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2010 Lexus IS-F – Check!

By journauto, on June 19, 2009, at 10:53 pm

A few hours ago, I returned from Kingston (ya mon!) Ontario where I spent a couple of days getting acquainted with some brand new Toyota and Lexus vehicles – 11 of them to be exact. From the “car-of-the-future-now” Prius to the rip-snorting Lexus IS-F, I officially drove the most fuel efficient production vehicle in North America just hours before punching it a few times in the Japanese automaker’s most beastly sedan. It was a very busy and tightly-packed program and I’m pretty beat with more than 18 hours of driving in the past two days (10 of those today) but the gears are already turning and I’ll have some more detailed reviews out there soon, including my first drive in the 2010 Lexus IS 350C. I’ll let you know where and when. Oh, and for my friend the Rajah, I think you should check out the RX450h actually. Everyone else, stay tuned!

2010 Lexus IS-F

Back in Block!

By journauto, on June 9, 2009, at 12:18 pm

Not long ago, DC Shoes athlete and pro rally car driver Ken Block’s gymkhana practice video began popping up on the Net pretty much everywhere there are auto enthusiasts. Of course, the video is three posts down – the first one or “practice” that is – for your viewing pleasure.

Well, I guess Ken’s practice is now over as this video is the second effort called, “Gymkhana Two: The Infomercial.” Crawford Performance has performed more magic on this new STI, which sounds awesome! Have a watch.

Personally, I think the first edition is much more exciting. How about you?

Either way, think I’ll stick with my Pilotis!

Forza Motorsport 3 four months away

By journauto, on June 1, 2009, at 7:00 pm

Despite the fact my Xbox 360 has been resting-in-pieces in a wooden box under my TV since it suddenly red-ringed itself on me out of warranty in February [ironically, a loaner PS3 sits atop that wooden box for now (no joke!)], today I’m excited about returning to XBL as the rumour veil is lifted off Forza Motorsport 3 at E3 2009 in L.A.

Only hours ago, Microsoft made the official announcement during a two-hour press conference that was chock full of other nuggets, including news that Facebook, Twitter, last.fm and a revamped Netflix coming to Xbox Live along with other improvements. The Beattles Rock Band also sounds likes fun, but since playing nished playing MGS4 on the Playstation 3 and loved it so much, I’m now excited this Sony gaming series is coming to the 360 in the form of Metal Gear Solid: Rising.

Getting back to the meat and potatoes of this post, Forzamotorsport.net site has got new digs with the official FM3 news. The will be 400 cars from 50 different manufacturers all fully tunable, 100 tracks existing and new, a in-car cockpit view, new stunning graphics engine, video replay editor and full roll-over crashes.

Enough already. I can tell you’re excited… the official Forza Motorsport 3 Fact Sheet after the jump. Enjoy and see you online soon!

I’ve been playing a little bit of Gran Turismo Prologue lately, which is a retail demo for the franchise’s upcoming GT5 release, and honestly, with today’s FM3 announcement, I’m really confident in saying that FM3 will be far superior to anything Polyphony Digital has shown. I can’t wait to get a new 360 and rip up all those tracks in FM3.

Codes of conduct

By journauto, on May 6, 2009, at 2:06 pm

Skiers and snowboarders have long abided by a code of conduct.

Alpine responsibility code

Unfortunately, this relic of common sense thinking has been passed over by the transportation gurus, urban planners and the like in favour of, well, nothing. Personally, I believe if there was a sign like the one I’ve created here placed at every intersection, we might, just might, begin to see some progress.

Drivers responsibility code

As it is, drivers in my area seem totally and completely oblivious to the roads, motorists and various obstacles that confront us every day. People need to stop thinking that driving (any type of motor vehicle) is their right. In fact, it’s a privilege. Learn the code!!! Or, get off the road!!!

Block rocks the socks off his Subaru STi!

By journauto, on April 30, 2009, at 12:55 am

At first, this doesn’t look like it’ll be anything special. But it quickly turns to insane with Ken Block rocking the socks off his 2006 Subaru STi! What amazing control, plus lots of smoke and tons of max drift! WOW!!! Kudos to Crawford Performance for building this monster!!

A blind guy that drives… fast!!!

