Car Blog

Auto Enthusiast Web Site Visitors Cast Ballots For Favorite Rides

CarDomain Network today announced the winners of the CarDomain Best of SEMA 2008 Awards, naming the top vehicles in 10 categories that were displayed at the Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association show in Las Vegas earlier this month.

The winners were based on votes cast by visitors to the CarDomain Web site in the past two weeks. Winning vehicles can be viewed at http://blog.cardomain.com/blog/2008/11/best-of-sema-20.html.

“The CarDomain Best of SEMA 2008 Award winners truly represent the best of the best in the world of specialty vehicles,” said Rob Einaudi, Editor-in-Chief of CarDomain. “They are selected by the people who matter most — the passionate auto enthusiasts who visit our site every day to share their love for the automobile.”

The 2008 CarDomain Best of SEMA Award winners were:

Muscle Car — Dale Jr. Edition Camaro, featuring a 6.2L E85-capable V8, Shorty headers, and Hurst short-throw shifter. Factory ground effects, rear diffuser, rear lip, and interior and exterior JR Motorsports trim round out the package.

Racing and Motorsports — Viscardi Mustang, featuring twin Turbonetics Y2K 91 mm’s plumbed to an all-aluminum 598 cu in. Ford big block capable of more than 3000 hp.

Exotics – Lamborghini Reventon, which comes with a V12 engine generating about 650 hp (485 kW) and ceiling speed of more than 211mph (340 km/h).

Off-Road — ICON FJ43, featuring Recaro Carbon Sport seats, a 450HP LS series alloy V8, 4L65E auto, Atlas II transfer case, Dynatrac axles with four wheel power assisted vented and slotted disc brakes.

Trucks – Baldwin Motorsports F-150, mirroring the same technology and performance found in trucks that win the legendary SCORE Baja 1000, this Ford F-150 four seater offers a Roush Racing 427 cubic inch V-8 that propels the vehicle at 140 miles an hour on dirt, with nearly three feet of wheel travel, offering its occupants a smooth ride.

Luxury – ASI’s Bentley Continental GT Speed, featuring a high-efficiency exhaust system, intensive ECU tuning, enlarged turbocharger turbines, and an enhanced engine coolant system, the TETSU GTR achieves a breathtaking and unprecedented 800 horsepower.

Restoration — Old School Skyline, a restored 1971 GT-R.

Sport Compact — Vivid Racing EVO X, featuring BASF GT3RS Green paint, including an upgrade of new Rotora front 6piston 355mm and rear 4piston 328mm brakes in matching color with Rotora logo. The AME wheels were pin striped with a GT3RS Green lip on them. The vehicle also features an updated engine bay with a matching cover, powder coated Agency Power intercooler pipe and intake, and a set of Status custom black leather and green stitching seats going in as well.

Hot Rods – Toyo ’31 Studebaker, featuring a chopped roof, entirely new frame, custom fabricated hood to cover a Zoops outfitted Chevy 350 with three deuces (two-barrel carburetors) and a retro-style fabricated sheet metal interior. A custom air bag suspension provides the “slammed” look while the car rides on the Proxes 4 tires and Centerline Smoothie wheels.

Green — X Prize Fox Body Mustang, which puts down over 400 horsepower and claims to get over 80MPG.

SEMA stats:

• Approximately 125,000 people visited the show

• 2,500 cars and trucks present

• 2 million square feet of convention space

CarDomain (www.cardomain.com)

CarDomain recently passed the 600,000 mark in member-posted vehicle profiles and attracts more than 3.5 million monthly unique visitors. Among online automotive resources, CarDomain is within the top four sites for percentage of visitors somewhat likely or very likely to buy a vehicle in the next six months, according to the January 2008, comScore Plan Metrix report.

CarDomain operates the Web’s largest automotive social network. The CarDomain community offers auto enthusiasts a place to show off their cars, tools to exchange ideas and information, and member generated suggestions about purchasing, modifying, enhancing and restoring vehicles. At CarDomain, marketers can advertise to car buyers within a community of authentic car enthusiasts.

