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Meet the most desirable family car ever! This striking machine is about to rewrite the hatchback rulebook, with a stunning combination of head-turning looks, driver appeal and up-to-the-minute technology. Say hello to Ford’s next-generation Focus. 

Set to go on sale in 2010, the third generation of the family car will take the company’s brand values to the next level. It gets a dramatic new look that’s backed up by a range of hi-tech small- capacity turbocharged engines. 

Ford gave the strongest hint of how its upcoming models will look when it revealed the Iosis Max at the Geneva Motor Show last month (see Issue 1,053). And it’s from this car that the new Focus takes much of its styling inspiration. 

The hatch gets a sleek new front end, with a large lower grille and elongated headlights. Bold lines run from the edges of the grille to the A-pillars. 

At the rear, there are further nods to the Iosis MAX, with a high tail, angular C-pillars and eye-catching lights. Chunky wheelarches and short 
overhangs finish the look and give the newcomer a muscular stance. According to insiders, a panoramic glass roof will also be available. Inside, expect a toned-down version of the concept’s striking cabin, with a new centre console boasting an improved version of Ford’s Human Machine Interface control system. Options will include a reversing camera. 

Under the skin is a fresh development of the current car’s chassis, so it’s unlikely the new model will grow much in size. Emphasis will be put on ride and refinement, without sacrificing the sharp steering and driver appeal for which the Focus has become famous. 

New turbocharged EcoBoost engines dominate the line-up. Entry-level models will come with a 1.0-litre four-cylinder turbo unit offering 89bhp or 108bhp, but most variants will get a new 1.6-litre turbo, available with 148bhp or 178bhp outputs. 

These units will combine storming pace with low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions to give buyers the best of both worlds.

There is also a new range of diesels in the shape of a 1.6 TDCi, delivering up to 128bhp, and a flagship 2.0-litre with 168bhp or 197bhp. 

All engines are mated to manual boxes as standard, but Ford will also offer its Powershift twin-clutch transmission. Start-stop technology is set to be rolled out across the range, too. 

We reported in Issue 1,054 that Ford bosses were debating when to launch the car. Sources have revealed that it looks as though the Focus and C-MAX compact MPV will be launched simultaneously in 2010. 

The models have been developed alongside each other and could be global cars – ie sold in all Ford markets across the world. They would follow in the footsteps of the latest Fiesta, which goes on sale in China later this year, and in the US in 2010. 

The Focus will be built at Ford’s plant in Saarlouis, Germany, while the C-MAX, which is to appear as a seven-seater for the first time, will be assembled at Valencia in Spain.
Sourced from: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/234878/new_focus_on_horizon.html

2009 Ford F-150

Ford has heavily revised 2009 F-150 pickup truck, which is bigger and bolder than ever.The F-series pickup is far and away the most crucial vehicle in Ford’s lineup, selling hundreds of thousands more units each year than any other Ford vehicle. It has been the bestselling vehicle from any manufacturer for more than two decades.After some cracks Ford comes with a new 150.
The new 2009 F-150 is ready to challenge with the all-new Dodge Ram and last year’s new Chevy Silverado and Toyota Tundra. The 2009 Ford F-150 takes its styling cues from the F-series Super Duty pickup. “We learn from our customers,” says Patrick Schiavone, the F-series chief designer. They’ve told us that “a truck needs to be tough. You cannot make it too tough for me.” So, the new F-150 has a bigger grille, with chrome girders that are similar to those in the Super Duty. The big fender badge, according to Schiavone, “is meant to look like it’s milled from a solid piece of steel.” Grooves in the taillights that also run across the tailgate evoke 1960s and 1970s Ford trucks. The little flip at the top of the tailgate is there both to help aerodynamics and for looks.
New 2009 Ford F-150 indeed looks much bigger, tougher, and more substantial, and it will certainly appeal to those who purchase trucks as a reflection of their perceived masculinity or lack thereof. The Crew Cab model is a whopping six inches longer than before.Ride height is up about an inch, too, in response to dealers, who are asked by many consumers to install lift kits in the current truck. The increased height, length, and squared-off body combine to make the truck appear even bigger and more imposing.
V-8 engines are standard; the current 4.2-liter V-6 will be dropped. There now will be two versions of the 4.6-liter Triton V-8; one with two valves per cylinder, which will still be saddled with a four-speed automatic, and one with three valves per cylinder. Both it and the 5.4-liter V-8 now are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. None of the engines comes close to offering the level of horsepower that’s now available in the 5.7-liter V-8 in the new Toyota Tundra.

