It might not be as much of a testament to the durability of Japanese cars as it is to the strength of a roll cage, but either way, it’s impressive to see a vehicle roll completely over, slam into some trees and then drive away.

Just such a crash happened at the recent Rallye Baie des Chaleurs round of the Canadian Rally Championship when Subaru WRX STI driver Pat Richard cut in too tight on a corner only to dip into the ditch that then sent him and co-pilot Alan Ockwell into a barrel roll. The car then slammed into some trees, seemingly ending the duo’s race. But after spectators came to the rescue and flipped the car shiny side up, Richard was able to drive away.

Better yet, the team managed to top the podium, completing the race almost a minute ahead of their nearest competitors.

[Source: AutoNorth]

See the video after the jump:

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Buick is considering adding both a coupe and a convertible to its lineup in the coming years says Buick marketing director Roger McCormack,. In a live webchat yesterday McCormack commented that a coupe was under “very strong consideration,” and sounded equally positive about a convertible model. “We are always looking for ways to excite our customers… I think a convertible would do just that. Nothing to announce today but know we will look hard at a convertible option,” he said. In addition, hints were dropped about a possible Regal wagon hitting U.S. shores.

No hints about what a Buick Coupe might entail were provided. While a new platform is a possibility, we’ve love to see a down-sized version of the RWD CTS Coupe – which could leave open the possibility of a true Grand National successor.

And speaking of high-powered Buicks, the first to come down the pipe will be the Regal GS, which is almost certain to use the same 255-hp turbocharged engine found in the show car.

In addition to these models, Buick will also introduce a new compact crossover, with different reports suggesting it could be based on either the new Chevy Cruze platform, or even the upcoming Chevy Aveo platform.

[Source: egmCarTech]

Following reports of a new Focus ST/SVT model that is set to debut at the Paris Auto Show this fall, we’re now hearing the first rumblings regarding the next-generation Ford Focus RS – which may come to market using an hybridized version of the company’s 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine. According to “very senior sources” inside Ford, the RS Team is currently studying the possibility of building such a car that would use an electric motor to power the rear axle, giving the car an all-wheel drive setup. Along with delivering AWD traction and added power, the system would be able to operate on pure electric power for short periods time, giving it excellent in-town fuel economy.

What sort of power Ford engineers are looking for isn’t yet known, but with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine easily capable of 250-hp, an electric motor could easily bump that up over the 300-hp mark. That would be a necessity as the current RS model makes 305-hp.

It’s not entirely clear if the car will get an RS badge either as Ford execs have insisted that RS-badged models have to be tied-in to rallying or some form of motorsports. There’s a strong belief that Ford could take this new setup off-road, just as Porsche has decided to begin racing a hybrid version of the GT3 in endurance racing.

With the project still in its early stages another possibility, reports AutoCar, is that the next-gen Focus RS could remain front-drive, using instead the next-generation version of the hybrid setup currently found in the Fusion Hybrid – which would be significantly less exciting.

If Ford does decide to go the hybrid performance car route, it might not be alone with reports that Subaru is planning a hybrid diesel WRX STI, and that Mitsubishi is also considering a hybrid EVO XI.

[Source: AutoCar]

Nissan appears poised to return to the affordable sports car segment. After long-standing rumors that the Japanese automaker would build a successor to the 240SX the folks at AutoCar are reporting on a possible come-back for the European 200SX (known as the 240SX in North America).

The largest issue facing Nissan, however, is finding a suitable platform for the car. According to a recent report by AutoCar, those in charge of the project at Nissan want the vehicle to be a rear-drive model – like in the past. The only possible platform available is the 370Z’s, but it would likely prove too heavy, even in a down-sized format. Where this leaves Nissan and the rumor mill regarding the 240SX revival is anyone’s guess, but we’d definitely welcome the return of the 240. Just please give us the good engine this time.

[Source: AutoCar]

With the Ferrari 458 Challenge official revealed just last week, we have come to expect plenty more Ferrari 458 Italia race cars coming around. Now as realistic as this Ferrari 458 Italia may look, it’s simply a render done by the uber-talented Jon Sibal. We all know = that inevitably there will be a Ferrari 458 Italia GT race car to replace the current F430 GT, so why not indulge ourselves in what it could potentially look like?

Jon had the luxury of seeing one of the first (if not the first) 458 Italia’s in Southern California in person. He was once again inspired to render up a 458 GT race car and we’re thankful he took the liberty to. He claims that this is just a “quickie” and for us to “excuse the roughness.” Huh? We couldn’t spot any flaws in his work even if we wanted to nitpick.

We have to admit, the 458 Italia is starting to really grow on us. In race car form it’s just looks straight sexy with its sleek and low profile. We can’t wait to see these hit the track!

GALLERY: Jon Sibal Ferrari 458 Italia GT Renders

[Source: Jon Sibal]

Toyota has announced that the 2011 version of it’s full-size 1/2-ton pickup, the Tundra will receive a number of minor updates for the model year. Chief among them, is the adoption of dual cam Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence (VVT-i) on the 4.0-liter V6, for improved throttle response and slightly better fuel economy. Another feature is the adoption of brake override and trailer sway control programing as standard equipment.

