a Chinese automaker and sells them through a licensed sales and service network for about $10,000. The cars will cost about $0.02 cents per mile to charge on electricity versus $0.12 cents or more for gasoline.

"[The cars] plug into regular 110-watt plugs," said Drushell. "You can plug it in at home, at work, at certain businesses and hotels."

You can see the vehicles and meet with the owners at the dealership or at upcoming events like the UC Davis Picnic Day Parade (Saturday April 14th 10AM), the Green Car Gala (John Natsoulas Gallery: 521 First Street ~ Saturday April 14th 6:30PM-10PM), and Celebrate Davis! (Community Park ~ May 17, 2007 4:30PM-9:00PM). On April 21st from noon-4:00PM, Davis Electric Cars will host a Grand Opening Celebration at its Olive Drive location.

One of the great benefits of electric cars is less maintenance (they have less than 10% the moving parts when compared to a gasoline vehicle). Electric vehicles don't have pistons, transmission, engine oil, spark plugs, valves, grinding starters, clutch, rotors, distributor, oil filters, fuel pumps, fuel filters, air filters, radiators, anti-freeze, water pumps, timing belts, fan belts, catalytic converters, or mufflers. No fumes, no exhaust, no smog tests, no oil changes, no radiator flushes, no loud engine, no warm-ups, no gas lines, and the batteries are recyclable.

The owners of Davis Electric Cars, Theo Drushell and Tom Kelly, are advocates of bicycle transportation first and EV transportation as an alternative. Theo (a graduate of Humboldt State University) and his wife (a graduate of UC Davis) are committed to working with the community in bringing this venture to life. Tom (a graduate of UC Berkeley) has been a long-time advocate of utilizing technology to promote advancement in an environmentally friendly manner. He pioneered a toner cartridge recycling company in the 1980s that is currently saving over 200 tons of plastics from entering our landfills every month.

A publicly owned company based in Santa Rosa, California, ZAP has strong ties with UC Davis. Many employees in ZAP's 12-year history were UC Davis graduates. ZAP Chairman Gary Starr built his first electric car as an undergraduate at UC Davis in 1974 during the gasoline shortages caused by the OPEC oil embargo. ZAP's first dealership in Santa Rosa, California is managed by UC Davis graduate Jeff Schneider.

Once the temperature surpasses a pre-determined temperature, the system will automatically roll down the windows of the car giving fresh air to the pooch and give it the opportunity to escape your life. If you really need a device this, maybe pet and animal responsibility is not the top priority on your list and you should forfeit your dog-ownership rights. The Hotdog is available for $366. [Criminalistics via Giz]

CARMAX REPORTS MOST POPULAR VEHICLE COLORS

RICHMOND, Va. (March 11, 2008) - CarMax, Inc. (NYSE: KMX) the nation's largest retailer of used cars, reports the color black has topped the list as the most popular color for vehicle searches conducted on carmax.com in February.

"We find color choice is a very important consideration for customers when car shopping," said Mark Simmons, Purchasing Manager in San Diego, California. "I am not surprised that black tops the list. The color black looks good on nearly every make and model."

Used car shoppers' top five color choices for online searches in February were:

Color Choice Percent of Searches
Black 36%
White 17%
Blue 11%
Red 10%
Silver 9%

Other colors of interest to online shoppers included gray (6%), green (4%) and yellow (2%).

Online shoppers can use the CarMax website to search the company's inventory of more than 25,000 new and used cars. The website showcases each vehicle with multiple photos, the no-haggle price, and information on features, options, fuel economy and customer reviews. In fiscal 2008, carmax.com averaged more than five million visits per month. Additionally, approximately 70 percent of in-store customers visited the website before coming to the store.

[Source: CarMax]

Gawker Media polls require Javascript; if you're viewing this in an RSS reader, click through to view in your Javascript-enabled web browser.