All models will be offered with a fold-out tailgate step, the better to climb up into this tall beast. A foldable bed extender made of plastic is more flexible than the tubular aluminum ones. Dual tracks along the top of the tall bedsides maximize tie-down possibilities.

There is no cap for the fuel nozzle, a feature that will be introduced across the board for all Ford vehicles in the 2009 model year.

It will be interesting to see if the market will follow Ford down this bigger, tougher road, or whether the decrease in sales of full-size pickup trucks will continue as Americans become resigned to $3-per-gallon gasoline and adjust their transportation choices accordingly.One could argue that the last thing full-size, light-duty pickup trucks should be doing at this juncture is getting bigger, taller, and heavier. How about a right-size pickup that’s lower to the ground and still capable of towing and hauling?
Sourced from: http://www.carautonews.com/2009-ford-f-150/.

Bugatti unleashes four-door Veyron

It’s the Veyron for all the family! This is our best look yet at the stunning Bugatti Royale – a four-door four-seater that’s set to take the famous firm into a new market.
With the £900,000, 253mph Veyron 16.4 already crowned the world’s most expensive and fastest supercar, Bugatti is seeking to go a step further: it will celebrate its 100th anniversary by unveiling this hyper-saloon at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
Inspired by the legendary 1927 Type 41 Royale, the new model would be as expensive as its brother and be available in a very limited production run for the company’s most loyal customers. As you can see, the exterior echoes the Veyron’s, while inside the cabin will offer unparalleled luxury, with the finest leather, suede and metal trim in addition to seating for four people and a luggage compartment at the rear.
Bugatti won’t be embarking on the project alone, though. It’s rumoured that the firm will team up with fellow VW Group luxury manufacturer Bentley in developing a new front-engined limousine platform. As well as underpinning the Royale, the chassis would be used on the next Arnage. However, the new Bugatti will keep much of the technology seen on the Veyron, such as its four-wheel-drive set-up and 8.0-litre quad-turbo W16 engine, although this will be mounted at the front.
With the same 987bhp and 1,250Nm of torque, the Royale should cover 0-60mph in three seconds and hit a 250mph top speed, making it the fastest four-seater in the world. It will also feature the same seven-speed twin-clutch transmission – developed by UK firm Ricardo – along with that Haldex clutch-equipped all-wheel drive. There will be active aerodynamics, a Veyron-style hydraulic rear wing that rises at speed, huge carbon composite brake discs and adaptive dampers, too.
The current economic downturn means the Royale is still some way off. But with McLaren Automotive boss Ron Dennis predicting a return to growth in 2011, just in time for the launch of his company’s P11 supercar (see Issue 1,060), expect the four-door to go on sale in three years’ time.
In further celebration of its 100th birthday, Bugattiis also planning to launch a 1,350bhp ‘super’ Veyron later this year, along with additional special editions.
Sourced from: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/235425/bugatti_unleashes_fourdoor_veyron.html

Porsche’s ‘Widowmaker’ Gets Even Deadlier

The speedmeisters at 9ff have taken the already potent Porsche 911 GT2 and transformed it into an 850-horsepower beast decked out in classic Gulf livery that couldn’t be sexier.
The BT-2 is a testament to the simple idea that more horsepower is always better. Not that the GT2 is a slouch, what with that 520-horsepower engine giving it a zero-to-62 mph time of 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 206 mph. It’s not a car for the weak or the stupid, which is why it’s nicknamed “the widowmaker.”

But that wasn’t good enough for the guys at 9ff

They fitted the 3.6-liter twin-turbo mill with an improved exhaust and tweaked ECU.

