In The News!
March 27, 2008
Don’t Mess With Car People!
As a member of many different car forums I love meeting all the people with the great cars on the forums and what not. What I don’t love are the people that pretend to be someone they are not. On car forums you see this every day. One thing you don’t always see is ownage this damn bad. “Fresh C280” from Maryland Street Scene, a hometown forum that I didn’t belong to until now –I was born and raised for a few years in Baltimore- tried to pass off a CLS 55 AMG off as his, and then he told people it was his fiancé’s and proceeded to make odd stories up about the whole thing. The greatest thing is that he is 19, dating a gorgeous model, his friends on facebook had no idea who she was and that they were engaged, he drives a broken down Acura Legend oh yeah and I almost forgot, the members got on him so bad that they found the owner of the actual car in Miami, FL through cardomain.com and he joined just to show proof that it was his car… Talk about one of the most epic fails ever in the history of the internet. My appreciation goes out to the guys over at MDStreetScene.com for providing a great place to make me laugh for two days straight now. Also, to the 22 year old gentleman in FL that owns the CLS, beautiful car and you are a lucky man! Congrats guys for making your forum the new king of pwnage.
Here is a picture of the car that Fresh tried to pass off as his, the cardomain to find the real guys CLS and also proof that MafiosoCLS55 owns the car.
Pictures and information provided by MDStreetScene.com and CarDomain.com
March 14, 2008
So I know I haven’t exactly been writing a whole lot here on RawAutos. I apologize; I have been helping my family take care of my flu stricken mother, and our new family puppy. Now, I have just gotten a little sick in the past few days, but I will not let this stop me from writing anymore.
So now for some crazy news from the past few days.
Let’s start this day off with some fun racing new. All year long in ALMS Peugeot and Audi have been battling it out with their diesel race cars, the Audi R10 TDI and the Peugeot 908 HDi. They have successfully been the best of the best. At yesterday’s qualifying session for the 12-hours of Sebring race, Audi came out and stuck it to Peugeot with a 1:43.195s lap time. That was obviously good enough for the pole. Then later in the day Peugeot comes out and beats that with a 1:43.117s lap time. This obviously gives the 908 HDi the pole position, except for one tiny mishap. Unfortunately the LMP2 Mazda MZR-R had a horrible wreck, one bad enough to end qualifying for the day, so Peugeot’s lap time does not count as they were out for 9-minutes when they set the lead pace, and ALMS rules state you have to be out for 10-minutes to qualify it as a qualifying lap time. So Audi steals the show this time. The starting grid looks like this for the 12 Hours of Sebring race tomorrow in top 10 order
Source: Autoblog
Photo: F1 Fanatic
1) Audi R10 TDI -1:43.195s
2) Peugeot 908 HDi -1:44.271s
3) Audi R10 TDI -1:45.090s
4) Porsche -1:45.220s
5) Porsche 1:45.999s
6) Acura/Honda 1:46.029s
7) Porsche 1:46.348s
Acura/Honda 1:46.632s
9) Lola 1:47.358s
10) Porsche 1:47.567s
March 14, 2008
Aston Martin today confirmed official production of its V12 Vantage RS show car and a Roadster version of the lustful DBS. Aston Martin has yet to stop amazing me with such wonderful cars that they have been making. I love how they are now fully set on sports cars with real race car heritage, but still with that British elite feel and design to them. Aston Martin is in its prime after being sold by Ford to Prodrive. There are supposed to be a limited production run of the V12 Vantage RS sometime next year. The greatest news of the RS is that its 600hp V8 should remain and the weight, due to an extensive carbon fiber diet, is down to about 3,500lbs. That is the same weight as my MS6 with 274hp. I am so excited right now! The other great news is about the DBS, it will now come in an open top version. One thing I did notice and have always wondered is, why do we always see RWD sports and exotics being tested in the snow in Europe during development, and then when it gets stateside, all we see is wrecked exotics in broad day light and perfect conditions and no cars around? Yeah, I don’t get it either…
Source: WorldCarFans
Photos: Autoblog V12 Vantage RS
March 14, 2008
Pontiac has been selling the power of its new G8 GT for well over a year now. They teased us with the concept, then they made us sad when they said the new G8 wouldn’t have time for a manual transmission, but it did have a big thundering V8 that produced over 360hp… That made us happy again, and then we found out it was RWD and I don’t know about you, but my nipples could have cut glass, I loved it so much. Now they have been advertising the crap out of it, and some pretty good ads, but up until now they were just advertisements. Now Pontiac has released quite possibly the greatest car commercial of all time. Wait did I just say that a struggling American automaker possibly made the greatest TV ad? Yes, I did! This particular commercial takes us back to the good ole’ days of Spy Hunter, the original, not the PS2 wannabe version. Well, here it is. I’m starting to like this car a lot more… Have I gone soft? Uh oh!