If Jesse and his team are going to create a suped-up, mud-spitting off-road dragster, they're going to start it off right: with a 1973 Corvette whose engine is nothing other than a 454 Chevy big block. The cars moving parts include custom front and rear drive shafts. Sprockets for the chain drive were welded to output shaft and front-drive shaft. Additional machine parts included a 5-gallon aluminum fuel cell. Body modifications were done to the wheel wells by slightly enlarging them to accommodate the tires. The team's biggest challenge was creating a 4-wheel drive chassis that is as light as possible, yet strong enough to take a beating. THE TEAM: Jesse James, custom-bike builder/designer, West Coast Choppers, Long Beach, CA, John Best, Corvette mechanic, Brea, CA, Dave Collier, electrician/desert racer, San Marcos, CA, Chuck Courty Jr., national mud-bogging champ, Pittsburgh, PA, Dick Guldstrand, racecar racer/builder/designer and Corvette expert, Guldstrand Engineering, Burbank, CA, Bobby McCurdy, fabricator, Henderson, NV, Mike Stapleton, head mechanic, Wilson Motor Sports, Bellflower, CA, and Don Vierstra, freelance artist, Buena Park, CA. VEHICLE SPECS: Engine: 454 Chevy big block; Pistons: Chevy stock (eight); Camshaft: Edelbrock Performer from Jeg's; Induction: Edelbrock Performer carburetor/intake manifold from Jeg's; Ignition: HEI; Exhaust: Hooker flanges, zoomie headers by Jesse (chromed); Transmission: 400 Turbo; Converter: 2,200 rpm stall; Drive Shaft: custom fabricated with chain drive and jack shaft to front axle (4-wheel drive); Rear Axle: Ford 9"; Front Axle: 1984 Toyota 4Runner front end purchased from junkyard. Steering: original Corvette steering box turned 90 degrees to link up with Toyota front end. Front Suspension: racing air shocks from King Shocks, custom-fabricated linkage. Rear Suspension: racing air shocks from King Shocks, custom-fabricated four-link with panhard bar. Front Tires: Mickey Thompson Baja Claw 33x13.50-15LT; Rear Tires: Mickey Thompson Baja Claw 35x15.50-15LT; Wheels: Mickey Thompson Challenger 15x29. Interior: The bulk of the original interior was removed. A custom-fabricated roll cage was installed. Stock seats were replaced with Cobra racing seats from Subé Sports. A nitrous tank from Nitrous Express was mounted in the storage space. Electronics: Nitrous was wired to the horn; a nitrous purge was mounted on a Maltese-cross template under the dash. Body: The original Corvette fiberglass body was only slightly modified; the hood was removed. Paint: House of Kolor white-sealer base coat, then a blend of 12 different colors created with true-blue pearl, magic-blue pearl and snow-white pearl. Height: 52"; Width: 69"; Length: 185"; Ground Clearance: 8"; Weight: 3,000 pounds. **SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY. SPECIAL CONDITIONS APPLY**

The radio was touting it all week in the ads. You knew it had to happen, but wow there were munchkins everywhere around the full-sized versions of Tow Mater and Lightning McQueen. I think one of them may have tried to chew through my leg to get around me. Sadly, I wasn't able to catch the flash mob that almost cost me an appendage (would you be taking pics or fighting them off?), so you'll have to settle for these relatively tame specimens. When reached for comment on the day, McQueen only managed to belch a whiskey tainted "I USED TO BE A STAR!" through his grill before passing out in a puddle of his own oil. The plight of the one-hit wonder strikes again. One more picture after the jump. – Ben Wojdyla

Related:
Flip the Bonnet of 'Cars' [internal]

GTM says feedback from the public has led it to turbocharge the Honda Civic Type-R powerplant in its GTM 40TR (track and race) roadster. Now, the Ariel Atom and KTM X-Bow challenger will reportedly do the zero-to-60 hop in 3.5 seconds, compared with the previous incarnation's under four seconds. That's been achieved, they say, by boosting the 2.0-liter powerplant to 300 hp. We're still put off by that weird aluminum superstructure, but if that's what it takes, so be it. – Mike Spinelli

Press Release:

Increased Turbo Charged Power and new design for Sporty GTM40TR

GTM's new anniversary car - the 40TR (Track and Race) will be boosted with the arrival of a more powerful 300bhp engine and improved exterior design. The niche vehicle manufacturer based in the Midlands is turbo charging the Honda 2 litre Type R powerplant by another 80bhp following public feedback.

