Autoblog: News Thread

[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: New Ariel motorcycle to be a supercharged single cylinder?

Filed under: Euro, Motorcycles


Not long ago, we brought you news of a possible Ariel motorcycle revival, and now it appears that the bike is a go. In that original article, it was said that the bike could possibly be powered by either a single cylinder gas engine or even electric. Electric it's not, but a single cylinder has indeed been chosen for this new application... with the slight addition of a supercharger. According to Motorcycle News, "The idea is to make a bike easily adaptable to suit town riders, riding on fast roads and even track use just by changing handlebars and seats."

Single cylinder bikes, also known as thumpers (at least when a four-stroke is used, as it would be here), are often very entertaining, and a supercharger would only add to the fun. Motorcycle News did an online poll to find out what its readership would like to see from the new bike. According to Simon Saunders at Ariel, "Our gut feel is that we'll go along with the reader vote, and work on the single." If the resulting bike follows the design principles of the above rendering and turns out even half as awesome as the Atom, we are very excited at the possibilities.

[Source: Motorcycle News]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Spy Shots: next generation Jaguar XJ

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedans/Saloons, Jaguar
The next generation Jaguar XJ has been spotted by Car magazine photographers, though you might not guess it: the car is a test mule using the current XJ's body. Car's claims for the car, however, predict an XJ that will be make a much greater impression than the one the current XJ made when it was released a few years ago.

For one, the styling is expected to be much edgier, inside and out. The new body, still in aluminum, will hopefully maintain the grace that Jags have a lock on, but move the car's lengthy design lineage firmly into this century. It is nearly 2008, after all. Design director Ian Callum has cited the CLS as "an inspiration to the design of large sedans," (you'd really think sporty sedans didn't exist before the CLS appeared on scene). We hope this doesn't mean he merely attempts to mimic a shortened rear-glasshouse-into-trunk for the next big cat.

Inside, the car will take many of its cues from the XF, and under the hood will be the next generation 5.0-liter V8 engine. The car might also get some high-tech LED headlamps (it's about time), but please, Mr. Callum, keep those XF headlights away from what is still one of the world's most beautiful sedans. The car is due in 2009 or 2010.

[Source: Car]
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[Stuart]

It's not very cool and I am not convinced this is the way forward.

But, it is impressive that they can 80% charge it in 8 minutes.
It is not that much different from the amount of time it takes to fill up with petrol, and removes one of the main negative points.

 

[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Tokyo Auto Salon '08: Honda Sports Modulo Civic Type-R

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Honda, Tokyo Auto Salon

click above for more high-res images of the Honda Sports Modulo Civic Type-R

Honda is bringing a trifecta of tricked-out, Modulo-fettled concepts to the Tokyo Auto Salon, and this Civic Type-R takes the track-ready nature of the base model to the next level.

The concept is fitted with 19-inch Modulo wheels wrapped in 225/35 R19 R-compound tires and a revised suspension, along with a new front fascia, rear bumper, side skirts and wing. The checkered livery speaks to its track-friendly nature, but the inside of the Civic Type-R is what gains the most attention. Honda replaced several interior panels with carbon fiber components and fitted custom Recaro seats, a new dash display and an F1-inspired steering wheel with integrated shift lights. It's function following form with a perfect blend of track-ready gear and street-legal mods. We likey.

[Source: Honda]
Gallery: Honda Sports Modulo Civic Type-R


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Tokyo Auto Salon '08: Honda Fit Luxe'ster

Filed under: Economy, Japan, Hatchbacks, Honda, Tokyo Auto Salon

click above for more images of the Honda Fit Luxe'ster

The Tokyo Auto Salon is almost upon us, and as is the case each year, manufacturers have show cars ready for what is essentially the Japanese version of SEMA. Tuned and accessorized cars are the focus, and Honda has a few items ready to go. We'll start with the Fit Luxe'ster. This is what you get when you take a JDM Fit RS, throw on a set of 15" Modulos and wrap the seats, door panels, steering wheel, shift knob and a healthy portion of the IP in dark tan leather. For good measure, throw in a set of matching fabric mats. Of course, "Honda Fit" and "Luxury" are terms that are pretty much at odds with each other, but anything goes at the TAS.

Gallery: Honda Fit Luxe'ster


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: We don't need no stinkin'... New Ford F-150 badge revealed!

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Spy Photos, Trucks/Pickups, Marketing/Advertising, Ford

We're only a couple weeks away from the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, and the premature unveilings seem to be trickling in at a slightly slower pace than they did last year. Ford has managed to keep its 2009 F-150 off the web for the most part (except for these spy shots), which is more than cross-town rival Chrysler can say about the 2009 Dodge Ram. Our friends over at NAIAS headquarters haven't spilled the beans on the Blue Oval's new F-150, but they have given us a glimpse of the truck's new badge.

