The Infiniti M45 Sport is Infiniti’s ‘flagship’ model, highlighting the best from the luxury division of Nissan-quality, high-performance engineering, luxury accoutrements, and advanced electronics.  Now is its fifth year of its second-generation design, the Infiniti M45 S sedan offers all the expected, plus innovative technology, and, most importantly, a powerful, athletic presence designed to excite the senses.

The Infiniti M is a mid-size premium sedan with an emphasis on performance, user-focused technology and a selection of engine, driveline and equipment choices all designed to meet the customers’ needs, budgets and desires.  The Infiniti M offers a spacious cabin wrapped in a sporty and luxurious exterior design along with an exhilarating driving experience.

The 2010 Infiniti M is offered in M35 and M45 models, each available in rear-wheel drive or with Infiniti’s advanced Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system.  The Infiniti M45 and M45x AWD feature a 325hp/336lb.ft. of torque, 4.5 liter DOHC VVT V8, while the M35 and M35x AWD come equipped with a 303hp/262lb.ft. of torque, 3.5 liter DOHC VVT V6.  A special Sport Package (rear-wheel drive only) adds a higher level of sporty performance and style with an advanced Rear Active Steer System, a sport-tuned suspension, 19X9in. wheels, and other unique items I’ll get into later in this review.

The 2010 M remains a showcase of Infiniti’s advanced technology, including Intelligent Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) systems, an advanced Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System with touch screen, 9.3GB Music Box hard drive for digital music storage and playback, and available XM NavTraffic.

The overall exterior design is unique and features both performance cues and elegance.

The grille features wide arched horizontal chrome slats to let lots of air into the engine bay and a prominent Infiniti logo near the top.  Down below on the lower bumper is another intake to further enhance engine cooling.  The low portion is curved down provide downforce for the front end and increasing front end stability.  The uniquely formed headlamp cluster features HID adaptive lighting.  Powerful, round fog lamps at the ends of the lower bumper have a mesh opening to direct airflow towards the front brakes keeping them cool to enhance braking force.  Large 19X9in. aluminum alloy wheels wrapped with low profile Bridgestone Potenza performance tires nicely stuff the fender wells.  From the side the M45S profile features a low, aggressive hood line that flows into the anchored shoulders and fluid roofline.  The deeper side sills and stable, wide track posture creates a dynamic visual appeal to any enthusiast and lowers the center of gravity for even better stability.

Each door features a strip of chrome running the length of each door and a chrome strip surrounding the greenhouse glass to adding to the exterior elegance.

The M45S also comes with unique front and rear bumpers and highlighted in the rear with two dual exhaust tips and a center diffuser to help better manage the underside airflow for enhanced stability.  The M45S’s long wheelbase and short overhangs provide a roomy interior and sporty exterior dimensions.  Wide front and rear tracks not only improve handling but also enhance interior and trunk volume.  The stiff and torsional, corrosion resistant and high strength steel unibody frame features aluminum alloy hood, deck lid and door structures to decrease total weight.

Inside, the intuitive design engages all of your senses in invigorating ways, combining a driver-oriented cockpit with a graceful, Infiniti level of luxury and design detail.  You are surrounded with the finest leathers, aluminum and chrome trim pieces, chrome rings surrounding the door pulls and steering wheel spokes, aluminum plates on the dashboard and doors for the Sport model and dark African Rosewood for the regular M45 models.  Visibility all around is excellent and the ‘Fine Vision’ electroluminescent gauges feature ‘gear-like’ rings around the 160mph speedometer and 8,000rpm tachometer for a mechanical look.  Other interior highlights include the easy to use and understand unique center stack that flows into the center console with an aluminum shift gate housing a stubby, soft leather stick that feels great when operating.