Lloyd Taylor, General Manager of GTM Cars Ltd. said: "Potential and existing GTM customers made us aware of the requirements for a more powerful version of the 40TR so we have boosted the Honda engine to over 300bhp, making the ultra light racing car even faster but still superb value for money."

The revised powerplant is expected to reach 60mph in approximately 3.5 seconds and go on to a top speed of well over 150mph.

The 2-seater featuring an exposed aluminium super-structure will also gain a revised front nose cone and rear wing. The 40TR has been designed as a joint venture with another Midlands company, Stadco Engineering, and is expected to cost between 14,000 to 16,000.

The Coventry company has designed and is manufacturing the GTM 40TR for the racing track as well as a road legal version both of which will have the potential to run on biofuel. GTM is exploring the potential for a one-make race series linked to the Energy Efficient Motor-Sports initiative.

First drives will be available by mid May 2007.

Since every car on the NEXTEL Cup circuit today is based on a four-door sedan anyway, and the Holden HSV E Series GTS actually does look a bit like the Butterscotch Stallion-voiced protagonist of Pixar's Cars, this DVD-release tie-in promo actually makes quite a bit of sense. Contestants can either enter online or via a coupon enclosed in Australian copies of the film's DVD. The GTS is a near piece of kit, but we'd prefer a Hudson Hornet. – Davey G. Johnson

Cars, Australia [via Autoblog]

Related:
Yes, Virginia, Manohla Dargis May Well be an Idiot [Internal]

Ford released more photos of the 2007 Mondeo as it appears during filming of the next James Bond vehicle, "Casino Royale." It's not the first workaday sedan of Ford's to launch in a Bond flick; in 1976, a pre-production Taunus-Cortina appeared in "The Spy Who Loved Me." In the case of this 2007 Mondeo five-door, a pre-production workup that's been fitted with a sports bodykit and layered in a metallic blue dubbed "Tonic," moviegoers will see it in a sequence shot on location in the Carribean. According to a press release, new 007 Daniel Craig uses it, "to drive to a hotel after arriving in the Bahamas on the trail of a terrorist cell." Oh no, it's a rental? – Mike Spinelli [Gallery 1] [Gallery 2]

Related:
Spy Photos: 2007 Ford Mondeo Sedan [internal]

What can you say about a million dollar car that tries to kill people while others are watching, other than "Get get me John Carpenter and Hal Needham, stat." The 806-hp Koenigsegg CCX is gaining that kind of reputation, though no one's been killed and no Koenigseggs have shown up on Wrecked Exotics yet. Still, on an episode of "Top Gear" you'll recall, a CCX tried to at least maim the Stig, though Stiggy struck back after the company slapped on a wing to turn in the fastest time ever on the BBC show's test track. Now, a guy in Norway got his arse rotated by an angry CCX, which had the wing. Wing or no, the K-egg is obviously not to be trifled with in front of an audience.

Dude, you just spun your Koenigsegg [MotorAuthority]

Related:
KITT-ingsegg: Speculating on the New Knight 2000; On A Wing And A Prayer: Top Gear's Koenigsegg-egg-egg-egg Test Redux [internal]

AutoExpress is adding its two quid to the Mini Clubman debate. AE pluralizes the coming model's half-sized rear door(s), which insiders have said will be in singular — that is, passenger side (US) only. (Of course, that could be a typo.) They also say the rear window is split down the middle, while the license plate will fall to the bumper. They also say the Mini will take the Traveller name, though we've already heard trademark issues will press the Clubman into service blowing our minds. Let all the children boogie.