As you can see above, it looks like designers at Ford have updated the truck's branding in their favorite word processing program by clicking on the Italics and Bold buttons. The brushed aluminum gradient backdrop looks more like a stamped chunk of metal than did the chrome-painted plastic of the current model (right). Well, now that we've got the badge unveiling out of the way, all we have left is the 5,000-lb. truck that has been the best-selling vehicle in the U.S. since the Brady Bunch was on prime time TV. Let us know what you think of the new logo after the jump.

[Source: NAIAS Newsletter via Top Speed via Jalopnik]

Gallery: 2009 Ford F-150 - spy shots


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Lexus LF-A mule unseats Porsche GT2 as King of the 'Ring

Filed under: Concept Cars, Motorsports, Coupes, Supercars, Lexus

click above for more images of the Lexus LF-A Concept

A Lexus LF-A mule has unofficially recorded a lap time on the Nordschleife of 7 minutes, 24 seconds. This is not in dispute. What is in dispute is how many seconds faster the LF-A's lap time is than that of the 2008 Porsche 911 GT2, the previous "King of the 'Ring" record holder. Wikipedia notes that the fastest 911 GT2 driven around the Ring posted a lap time of 7 minutes, 32 seconds and was driven by Walter R&ouml;hrl, Porsche's company test driver and accomplished WRC driver and road racing pilot. Porsche was so proud of the feat that it produced a snazzy video of the run that you can watch here. AutoExpress, however, which reported on the LF-A's remarkable lap time, claims that the fastest 911 GT2 lap time on the Nurburgring is 7 minutes, 25 seconds, but we could find no evidence on the web of a stock 911 GT2 ever posting a time that fast. Also note that a handful of other cars have posted lap times, but all are either tuner cars or limited production boutique cars like the Pagani Zonda F.

Nevertheless, the Lexus LF-A's time is remarkable and puts it in a class normally populated by purpose-built tuner cars. Its 4.8L V10 churns out a reported 552bhp while slapping the needle against a 9,000 rpm redline. A 210 mph top speed is said to be the car's upper bound, which makes us shake our heads. This is, after all, the brand that brought us the sarcophagus of a car that is the LS sedan. The production LF-A should be able to repeat the performance, but we'll have to wait a while longer while the Lexus supercar finishes baking in the oven. In the meantime, for Pete's sake, someone ship a Corvette ZR1 to Germany!

[Source: AutoExpress]

Gallery: Lexus LF-A Concept


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Brits get special edition Mazda MX-5 named after Japanese ski resort

Filed under: Convertibles, Coupes, Marketing/Advertising, Mazda, Lifestyle, UK

Click the image above for more hi-res images of the Mazda MX-5 Niseko

Mazda MX-5-mad Brits will get two more exclusive branded models to choose from: the Niseko soft top and Niseko roadster coupe, named after the Niseko ski resort on the Japanese island of Hokkaido.

The entry-level model soft top is a 1.8-liter 5-speed going for &pound;17,995, while the roadster coupe gets a 2.0-liter 6-speed and will set buyers back &pound;19,995. Both come with &pound;2,000 worth of extras, including Icy Blue Metallic or Sunlight Silver Metallic free of charge. They also sport 17-inch alloy wheels, body-color trim, chrome all over, icy blue stitching inside, and Niseko badging.

The models will go on sale January 1. Prime ordering for MX-5's in England begins in February, so get your orders in early -- there will only be 240 soft tops and 560 roadsters made. Follow the jump for the full press release, and check out the gallery of hi-res images below.

[Source: Mazda]

Gallery: Mazda MX-5 Niseko

Continue reading Brits get special edition Mazda MX-5 named after Japanese ski resort

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Vandenbrink dreams up Ferrari 612 shooting brake

Filed under: Sports/GTs, Hatchbacks, Supercars, Ferrari

click above to enlarge

Vandenbrink Design seems to be on a roll recently, announcing production of both the 599 GT0 and 630 GTO, as well as a releasing a rendering that suggests what a Fiorano-based convertible GT could look like. Not having the blessing of Ferrari has yet to deter Michiel B. van den Brink from speaking his mind through his pen, but we doubt this latest piece of auto-art will put him in the good graces of the men from Maranello.

