The Ultimate Track Bug

2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0

What's it like to have a Porsche with the biggest engine the company has produced in it? Obviously, it's something very exciting. The 911 GT3 RS 4.0 features Porsche's 4.0-liter 500 horsepower flat-6 engine from the 997 GT3 RSR. 0 to 60 is done in just 3.8 seconds on its way to a top speed of 193 MPH. Just because it has a big engine, doesn't mean it's gotten heavier. The car now weighs 2,998 lb., 33 lb. lighter than the standard GT3 RS, thanks to new carbon fiber buckets and some lightweight carpets. So, mix a big, powerful engine, with a small, lightweight body and what do you get? An extreme, superfast track car. It's already been round the Nürburgring with a time of 7:27, about as fast as a Pagani Zonda F Clubsport, but seconds shy of the old Nissan GT-R. Prices start at about $185,000 and only 600 will be made, so if you want one, get on it. If I haven't convinced you enough, check out the video below to see the car in action doing what it does best.

Get Ready to Run!

Need For Speed: The Run

Well, you've seen the trailer and heard all of the news. Need For Speed: The Run is the next installment in the NFS franchise. More info on the game: it is believed that it will take place in an array of cities starting from San Francisco and ending in New York City. As for the storyline, you're just a driver in search of his life back, and the only way to get it is to be the first to New York. This is actually the first time ever NFS has used real life cities in an open city racer. You'll be battling hundreds of racers from across the country in search for the gold. And did I mention the cops will be after you as well? More info on the game to come, but for now, this sounds exciting.

UPDATE: It looks like Black Box Studios will be all over this game. They'll be using DICE's Frostbite 2.0 engine to power everything. This is an updated version of the same engine Criterion used to produce Hot Pursuit so expect something pretty good.

The Race For Your Life

2010 BMW M6 Convertible

Need For Speed is back and it's bringing the cops and the action with it. If you remember Hot Pursuit with just pure racing and cop chasing, put that all aside, because in this new game, it's a matter of life and death. No word on who will develop this game, but it's most likely that Black Box Studios will come back to make a knock-your-socks-off racing game. It looks like there's gonna be an array of new cars from the Audi R8 5.2 FSI Quattro, the BMW M3 GTS, the Shelby GT500 Super Snake, the Ford Taurus SHO Interceptor, the Aston Martin V12 Vantage, and many more. So, to sum it up, Black Box Studios is bringing back the cop chases, the insane races, and the movie scenes to this latest NFS title. I just hope it's not another Undercover. Let's see if Black Box can redeem themselves with this title. Need For Speed: The Run is scheduled for release this November 15 for the PS3, Xbox 360, and the PC. Check out the trailer below.

The Last of the 997

2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0

Here it is everyone: the last of the 997. The all-new Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0. What better way to end the run of an iconic exotic then with a powerful, lightweight, track racer. If you hated the red wheels on the standard GT3 RS, you'll be relieved to here that they're not there anymore. Also, Porsche made some tweaks to the body of the car to make it a little bit lighter, as if it was already. The car will come with new Carbon Fiber racing buckets, new lighter Fender Flares, a new lighter luggage compartment, and new "weight-optimized" carpets which brings the weight down to 2,998 lbs. Add Porsche's unique non-turbo 4.0-liter 500 horsepower flat-6 from the 997 GT3 RSR, and you've got a track racer that will do 0 to 60 in 3.8 seconds on its way to a top speed of 193 MPH. The car will only be available with a 6-speed manual transmission along with the new iconic white paint, the massive rear wing, and some new carbon fiber air deflection vanes located on both sides of the front bumper for improved stability and more downforce. Porsche already ran this thing around the Nürburgring with a time of 7 minutes and 27 seconds, making it one of the fastest production cars to ever go round the 'Ring. The price for this curtain call: $185,000. And they're only making 600 of these so if you want one, you better be first in line. Oh, and if you're gonna miss the 997 don't worry. Porsche plan to reveal its replacement at the Frankfurt Motor Show this fall.

