Friday, June 29, 2012

Automotive Addicts

Automotive Addicts

New 2013 SRT Viper GTS In Jay Leno’s Garage: Video

Posted: 29 Jun 2012 05:16 AM PDT


Just about every popular sports car gets to grace Jay Leno's garage with its presence. Even though some of these hot cars only get to visit for a day, Jay tends to share his unique experience with the lovely public in exclusive Jay Leno's Garage episodes.

The latest Jay Leno's Garage video features the all-new 2013 SRT Viper GTS, as Jay does a comparison to previous generations of the lethal Snake. Jay gets to chat things up with Head of Design, Mark Trostle and Beth Paretta, Director of Marketing and Operations for SRT, about the new Viper inside and out. Hit up the video below and enjoy!

Toyota to Debut 315 Horsepower Gazoo Racing Toyota GT86 (FR-S/BRZ) at Goodwood

Posted: 28 Jun 2012 11:34 AM PDT


The new Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ here in America, together, are the hottest and most-talked about compact sports cars around currently. Aftermarket vendors have recognized this and gone into overtime to develop and market modifications for the vehicles. Overseas, known as the Toyota GT86, the new RWD sports coupe has received modifications from all angles, specifically, forced induction courtesy of Gazoo Racing.

The twin-force-fed Toyota GT86 utilizes a combination of a turbocharger and supercharger to work in sync virtually eliminating lag and peeking out at 315 horsepower with 311 pound-feet of torque. The modified Gazoo Racing Toyota GT86 is set to debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this weekend.

Another surprise to Goodwood will be a TRD variant of the Toyota GT86 featuring aesthetically accessorized modifications instead increased power. The TRD version also receives a short-shifter kit, larger 18-inch wheels and tires, performance exhaust and TRD badges. Reportedly, the GT86 TRD package will be available in the U.K. sometime in 2013.

With the barrage of new modifications and TRD add-ons coming down the pipeline, it is only a matter of time that we see new variations of the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ offered here in the states. Of course we should not expect forced induction mods to be offered at your local dealerships, but the TRD 'kit' may be a realistic probability.

Ford To Introduce Semi-Autonomous Driving System & Safety Technology: Video

Posted: 28 Jun 2012 10:34 AM PDT


Today's driving environment has evolved much in part due to new safety devices in cars of today. We have virtual nannies constantly monitoring our driving through new innovations such as traction control systems, stability control and even tire pressure monitors. Ford, for one, has stepped up to be on the forefront of introducing semi-autonomous driving systems to vehicles.

Considering how fully-autonomous vehicles, such as from Google, remains to be many years off before consumers get their hands on it, Ford may lead the pack by introducing a system that utilizes current equipment to conjure up a system called Traffic Jam Assist.

There are already systems that assist the driver in heavy traffic conditions such as Distance Control Assist from Infiniti or the Mercedes-Benz Distronic system. Those particular systems only control brake and throttle, while Fords new Traffic Jam Assist would be able adapt steering inputs based off of data received from adaptive cruise and lane keeping assist sensors and cameras.

Considering how distracted people are now days from eating behind the wheel to texting and driving, the new semi-autonomous system from Ford could help make the world a safer place.

Ford has also taken charge to develop a perpendicular parking system, which will naturally be an evolution of the current parallel 'Active Park Assist' function. Hit up the demonstration video below to take a glimpse into the near future.

Video: Euro Car and Driver Thrashes Ariel Atom 300 on the Track

Posted: 28 Jun 2012 07:50 AM PDT


The Ariel Atom is undoubtedly the vehicle to push the limits of automotive handling dynamics to the brink of unbelief. With 300 horsepower and suspension tuned by Lotus, the lightweight Ariel Atom is good for 0-60mph runs in under 3 seconds. Of course you could always opt for the 500 horsepower version and attempt to desecrate your body with much success.

Car and Driver's European correspondent, Jethro Bovingdon, recently took the street legal Atom out on the track proving that it is the ultimate track machine. Check out the exclusive video below and enjoy!

Colorado Forest Fires Delay Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

Posted: 28 Jun 2012 06:30 AM PDT


Monster Tajima's record Pikes Peak run

The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) is the second oldest motorsport event in the United States, behind only the Indianapolis 500. This year will mark the 90th running of the PPIHC, but only one thing is certain at the moment: the race will not be run on its originally scheduled date of July 8.

The state of Colorado is currently struggling with the worst wildfires in its history, and the area surrounding Pikes Peak is among the hardest hit. Many roads in the region have been closed, and it's simply not possible to forecast when the fires will be contained. While the event is important to the community, the safety of area residents, spectators and competitors has to take precedence.

Tom Osborne, chairman of the event, assures that the event will still take place this year. A new date is expected to be announced within two weeks, and tickets currently issued for the event will be honored.

Going to the PPIHC is on our motorsport bucket list, and we'd given serious thought to attending this year's race, which will be the first with a fully-paved road to the summit. The race draws competitors from all over the world, and we can't name another motorsport event that gives competitors so little margin for error. We'll update you when new dates are announced, but in the mean time we're giving you the video of Monster Tajima's record run from last year. Enjoy.
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