The result is 850 horsepower and a stunning 678 pound-feet of torque. Unleash all those ponies – if you dare – and the car will sprint to 62 mph in 3 seconds flat. Keep the hammer down and you’ll see what 200 mph looks like in just 19 seconds. She’ll top out at 240 mph if you’re brave enough.
If the BT-2 isn’t insane enough for you, there’s always the GT9. It produces 987 horsepower and a top speed of 254. The company also is developing an even wilder version, called the GT9-R, slated to put down 1,120 horsepower.

Sourced from: www.wired.com

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Car insurance, if you have a car, then you need insurance. This isn’t just good judgement, it’s also law. So, how can you pay your car insurance and save money at the same time? Here are a few tips.

Shop around: Different insurance companies evaluate risk differently and so issue varying rates. It will benefit you to shop around first and identify the ideal package for you.

Buy a low risk car: The higher your car’s performance, the higher your premiums. It’s sad but true. These cars tend to be considered high risk by insurance companies and even more so if they are driven regularly by people under the age of 25. So Think carefully before splashing out on that speed machine.

Pay a higher excess: The rule of thumb is: the higher your excess the lower your premiums. An excess is the portion of any claim that is not covered by the insurance provider. So, say for example your excess is R 1000. You have an accident and run up damages of R 3000. Therefore your insurance company will only pay out R 2000, but only after you’ve paid your excess of R 1000.
Naming a regular driver: The lower the number of drivers you have, the lower your risk evaluation will be. Then of course you’ll pay a lower premium. It helps if you specifically name the people you will allow as regular drivers. Naming an older driver can save you up to 10 percent.

Improve your driving skills: It’s a fact. Careful drivers who have a good safety record tend to pay less in premiums than your average speed demon. This is due to their low risk profiles and the more years that they spend not making claims due to accidents.

The area you live in: The area you live in can seriously affect how much you pay for your car insurance. The riskier the area in the eyes of the insurance company, the higher your premiums. One option to avoid this would be to move.

Installing car security: Generally, installing a car security system can lower your premiums. Fortunately, most new cars come with car security systems as a factory standard. If you still feel the need for enhanced security, discuss it with either your insurance company or broker to determine how much discount you can receive.

Vehicle location and storage: Do you have a garage? If so, use it! Cars locked up overnight in a secure garage will attract lower premiums than a car that is parked out on the street.

Don’t use your car for business purposes: Try to avoid using your car for business purposes. This usually results in a higher monthly premium so try insuring your car for private and use it for business purposes sparingly.

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HOW TO APPLY FOR AN IDP

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is valid for 12 months from the date of issue. Recognised internationally, it normally allows the holder to drive a private motor vehicle when accompanied by a valid UK driving licence.

Most countries require a 1949 Convention IDP but for certain countries, a 1926 Convention IDP is necessary.

The AA is authorised to issue both the 1926 and 1949 Convention IDPs to applicants 18 years and over who hold a valid UK driving licence, or can obtain such a licence on the basis of a valid pass certificate. IDPs cannot be issued to a holder of a UK provisional driving licence without the test pass certificate and provisional driving licence.

An IDP is a permit for use in conjunction with your driving licence, not in place of it. In some countries, you risk being fined or worse for relying solely on an IDP.
Before applying for an IDP you must:

Check the IDP requirements by country to see which type of IDP you need and check for any special conditions.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

1. IDP applications cannot be made any more than three months in advance of the date of travel. An IDP cannot be backdated under any circumstances.

2. Persons going to a country to take up residence or employment, or for any reason other than tourism, should make enquiries about their personal position before relying on a permit.

3. It is important to check the accuracy of the personal information printed on your driving licence. If there are any errors or you have a change of name or address, you should immediately notify the authority that issued your licence.

4. When hiring a car overseas remember that driving licence requirements worldwide do vary. Therefore, if you are making an advanced reservation in the UK, ask the company concerned to confirm driving licence requirements of the country to be visited. In the absence of such information consider an IDP as a precautionary measure, especially if travelling outside Europe.

