Digital Celebrity: How to Get Your Car in the Sony Gran Turismo Game

Digital Celebrity: How to Get Your Car in the Sony Gran Turismo Game:

If you’re into cars, video games or haven’t lived “off the grid” for the past 13 years, odds are you’ve heard of Gran Turismo. A driving simulation game exclusive to the Sony Playstation, GT pioneered digital racing and modification with its 1998 launch, and made cars like the GT-R a household name long before Nissan exported the R35 Stateside.

Gran Turismo is now in its fifth iteration. Developer Polyphony and Sony have promoted Gran Turismo at the annual SEMA show in Las Vegas by hosting the GT Awards. The ninth-annual GT Awards picks the best customized vehicle within a specific category (Truck/SUV, Asian Import, European Import, Domestic and Hot Rod) exhibited at SEMA and awards the owner a trophy and glory.

For the grand prize and ensuing glory, albeit digital, Kazunori Yamauchi, the creator of GT, will select an overall GT Award champion among the category winners. The overall winning car will go on to be modeled and made available in the game (images in this story are in-game renderings of previous champs). Think American Idol, only less jeers and a whole lot more gears.

For details or to submit your car for the competition, go to www.granturismoawards.com.

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Porsche Castle for Sale

Porsche Castle for Sale:

This Porsche won’t accelerate – at all – and it definitely won’t be your first choice for corner-carving driving excitement. But if your priorities include ample interior room and cavernous cargo volume, there is no substitute. The Stuttgart-based automaker is putting a Bavarian castle up for sale.

A Porsche spokesperson told the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung newspaper the company would be parting with the 1.9 million square foot estate it purchased five years ago for the equivalent of $8 million dollars.

The AFP reports the intention was to turn the property, which is located near the Austrian border, roughly 80 miles southwest of Munich, into a luxury hotel. The plans never got off the ground, however, and the decision has been made to sell up. The website for the Schloss Bullachberg property states that it served as the residence to the Thurn and Taxis family until 1995.

While the estate would impress everyone at the country club, it’ll cost you the equivalent of 54 Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolets. And really, where would you park the thing?

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L.A. Auto Show to Highlight 40 mpg Cars

L.A. Auto Show to Highlight 40 mpg Cars:

The 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show, the first major show of the auto season in North America, is promoting the growing popularity of cars that deliver better fuel economy and lower emissions.

According to the show organizers most consumers are looking to use less fuel and produce fewer carbon emissions and the solution for them are vehicles powered by modern more powerful four-cylinder internal combustion engines.

Currently four bangers have replaced the six-cylinder engine as the powerplant of choice in the U.S. – although there may be backlash if fuel prices drop further. After all it was largely trucks that lead much of the surprising improvement in new vehicle sales last month!

While six- and even eight-cylinder powered vehicles have shown significant fuel economy improvements, the 40-plus “club” of vehicles – those getting 40 mpg or more in the EPA Highway test – is expanding rapidly. The L.A. Auto Show says there will be World premiere, from a yet-to-be-named manufacturer of another entry to the 40-plus mpg club. Other new entries into this fuel-efficient category include the 2012 Hyundai Veloster, the 2012 Kia Rio and the 2012 Mazda3 with Skyactiv technology.

Here’s a list of current vehicles that deliver 40-Plus mpg:

• Audi A3 TDI (clean diesel)


• Chevy Cruze Eco


• Chevy Sonic


• Ford Focus SFE


• Ford Fiesta SFE


• Honda Civic GX


• Honda Civic HF


• Hyundai Accent


• Hyundai Elantra


• Hyundai Elantra Coupe


• Hyundai Veloster


• Kia Rio (2012)


• Mazda3 SKYACTIV (2012)


• Smart ForTwo


• Volkswagen Jetta TDI (clean diesel)


• Volkswagen Jetta SportWagon TDI (clean diesel)


• Volkswagen Passat TDI (clean diesel)


• Volkswagen Golf TDI (clean diesel)

Mazda’s new Skyactiv powertrain and chassis technologies will also be featured in the North American debut of its all-new CX-5 crossover. BMW will introduce new, more powerful, four-cylinder engine technology in performance cars — the Z4 and 528. Both will boast improved performance and increased fuel efficiency, according to BMW.

Of course we also expect to see more hybrid and electric models displayed, both in production and concept vehicles as well as these conventional gas- and diesel-fueled cars.

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Nissan’s Juke-R

Nissan’s Juke-R:

Nissan’s Technical Center for Europe, which is based here in the UK, has teamed up with race car preparation specialists, RML to build a pair of Juke’s with GT-R running gear.

It is powered by the GT-R’s 523 bhp 3.8-liter twin turbo V-6 mated to a modified version of the supercar’s six-speed transaxle and all-wheel drive system; tires are mounted on 20-inch forged alloy RAY rims.