2011 NYIAS (New York International Auto Show) - Next 10 Photos

Again, check my Facebook page or click here for all the photos.

Look out Hatchbacks!

2012 Opel Astra GTC

Saturn may be gone, but Opel and Vauxhall still live, and they're cooking up something interesting to compete with some top notch hatchbacks. Say hello to the all new Astra GTC, due for official unveiling in Frankfurt, Germany at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Opel and Vauxhall say that this new hatchback will make room for their new 300 horsepower hot hatch due to take on the VW Golf R and Audi's turbo-boosting RS3. It's a shame Saturn shut down, though. Not that they produced really good cars, but if they were still alive and brought this here, people would be buying it. This might just be a rendering, but Opel and Vauxhall say that the final product will look almost exactly like it. It looks good. This could take GM somewhere. The car is scheduled for internet debut on June 7 when the pre-order books open. Check back here to see the hot hatch's greatest threat.

Making Driving Easy

2011 Ferrari 458 Italia

It's one of the fastest things to come out since the Lamborghini Gallardo. It's the sexiest thing to come out since the Aston Martin Rapide. It's the 2011 World Performance Car of the Year. It is the Ferrari 458 Italia. To celebrate this momentous award, Ferrari recently uploaded a video proving that the 458 Italia is a bit more simple then people have thought it to be. Now, if you remember Top Gear back in 2010, Jeremy Clarkson took this thing for a ride at the track and to find out that it's more complicated than a laptop.

"This isn't driving. This is like playing pelmanism" - Jeremy Clarkson, Top Gear

But after seeing this video, I think Ferrari cleared most of their stuff up. What do you think? Take a look at the video below if you think they cleared it up.

DLC Madness!

Team Need For Speed Porsche 911 Carrera RSR 3.0

The Legends have come to Shift 2 Unleashed as the first DLC for the game arrives today. Before our present day 911 GT3 RSRs, Matech Ford GT1s, and Nissan R35 GT1s, there was the 911 Carrera RSR 3.0, the Ford Mk. I GT40, and the Nissan Skyline 2000GT-R. Aw, yes, the true legends of the track have returned, and it's your job to master them in order to become a well-rounded racer. The Legends Pack includes a new career map with new events featuring 13 classic cars that you need to hone. Not mention you'll be driving on 5 new classic tracks from the 1950's to the 1980's. Oh, and did I mention that Team NFS drifter Matt Powers will be taking you on in his custom 911 Carrera RSR? If you want that car, you're gonna have to race him for it. The DLC comes out today for Xbox Live and Playstation Network, those PSN members will be getting it later due to the recent hacker shutdown.

2011 Lexus IS250 AWD - First Drive

2011 Lexus IS250 AWD

When the IS came out in 1998, tuners and ricers were all over it. It was the ideal tuner sedan that most people have been looking for from Lexus. Then in 2005, the IS went through a makeover. It wasn't as ricey or tuney as it used to be. It became a true luxury sports sedan with increased power and prestigious presence. It even posed as a threat to the BMW 3-series. Now, in 2011, the IS is back with more luxury and more curves than ever before and I got a first-hand look into it to see if it's tick.

Side View

I drove the IS250 AWD model with a 2.5-liter V6 engine producing only 204 horsepower. 0 to 60 is done in 8.3 seconds on its way to a limited top speed of 131 MPH. Gas mileage stands at an average 22 MPG with a certified Ultra-Low Emissions Rating. This all might not sound like much, but let's not forget that this is the redesigned IS. Lexus probably incorporated some tweaks to make this car stand out.

Interior View

And they have. The new IS features an updated interior with stuff that you'll find in a Range Rover or an Aston Martin. For example, heated and ventilated seats are now available on all IS models including the one I drove in Edison. Other features include a 6-speed paddle-operated gearbox, an electronic parking brake, an updated media console, a push-button start, and other new features including an interesting HDD Navigation System. Say you're stuck in a jam and have no idea where the nearest Wendy's is. There is an exciting new feature in which you can call Lexus directly from the car, ask them where the nearest Wendy's is, and update the information into your Nav screen. Combine this with XM NavTraffic and XM NavWeather, and you'll always know where you're going.