5. An IDP issued in the UK is not valid for use in the UK.

6. All International Driving Permits will be returned to UK addresses by standard first class mail, unless the optional special delivery fee is paid. We do not accept responsibility for items that may be delayed or lost in the post.

Three ways you can apply:

Post
Selected post offices
AA port travel shops

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Sebastian Vettel says his British GP victory was not easy, claiming that while his Red Bull racer has improved, he was helped by the characteristics of the Silverstone track.
Such was Vettel’s pace around the Silverstone circuit that the German was able to pit from the lead in the first round of stops and emerge still in the lead.
In fact, the only time he relinquished the lead was when he was told to back off during the middle stint, which meant went he pitted he very, very briefly found himself behind team-mate Mark Webber while he waited for the Aussie to come in for his second stop.
After that it was business as usual for the 21-year-old, who, it appeared from those outside, strolled to victory. Vettel, though, insists winning is never easy.
“It is never easy,” said the three-time grand prix winner. “It is a long, long race and particularly at this fantastic circuit everyone is enjoying it a lot. It is a dream, really, you have to stay focused and keep your eyes open.
“The start was important, the first stint I pushed hard straight away to try and build a gap, I knew it was crucial as I would benefit all race from it. I had a fantastic car. I was able to push more and more and more.
“The second stint wasn’t easy at all, they said ‘be careful’. I had a lot of traffic and a lot of battling cars, it is tricky when you get close. It was anything else but easy.
“It was great and in the last pit stop I was in clean air. I was counting down the laps and controlling the race from that point onwards. The last 10 laps were quite easy but before that I was pushing hard and in second stint was like a slalom, having to pass a lot of lapped cars.”
Vettel was joined on the podium by Webber in what could be interpreted as a sign that Red Bull Racing are now the team to be. However, the German downplayed the team’s performance, saying while the heavily revised RB5 is an improvement they were aided by the Silverstone track’s characteristics.
“I wouldn’t mind if we could continue like that, but I think it is a bit of everything,” he said. “This circuit is fantastic and suits our car. The first sector was great every single lap and I have seen our car is behaving fantastically well in all sorts of corners.
“On other hand we have made a nice step forward. I think we have improved the car a bit everywhere and it all came together. We did a good job the whole team working fine and if you want to say it in that way we were quite dominant today.”
This is a sentiment echoed by Red Bull design chief Adrian Newey. He told the BBC: “Part of it (Red Bull’s advantage) is circuit. We always hoped it would suit us with the high-speed corners. We now need to get to the other circuits and see what happens.”
That, though, doesn’t take away from the fact that Red Bull claimed the 1-2 at Newey’s home track. “To be here today and to have a car which showed a clean pair of heels to everyone was very special,” he added.
Vettel’s victory means he’s now just 25 points behind Jenson Button in the Drivers’ standings with nine races remaining.

Sourced from: www.planetf1.com

Whitmarsh: Well that was painful

McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh feels Lewis Hamilton went a touch too far in proving to the fans he has lost none of his racing spirit.
It was, as Whitmarsh described, “another very painful weekend” for McLaren as World Champion Hamilton finished a miserable 16th in the British Grand Prix, whilst Heikki Kovalainen crashed out.
The fans, arguably siding with Hamilton more now than they did on his way to the top given his current woes, cheered him to the rafters on numerous occasions as he fought a rearguard action.
The majority of a 120,000 sell-out crowd roared their approval when he diced with old rival Fernando Alonso at one point for that lowly 16th spot.
And when he crossed the line, they again hailed their hero before he repaid them in kind with donuts at Stowe and Copse that had his team principal squirming in his seat.
“It would be very easy in these situations to go and hide,” said Whitmarsh of Hamilton’s combative display.
“But he was there, and he gave an exuberant performance on the slow-down lap, one which wasn’t necessarily good for the engine and gearbox we need to use again!
“But I’m sure the people down in Stowe and Copse appreciated it.
“He is a passionate individual. You can tell he is pushing, trying in what has been a difficult season in all sorts of ways.
“Lewis is someone who is used to winning, someone who throughout his entire career has had competitive equipment.
“Now he is dealing with the fact he is in a tough season where we don’t have the equipment to give him the chance to challenge for a win.
“I’m sure the next time he is in a winning car he will appreciate it even more than perhaps he did before.”
A year ago Hamilton thrilled a nation with a stunning 68-second win in the wet, leaving Whitmarsh to reflect on how times have changed.
“It was one of those ‘what a difference a year makes’ when you look at where we were this time last year, and where we are now,” added Whitmarsh.
“There were some positives from this weekend in terms of learning, so we will take those, but none in terms of the outright result, so we’ll keep pushing.
“We’ll make sure we keep putting the right amount of effort into next year, keep focused on understanding what the issues are and making sure we address them and that the lessons are learned.”

