Lotus Exige Matte Black Final Edition

Another day in Monterey, another debut from Lotus. Yesterday evening, the British sports car maker unveiled the stunning Evora GTE Road Car Concept, and earlier today pulled the wraps off the Exige Matte Black Final Edition, a special model reserved exclusively for the North American market.

This isn't the first time that Lotus has introduced a market-specific Exige with a sinister paint scheme. Back in 2009, the company released the Exige Stealth for Japanese buyers and Exige Scura for European customers. While those cars had track-ready features like launch control and variable-slip traction control, the U.S. version is mostly an appearance package with the addition of black Alcantara seats and a slightly upgraded motor on top of the matte finish. Lotus collectors might be interested in the exclusiveness of the car, though, with just 25 slated for production.

You can view our live photos of the Lotus Exige Matte Black Final Edition in the high-res gallery above.

Lotus Exige Matte Black Final Edition

Russia approves tunnel

The Russian government has given the go-ahead on an ambitious new tunnel project that could connect Siberia with Alaska via an underground rail line. If completed, the $65 billion project will be the longest underwater tunnel in the world, besting the Chunnel between England and France by twice the distance. The planned course would stretch over 65 miles and would snake beneath the Big and Little Diomede Islands. According to Inhabitat, the project will be funded by a private and public partnership. So why build it?

Aside from being a civil engineering marvel, the tunnel would also provide an efficient way to move 100 million tons of freight per year. In addition, the tunnel could provide an easy transmission route for electricity developed by tidal energy stations and wind plants in Russia to Alaska and Canada. In addition, the rail system would complete a high-speed network that could stretch from London to New York City. Unfortunately, the project doesn't seem to be geared toward passenger travel. At least, not for now. Thanks for the tip, Chad!

News Source: Inhabitat

Best of 'Top Gear' Car Tests

(L-R) Presenterts Jeremy Clarkson and James May attend the Top Gear Live photo call ahead of the start of the Acer Arena live show tomorrow night, at Campbell's Cove on February 10, 2010 in Sydney, Australia. (Getty Images)more pics »

We can all agree that Top Gear is one of the most thrilling and brutally honest car shows on the planet. Their "tests" of vehicles are more or less a savage thrashing of the cars they somehow convince manufacturers to lend them. Below are some of the highlights of those tests. Enjoy!

Nissan GT-R Switzer R850 lines up against Suzuki GSX1300R

 

We're not touching the car vs. bike argument this time around. Instead, we're just going to sit back, relax, and be glad people had their video cameras pointed in the general direction of the Suzuki GSX1300R (known better as the Hayabusa) and the Nissan GT-R Switzer R850 as they lined up against each other in a mile-long drag race.

According to the video, the Hayabusa in question belts out 198 horsepower. That's a heck of a lot of power strapped between two wheels, but it pales in comparison to the 850 claimed ponies routed to all four tires of the modified GT-R.

So... what does that mean in terms of a drag race? We suggest you watch the clip after the break to find out for yourself.

CNN shows how man won Chevy Camaro on auction website for $5.28

Penny auction sites like QuiBids or Beezid that advertise $18 iPads and $15 laptops sound too good to be true, and some simple math shows that the sites end up winning big in the end. That isn't always the case, though – at least not when it comes to pony cars. CNN reports that Jonathan Mason of Michigan purchased a brand-new Bumblebee yellow Chevrolet Camaro SS for only $5.28 using the site Fastpennycars.com.

Amazing, right? Well, before you trip over your mouse on the way to the site, keep in mind that each bid of one penny costs 80 actual cents, and there were a total of 528 bids. Mason's Camaro only cost him $5.28 plus the cost of any bids, but the site collected $422.40 in overall bids. That's a far cry from a $31,000 Camaro, but keep in mind that Fast Penny Cars is a newer site, without a big following like QuiBids. On QuiBids, an iPod Touch will sell for $10, or 1,000 bids at 60 cents each, which is quite a deal for the website. Well, that was the case until this story broke. Fastpennycars.com is now so backed up with traffic, we couldn't even get to the homepage.

Hit the jump to watch as CNN explains how a Camaro can be purchased for $5.28. Mr. Mason may have gotten the deal of a lifetime, but we're guessing the next guy won't be so lucky.

Ferrari crowns winners in World Design Contest

The models have been made. The designs have been scrutinized. The talents have been exhibited, the ballots have been cast, and the prizes have been awarded for the 2011 Ferrari World Design Contest.