Source: Autoblog
March 14, 2008
Can I get a Woot! Woot! For the celebs? Thank God for P. Dads… Or whatever he calls himself this week. He has come out publicly for the celebrities saying that he is going to start a transportation service for drunken stars. Oh geez, what will TMZ and People Weekly report on now? Especially since the stars will be able to have a nice posh limo to ride their drunk asses in. This has taken what? All of 60 years to figure out that celebrities need someone to help get them home from the club? What was wrong with taking a taxi or a limo in the first place? Is showing off your SL65 AMG really that important Lindsay Lohan? Especially when your well being comes into play? Thought not.
Thanks to Autoblog for the story
Photo courtesy of: Gnextinc
March 14, 2008
So this is something that I have been saying for years now. Red light photo cameras are increasingly dangerous, not helpful. Each traffic stop that has a red light camera has decreased the amount of time you get for a yellow light from 3s down to 2s. And they call that safety? At least that is how states have been able to have them passed into laws and be able to rent them from different companies. For years there have been others that have agreed with my opinion that they actually made driving less safe and now there has been a study done by the University of Southern Florida Public Health that also has found it to be true. As Autoblog reports, one of the famous writers from Car and Driver Patrick Bedard has been singing this tune in his latest column. It is a good read if you want realize the truth at hand.
Source: Autoblog
Photo courtesy of: kiitv in South Texas
March 14, 2008
Most of us know about the Hulk Hogan family troubles going on in the news. Between his high end divorce and his son Nick having a horrible street racing accident while driving intoxicated (Nick is only 17) in his souped up Toyota Supra that has left one man in permanent need of nursing home care. Here at RawAutos you know how I am about street racing, but I shall spare you my babble this time and just show you the pictures that were released today by the Clearwater Police Department in Florida.
Wikipedia has some interesting things about the crash and the after affects of the situation. They report that Nick had a blood alcohol level of .02, while sure is nothing major, it still is something that he shouldn’t have been doing. Also they say that, the family of the injured victim is suing the Hogan family for the ongoing medical care that the man needs. The passenger was not wearing his seat belt, while Nick was.
Source for photos and information: Autoblog
March 7, 2008
Well, I told you guys yesterday that I would get the chance to test drive an E90 M3 sedan and the E92 M3 coupe today. Unfortunately, due to very bad rain and a call for even more severe weather has put a red light to me driving the cars today. In fact my friend over at the dealership told me that neither car would be PDI’d or detailed today and that they were going to wait until tomorrow morning. That is how bad the weather had been today.
I know you guys were waiting for this one, and trust me so was I, but hopefully tomorrow will be a better day for weather and driving.
So stay tuned for my full test and review of the new sedan and coupe M3’s. I’m still in disbelief that I get to test both.
March 6, 2008
BMW E92 M3 at U.S. Dealerships Already!
Lucky me. Today I was given the opportunity to check out a brand new BMW E92 M3 at Schaeffer BMW in Wilmington, NC. The pictures cannot begin to show the true being that sat right in front of me. There was no doubt that it looked like it was ready to take off out of the showroom. It didn’t look like the new M3 likes to be cooped up like some caged animal, which is just what it is, an animal! The stance of the new M3 alone is enough to show you that it means business. I took a look at the whole car inside and out and didn’t see one part of the design that was there for show or ascetic reasons. This car is all go.
