In an extremely controversial decision, cash-strapped BBC has tightened Top Gear‘s budget, ordering them to pass on the exotic supercars in favor of reviewing greener, more economical models. Despite Top Gear co-host Jeremy Clarkson’s earlier promise to flat-out ignore the push for more mundane vehicles, the show’s producers insist that changes must be made to keep in step with the tumultuous economy. Although BBC mouthpieces insist that the Ferrari’s and Bugatti’s that give the show its largest appeal will not be phased out entirely, they have confirmed there will be less screen time devoted to thrashing a ZR1′s throttle and more attention given to dispensing “practical” consumer advice.

…and yes, it gets worse.

Incredibly, it also appears as though a segment scheduled to feature a road trip behind the wheel of a Porsche’s and Lamborghini’s has been dramatically revised to replace the super-performance cars with the likes of the Toyota iQ.

Oh, the humanity.

Source: Daily Star

Much to the delight of municipal workers and private contractors everywhere, the 2010 Toyota Tundra full-size pickup truck made its official debut today at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show. Powered by an all-new 4.6L V8 engine, the 2010 Tundra achieves a significant improvement over previous generations and is now capable of putting out 310 horsepower and 327 lb-ft. of torque, while still managing to earn a fuel-efficiency average of 15 mpg city/20 mpg highway. For serious workmen looking for a little more pickup in their pickup (sorry, we couldn’t resist), the 2010 Tundra also comes optionally equipped with a 381-horsepower 5.7L V8, featuring a maximum towing capacity of 10,800 lbs.

Bottom line: it’s still no F-150.

Full gallery and press release after the jump

PRESS RELEASE

Toyota to Reveal 2010 Tundra Pickup And New 4.6-liter V8 Engine at 2009 Chicago Auto Show

New Tundra Platinum and Work Truck Packages on Display

CHICAGO, February 11, 2009 – - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today debuted the 2010 Tundra full-size pickup truck and an all-new 4.6-liter V8 engine at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show.

On display are two new packages, including the debut of an all-new Tundra Platinum Package and the recently announced Tundra Work Truck. Value will be enhanced on all 2010 Tundra models with the addition of standard and optional exterior, mechanical, safety and convenience feature upgrades. The 2010 Tundras will arrive at dealerships in April.

The new 4.6-liter V8 engine will be available on all 2010 model year Tundra models. With 310 horsepower, 327 lb-ft. of torque and internal preliminary fuel efficiency estimates of 15 mpg city and 20 mpg on the highway, the new engine is expected to deliver the best combination of power and fuel economy among any standard V8 in the full-size pickup segment. Like Tundra’s optional 5.7-liter V8 engine, the new 4.6-liter V8 will be mated with a six-speed automatic transmission.

For Tundra buyers looking for a higher level of refinement and additional convenience features, the 2010 Tundra will offer a new Platinum Package that will be available on 2010 Tundra CrewMax Limited models equipped with the 5.7-liter V8 and Flex Fuel powertrains. The package contains a vast assortment of features that make the CrewMax Limited virtually monospec and will carry a manufacturers suggested retail price (MSRP) of $5,140.

On the outside, the Platinum Package includes a new Limited grade billet-style grille with chrome bumpers, unique 20-inch alloy wheels and tires, daytime running lamps, door sill protectors with a Platinum logo, and Platinum badging.

The Platinum Package will be available in four exterior colors that include Black, Silver, Slate, and Salsa Red.

Inside, the top-of-the-line package adds an array of luxury comfort and convenience features including a power memory function on the driver’s seat, outside power mirrors and puddle lamps, and a tilt and telescopic steering wheel. Also included in the Platinum Package is a power tilt and slide moonroof, navigation system, ventilated seats with a unique perforated leather seating surface, wood trimmed shift knob and door switch plates, auto up/down driver and front passenger windows, chrome accented HVAC vents and controls, and headrests with an embroidered Platinum logo.

