Wow this really sucks for this Skyline owner.  Someone must have blown the whistle on this guy.

There have long been rumors of a successor to the S15 throne, and Nissan did release this teaser image from Nissan’s GT 2012 meeting held recently. They hinted towards a cheap, ‘drift-able’ rear wheel drive sports platform, the Silvia. The leaked images show the side view of the upcoming FR sports coupe due to go on sale in 2010.

Formula Drift made it to Evergreen Speedway a few months back.  There was some great drifting put on by the pros and the new up and comers.  Although I have not had a chance to upload any of my own footage from the event, I did find this video which covers the weekends events pretty well

Hyundai Motor America announced pricing for the new Genesis Coupe, starting at $22,000 for a well-equipped 210-horsepower, 2.0-liter, turbocharged, four-cylinder engine 2.0T model and $25,000 for the 306-horsepower, 3.8-liter, V6 engine model. Genesis Coupe will begin arriving at Hyundai dealerships later in the month.

“Genesis sedan set a new benchmark for the premium sedan segment and we think Genesis Coupe will do the same in the sport coupe arena,” said John Krafcik, Hyundai Motor America president and chief executive officer. “From our 30-mpg 2.0T with its low-pressure, intercooled, four-cylinder turbo, to the 3.8-liter Track model with 306 horsepower and Brembo(R) braking system, Genesis Coupe offers a wide range of powertrain and performance choices for driving enthusiasts of all stripes.”

2010 Genesis Coupe Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Pricing

Model:Genesis Coupe 2.0T

Engine:2.0-liter turbo 4-cyl.

Package:

Transmission:Six-Speed Manual

MSRP: $22,000

Model:Genesis Coupe 2.0T

Engine:2.0-liter turbo 4-cyl.

Package:

Transmission:Five-Speed A/T SHIFTRONIC®

MSRP:$23,250

Model: Genesis Coupe 2.0T

Engine:2.0-liter turbo 4-cyl.

Package:Premium

Transmission:Six-Speed Manual

MSRP:$24,250

Model: Genesis Coupe 2.0T

Engine:2.0-liter turbo 4-cyl.

Package: Premium

Transmission: Five-Speed A/T SHIFTRONIC®

MSRP: $25,500

Model: Genesis Coupe 2.0T

Engine:2.0-liter turbo 4-cyl.

Package: Track

Transmission:Six-Speed Manual

MSRP: $26,750

Model:Genesis Coupe 2.0T

Engine:2.0-liter turbo 4-cyl.

Package:R-Spec * Mid-model year availability

Transmission:Six-Speed Manual

MSRP:$23,750

Model: Genesis Coupe 3.8

Engine:3.8-liter V6

Package:

Transmission:Six-Speed Manual

MSRP: $25,000

Model: Genesis Coupe 3.8

Engine: 3.8-liter V6

Package:

Transmission: ZF Six-Speed A/T SHIFTRONIC®

MSRP:$26,500

Model: Genesis Coupe 3.8

Engine:3.8-liter V6

Package:Grand Touring

Transmission:Six-Speed Manual

MSRP: $27,500

Model: Genesis Coupe 3.8

Engine:3.8-liter V6

Package:Grand Touring

Transmission:ZF Six-Speed A/T SHIFTRONIC®

MSRP: $29,000

Model: Genesis Coupe 3.8

Engine:3.8-liter V6

Package:Track

Transmission:Six-Speed Manual

MSRP: $29,500

Model: Genesis Coupe 3.8

Engine:3.8-liter V6

Package:Track

Transmission:ZF Six-Speed A/T SHIFTRONIC®

MSRP: $31,000

Note: Add $750 freight charge

GENESIS COUPE 2.0T: A MORE EFFICIENT TAKE ON THE REAR-WHEEL DRIVE SPORT COUPE

Standard equipment includes:
· 2.0-liter, low-pressure, turbocharged, intercooled 4-cylinder engine with dual continuously variable valve timing delivering 210 hp, 223 lb.-ft. of torque (at just 2,000 rpm), an estimated 30 mpg EPA highway rating and a top speed of 137 mph
· M6VR1 6-speed manual transmission (Optional: A5SR1 5-speed electronic automatic transmission with lockup torque converter and steering wheel-mounted paddle-shift Shiftronic® controls)
· 18-inch Euroflange alloy wheels with staggered Bridgestone Potenza RE92A tires (225/45VR18 front, 245/45VR18 rear)
· Electronic Stability Control with Traction control, ABS, Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Brake Assist
· 12.6-inch ventilated front rotors with 60mm single piston floating caliper
· 12.4-inch solid rear rotors with 43mm single piston floating caliper
· Sport-tuned MacPherson strut dual-link front suspension and five-link rear independent suspension, 24mm front stabilizer bar, 19mm rear stabilizer bar
· Front strut brace
· Quick-ratio hydraulic steering (2.7 turns lock-to-lock)
· Tire Pressure Monitoring System
· Front, side, side air curtain air bags
· Active front head restraints
· Driver’s lumbar support
· Black-out front lower fascia
· Air conditioning
· Satin silver and chrome interior accents
· Remote keyless entry system with alarm
· Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
· Power windows (one-touch up and down), door locks and mirrors
· AM/FM/XM/MP3/CD audio system with six speakers
· iPod/ USB Aux jack connectivity
· Steering wheel audio controls
· Cruise control
· Trip computer
· Projector beam headlamps with auto light control
· Bluetooth® hands-free connectivity with steering wheel controls

The 2.0T Premium model adds or substitutes:
· Power driver’s seat
· 360-watt AM/FM/XM/MP3/CD-changer Infinity® premium audio system with 10 speakers including DVC subwoofer, eight-channel external amplifier, and diversity antenna
· Proximity Key with push-button start
· Auto-dimming mirror with HomeLink® and compass
· Power tilt and slide sunroof
· Navigation system (mid-model year availability, pricing TBA)

The factory-tuned 2.0T Track model builds from the 2.0T Premium, adding/substituting:
· 19-inch gunmetal-finish alloy wheels with staggered high-performance summer-compound Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires (225/40YR19 front, 245/40YR19 rear)
· Unique Brembo® braking system with 13.4-inch ventilated front rotors, 42mm four-piston fixed front calipers (red), 13.0-inch ventilated rear rotors, 32mm+28mm four-piston fixed rear calipers (red)
· Unique track-tuned suspension, higher-rate coil springs, higher-control shock absorbers, 25mm front stabilizer bar, 22mm rear stabilizer bar, front strut brace
· Torsen-type limited-slip differential
· Black leather bolster seats with high-friction red cloth insert
· Aluminum pedals
· Aero wipers
· Rear spoiler
· Xenon HID (High Intensity Discharge) headlights
· Fog lamps
· Lightweight temporary spare with aluminum wheel (T135/80D18)
· Navigation system (mid-model year availability, pricing TBA)
· Note: Automatic transmission not available with 2.0T Track

***Later in the model year, a tuner-focused performance model, R-Spec, will arrive at Hyundai dealerships. Genesis Coupe R-Spec is the ultimate upgradeable, affordable, turbocharged rear-wheel drive performance platform. R-Spec equipment includes:
· 2.0-liter low-pressure turbocharged intercooled four-cylinder engine with dual continuously variable valve timing delivering 210 hp, an estimated 30 mpg EPA highway rating and a top speed of 137 mph
· 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission
· Electronic Stability Control with Traction Control, ABS, Electronic Brake-Force Distribution and Brake Assist
· 19-inch gunmetal-finish alloy wheels with staggered-width high-performance summer-compound Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires (225/40YR19 front, 245/40YR19 rear)
· Brembo® braking system with 13.4-inch ventilated front rotors, 42mm four-piston fixed front calipers (red), 13.0-inch ventilated rear rotors, 32mm+28mm four-piston fixed rear calipers (red)
· Track-tuned suspension (higher-rate coil springs, higher-control shock absorbers, 25mm front stabilizer bar, 22mm rear stabilizer bar, front strut brace)
· Torsen-type limited-slip differential
· Quick-ratio hydraulic steering (2.7 turns lock-to-lock)
· Tire Pressure Monitoring System
· Front, side, side air curtain air bags
· Active front head restraints
· Driver’s lumbar support
· Air conditioning
· Remote keyless entry with alarm
· Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
· Power windows (one-touch up and down), door locks and mirrors
· AM/FM/XM/MP3/CD audio system with six speakers
· iPod/ USB/Aux jack connectivity
· Projector beam headlamps
· Lightweight temporary spare with aluminum wheel (T135/80D18)
· Note: Automatic transmission not available with R-Spec
Additional info
((Convenience gadgets like Bluetooth, automatic headlights, cruise control, trip computer, chrome interior accents and steering wheel audio controls have been chopped in the interest of weight saving and cost reduction. ))

GENESIS 3.8: 306 HORSEPOWER AND STANDARD LEATHER INTERIOR – A NEW BENCHMARK FOR PERFORMANCE AND REFINEMENT IN ITS CLASS

Standard equipment includes 2.0T equipment, and adds or substitutes:
· 3.8-liter DOHC V6 engine with dual continuously variable valve timing delivering 306 hp and a top speed of 149 mph
· M6VR2 6-speed manual transmission (Optional: ZF 6HP19 6-speed electronic automatic with lockup torque converter and steering wheel-mounted paddle-shift Shiftronic® controls)
· Black leather seating surfaces
· Fully automatic temperature control
· Premium door sill plates
· Chrome front fascia accents
· Fog lights

In addition to 3.8 equipment, the 3.8 Grand Touring adds or substitutes:
· Unique brown leather seat interior environment
· Power driver’s seat
· Heated driver and passenger seat
· 360-watt AM/FM/XM/MP3/CD-changer Infinity® premium audio system with 10 speakers including DVC subwoofer, eight-channel external amplifier, and diversity antenna
· Proximity key with push-button start
· Xenon HID (High Intensity Discharge) headlamps
· Auto-dimming mirror with HomeLink® and compass
· Heated mirrors with outside turn signal indicators
· Backup warning system
· Power tilt and slide sunroof
· Navigation system (mid-model year availability, pricing TBA)

The factory-tuned 3.8 Track model deletes the backup warning system and chrome front fascia accents from the Grand Touring model, and adds or substitutes:
· Black leather seating surfaces
· 19-inch gunmetal finish alloy wheels with staggered high-performance summer-compound Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires (225/40YR19 front, 245/40YR19 rear)
· Brembo® braking system with 13.4-inch ventilated front rotors, 42mm four-piston fixed front calipers (red), 13.0-inch ventilated rear rotors, 32mm+28mm four-piston fixed rear calipers (red)
· Unique track-tuned suspension, higher-rate coil springs, higher-control shock absorbers, 25mm front stabilizer bar, 22mm rear stabilizer bar, strut brace
· Torsen-type limited-slip differential
· Aluminum pedals
· Aero wipers
· Rear spoiler
· Black-out front lower fascia
· Lightweight temporary spare with aluminum wheel (T135/80D18)

Genesis Coupe will be available in nine exterior colors:
· Karussell White
· Bathurst Black
· Silverstone
· Nordschleife Gray
· Acqua Minerale Blue
· Tsukuba Red
· Mirabeau Blue
· Lime Rock Green
· Interlagos Yellow

Genesis Coupe features four different interior themes:
· Black environment, premium black cloth seats (2.0T, 2.0T Premium, R-Spec)
· Black environment, black leather-bolstered seats with high-friction red cloth insert (2.0T Track)
· Black environment, black leather seats (3.8, 3.8 Track)
· Black environment, saddle brown leather seats (3.8 Grand Touring)

Wake up Oregonians its bad enough they dont trust you to pump your own gas!  There is a bill in your backyard that may inhibit your selection when it comes time to purchase a fresh set of tires this season.  Governor Theodore Kulongoski, the Oregon Speaker of the House has introduced legislation (H.B. 2186) to prohibit the sale and distribution of aftermarket motor vehicle parts if alternatives are available that “decrease greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles.” The bill is primarily focused on aftermarket tires and would authorize the Environmental Quality Commission to implement enforcement regulations, likely based on a rolling resistance calculation.

What Does this Bill Mean to You? A LOT!! For instance:

• H.B. 2186 would regulate vehicle fuel economy, an authority reserved to the federal government.
• H.B. 2186 could ban tires that may have improved performance, handling or appearance features, based solely on a rolling resistance rating.  In addition, this program could easily distract consumers from focusing on more important safety issues such as tire inflation and overloading of vehicles.
• H.B. 2186 would force consumers to purchase only original equipment manufacturer (OEM) tires because the program essentially exempts OEM-selected tires and unfairly implies that they are superior to aftermarket products.
• H.B. 2186 could prohibit aftermarket parts designed to either personalize or optimize specific vehicle performance attributes including handling, towing, suspension, fuel economy, etc.
• H.B. 2186 provides broad authority to government regulators and could limit a range of aftermarket parts currently available to consumers based on the subjective determination of government regulators.

This information is courtesy of SEMA: http://www.semasan.com/main/main.aspx?id=62515

>>>Discuss This in the Forum<<<

No this isnt a response to Cadillacs latest concept using internet lingo, its the actual concept itself. The design named the World Thorium Fuel concept was designed to showcase a car with almost zero maintenance requirements. The best part? It is designed to function for 100 years! The designer and creator Loren Kulesus nabbed the name from the cars proposed power source, thorium. Its number 90 on your high school science periodic table and with this design it is used to act as a nuclear fuel to power batteries that would cause the car to function.