Sourced from: www.planetf1.com

Webber blames ‘vodka drinking’ Raikkonen

Mark Webber has hit out at Kimi Raikkonen, blaming the Finn for his failure to hold onto pole position during Saturday’s qualifying in Britain.
In the final moments of qualifying Webber had been provisionally on pole but was beaten by both his team-mate Sebastian Vettel and Brawn GP’s Rubens Barrichello.
But with another lap to get ahead, Webber came across Raikkonen and had to go off the racing line in order to pass the Ferrari driver into Stowe.
And that is what Webber believes cost him pole.
“I would have liked a slightly cleaner run on my last Q3 lap,” said the Red Bull driver.
“Kimi was, I don’t know, drinking some vodka or dreaming or something, I don’t know what hell he was doing but he should have been on the right and he was on the racing line, dreaming. That wrecked my rhythm really into Stowe, I was very tight into there.
“Kimi couldn’t have done a better job of distracting me. He was right on the racing line, on the most important lap of qualifying and it ruined my rhythm.”
Raikkonen, though, has been quick to defend himself.
“I tried to move to the side as much as I could, so I don’t think he lost any time,” said the Ferrari driver.

Sourced from: www.planetf1.com

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By now we’re sure you’ve heard the news that 2009 will be the last year Honda will sell the beloved S2000. In order to properly say goodbye we needed two things: first we needed to find a stock S2000 so that we could get a feel for passion the engineers put into the vehicle and second we needed to find a perfect example of stock vehicle exaggerated. While the car has gained a cult-like following in the US the task was a little harder than we expected. We set out to find a perfect balance of track performance and simple yet shockingly good looks; we found the perfect applicant at HIN LA.

When the car first caught my eye I thought “wow, that’s a clean-ass S2000.” As the distance reduced while walking towards the car it hit me…someone finally painted a car flat white! It’s an idea I’ve wanted to see in person for years and here it was in all its glory. Little did I know that the paint job had just been completed after a 26 hour road trip from the vehicle’s native Texas. “After being in a body shop in Houston for over 2 months, and receiving the car in a horrible state, I immediately drove out to L.A. the next day with a trailer and my SUV for 26 hours straight to have it completely repainted 7 days prior to the HIN L.A. show.” John tells us.