Mini Traveller [AutoExpress via Autoblog]

Related:
Over the Back Fence: Mini to Call Wagon Clubman, Launch it in 2008; Spy Photos: 2008 Mini Clubman Estate [internal]

Listen, we feel really bad for Chicagoland doctor Lanny Wilson. He lost his 14-year-old daughter to a Metra train collision while his son was trying to get her to a rehearsal on time and ignored the lights. And now he's campaigning to have the scene in Cars where Lightning McQueen just barely beats a train across the tracks deleted from the DVD release. From the Chicago Tribune:

"It's a red car approaching the railroad crossing and I thought, 'Oh no, please don't do what I think you're going to do,'" said Wilson, noting that the car Luke was driving also was red."

Railroad safety advocate says 'Cars' is reckless [Chicago Tribune]

Related:
Yes, Virginia, Manohla Dargis May Well be an Idiot [Internal]

Although politically we're generally pretty lefty, we're feeling like Brock Yates on potentially lethal cocktail of bad speed and cheap whiskey right now, all due to Manohla Dargis' review of Cars in the NYT. Now, we admit that story-wise Pixar has crafted stronger efforts, but the sheer love of automobilia and the intrinsic understanding of the pleasure of driving is implicit in the film, and because of that, to us, Cars is our favorite of any of Pixar's efforts. Tony Shalhoub as a Fiat Cinquecento tire-dealership owner? What's not to love about that bit of casting brilliance, character execution and detail? More after the jump; slight spoiler alert for those bent on clicking through who haven't seen the film.

Because we love bands like Jawbreaker, Rites of Spring and H sker D , we totally welled up when the Paul Newman-voiced Doc showed up in his "Fabulous Hudson Hornet" livery. In fact, we even spilled over a bit. Sure, the film is sentimental for a bygone era, but so are many of Pixar's films; it's one of the reasons they appeal to adults and children alike. While six-year-olds won't understand the significance of Strip Weathers' #43 Plymouth Superbird, gearhead adults sure as hell will.

Quoth the Manohla: "There, on a derelict lick of asphalt, he meets a pileup of metal and ethnic clich s, including a tow truck with a deep-fried accent (Larry the Cable Guy as Mater) and a lowrider that apparently hopped in from East L.A. (Cheech Marin as Ramone)."

But here's the deal: we drove around Pedro this afternoon with Bumbeck. The bombas and lowriders were out in force. And who drives them? Dudes who talk like Cheech, a man who invented his own loving/acid homage to the vatos locos and pachucos of East LA. What's more, those guys essentially invented custom car culture, at least as it existed after the heyday of rich folks with custom-bodied Delahayes.

But we think that Dargis probably wouldn't understand the cultural heritage there; the role it's played in the history of America — a place where things now are both recycled and slightly recyclable — including NASCAR. But Lasseter combined four periods of the sport's history, illustrating the richness of motorsport heritage, as well as the pleasure of just getting in one's car with no destination in mind and just seeing the world. Dear Manohla should get out of New York more; she's obviously never tried to find pair of 235/75/R15s in Lordsburg, New Mexico during a two-day blast to Austin. And secretly enjoyed every minute of it.

Criticizing Cars for not featuring hybrids is like criticizing Chinatown for not having a primarily-Asian cast. And New Yorkers wonder why even the solipsistic navel-gazers on the Left Coast stereotype them as ridiculously self-centered and self-righteous? We're beginning to think that our brother and sister on the streets of NYC are right: Dargis is fucking crazy.

'Cars' Is a Drive Down a Lonely Highway [New York Times]

Related:
Jamie Kitman Takes on Product Placement [Internal]

Bumbeck came down from the hills in the Mighty Starlet to catch a showing of Cars today (which totally brought out the softy in us, and may well be our favorite Pixar film yet — disregard the haters and see it). He calls and says, "Hey, I just ran across this awesome bike show," which happened to be at Century Motorcycles (since 1936!), only a few blocks up from us on Pacific. We'd been meaning to check the shop out, and we're kicking ourselves for not going in sooner. Oh man...if your tastes run toward old bikes, we have to say, this show was a killer. Even the Harleys there were well-sorted, although most of the machines were either of British or Japanese origin. This might well be the best motorcycle show we've ever attended, because practically everything there was a runner, and those that weren't, well, they were all rad and weird in their own way. Click through for a grip of photos.