Face-to-Face

Ok, let's leave features aside and get on to the driving. Normally, most Lexus's have very, very loose steering. For example, I once drove the old Lexus GX470. It felt like driving a car using shoelaces. With the IS, though, it's like driving a car with a stiff rubber band. The steering is tight and sharp. If you want to go left, the car will take you left. If you want to go right, the car will go right. Mix this with All-Wheel Drive and you've got yourself one hell of a grip car. I tested the steering in Edison and found out that it will it is very useful when doing some high-speed maneuvering through heavy traffic. Though I don't encourage this at all, if you are a Transporter or a James Bond, you may want to look into this car. The IS is also perfect when you want to get out of the city and on to the country road. These roads make it perfect for sport mode, which tightens everything up (gearbox, suspension, steering) giving you more punch and more handling in the corners.

Perfect Transporter Color

With prices starting at $32,645, the IS seems more valuable than the 3-series. But, let's not forget the 3 features more stuff standard than the IS and has a more powerful engine. But, let's give the car credit. It did give the 3 a run for its money.

Sick Just Turned Black

2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe (NYIAS)

You've seen this car in commercials before. It's one of the sickest things to ever come out of Stuttgart: the C63 AMG Coupe. I got an in-depth look at it at NYIAS, and I must say, it looks absolutely, sick! Anyway, this is just the regular AMG Coupe. Later this year, Mercedes will be releasing the C63 AMG Coupe Black Series. Yes, the Black label is back and has chosen something sick to be its carrier. You may remember the CLK63 AMG Black was one of the best AMG cars to come out with a brilliant engine and tight handling. After that car came the SL65 AMG Black which proved to be the most powerful AMG models to come out with 738 lb.-ft. of torque and 661 horsepower. Now, the Black has chosen the C63 AMG Coupe to keep the AMG Madness alive. Rumor has it that the new C63 Black will receive a more powerful 6.2-liter AMG V8 engine producing 500 horsepower. Other features include a lowered ride height, a new, wider bodykit, and new rear spoiler. Color choices will be limited to 5, with black and white being the first mentioned. So if you're in for some sick, and are thinking about buying an AMG car, the C63 AMG Black is coming, so get your wallet ready.

Things Are Getting DiRTY

Traxxas #43 Ford Fiesta Gymkhana 3 R/C

Grab your helmet and a clean towel because things are about to get DiRTY. The next biggest racing game of 2011, DiRT 3, will be here May 24 for the PS3, Xbox 360, and the PC. Codemasters has made what probably will be the best rally racing game of all time including all your rally favorites such as the legendary Group B races, Pikes Peak stages, WRC battles, Rally Raid races, and everyone's favorite Gymkhana showdowns. 50 cars are said to be on the roster including the Ford Fiesta WRC, the Suzuki Grand Vitara Pikes Peak, and even the MG Metro 6R4 rally monster. So far, there will be two editions available for pre-order: the standard and the limited edition. Pre-ordering the limited edition will give you more rep points at the beginning, all four cars from the Texaco Racing Superteam, and four bonus events. Not only that. Remember the time I told that Codemasters was planning to release that R/C Ford Fiesta (above) to all the DiRT 3 LE players? Well it turns out that it's all true. When you pre-order the Limited Edition, Codemasters will add Ken Block's Traxxas Ford Fiesta Gymkhana 3 R/C car to the bundle. Normally this toy would cost you about $500. But, Codemasters will send the car and the game to you for a reasonable $300. Sounds good, doesn't it? So if you haven't pre-ordered the game yet, you better get on it.

2011 NYIAS (New York International Auto Show) - Next 10 Photos

Here are the next 10 photos I took from NYIAS. If you want to see all of them check out my Facebook page or click here.