Vandenbrink is looking to the folks at FerrariChat for some inspiration and advice for a 612-based shooting brake (i.e. wagon) that the firm is currently considering. We're smitten with the idea of a Ferrari hatch that's got a bit more functionality to compliment its competent chassis and V12 power plant, but we're not entirely willing to give up the clean lines of the standard coupe. That said, Vandenbrink has done a sublime job of integrating the new back-end into the GT's powerful swage lines, and if anyone could pull it off, Michiel can.

Your thoughts, as always, are graciously accepted below.

[Source: FerrariChat]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: It's official: MINE'S develops first parts for Nissan GT-R

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Japan, Supercars, Nissan


The Nissan GT-R has only been on sale in Japan for a scant three weeks, but one of the preeminent tuners across the Pacific has already released its first batch of performance parts for Nissan's new supercar.

MINE'S has seemingly had a GT-R since the day it went on the market (likely before) and has already developed a new exhaust, catalytic converter, plus front and rear rotors for the R35. The VX Pro Titan II exhaust pictured above looks like it was cobbled together quickly, likely for the Tokyo Auto Salon in a few weeks, but the welds and blue-anodized tips show a nice attention to detail. While it doesn't get rid of the dual exhaust setup that several tuners have voiced complaints over, it may provide a better flow rate over the stock unit.

The 400mm slotted rotors (available with 16 or 24 slits) on the right are certainly pretty, but the prototype suspension behind them is even more interesting. According to the gents at GT Channel, MINE'S will be releasing a new air filter setup and an ECU upgrade, dubbed VX-ROM. They've made quick work of the GT-R, but no prices have been disclosed and there's no timeline as to when these products will be made available both here and abroad.

[Source: GT Channel]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Tokyo Auto Salon '08: Honda Inspire Modulo Concept

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Sedans/Saloons, Holden, Tokyo Auto Salon
UPDATE: New images added to the gallery.

click above for more high-res images of the Honda Inspire Modulo Concept

The recently released Honda Inspire may be little more than a JDM version of the U.S.-market Accord, but Honda has infused the staid sedan with a healthy dose of bespoke kit for the upcoming Tokyo Auto Salon.

The Inspire Modulo Concept comes equipped with a new front and rear bumper, revised grille and Transformer-esque headlamps, along with some aluminum trim and 19-inch, seven-spoke wheels wrapped in 245/40 R19 rubber. The interior gets a combination of orange leather and black crocodile skin, with an independent audio system for all four passengers, and a duo of LCD screens mounted behind the front seats. It's a clean package that combines a healthy amount of luxury with a small bit of sport, but we doubt crocodile hide will be on the options list of most Japanese Honda dealers.

[Source: Honda]
Gallery: Honda Inspire Modulo Concept


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: McLaren to launch 2008 F1 challenger the day after Ferrari

Filed under: Motorsports


While McLaren's next car is not expected to use any Ferrari technology, it will take after Ferrari in one way: the scarlet marque is launching is F1 challenger on January 6, 2008, and McLaren will do so the day after, on January 7. The move is a bit of a surprise, since McLaren said that it wouldn't be hosting a public launch of the car at all, hoping to diminish the scrutiny from nearly an entire season mired in scandal.

The now-very-public launch of the MP4-23 will take place at the Mercedes Museum in Stuttgart, and will be attended by head honchos all the way up to Daimler Chairman Dieter Zetsche. The event will be lacking, of course, a certain former World Champion and the Spanish sponsors he took with him back to Renault. In Alonso's stead will be Heikki Kovalainen, a lot of hope, and, if we know Ron Dennis, a commitment to regaining the number one status -- this time the right way.

[Source: World Car Fans]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Solstice F430: Abomination or Pontiac perfected?

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Convertibles, Etc., Pontiac

click above to view more images of the Solstice F430

There's a pretty healthy argument to be made for leaving the styling of your Pontiac Solstice alone. It did end up in production virtually off the show floor, as evidenced by the cockpit's spaciousness and spectacular materials (hint: saracasm). But there's always at least one person who's not content to leave well enough alone. Luckily, Mr. Paul MadMods seems to have what's known in the biz as mad skillz. What that means is he has a way of working with his hands in a painstaking manner to turn out customized cars that don't scream "HACK JOB!"

Aesthetics, however, are another whole thing, and we're sure that this choice of colors and body mods won't sit well with everyone, but you have to give the guy credit, it's all nicely done. We also have to give props for not creating a full-on Ferrari replica. Paul states that his intent was just to incorporate cool cues from cars that he sees. Thus, his Solstice wears an F430 nose, Porsche Cayman side intakes serving as extractors in the front quarters, tons of custom electronics and a snarling custom turbo installation, too. It's pretty amazing to see how much like a kit car the Solstice actually is. It's not the most comfortable little mini-'Vette, but it's well engineered platform-wise. After seeing how easily the Solstice takes to wrenching, we want one of our own to trick out. When we need an F430 nose, we know who to call.