The competition attracted entries from 50 design schools and universities around the world, all vying for the eye of decision makers from both Ferrari and Pininfarina. In the end, the top prize went to a team from Korea for their innovative Eternità concept, pictured in the foreground above.

Second prize went to Samir Sadikhov from the Turin campus of the IED for his Xezri, and third place to the team from London's Royal College of Arts for the Cavallo Bianco.

Additional prizes were awarded based on proficiency with Autodesk design software (also taken by the winning Korean team from Hongik) and for the Most Unexpected Technological Solution (won by Jiangnan University). These prizes were awarded by Autodesk VP Brenda Discher and Ferrari CO Amedeo Felisa, while the top three were decorated by Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo, chief designer Flavio Manzoni and Paulo Pininfarina.

2012 Volkswagen Beetle pricing at a glimpse

Those of you who read our First Drive of the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle Turbo already know that the highest-performing version of the iconic Bug will require you to write a check for $23,395*. Step up to the well-received six-speed DSG transmission and you'll be looking at a $24,495 window sticker.

Not interested in the tire-squealing performance promised by a turbocharged engine? Base model Beetles, equipped with the 170-horsepower 2.5-liter MPI inline five-cylinder engine, start at $18,995 with VW's age-old five-speed manual gearbox. Step up to the Tiptronic six-speed auto for $20,895.

There will be three versions of the Beetle, whether it's equipped with the base engine or the turbo: Base, Sunroof and Sunroof, Sound and Navi. A top-shelf 2.0T with the panoramic sunroof, Fender hi-fi sound system and navigation will start at $27,995 with the manual gearbox or $29,095 with DSG.

At some unannounced point in 2012, Volkswagen will begin offering the Beetle with its 2.0-liter TDI engine with 140 horses and 236 lb-ft of torque. VW estimates that it will be the most efficient Beetle ever, scoring 40 miles per gallon highway, 29 mpg city, and 33 mpg combined.

Want a full rundown of all the prices and option packages? Find it in the press release pasted after the break.

(*All prices exclude $770 for destination)

"The Bull of Edan" craze that Kian

Mad Mike, drift champion Red Bull World Drift Championship 2008 from Auckland, New Zealand, decided to redo his Mazda RX7. Two-door sports sedan called "Madbull" (Crazy Bull) is also now have a "horn".

Want to "butting" competitors. So about the reasons why he made ​​some changes to this RX7. "Horn" protruding from the hood are two large-sized air suction cavity which has a filter. Through it, the air will enter the quad rotor 26B engine.

The interface is made more "magic" with an increasingly wide tires and upholstery accented soldiers attached to the body.

The crazy, Mike was cutting the front and back of the car. "The body is cut. Front-rear. I (only) pair behind the main body bracket. After the main bracket mounted on the front, then the pair stayed an additional bracket to hold the open-close RX7 lights, oil cooler from Redline Performance, and patrol lights to stylish , "explained Mad Mike.

The back is also trimmed and fitted with a bracket to hold the body. After that, the position of the gas tank reorganized. In this way, the car becomes much lighter, so Mad Mike was free-lintir twist on the track and hope to make new time record. (Dimas)

Sport Toyota FT-86 appear in IIMs

Toyota Indonesia kicked off the annual feast of automotive "Indonesia International Motor Show" (IIMS) 2011, July 22 to 31, in JIExpo, Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, by bringing four future concept vehicles and hybrid electric technology. In accordance with a theme that carried "Journey of Innovation", PT Toyota Astra Motor want to show to visitors of innovation that has made ​​Toyota.

The four vehicles on display are the FT-86 hybrid Sport, 1 / X weighs 500 kg lighter plug in hybrid technology, the A-BAT (hybrid pickup) and electric-powered vehicles Whee unique individuals in Japan known as the Winglet.

TAM Communications Department Manager Jimmy Anton said, years ago the area that Toyota uses in IIMs only 1,600 square feet, is now expanded to be 2,000 square meters. In addition, Toyota also had a booth showing off the outdoor area of 500 square meters to display the Dyna.

"Related to the theme Journey of Innovation we also display the first generation and the generation of Kijang Buaya Corolla AE 86 which is also legendary," said Anton, yesterday (13 / 7).