One look at the exterior of this car and you can tell that a real S2000 enthusiast built the vehicle. After owning two AP1s prior to this AP2, John had plenty of experience and knowledge going into this, his most capable S2000 thus far. While some of the parts from older vehicles carried over, he found out the hard way that some pieces, like his J’s Racing exhaust, would have to be modified. The parts are all choice and the sight of the full J’s Racing kit clad with a 4-layered ghosted graphics scheme is enough to make any s2ki member drool. But looks aren’t the only thing this car has in spades.
An S2000 that isn’t raced on track is a waste of a purpose-engineered vehicle, and John knows this which is why he’s been honing his driving skills in an AP ever since. When shooting the car he told me “at the beginning of the year the car gets all pretty for the show season, then by the end of the year it will be so beaten up from the track that you can’t even recognize it! I’ll send you pictures!” Luckily for you I was able to shoot the car before the mayhem in a seemingly pristine state.
Continuing the theme of the S2000′s inherently well-built engine, John did what most S2K owners do and only modded what was necessary. Unlike many turbo cars, the S2000 was tuned to a very high level from the factory and thus extracting more power is an art form. In fact most of the mods, like the J’s Racing oil pan or the magnetic drain bolts are more of a longevity mod to ensure the engine lasts longer rather than makes more power. “If you plan on doing what I did” John says “make sure you upgrade your car with a purpose, upgrade your parts: pads, rotors, tires, aero after you start moving up in your driving level – as your speed increases, times on the track get better. Don’t mod just to mod – mod with a purpose.”
As John Mendel Executive VP of American Honda Motor Co. put it “The Honda S2000 is a true performance vehicle that provides customers with an exciting experience behind the wheel… Because the S2000 is a car designed by enthusiasts for enthusiasts, it can easily satisfy daily driving needs without sacrificing track-worthy performance.” I must admit I can attest to this, while driving the stock vehicle you immediately feel the culmination of racing experience and technology beautifully fused together. While we’re sure Honda is sad to see the S2000 go, there are prime examples like John’s vehicle, that shine a light to carry on the roadster legacy for years to come. We think Honda would proud of the vehicle John has assembled, modified in all the right places to ensure added performance with little or no drawback. So until Honda releases the S3000, we bid the S roadster adieu. For more pics, checkout superstreetonline.com
Fast Facts
2006 Honda S2000
Owner John Nguyen
Hometown Houston, TX
Daily Grind Businessman
Under The Hood 2.2L DOHC naturally-aspirated F22C1; J’s Racing Circuit 70RS Titanium exhaust system, Tsuchinoko carbon-fiber intake system, carbon-fiber cooling plate, oil cap, radiator cap, magnetic oil and differential plugs, SPL baffled oil pan, oil catch can, coolant overflow tank; ARC heatshield/battery cover, spark plug cover; Koyo radiator; Berk Technology header and test pipe; Hondata intake manifold gasket; Enduratech carbon-fiber hood dampers; Hamp oil filter; Samco radiator hoses; Mugen dress-up bolts; Spoon Sports reservoir covers
Drivetrain Spoon Sports organic clutch plate, flywheel and pressure plate
Brains Hondata ECU Flash (Toda Spec)
Stiff Stuff Cusco 4-Point roll cage with harness bar; Zeal Function S6 aluminum coilovers with swift springs (7kg/mm all around); J’s Racing front and rear strut tower bars; Cusco Type II front lower 3-point tie bar
Rollers Silver 17X9 +35 Enkei RPF1 with 255/40/17 Bridgestone RE11 tires; Buddy Club extended lug nuts (track) Gold 17X9 +35 Volk CE28N with 255/40/17 Falken Azenis RT-615; J’s Racing lug nuts (street/show); H&R extended wheel studs
Stoppers Spoon Sports monoblock brake calipers; DBA rotors 482SL front & rear; J’s Racing Stainless Steel Brake Lines front & rear; Cobalt Racing brake pads XR3 front, GTS rear
Outside Flat-white custom paint; J’s Racing Type S Aero Kit: front fenders, front bumper w/ type 1 lip, side skirts, rear bumper, Type S carbon-fiber hood, carbon 3D GT Wing Type I, carbon-fiber canards, replica decals – 4 layered vinyl, J’s Racing/ASM rear over fenders; shaved trunk lid; GT Motoring front and rear tow hooks; Craftsquare carbon-fiber mirrors; Mugen hardtop; Ricks2k clear side markers; Go Pro camera with mount
Inside Takata 4pt harnesses; Recaro Pole Position bucket seats; Buddy Club seat rails; JPM elbow pad, center console, door panels e-brake handle and door handles (all in black alcantara and Leather); Go Tuning A pillars and door pillars (both in black alcantara w/red stitching); J’s Racing Titanium Shift Knob; MOMO Tuner steering wheel -350mm; NRG Quick Release with Short hub; Muz floor mats and trunk mat; modifry glove box organizer.