By journauto, on April 3, 2009, at 4:24 pm

Here’s another ‘How’d they do that?’ moment. Don’t you think? And, who doesn’t enjoy seeing Jeremy Clarkson get all flustered when delivering instructions to a blind guy driving him around the Top Gear test track!?! Methinks they click pretty well, but is this guy the next Stig? You decide.

How’d they do it?

By journauto, on April 2, 2009, at 4:16 pm

While doing some research for an upcoming automotive design article, I came across this cool video on Youtube that shows how to completely render a car in Photoshop CS4 from scratch. I always wondered how this is done and, although the video plays to a different tune, really enjoyed seeing the wheels take shape.

Tested: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro 2LT

By journauto, on March 22, 2009, at 9:53 am

2010 Chevrolet Camaro

“…Beneath the car’s killer looks is a fully modern rear-drive chassis developed Down Under. It’s the same one used on the Aussie-built Holden Commodore, with modifications to make it longer and stiffer. Not only is the smaller powerplant smooth and powerful, the overall ride and handling of the vehicle exceeded the expectations of many of us this day.

Michigan is notorious for its aging, scarred and potholed roads. Oblivious to the deteriorating pavement, Camaro’s four-wheel independent suspension did extremely well at soaking up vibrations whilst providing a firm, responsive and almost European ride quality.”

The 2010 Chevy Camaro is built at GM’s award-winning plant in Oshawa, Ontario.

That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!

Read my full review of the all-new 2010 Chevy Camaro – More than meets the eye – at AutoNet.ca.

GT-R SpecV announced

By journauto, on January 9, 2009, at 6:44 pm

This image of a 2009 GT-R SpecV landed in my inbox earlier in the day courtesy of Nissan Canada. Further inspection reveals some racy tweaks that build on the original’s “better everyday supercar” appeal.

2009 Nissan GT-R SpecV

Targeted specifically at (Japanese) enthusiast drivers who desire race car-like performance in a street-legal vehicle, the Nissan GT-R SpecV model has a carbon fiber rear spoiler, grille and brake ducts.

Inside this limited-edition two-seater version is a pair of Recaro sport buckets and more lightweight carbon fiber parts and trim to reduce weight.

A new high gear boost controller and titanium-coated exhaust system will provide modest performance gains. The GT-R SpecV gets lightweight Nismo forged alloys, an exclusive tuned suspension, carbon-ceramic brakes and grippier tires.

Painted in an exclusive Ultimate Black Opal body colour, the SpecV goes on sale February 2, 2009 at seven dealerships across Japan starting at 15,750,000 yen. That translates to $171,343 in U.S. dollars, which is a bit pricey but still sensible given the competition.

Gosh, I hope we get something like this over here!

Also worth checking out, is the Nissan Motorsports (a.k.a. NISMO) website. Perhaps the coolest navigation method I’ve seen on a website!

National Geographic, Inside: GT-R

By journauto, on January 6, 2009, at 9:13 pm

‘Twas the night before “TestFest,” when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even my mouse.

My Pilotis sat snug in their space near the door.

In hopes that my feet would soon be there;

The dog sleeping at the end of my bed,

Wonder what in the world’s going through her head.

And my old lady in her nighty, and I in the sack.

Had just settled down to a long autumn’s nap.

When down in den there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the TV I flew like a flash,

Turned it on and despite wanting to crash.

The moon on the breast of this really cool show

On National Geographic, of all places, I know,

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,

But a Japanese Godzilla, with four wheels and,

With a crazy fast driver, so lively and quick,

Unlike Carlos Ghosn, I would not look so green or feel so sick.

More rapid than eagles the cones I did round,

And I whistled, I shouted, and called them by name!

“Now Nissan! Now, GT-R! Now, VR37DE and Nismo!

On, Bose! On, Audio! On Rays and Bridgestone!

To the top of the apex! To the top of the straight!

Now brake! And, then dash away! Dash away all!”

Inside: GT-R [National Geographic tells the story of Japan's most powerful touring car]

ˆˆˆ True story. I actually caught the first and only TV airing on the eve of October 19th – the day before AJAC’s annual Test Fest event. Less than 12 hours later I was booting around Niagara-On-The-Lake in one before hitting the test track for a few hot laps.

Inside: GT-R introduces Nissans legendary GT-R placard to the masses. Nissan has a legendary placard, you ask? Yes it does! Oh, yes. It most certainly does. Enjoy this playlist I’ve assembled, which was made possible by another youtuber!

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