As the world and its technology continues to progress at an exponential rate, it’s no surprise that many are finding themselves glued in front of their computer or laptop monitor more often than their television screen. Most major television networks has already grasped on to the concept, many of them allowing the streaming of their popular shows online a day or two after it’s been shown on television. Needless to say we were more than excited to hear the announcement from the SCCA that the World Challenge Races will be available over the Internet at www.speedcasttv.com. And much like most of our favorite television shows, the races will be available a day after they are broadcast on TV, rather than live. We’ll finally have something to complement our endless nights of watching Top Gear on the ‘Web. More importantly though, this helps keep our love of motorsports alive and well, satisfying every sponsor’s urge for additional impressions on their ad dollars. The full release from SCCA is available after the jump.

[Source: World Challenge]

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If you’re eager to know what the upcoming 2012 Chevy Malibu will look like, thanks to some new patent drawings, we now have a pretty darn good idea. Sort of. You see, the sketches were recently filed by General Motors with the U.S. patent office for an unnamed Chevrolet sedan. In other words, this could any any number of models, but with the Malibu set to arrive next year as a 2012 model, it’s a safe bet.

What the photos do show is a more muscular appearance that takes the current ‘Bu’s styling to a new level. The Malibu, we should remind you, was the first to get Chevy’s new front end, which is now seen across the rest of the product line, so the 2012 Malibu is likely to inspire all other future Chevys as well.

The windows appear to be a bit smaller with a higher belt-line, giving a more aggressive (300C-like) look, while the rear end is most certainly inspired by the Camaro.

Chevy has already shown a select few an early version of the 2012 Malibu and with the auto show season about over, if the car doesn’t make an appearance at the New York Auto Show in just a few weeks time, we don’t expect to see it until the end of the year at either the LA or Detroit shows.

GALLERY: 2012 Chevy Malibu Patent Drawings

[Source: CarScoop]

ABC News has now admitted that a part of the video it used to illustrate the unintended acceleration of a Toyota model in a recent report was faked. The video, outlining a tactic used by professor David Gilbert of Southern Illinois University to cause an unintended acceleration in a Toyota product, was not an actual shot of the car’s tachometer during the sudden acceleration, but a clip of the tachometer sweeping across the screen while the car was in park. Sure, it makes for great TV, with the rpms rising suddenly, but it’s not accurate. As such, it has called into question the validity of the entire ABC News story, which could have far greater consequences.

After all, just days after the story ran, Professor Gilbert appeared before the House Committee’s investigation into Toyota’s ongoing recall crisis with his report. Toyota has since debunked Prof. Gilbert’s findings showing that his method of creating an unintended acceleration is unnatural and not likely to occur in real world circumstances. Toyota and a third-party engineering firm (funded by Toyota) also showed that using Prof. Gilbert’s method, they were able to produce unintended acceleration in many different vehicles from other automakers. Conversely, Prof. Gilbert’s research was paid for in part by safety advocate group Safety Research & Strategies, which in turn receives funding from law firms suing Toyota.

ABC News has since used a different shot and issued, not an apology, but a reason for the original footage, saying the cameraman could not get a good picture and so a different clip was used.

“This was a misjudgment made in the editing room,” said ABC News spokeswoman Emily Lenzner. “They should have left the shaky shot in. But I want to make clear that the two-second shot that was used did not change the outcome of the report in any way. It was not like ABC was trying to alter the footage. There was no staging. There was no dramatization. It was an editing mistake.”

This isn’t the first time the report’s validity has been called into question either, as automotive personality and host of Autoline Detroit, John McElroy, recently challenged the ABC News story, recalling the 1987 60 Minutes story over unintended acceleration in Audis that was later proved to be absurd as well as a 1993 Dateline NBC story over exploding Chevy pickups that was later retracted after a General Motors investigation proved it was rigged.

[Source: Associated Press]

The sub-$20,000.00 2010 Kia Forte Koup has made quite the splash amongst the younger demographics with its attractive price tag and 2.4L 173-hp engine. Its attractive, stylish yet aggressive lines clearly make a statement that Kia has stepped up to the plate to play ball, capturing a market that used to be almost exclusive to Honda, Acura and Scion. But much like their Japanese counterparts, Kia has looked towards marketing with customization and personalization, especially with the hip Forte Koup. The result? The Kia Forte Koup SX-R with a fine collection of accessories that have Forte Koup SX owners going wild for. The major disappointment for those in the US? It’s currently only available in Canada.

The buzz was started with the official debut at the Toronto Auto Show and a little less than a month later the orders are coming in. The Forte Koup SX-R will be made available to Canadian Kia dealers by mid-May with pre-orders starting now. The aesthetics of the Forte Koup has been further complemented with a front chin spoilers, new side skirts, and a rear lip spoiler. Minor details on the outside come in the form of chrome “R” badges while the interior receives “R” branded door sills. Engine performance has been enhanced thanks to an AEM Performance drop-in air filter and performance axle-back exhaust system. The car rides lower and stiffer thanks to a set of Eibach Pro lowering springs (1.3-inch drop) and a front upper strut brace. No custom car is complete without a fine set of wheels and tires and Kia delivers in a big way with a set of 18-inch Europa wheels wrapped with, surprisingly, Yokohama S-Drive performance tires. The Kia Forte Koup SX-R is available in three attractive colors: Titanium Silver, Racing Red and Black.

Now all these accessories will be available for order through Canadian Kia dealerships only for those already cruising around in  Forte Koup SX. American enthusiasts will probably have to open up their wallet a little bit for freight across the border, but we anticipate many of them to be willing to do so. If you’re interested, contact any Canadian Kia dealership and reference accessory bulletin AY10 007. It’s exciting times for Kia owners and we can’t wait to see what’s next from the Korean manufacturer.

[Source: ForteForums.com]

Gallery: Kia Forte Koup SX-R

BMW will produce a new front-drive model that will slot in underneath the 1 Series in the company’s lineup. According to a report by AutoCar, the news comes direct from BMW chairman Norbert Reithofe.

This new BMW will share its architecture with a the next generation MINI Cooper and will be separate from the upcoming Mega City car. Reithofer commented that both front and all-wheel drive versions of the architecture will be available. In addition, the same architecture could be adapted to rear-wheel drive and used for the next 1 Series as well. This is a bit of a long shot, but the whole idea behind the shared BMW/MINI platform is to reduce production costs by sharing parts across brands.

Reithofer also confirmed that BMW is working on a competitor to the Audi A1, which was just unveiled at the Geneva Auto Show, although it is not clear if this new front-drive BMW will be that car’s direct competitor as the MINI Cooper seems to already have that market tied down.

The new “0 Series” could hit the market as early as 2013, with the third-generation new MINI Cooper due out a year later.

[Source: AutoCar]

Mercedes has just announced the dates and locations for its AMG Driving Academy, which returns with more vehicles and high-level courses, after last year’s successful inaugural run. Events will be held at both Road Atlanta and Laguna Seca, with a new three-day Pro Level course added at Road Atlanta. Just one Pro Level course will be available from June 28-30, which culminates in open lapping on one of the most technical tracks in America. Pricing for that course is $3,995, while a two-day Advanced class is $3,295 and a one-day Basic class costs $1,795.

Like last year, the courses include the use of the E63 AMG, SL63 AMG, C63AMG and SLK55 AMG. Plus, new for 2010 is the new SLS AMG gullwing, with a more powerful version of the 6.2-liter V8 making 563-hp.

For more info, see the full release below, or contact the academy at www.AMGacademy.com or by phone at 1-800-217-6916.

GALLERY: AMG Driving Academy

Official release after the jump:

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You’ve likely heard a lot about Toyota’s woes over the past several months and there’s one automaker who couldn’t be happier to be out of the hot-seat – Chrysler. While sales are only down three percent so far this year, over half of Chrysler’s sales have been to fleets, which is never a positive sign and simply kills a car’s resale value.

A member of the Big Three, Chrysler isn’t so big any more, slipping to 7th place in the U.S., when you examine just sales to customers. Edmunds.com says consumer sales have dropped 44 percent. Comparatively, Toyota’s consumer sales have dipped just 14 percent, even with a still struggling economy and massive recalls that have smeared the Japanese automaker’s once-good name.

Chrysler representatives are very much aware of their company’s problems but even with new Fiat ownership and leadership, new and updated models will take time to come to market. “We have to rebuild consumers’ confidence in the company,” said a company spokeswoman to CNN Money. “The fact that large companies are willing to buy our vehicles helps rebuild that confidence, so fleet is part our businesses strategy.”

Fleet sales will help sustain Chrysler in the short term, but improved consumer sales are the only viable long-term solution.

The problem appears to be with the brand image, as according to Erich Merkle, president of Autoconomy.com, even highly-acclaimed vehicles like the new Dodge Ram are suffering, despite winning Motor Trend’s Truck of the Year award.

For Chrysler to change its perception, it will take many long years and quality products, the first of which is expected this year in the new Jeep Grand Cherokee. After that, Chrysler will roll out several updated versions of its most popular models, while a longer-term strategy will have new, possibly Fiat-based, compact and mid-size models hit the market. Also included in the new product plan are several new and more efficient engines.

[Source: CNN]

With all the focus on small cars and fuel economy, there’s some good news for sporty and performance minded individuals looking for a GM product that suits their desires. In an online web chat GM’s new North American president Mark Reuss made some exciting comments about the potential introduction of both a Chevy Cruze Coupe and a RWD sedan based on the Australian Zeta architecture.

“2 door Cruze is a nice idea, and it may show up in the global market,” said Reuss. “As we have 2 door Cobalts currently, NA [North America] would naturally look at a Cruze 2 door, but I believe our small car portfolio will be WAY beyond what it is now, so a 2 door something still is needed.”

This really comes as no surprise, as Chevy has often delivered a coupe model shortly after the sedan.

Next up, Reuss made a surprising remark when asked if a rear-wheel drive sedan based on the Australian Zeta platform could eventually make its way state-side. “Quite possibly,” he remarked, something which is sure to be celebrated by those who bemoaned the demise of the Pontiac G8. Currently, the only Zeta platform model available in the U.S. is the Camaro, although some reports have suggested a next-generation Camaro could ride on a more adaptable Zeta architecture that could also be used for a North American sedan.

If Chevy does decide to move ahead with a rear-drive sedan for the North American market, it’s not likely to arrive for several more years. By then, the Cruze Coupe will most certainly be on the market and perhaps even a high-performance Cruze model.

Get more Chevy Cruze news and info at CruzeTalk.com

[Source: LeftLaneNews]

We’ve already seen a few spy photos of the updated Dodge Charger, but a selection of new images now reveals some impressive updates to the big sedan’s interior. Likely a high-end trim level, the photos show an impressive two-tone interior with leather door inserts, stitched into patterns. The instrumentation looks nicer overall and the new gauges have a retro feel with plenty of aluminum color trim. There’s also a sporty three-spoke steering wheel and a push button ignition.

These updates, along with a revised exterior with a more sloping rear roofline, should arrive for the 2011 or 2012 model year. The updated car is also expected to get a new standard 3.6-liter V6 with more power (280-hp most likely) and much improved fuel economy, while the HEMI 6.1-liter V8 will be replaced by a 6.4-liter V8 with cylinder deactivation and Fiat’s MultiAir variable valve timing.

We’re interested to get a closer look when these much-needed updates make it to market. In the mean time, See more Charger spy photos here

[Source: Autoblog]

With Audi having just launched its all-new 2011 A8 luxury flagship sedan and fuel efficient diesel and hybrid models put on display at last week’s Geneva Auto Show, the next step for the big grilled saloon will be a high-performance model. That’s right, the S8 is set to return.

According to a report by Car & Driver, along with a few spy photos of the model caught winter testing, the S8 will forgo the Lambo-sourced V10 (which wasn’t all that impressive anyway) for a twin-turbo V8. Displacement for the new motor is set at 4.0-liters and while power will be about the same at 450-hp, torque will be significantly higher, resulting in much better low-end grunt.

The new turbo-eight will also deliver much improved fuel economy, while the reduced weight over the front axle should help make for a more dynamic driving experience, while keeping the luxo-barge’s overall weight down.

The S8 should arrive as a 2012 model, so expect a debut late this year or early in 2011.

[Source: Car & Driver]