As soon as you see the rear-end you know this is the M3 with its beautiful quad tips sitting out and the lower rear fascia looking so race drawn. Then you start to walk around the car and you notice how low it sits in comparison to the E46 M3, and then you notice how much longer it seems as well. The profile looks like it’s getting ready to pounce on its prey.
After seeing the rest of the profile, you slowly make your way around to the front of the car and immediately you are taken aback. This is no M3 that BMW has ever designed. Every M3 before has always been so pretty, so clean and so smooth. This M3 is smooth, but in a much more hardcore way. The front end is sharp, it shows its growling teeth with the wide front mouth that sucks in all the air, and the hood sits so far up. With the E46 M3 there was a small up rise in the middle of the hood to make sure the 3.2L I-6 fit properly. This car has a Mount Everest sized dome in the middle with two rather large air intakes next to it. The left intake is fake, while the right one feeds air straight to the air intake. Neat design and they figured out how to blend it in perfectly with the rest of the car.
There is a noticeable difference when you get into the M3. The doors are longer than the outgoing E46 model, and the interior is much plusher. It is much more up to an ///M cars standards. The steering wheel is thick, and a smaller circle than the E46 as well. This wheel fits your hand much better. The transmission still feels the same as all of the other ///M cars, but the shifter feels smoother and more precise along with being a shorter shifter. There are only four seats total in the E92 M3, which is great because it gives the rear passengers all of the room they need for a nice drive.
As soon as you open the hood you realize why that mountain is in the middle of the aluminum hood. The 4.0L V8 is monstrous. And I don’t mean monstrous as in a big V8, or a V8 in general, this damn thing is HUGE! It sits out like it’s going to jump out of the car, no joke. I was with two friends and as soon as I opened the hood the three of us just said “whoa!!!” How they fit that engine in there I have no idea, and how they made it weigh less than the outgoing I-6 is even farther beyond me. Leave it up to the boys over at ///M to make the best damn car they can.
Enjoy the pictures guys. Stay tuned to RawAutos.com and BMWBlog.com tomorrow when I get to drive an E90 M3 and an E92 M3.
A big thanks goes out to my friends at Schaeffer BMW for calling me up and telling me they had the car, and for letting me hang around and take pictures. If you are interested in this M3, feel free to give them a call at . Their great staff (who are personal friends of mine) will help you with all of your needs. Tell them BMWBlog or RawAutos sent you.
If you would like to see larger images, e-mail me at josh@rawautos.com and I will send you the link where you can see all of the images in high-resolution.
March 5, 2008
Geneva Motor Show 2008
GENEVA IS HERE!!! What does this mean to you? Well, nothing. Just kidding. It means a lot to everyday motorists, especially the ones who actually care about cars. More cars are being shown, whether they are custom tailored automobiles, new 2009 models or concepts that will most likely never see the light of day as a production car. But without further ado, here they are. These are the best things that Geneva has to offer in my opinion, but there are more to be seen so check them out at www.autoblog.com, www.bmwblog.com, www.jalopnik.com and www.leftlanenews.com. Come back each day this week for a few new cars shown each day.
Audi R8 V12 TDI Le Mans
This is one hell of a car. You know how much I love the R8. Remember it did tie the BMW 3-Series as the 2007 RawAutos CotY. I think we all know that is one crazy accomplishment in the automotive world. Okay it’s not yet, but, it will be and the R8 will continue to be a winner. This particular model has a 500hp 737lb-ft of torque Turbo-Diesel V12. WHAT?! A TDI that produces that amount of power? Oh yes, it is true, But more importantly the look of it is just menacing. It’s a monster. Remember that thing you thought was either in your closet or under your bed when you were a kid? Well, I think the R8 V12 is a blood relative. Now we saw the regular V12 TDI at Detroit a few months back. The Le Mans is the same car, just in a different color to commemorate Audi’s winning trend at the famous French track with its R10 TDI LMP1 racecar.
Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/04/geneva-2008-audi-r8-v12-tdi-le-mans-a-mouthful-for-a-mouthwat/
Brabus Bullit, SLR and Ultimate 112
When I first saw the photos of these three cars I couldn’t stop laughing. It looks like Goliath as the SLR, Goliath’s cousin in the C-Class matte-black Bullit Black Arrow and baby Goliath in the Ultimate 112. What is so Ultimate about the new 112? It’s basically what you get when 50 Cent pimps your Smart Fortwo. Darth Vader, your car is finally here! The Bullit has a V12 cranking out 720hp and only 811lb-ft of torque because of the electronic limiter… how disappointing. I was hoping for the full unrestricted 974lb-ft, but I guess I’ll have to go elsewhere for that. At least it does do 224mph, which is a speedy plus for those boring days. The SLR is the same topless rocket that Brabus has been making for a while, with 23 extra ponies over the standard SLR vert.
Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/04/geneva-2008-brabus-bullitt-slr-roadster-and-ultimate-112/
http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/30/essen-2007-mercedes-benz-slr-mclaren-roadster-by-brabus/
Bentley Continental GTZ by Zagato
I have already talked about this car, which is just a redesign by Zagato. So there really is no need to talk anymore. Just need to show you the official photos from Geneva. Hands down one of the most beautiful cars at Geneva or anywhere else for that matter. Although the random ¼ inch Z on each side has me wondering about this car… Like I said before, W.O. Bentley would be excited about this car and demand that it be made into a racecar.
Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/04/geneva-2008-zagato-bentley-continental-gtz/
Pininfarina Sintesi Concept
This is a car that I really liked the concept of when I first read about it. It is called the Sintesi and it stands for “Synthesis” in Italian. It drives with four passengers and 700hp made from hydrogen reactors placed in different parts of the car. Also, to show what the name does, it does away with all traffic signs. It links and talks with other cars to stop, go, speed up, slow down, and warn others to use caution. Now that is the concept of technology. Whether it would ever happen is a question even I don’t have the answer to. It is awfully unique though. It is also a Pininfarina design, so it looks as amazing as it goes.
Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/04/geneva-2008-the-pininfarina-sintesi-will-fly-you-to-the-moon/
BMW E93 M3 (Convertible)
The new E93 M3 showed up at Geneva, just as BMW had promised us. New to the M3 line is a hard-top convertible that is made of aluminum to help keep down weight and sustain frame rigidity, something E46 M3 Convertible lacked. The trunks space seems a bit snug, but since I don’t really use my trunk that often, it doesn’t really bother me. BMW Blog has the photos of the beautiful, what looks to be Monaco Blue M3 on the floor. Also displayed with the M3 is the M-DCT transmission that is a new 7-speed twin-clutch paddle shift gearbox that is supposed to be light-years ahead of the old SMG tranny.
Source: http://www.bmwblog.com/2008/03/04/2009-bmw-m3-convertible/
BMW E88 1-Series (Convertible)
Another car BMW promised would be in Geneva is the new E88 1-Series. The new hot car of the year now can give you sun tan and add a little breeze to it. If we could only get the diesel models that they get in Europe… Thanks to BMW Blog for the information and pictures.
Source: http://www.bmwblog.com/2008/03/04/geneva–bmw-1-series-convertible/
Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG
Out is the SL55 AMG, in is the SL63 with its new 6.28 L V8 beast. Out is the old, subtle, I’m just into rich things kind of styling. In is the growling look that could eat your car alive look. The new look is beautiful and raw, more so than ever. Mercedes has gotten into this whole new mean look for their cars and I personally love it. I love the aggressive bodies and the even more aggressive engines that AMG has been making. I only wish a manual came optional, but knowing MB they will leave the manuals up to Pagani who uses AMG engines for his cars. It does seem that Benz did copy the rims from the Porsche 911 Turbo a little too closely. It’s called artistic appreciation Mercedes, not stealing. I guess this car was made in the middle of their Spy-Gate scandal (the scandal in F1 that showed McLaren-Mercedes with stolen documents from Ferrari’s F1 team).
Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/04/geneva-2008-mercedes-sl63-is-white-hot/
Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe
I will guarantee you right now that this car will be in the running to win the 2008 RawAutos CotY if it makes it into production in time for the awards. Like its Drophead brother, this is a car that will help RR sell more cars. What is amazing to me though is how much Rolls-Royce is focusing on the driver and the enthusiast side of the driver. There is no doubt that this beauty, which looks almost identical to its concept from the 101EX, will be a traffic stopper when seen in person and be as fun to drive as it looks. Remember how the 101EX had the starry night like ceiling? Well they kept it for the production model. Thank you BMW for not letting RR make just a bunch of dull high end luxury cars.
Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/04/geneva-2008-rolls-royce-phantom-coupe-a-real-gt/
March 3, 2008
Lamborghini LP560-4
The new name may sound odd, it may sound ridiculous, but it certainly doesn’t speak for the rest of the car. The design does all of the talking, along with the new 560 V10 horsies making that all-wheel drive work overtime. Such a beautiful car. I always did think that the Gallardo was better looking than the Murciélago, but then the LP640 came out and that made me think otherwise. Now I think I’m back to liking the LP560-4 better. Small car, sensual body and a bust line that would make Marissa Miller jealous. Can’t wait until it hits the streets. Too bad it will see more E-Gear production instead of the seductive 6-Speed manual. Check out the new press release photos below.
Photos courtesy of: http://www.autoblog.com/photos/lamborghini-lp560-4-1/
http://everythingscomingupmilhouse.wordpress.com/category/friday-hottie/
March 3, 2008
Porsche Takes Check-Mate
So today Jalopnik.com reports that Porsche has officially filed to take over 50% control of Volkswagen. This almost seems like payback of some sort from Porsche boss Wendelin Wiedeking towards Volkswagen Chair Member and blood relative to Ferdinand Porsche for rumors of him thinking about canning Wiedeking. Porsche says they have no motive to merge the two companies, but they are taking the controlling stake, and pushing to buy VW. Let’s see how this one turns out.
Source for information and photo: http://jalopnik.com//porsche-officially-buying-volkswagen
February 29, 2008
Fewer Teens Are Getting Licenses
A cute little study from the Federal Highway Administration has come back showing that fewer teenagers are trying to obtain their licenses. So at 15 in most states you can get your permit with your license coming to you at 16 and a full license that you could get obtain when you hit 18. There are certain mandates that you can’t drive with more than 1 or 2 passengers when you are 16 and that you can’t be on the roads before 7am and not after 9pm (unless you have a work or school excuse). Now when you are 18 all those rules go out the window, you have to follow then every main driving law that is in your state. No days though parents have an easier time keeping track of you and what you are doing. With GPS systems that can relay information back to your parents via text message if you go over a certain speed or ones that allow people to track you online and see where you are and how fast you are going.
Now I personally didn’t get my license until I was 18. I wanted to get it earlier, but I knew I was going to have a tough time getting it with my parents and being able to do the things that I wanted to do, so I just waited patiently. When I turned 18 though and got my first car I was gone. And now I’m still gone. I drive on average about 40,000 miles in cars in a year’s time. Now that is driving, not being a passenger. So with stricter parents, harsher driving rules, and more costs involved to get your license, can you blame teens? I personally can’t. Now don’t get me wrong, I am all for it taking longer and costing more to obtain a license in this country, I’m just not for it when it actually isn’t helping to make the drivers on our roads or our driving roads for that matter any better. I think people should have to pass a 3-day driving school test with a B- or better or you can’t get a license. I know it sounds harsh, but I want the roads to be safer and much more drivable for us all.
Photo courtesy of: http://www.more4kids.info/index.php?tag=teenagers
February 29, 2008
Lotus Shows Us the Bird
Well really it’s the “Eagle” Lotus today released the first official images of its upcoming car to replace the Esprit, also referred to as Project Eagle. Now this is just a picture of the front setup of the aluminum chassis design. This design as Autoblog reports is good for a vehicle weight of up to 4,200lbs. Could we see a Lotus sedan or small SUV off the new 2+2 platform? I say it’s possible, but not for another 5 years or more in reality. The whole front chassis only weighs 55lbs. while that is amazing, it really isn’t too unusual for a car company like Lotus who specializes in making things that much better. The front brakes are 13.8 inches and are cross drilled as you can see. AP Racing is responsible for the 4-piston brake calipers with the typical Lotus tweaking. Autoblog also reports that Lotus is expected to unveil the new Eagle in July at the British Motor Show.
