Acura RSX

Acura's entry-level car is a 2-dr hatchback coupe sold in base and higher-performance Type-S trim. Both RSX models have a 2.0-liter 4-cyl engine. The 155-hp base model offers a 5-speed manual transmission or an optional 5-speed automatic with manual shift gate. The sportier 201-hp Type-S comes only with a 6-speed manual. Every RSX includes antilock 4-wheel disc brakes and front torso side airbags. The performance-driven Type-S adds a firmer suspension, larger brakes, 17-inch wheels vs base 16s, an in-dash CD changer, and a rear spoiler. Models equipped with a manual transmission add interior accents in chrome and faux titanium. Both models include an automatic climate control system, sunroof, and heated mirrors. Leather upholstery is standard on the Type-S, optional on the base. Acura says the RSX will be dropped after the '06 model year.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. The Sporty/Performance Car class consists of two-seat roadsters, 4-cyl hatchbacks, and V8 muscle cars. Regardless of configuration, all have an emphasis on affordable performance.

News

Acura is dropping RSX because it wants to move further upscale from parent Honda and compete more directly with Audi, BMW, Infiniti, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz. There's also the slight embarrassment of the base RSX selling for about the same money as a more powerful Honda Civic Si coupe. Sources quote Acura dealers as saying the RSX will be replaced by a coupe version of the TSX premium compact sedan. That would make sense, as a redesigned TSX is said to be on for 2007 or '08.

World's costliest car crashes into a Vauxhall Astra

The accident occurred in heavy rain on a 40mph section of Renfree Way, Shepperton, Surrey, on Sunday.

The rare Bugatti Veyron collided with a Vauxhall Astra van carrying a pregnant woman, who was taken to hospital as a precaution but later went home.

No one else was hurt but police have reported the Bugatti driver for driving without due care and attention.

Surrey Police said the luxury car was driven by a man who had a male passenger with him.

A man and a woman were travelling in the Astra.

The accident occurred at 1440 GMT and the road was closed until 1630 GMT.

The eight-litre, hand-crafted Veyron has a top speed in excess of 250mph.

The 1,000 horsepower Bugatti can accelerate from 0 to 60mph in 2.5 seconds.

Champ Car Highs And Lows At Long Beach

Australian driver Will Power maintains the championship lead in the Champ Car World Series following his third place at the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, but most thoughts were with veteran driver Paul Tracy after the series regular suffered a serious back injury during practice.

On a weekend that also saw the return to the winner s list of reigning Vanderbilt Cup titleholder Sebastien Bourdais, teams were visibly deflated after Tracy s exit from the event when he suffered frontal impact in his Forsythe Championship Racing #3 Champ Car at turn one.

While the full extent of the injury won t be known until further tests are carried out, initial x-rays and MRI scans confirmed the injury as a compression fracture to his first lumbar vertebrae.

It s hoped the crowd favourite is able to recover in time for the Gold Coast s Lexmark Indy 300 on October 18-21, where the 1995 event winner will have the opportunity to race in front of family and friends now based in Queensland.

Tracy was replaced in the Forsythe Championship Racing entry by 2005 Champ Car World Series runner-up Oriol Servia who had only been attending the Long Beach round in the hope of securing a full-time drive in the Series.

Capping off an emotional weekend for Servia he managed to pilot his ride to a first up podium behind Bourdais and just ahead of Power.

“Well, as you can only imagine, I wasn t expecting to be here when I came to the track on Friday, ” said Servia.

“If I wasn t too rusty I knew I could do a good job, too. So, you know, I took the opportunity. ”

Starting from pole position, Bourdais led 58 of the 78 laps completed to earn his third consecutive win in the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.

The Frenchman s effort was a marked improvement on last weekend s first outing for season 2007 where he failed to finish in Las Vegas.

“It feels really good for the whole McDonald s team, ” said Bourdais.

“They worked their tails off all winter and I really, really couldn t feel any worse than what I was feeling after Vegas, making all those mistakes.