Also feeling perfect in your hands is the power tilting/telescoping, leather-wrapped sporty steering wheel.  Dual cupholders follow into the center armrest with dual-adjustable armrests, dual level storage and a 12-volt power outlet.  The 12-power adjustable front bucket seats are comfortable and supportive.  The Sport model receives extra side bolstering to keep you firmly in place during high-speed cornering that comes naturally to the M45S.  Standard interior features also include cruise control with steering wheel switches, dual zone automatic climate control with micro filter and rear air vents and for the first time a front passenger seat control to direct air for your feet, your chest or both, just like the mode switch for the driver-side. A 7in. color LCD screen gives vehicle  information/driver information readouts, grab handles above each door, Infiniti analog clock, one-touch auto-up/down windows, front seat entry/exit assist with cancellation capability, remote trunk release, rain-sensing windshield wipers, power door locks, remote keyless entry, illuminated entry/exit, locking glovebox, dual illuminated vanity mirrors, front door map pockets, dual map lamps, outside temperature readout, self-dimming reaview mirror, heated/remote control side mirrors, green-tinted windshield, chrome-grip pull-out door handles, two driver memory for the front seat, outside mirrors, steering column and radio station presets, sunglass holder, rear armrest with dual cupholders and storage, fully carpeted trunk with cargo net, thick cut-pile carpeting with front/rear floor mats, rear window defroster/timer, power sliding sunroof, rear power sunshade, retained accessory power, Infiniti Intelligent Key with push button start/stop and Infiniti Voice Recognition System which controls audio, vehicle information system, climate control, optional navigation system and Bluetooth phone.

The Sport model also receives aluminum-trimmed foot pedals, unique steering wheel and shift knob stitching, and unique front seat designs with Infiniti stitched on each seatback.

Options inside include heated/reclining rear seats, rear entertainment DVD system, an incredible sounding, advanced Bose Studio Surround sound system with digital 5.1-channel decoding and 14-speakers including two personal speakers mounted in the shoulders of each front seat.  Also offered is an Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation system with touch-screen, 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive for digital music storage and playback, and available XM NavTraffic with real-time traffic information.  Enhancing safety is an optional RearView TV monitor and Intelligent Cruise Control.

I found the cabin to be sporty oriented, comfortable, easy to operate and luxurious, all at the same time, not an easy trick to accomplish and when driving at high triple-digit speeds or when challenging steep curving roads.  That is what makes the M45S so special to drive.

Under the skin of the smartly designed M45S are a high-performance V8 engine, world-class suspension and powerful brakes.  The powerful V8 engine features titanium valves, modular cylinder heads, microfinished crankshaft, lightweight pistons and super-silent single stage cam drive chain to help optimize performance.  In addition, the V8 is outfitted with a variable length air induction system and continuously variable valve timing control to enhance the engine’s power delivery and operation efficiency.  Just push your foot on the throttle and you’re quickly on your way.  Infiniti says that the M45S will accelerate to 60mph from a standstill in just about 5.3sec.

This high-output V8 engine is hooked up to an advanced 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode, downshift rev matching and a new ‘drive sport’ mode that provides better acceleration feel and a more sporting driving experience.  That driving experience is truly dynamic with exhilarating and exciting chills running up your back with the car’s quick acceleration and precise handling thanks to the unique, fully independent suspension system.  The racecar derived double-wishbone setup up front includes sport-tuned coil springs, gas-charged shocks and a stabilizer bar.  The multi-link setup in the rear includes sport-tuned coil springs, gas-charged shocks and stabilizer bar.

Joined up to a electronically-controlled vehicle-speed-sensing variable-assist power rack & pinion steering system with a performance gear, you quickly, precisely and effortlessly steer deep into corners aided with the Infiniti Rear Active Steer system, which uses precise, electronic motor-driven controls to turn the rear wheels.  It is the only one available on a luxury sport sedan.  The system helps improve the M45S’s handling performance by adjusting the geometry of the rear suspension according to steering input and vehicle speed.  The system’s electronic control unit calculates the desired vehicle dynamics from a series of sensors, including vehicle speed and steering angle, and directs the system actuator to change the rear geometry by moving both rear suspension lower links.  The result is a nimble steering response combined with luxury sedan stability and ride quality.  You can feel not only the front end ‘bite’ when turning in, but also the rear gives the same feeling in steep curves at high speeds.  I could shake the rear loose in even hairpin curves or corkscrew curves during my road test.  It is really like driving on rails at high speed and when dicing through the curves.  Amazing technology and its only available in the M Sport models.  Standard vehicle dynamic control with traction control automatically adjusts brake pressure and engine torque during certain situations where the car is at its handling limit, helping you keep on your intended path.  You can shut both systems off the let the rear end shake a bit when dicing through curves at high speed.

The perfectly balanced M45S features Infiniti’s enhanced next-generation FM (front-midship) platform that positions the engine behind the front axle resulting in an optimized front-to-rear weight balance which factors in weight transfer during high-speed driving maneuvers.  The M45S’s 19X9in. large diameter wheels/tires are positioned out near the corners of the car, helping to further enhance handling.

