We’re going to go ahead and apologize in advanced for finding humor in the entire concept and video, but the Toyota Prius out in Japan just got itself a $150 option to install a speaker that emits sound in order to warn nearby pedestrians a hybrid is on its way.

There are all sorts of comparisons we can draw to the interesting siren-like noise, but watching it in action is really what we recommend, which is why we have the video available after the break. And as for the actual sound? It makes us want to hide in a bunker and avoid the bombs that are apparently on the way.

[Source: Engadget]

Hit the video after the jump!

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Last month Heico teased us with renders of their upcoming Volvo S60 accessories and now those renders have become a reality. Heico Sportiv even goes so far as to say the Volvo S60 is sexy and not chivalrous, but we wouldn’t want to take away a car’s chivalry now would we? Regardless, the new generation Volvos aren’t the same ‘ol tanks your grandparents used to drive to keep your safe. They’re sporty and unique, offering a unique blend of styling and performance. And the fact that Heico specializes in tuning Volvos makes this S60 is an instant winner.

On the outside, Heico developed a two-part front spoiler that flows quite well with the stock body lines while giving the front end a sportier look. Oddly enough Heico didn’t develop any side skirts to match the front spoiler, but there is a rear diffuser that is much more aggressive and complements the quad-tipped exhaust system quite nicely. A carbon fiber inlay option is available for the body components.

Heico Sportiv also offers their e.motion line of ECU upgrades for the S60, bumping the 2.0T’s horsepower by 47-hp (over the factory 250-hp) and peak torque becomes 258 ft-lbs, a healthy 37 ft-lbs more than factory. The T6 can also receive an ECU upgrade bumping horsepower to 330-hp and torque to 339 ft-lbs. We’ve now become oddly interested in the S60, a viable opponent to BMW’s 335i and Audi’s S4.

Heico also offers lowering springs for the S60 and their VOLUTION wheel program in 18- to 20-inch sizes. Interior upgrades include aluminum pedals and gear shift knob. All of these goodies will be available starting September 18th at an authorized Heico distributor.

GALLERY: Heico Volvo S60

Official press release available after the break.

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OK so we’re not surprised one bit by the results of a recent British survey that concluded that on average males in England drive 276 miles per year because they won’t ask for directions. And considering the price of petrol in the U.K., those extra miles add up to $3,100. Yikes!

British insurance firm Sheilas’ Wheels also polled many of its clients to determine how much time they’re willing to waste before asking for directions; if they even bother to ask at all. 75-percent of women of had no issues asking for help, while 25-percent of men had no issues wandering around for half an hour before admitting they’re lost.

Worst off, 10% refused to ask altogether, leaving us to wonder just how long they drove around until finding their destination. And even though this study was done in the UK, we can just use our imagination to see how it relates in America. It’s a good thing navigation units are becoming more and more affordable, and every smart phone out there now has Google Maps. But then again, us males still have to conjure up the audacity to ask any of those electronic tools to show us where we have to go. The shame.

[Source: Telegraph]

Perhaps a somewhat unusual entry at this year’s Kustoms of Motorama show in Long Beach, is Wild Cad, an Australian built custom ’59 Cadillac, owned by  Down Under custom car builder Mario Colalillo and his wife Catriona, from Harrington Park, a Sydney suburb. The car  features a custom built chassis by local fabricator Terry “TJ” Wood and is powered by a 454 cubic inch (7.4-liter) Chevrolet big-block V8. It also sports a chopped top, Thunderbird seats and modified ’59 Chevy dash. Colalillo says he’s got around $200,000 in the paint alone.

The car made its debut at the 2010 Sydney MotorEx back in July and at the time of this post is now on it’s way across the Pacific, where it will debut at the Kustoms of Motorama – an event which Mario hopes will help find his car a new home. ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons, Metallica front man James Hetfield and even Shaquille O’Neal have apparently expressed interest in acquiring this one of a kind, custom built, right-hand-drive Cadillac.

[Source: Born Rich]

ABT Sportsline has been tinkering around with Audi‘s newest TT-RS for a while now, debuting a power package back in September 2009 that helped put down 420-hp from the roadster. An 80-hp increase from the factory 340-hp, most would think that would be enough to keep everyone happy. But ABT Sportsline wouldn’t be ABT Sportsline if they didn’t find a way to break the 500-hp mark.

The Power S Package is now available to the public and includes an ECU retune, upgraded intercooler and upgraded ABT turbocharger. Details are a little scarce on what size turbo ABT is using, but they did disclose that 501-hp is the mark that they’ve achieved with the package. No pricing has been revealed either, but we’re guessing if you want it bad enough, you’ll get it anyways.

GALLERY: ABT Sportsline Audi TT-RS

Yep, you read it right. We can’t make this stuff up. If you’ve been searching for the right adornment to make your car look, ummmm, flirty, then Carlashes are for you.

Claiming to “dress up your headlights with a touch of fashion and a twinkle of crystal,” the Carlashes feature a flexible design that bends around your vehicles headlights. They attach with 3M automotive trim tape and won’t damage your car’s paint.

The Carlashes work with all types of headlights and attach to either the top surface or the bottom surface of the hood edge above the headlight. It even comes with optional crystal eyeliner.

Oh, we know what you’re thinking. The Carlashes would be the perfect finishing touch on this automotive work of art. Classy and sparkly – these two go hand in hand.

[Source: Inside Line]

What form of motorsport has the Nissan GT-R not claimed a victory in? It looks like Nissan doesn’t seem to be surrendering the title out in Western Australia anytime soon. For the third straight year, the R35 GT-R has taken the top spot on the podium at the QUIT Targa West Tarmac rally.

This year it was Peter Major behind the wheel (with Kim Screaigh as co-driver), beating out Jim Richards and his Porsche GT2 by 51 seconds. And just to make the statement even bolder for Nissan and their GT-R, third place went to Peter Rullo and Simon Iseppi in another Nissan GT-R.

The win took place in the Competition Modern class and is Major’s first victory for 2010. In his previous three outings at QUIT Targa West, his best finish was seventh. And to make everything even sweeter, Mark and Andrew Conacher piloted their R35 GT-R to a win in the Modern Challenge class with Robert Darrington and David Abetz’s GT-R taking second place. Those two GT-Rs dominated their respective class by being a good 8.5 minutes ahead of the third place finisher.

And to think that Nissan is only working hard to make the GT-R a more powerful and better handling machine.

GALLERY: Peter Major’s Nissan GT-R

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Oh Audi A1, where art thou? While we Americans sit around and wait for the second generation A1 to launch, the fortunate ones in Europe are already getting their hands quite dirty with the MINI competitor. Senner Tuning has been fast out of the gate with their version and we’re just fuming with jealousy that we can’t get our hands on one ourselves.

The 1.6-liter TDI engine produces a pedestrian 104-hp and 184 ft-lbs of torque from the factory, but with Senner Tuning’s ECU retune one can expect 138-hp and 220 ft-lbs of torque. It may not seem like much, but we’re guessing in this tiny little 3-door package it packs quite the punch. The ECU retune is available for $1,140.

For their demo car, Senner Tuning opted for a set of KW coilovers to lower the vehicle while bolting on a set of 18×8-inch Barracuda Voltec T6 wheels with 225/35/18 Hankook S1 Evo tires. Senner Tuning states that the wheel and tire package starts at around $2,025 depending on what sort of rubber you want on the wheels. Lastly, an exhaust system is available for the same price as the ECU retune, $1,140. No power gains are disclosed from the exhaust, but we’re guessing it a few horses.

It looks as if Senner Tuning is prepared to sell completely built Audi A1s to the market much like their demo car. From what we can gather, you can get an A1 identical to the one seen in the photos for around $34,400. Probably a little spendy for a vehicle that’s supposed to be a MINI competitor, but you are getting some goods with it.

GALLERY: Senner Tuning Audi A1

Official press release available after the break.

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The all new 2011 Ford Mustang is already receiving plenty of praise and acclaim out there on the market, bringing performance and style at an affordable price. And Ford has taken some notes at other successful manufacturers out there by looking to unleash several special edition Ford Mustangs to the public. One of these has recently been revealed as the DUB Edition Package.

Surprisingly, the DUB Edition Ford Mustang V6 package isn’t overinflated in terms of pricing with an MSRP of $3,599.00. Considering all that you’re getting with the package, we think it’s a pretty good deal – that is, if you’re a fan “urban” Mustangs. On the outside, Roush aero components are subtle, but clean while a Ford accessories hood scoop makes the Mustang more aggressive. The stripe package we could do without, but the lowered stance (thanks to springs) and 3.31 gears are welcomed changes in the performance department. Rounding off the exterior is a set of 20-inch TIS wheels wrapped with Pirelli tires. Not exactly our cup of tea, but we guess they could have done much worse. We’re more curious as to whether or not they’ll offer color choices of if they’ll only be available with a black lip for the DUB edition. And it’s worth mentioning that the interior receives DUB-embroidered headrests, just to reiterate what you spent your hard-earned money on.

Apparently 1,000 of these limited edition packages will be available through 2012 and DUB is already looking towards coming up with a package for the V8 Mustang. If you’re interested, they’ll be available at Ford dealers starting next week.

[Source: Autoblog]

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And you thought the days of high performance with a bed out back were gone. Well, according to several sources; Callaway Cars (of super fast, modified Corvette fame), is working on a hot Chevy Silverado, though the project is still very much in the design stage.

According to Callaway spokesman, Mike Vendetto, “it’s a [Chevy] Silverado powered by a 6.2-liter V8, but we’re looking at smaller displacement versions too.” If the program reaches fruition, it will mark the first true high-performance pickup since the late and much lamented Dodge Ram SRT10 (excluding the more off-road focused Ford SVT Raptor). And given some of Callaway’s past creations, including the infamous C4 Sledgehammer; Twin Turbo Speedster; C12 and more recently the SC572 Camaro (sold through select Chevrolet dealers), it promises to be quite the package.

Vendetto anticipates that the company will have a running prototype by the end of the year, with series production possible sometime in 2011, provided there aren’t any serious issue to contend with. Given that the stock Silverado 6.2 churns out 403 hp and 417 lb-ft of torque, estimates of a 550 horsepower Callaway version are not unrealistic. Stay tuned for further developments.

[Source: Pickup trucks.com]