Thanks for the tip, Aman!

[Source: CarDomain via KitCarsForum]
Gallery: Ferrari nosed Solstice


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: In what color would you like your 2009 Chevy Camaro?

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Chevrolet

Thanks to an eagle-eyed painter at an unspecified dealership in these great United States, we now have a list of colors in which you can order a 2009 Chevy Camaro when the time comes. Keep in mind that production colors for the Camaro have not been officially announced by Chevy, so while these appear to be from an OK source that has no reason to lie to us, you never know. Plus, while the eight colors above and the two below for which we couldn't find samples may be offered, there could be more than what we're seeing here, as well. Conspicuously absent from this list are any shades of green or white, for instance. That said, we have ten colors here, and the 2008 Ford Mustang is only offered in 10 colors (warning: PDF link), as well. Ford does offer the Mustang in Performance White, however, but the only green Mustang you can get is the Bullitt.

No samples (could be new colors for 2009)

• Switchblade Silver Metallic
• Aqua Blue Metallic

Thanks for the tip, Chris!
Gallery: Chevy Camaro Concept


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: 2008 Barrett-Jackson to offer first GT500KR, Corvette ZR1 and Challenger SR

Filed under: Car Buying, Sports/GTs, Auction Action, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford

Barrett-Jackson has been the king of muscle cars the last few years. Hemi Cudas, Shelby Mustangs, and Yenko Camaros have commanded high dollar bids from car collectors all around the world. Coming this January, Barrett-Jackson will not only have some of the best classic muscle cars, but the best new ones, as well.
Lot #1300 will feature the very first 2008 Shelby GT500 KR offered for sale, which will be one of around 1,000 built for the year. Next up is Lot #1326, the "first retailable unit built" (whatever that means) 2009 Corvette ZR1, just days after the car's official launch at the Detroit Auto Show. Last but not least, Lot #1331 will feature the first production Dodge Challenger SRT8 to come off the assembly line. Best of all, the proceeds from the sales will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), The United Way, and the notMYkid charity.
If previous years are anything to go by, the first of any collector car commands high dollars, and these three should be no exception. We expect six and possibly even seven figures for the right to own the very first of these modern day muscle cars. Be sure to watch for our live coverage of the show with auction results and photo galleries.
[Source: Barrett-Jackson]
Gallery: 2008 Shelby GT500KR


Gallery: 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1


Gallery: 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8



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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Tokyo Auto Salon '08: Mazdaspeed Demio Concept

Filed under: Concept Cars, Economy, Japan, Hatchbacks, Mazda, Tokyo Auto Salon

click above for more images of the Mazdaspeed Demio Concept

Here's another one that we're very curious to read more about when Mazda gets around to issuing its sweeping Tokyo Auto Salon release. The car shown, of course, is the Demio, a.k.a. Mazda2, a.k.a one of the cool non-US market cars we'd love to see in our local showrooms. In this case, it's a fully-dressed Mazdaspeed Demio concept. In addition to the full aero package (new bumpers, spoilers, skirts, inserts, etc.), it boasts Mazdaspeed wheels, brakes, and likely some suspension upgrades. Whether there are any changes under the hood is not currently known, but it'd be a shame to look that fast with no guts to back it up. Inside, two-tone racing seats and various dress-up bits bring the Demio's cabin upmarket. We'd rather see a manual transmission instead of the show car's automatic, but if Mazda does decide to go all the way and produce a Mazdaspeed2/Demio somewhere down the line, were sure that a manual cog-swapper would be part of the mix. At the very least, we now have a very good idea of what such a car would probably look like.

[Source: Carview]
Gallery: Mazdaspeed Demio Concept


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: GayWheels.com picks Best Cars of 2007



Our friends over at GayWheels.com have summoned the strength to knock out their own Best Cars list for the year that was 2007. Each of the site's four editors chose winners in six categories, which include Best New Car, Best Makeover, Best Date Car, Best Family Car, Best Club Car and Best Car for Me. There wasn't much agreement among the editors on Best New Car, which was awarded to no less than four different cars: the Volvo C30, Audi R8, Audi A5/S5 and Saturn Astra. The only thing on which they could for the most part agree was which car received the best makeover in 2007, with the Cadillac CTS and its sharp-as-an-Armani-suit styling getting the nod from three out of four editors. Of course, the categories of Best Date Car and Best Club Car contain the most interesting choices, with both the Dodge Viper SRT10 and Lincoln Navigator being named as winners, among others. The Viper would be the Brian Kinney car, useful for arriving at the velvet ropes and angering a mob of hopeless club-goers as you cut in line. The Navigator, meanwhile, is what Michael would use to carpool all his buddies to Babylon, where he would then wait in line.

