Mini and art have combined again on a limited-edition book and art project called "Wash Me." Starting with the idea of the "Wash me!" imperative scrawled into dirty cars the world over, ten artists that have never used a car as a canvas have "transformed [a Mini] into a transient work of art."
What does that mean? It means they painted a bunch of Minis lots of different colors and wrote (ironic?) things on them.
It's been a big week for Ferrari. First über-German Micahel Schumacher agreed to step back into the Formula One hotseat in place of the injured Felipe Massa. Then, on Wednesday, they revelaed the first pictures of the new 458 Italia, which will debut at the Frankfurt motor show in September. The 4,499cc V8 will be the highest revving road Ferrari ever and, as such, hugely desirable for A-grade wankers the world over.It's been a big week for Ferrari. First über-German Micahel Schumacher... more
The tried-and-true needle and dial dash has been a staple of the modern automobile, and aside from a brief stint in the '80s when digital gauges were a popular (if not entirely reliable) option, not much has changed in the dash department. Recognizing that another revolution is on the horizon, researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute are developing a 3D dashboard to show drivers where the vehicle is in relation to its surroundings.
Best of all, no funny red and blue glasses will be required for the technology to work since it's generated by a slew of cameras that track the position of the driver's eyes. Other tidbits of information can be specified by the pilot, including a fuel gauge, speedometer, tire pressure warning or the title of the song currently playing. Early prototypes are scheduled to be displayed at next month's CeBIT convention.
We're not entirely sure what keeping Fiat jobs in Italy has to do with the Catholic Church – other than the fact that the Pope was given a Ducato van from the automaker last year – but we guess that's not really any of our business, right? Whatever the case, Pope Benedict XVI has urged Fiat and the Italian government to keep Italian workers employed. "Everything possible must be done to save jobs that are in danger, especially in areas in crisis such as Termini Imerese," said the Pope.
Last Wednesday, at least two-thirds of Italy's 80,000 Fiat workers (including those for Ferrari and Maserati) went on strike to protest the planned closure of Fiat's Termini Imerese plant. The company's smallest plant, the facility is located on the island of Sicily, and Fiat claims shipping parts to the remote location is too expensive.
In the end, though, it all seems for naught, as Fiat has signaled that it still plans to move forward with the plant's closure. According to the Italian government, there have been seven separate proposals to purchase the plant and convert it for another use, perhaps even as a supermarket or Ikea store.We're not entirely sure what keeping Fiat jobs in Italy has to do with the... more
The Ruins Of Detroit Industry Five Former Factories: Fisher Body Plant 21, Ford Highland Park Plant, Ford Piquette Plant, Hudson Plant, and the Packard Plant.
Toyota Motor Co. is launching a recall of thousands of Toyota and Lexus models to immediately remove driver's side floor mats that can stick under accelerator pedals, causing the vehicles to surge forward.
In an unusual step, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration warned drivers of the affected models to not replace the floor mats in the affected models. The affected models include:
• 2007-2010 Camry
• 2005-2010 Avalon
• 2004-2009 Prius
• 2005-2010 Tacoma
• 2007-2010 Tundra
• 2007-2010 ES 350
• 2006-2010 IS 250 and IS350
more in the link...Toyota Motor Co. is launching a recall of thousands of Toyota and Lexus models to... more
The 5 Series Gran Turismo offers intelligent functionality which means the vehicle can adapt to different requirements as necessary.The 5 Series Gran Turismo offers intelligent functionality which means the vehicle can... more
If the plan goes through, the company would be split into 2: one successful unit comprised of Chevrolet and Cadillac, and the other less-profitable unit comprised of Hummer, Pontiac, Saab and Saturn. GM bondholders stand to lose a substantial amount if Chapter 11 filings go through.
Stay tuned for the next month and a half to see if they do end up filing for bankruptcy.If the plan goes through, the company would be split into 2: one successful unit... more
The Canada Revenue Agency has been trying to collect taxes from Chrysler Canada for several years now, which the company owes for vehicles shipped across the border. However, the bailouts Chrysler received are strictly for operational costs, not for paying off taxes, so it is unlikely that the Canadian government will get anything anytime soon.
