December 25, 2010

Exclusive Interview with Mercedes Chairman, "Dr. Z"

Exclusive Interview with Mercedes Chairman, "Dr. Z"

Author: vehiclevoice
Added: Thu, 28 Feb 2008 11:46:16 -0800
Duration: 183

Remember Dr. Z from the Chrysler commercials a few years ago? Back when Chrysler was followed by the name Daimler? Back before the ugly divorce? Well Dr. Z is Dr. Dieter Zetsche, a real Ph.D. and the real Chairman of the Board of Daimler. We snagged this very gracious man for a quickie interview on the show floor at the North American Auto Show. Think he's happy that Mercedes is just Mercedes now? Listen and find out.

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Source: http://revver.com/video/707938/affiliate/95908/exclusive-interview-with-mercedes-chairman-dr-z/

Hyundai i40 Wagon Rendered, Could Join Sonata in U.S. Lineup

It’s no secret that Hyundai has been making big strides in the U.S.; the Korean automaker just hit 500,000 annual sales here for the first time, and�also made its first-ever appearance on the Car and Driver 10Best list.�But Hyundai is also making a push for mainstream success in Europe, where it still is shedding some [...]


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Source: http://blog.caranddriver.com/hyundai-i40-wagon-rendered-could-join-sonata-in-u-s-lineup/

FanHouse: Johnson inks his place in history

FanHouse: Forget the five straight titles, Jimmie Johnson now has a video game�named after him, a sign that America is catching on to Johnson's rightful place among athletic accomplishments.

Source Related Pictures Tomomi Manako Read More... Pedro Alvarez Best Picks Adolf Weil Related Stories David Checa

Source: http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2010/12/03/jimmie-johnson-taking-time-to-savor-fifth-championship-in-las-ve/?ncid=edlinkusspor00000003

Notebook: Piquet gets full-time ride in KHI truck

Former Formula One driver Nelson Piquet Jr. will compete full time in the Camping World Truck Series for Kevin Harvick Inc. in 2011, KHI announced Monday.

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Source: http://nascar.com/news/101213/notebook-npiquetjr-mkenseth/index.html?eref=/news/headlines/truck

Mazda and Honda form B-Spec Showroom Stock racing series

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Mazda and Honda B-Spec racers

Racing is a rich man's sport, no question about it. Sure, there are some ways to get into a bit of wheel-to-wheel that cost less than others, such as the 24 Hours of LeMons, but even that is more expensive than you might think. But regardless of the cost, some people still need to scratch that racing itch. One way to keep costs down is to get into spec racing - everyone uses the same type of car and they are typically kept showroom stock minus the addition of safety features such as a roll cage, harness and racing bucket. Mazda and Honda understand this and the two automakers have decided to roll out a B-Spec racing series that utilizes the Mazda2 and Honda Fit.

If the thought of tossing either of these two cars around a track doesn't sound fun, then you clearly have never driven either one. Though they are both down on power, they offer high levels of tossable excitement. Turn them into race-ready hoon machines and the volume knob twists to 11.

A spec series presents an even playing field for the competitors because the engines and chassis remain stock for all cars. Driving skill is what will win in an event like this, and every ounce of that behind-the-wheel prowess will be tested in these low-powered hatchbacks. Hop the jump to read the full press release.

[Sources: Mazda, Honda]

Continue reading Mazda and Honda form B-Spec Showroom Stock racing series

Mazda and Honda form B-Spec Showroom Stock racing series originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Dec 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/24/mazda-and-honda-form-b-spec-showroom-stock-racing-series/

GM recalls select 2011 model year pickup and SUV models over axle fears

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2011 GMC Sierra
2011 GMC Sierra - Click above for high-res image gallery

General Motors is recalling a handful light-duty GMT900 pickups from the 2011 model year due to faulty rear axle cross pins. Both the Chevrolet Avalanche and Silverado 1500 are effected, as are the Cadillac Escalade EXT and GMC Sierra 1500 - a total of 1,262 vehicles in all.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration cites that these rear axle cross pins were not manufactured up to proper specification and that the pin could "fracture and become displaced within the rear axle." NHTSA further details the consequences of a displaced pin, saying:
"The driver may hear a banging noise coming from the axle. If the pin shifts out of position, it could create an interference condition and cause the rear axle to lock. The driver may not be able to maintain directional control of the vehicle and a crash could occur without prior warning."
GM will begin notifying owners about this problem in January, and dealers will install a new rear axle cross pin without any cost to the customer. NHTSA's official statement is available after the jump.