“I think we worked a little bit on the car to make me a little more comfortable and we got things figured out. ”

Team Australia s Will Power made a sensational pass on the final lap of the race to grab third position from Justin Wilson and score his third Champ Car podium in succession.

Power, who hails from Toowoomba, was third in the season finale in Mexico City last year and won the opening round of this year s championship in Las Vegas one week ago.

The Australian now holds a 15-point lead over former team-mate Alex Tagliani in the series standings, with Long Beach race winner and defending series champion Sebastien Bourdais in third, 19 points behind Power.

“For me it was a busy day sitting behind cars, ” said Power.

“It was a good result in the end, we earned a solid haul of points and another podium.

“We now look forward to the next race in Houston still holding the championship lead. ”

The third successive weekend of the Champ Car World Series gets underway this Saturday (AEST) during the Grand Prix of Houston.

Winner to be named at New York International Auto Show on April 5

The countdown continues! From an initial entry list of twenty-eight (28) new vehicles from all over the world, then a short list of ten finalists, the top three contenders for the third annual World Car of the Year awards were announced today by the international accounting firm KPMG. The winners of the 2007 WCOTY will be unveiled during Press Preview at the upcoming New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) on Thursday, April 5.

The 2007 World Car of the Year top three finalists are, in alphabetical order:

-- Audi TT
-- Lexus LS460
-- MINI


To be eligible for a World Car award, the contender had to be in production, and sold, in at least five countries on two continents during 2006.

Vehicles are selected and voted on by an international jury panel comprised of 44 top-level automotive journalists from 22 countries around the world. Collectively, their opinions reach many millions of potential vehicle purchasers. Each juror has been appointed by the World Car Steering Committee on the basis of his or her expertise, experience, credibility, and influence. Each juror typically drives and evaluates new vehicles on a regular basis as part of their professional work.

The 2007 World Car of the Year will be declared on Thursday, April 5, 2007 during a press conference hosted by the New York International Auto Show.

"Announcing the annual World Car of the Year awards at the New York show in April is a fitting finale to the international auto show season that begins each fall with either the Paris or Frankfurt motor shows," said Gerry Malloy, co-chair, WCOTY.

Three additional winners for World Performance Car, World Green Car, and World Car Design of the Year will also be announced during the same press conference on April 5, 2007 in New York.

The Top Three finalists for the 2007 World Performance Car title are, in alphabetical order:

-- Audi RS4
-- BMW 335i
-- Porsche 911 Turbo


To be eligible for the 2007 World Green Car award, a vehicle had to be all-new or substantially revised, in production, and for sale, in at least one major market during 2006. Either the vehicle or the green technology could be experimental or a prototype with near-future application (i.e. will go on the market soon) provided that it was released for individual or press fleet evaluations in quantities of ten or more during 2006.

The 44 member jury chose the following top three finalists for the 2007 World Green Car award:

-- BMW Hydrogen 7
-- Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec
-- Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion


Cars eligible for the 2007 World Car Design of the Year award are taken from the list of World Car candidates. The top three design finalists are, in alphabetical order:

-- Audi TT
-- Citroen C4 Picasso
-- Fiat Grande Punto


The World Car of the Year Awards program is initiated by, organized by, and conducted by, automotive journalists from around the globe. A non-profit association guided by a steering committee of journalists from Asia, Europe, and North America administers the awards program.

Situated in the media, financial and advertising capital of the world, the New York International Auto Show hosts a wide range of important industry events as well as dozens of world and North American new vehicle introductions each year. The Show's annual Wall Street Awards Dinner recognizes leading automotive stock performers, while the Television Bureau of Advertising's Annual Spring Conference attracts more than 1,200 of the nation's leading broadcasting executives. Top international automotive journalists present the World Car of the Year Awards, and IAG Research hosts the IAG Automotive Advertising Awards. It all takes place in America's largest car market at America's largest-attended auto show.

Callaway C16 Cabrio makes world debut at 2007 New York Auto Show

Callaway Cars today announced it will unveil the C16 Cabrio, the company’s convertible variant of the limited production C16 supercar, at the New York International Auto Show.