Just how much more extreme could this car get? how about 24 wheels? Not its not sharing a Semi-Truck platform, but each corner lays home to six individual wheels side by side with their own power source. And that part about maintenance? Well the wheels are it! Every 5 years they would need to be adjusted, but never replaced or added to…. seems like a sweet deal to me, but then what would happen to Caddy Techs? Well i am sure there will still be enough Escalades around to keep them busy.

<<<Discuss This In The Forum>>>

Chrysler is looking to turn things around with its latest unveiling, the 200C concept.  This car should prove to fill the void where the previous Sebring dropped the ball.  The exterior is smooth flowing but far from bland!  And the real game changer that makes this car a hit is its powertrain!  The car is an EV, yup its an electric plug in and it has a small gas engine to extend the range as well.  In my opinion, if Chrysler can get the ball rolling on this quickly they could be potentially give them selves a well needed boost to their stock portfolio.

The car is said to be roughly the size of the current BMW 5 series and should seat 4 comfertably.  The EV on the name plat shouldnt leave it in the slow lane though.  The lithium batterys that power the 74 horsepower electric generator can put out 268 hp when working in combination of the gas motor.  What does this mean? 0-60 times in the sub 7 second range and a top speed looking to be over 120 mph.  Not too shabby for something roll out of Chryslers doors, and there is the “green” factor too.  I can travel on battery alone for up to 40 miles.

You can be certain that this car will be featured with all kinds of gizmos such as internet capabilities.  When can you get in line to get one? Not sure, but keep your fingers crossed.  Its nice to see the big three doing something positive with your tax dollars!

>>>Discuss This In The Forum<<<

The Tokyo Auto Salon has in the past been the home to wild designs created by even crazier tuners and this year’s 2009 event is no different!  UCF gives you a look at the very first pictures to roll out from the show so you can see all the new gizmos and gadgets and get your fill of anime paint schemes to boot.  Click the link below to go to the forum to view all of the images!

>>>View The Pictures in the Forum<<<

The Chrysler Corporation released word today of looking to develop a small sub compact car to do battle with the rising gas prices.  Since the increased demand for oil from exponentially growing China, and a weak economy in the US, gas prices have seemed to soar out of reach for most Americans.  Chrysler’s current smallest offering of the two liter Sebring, will dwarf the proposed new car based on the Dodge Hornet.  Could this be a winning game plan?  It definitely could, however only if this new sub compact can surpass the fuel mileage of the micro sized Smart Fortwo which only gets a very disappointing 32 mpg.  This should not be a miracle task as cars have gotten high mpg since the late 70’s.  The CRX HF got a reported 50 mpg in the 80’s.  Chrysler needs to keep those MPG’s in mind, and maybe take a page out of the old playbook, because with their current formula, size doesn’t seem to matter.  The company plans to release the car sometime around 2010.

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Racing official, Mauricia Grant, is filing a lawsuit against the NASCAR organization on grounds of both sexual and racial harassment.  The young 32 year old African-American woman began working in her field because she loved the high adrenaline atmosphere, the fast cars, and getting be around some of the top drivers in the world.  However, she claims that the enjoyment of her job quickly faded as a result of a hostile work environment.

In the lawsuit, she alleged she was referred to as “Nappy Headed Mo” and “Queen Sheba,” by co-workers, and was often told she worked on “colored people time.”  However this appeared to just be the beginning of things as she was also subjected to sexual advances from male co-workers, two of whom had allegedly exposed themselves to her.

According to a recent Sports Illustrated article the lawsuit details a series of alleged incidents:

• Grant was forced to work outside more often than the white male officials because her supervisors believed she couldn’t sunburn because she was black.

• While riding in the backseat of her car pool at Talladega Superspeedway, co-workers told her to duck as they passed race fans. “I don’t want to start a riot when these fans see a black woman in my car,” she claims one official said.

• When packing up a dark garage at Texas Motor Speedway an official told Grant: “Keep smiling and pop your eyes out ’cause we can’t see you.”

• When she ignored advances from co-workers, Grant was accused of being gay. She also claimed co-workers questioned the sexual orientation of two other female officials.

• She was asked by her supervisor “Does your workout include an urban obstacle course with a flat-screen TV on your back?”

Grant says the incident has not diminished her love of the sport, however she demands that things need to change.  She claims that after numerous reports of these incidents, Grant was given the same un-assuring response of “these are military guys” or “you need to just deal with it”, somewhat of a “boys will be boys” concept.  NASCAR claims they have not reviewed the suit so were not available to comment too much on the incident, but did state that they have a strongly enforced zero tolerance policy on harassment.  Well a $225 million dollar lawsuit will no doubt make them tighten up the regulation and enforcement of that policy.

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