Now that GM has given a hybrid powertrain to the new-for-2008 Malibu, Chevrolet’s mid-size runner has a lot more to bring to the table and offers a real stiff competition for the Toyota Camry. We like the Malibu’s styling and interior refinement, but after a week in our test fleet, we’re having doubts if the Chevrolet can compete with the likes of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive.
Click through the jump for our full driving impressions and click the images below to open a gallery.
While the words “Cadillac” and “Nurburgring” don’t classically go hand-in-hand General Motors is apparently out in Germany proving that its CTS-V can hold its own with just about anything orbiting the Green Hell., and they’ve got the photo to prove it.
GM announced early this afternoon that driver John Heinricy was able to pilot the LSA V-8 powered V car to a potentially record-breaking time of 7:59:32, which is said to be the fastest “documented” lap by a sedan…ever. We’re even more excited to hear that one of Cadillac minions caught the lap on a video that is set to be released within a few days.
+ Autoblog: Green Hellraiser: Caddy CTS-V storms Nordschleife in 7:59:32
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They just don’t make toys like they used to, just ask a young Patty Duke. This Remco toy drive-in theater has everything a 1950’s kid could want, toy cars, exciting double features, even Mighty Mouse. Guaranteed not to fall apart most times you play with it.
If you’ve got an idea for Question of the Day, a funny photo for Caption It, or just want to share a news tip, let us know at windingroadtips@gmail.com
We’ve just taken delivery of a spanking new Volvo C30 hatch and thought that the stylish Swede would be the perfect subject for this week’s Ask It segment. It’ll be hard to argue with the small Volvo’s looks as we think the car is one of the prettiest hatchbacks on sale today, but questions about the ultimate functionality of the design might not go amiss. Let us know what you ponder when you hear “C30”, in comments.
If you’ve got an idea for Question of the Day, a funny photo for Caption It, or just want to share a news tip, let us know at windingroadtips@gmail.com
Compared with Roewe, we haven’t heard much from the MG brand ever since the SAIC-Nanjing Auto merger. It seems the MG guys finally decided to make some noise by bringing two new cars to the Chinese dealers at the end of this month.
As the first made-in-China roadster, the rear-drive MG TF, offers two transmission options along with its 1.8 DOHC four burner: the manual MT and a CVT. The 1.8-liter MT accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 8.2 seconds, hitting a top speed of 133 mph. It takes the 1.8-liter CVT 9.7 seconds to make the 0 to 62 mph dash, and it will reach a top speed of 124 mph. As it has almost no competitors in its class, the mid-engine roadster will likely be priced around 300,000 RMB (roughly $ 42,860 USD).
Another to hit the Chinese market later this month is an MG crossover called the 3SW. The new model has two engine options: a 1.4-liter four and a 1.8-liter four. The 1.4-liter generates maximum power of 102 horsepower and of maximum torque of 91 pound-feet while the 1.8-liter engine produces maximum power of 118 horsepower with max torque of 118 pound-feet. The price of 3SW will range from 80,000 – 120,000 RMB (roughly $11,428 - 17,142 USD).
(Have a look at the brace of Chinese MGs in our gallery below.)
If you’ve got an idea for Question of the Day, a funny photo for Caption It, or just want to share a news tip, let us know at windingroadtips@gmail.com
Italian styling house Aznom has used the Mini Clubman, a car destined to be customized ad nauseam we feel, as the basis for this rather ostentatious and bizarre variant called the Chateau.
The Chateau offers a clutter of weird wood trim pieces, including side-view mirror surrounds that look for all the world like the polished halves of coconuts. Exterior non-woody surfaces are finished in iridescent brown and gold paint, creating a very 1970’s rec room vibe. But perhaps the strangest addition to the Chateau Clubman is the retro-fitted shockproof wine cellar in the back, capable of transporting your favorite vino undisturbed wherever you need to go.
We will admit that we’re fans of the 18-inch TSW “Pace” alloys, and we’re certain that all 12 owners of these very limited edition Mini’s will be mobbed with interested parties wherever they go. At least they’ll be able to calm they’re addled nerves with a glass of Beaujolais. Cheers.
If you’ve got an idea for Question of the Day, a funny photo for Caption It, or just want to share a news tip, let us know at windingroadtips@gmail.com
While few people would want to steal this Soviet-era minicar, fewer still would even be able to penetrate its robust and complex security system. Unless they had a heavy set of scissors. Give us your best caption to this impenetrable defense, in comments.
(Click through the jump to see yesterday’s photo with Brent O.’s winning caption.)
After having the pretty 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 in our clutches all week (the fleet blog report is coming, not to worry), our minds have been tuned to the three-pointed star. So, as is our want, we thought we’d ask which Benz was the all-time best for Winding Road readers. Give us your best M-B pick, in comments.
If you’ve got an idea for Question of the Day, a funny photo for Caption It, or just want to share a news tip, let us know at windingroadtips@gmail.com
While our eBay Motors tastes usually run more to the complete car style, occasionally we do find ourselves wandering the wide and wild aisles of the “Parts & Accessories” category.
There, amongst the second-hand short block Caterpillar diesel motors, and multiple hundreds of General Motors crate engines, we stumbled upon this perfectly ridiculous tuned Audi 20-valve, turbocharged, 2.3-liter, inline-five. In addition to a custom Borg Warner turbo and aluminum intercooler, the bored out powerplant can boast a fully balanced forged crankshaft, forged rods and bearings, and a fully ported and polished cylinder head. Those adds, in addition to a list of parts far too long to repeat here, will reportedly deliver the new owner with 900-plus German-engineered horsepower. Now, if we can just find a go-kart big enough to mount it in…
If you’ve got an idea for Question of the Day, a funny photo for Caption It, or just want to share a news tip, let us know at windingroadtips@gmail.com
Opel has officially pulled the sheet off of its new Insignia, which is liable to come to the U.S. after its European launch as the newest version of the Saturn Aura. While we thought that we had seen all there was to offer on the sleek four-door sedan, our friends at CarPix have delivered up a few images of a brand new variant to the range, a five-door hatchback.
The totally undisguised hatch, possibly to be known as the CombiCoupe or Fliessheck, mimics the lines of the sedan everywhere but the rear section. The liftgate of the new Insignia looks to be of good size, and promises to add a measure of utility to the car that won’t be possible with a mere truck. Why doesn’t everyone offer a five-door?
No word of course about whether this configuration could make it to American Saturn dealers, though the GM brand’s recent willingness to stock its showrooms with straight Euro copies is encouraging. Tell us what you think of the car, after browsing our gallery below, in comments.
Participation in vintage motorsports may not be financially feasible for many of us, but many more can foot the bill from Scalextric for the next best thing. This Spanish slot-car enthusiast has compiled a rather awesome video of car-to-car footage complete with a badly dubbed, but kind of hilarious, engine noise soundtrack. Have a look at the clip above and then clear out a space in your basement, you’re going to want a track by the end.
(Not convinced? Check out our gallery of some of Scalextric’s limited edition cars below.)
If you’ve got an idea for Question of the Day, a funny photo for Caption It, or just want to share a news tip, let us know at windingroadtips@gmail.com
The Rise of Hyundai: From Mitsubishi Borrower to Possible M-B Supplier
First Look At Possible New MG TF
So Long Super Aguri: Financial Woes Cause Formula One Team to Call it A Day
