31st
August
2008

Hyundai is a haunted company. It is trying to shake to ghosts of crappy cars. It is saddled with the image of former offerings like the Excel that, well, didn't. This has been a great motivator for the South Korean company. It has been substantially raising the level of build quality since its introduction to the U.S. in 1986 because Hyundai doesn't want to jinx its name, again. The last few Hyundais we've has in the TopSpeed test fleet have been truly impressive. It fells like a Japanese (...)
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31st
August
2008

Ever watch those TV commercials where a well-known branded product is pitied against its competition? I'd bet you have. It's an effective way to drive home the point about the former superiority when compared to its fledging rival. But for top-seeded Lexus GS460 and newcomer 2009 Hyundai Genesis, the exact opposite occurs. Stripped of its nameplate, the 2009 Hyundai Genesis looks identical with its Lexus counterpart. In fact, car enthusiasts say it's almost an exact clone, and (...)
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31st
August
2008

Since is nice to keep tabs on carmakers even if you can't but their products in the U.S., it's also good to see how they are being modified. RDX Racedesign has a new body kit for the Seat Leon 1P. The new kit consists in a new front bumper, with integrated daytime running LEDs just like the Audi S6, new turbo-look side skirts and a re-designed rear bumper with integrated rear air diffuser and central exhaust system. Price of the kit: 790 euros or $1,167. And of course, all the parts come (...)
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31st
August
2008

Like romance gone sour, Chrysler may soon part ways with its Dodge Viper nameplate in what analysts say a move geared for profitability. Chrysler Chief Executive Bob Nardelli already hinted of “exploratory talks” from interested third-party buyers. Viper rolled out into production into 1992 and made headlines with its tough pose and impressive V-10 engine. It had its heyday. And for a while, car enthusiasts swarmed around it like ants do in bowl of sugar. But in these times of (...)
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31st
August
2008
This week's comment comes from JD, in response to my post What's in my driveway this weekend:
"Now you're just gloating."
Photo: Photodisc/Getty Images
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30th
August
2008

This might have no chance to enter production, but is a very impressive design study. Called 2010 Europa i6, the concept is inspired by classic Lotus cars, Europa and Elite. Is is supposed to be a rear wheel drive car powered by a 2.0L inline 6, both supercharger and intercooler. It would hit a top speed of 165 mph and make the 0 to 60 mph sprint in less than 7 seconds. It would be nice to see Lotus getting inspiration from this one! (...)
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30th
August
2008

Mini's newest marketing experiment is set to open from Sept. 4 till Sept. 13 atop a building in Clinton. During the day the space will act as a 4,500-square-foot landscaped park. An 8-foot grassy hill implanted with plastic dishes that serve as seats, and will hold activities like symposiums on green living and Pilates classes. At night, 320 flashing L.E.D.'s and a pulsating 28-foot lighting tower will turn the rooftop into a site for invitation-only parties and other events. Lounge areas, a (...)
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30th
August
2008
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30th
August
2008
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29th
August
2008
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