Quickly and safely slowing the car down from speed are large, four-wheel vented disc brakes.  Up front are 12.6in. vented discs clamped with dual-piston calipers, and 12…1in. vented rear discs clamped with single-piston calipers.  Enhancing braking for and control are standard ABS, Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Brake Assist.

The M45S is available with Infiniti’s Lane Departure Warning (LDW and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) systems.  LDP utilizes the M45’s vehicle dynamic control system to apply slight brake pressure to the wheels opposite the side of the lane departure direction to help you return the car back toward the center of the travel lane.  The LDP system uses a small camera installed behind the windshield to detect lane markers in front, calculate its position relative to those lane markers and warn you of a potential unintended lane departure with a visual display and audible buzzer.  If you don’t return the vehicle in the direction of the center of the travel lane, the LDP system assists you with a gentle application of the brakes.

Standard safety features inside include Infiniti’s advanced airbag system with dual-stage front airbags with seatbelt and occupant classification sensors, front seat-mounted side impact airbags, roof-mounted curtain side impact airbags for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection, 3-point seat belts up front with load limiters/pretentioners, seat belt adjustable shoulder height anchors, front active head restraints, front/rear crumple zones, and steel beams in each door.

The M45S is one of my favorite sporty luxury sedan’s to test drive.  It has everything that I need for full enjoyment, whether commuting to work, taking care of personal errands, an elegant night on the town, and when I want to quicken my pulse and experience true high-performance driving.  It is the perfect blend and it shouldn’t break the bank with a base price for the M45 starting at $52,150.00, and the fully loaded M45 with the Sport Package, Technology Package and Advanced Technology Package costing only $60,815.00 including destination charges.

COPYRIGHT: 2009 HARVEY SCHWARTZ

SPECIFICATIONS

Price: MSRP $52,150 As-Tested $60,815
Type: Large Sedan
Where Built: Japan
EPA Class: Large Cars

Dimensions

Exterior
Length: 194.1 in.
Width: 71.1 in.
Height: 59.4 in.
Wheel Base: 114.2 in.
Ground Clearance: 5.1 in.
Curb Weight: 3990 lbs.
Gross Weight: 5024 lbs.
Interior
Front Head Room: 39.6 in.
Front Hip Room: 55.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room: 58.2 in.
Rear Head Room: 37.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room: 56.9 in.
Rear Hip Room: 53.9 in.
Front Leg Room: 44.2 in.
Rear Leg Room: 37.3 in.
Luggage Capacity: 14.9 cu. ft.
Maximum Cargo Capacity: 15 cu. ft.
Maximum Seating: 5

Performance Data

Base Number of Cylinders: 8
Base Engine Size: 4.5 liters
Base Engine Type: V8
Horsepower: 325 hp
Max Horsepower: 6400 rpm
Torque: 336 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 4000 rpm
Drive Type: RWD
Turning Circle: 36.7 ft.
0-60mph: 5.3 seconds

Fuel Data

Fuel Tank Capacity: 20 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway/Combined)
Automatic: 16 mpg / 21 mpg / 18 mpg
Range in Miles:
Automatic: 320 mi. / 420 mi. / 360 mi.

This is what it what the BMW M3 GTS is made for, the track! The guys at BMW.tv are busy posting new videos of the BMW M3 GTS and they are spectacular!

Last week we brought you images and information on the baddest creation to come from the Bavarian Motor Werks’ stable, the BMW M3 GTS. Although it is rumored as a vehicle that will never hit US shorelines, it has capture the attention of automotive enthusiasts all over the world.

The a lightweight build composed of a 450hp 4.4-liter V8, M-DCT dual clutch 7-speed transmission and an upgraded “race” suspension setup, makes the M3 GTS is a remarkable accomplishment in taking the E92 M3 to a whole new level. Its not about brute horsepower here, but more along the lines of what BMW is known for, a true driving machine that handles like no other.

Enjoy the newest “track” videos of the BMW M3 GTS below!

Chris Harris at EVO does a run-down and drive of the new Ferrari 458 Italia. He calls it the “baby Ferrari”, which just does not do it justice. This car is stupendous! Enjoy the video!

Ever since I picked up the new Forza Motorsport 3 game I cannot put it down. Every time I see a Forza 3 commercial air on the TV I have to power up my Xbox 360 to take a new supercar for a spin. This game is full of awesome! Here is yet another Forza Motorsport 3 commercial that you may or may not have seen. I really like this one! Enjoy!

