Car Blog

When deciding what vehicle to use in the grueling Rallye Aicha des Gazelles, the U.S. Gazelles race team chose the vehicle best suited for off-road rallies, the HUMMER H3.

Celebrating its 20th Anniversary, the Rallye Aicha des Gazelles is an intense nine-day off-road rally, traversing the rugged terrain and sand dunes of Morocco. The women-only competition runs from March 13th – March 27th. The “Gazelles”, 110 teams from 30 countries, compete without GPS, cell phones or support crews, navigating only by compass and maps from the 1950s. The objective of the rally is to complete the event in the shortest number of kilometers, while still reaching each days’ required checkpoints.

The U.S. Gazelles, composed of driver, Emily Miller and navigator, Wendy Fisher is the only U.S. team to compete in the Rally. Miller, a team driver for Rod Hall Racing and Baja 1000 class winner is the only woman to “Ironman” the longest off-road race in the US. Fisher is an icon in the sport of big mountain freeskiing and two-time Extreme Skiing World Champion.

“When you’re skiing in the backcountry, you want to use the best possible gear to keep you safe and successfully finish the run,” said Miller. “This race is no different. We wanted the best possible equipment for the race, which is why we chose the HUMMER H3.”

The U.S. Gazelles will be piloting a HUMMER H3 provided and race-prepped by HUMMER France. The H3 features a race-proven inline-five cylinder engine, full-time 4wd, and a locking rear differential for difficult terrain. The race truck rides on 33-inch BF Goodrich All-Terrain tires.

Follow the Gazelles progress on Twitter at @usgazelles or online at www.teammillerfisher.com.

HUMMER announced updates to the 2010 HUMMER H3 and H3T midsize all-terrain vehicles including the addition of three new exterior colors and an available E85 Flex Fuel capable 5.3L V8 engine as part of its commitment to offer a biofuel powertrain in all body styles by 2010. Both H3-based vehicles will begin arriving in dealerships before the end of 2009 in North America.

“In 2007, HUMMER committed to offer a biofuel powertrain in every vehicle by 2010 and follows through on that promise with the addition of a new 300-horsepower, E85 Flex Fuel capable 5.3L V8,” says James Taylor, HUMMER CEO. “This is just the first step in HUMMER’s evolution to offer responsible, yet highly capable all-terrain vehicles. Future models will be lighter, more efficient and will continue to offer the best blend of off-road capability and on-road performance.”

The new 5.3L V8 Flex Fuel engine is standard in all 2010 Alpha series’ models and is a powerful and efficient member of GM’s legendary small-block V-8 family. It is rated at 300 horsepower (224 kW) and 320 lb.-ft. of torque (434 Nm). An aluminum cylinder block is used with the H3 Alpha’s engine. It helps reduce overall mass and maintains a more desirable front-to-rear weight balance.

A Hydra-Matic 4L60 electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission is paired with the 5.3L engine. Flat towing is enabled on all H3 and H3T models.

HUMMER also continues to expand customer choice with the introduction of three new premium colors for 2010, which include Red Rock Metallic, Silver Stone Metallic, and Canyon Metallic.

The H3 and H3T feature an extensive list of standard equipment, including full-time electronic four-wheel drive; Hill Start Assist; Stabilitrak electronic stability control system; four-wheel anti-lock brakes with traction control; roof-rail side curtain airbags and dual-stage frontal air bags with passenger sensing system; tire pressure monitoring system; OnStar; bluetooth hands-free capability and HUMMER’s premium five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty plan.

Pricing for the 2010 model year H3 remains unchanged from 2009, with a starting MSRP of $33,390. H3T pricing begins at $30,915, a slight $165 increase from 2009. HUMMER has lowered the 2010 H3T Alpha price $335 with a new MSRP of $35,680. All 2010 models also include destination charges of $780.

The 2010 HUMMER H3 and H3T are scheduled to arrive in dealerships in December 2009.

Source: General Motors

Prizes Include Enough High-Performance Hardware to Build The Ultimate Street Machine & Treasure Trove of Hot Wheels Collectibles

Performance Therapy, a “social media car show”, launched this week with backing from top automotive aftermarket brands. The site, PerformanceTherapyContest.com asks enthusiasts to show the world how they enjoy their car by submitting a photo. The Grand Prize Winner will receive parts to build an incredible, high-performance supercar. Popular vote determines category winners – whom receive a $250 gift certificate. Sixty runners-up will receive a free t-shirt.

Performance Therapy Defined

Despite tough economic times, auto enthusiasts are packing car shows, races and events. Across seven continents and hundreds of niches, car fans have one thing in common: high-performance vehicles make them happy. Owning, modifying and driving cars is more than a hobby, it’s a lifestyle. It’s the cheapest form of mental therapy and provides quality entertainment for the entire family.

The Contest

The Performance Therapy Contest is a chance for enthusiasts to participate in one of the biggest online car shows of all time, show off other enthusiasts around the world and win a variety of fantastic prizes. The purpose is to help people have fun with their ride. For three months any enthusiast can submit a picture, show it off to friends and get as many votes as possible. With six categories and nine fantastic sponsors, there are dozens of ways to win and nearly 70 prizes will be awarded!

The Prizes

The Grand Prize is enough hardware to build a muscle car dream machine, including a Hotchkis Sport Suspenison system, Baer Brake system, Rushforth Wheels, Yokohama Tires, Flowmaster Exhaust, an MSD Ignition System, Red Line Oil & Lubricants, a Lifeline Fire Safety System and enough Hot Wheel Collectibles to fill a dream garage!

To enter or vote for your favorite car, go to www.PerformanceTherapyContest.com. For more information, email info@performancetherapycontest.com or click for more information on the rules, prizes and sponsors.

The Performance Therapy Contest is brought to you by Hotchkis Sport Suspension, Baer Brakes, Flowmaster, Hot Wheels Red Line Club, Lifeline USA, MSD Ignition, Red Line Oil, Rushforth Wheels and Yokohama Tire Corp.

Source: Performance Therapy Contest

12 tips to pay less in auto insurance. Some unexpected factors play a role in how much you pay in premiums.

With automobile insurance costs on the rise, it pays to periodically review your insurance costs and coverage to make sure it is the best deal for your current situation. The strategies presented below will generally position you for the best auto insurance deals.

Read more about  Reduce Your Auto Insurance Premium