Commenting mostly on the John Lasseter/Zuffenhausen lovefest that resulted in Sally, the 911 featured in Cars, Automobile's Jamie Kitman muses on just how much things have changed since Aston intially refused to set Goldfinger's producers up with a DB5 a deal which ultimately contributed massively to the brand's mystique. "However," ponders Kitman, "It might be worth noting that James Bond's DB5 was not a quasi-human girl car, but rather a rolling armory of lethal weapons." And thanks for bringing up that Chrysler Celine Dion debacle, Jamie. We'd almost blocked that excruciating mistake out entirely. Ugh.

Cars in the Movies [Automobile]

Related:
Flip the Bonnet of 'Cars' [Internal]

IGN's got a cool little doc on the making of Cars; how they studied the physics and characteristics of vehicles and attempted to create an entire world out of vehicles come to life. We'll spare you all the stuff. If you're down, go watch it. If not, more posts TK this evening.

Exclusive Video Feature: Cars [IGN]

Related:
Time's Richard Corliss on 'Cars' [Internal]

Film critic Richard Corliss has a sit-down with Pixar's John Lasseter, who's now stepped up to become the head of all of Disney's animation shops in the wake of Jobs' digital shop's purchase by the Haus of Maus (apologies to Art Spiegelman). He also offers up a review of Cars, calling it an "instant classic." But really, Richard. Couldn't you have ditched the tired Steppenwolf reference and gone for something a little less hoary? Like say, Crime's "Hotwire My Heart"?

Get Your Motor Running [Time]

Related:
Jay Ward of Pixar on Cars [Internal]

GM's Chairman of Vice (or something like that) Bob Lutz says the company's thinking of a number from one to a million. That number (ok, it's 100,000) will be the number of Camaros Chevrolet has to sell to make a production version of the company's new, high-profile concept viable. The new Camaro hasn't been approved yet, according to Lutz — who's fast becoming the king of expectations management — but considering Ford sold about 160,000 models Mustangs last year, we'd imagine it's an achievable goal.

100,000 Camaros a Year [AutoWeek]

Related:
Fresh Camaro Concept Photos [internal]

We get awfully jealous of Jay Ward at times. He co-founded Billetproof, one of the finest rod and custom shows on earth, went on to found the Asphalt Invitational, another of the finest car shows on earth, has a beautiful, super-friendly wife and works for Pixar. Plus he's a really, really nice guy. He's one of the big reasons that we're not worried that Cars will suck.

Related:
Car Shows We Love: Asphalt Invitational '05 [Internal]

The Emeryville whiz kids at Pixar have posted the full trailer for Cars, and while we've probably said all we can say about the film before its release in three months, we think Paul Newman's character, a '49 Hudson, looks totally badass. We haven't been so goofy about seeing a kids' movie since we went to see The Lion King. But that's 'cuz we knew we were gonna get to suck face with a hot French exchange student the whole time.

'Cars' Exclusive Trailer [Moviefone]

Related:
Pixar Updates 'Cars' Website [Internal]

Like every eight-year-old and his gearhead dad, we're anxiously awaiting the premiere of Pixar's Cars, and as the June 9th release draws closer, Pixar's done some tweaking to the film's site, adding an online showroom that'll showcase the characters as if they were a new vehicle. The Disney obsessives (we're very afraid of adult Disney obsessives, frankly) over at Jim Hill Media have the whole can o' beans if you want the analysis, or you can just head on over to the flick's site and click around yourself.

Cars [via Jim Hill Media]

Related:
New 'Cars' Teaser Drops [Internal]

The Anglo-American consortium that owns Healey Automobile Consultants Ltd. announced it's moving forward with new models inspired by the Healey 3000, in convertible and coupe versions. The company, HFI released a sketch and a partial image of the coupe, which shows a badge reminicent of the original Austin-Healey logo. The company will badge the cars as Healey, not Austin-Healey, which is a separate legal trademark owned by the Healey group and Nanjing Auto, the new owner of MG Rover. The company said it's taking deposits on the cars, of which 203 are scheduled to be built. At some point.