Porsche isn’t going to stop catering to the appetites of car enthusiasts anytime soon so therefore they have recently introduced a new version of the popular Boxster in a drop-top-convertible spyder version, the new 2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder. The Boxster Spyder is a new lightweight version of the Boxster S, 176 lbs. less, with an extra 10 horsepower and soft-top retractable roof.

Tipping the scales at only 2,811 pounds, the new Porsche Boxster Spyder will be the lightest Porsche offered. The 3.4-liter flat six engine is good for 320 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque which should propel the new Porsche from a standstill to 60 mph in about 4.8 seconds when coupled with the PDK dual-clutch transmission.

The 2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder is expected to make its world debut at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show December 2^nd this year. Prices are expected to start around $61,200 when it goes on sale in February of 2010.

[source: Porsche]

Press Release

Purist Mid-Engined Roadster is the Lightest Porsche

Light, Efficient, Open: Boxster Spyder Making World Debut in Los Angeles

Stuttgart. Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is introducing a new top version of the Porsche Boxster, a light mid-engined roadster making its world debut at the Los Angeles Motor Show in December.

Weighing just 1,275 kg or 2,811 lb, the Boxster Spyder is the lightest model throughout the entire range of Porsche cars. Clearly recognisable right from the start, this new mid-engined roadster represents the true, purist form of the Porsche sports car – light, powerful, consistently open, and very efficient.

This is precisely the formula already applied in creating Porsche’s most successful road-going sports and racing cars, ranging from the legendary 550 Spyder all the way to the RS Spyder so successful in motorsport today.

The Boxster Spyder now continues this clear-cut philosophy with full homologation for the road, thus reflecting a common wish expressed by Porsche customers. The new model is entering the market in February 2010 as the third version in the Boxster range, joining the Boxster and Boxster S.

The new member of the Boxster family stands out clearly at very first sight from the other versions of Porsche’s mid-engined roadster. Quite simply because the Boxster Spyder has been developed first and foremost for driving in the open air, the low-slung, light soft top extending far to the rear serving exclusively to protect the driver and passenger from bright sunshine, wind and weather. When closed, the soft top, together with the extra-low side windows and the two striking bulges on the single-piece rear lid, boasts a stretched and sleek silhouette reminiscent of the Carrera GT.

Significantly less weight than the Boxster S, a lower centre of gravity and an all-new sports suspension give the Boxster Spyder the right kind of driving dynamics clearly reflecting the unique look of the car.

The Boxster Spyder features a 3.4-litre six-cylinder with Direct Fuel Injection upfront of the rear axle. Maximum output is 320 bhp, 10 bhp more than in the Boxster S.

Equipped with PDK Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe and the Sports Chrono Package, the new Spyder, using Launch Control, accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds. Again with optional PDK, fuel consumption is a mere 9.3 litres on 100 kilometres (equal to 30.4 mpg imp) in the NEDC New European Driving Cycle. Top speed, in turn, is 267 km/h or 166 mph – with the roof open.

In terms of its fundamental concept, the entire Boxster family is the successor to the legendary 550 Spyder built back in 1953, both models sharing the same mid-engine roadster concept, low weight, back-to-the-roots lifestyle, and supreme agility combined with equally outstanding driving pleasure.

The 550 Spyder was the first sports car from Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen developed specifically for racing but also homologated for the road. In the years following its production, this unique Spyder weighing only 550 kg or 1,213 lb, scored numerous victories on race circuits and in the road races so popular at the time.

The 550 Spyder was followed by other extremely successful Porsche Spyders such as the 718 RS 60 in 1960.

In 2004 and 2008 Porsche dedicated a limited edition of special Boxsters bearing the additional name Spyder to these legendary racing cars. By contrast, the new Boxster Spyder is a regular, specially developed and upgraded production model with far-reaching modifications versus the Boxster and Boxster S.

Market introduction of the new Porsche Boxster Spyder will start worldwide in February 2010. The base price in the Euro countries is 53,100 Euro. Including 19 per cent VAT and national specifications, the market price of the new Porsche Boxster Spyder is 63,404 Euro.

So here it is, the answer to your prayers, the BMW M3 GTS. This is the M3 that we posted some time ago making rounds on the Nurburgring. Everyone wondered if it was a new E92 M3 CSL or a GT, well, it is the GTS! BMW just released this new video of the BMW M3 GTS in orange. This is when dreams come true. Below is the information that can be found on the m-power.com website as new details are revealed on the newest addition to the ///M line of cars.