[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading GM recalls select 2011 model year pickup and SUV models over axle fears

GM recalls select 2011 model year pickup and SUV models over axle fears originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Dec 2010 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/24/gm-recalls-select-2011-model-year-pickup-and-suv-models-over-axl/

December 24, 2010

Season Rewind: World of Outlaws

CHAMPION: Jason Meyers Jason Meyers drove to 12 victories in World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series competition this season.

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Source: http://www.inracingnews.com/stewart/season-rewind-world-of-outlaws/

Commando in progress

A few pictures of a Norton commando coming together.

Best Practices Fernando Aranda Source Videos Mateo Tunez Best Practices Sven Breugelmans New Pictures Ernst Degner

Source: http://bigdcycle.com/blog/?p=933

RJ Says: State of Supercross

As the West Region ends for a while, and East region gets ready to start up ... In 250 West Supercross 2010, Jake Weimer and Trey Canard are showing a lot of confidence right now. I'm very impressed with both of these racers right now. This past race at Anaheim was a good example for both of them.

Series points leader Jake Weimer has a great heat race with a win, even after that heat was red-flagged. Jake had some trouble in the Main Event, but showed his smarts by charging hard the full 15 laps, coming up to eighth at the finish ... that could literally save his season and potentially the championship title.

Trey had some problems in his heat, but came back very strong in the final - he won the 250 Main in Anaheim. That shows a lot of maturity from him as a rider.

They are both adapting well to the tracks, which this year seem to be a little tighter, which can sometimes make it harder to pass other riders on. Both are showing a lot of confidence, and a lot of maturity.

The big picture for the two of them right now is they get to settle down and take a break away from this series. Once you start racing in a new year, you reach a new plateau of physical fitness because you push yourself harder when racing as compared to practice. They've had six races back-to-back.

For Trey, he's supposed to be doing a few East Coast races for Honda Red Bull racing in the 450 Supercross class. That will be a good (and new) experience for him lining up against the guys in the 450 class. You have the top three guys in supercross from last year - James Stewart, Chad Reed and Andrew Short all out of action with injuries - the sky is the limit for everyone. I think it will be a great confidence builder as well for Trey to get out there and run with the 450's.

OK, now, big picture for the 450 Supercross class. You have three guys trying to separate themselves from the others, and it could very well be that one of these three riders will end up being the 2010 AMA Supercross Series Champion: Ryan Dungey, Josh Hill, and Ryan Villopoto.

Ryan Dungey, after coming off a great 450 ride in October at the Motocross des Nations, and starting this supercross season with a lot of confidence, ... seems to me, ... and I could be wrong, like he is thinking about the championship already. It seems like he's looking at a lot of different things possibly different than how he has in the past. He might be riding more defensively than he was earlier in the season ... he's looking at potentially different set ups for suspension and tires, and possibly more.

I think if Ryan rides smooth and calculated like he did at the first couple of rounds, he'll get back in the good groove that he was in.

Josh Hill: He's been there (near the front) every weekend. Once he gets his 'break thru' win of this season, he'll know that he can win, and I think he'll be a different rider. He's fun to watch, he's really quick in a lot of areas, and isn't afraid to mix it up with guys.

Ryan Villopoto: At the first couple rounds he didn't look real impressive. He wasn't 'putting it all together'. But now, and you saw it last weekend in Anaheim, he rode very fast, was impressive, smooth, and made very few mistakes. I think he's very comfortable running in the top position on the race track. Ryan looks to be 'coming on' right now, ... and Hill and Dungey will have to do something about it if they want it to change.

RJ


Trey Canard on top in Anaheim


Jake Weimer winning in San Diego


Ryan Dungey winning in Phoenix


Josh Hill leading Davi Millsaps and Kevin Windham


Ryan Villopoto winning in Anaheim last weekend

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Source: http://www.supercross.com/rj-says/rj-says-state-of-supercross

Indy Motor Speedway Brick Personalization Available

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) has just unveiled a personalized, commemorative brick program that will allow race fans (MotoGP) to inscribe their names and favorite memories from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on commemorative bricks that will be placed inside the grounds of the famous Brickyard.

The IMS Commemorative Brick Program offers fans four locations throughout the grounds that hosts MotoGP races to have a personalized brick installed, including the Gate 1 main entrance, Gate ...

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Source: http://www.autoevolution.com/news/indy-motor-speedway-brick-personalization-available-28759.html