More at link.The Canada Revenue Agency has been trying to collect taxes from Chrysler Canada for... more
Just another day at the office for the DSTV crew shooting for Subiesport Magazine #27 on DVD. Gymkhana demo part of Subaru’s WRXGames held at Pomona Raceway.Just another day at the office for the DSTV crew shooting for Subiesport Magazine #27... more
Tribal DDB London has created a radical, all-digital campaign for Volkswagen’s new Golf GTI Mk VI, The GTI Project: a giant Scalextric track that allows you to race the new Golf GTI online.
The 1:43 scale models of the new VW Golf GTI Mk VI are fitted with tiny cameras that let you zoom between the 200 buildings of the gleaming model city with a ‘driver’s eye’ view on a Scalextric track measuring 30x25ft, while recording your lap. Users have the opportunity to relive their boyhoods - taking control, crashing round corners, setting their own fast lap, and then challenging their friends to do better.
Complete with a lab-coat technician to dust you off and set you back on track when you wipe-out, this virtual track engages people with the real emotional reward of a GTI, not that its flashy, but that its fun. Ultimately, it’s about the thrill of driving; something that GTI drivers and engineers seem to understand instinctively.
Go to http://www.gtiproject.com to race!Tribal DDB London has created a radical, all-digital campaign for Volkswagen’s... more
http://www.triponadeal.com Far from boring, these five Los Angeles museums aren’t at the top of the tourist lists, but they’re all a must see. What are they? Check it out!http://www.triponadeal.com Far from boring, these five Los Angeles museums... more
Some people just have more GO than others. The BFGoodrich Tires In Search of GO crew interviews road-racing legend Boris Said at the 25 Hours of Thunderhill, and finds out what drives his passion for pushing the limits.Some people just have more GO than others. The BFGoodrich Tires In Search of GO crew... more
The 2010 model is clearly not an all new car. It is, however, a very significant refresh. The hard plastics that comprised the old dashboard are now gone, replaced with soft touch materials and real aluminum trim. The basic design concept remains but has evolved into something more grown up and functional, as well as more attractive.The 2010 model is clearly not an all new car. It is, however, a very significant... more
V-Vehicle Company selects Monroe, La., to begin assembling new automobiles and create 1,400 jobs
Today, Gov. Bobby Jindal and Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Stephen Moret joined executives from V-Vehicle Company, or VVC, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, or KPCB, partners, local businessmen and local officials to publicly announce that VVC, a new American car company headquartered in San Diego, will begin assembling cars in Monroe, La. The project will create over 1,400 direct jobs at an average annual salary of nearly $40,000, plus benefits, as well as a capital investment of at least $248 million.V-Vehicle Company selects Monroe, La., to begin assembling new automobiles and create... more
This is probably what happened to most American Companies, Bought Out! Everyone has a price.
German luxury car maker Porsche has said chief executive Wendelin Wiedeking and financial director Holger Haerter have resigned "with immediate effect".
Mr Wiedeking leaves with a 50m euros ($70m; £43m) payoff package.
Earlier this year, Mr Wiedeking failed in his attempt for Porsche to take over larger German rival Volkswagen (VW), despite building a 51% holding in VW.
Now the way is open for VW, Europe's biggest carmaker, to take over Porsche and add it to its brands.
The news comes as the boards of Porsche and VW hold separate meetings on the way forward.
'Reverse bid'
"The news that the Porsche chief executive is resigning is not really unexpected," Credit Suisse automotive analyst Arndt Ellinghorst told the BBC.This is probably what happened to most American Companies, Bought Out! Everyone has a... more
It goes by the name "Sartre," but it has nothing to do with existentialism and just a little bit to do with exits. The Safe Road Trains for the Environment program is a three-year European study centering on the creation of 'platoons' of drivers behind a lead vehicle on the highway. It involves wiring cars to speak to each other, and to a lead vehicle – the platoon commander – behind which up to eight cars could follow in automated bliss.
One of the keys to the study is finding a way to make travel more efficient and lower gas usage without spending the treasury on putting sensors in roads, or creating an entirely new standard of equipment. Also, using a lead vehicle that could take control of the vehicles behind – cars, trucks or buses – makes Sartre much more flexible since it can travel on any highway.
So say you need to get to the Alhambra in a hurry. You see a Sartre platoon on the highway ahead, and if there's room, you signal your wish to join. The lead vehicle takes control of your car, and it is pulled into the formation, leaving you free to do whatever you want to do. When you want to get out, you signal your intention, a gap is made and you get control of your car again. The study will be conducted on test tracks in Spain, Sweden and the UK, with additional trials on public road in Spain. Gentlemen, mount up...