2011 NYIAS (New York International Auto Show) - First 10 Photos

Here are the first 10 photos I took at NYIAS. I'll post the next 10 tomorrow. If you want to see all of them, check out the Facebook page or check out here.

Wow! What a day!

2011 Lexus IS250 AWD F-Sport

Some exciting things happened today while behind the wheel of some worthy luxury sports cars. I wish I could tell you more, but I'm currently busy writing up their reviews. First up, I took a spin in Lexus' new IS250, a car you shouldn't really leave out since it could give the 3-series a run for its money. Next, the BMW 335i X-drive Coupe, a teenagers equivalent to an M3. And to bring it all home, I had a go at the new Jaguar XF, of which I will see more of tomorrow at NYIAS (New York International Auto Show). I can't reveal to you the details at the moment, but I will say this: that Cat can run! Check out all the stuff tomorrow along with a heap of NYIAS photos.

Veyron's Not Dead Yet!

2012 Bugatti Veyron Super Sport Special Edition

The fastest car in the world is still here and isn't going anywhere for a long time. In Shanghai this week, Bugatti unveiled two new Veyrons for the public to drool at. First, there's this special Veyron Super Sport that's been decked out in Carbon Black with some iconic 20-inch 10 spoke rims. It now looks more like a slippery, streamlined jet. It still has the powerful 8.0-liter Quad-Turbocharged W16 engine producing an iconic 1,200 horsepower. With a 0 to 60 of just 2.5 seconds, this road jet will reach a top speed of 258 MPH, the fastest a production car has ever gone. But, if the Super Sport is too fast for you, Bugatti has another alternative.

2012 Bugatti Grand Sport Special Edition

And here it is: the Veyron Grand Sport Special Edition. Now, the Super Sport may be the fastest Veyron, but the Grand Sport is definitely the most exciting. Why? How does speeding at 220 MPH along the highway with the roof off sound? It should sound good, unless of course your face comes off before then. This car is also powered by a 8.0-liter Quad-Turbocharged W16 engine, but with only 1,001 horsepower and a top speed of 252 MPH with the roof secured on, and 220 MPH with the roof off. So, if you've been looking to buy a special Veyron lately, look no further. No specs on how long each model will run, but they're here now and that's all that matters.

And the World Car of the Year is...

2011 Nissan Leaf!

And you thought the Volt would take the crown, but alas, the Volt is not sold everywhere yet, and the Leaf itself garnered more votes than the Audi A8 and BMW 5-series, its real competition. If you recall, last year's winner was the Volkswagen Polo. Anyway, Congrats Nissan on making the best car of 2011, even though I really don't care about it. But, to those Volt fans who wanted the electrifying Volt to win, don't worry. The World Car Committee wasn't done with that car just yet. 

2011 Chevy Volt

The mighty Volt earned the 2011 Green Car of the Year award for being the most fuel efficient. Last year's winner: the Audi A3 TDI. Fact: the car's battery lasts much longer than the Leaf's, so if you're into buying a cheap electric car this year, I think the Volt is your best bet. These were just two awards, though. The World Car Committee had to more they had to give out.

2011 Aston Martin Rapide

Aston Martin was given the World Design of the Year award thanks to the Rapide's sleek and sexy design. Last year's winner: the Chevy Camaro. I don't blame them. Both cars are equally good looking, but the Rapide is just a sexy looking thing. Aston Martin deserves this award.

2011 Ferrari 458 Italia

And finally, the 2011 Performance Car of the Year award goes to none other than the Ferrari 458 Italia. This car left its predecessor, the F430, in bleeding dust. This car turned the tables on the Gallardo, the LFA, the Ford GT, anyone who came in contact with it. This award only goes to a car built for speed, agility, and performance. Last year's winner: the Audi R8 5.2 FSI Quattro. So those are the awards, which were given out today in New York. If your favorite car wasn't on this list, don't worry. They could be on the list next year. If they're not, go and yell at the company to make their cars better.