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A quarter of the total Car Accident in the U.S. because Berponsel

Attention and also a warning to motorists who have a habit of using mobile phones while driving. According to the Road Safety Association of Governors (Governors Highway Safety Association / GHSA) in the United States, from advanced research ever reported by 350 posts since 2000, 25 percent of the total vehicle accidents because drivers are bertelpon.

Then, almost half the time of activity a day of driving distracted by many things (including calling), resulting in minor injuries to loss of life. Very fatal, was driving when making a short message (SMS).

"Although more posts related to driver distraction, there are still many things we do not know. It should be more research done to find solutions to reduce or eliminate them," said GHSA Executive Director Barbara Harsha, as reported by autoevolution (12 / 7).

The results also showed that there was no certainty of hands-free use can reduce the risk of road accidents. Including the prohibition of pro-sms while driving succeeded in reducing the level of road accidents. To that end, GHSA recommends a total ban on new rules for motorists using mobile phones while driving.

The action came into force in several U.S. states, including 30 states in the district of Colombia has established this rule. Furthermore, 41 states including Washington DC started banning new sms on the road.

Man creates world's only turbine-powered Batmobile

Turbine-powered Batmobile

Having a real-life Batmobile in your driveway sounds like a fun idea. Upon closer inspection, however, it's not going to be that exciting. Most often, Batmobile replicas are powered by something like a junkyard-salvaged General Motors 350, featuring an interior reminiscent of a hastily cobbled together 24 Hours of LeMons racer. A man by the name of Casey Putsch decided he wanted a Batmobile to call his own, but he wasn't ready to settle for second-rate.

This particular Putsch is the same man behind Putsch Racing, an outfit that restores, designs and appraises all manner of items automotive. When we said that Casey Putsch wasn't going to settle for a low-rent Batmobile, we meant it. Instead, Putsch has assembled what he says is the only turbine-powered Batmobile in the world.

Under the long hood of Putsch's Batmobile sits a Boeing turboshaft engine plucked from a naval drone helicopter. The power output is rated at 385 horses, which is good for a vehicle that weighs around 2,800 pounds.

Besides the engine upgrade, this Batmobile has an interior that would make Bruce Wayne nod approvingly. That's all you can hope for really, since it's impossible to make Mr. Wayne jealous. Putsch strapped an Apple iPad into the center stack of his super(hero)car, which then acts as his avionics system and also supplies GPS information.

We have footage of Casey Putsch driving his creation available for you after the jump, which is worth it for the sound alone. We also have a handful of photos in the gallery below. Be sure to check out Todd Cooperider's website for more information on this mad machine.

New flagship Cadillac sedan given green light

Cadillac XTS Platinum concept

Recent spy photos show us that the all-new Cadillac XTS is already well on its way. But while the XTS will be the biggest Cadillac sedan in years, it won't be the top dog in the Wreath and Crest lineup for long.

GM Inside News reports that sources familiar with General Motors' product plans claim that a rear-drive flagship Cadillac has been approved for production. The green-lighted rear-wheel-drive platform has reportedly been given the internal name "Omega," playing off of the "Alpha" designation for the smaller rear-drive platform set to underpin the ATS and the next-gen CTS. The top-dog Caddy, which we've heard about plenty of times over the years, will reportedly receive plenty of Zeta bits, while at the same time using plenty of lightweight materials like aluminum. GMI also speculates that the fifth generation small-block V8 could find its way underhood, though we think powertrain speculation is a bit premature at this time.

The next generation Caddy flagship will reportedly see the light of day between 2015 and 2017, and GMI claims that the model may replace the forthcoming (front-drive based) all-wheel drive XTS. GMI says that its sources claim that current management isn't all that thrilled with how the XTS is shaping up, though we should point out that we haven't heard anything along those lines.

A big, luxurious rear-drive Cadillac sounds plenty good to us, but 2015 is a long way away...

Gallery: Cadillac XTS Platinum concept

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Audi A8 to star in new Transporter TV series

2011 Audi A8

The Transporter film series is taking a detour from the silver-screen to arrive in TV land. Called – crazily enough – Transporter, the new Cinemax series stars a man who is not Jason Statham quite good at ... transporting. Lead actor Chris Vance's preferred method of transportation will reportedly be the redesigned Audi A8, which we think should fit the bill quite nicely. After all, a 372-horsepower, 4.2-liter V8 paired with Quattro all-wheel-drive, excellent seats and a 1,400-watt B&O sound system should be enough to keep driver, passengers and cargo moving along quickly and comfortably.