With a focus on utility, the Tundra Work Truck Package is aimed at commercial truck buyers in industries such as farming, ranching and construction, or those who require a tough no-frills truck with exceptional cargo and towing capacity. The new work truck will be available on Tundra 4×2 and 4×4 Regular and four-door Double Cab models in standard and long bed configurations. It will be available with a V6 or one of two V8 engines including Tundra’s powerful 381 horsepower 5.7-liter i-Force V8, with a towing capability of up to 10,800 pounds.

Designed to deliver only the features commercial truck buyers need to get the job done, the Tundra work truck will be offered at a reduced MSRP. Tundra models equipped with the work truck are expected to carry a price adjustment that will range from $550 to $655 less than the truck’s standard MSRP, depending on the model. Final pricing of the work truck will be announced shortly before the vehicle goes on sale this spring.

On the outside, the Tundra work truck Package will include black bumpers and grille surround, replacing chrome. Power mirrors are replaced by manual outside rearview mirrors.

Inside, the truck comes with easily washable vinyl bench seats and rubber floors. To appeal to target buyers, several Tundra standard personal-use features have been replaced or removed. Tundra’s standard silver instrument panel and HVAC controls are replaced by basic black and include voltage, oil pressure and warning lamps in place of gauges. Lighting in the ignition key ring and the glove box are removed along with map and door courtesy lamps. The package also excludes cruise control and the remote keyless entry as standard features, although separate Work Truck packages will be offered with these features.

All 2010 Tundra models receive a freshened look with a redesigned front grille and taillamp design. The Tundra and SR5 grades will receive similar grille designs and the Limited grade will be equipped with a unique billet-style grille. Additional standard equipment on all Tundra models include driver and front passenger knee airbags, height-adjustable headlamps, and a redesigned seven-pin towing hitch connector that sits above the hitch to help avoid damage during high departure angle driving. Also, a shelf to help organize storage space has been added to the lower glovebox.

Two new optional audio systems supplement the three existing systems. The new Tech Audio system features AM/FM/CD, integrated satellite radio receiver, Bluetooth®, auxiliary and USB inputs and six speakers. In addition to the carryover JBL navigation system, a new non-JBL navigation system includes AM/FM/CD, auxiliary input, a backup camera monitor and six speakers.

Pricing for the 2010 Tundra will be announced closer to its launch in April.

# # #

Following last month’s scandalous newsbreak outing Ben Collins as Top Gear‘s mysterious stunt driver, the White Stig, rumors immediately began swirling suggesting that Collins’ days with Top Gear were numbered. Since the show’s inception, both Top Gear and their broadcasting network, the BBC, have insisted on The Stig’s true identity remaining a mystery – apparently at all costs. Although current seasons of the show feature the White Stig, many true gearheads remember the Black Stig, the orginal character with whom Top Gear began. Unfortunately, after British racer Perry McCarthy identified the Black Stig, naming himself as the man behind the mask, Top Gear quickly wrote him out of the script in true TG style. In the Black Stig’s final episode, the famous stuntman was sent to meet his maker after sailing over the edge of an air-craft carrier at 109 mph in a Jaguar XJS. After laying the Black Stig to rest in his watery grave, TG promptly replaced him with the White Stig. A new video that has recently surfaced suggests a different ending though, one in which the Black Stig lives.

Lacking any official confirmation from TG themselves, we can’t confirm exactly what this new wrinkle means, but we can recommend that Collins’ begin polishing up that ol’ resume of his…

Check out the video after the jump

While nothing has been confirmed (nor denied) by Nissan themselves, rumors have begun to circulate that the highly-anticipated convertible variant of Nissan’s wildly celebrated new 370Z coupe will make its official debut at the 2009 New York International Auto Show in April. Following closely on the heels of its hard-top brother, which broke cover back in December, the Nissan 370Z convertible will hit dealer lots as a 2010 MY vehicle sometime in the later half of 2009.

Although we don’t have any hard specs on the new drop-top Z, we expect power to be provided by the coupe’s 332 horsepower 3.7-liter V6 mated with either a seven-speed automatic or optional SynchroRev Match six-speed manual transmission. Purely limited to speculation at this point, further details on the new convertible 370Z will be released the closer we get to its grand unveiling.