Quick Details:

• The price of the BMW M3 GTS with the features shown is expected to be EUR 115,000.- for delivery in Germany, including 19% VAT. ($170,000USD)
• The first vehicles are due to be supplied in May 2010.
• The first vehicles to be produced will be those for individual registration in Germany
• Registrations in other countries will be possible from summer 2010
• 450 BHP (4.4l V8)
• 1490 kg (3278 lbs)
• 6 / 4 piston brake system
• 6 point harness
• 255 35 19 F
• 285 30 19 R
• Rollbar behind the front seats ( only 2 seats )
• Front splitter and Spoiler ( adjustable )
• Fire hydrant
• Racing combo with helmet

[source: BMW]

The dream is over.
When dreams come true.
5. Nov. 09

There are some great dreams. But they’re just dreams – so you think. You’ve dreamt them so many times before. You wake up and say goodbye to them almost as if nothing had happened.

BMW M enthusiasts all over the world have a dream like this: a BMW M, consistently optimised for the race track. Pure M genes. A brilliant partner at the physical limits – away from public roads. Fast and honest.  But registered for the best public roads, too. It’s not where you go, but how you get there. Whether a demanding run on the race track or a pleasurable cruise along country roads and motorways.

And companies can dream, too. Sometimes they even have the same dreams as their customers and fans. In our particular case, this is hardly surprising as there’s something which connects the two: pure M genes.

Then something amazing happens. You wake up and the dream doesn’t go away. It’s standing there right in front of you.

The BMW M3 GTS. Pure M genes.

Even when you see it from a distance, you are instantly electrified. As a BMW M enthusiast, every step you take towards the orange painted concept vehicle of the BMW M3 GTS with its numerous matt black applications raises your adrenaline level a little more.

Exclusive 19-inch wheels with ample 225/35 tyres at the front and 285/30 at the rear catch your eye.

All this is certainly nice looking and sensible, but what you glimpse through the spokes of the aluminium wheel rims is even more exciting: a generously sized fixed caliper brake system with six pistons at the front and four at the rear.

The wheels almost fill out the wheel arches, but if you look closely you discover the next highlight. Yellow springs with a small M logo provide the crucial clue: a threaded suspension, adjustable in compression and rebound. “The rear axle support is bolted in place,” adds the responsible engineer.

The expert will also spot the adjustable front splitter and rear wing. One thing is clear: this car is serious stuff. Not only can a high level of downforce be generated but it also precisely adjustable at front and rear. Fast bends can look forward to welcoming the BMW M3 GTS – but they won’t get to see it for long.

Which brings us to the next question: what does it weigh?

“The serial production BMW M3 is already weight-optimised with a whole range of measures reserved for the BMW M3 CSL in the last model – the striking carbon lightweight roof, for example.”

So the engineers had to get back to work again to come up with more.  Light body-contoured seats are a must.

A cluster of lightweight construction measures such as optimisation of the insulation, the use of lightweight parts in the interior, the use of Macrolon for the car’s windows in the back, the lack of air conditioning, navigation and radio and the entire rear seat also gets the scales the down.

And the new titanium rear silencer not only looks great and contributes to the thrilling sound of the BMW M3 GTS, it is also much lighter than its serial production counterpart.

Indispensable for safety reasons: the lightweight construction body has been prepared for installation of the 6-point seatbelt included for use on the race track. There are also mounts for the roll-over protective structure bolted on from the B column. A fire extinguisher and a battery master switch/emergency shut-off preparation do not make the car lighter either – but safer.

So the BMW M3 GTS concept vehicle puts the scales up to around 1490 kilograms – causing the engineer to give an appreciative nod.

And the drivetrain? The heart of the BMW M3 GTS?

The car is fitted with a 7-speed M dual clutch transmission with adapted shift characteristics. But an absolute highlight is to be found under the bonnet. Exclusively for the BMW M3 GTS, the engine builders of BMW M – recent winners of the Engine of the Year Award once again – have developed a power unit based on the M high-performance engine of the current BMW M3: with a capacity of 4.4 litres and an output of some 450 bhp, it will catapult the light BMW M3 GTS into a whole new sphere.

After all, the aim is to clearly beat the lap time of the legendary M3 CSL on the Nürburgring Nordschleife. And test runs certainly give grounds for optimism.