Healey Name Rises Again [Autocar]

Related:
Healey Hullabaloo Simmers, Will it Boil? [internal]

Pixar-geeks that we are, we're a tad giddy (but not overly giddy, as that'd blow our newly-purchased LA cool) about the fact that the release of Apple Steve's animation firm's Cars is only six months out. There's a new teaser trailer up over at Apple's site, and the CGI looks ridiculously uh, dare we say incredible? And with the Emeryville-based company's rep for great stories, we can't help but wiggle a bit in anticipation.

Cars Teaser 4 [Apple]

Related:
More 'Cars' Unveild on New 'Toy Story' DVD [Internal]

We can't say that we've been closely following the trials and travails of the making of Pixar's new Cars, but we keep our tin in the wind in hopes of any new news. The Disney freaks at Jim Hill Media have posted some new stills from the film, of which an expanded look appears on the brand spankin' new 10th Anniversary Toy Story DVD. The shot above is of Cheech Marin, George Carlin and Paul Dooley's characters. Paul Dooley? We thought it was supposed to be R. Lee Ermey as the Jeep! That's it. Forget it. We're not seeing it now. [Update: we went back and checked the original story that mentioned Ermey was to play the Jeep. The sneaky sneaks at Jim Hill Media went and changed the ID of the Jeep's voice actor to Dooley. But we know we originally read Ermey's name there. And that's all that matters. Poot.]

10th anniversary 'Toy Story' DVD offers sneak peek at 'Cars' [Jim Hill Media]

Related:
More 'Cars' News Revealed [Internal]

Longstanding British sports-car marque, Marcos, could begin shipping its slithery, old-school rockers to the US as early as 2006. Marcos Owner, Canadian businessman Tony Stelliga says he's testing the market, bringing his personal TSO roadster to the US for his own use, while exploring interest among distributors.

The company currently builds two models in addition to the TSO (pictured), the GT2 coupe and TS0-GT Coupe, which is built and sold in Australia. The cars, which all have 5.7-liter Chevrolet Corvette LS6 V8s under the hood, are engineered with help from motorsports development firm Prodrive and produce between 350hp and 475hp, depending on model. UK prices range from $72,000 to $90,000. We're still holding out for a new, Lotus-challenging Mini Marcos.

Marcos maps U.S. comeback; Canadian owner wants to import UK sports cars by 2006 [AutoWeek]

Related:
Marcos GT Will Be Built in South Australia [internal]

Let us go on record right now as being massive fans of Pixar films. While we're generally not huge on CGI, the way the Emeryville-based company (employer of Jay Ward, co-founder of Billetproof and main man behind the Asphalt Invitational) scripts their films, as well as the visual feel of the movies themselves really create a sense of filmic wonder in even the most jaded of aging post-hipsters (i.e., us). We just found some tidbits on Pixar's nearly-year-away feature Cars, and it sounds like it's shaping up to be a doozy. Tom and Ray Magliozzi of Car Talk fame will appear as Clink and Clunk, while R. Lee Ermey (Private Pyle! What is your major malfunction?!), shares a garage with George Carliln as an Army Jeep and a VW Microbus, respectively (and naturally). God, we hate to sound all Jackie Harvey about it, but it sounds like this could really be Pixar's best yet.

As "Cars" zooms to completion, Disney and Pixar inch toward a new agreement [Jim Hill Media]

Related:
Analysts Downgrade Pixar After Delay in Cars Release [Internal]

It's hard not to mention what's going on over at the Project 1221 skunkworks, if only because they just keep adding to the mystery with outrageous claims. This month may not be as shocking as last, with the announcement that the car will be powered by a turbine. But some details emerged that still stretch what we've come to expect, even from what we consider supercars. Let's bullet 'em, shall we?