In addition, Toyota has also announced prices for the ’11s, which are some 1.7 percent higher than the 2010 models – for example a base two-wheel drive, 4.0-liter powered Tundra regular cab, will start at $23,935, while a Limited Crew Max, equipped with the 5.7-liter iForce V8 and 4WD will now start at $42,455.

[Source: Pickup trucks.com]

Optimus Prime famously uttered “freedom is the right of all sentient beings”, but one of his fans, a 14 year old boy from China took the liberty of drinking gasoline in a quest to emulate his Autobot hero.

The boy was apparently inspired to drink gasoline after seeing Optimus Prime on TV, and wishing to become a “valiant fighter” just like the hundred foot tall transport truck/robot.

“He began to drink gasoline five years ago, when we found he liked smelling lighter fuel,” said the boys father. The boys parents owned a small stall that sold lighters, and the two often found lighters drained of their fluid. The boys parents confronted their son, but it did little to help matters.

After speaking with their son”… we found our motorcycle’s gasoline was always disappearing, and one day when we found the boy had drunk a half bottle of gasoline stolen from the motorcycle, we were too shocked to say anything,” the father said. The boy exhibited addict-like behavior after the parents locked their motorcycle away, stealing gasoline from vehicles belonging to neighbors. The parents said that the gasoline drinking took a toll on the boys brain.

“Since my son started to drink gas, his IQ has dropped sharply and now he can’t figure out simple addition and subtraction,” the father said. ”Before that, he was a very smart boy, and he could even repair the television. But now he does not know the answer of 7 plus 17.”

The boy has now been hospitalized for “gasoline dependency”. Doctors say that the leaded gasoline has done “serious damage” to his brain.

According to the Shanghai Daily, Transformers is immensely popular in China, with both movies setting box office records.

[Source:  Shanghai Daily]

After buying his son a Maybach 57S for his 16th birthday, Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has handed over the set of keys to another ridiculously expensive car to teen heartthrob Justin Bieber. After being seen rolling around Miami in a murdered-out Ferrari F430 on HRE’s last weekend (photo above), Bieber is now rocking another $200k plus whip: Diddy’s personal Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder.

Diddy, who justified buying his kid a Maybach on Nightline by saying, “I think it’s appropriate to give my kids whatever I want.” Has a valid point. All these kids are going to be screwed up drug addicts by the time they are 25, so they may as well enjoy driving around before they figure out what blow is.

We don’t know if Diddy gave JB the car, or if he’s just borrowing it, but we do know this: sources inside MTV tell us that approximately 1/3 of the cars on “My Super Sweet 16″ were just props for the show, and not actual gifts to the kids, including an S-Class Benz, a Lamborghini, and a Maserati.

Let’s just hope Diddy has some extra cash to drop on some car-control courses, so the ‘Biebs doesn’t end up wrapped around a telephone pole.

[Source: USAToday]

The old saying “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it,” rings true with Hamann. Over the last decade and change, we’ve been able to almost predict how Hamann’s styling packages would look on new BMW chassis. While it may not be a bad thing, it’s worth noting that there isn’t anything groundbreaking or original (in the Hamann sense) with their newest product addition.

BMW’s newest 5-Series is a really nice revamp in our eyes, with sportier styling and a front end that doesn’t look as big and bulky as the previous generations. Taking a quick look at Hamann’s rendition however, you’d be quick to wonder if someone just retrofitted existing E90/E92/E93 parts to the new 5-Series.

Much like what we’ve seen previously, this styling package includes a front spoiler, side skirts, rear valence, rear trunk spoiler and rear roof spoiler. The style is much of the same, conservative and subtle, but just enough to add a little more design to the car.

Hamann is also offering a lowering kit which drops the car about 1.4-inches, a variety of 20-inch wheels, LED daytime running lights inserts and a stainless steel quad-tipped exhaust system (for the 550i only). Interior upgrades are also Hamann run-of-the-mill with new pedals, carbon fiber trim, and floor mats.

We certainly don’t hate what Hamann has produced yet again, but sometime we wonder if it’s time that they change it up just a bit. Hopefully their full bumper replacements will be something a little different. We’ll stay tuned.

GALLERY: Hamann BMW 5-Series F10

The 2011 Kia Sportage is set to go for $18,295 ($18,990 with destination), while coming equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission, air conditioning, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, power windows, doorlocks and mirrors, auxillary inputs and Bluetooth connectivity.

Powered by a 2.4L, 176 horsepower 4-cylinder, the Sportage is also set to get the 270 horsepower 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo motor from the Hyundai corporate stable.

More luxurious LX models will feature LED turn signal indicators, keyless entry and privacy glass. The top of the line model gets 18-inch rims and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. Six airbags, four-wheel ABS and electronic stability control are also standard.

Hit the jump to read the official press release

[Source: Kia]

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