The BMW M3 GTS is manufactured to order on an individual basis at the BMW M production workshops.

The price of the BMW M3 GTS with the features shown is expected to be EUR 115,000.- for delivery in Germany, including 19% VAT.

The first vehicles are due to be supplied in May 2010. For technical reasons relating to registration, the first vehicles to be produced will be those for individual registration in Germany. According to current planning, registrations in other countries will be possible from summer 2010.

If you are interested in the BMW M3 GTS, we recommend registering for our competition, in which you can win a place to attend the exclusive vehicle presentation.

As further information becomes available of interest to potential buyers of the BMW M3 GTS, we will publish details on this website, m-power.com.

No responsibility is taken for the correctness of this information. Subject to alteration.

MINI has some of the coolest “little” cars around which as me puzzled as to why someone would “KRINK” all over it. Well silly me, it is all part of a urban phenomenon that showcases street art on an “urban” vehicle, the MINI Cooper. Below is a newly released video from MINI and press release on the new KRINK MINI. Enjoy!

KRINK MINI – Street art and MINI have a lot in common. Both are an urban phenomenon, both are part of metropolitan streets.

MINI Germany has invited the New Yorker street artist Craig KR Costello to come to Hamburg and design a MINI.

KRINK is the name of his brand, that stands for highest Quality markers and ink (KR-INK) and has a great reputation among street artists as well as designers worldwide.

The typical style of KRINK, the so-called KRINK dripping ink aesthetics can now be seen on a black MINI Cooper S.

PRESS RELEASE

New York street artist uses Mini Canvas. The KRINK MINI.

28.10.2009 Munich – What MINI and street art have in common? The MINI has always characterized the image of the metropolis and is itself part of the urban street culture. Exceptional design has always been to claim the mark. A passion shared by the protagonists of the creative street art.

The legendary New York street artist Craig “KR” Costello has missed last week in Hamburg, a MINI its unique style. His trademark, so-called KRINK dripping ink aesthetics, are motifs for which the color extends downward, as if it were applied too thick. The entire MINI was designed in the typical drop KRINK aesthetics of the creative people from Brooklyn. In the silver color runs along the distinctive shape of the MINI, around the body and side and rear windows of the black car.

The project was the “first love story” and the photographer Ali Salehi.

Am 28.10. presented the Hamburg trendy KRINK MINI in the bar “First Love” to the public. Am 31.10. interested will have the possibility of the MINI, and other works by the artist from the Vicious Gallery (HH) to admire.

Erstenthüllung:
Wednesday 28 October, 19.00 – 23.00 clock
First Love Bar, Michaelisbrücke 3, 20459 Hamburg

Opening reception and exhibition:
Saturday 31 October, from 20.00 clock
Vicious Hallery, Kleine Freiheit 46, 22767 Hamburg

For more information about the project and an interview with street artist can be found at www.MINIspace.com.

About KRINK.
Craig “KR” Costello earned in the 90 years of downward trending silver signature great fame in the scene.

This resulted in the brand KRINK. Today’s tags can be found in doorways, on walls, subway stations, street signs, etc. in the cities weltweit.Bereits in his youth, he lived in Queens, New York, developed KR graffiti colors. What began as a personal experimenting with homemade materials, quickly became a first strictly limited product line with special silver paint in bottles, which he distributed to selected friends. The result is a thriving company has grown, offering under the name KRINK (KR-INK), a wide range of specialty inks and markers that represent the highest quality and have a genuine cult status.

ABC News Investigation uncovers the reports of Toyota’s “runaway cars” that may have resulted in 16 deaths and over 200 Accidents. Toyota owners are demanding answers. Watch the controversy unfold November 3^rd on World News with Charles Gibson’ and ‘Nightline’

[source: ABC NEWS]

Owners of Toyota Cars in Rebellion Over Series of Accidents Caused by Sudden Acceleration

ABC News Investigation Uncovers Reports of 16 Deaths, Over 200 Accidents; Toyota Owners Demand Answers

By BRIAN ROSS, JOSEPH RHEE, ANGELA M. HILL and MEGAN CHUCHMACH

Nov. 3, 2009 —

Refusing to accept the explanation of Toyota and the federal government, hundreds of Toyota owners are in rebellion after a series of accidents caused by what they call “runaway cars.”

Safety analysts found an estimated 2000 cases in which owners of Toyota cars including Camry, Prius and Lexus, reported that their cars surged without warning up to speeds of 100 miles per hour.