No official figures have been issued but you can count on a near 170 mph top speed with 0-62 km/h in less than four seconds, half the time of the current quickest Juke sold in the UK.

The interior merges crossover and supercar with the Juke’s dashboard transformed to accommodate the gauges, dials and 7-inch customizable LCD display from the GT-R. The Juke’s center console, inspired by the fuel tank of a motorcycle, remains while twin race-seats with five-point harnesses replace the standard offerings. An FIA-approved roll cage is fitted for improved body rigidity.

Just two examples are being built, one each in left- and right-hand drive.

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G-Power BMW M3 Tornado RS

G-Power BMW M3 Tornado RS:

German tuner G-Power has released the first official data about its latest rendition of BMW M3, labeled ‘Tornado RS’. The revamped M3 delivers a staggering 720hp thanks to its revised V8 engine now featuring new Mahle high performance pistons and a new crankshaft, which replaced to original one in order to allow an increase of the displacement from the 4.0 litres of the original version up to the 4.6 of the Tornado RS. The new G-Power package also includes a powerful SK III ‘Sporty Drive’ ASA T1-723 Supercharger System, a new carbon fiber airbox and a titanium exhaust system.

The car boasts a 0 to 100km/h sprint time of only 3.7 seconds, 0 to 200km/h in 9.5 seconds and no less than 330 km/h top speed. Other remarkable highlights are the new aerodynamic kit, a hood with newly designed air-intakes, adjustable suspension, 20″ forged alloy wheels and an impressive braking system made of 396mm carbon ceramic discs coupled with 6 piston calipers on the front and 380mm carbon ceramic discs with 4 piston calipers on the rear.

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Driven: 2012 Subaru Impreza

Driven: 2012 Subaru Impreza:

With an all-new skin complemented by a new 2.0-liter flat four, the 2012 Subaru Impreza turns in an impressive performance among similarly sized and priced compacts.

Borrowing styling cues from the larger Legacy, the new Impreza has crisp character lines and pronounced wheel arches that contribute to a beefy stance. Compared to earlier generations, the car has shed its cute quirkiness in favor of a more conventional three-box sedan and 5-door hatch silhouette.

Among the more interesting details is the fact that the outside rearview mirrors have been moved off the door glass to the door itself. As a result, forward visibility is greatly enhanced due to the large fixed quarter windows, low beltline and A-pillars made thinner through the use of high strength steel.

Other structural changes that contribute to better visibility and improved cabin egress are 1-in. lower door sills (again thanks to the use of the high strength steel) and a 1-in. higher hip point. So instead of plopping down into the driver’s side bucket, it’s more of a slide over with a nice command-of-the-road seating position.

The fresh look outside is carried through the interior with greater use of soft touch material on the dash, doors and center console armrest. There’s also plenty of cubbies and storage compartments for everything from water bottles to iPods. (more)

Keep Reading: 2012 Subaru Impreza – First Drive >>

Photos: 2012 Subaru Impreza >>

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Electric Car Sharing Hits the Streets of Paris

Electric Car Sharing Hits the Streets of Paris:

The City of Paris has begun an electric car-sharing program modeled after the French capital’s popular bicycle rental system. Called Autolib, the program is in the trial stages, with a full roll out planned by the end of the year. The fleet of vehicles consists entirely of the Bollore Bluecar, a homely 3-door hatchback that looks very little like the futuristic concept first shown during the 2008 Paris Auto Show.

A lower price and increased longevity likely meant sacrificing some of the show car’s style for substance – or at least a pair of bulkier bumpers, something I learned was essential during five years living (and parking) in Paris. Top speed is limited to 80 miles per hour. The Bluecar’s driving range is approximately 155 miles, which compares favorably with cars like the Nissan Leaf and upcoming Mitsubishi i.

A yearly Autolib membership will cost approximately $190, with vehicle rental fees (ranging from the equivalent of $5.27 to $7.91) added for each half-hour of usage. The pricing system is meant to encourage shorter trips within the city limits. There is room for four onboard and, in case you care about such things, the company building the Bluecar is none other than famed Italian design house Pininfarina.

Most Autolib drivers will likely be more concerned with getting their Bluecar to one of 33 charging stations presently in Paris. By the end of 2012, the plan is to have 1,000 charging stations and 3,000 vehicles (up from 66 examples during the trial period). Questions remain as to whether the system might encounter the same problems experienced by Paris’ Velib bike rental system.

Bike vandalism and higher than expected maintenance charges put Velib in serious jeopardy at one point. Based on personal experience, many Velib locations were routinely empty. Or even worse, arriving at a location often meant finding all available Velib spots full of bikes, which meant pedaling to the next closest location (or the one after that!).

What happens if the Autolib recharging station/parking lot at your destination is already full? There are certainly some kinks that will need ironing out as the program looks to gain traction in the City of Lights.