Source: CarDomain Network

Flex Fuel and New TRD PACKAGES added

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., announced manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) today for the 2009 Tundra full-size pickup truck, reflecting a modest overall average increase of $109, or 0.4 percent on all Tundra models. The base MSRP will range from $22,490 for the Regular Cab 4×2 with a V6 engine to $41,605 for the Limited Grade 4×4 CrewMax with a 5.7-liter V8 engine. Tundra Grade Double Cab and Crew Max models gain a standard chrome front bumper, while Limited CrewMax models now offer the Power Memory Package as optional instead of standard equipment.

The 2009 Tundra will continue to offer a choice of 45 model variations in three wheelbases, three cab styles, three bed lengths, three engines, three trim levels, and with 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains. Tundra E85 flex fuel models are now standard on 5.7-liter 4×4 models in select regions, creating nine additional model configurations. Toyota is further expanding consumer choice for the 2009 Tundra with the addition of two new Toyota Racing Development (TRD) option packages.

Tundra flex fuel models deliver the same excellent performance as their regular gas counterparts in engine output, towing and payload capacity and can run on either E85 or regular gas. Also, Tundra flex fuel models carry the same price as their identically configured regular gas models.

Two new TRD option packages underscore two sides of Tundra’s capability. A new TRD Sport Package is optimized for an aggressive street appearance, while a new TRD Rock Warrior Package is specially tuned and equipped with dynamic appearance features for off-road adventure and a powerful look.

TRD Sport will be available on the Tundra grade 4×2 Regular Cab and Double Cab standard bed models with the 5.7-liter V8. The TRD Sport is equipped with color-keyed front and rear bumpers and grille surround, color-keyed heated outside mirrors, color-keyed door handles, fog lamps, black cloth interior with manual bucket seats, accessory shift knob and pedal covers, accessory 20-inch machined star five-spoke alloy wheels and TRD Sport Edition side panel graphics. The TRD Sport package will be available in two exterior colors, Black and Radiant Red.

The MSRP for the TRD Sport Package is $2,408 for the Double Cab and $3,813 for the Regular Cab. In addition to the exclusive features listed above, the price of the TRD Sport Package Regular Cab also includes power windows and door locks, cruise control, remote keyless entry system, engine skidplate, variable intermittent wipers, passenger side fold flat seat, and carpeted floormats.

TRD Rock Warrior will be available exclusively on the Tundra grade 4×4 Double Cab (standard bed) and CrewMax equipped with the 5.7-liter V8 engine. In addition to its tuned suspension, the TRD Rock Warrior is equipped with Bilstein(R) shocks, TRD 17-inch forged alloy wheels with BF Goodrich(R) All-Terrain T/A tires, color-keyed front bumper and grille surround, matte-black steel rear bumper, fog lamps, black cloth interior with manual bucket seats, accessory shift knob and pedal covers, and TRD Rock Warrior side panel graphics. The Rock Warrior will come in two exterior colors, Black and Super White.

The price for the TRD Rock Warrior package is $3,177 for both the CrewMax and Double Cab.

The MSRP for the 2009 Tundra Regular Cab ranges from $22,490 for the Tundra grade 4×2 with V6 engine and five-speed automatic transmission, to $28,070 for the long-bed 4×4 with 5.7L V8 engine and six-speed automatic transmission.

Tundra Double cab MSRP ranges from $24,945 for the Tundra grade 4×2 with V6 engine and five-speed automatic transmission, to $39,070 for the Limited grade 4×4 with 5.7L V8 engine and six-speed automatic transmission.

Tundra CrewMax MSRP ranges from $27,915 for the Tundra grade 4×2 with V8 engine and five-speed automatic transmission, to $41,605 for the Limited grade 4×4 with 5.7L V8 engine and six-speed automatic transmission.

Public Web site: http://www.toyota.com/

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recognized the Audi A3, A4, A6 and Q7

Audi has earned multiple IIHS Top Safety Pick awards the past three years

Audi wins more awards than competitors BMW, Mercedes and Lexus

Audi’s reputation as a leader in automotive safety gained added validation with four of its best-selling models claiming Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick awards for 2009.

Winning the highly sought safety award were the Audi A3, the all-new Audi A4, the Audi A6 and the Audi Q7. The award recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting passengers in front, side and rear collisions. All of the winners also had to have electronic stability control, which IIHS credits with significantly lowering crash risks.

