RideLust

One thing that I absolutely despise is finding out about newly released automobiles and then learning that they’re not coming to the United States. For example, we recently told you about a new diesel powered Mini that’s set to be unveiled at the Geneva Auto Show in March. It not only gets incredible fuel economy, but would be perfect for American consumers who are looking to do more with less. Then there is the case of Ford’s stellar 305-hp/325-lb-ft of torque turbocharged 2010 Ford Focus RS. This is a car that would likely set the hot-hatch import crowd on its ear and rack up all sorts of awards. Or what about the nut-ball sport pickup that resembles an old Chevrolet El Camino in the form of the Australian only, Holden Ute SS Redline. That sucker will not only satisfy your inner redneck, but it will do so above and beyond the 150 mph mark.
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Here in the United States there is obviously a huge environmental push going on to find new, cleaner ways of powering our vehicles, while at the same time producing better mileage. Electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids and clean diesels are now all in production and on their way to giving consumers more choices that will leave a smaller footprint on our environment. Clean diesels are fuel efficient, expel low emissions and provide owners with lots of low-end torque. Motoring File is reporting there will be a new Mini Cooper SD (diesel) that will make its debut at the Geneva Auto Show in March. It will be powered by a 143 hp BMW turbo diesel that will kick out a rumored 225 lb-ft of torque and achieve over 60 mpg. Now I don’t know about you, but this sounds like a Cooper owners wet dream. Unfortunately, due to U.S. EPA regulations, the odds of us seeing this new diesel Cooper on this side of the pond are slim to none. For enthusiasts this is truly unfortunate as power wise the diesel Cooper will pump out more torque then even their JCW edition.

Source: MotoringFile via Autoblog

*Photo Credit: MotorAuthority

As of late Mini has been charging hard with models like the new 2011 Countryman and Clubman. These vehicles have slowly been extending Mini’s market range and have opened them up to new consumers who may have otherwise bypassed the brand due to its small sized automobiles. Mini categorizes the Paceman as a “Sports Activity Coupe”, which basically means they cut two doors off the Countryman and renamed it. It’s good looking and sporty enough, and by building it Mini will have basically found away to inflate the original Mini Cooper into more of a grown-up / masculine package. To cope with the Paceman’s weight, Mini has decided to drop in the 211 hp / 192 lb-ft of torque turbocharged 4-cylinder mill out of their own JCW edition. In my opinion, this should be just enough engine to get its estimated 3,200 lb + weight up and moving.
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Image: AutoExpress

There are some things in life that I would prefer never change. One is air… I love this stuff. It keeps me alive and there is nothing like taking in a nice deep breath of crisp Northeast oxygen in the winter. Modern plumbing is also high on my list of unchangeable items. I simply love the fact that when I go, it goes… far, far away from me. Lastly I love the fact that performance car manufacturers still make cars with a traditional front engine, rear drive layout. At least I did until Autoblog.com found rumors that one of our favorites may be changing their tune. BMW is said to be working on a few small concept cars that may in fact be front-wheel drive.
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I honestly don’t know anyone out there who doesn’t like a good car commercial. At the end of the day a good automotive ad should accomplish three things. It should get us intrigued, get us excited and get us to buy. If it can accomplish this, well then it’s hit the mother lode. Some car companies rely on image and humor, some tug at our heart strings, while others rely on heritage and pedigree to get them through. Whatever route they take though, the end result is always the same – sell cars. The following is a listing of the 10 Best Car Commercials of 2010 according to me, your Editor. Now go fourth, press play and enjoy.
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Well I suppose we can say that Mini has finally gone and screwed the pooch when it comes to keeping their cars pint sized. First there was the original itty-bitty Mini Cooper. Then we got the Mini Clubman, followed by the 4-door Countryman and now they’re giving us the Paceman Concept, a car that mini is calling a “Sports Activity Coupe”. Isn’t it amazing that when automakers want to give an existing idea a new identity, they just give it their own new name and claim that they invented it – funny how that happens right?
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Next week I have to go and help someone out with the purchase of a new Mini. It’s going to be their first new car in quite some time, so I figured I’d post this video just to show her how much fun these little guys can be. Now I doubt very much that she’ll be hoon-doggin’ through the streets of Manhattan like this, but sometimes it just feels good to know that your car can perform like this, even if you can’t. Mini’s are not the fastest cars around by any means, but they’re fun as hell when you drive them fast. They handle like go-karts, sound great (if you get the Cooper S) and are also very economical. In fact Mini doesn’t make a model that gets under 31 mpg on the highway. The big question now is, which one to get? The standard Mini, Cooper S, or maybe the Clubman. Hmm… I think I liked it better when there were only two models to choose from.

Source: Youtube.com

I was walking through the Dallas Cars and Coffee Saturday morning and I saw these two Mini’s parked next to each other. I’m a huge fan of Mini’s – both the original old-school Morris and the BMW re-launch MINI – but I’ve never seen the two variants sitting beside each other. Read More…

You mod your car for performance, but do you actually get to enjoy your improvements?   Have you ever just wanted to drive on a racetrack but didn’t know how to start?

We all have that lust for speed, but instead of satiating it on public roads in an unsafe and unfulfilling fashion, why not check out a high performance driving education (HPDE) event?

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Ever own a car that you wished had more power? I know I have. Generally the cure for a situation such as this is simple. You can either bolt on a turbo or supercharger, add some heads or an exhaust, maybe a big bottle of nitrous, or simply sell the old bag of bolts and buy something new. There are however those chosen few petrol heads that choose to think outside the box, and go buck wild by simply shoehorning an engine that’s bigger and better between the frame rails. Sometimes it works out great, other times the cars just turn into a Frankenstein mess. Either way though you have to respect the heart, soul and labor that’s put into these projects because 9 times out of 10, they turn out to be pretty darn cool.
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