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We're working on reformating the Database section to be more aesthetically pleasing, and as such the format is up in the air (all content will remain) and the links are down. Pardon the inconvenience. -John
Why? It doesn't matter. Here's proof that you can make anything insanely fast, even the eco-friendly Smart fourtwo. Enjoy.
Tsukuba is arguably the most techinical course in Japan, used as a benchmark for Time Attack cars globally. Check out all the latest Nissan Skyline GT-Rs going head to head.
The Lancer Evolution X and the STi are natural rivals: Turbocharged, AWD four-banger oth for around $35k. Both have driver-selectable AWD setting, both come with body-hugging seats, both go around a track scary fast. Their similarities aside, the Evo's been given a slight nod as the better vehicle.
But both were made for tuning, and that's exactly what tuning giants HKS and Cusco have done to their respective vehicles. The results? Check out Road and Track's review of both of 'em. We were as surprised as ever.
"Revetec, a little known company from the Gold Coast region of Australia, may be on to something huge: they’ve created an engine that is 50% smaller, 50% lighter, has 50% lower emissions and is cheaper to manufacture than a conventional internal combustion engine of the same horsepower. Oh yeah, did I mention that it doubles the fuel economy too. What that means is a car like the 2007 Toyota Yaris, which is rated at 40 mpg on the highway, would get 80 mpg with a Revetec engine. This isn’t some hoax… They have a prototype which has been attached to an actual vehicle and independently tested to substantiate their claims. In personal communication with Mr. Brad Howell-Smith, the Chairman, Inventor and CAD Designer for Revetec, he says “road tests have estimated that [the engine] uses around 50% less fuel than a conventional engine” and if it were converted to run on diesel, that performance gain could be much higher. Also, because the engine delivers higher torque, and can perform and operate well at much lower rpm’s than a conventional one, the noise levels are lower. To illustrate how serious he is, Mr. Howell-Smith said that since 2001 his company has been in touch with the US Military Head of R&D for the Southern Hemisphere on a “regular basis” for the purpose of developing one of their engines for light aircraft." -Check out the full scoop at gas2.org
While we don't have the full story, apparently this gentleman wasn't undeserving of this messup. Also, don't do this to you car.
While it has been confirmed for a long time now that there will be a US version of TopGear (or just "Gear" here in the states), the hosts other than Adam Carolla have been kept under wraps. No longer. Here's an exerpt from the official annoucement on the two new hosts: "Tanner Foust: Tanner Foust is in high-demand as a stunt driver, with film credits including “The Bourne Ultimatum,” “The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift” and “The Dukes of Hazard.” Foust is a winning competitor in rally, drift, ice racing and time attack with multiple champion podium placements including the 2007 X Games Rally Champion and 2007 Formula Drift Pro Drift Champion. His varied race experience includes open wheel competition, the Pikes Peak Hill Climb (2002 - 2004), five Ice Racing championships and the 2005 PGT Rally Championship. He also holds class lap records at numerous U.S. road courses in Time Attack. In addition, Foust also hosted “Supercars Exposed” for the SPEED channel. Foust’s car of choice is a tricked-out M3.
Eric Stromer: Eric Stromer, host of the HGTV show "Over Your Head," started life in construction and remodeling houses after a short acting career as a soap opera hunk was abruptly ended by a Styrofoam boulder on the set of “Santa Barbara.” For 20 years he ran a successful building company before becoming the face of HGTV’s hit show. He’s a regular on Adam Carolla’s nationally-syndicated radio show giving out construction advice, and also appears on TLC’s “Clean Sweep,” NBC’s “Three Wishes” and is a special correspondent for “The Insider.” Stromer prefers his Camry hybrid." You can check out more over at TopGear.com
Passing the competition like they're standing still, here's a short bit produced by Clash Production feature a GC-style Subaru rocking the competition. Enjoy.
With the Smart ForTwo now on sale here in the States, it'll only be a matter of time before we're seeing insane modifications to the little suckers on our side of the pond. For reference, he're some of the modifications blokes in the UK have made while we've been waiting in the wings. Thanks to fifthgear.five.tv and insane tuners everywhere for the following videos.
Double Decker ForTwo
Hayabusa-Powered Smart
MONSTERSMART!
In the near future you can expect us here at Autolution to review a Smart ForTwo.
To view previous news updates, check out our News Archives.