Toyota says the incidents are caused by floor mats becoming stuck under gas pedals, but owners say that’s not what happened to them.

Watch the full report tonight on ‘World News with Charles Gibson’ and ‘Nightline’.

“I’m absolutely certain that in my situation, it was not the floor mats,” Elizabeth James told ABC News. She was driving her Toyota Prius outside Denver, CO when she says it suddenly shot up to 90 miles an hour, even though her foot was on the brake and not the gas pedal.

“I kept going faster and faster,” James said. “And all of a sudden& my foot was pressing on the brake super, super hard and I wasn’t slowing down.”

James and some other Toyota owners suspect the accidents have been caused by some kind of glitch in the electronic computer system used in Toyotas that controls the throttle.

Toyota officials refused to talk with ABC News about the incidents, but posted a statement from executive Bob Daly on its website last night that said: “Some news reports suggest there may be other causes of unintended acceleration, speculating about electronic engine control systems, braking performance or electro-magnetic interference among other theories. There is no evidence to support these theories.”

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has done six separate investigations of such acceleration surges in Toyotas since 2003 and found no defect in Toyota’s electronics.

Some Toyota Owners Point to Problem Other than Floor Mats

Many Toyota owners remain convinced that an electronic problem is to blame.

Bulent Ezal was driving with his wife of 46 years in their Toyota Camry in central California, when he says it suddenly took off. The car plunged over a 100 foot cliff into the Pacific ocean, and while he survived, his wife did not.

“All of a sudden the car surged with force and I was thrown back to the seat,” Ezal said. The last thing he heard was his wife screaming before he blacked out. Toyota says the accident was caused by Ezal mistakenly pushing the gas pedal, but Ezal is adamant that his foot was “absolutely, positively on the brake.”

There have been other deaths as well, including a fatal accident near San Diego this August that took the lives of California Highway patrol officer Mark Saylor, his wife, daughter and brother-in-law.

The Lexus they were driving, borrowed from a dealer, raced out of control at 100 miles an hour before hitting another vehicle, crashing into an embankment and bursting into flames.

Right before the crash, Saylor’s brother-in-law called 911 from the backseat of the vehicle and said urgently, “Our accelerator is stuck. We’re in trouble&There’s no brakes.”

Toyota said the problem was the wrong-sized, all-weather rubber floor mat in the car which was caught and held down the gas pedal. The company ordered a huge floor mat recall for 3.8 million cars.

In Tokyo, the president of Toyota, Akio Toyoda, formally apologized, saying, “Four precious lives have been lost. I offer my deepest condolences.”

But many Toyota owners remained unconvinced, including Elizabeth James in Denver, CO and her husband Ted. They organized a YouTube campaign accusing Toyota of gross negligence and cover-up and are demanding answers.

To see more of ABC News’ investigation, tune in to ‘Nightline’ tonight.

Copyright © 2009 ABC News Internet Ventures

Get the new Camaro Z-28 out of your head for a minute while we introduce you to a twin turbo version of the 3.6-liter V-6, same NA V6 found in new Camaro LS and LT, unveiled at SEMA by Jay Leno.

It is a certain thing that Jay Leno is a gear-head with a disposable income to support his car collecting hobby. This new Leno Camaro Concept car is further proof that Jay has a big influence in the automotive enthusiasts’ world as well as the automotive industry. GM has produced a special version of the new Camaro for Jay Leno at SEMA. The kicker about this V6 Camaro concept is that it delivers V6 fuel economy while managing the output of the Camaro SS.

Camaro5.com was the first the introduce this to the online world highlighting certain performance aspects of the Leno Camaro. Enjoy the images!

Press Introduction:

Powered by a twin-turbocharged version of the 3.6L direct injected V-6 that is standard in Camaro LS and LT models, Leno’s Camaro blends high performance with surprising efficiency in a racing-ready package. A pair of Turbonetics T-3 turbochargers blows through a custom air-to-air intercooler, force-feeding the engine about seven pounds of boost and lifting its horsepower level to about 425. That’s about 40 percent greater than stock and in normal driving (when the turbochargers aren’t making boost), there’s virtually no penalty in fuel economy over the non-turbocharged 3.6L engine.

“Jay’s Camaro offers style, performance and efficiency in a big way,” said Dewar. “It delivers the power of a Camaro SS on demand, but with the fuel economy of a V-6.”