· As noted in July, two models are are in the works — a rear-wheel-drive two-seater and an all-wheel-drive three-seater — which share a common engineering platform (MF1). The same longitudinally midship-mounted Williams gas turbine engine will power both cars. Both cars will offer a power-to-weight ratio of 1,000 hp/ton or better, as well as a target speed of (ahem) 270 mph.

· The three-seater MF1 has a 2+1 configuration with the third seat located in the middle behind the two front seats. When not in use the third seat can be folded providing extra luggage space that is accessible through a rear hatch. (Market research indicates that most drivers are accompanied by something like 1.2 passengers, so the third seat would be largely academic, since the 0.2 fella can probably be stuffed into the glove compartment.)

· The option of armored protection will be available only for the all-wheel-drive three-seater MF1. (This is good. Studies show people really hate people who drive jet cars on quiet suburban streets.)

· Production is set at 199 vehicles, comprising both models. (If they don't build the 200th, we gonna hold our breath until our face explodes, seriously.)

· A centrally mounted steering rack will enabling either left- or right-hand drive. (Why hasn't TVR come up with something like this? The US needs more sportscars.)

Related:
More on Italian Project 1221: April Update; Project 1221 Announces Deal with Turbine Engine Supplier; Another Piece of the Project 1221 Puzzle: 1500hp Turbine [internal]

Italy's Autoblog.it notes that Alfa will be bringing a new concept roadster (purrrrr) to this year's Pebble Beach Concours D'Elegance. Dubbed the 8C Spider, the two-seater was derived from the company's 8C Competizione coupe, whose on-again, off-again production plans have bred thoughts of self-immolation for millions of car nuts (ok, us). Dare they tease us without thoughts of bringing the thing to market eventually? Could they possibly be so cruel?

Right now, we can only speculate. And gawk, lustily. The Spider's luscious curves are lifted directly from the Competizione, from which it's derived, and shares its mechanicals, particularly its including a longitudinal front-engine, rear-wheel-drive configuration. No other details were available about the concept, though a Concours press release noted that 62 Alfa Romeos were set to appear at Pebble Beach, including seven cars from the Alfa Romeo Museum near Milan and three of the Bertone-designed BAT (Berlinetta Aerodinamica Tecnica) concept cars, built in the 1950s.

Alpha Romeo 8C Competizione and Spider [Autoblog.it]

Related:
Alfa Romeo May Abandon 8C Competizione Concept; Alfa Romeo 149: A Parade of Spec Designs [internal]

Mitsubishi let fly with a detailed teaser image of the Sportback-Concept it'll be inveiling at the Frankfurt motor show — a follow-along to the sketch it released last month. The company says the concept will introduce its vision for a new generation of C-segment (i.e., small to middlin') cars as well as the "design inspiration for a new European five-door sports hatchback." Considering the company's director of sales said recently that a revolutionary new Evo X is in the works for 2008, the concept could hearken the design directon of $30,000 rocket sleds to come. The question is, will such a revolution mean the new Evo gets a rumored narrow-angle V8, or will the company stick with a rally-ready, turbo-juiced 2.0-liter four? Why not both?

Related:
Mitsubishi to Show Sportback Concept in Frankfurt; Mitsubishi s Three-Year Product Plan; [internal]

Fiat is reportedly spending its f-you billionz from GM, and several billionz more of its own money, on 20 product redesigns, 23 facelifts and five entirely new model lines, in an attempt to reinvigorate the company and reverse its sagging fortunes. Among new product lines include a new 500 (Cinquecento), which will likely be a throwback to the famously cute 500s of yore, and a new, upmarket Alfa Romeo model more costly than its current range-topping 166 sedan. The speculation play of the year is Alfa Romeo's return to the US, on the back of its new Fiat Group sibling, Maserati, which is soon to be unhinged from Ferrari. Fear not, Alfaheads, it'll all be clear soon.

ITALY: Fiat Group to launch 25 new model lines in next few years [Just Auto]

Related:
Fiat May Roll Out New, Nostalgic Cinquecento; Fiat Unveils Punto Grande Compact, Hopes for a Win [internal]