Video of Monster Tajima?s Record-Setting Pikes Peak Hillclimb: Breathtaking, Terrifying, and Awesome

Yesterday we brought you news of “Monster” Nobuhiro Tajima?s record-setting sub-10-minute run to the top of Pikes Peak, and now we have roof-cam video of Monster and his heavily modified Suzuki SX4 hillclimb car bombing up the mountain. Our favorite part of the clip, besides the mind-boggling speeds attained during the climb?and the massive cojones [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/CvySN4-NFDo/

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New Scion tC Release Series 7.0 Follows Formula: More Show but Same Go

Scion?s tC coupe was completely reworked for 2011, but it’s already time for the first special edition: the tC Release Series 7.0. As you may have surmised, it’s the seventh Release Series model based on the tC?spanning both generations?and it follows the pattern laid out for RS models: special paint, aesthetic add-ons, and limited availability. [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/qJaJzxQrnB0/

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2010 Suzuki Kizashi Test Drive: Is This Sporty Midsize Sedan the Best Suzuki Ever?

Suzuki clearly has lofty expectations for its new Kizashi sedan, which we recently drove on the roads around the Washington/Oregon border, as well as on Portland's eponymous international raceway.

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Source: http://feeds.popularmechanics.com/~r/pm/blogs/automotive_news/~3/EOVGufBy7wg/4334214.html

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Sponsored Post: Win a Year?s Worth of Free Shell Gas! Share Your Favorite Road-Trip Route or Memory to Enter

Starting today through September 5, Shell is offering you a chance to fuel your summer road trip for free by participating in the Shell ?Favorite Road Trip? Sweepstakes. Simply share a few words about your favorite road trip route or memory at www.shell.us/roadtrip and be automatically entered to win great prizes. Each week, one lucky [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/fN08Mz3DJdU/

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Infiniti EX35 nabs Top Safety Pick from IIHS, Acura RDX falters

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Infiniti EX35 IIHS roof strength test
Infiniti EX35 IIHS roof strength test - Click above for high-res image gallery


The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety is tough on vehicles. The institute's crash tests are among the most difficult to ace, with very high standards for front and side impacts, plus rigid roof strength standards. But while some vehicles struggle to achieve the top score of "Good," the Infiniti EX35 seems to have had the answers to the test.

Infiniti's smallest luxury crossover achieved the top score of "Good" because it features standard stability control, it passed the all-important rear and side impact protection tests and it has a roof that can handle the pressure of more than four times its overall weight. The roof test is measured by pressing a metal plate into a corner of the roof at a constant rate. The pressure continues to build until five inches of crush is achieved. If the roof can withstand at least four times the overall weight of the vehicle, it receives a score of "Good." Since the EX35 checked off every box with a score of "Good," the IIHS feels comfortable calling the CUV a "Top Safety Pick."

But while the EX35 was aces in the roof test, the similarly sized Acura RDX didn't fare nearly as well. IIHS gave the RDX an overall score of "Marginal" after the Acura roof was found to only be able to withstand 2.9 times the overall weight of the vehicle.

Hit the jump to read over the Infiniti press release.

Continue reading Infiniti EX35 nabs Top Safety Pick from IIHS, Acura RDX falters

Infiniti EX35 nabs Top Safety Pick from IIHS, Acura RDX falters originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Jun 2011 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/29/infiniti-ex35-nabs-top-safety-pick-from-iihs-acura-rdx-faulters/

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Subaru sets new fastest time up Mt. Washington [Video]

Driving a rally-prepped Subaru WRX STi, David Higgins shaved 30 seconds off the top time for the annual Mt. Washington Hill Climb on Sunday, reconnoitering the 7.6 mile circuit in 6 minutes, 11.54 seconds. Also in competition: Mike Ryan's hillclimbing, Gulf-liveried Frieghtliner, which you can briefly experience below. More »

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/jalopnik/full/~3/OIgKJwK5sgo/subaru-sets-new-fastest-time-up-mt-washington

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Test drive: 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata

2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata

I find it hard to believe, but the Miata has been around for over two decades -- it was coming on the market right around the time I got my driver's license. The Miata has long been a favorite of mine, and I enjoyed my test drive every bit as much as I expected -- but there's one blatant flaw in this car that really bothers me. Get the skinny in my 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata review. -- Aaron Gold

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Source: http://cars.about.com/b/2011/06/17/test-drive-2011-mazda-mx-5-miata.htm

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A bit more of what's new for 2012

2012 Volkswagen Golf RA few additions to my photo gallery of new and redesigned 2012 cars:

Now, I'm sure I'm not the only one whose interest is piqued by the Golf R -- a follow-on to the 2008 Volkswagen R32. That car had a V6 engine and a hotter suspension than the GTI, but it was only available with Volkswagen's DSG twin-clutch automatic transmission. As fantastic as the DSG is, I thought that was a mistake; I had a chance to drive a Euro-spec R32 with a manual and it was a lot more fun. Apparently, Vee Dub agrees -- the Golf R will come to the States exclusively with an old-fashioned stick-shift, even though the DSG is offered in Europe. Oh, and the engine? How about a souped-up version of the 2-liter turbo found in the GTI? No word on power output for the US version, but the Euro-spec car has 270 hp, 20 more than the old R32. I may have to sneak this one into my Ten 2012 Cars Worth Waiting For list... -- Aaron Gold

Source: http://cars.about.com/b/2011/06/15/a-bit-more-of-whats-new-for-2012.htm

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