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Range Rover Evoque for Sale, U.K. Vacation and $5,000 Included

Range Rover Evoque for Sale, U.K. Vacation and $5,000 Included:

Land Rover North America has teamed with e-commerce website Gilt.com in offering a brand new Range Rover Evoque, complete with a trip to the automaker’s U.K.-based off-road driving school and $5,000 gift certificate thrown in for the price of the vehicle. The online sale began today, October 3rd, at 12:00 p.m. (EST). Based on past experience, it’s likely the sole example on sale – an Evoque 5-door in Prestige trim – was snapped up in about the time it takes the luxury-laden little SUV to accelerate from zero to, say, two miles per hour!

A similar promotion held last year, featuring a brand new Volkswagen Jetta priced at only $5,995, required 253 milliseconds for one owner to purchase the car online. Rather than simply scoring a new ride for a rock-bottom price, the lucky Evoque owner will be whisked to the U.K. for a trip for two at the Land Rover Experience Driving School. As for that $5,000 gift certificate, our guess is that it’ll be more than enough for a couple Land Rover-labeled umbrellas and duffle bags at the gift shop.

“The all-new Range Rover Evoque targets a whole new generation of brand enthusiasts and an urban, contemporary audience that frequents Gilt for instant insider access to premium brands,” said Kim McCullough, Brand Vice President, Land Rover North America. According to the Gilt homepage, the site aims to offer its “3.5 million members” inside prices on the most prestigious brands and travel destinations. Think of it as Groupon.com for the Gucci crowd. Other Land Rover-themed adventures, including weekend getaways to Vermont and Carmel Valley, California, are also being offered.

Photos: 2012 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque >>

Driven: 2012 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque >>

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Sit-Down Comedy via Ford SYNC

Sit-Down Comedy via Ford SYNC:

Two of comedy’s biggest stars – separated by 6000 miles – have been brought together using Ford SYNC technology, as part of the Ford of Britain Centenary Tour.

Jimmy Carr and Jay Leno have taken part in an unusual gig, live from the front seats of two Ford Focuses, communicating across the Atlantic using the cars’ Wi-Fi enabled SYNC system. Leno was parked in Hollywood in Los Angeles, with Carr outside the Corn Exchange in King’s Lynn, in Norfolk.

“It’s great to do something that is cutting edge, to chat about cars, gadgets and have a laugh,” said Carr, who leapt at the chance to get together with one of the kings of American stand-up.

Ford SYNC Wi-Fi capability uses an external USB broadband modem, plugged into the vehicle’s media system, effectively turning it into a rolling Wi-Fi hot spot. By broadcasting a secure wireless connection throughout the vehicle, Ford SYNC allows up to five passengers with Wi-Fi enabled mobile devices to access the signal.

Carr and Leno used this signal to run Skype on their iPad 2’s, allowing them to video-call each other from across the Atlantic.

Jay Leno, said: “Bad cars don’t really exist so car makers are increasingly looking for ways to make their models stand out. The one place we spend more time than anywhere except our house or office is the car. It’s not a surprise people want the same gadgetry on the road.”

Since the introduction of the Ford SYNC in the Focus, Ford has installed the system on more than 3 million vehicles. It is currently available on Fords in the US and scheduled to launch in the UK in 2012.

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Caterham Announces Technology and Innovation Division; Aiming to Out-Lotus Lotus?

Caterham Announces Technology and Innovation Division; Aiming to Out-Lotus Lotus?:

When one considers Caterham, “technology” is not the first thing that comes to mind. After all, barring its recent track-only collaboration with Lola, the company makes its bucks continually refining Colin Chapman’s venerable Lotus Seven. Admittedly, today’s Cat is a far cry from Chapman’s original, including such niceties as fuel injection and modern brakes, but let’s face it: A Seven isn’t—and thankfully will never be—a Bugatti Veyron.

Nevertheless, new owner Tony Fernandes, he of Team Lotus fame, is aiming to bring the company name to new markets via Caterham Technology and Innovation Limited. The aim is to develop a completely new line of lightweight sporting cars inspired by the Seven’s minimalist philosophy—in essence, we presume, out-Lotusing Lotus, which has suggested its new cars will be larger, heavier, more luxurious, and altogether Swizz Beatzier.

And rather than hiring say, Timbaland as Head of Road Cars, Fernandes is bringing aboard Tony Shute, a Lotus veteran who shepherded the Series 1 Elise to market. Shute is just the sort of bloke who might know a thing or two about constructing a Chapmanian sporting machine in this day and age.

Caterham claims the new division also will carry out contract work for other companies in the automotive and aerospace industries, drawing on Team Lotus’s and Fernandes’s Team AirAsia GP2 program’s technologies and materials. It sounds like a business model very similar to the one a certain concern in Hethel has operated under for years, almost as if Fernandes is starting a Lotus cover band. Hey Tony, if you’re taking requests, we’d really like to hear “Eclat” again.

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