Photos and information courtesy of: http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/29/lotus-releases-first-official-shot-of-the-eagle/
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/26/spy-shots-bird-watchers-spot-lotus-eagle-in-the-wild/
February 29, 2008
Finally a Bentley Walter Owen Would Be Proud Of
As some of my readers may know, I am not a big fan of current Bentley’s. While I love the Flying Spur and I mildly like the Continental GT, I don’t think they are cars that founder and beloved racing man Walter Owen or just W.O. Bentley would be too proud of. While in today’s world if a rapper doesn’t want to buy it and show it in a music video it’s not worth making it, I am a man of tradition. Sure change is nice, but don’t mess with a good thing when you don’t have to. Today though, world renowned automotive customizer Zagato, who typically work on Aston Martin’s, have now focused their attention on the Conti GT and made a beautiful Continental GTZ as they call it to show off at Geneva. The car just screams Zagato from the front fenders, to the double bubble silver roof all the way to the beautiful subtle rear-end. W.O. was always about cars that could go fast around a race track, and while the GT has been a fast car it just hasn’t displayed that real Bentley-esque racing heritage –not that any Bentley has since Walter’s death- and hasn’t been very much outside of a straight line burner. Now if Zagato can find a way to knock off about 1,000lbs and throw it on the track with that lustful V12, Bentley would be back in business. Oh yeah, did I mention that the GTZ comes exclusive in British Racing Green? Now there is something to lust after in and of itself.
Photos and information courtesy of: http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/29/geneva-08-preview-zagato-designed-bentley-continental-gtz/
February 28, 2008
Ariel Atom to get 500 Ponies?!
So you’ve heard of the Ariel Atom right? The tiny little open two-seater that uses a supercharged Honda Civic Type-R engine that produces 300hp. The Atom can hit 60 in under 3s and can outperform pretty much anything on the road to date, including the Bugatti Veyron in all except top speed. Now RS Performance who just got finished tuning a new supercharged 2.4L V8 for the limited edition Caterham RS-Seven, is now going to throw that same 500hp beast into the 1000 pound Ariel Atom. I don’t think there is much more to say about it than that. All I can say is holy hell! This thing will be insane.
Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/28/a-bomb-ariel-atom-to-receive-500hp-supercharged-v8/
Photo courtesy of: http://news.windingroad.com/category/auto-news/ariel/
February 28, 2008
Crazy Accident Photos
So I was just looking around Jalopnik.com a few minutes ago and checked out their moment of Zen. Their moment of Zen was a picture of a few guys that were on a jet skit and what looks to be the owner of the car, pushing a car out of the water. Funny stuff, unbelievable and funny. So I went to the link provided and it took me to this website called TutzTutz.com where they have this section called “freakiest accidents ever captured.” You have got to check out the link. It was insane at some of the pictures and how funny and amazing they are. Some will make you question everything that is holy and others will make you pee your pants in laughter.
February 27, 2008
Boyd Coddington Passes Away
Legendary Hot Rod man Boyd Coddington, who founded and operated his own customizing shop called Boyd Coddington Hot Rod Shop and the star of American Hot Rod on TLC, has passed away today according to Jalopnik. The passing comes at a time when Boyd was hospitalized twice in the past few months for unknown reasons. Even though it was thought that Mr. Coddington was rehabilitating, he passed away at 6:20 this morning at the young age of 63. This has all been confirmed by a company spokesperson and there should be a full press release later today.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Boyd’s family, friends and other loved ones as they go through this rough time in their lives.
Boyd Coddington: August 28, 1944 – February 27, 2008 R.I.P.
Source: Jalopnik.com
Photo courtesy of: