VW Golf GTI: Target ads from South Africa

Here are some nice ads for the VW Golf GTI from South Africa. Enjoy!Related news: GermanCarBlog, P4MR, VW Golf GTISource: Ads of the World

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2010 Acura MDX: Spy Shots

Here are some spy shots of the new 2010 Acura MDX, with a few changes from the 2009 model, most of which seem to be made to the front end, namely the new grill. New headlights and a revised lower fascia is also included here. What do you guys think of this new model?

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Cash for clunkers runs out of money; gov’t gonna throw more money at it. Who would’ve guessed?

So the cash for clunkers program has been suspended. Or not. Autoblog reports that dealers have requested $95.9 million from the program – about a tenth of the $1 billion set aside that was supposed to last through November 1, so Congress and the White House are concerned that the money will be used up too soon. Edmunds and the AP both report that the White House is currently reviewing the program, likely so they can request more funding for it. And TTAC has this theory that this is all going down because the dealerships ran out of inventory too fast.

Not to say we told you so, but we told you so. Though we didn’t anticipate this exact scenario, we did predict that if the money ran out, Congress would consider extending the program.

Meanwhile, reader Bryan Gadow sent us some photos of a formerly vacant lot in town that the local dealership (Preston Automotive Group in Preston, Maryland) has been using to store its cash for clunkers trade-ins:

It has been filling up quite fast. When I first looked maybe 1 1/2 weeks ago only the back row was filled. I stopped by earlier today to get the photos but there were salesmen bringing in another 3 “clunkers” and I didn’t want to stir a controversy. If I picture in my mind the type of vehicle that should be traded in under this program I mostly think of, oh, a ‘93 Grand Am 4dr with a bashed in door, slipping transmission and 325k on the clock; or maybe a rusted-out Nissan pickup from the 80s. Take a look at these photos-to me they are really sad. All of these specimens were driven in, and soon their engines/ transmissions will be destroyed.

Even though I’m not a Ford truck enthusiast, this still sucks. Hey, is that a ZJ Grand Cherokee back there? C’mon, I could use parts off that!

If you have pictures of your local dealership’s “clunkers,” send them in. We want to see just what people are discarding like so many tin cans.

UPDATE (31.July 2009): Here comes the cash. The House approved another $2 billion in emergency spending for cash for clunkers today.

Oh, and I’m not the only one who believes this could go on indefinitely. Mark Tapscott thinks it could become permanent (via).

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Joanna Mata: Kills with Charm

Being a hot babe is one thing, but being a hot babe who cares is a total plus. Meet Joanna Mata, an import model/autistic teacher! You read right, not only does this former cheerleader make men excited with her looks, she also teaches autistic children. Hot, smart, and motherly. Hello, future wife.

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2007 Dodge Nitro Test-Drive Tips

Mike Hanley just posted his full review of the all-new Dodge Nitro R/T. The Nitro is a very important product for Dodge, giving the company a masculine midsize SUV that is definitely competitive in the marketplace, but it isn’t for everyone. Here are some tips if the Nitro’s brawny looks draw you into the showroom for a test drive. 

• Do some research ahead of time to figure out what the different trim levels mean and how much they cost. Names like SXT, SLT and R/T can be confusing. Knowing that SXT is the cheapest and R/T the most expensive, with the largest engine, will force you to narrow down your shopping. The SXT has gray plastic molding along the bumpers and bottom of the fenders that may look cheap to some.

• Do you need four-wheel drive? If you don’t live in a cold-weather climate and don’t plan on going off-roading, save your money. Opting for the 4x4 on any of the trims costs roughly $1,500 more.
• Choose the gray interior. Rarely will we tell shoppers what colors to pick, but in Chrysler vehicles the dark gray interiors hide the poor quality of the plastic much better than the khaki. It sounds weird, but trust us — they look worlds apart.
• There are some expensive options on the Nitro, like the MyGIG entertainment and navigation system, which allows you to play downloaded music and even rips CDs straight from the car stereo. It’s a nifty system with a huge price tag: $1,895. Unless you’re a tech geek, this may be overkill. An upgraded stereo with a six-disc changer only costs $395, the sunroof is $895 and 20-inch wheels cost $1,405. That’s a lot more bang for your buck.
• Feel out the corners. We’re often surprised when a big SUV feels smaller to the driver than it really is, like the new Chevy Tahoe. The Nitro does not. Its long hood is deceptive and appears larger than it should. This perception problem could either prove annoying or offer a sense of added safety.
• Try out the windows. First look out the front windows. Do they seem small to you? They’re not very tall and give the cabin a closed-off feel that is slightly claustrophobic. We didn’t have any blind spot issues with the rear windows, but it’s still important to check your visibility while on the test drive.

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2008 Canadian Motorsports Expo Review (Part 1 of 2)

This past weekend was the 2008 Canadian Motorsports Expo in Toronto, Ontairo which showed off all the local racing talent in southern Ontario and throughout Canada.

121 Photos - 2008 Canadian Motorsports Expo [1 of 2]
112 Photos - 2008 Canadian Motorsports Expo [2 of 2]

The highlight of this event was meeting up with Kareem Sultan, founder of RaceDV.com who Vinay and I first met back in Montreal (BarCampMontreal3 - November 2007) when we demoed MadWhips.com the day after we re-launched showcasing our brand spanking new ProductWiki.com built software platform.