Now we’ll admit, we here at RideLust usually favor crotch rockets above any other type of motorcycle, but we’re objective enough to give credit where credit’s due. Even though it probably won’t leave Messrs. Harley and Davidson quaking in their steel-toed boots, the Honda Fury does offer some sizable competition in the touring bike arena. Definitely geared towards the “Orange County Chopper” crowd, the Honda Fury features the longest wheelbase ever found on any production Honda motorcycle, as well as what Honda calls a “furious” exhaust note.

Full gallery and press release after the jump

PRESS RELEASE

2010 Honda Fury Makes World Debut at New York International Motorcycle Show

01/16/2009 -Torrance, CA – On Friday, January 16th at the New York International Motorcycle Show, American Honda introduced to the world what many have deemed the most radically styled production Honda ever built: the 2010 Fury. The Fury radiates attitude and delivers a total riding experience approaching the outer limits of motorcycling.
The Fury opens the door to the most extreme level of custom looks. But once you’re rolling, the Fury experience is all about that special bond between rider and machine: the unmistakable big V-twin pulse, the characteristic Vee engine note and the no-nonsense riding stance bring you back to the core elements of riding.
Destined to become a milestone machine, the Fury captures the pure, undiluted chopper essence, places it within easy reach of nearly every rider and then backs it up with the same quality and reliability built into every Honda. It’s a radical concept in a unique package, a combination never before offered- until today.
For more information and images of the 2010 Fury, go to Furyisunleashed.com and Powersports.honda.com.
Fury Key Features:

Full-on chopper styling
Longest wheelbase ever in a production Honda motorcycle
Muscular V-twin power, sound and feel
Clean looks, superior attention to detail
Spacious riding position
Low seat height
Single-shock rear suspension features “hard tail” look
Extra-wide 200-series rear tire
Slim-look 21-inch front tire
Legendary Honda fit, finish and reliability
Unrivaled value

Fury Specifications:

Engine Type:
1312cc liquid-cooled 52° V-twin

Bore and Stroke:
89.5mm x 104.3mm

Compression Ratio:
9.2:1

Valve Train:
SOHC; three valves per cylinder

Induction:
PGM-FI with automatic enricher circuit, one 38mm throttle body

Ignition:
Digital with three-dimensional mapping, two spark plugs per cylinder

Transmission:
Five-speed

Final drive:
Shaft

Suspension
Front: 45mm fork; 4.0 inches travel
Rear: Single shock with adjustable rebound damping and five-position spring preload adjustability; 3.7 inches travel

Brakes
Front: Single 336mm disc with twin-piston caliper
Rear: Single 296mm disc with single-piston caliper

Tires
Front: 90/90-21
Rear: 200/50-18

Wheelbase:
71.24 inches

Rake
(Caster Angle):
38.0°

Trail:
3.5 inches

Seat Height:
26.7 inches

Fuel Capacity:
3.4 gallons

Colors:
Dark Red Metallic, Metallic Silver, Ultra Blue Metallic, Black, Matte Silver Metallic (2010 special color- limited production)

Curb Weight*:
663 pounds

*Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel- ready to ride.
(All figures are preliminary and subject to change.)

About Honda
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. is the sole distributor of Honda motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and personal watercraft in the U.S. American Honda’s Motorcycle Division conducts the sales, marketing, and operational activities for these products through authorized Honda dealers. For more information on Honda products, go to www.powersports.honda.com.

Scheduled to hit dealer lots this summer, the 2010 Ford Taurus broke cover at the 2009 NAIAS determined to shake off its mediocre, middle-of-the-road stigma and offer healthy competition to German luxury sedans (which we applaud, but politely maintain is just a tad ambitious). Available in 3 different trim levels, the 2010 Ford Taurus comes optionally equipped with Ford’s newest technological achievements, including MyKey™ parental programmability, EasyFuel™ capless refueling, SecuriCode™ Keyless Entry, and Ford SYNC® and Voice-Activated Navigation with SIRIUS® Travel.