“Protecting the drivers of our vehicles, and their passengers, is at the top of Audi’s priority list and we’re delighted to clearly stand above other European luxury carmakers,” said Johan de Nysschen, executive vice president, Audi of America. “Safety is woven into the earliest consideration of how our different models should look and perform. We’re grateful the Insurance Institute has recognized this singular focus of ours.”

This marks the second consecutive year that four Audi models have earned this important safety award. The Audi Q7, Audi A6, Audi A4, and Audi A3 all received the IIHS Top Safety Pick Award in 2008. The Audi A6 and A4 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick Award in 2007. IIHS launched the safety awards in 2006.

The four awards collected by Audi models exceeded the number of awards given to BMW, Mercedes-Benz or Lexus models. Additionally, some Audi models, including the Audi R8 sports car, the Audi A5 coupe, and the Audi A8 luxury sedan did not fall within the IIHS test program at this time.

IIHS evaluates each vehicle for front crashworthiness following a 40 mph offset collision. Calculations are made on the level of intrusion the crash causes in the occupant compartment and the impact recorded by crash test dummies. Side impact evaluations involve crashing a barrier into the side of a vehicle at 31 mph. Rear crash protection involves measuring the geometry of head restraints. Vehicles with good or acceptable measurements are then struck in the rear at 20 mph.

For more information on the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the 2009 Top Safety Pick awards, please go to http://www.iihs.org/ .

Source: Audi of America, Inc.

Automaker Has At Least One Top Safety Pick in Every Vehicle Class in Which It Competes –

Subaru of America, Inc. announced today that four of its 2009 models have been named a 2009 ‘Top Safety Pick’ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The following vehicles each earned a 2009 ‘Top Safety Pick’ in their category: Subaru Legacy for Mid-size Sedan, Subaru Impreza for Small Cars, Subaru Tribeca for Mid-size SUV and Subaru Forester for Small SUV.

“We are delighted that once again, Subaru vehicles are being recognized as ‘Top Safety Picks’,” said Tom Doll, executive vice president and CFO for Subaru of America. “These awards speak to the dedication of our engineers in making Subaru vehicles not only safe to drive, but also fun and affordable with all-wheel drive standard.”

‘Top Safety Pick’ recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting people in front, side, and rear crashes based on good ratings in Institute tests. Winners are also required have to have electronic stability control (ESC), which research shows significantly reduces crash risk.

“It is not a surprise that Subaru has again received ‘Top Safety Pick’ awards for its vehicles,” says Institute President, Adrian Lund. “Subaru is a standout for 2009 because it has at least one Top Safety Pick in every vehicle class in which it competes. The Top Safety Pick awards speak to the commitment Subaru makes to produce safer vehicles.”

IIHS

The Institute’s frontal crashworthiness evaluations are based on results of 40 mph frontal offset crash tests. Each vehicle’s overall evaluation is based on measurements of intrusion into the occupant compartment, injury measures recorded on a Hybrid III dummy in the driver seat, and analysis of slow-motion film to assess how well the restraint system controlled dummy movement during the test.

Side evaluations are based on performance in a crash test in which the side of a vehicle is struck by a barrier moving at 31 mph. The barrier represents the front end of a pickup or SUV. Ratings reflect injury measures recorded on two instrumented SID-IIs dummies, assessment of head protection countermeasures, and the vehicle’s structural performance during the impact. Injury measures obtained from the two dummies, one in the driver seat and the other in the back seat behind the driver, are used to determine the likelihood that a driver and/or passenger in a similar real-world crash would sustain serious injury to various parts of the body. The movements and contacts of the dummies’ heads during the test also are evaluated. Structural performance is based on measurements indicating the amount of B-pillar intrusion into the occupant compartment.

Rear crash protection is rated according to a two-step procedure. Starting points for the ratings are measurements of head restraint geometry — the height of a restraint and its horizontal distance behind the back of the head of an average-size man. Seats with good or acceptable restraint geometry are tested dynamically using a dummy that measures forces on the neck. This test simulates a collision in which a stationary vehicle is struck in the rear at 20 mph. Seats without good or acceptable geometry are rated poor overall because they can’t be positioned to protect many people.

Subaru of America, Inc.

Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of nearly 600 dealers across the United States. Subaru makes the best-selling All-Wheel Drive car sold in America based on R.L. Polk & Co. new vehicle retail registration statistics calendar year-end 2007. In addition, Subaru boasts the most fuel efficient line-up of all-wheel drive products sold in the market today based on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fuel economy standards. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero- landfill production plants and Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. is the only U.S. automobile production plant to be designated a backyard wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. For additional information visit www.subaru.com.

Mazda Motor Corporation will showcase the world premiere of the all-new 2010 MAZDA3 5-Door at the Bologna Motor Show on December 3, 2008. The launch of the MAZDA3 5-Door follows on the heels of the debut of the 4-Door sedan, which made its world premiere at the current Los Angeles Auto Show. The all-new MAZDA3 5-Door adopts the same characteristics as its sedan counterpart, offering sporty driving and dynamic design, together with top-class environmental and safety performance.

The all-new MAZDA3 is available with key features typically not seen in its class including:

• Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio
• Adaptive front-lighting system and Bi-Xenon headlights with auto leveling
• Advanced keyless entry system
• Push-button start

All 2010 MAZDA3 5-Door models will be equipped with the newly developed 2.5L engine, shared with the MAZDA3s 4-Door and MAZDA6i. The 2.5L engine found in the MAZDA3 produces 167 horsepower and 168 lb.-ft. of torque.

The new 2.5L engine, as well as the 2.0L engine also available on the MAZDA3i 4-Door sedan, features the world’s first vehicle catalyst to be constructed with single nanotechnology, which controls even finer material structures than nanotechnology. This new development enables Mazda to reduce its use of scarce resources such as platinum and palladium. Environmental qualities were top of mind during vehicle development, including efficient powertrains and aerodynamics that place the MAZDA3 amongst the best in class.

The all-new MAZDA3 5-Door will be revealed during Mazda’s press conference at 9:00 a.m. on December 3, 2008 (local time).

Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Mazda North American Operations oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada and Mexico through nearly 900 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada, Inc., located in Ontario, Canada, and in Mexico by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.

The Renault-Nissan Alliance today announced that Nissan North America, Inc. is committing to working with the Sonoma County community of governments to develop solutions for zero-emissions mobility through the promotion of electric vehicles (EVs) and the development of an EV charging network throughout Sonoma County, in northern California.

Nissan as part of the agreement has committed to make available a supply of EVs to Sonoma County community of governments, as well as to work with the parties to develop plans for the creation of an EV battery-charging network in the county. The Sonoma County group will work with Nissan towards realizing these objectives, particularly through the development of methods that encourage the purchase or lease of EVs as well as the establishment of an EV charging network.

“This represents a major step forward, not only for Sonoma County but also for the future of electric vehicles in the United States,” said Dominique Thormann, senior vice president, administration and finance, Nissan North America, Inc. “Nissan is looking forward to working together to make zero-emissions mobility a reality for consumers.”

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. has committed the Alliance to be a global leader in zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). Nissan will introduce ZEVs in the United States and Japan in 2010 and will make them available to the mass market, globally, two years later. The Sonoma County community of governments has committed to a greenhouse gas reduction target of 25 percent, with the goal of bringing greenhouse gas levels to below those of 1990, by 2015. The encouragement of a transportation shift to smart transit, including EVs, is key to the plan’s execution.

“The nine cities and county governments of Sonoma County are proud to be working towards developing the first national network of electric vehicles right here in Sonoma County,” said Mike Kerns, chair of the Board of Sonoma County Supervisors. “Together we are starting to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and emissions levels.”

The Renault-Nissan Alliance has begun ZEV initiatives in Israel, Denmark, Portugal, Monaco, Kanagawa Prefecture (Japan), and with French electric utility company EDF. In the United States, the Alliance also has agreed to a ZEV partnership with the State of Tennessee the Tennessee Valley Authority, and other partners, to explore ways to promote zero-emission mobility in Middle Tennessee. Earlier this week, Nissan entered into a partnership with the State of Oregon in conjunction with utility company Portland General Electric.

In North America, Nissan’s operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010, whose key priorities are reducing CO2 emissions, cutting other emissions and increasing recycling. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.infiniti.com .

The Renault-Nissan Alliance, founded in 1999, sold 6,160,046 vehicles in 2007. The objective of the Alliance is to rank among the world’s top three vehicle manufacturers in terms of quality, technology and profitability.