Callaway engineers integrated powertrain, brakes and suspension enhancements into the current Chevrolet Corvette platform, giving driving enthusiasts the opportunity to experience ultra-high performance levels in a convertible body style. Six-speed manual or paddle-shift automatic transmissions are available with either standard 560 or optional 616 horsepower engines.
The C16 Cabrio, like the C16 Coupe, was drawn and modeled by designer Paul Deutschman who has a twenty-year portfolio of Callaway designs. Architect of the “Callaway Look” – from its 254 mph Sledgehammer and Le Mans race cars to the current C16 models – Paul has created a stunning new design while retaining unmistakable Callaway lineage.

“With this car, we’ve maintained the C16’s class-leading performance, while creating a gorgeous ‘Cabrio’ version, based on one of the best sports car platforms available anywhere,” says company founder Reeves Callaway. “In true Callaway tradition, it incorporates our race-proven technologies, painstaking testing and validation efforts, and expert craftsmanship in an arresting and appealing style.”

The C16’s Callaway-supercharged 6.0L engine provides world-class power, producing 560 bhp at 6,200 rpm and 529 lb-ft of torque at 4,750 rpm. The optional 616 HP Performance Package raises the bar to 616 bhp and 582 lb-ft of torque, propelling the paddle-shifted Cabrio from 0-to-60 in 3.5 seconds. Quarter-mile acceleration tests consistently record low 11-second elapsed times.
Maximum speed of the C16 Cabrio is estimated at just over 200 mph. Equally impressive is its fuel efficiency rating of 18 city/28 highway. Callaway’s warranty covers the equipment for 5 years or 100,000 miles.

Inside the C16 cockpit, door sill panels, dash pad, and steering wheel are upgraded and carry signature Callaway badging. The optional “Deutschleder” package completely retools the interior in fine German leather and Alcantara, featuring seats manufactured for Callaway by Recaro.
Clients choose exterior and interior colors to suit individual taste. Each C16 Cabrio is built to order, serialized and identified by its build plaque.

The handling precision of the C16 is courtesy of the newly developed Callaway/Eibach Multi-Pro coil-over suspension. This joint development effort produced an advanced spring/damper system, featuring 10-position compression and rebound adjustability, allowing the driver to customize settings for specific track or road conditions. The sophisticated design provides excellent response while avoiding racecar-like rough ride characteristics.

To bring the Callaway C16 Cabrio from 200+ mph to rest, and to help negotiate the tightest tracks, the C16 utilizes a StopTech brake system engineered to Callaway specifications including 6-piston front and 4-piston rear calipers gripping 355mm x 32 mm rotors.

Callaway/Dymag wheels weigh approximately half that of their aluminum counterparts, providing significantly reduced unsprung weight for improved acceleration, cornering and braking. These TUV- and DOT-certified wheels feature forged magnesium spiders surrounded by durable carbon fiber rims and measure 19” by 10” front and 20” by 12” rear. Another of Callaway’s technology partners, Yokohama Tire, developed their “AdvanSport” specifically for the C16 in 285/30ZR19 front and 325/25ZR20 rear sizes.
Pricing for the C16 Cabrio starts at $128,765 USD. Callaway C16 components are also available individually for 2005 - 2007 Corvettes through Callaway authorized retailers and installers.

PKV Racing Strong During First Day Of Champ Car World Series Spring Training Testing

PKV Racing had a another strong testing session during today’s first day of Champ Car World Series Spring Training at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California.

Driver Neel Jani, in the #21 Red Bull PKV Racing Cosworth/Panoz/Bridgestone car, concluded the first day third on the speed charts with a fast lap of 66.707 seconds (120.703 mph). Recently signed second driver Tristan Gommendy, in the #22 PKV Racing Cosworth/Panoz/Bridgestone entry, was 16th on the practice report with a time of 70.229 seconds (114.722 mph) on the historic 2.38-mile, 11-turn Laguna Seca permanent road course. A total of 18 Champ Car drivers turned laps during the first day of testing.