Bare bones, a 3.5L V6 Ford Taurus will run you $25,995, which is roughly 5k more than a base-level Ford Fusion but includes a complimentary supply of crushing hopelessness that will be delivered approximately 6 months after date-of-purchase when you wake up one morning and simultaneously realize that not only have your failed dreams of becoming a racecar driver forced you into working for an insurance company in a cubical that always smalls faintly of stale tortilla chips and body odor, but you also drive a Ford Taurus.

Full gallery and press release after the jump

PRESS RELEASE

2010 FORD TAURUS DELIVERS NEW DESIGN, CLASS-LEADING TECHNOLOGIES AND FEATURES AT AN AFFORDABLE PRICE

2010 Ford Taurus
Click here to download related images.Ford’s new flagship, the 2010 Taurus, will start at $25,995 – the same price as 2009 models but with more class-leading features, new technologies and perceived quality that rivals German luxury sedans
Available this summer, Taurus features an impressive suite of technologies never before offered in the non-premium large car segment including Cross Traffic Alert, Collision Warning, MyKey™ parental programmability, EasyFuel™ capless refueling, SecuriCode™ Keyless Entry, Ford SYNC® and Voice-Activated Navigation with SIRIUS® Travel Link™. Other features new to Taurus include Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Information System (BLISTM), Rain-Sensing Wipers and Intelligent Access with Push Button Start
The new Taurus is available in three trim levels: SE, SEL and Limited, offering customers more choice and convenience with unmatched technology with the Ford brand value
DETROIT, Jan.11, 2009 – The new 2010 Ford Taurus delivers industry-leading technologies, exceptional craftsmanship and an award-winning engine packaged in an all-new design that rivals German luxury sedans but at an affordable price.

Available this summer, the new 2010 Taurus will offer three trim levels: SE, SEL and Limited. Starting at $25,995, including destination and delivery, the new Taurus starts out at the same entry level price as the 2009 model.

“Taurus personifies the Ford brand promise – an engaging driving experience, expressive design, class-leading technologies, all offered at an unmatched value,” said Jim Farley, Ford’s group vice president of Marketing and Communications.

The 2010 Taurus comes standard with Ford’s proven Duratec 3.5-liter V-6 and comes paired with a choice of two new six-speed automatic transmissions which includes an option of SelectShift®. This optional transmission offered on the SEL and Limited series features racing-inspired shift control paddles mounted on the steering wheel, while offering the convenience of conventional automatic operation, or a manual shift mode.

The SEL series comes equipped with 18-inch painted aluminum wheels, heated exterior mirrors, supplemental park lamps and chrome exhaust tips. The Limited series adds to the SEL appointments with standard leather seats, 19-inch chrome clad aluminum wheels, 10-way power driver and passenger seats, reverse sensing and a premium sound system with SYNC.

A selection of optional customer-focused technologies also will be available on the 2010 Taurus, including:

Adaptive Cruise Control
Collision Warning
Intelligent Access with Push-Button Start
SecuriCode™ Keyless Entry
MyKey™
Auto High Beams/ Rain-Sensing Wipers
Easy Fuel™ Capless Fuel Filler
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS™)
Cross Traffic Alert
Ford SYNC®
Multi-Contour Seats
The new Taurus underscores the Ford brand promise to bring technology to market at an affordable price. It also builds on its legacy of safety leadership by incorporating a comprehensive array of passive and active features to help protect its passengers.

“Taurus raises the bar on the full-size sedan segment with an unprecedented offering of technologies typically reserved for luxury cars. The premium craftsmanship and attention to detail, combined with outstanding driving experience will redefine what customers should expect in a full-size sedan,” said Farley.

Taurus SEL series will begin at $27,995 and the Taurus Limited series will begin at $31,995. The 2010 Ford Taurus will be built at Ford’s Chicago (Ill.) Assembly Plant and will be available in dealer showrooms in the summer.

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RideLust’s Kelly Anne picks the top car logos that inspire emotion and discusses their origins, including Jaguar, Saab, Toyota, Mazda, and others.

More logos here.