Sourced from: www.superstreetonline.com/featuredvehicles/130_0907_2006_honda_s2000/js_racing_aero_kit.html

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Date: Fathers Day 21st June 09

Venue: Edsel & Eleanor Ford house, Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan
Theme: Provide support and raise awareness for aid and research to the visually impaired through the work of the Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology
For more info, galleries and tickets sales log on to www.eyesondesigncarshow.com

Event: Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance presented by Rolex

The Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance presented by Rolex is an annual driving event that delights entrants and spectators alike. 
nitiated to showcase the elegance of the automobile in motion, the Tour also underscores the early history of the place that is Pebble Beach. Decades before golf links were laid out along the edge of the Pacific Ocean, this area was known for its scenic drive, winding for miles through pine and cypress forest, dancing alongside dramatic cliffs and leading, ultimately, to a beautiful cresent-shaped bay.

Date: August 13, 2009
7 – 8 a.m. Cars line up near Collins Field in Pebble Beach 
8:30 a.m. Tour departs, tracing portions of 17-Mile Drive and Highway One
11:30 – 12 noon Tour arrives in Carmel-by-the-Sea 
12 noon – 2 p.m. Cars are displayed on Ocean Avenue
2 – 2:30 p.m. Tour returns to Pebble Beach
3:00 p.m. Concluding Champagne toast for participants
For galleries and loads of other info log onto www.pebblebeachconcours.net

Event: Moscow International Motor Show

Date: 26-30th August 09
For more info log on to http://www.mims.ru/en
Event: 41st Tokyo Motor Show
Dates: Oct. 23 (Fri.) – Nov. 4 (Wed.), 2009
Log onto http://www.tokyo-motorshow.com  for more info

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Fighter jets and stealth bombers aren’t the only things in the Air Force fleet that fly.

The Air Force enlisted Galpin Auto Sports to radically rework a Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger to impress the kids. The cars are the stars of the “2009 Super Car Tour,” a recruiting initiative that will hit high schools across the country to highlight career opportunities in the Air Force. Galpin is best known for the crazy customization antics on MTV’s “Pimp My Ride,” building KITT in the short-lived “Knight Rider” remake and creating that crazy Scythe scarab car awhile back.

This time around they’ve built a pair of wild machines that look more suited to aerial combat than dragstrip runs.
Beau Boeckmann’s boys at Galpin collaborated with technical and mechanical airmen to ensure the cars have an authentic Air Force aesthetic. From a mix and match standpoint, the end result works well – something akin to AM General debuting a line of matchbox cars.

“For Galpin Auto Sports to be commissioned by themost technologically advanced organization on earth is truly an honor” Boeckmann said in a statement. “This is one of the most extraordinary and important projects that we have ever done.”

First up is the matte-pearlescent white Mustang dubbed X-1.The name is a nod to theBell X-1, the firstaircraft to exceed the speed of sound in level,controlled flight.

This car won’t approach that kind of speed, but with a 500-horsepower V8 under the hood, it’s quick enough to keep you entertained. Lift those scissor doors and prepare to drop your jaw – either in awe or dismay, depending upon your point of view. The interior looks like it was lifted from an F-15. Design details include a single-driver ejection seat, flight stick and, of course, night and thermal vision and GPS.

And then there’s the matte-black Challenger codenamed “Vapor.” Stealth could not be a more appropriate descriptor for this menacing car, which Galpin says uses radar-absorbing paint and a “stealth mode” exhaust that lets the car run silently. We swear we’re not making this up.

Cool exterior details include biometric latches on the scissor doors, proximity sensors and a roof-mounted camera with a range of 1/4 mile. The exterior was wrapped in a custom body kit and carbon fiber trim. Even the wheel covers are carbon. Like the Mustang, the Challenger got an fighter-inspired interior with aircraft-style controls, a passenger steering wheel and night and thermal vision and GPS gear. We love the shift lever, but we’re curious to know why Galpin didn’t say anything about what’s under the hood.It also didn’t say how much it charged Uncle Sam to build these wild rides.
Sourced from: www.wired.com

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