Supporting upgrades for the turbo system include a larger-capacity Be-Kool radiator and a custom exhaust system, as well as a Centerforce-supplied clutch and pressure plate for the six-speed manual transmission. The tubing for the turbo system is powder-coated blue. The powertrain was designed to deliver consistent, controllable power for both the street and race track. In fact, road racing was a primary mission for the car during its development.

Additional vehicle also support its racing intent:
• Brembo six-piston brake package
• Pedders coil-over lowering kit
• New front fascia with custom fog lamps and integral brake cooling vents
• Air extractor-style hood

The exterior styling of Leno’s car is the most radical of all the Camaro concepts at SEMA. The front fascia and hood are one-off creations as are the unique upper and lower grilles and the ground effects package (including a rear diffuser). The heritage-inspired vent styling in front of the rear wheels has been replaced with functional brake cooling ducts.

Could you only imagine taking virtually the same Subaru WRX STi that Ken Block drives in those absolutely stunning Gymkhana videos onto the snow as a fully built TRAX vehicle? Well, that is exactly what has come of a new rally-prepped 2009 WRX STi TRAX vehicle built by Vermont SportsCar.

Here is the video on Ken Block’s TRAX STI Car, Enjoy!

Below is the full press release spilling all the details on this 400hp snow beast that is making its debut at the 2009 SEMA show in Las Vegas, NV.

Subaru Showcases the Ultimate Snow-Ready Performance Car at 2009 SEMA Show

Press Release

Just in Time for the Holidays, a 400-Horse (-powered) Sleigh

CHERRY HILL, N.J., Nov. 2 — The Subaru WRX STI, when equipped with proper tires, is capable of impressive all-weather performance. But when even snow tires are not enough, Subaru offers a solution – a 400-hp WRX STI equipped with a snow tracks system, as showcased at the 2009 Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Nov. 3-6.

Starting with a rally-prepared 2009 WRX STI, Subaru Rally Team USA’s technical partner, Vermont SportsCar, built the one-off 400-hp TRAX STI envisioned by, and built for, DC Shoes co-founder and SRT USA driver Ken Block. The WRX STI TRAX is ready for the half-pipe, with a Yakima FatCat 4 Snowboard Rack up top, a Yakima Landing Pad rack base and DC Shoes XFB-C Snowboards. Naturally, there is a custom matching sleigh to go with it.

With the exception of the Mattracks rubber track system, the car is rally-prepared and similar in specification Block’s #43 SRT USA competition STI. Starting with a stock 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Vermont SportsCar stripped the car’s interior bare, lightened the shell and then fully seam-welded it for added strength, also installing a multipoint roll cage manufactured from T45 steel. Major differences from the stock STI include the addition of lightweight carbon/Kevlar RECARO SPA ProRacer competition seats with the Head and Neck Restraint System (HANS), carbon fiber door panels and an onboard fire suppression system.

Under the hood, the ultimate Subaru snow machine sports a 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder, turbocharged and intercooled STI engine tuned with a MOTEC M800 ECU. The engine, which kicks out approximately 400 hp and 400 lb.-ft. of torque, is teamed with a KAPS 5-speed close-ratio dog-engagement gearbox and the Subaru programmable DCCD (Driver Controlled Center Differential) all-wheel drive system. Employing custom machined hubs, the drivetrain – which has been dropped three inches – is mated to Mattracks 105M1-A1 rubber track conversion. The car also features Group N competition rally dampers made by EXE-TC.

And Now for Something Completely Different

The WRX STI TRAX can bring four more friends along for the fun with its one-of-a-kind custom sleigh. Constructed with hand-laid fiberglass using sandwich-core construction, the sleigh runs on custom built steel skis with torsion bar suspension. Yakima FatCat 4 snowboard racks carry Qty 2 DC XFB Snowboards.

Protected beneath the padded roll bars are four heated and embroidered leather RECARO Speed seats with Sabelt 4-point harnesses. For music on the slopes, a marine grade water resistant Alpine digital media receiver is coupled with marine grade Kicker speakers and a 10-inch subwoofer. The rear of the sleigh features a large cooler and a grab-bar for towing snowboarders. Cup holders and LED lighting finish off the interior.

The sleigh also features a carbon fiber dashboard, center tunnel cover and rear-cooler cover. Tucked into a glovebox within the carbon fiber covered dashboard are two Viosport POV.1 camera systems. One camera lens is flush-mounted within the dashboard to film passengers, and the other is mounted high on the roll bar to record action around the sleigh.