Click the Read link to see the rest of the Best Cars of 2007 from GayWheels.com.

[Source: GayWheels.com]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Rumormill: 2012 Mazda RX-9, real or fake?

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Mazda

click above for more images of this 2012 Mazda RX-9 concept

The only car brochure we ever held on to was for a 1993 Mazda RX-7. It was the baddest car of the time -- the 300Z was four years old, the 911 had gone soft, Ferrari had that hideous 348, the C4 Corvette never really did it for us, and the lunar lander Supra hadn't landed yet. The low, tiny twin-turbo monster was it as far as we were concerned.
Which is why we are always happy to read about the next coming of the RX-7. Just Put has renderings of an RX-9 concept that it says would have a Wankel powerplant of somewhere around 1.8 liters, and be more oil and fuel efficient than the current generation. Power would make it to an unidentified number of wheels via a dual-clutch 6-speed transmission and limited-slip diff.
We have no idea from where these two renderings have come. They could be official images that were leaked. Their slightly low resolution supports that theory, as often leaked images are small and enlarged beyond their resolution later. Or it could be a nicely done photochop by a fanboy. Either way, we think it lacks aggression and the rear looks highly derivative. The front end's nicely complex features doesn't seem to match the simple buttocks, another reason why it might not be the real deal. But hey, first let's get verification that an RX-something-fast really is on the way, and we can sort out the styling later.
Thanks for the tip, Jon!
[Source: Just Put]
Gallery: 2012 Mazda RX-9 (unconfirmed)



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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Weird auto-related laws: Solo sheep-hauling illegal; drivers can shoot whal

Filed under: Etc., Safety, Driving

Photo courtesy Elektra Noelani Fisher.

We here at Autoblog observe every most traffic laws. We use our turn signals when changing lanes, we drive the speed limit and we never, ever drive in Alabama while blindfolded. And we always fire our guns when approaching stop signs in Lenior County, Tennessee. And in New Orleans, we are well aware that when our women are driving, we are required to walk in front of the car waving a flag.

And as good Autoblog readers, we know you all do the same. But there are some traffic laws out there you should be prepared for. Did you know it is illegal to sell cars on Sunday in Michigan? Or that in Little Rock, Arkansas, it is against the law to honk your horn at a sandwich shop after 9 p.m.? And in Montana, you must have a chaperone accompany you when hauling a sheep in your truck. Not just a good idea, but the law.

And no matter how tempted you are the next time you pass through Nashville, you are not allowed to tie yourself to a moving vehicle on the highway while wearing rollerblades. City streets might be OK; we're checking on that. Oh, and while in Rockville, Maryland, you'll be breaking the law if you swear while on the highway. We s**t you not.

But perhaps the most important law to remember is on the books in Tennessee. It's highly illegal to shoot game animals from a moving vehicle. Except whales. Shoot all the whales you can from your car while in Tennessee, it's perfectly legal.

[Source: Dumblaws.com via AOL Autos via CNN]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Flashback: Steve McQueen reviews eight rides in 1966 Sports Illustrated

Filed under: Etc., Celebrities


For a bit of year-end nostalgia, it would be hard to beat reading Steve McQueen reviewing eight grand tourers in the August, 1966 issue of Sports Illustrated. The cars that get the nod from the man behind Bullitt and Le Mans are the Jaguar E-type 2+2, Aston-Martin DB6, Ferrari 275 GTS, Alfa Romeo Duetto Spider, Porsche 911, Mercedes 230 SL, Corvette Sting Ray, and 427 Cobra.

And, of course, he starts off just as you would expect, saying that having only two American cars is about right in a field of eight, because American makers "have been a little backward about building sports and Grand Touring cars." He also talks about a lot of the cars he's owned, as well as his time racing. He doesn't choose a particular favorite among the cars he drives -- none of them appears to make him as happy as the Jaguar XK-SS he has in his own garage.

Our two favorite quotes: on the Alfa Romeo Duetto, "McQueen also admired its looks but would have liked more power from a $4,000 car"; and on the Porsche 911, "The Porsche 911 delighted McQueen with predictable handling in furious cornering, proving that Porsche has solved [the] oversteer problem Steve remembered from [his] racing days." And incredibly, the only car that Steve drives without a helmet: the 427 Cobra. Click the link to get the full story from The Cincinnati Kid himself.

[Source: McQueen Online via Chuck Goolsbee]
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