In morning practice Jani ran 44 laps, the sixth most and topped the practice report with a time of 67.152 second (119.979 mph). Gommendy, who was making his debut in a champ car, spent much of the first session familiarizing himself with the car and the team, but still managed to log 34 laps with a best time of 70.887 seconds (113.657) placing him 16th on the practice report.

During the afternoon session both drivers improved their times. Jani ran another 36 laps, the fifth most in the afternoon, which tied him fifth most for the day. He posted his fast time on the last lap and sat on top of the speed charts when stopped with 20 minutes left in the session.

“The morning session was good for the Red Bull PKV Racing Team,” Jani began. “We tired a lot of things, but we had to be careful because we could only run a limited number of miles on the engine. With that in mind, we decided to go for quality over quantity with our work,” Jani explained. “In the afternoon session, it was the same thing. We made a lot of changes and tried a lot of different things. Our job tonight is to evaluate what worked and what didn’t, so we can put it all together tomorrow.”

Jani concluded by saying, “Overall, I am happy. This was my first time at Laguna Seca. I like the track. It has more up and down sections than I am used to, but it is much more like the European tracks I grew up on. The whole Red Bull PKV Racing Team did a great job today and I am looking forward to making more progress tomorrow.”

Gommendy ran 30 laps in the afternoon, giving him 64 for the day, the ninth fewest, as he continued to adjust to Champ Cars and work with his new team. His fast lap came on the 27th of the session and 61st overall.

“This was my first time in a Champ Car, so today was a day to learn about the car and get to know the team,” Gommendy said. “I really like the Champ Cars. They handle well and have plenty of power. The whole PKV Racing Team has made me feel very welcome and I am looking forward to getting back in the car tomorrow and continue to learn.”

PKV Racing has been consistently fast in pre-season testing in preparation for the start of the 2007 season. The team previously tested the new Panoz DP01 chassis at Champ Car open tests at Sebring International Raceway in Sebring, Florida, January 23-25 and at MSR in Houston, Texas, Feburary 12-13 and. PKV Racing captured the top two spots on the speed charts with Oriol Seriva placing first and Jani second in Sebring. Jani was third fastest at MSR. The team also tested with Jani at MSR, using last year’s chassis, in December.

PKV Racing will test for a second day tomorrow as the Champ Car World Series Spring Training at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California continues.

About PKV Racing

Founded in January 2003, Indianapolis-based PKV Racing (PK Racing was established in 2003 with a different ownership group) will contest its fifth season of competition during the 2007 Champ Car World Series season. PKV Racing is owned by successful venture capitalists Kevin Kalkhoven, who also co-owns the Champ Car World Series, and Dan Pettit, along with 1996 Series Champion Jimmy Vasser. The team has earned one victory, by Cristiano da Matta in Portland, and one pole, by Jimmy Vasser in Milwaukee both in 2005. PKV Racing will campaign two cars during the 2007 Champ Car World Series season. Neel Jani will drive the #21 Red Bull PKV Racing Cosworth/Panoz/Bridgestone entry, while Tristan Gommendy, who was announced as the team’s second driver yesterday, will pilot the #22 PKV Racing machine.

The Scorpion Returns

The return of Abarth is near. If you'll recall, the motorsports firm of Carlo Abarth spent the 1950s and 1960s building race-winning cars sports cars that showed up many a big name. It also built tuning kits for Fiats, and was eventually taken into the bosom of the Agnelli dynasty. Now, Fiat's reviving the name for a new factory tuner and a rally team. The Grande Punto Abarth will appear at the Geneva show with its rally cousin, the Abarth S2000. Both bear the Scorpion logo, but it's the rally car that's the true scion of Carlo. The four-wheel-drive S2000, built for the International Rally Championship, produces 270 hp, while the Punto Abarth creates 150 hp from a 1.4-liter turbo, though an add-on tuning kit will boost power to 180 hp. It'll also get a six-speed, Brembo stoppers, an aero kit and wider meats. Yes, please.