RaceDV was at the event with Calabogie Motorsports promoting each other via a Lap Record Challenge PC video game they had setup there. Check out the photos, it was pretty cool and as much as I wanted to try it I couldn’t come to wait in line behind a bunch of playstation3 hungry young’ins.

In addition to catching up with Kareem during his 5 minute breathers away from the crowd, I had the opportunity to finally meet the extremely talented official Calabogie Motorsports photographer (and software developer) Cory Klinkenberg of 303 Imaging.

Nick Majors Viper Competition Coupe

CLICK HERE to view the rest of this article

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New Pricing Of $9,990 Makes 2009 Nissan Versa Cheapest New Car In USA [2009 Nissan Versa]

In response to the Financiapocalypse, Nissan is offering 0% financing on five of their vehicles. Most interesting, and seemingly lost in the saved-by-zerogasm, is news of a lower-priced version of the 2009 Nissan Versa Sedan that, at an MSRP of $9,990, will be the cheapest new car in the USA.

According to Automotive News, there will be an economy version of the 2009 Nissan Versa that will have an MSRP of $9,990, more than $2,000 off the base price of the lowest level model Versa. The cheapest cars currently are the 2009 Chevy Aveo ($12,625), 2008 Kia Rio ($12,145) and 2009 Hyundai Accent ($11,070), putting the Versa well below these competitive models.

UPDATE: Nissan has revealed the details of their new Versa sedan, which explains how it will be the cheapest car in America. The new Versa sedan will be offered with a 1.6-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine as opposed to the 1.8-liter currently found in the Versa sedan and hatchback. This model will come equipped with a five-speed manual transmission that, combined with the new engine, will help it achieve 34 mpg highway. We assume there will also be some cutbacks inside, though we haven't seen the details of that yet.

Update #2: From Nissan USA, we're hearing that when the new, cheaper Versa comes out on November 18th here you can expect to see some more changes in addition to the new transmission and engine: different seat cloth, 14-inch wheels w/ wheel covers and less chrome accents.

As for the 0% financing, Nissan joins Toyota among Japanese automakers offering nil financing to get people to actually buy a car. The deal applies to the Rogue, Altima, Sentra, Versa and Murano (sorry Maxima buyers). The company will also offer attractive lease deals and extend their $399-a-month lease offer on the new Maxima. We like the Versa and for $9,999 it seems like a nicer choice than a Rio or an Aveo.

Nissan Announces Lowest-Priced New Car in the U.S.*

- New, 2009 Versa Sedan 1.6 Features $,9,990 MSRP, Excellent Fuel Economy, Design, Quality and Reliability; Available at Dealers November 18 -

FRANKLIN, Tenn. (October 31, 2008) – Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today announced a new 2009 Nissan Versa Sedan 1.6 model, which features a starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)* of $9,990* (excluding Destination and Handling). The new Versa focuses squarely on value and fuel economy, with its standard 107-horsepower DOHC 16-valve 1.6-liter inline 4-cylinder engine delivering responsive performance and a 34 mpg highway fuel economy rating (with the 5-speed manual transmission).

The Versa Sedan 1.6 goes on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide beginning November 18, 2008.

"Starting under $10,000, this new Versa Sedan 1.6 has the lowest new-car MSRP in the United States," said Brian Carolin, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing, NNA. "It combines the low price of a used car with the dependability, high quality and full factory warranty of every new Nissan. It's our way of saying that in tough economic times, Nissan is here to help."

Since its introduction in 2006, Nissan Versa has enjoyed strong appeal in the marketplace among buyers seeking fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance or roominess. Versa offers one of the highest standard horsepower/torque ratings and the largest interior in the entry-level segment – along with excellent quality, reliability and durability.

The new high-value Versa Sedan 1.6 model features a smaller displacement 1.6-liter engine (versus the standard 1.8-liter), standard 5-speed manual transmission and simplified content. It is also available with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is rated at 26 mpg city/34 mpg highway with the 5-speed manual and 26 mpg city/33 mpg highway with the 4-speed automatic.

"The new Versa Sedan 1.6 is another way in which Nissan is taking a leadership role in reassuring consumers that now is a great time to consider a new car," said Carolin.

* Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $9,990 for the new, 2009 model year Versa 1.6 Sedan. Claim based on competitive MSRP's in the Lower-Small segment for new, model year 2009 vehicles. MSRP excludes applicable tax, title and license fees. Dealer sets actual price. Prices and specs are subject to change without notice. Destination and Handling $695.

Source: Automotive News (subs. req) via eGMCarTech, Nissan]

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UK Ferrari Debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed

Ferrari will be showcasing three exciting new models during the Sunday Times Supercar Run at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed: the California, the Scuderia Spider 16M and the 599 GTB Fiorano with HGTE package.

[Source: Ferrari]

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Home Brewed Enginuity

eah, we know it’s really spelled “ingenuity,” but here at BangShift.com we are coining a new phrase. Enginuity refers to the creative utilization of automotive parts in the pursuit of fun. Examples: Nitrous on your lawn mower, home built car-engine powered go karts, Chevette jumping, etc. We list all of these examples, because they are things we saw while perusing StreetFire and YouTube in search of a video for this week. We found too many cool ones to list, but the examples we have below will make you laugh, and want to get your friends and some spare parts together. My suggestion would be to start with some sort of list of available parts, and then start hitting the pizza and beer. After the scheming, you’re going to need some steel, a welder, and the Ford tool. (That’s a hammer for you “other make” guys.) Check out these two below, and then post links to your favorite examples of “Enginuity” in the BangShift.com Forums.

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