Of course, were we the appropriately named Transporter in question, we might wait for Audi to hand over the next S8. How about you – What would be your preferred tool for the Transporter gig? Have your say in Comments.

Gallery: 2011 Audi A8: Review

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Pickup makers reach pact with SAE on tow rating standards

The pickup truck towing capacity wars have been in full-blown Mortal Kombat-style battle mode for as long as we can remember. For years, it's gone something like this: Automaker A claims that its rig can tow 10,000 pounds, then Automaker B increases their truck's stated capacities to 10,500 pounds without changing a single component. And if you've ever wondered if all automakers test towing capacities in the same manner, well... they don't.

The Detroit Free Press is reporting that the Society of Automotive Engineers will change practice that by the 2013 model year by implementing a new a standardized testing methodology. General Motors engineer Robert Krause, who chaired the SAE committee that set the new standard, said that the automakers involved "wanted our customers to know that 10,000 pounds of towing capacity means the same thing for all trucks."

This sounds like a plan that should have been hatched and executed long ago, but at least the deed is finally getting done. Toyota is already using the new standard with its Tundra (resulting in slightly lower tow ratings), while other major truckmakers will comply to the voluntary standard sometime in 2012. Nissan has stated that it will utilize the standard sometime in the future, but hasn't gotten specific with any details.

Stirling Moss gets an Aston Martin Cygnet for his birthday

An Aston Martin Cygnet for Stirling Moss

Wrapping your head around the cars that Sir Stirling Moss has driven over the course of the many decades in which he drove competitively would be a mind-boggling task. Regarded as the greatest Formula One driver never to win a World Championship, Moss won 212 out of the 529 races he entered, including 16 grands prix. He also competed in sports cars, including countless Maserati, Ferrari and Aston Martin racers.

Oh, the Astons he must have driven over the course of his career. As part of the factory works team, Sir Stirling piloted the likes of the DB3S and DBR1 to championship titles and race wins. But the latest is undoubtedly the most timid.

In celebration of his 82nd birthday at the Royal Automobile Club's "Palace on Pall Mall" in London, Lady Moss and Aston Martin presented Sir Stirling with one of the first Cygnet city cars to be delivered. Readied by its oldest dealership – HWM Aston Martin, which actually prepared Stirling's first grand prix cars – the unique city car is decked out in Aston's trademark shade of green with a black interior and silver top stitching.

It's probably just what Stirling might need to get around London now that he's retired from racing for good, but we can't help but have a little trouble with the notion of one of the world's greatest racing drivers puttering about in reheated Toyota iQ. Details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: An Aston Martin Cygnet for Stirling Moss

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2012 Morgan 3 Wheeler

2012 Morgan 3 Wheeler

It weighs just 1,090 pounds, chuffs out 115 horsepower and 140 pound-feet of torque, and can launch to 60 mph in less than 4.5 seconds. Oh, and you definitely feel every bit of it.

The 2012 Morgan 3 Wheeler is a decidedly modernized homage to the trike that inspired it. Beginning back in 1909, this British tripod evolved through a succession of V-twin engines, culminating in 1953, when the last of the original Morgan three-wheeled "cyclecars" rolled off the line in Malvern Link. By that time, a four-cylinder Ford engine good for up to 32 hp was also available, but it's the V-twin's legacy through 1946 that has always carried the most significance for aficionados of the three-tire flyer.

Words like "fun" don't even begin to describe what it is that would lead a North American enthusiast to spend north of $50,000 to secure a Morgan 3 Wheeler. (Note that whereas the original cars went through some variants in the official writing of the name, the new car is to be written exclusively as "Morgan 3 Wheeler" – so say the adamant company spokespeople). People who simply must have this heated runabout are incurably sick with a British disease. They love getting rained on at 70 mph, the persistent smell of dairy cattle cannot deter them from a vigorous country drive and $50,000 borders on a small price to pay for the pure handmade exhilaration of a proper trike. Yep, they're nuts.

That apparently means we're nuts, too, because after taking this journey into deepest Worcestershire and tearing around the UK's storybook Malvern Hills, darting through the pelting rain and cruising in the glistening sun between cloudy spells, we desperately want one of these beautifully useless 3 Wheelers.

Gallery: 2012 Morgan 3 Wheeler: First Drive

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