Ferrari won’t confirm as much, but it’s believed the Italian automaker has recalled its new 458 Italia model after as many as four vehicles were damaged (or altogether destroyed) after spontaneously combusting like a Spinal Tap drummer. The vehicles created headlines (at least in automotive circles), with many blaming engineering while others blamed the drivers.

News of an alleged recall comes after owners of new 458 models on FerrariChat reported that they had received a letter from Ferrari. One owner even went as far as posting photos of the old part and the new part. Apparently the issue involves a gas overflow tube and gas vapor system that were placed too close to the red-hot engine, which could (and apparently did) result in a fire.

[Source: FerrariChat and Jalopnik]

We wouldn’t dare call The Ohio State University just plain ‘ol Ohio State. We know how important that ‘The’ is to those Buckeyes. And while they may have a lot to look forward to this upcoming football season, (best of luck that they don’t disappoint, coming from a Florida Gator!) some students from the University are happily setting records out at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah.

Back in 2009, The Buckeye Bullet set a two-way land speed record of 300.992 mph with a fuel cell-powered version of their vehicle. For this new record however, they would be setting a benchmark for a battery-powered vehicle.

The Buckeye Bullet 2 is a collaboration with Venturi, a Monaco-based developer of electric vehicles. Gone are the fuel cells and in its place are A123 Systems’ lithium-ion batteries. Just as a sign of the future and what these badboys are capable of, the vehicle was piloted one way to 286 mph and back at 297 mph for an average of 291 mph. There was a little bit of a retune going down after the first pass, so we’re willing to bet that this Bullet isn’t far off from another pair of 300 mph passes.

But alas, the Buckeye Bullet 2 might not be seen again as this was simply a test mule for an all new 2011 car. Rumor has it that it’ll be insane and groundbreaking, but we have on details yet. Maybe they’ll be more motivated if their football team is hoisting the crystal ball come early next year. Well, at least some people over at The Ohio State University are making dreams into a reality.

GALLERY: The Ohio State University Buckeye Bullet

[Source: AutoBlog Green]

With seven years of roaming the streets (in Japan), the second generation Subaru Impreza body became a familiar sight to many. And now that the third generation Impreza STi is out, we’re expecting to see less and less of the second gen bodies. But leave it to the crazy tuners in Japan to come up with this idea: taking a second generation model and outfit it with a front end from the the current model.

Some of us here at AutoGuide think it’s just too weird. The second-gen STi is notorious for its boxy shape and large headlights while the new generation is more streamlined and bubbly. Pairing the two together doesn’t quite flow well. (Some other crazy folks here in the office are big fans and made me write this sentence).

Complementing the transformation is also a full body kit from Charge Speed, which definitely gives the car a much sportier and more aggressive profile. Thumbs up for being unique, but much like the R35 front end on an R34 Skyline, we think they should belong on their respective bodies.

GALLERY: Car Service Hiro Converted Subaru Impreza STi

[Source: Farm Of Minds]

If you’re looking to buy tires for your SUV or truck, but don’t know what to look for, you’re in luck. The third installment of Yokohama’s Tire Tips video series has just been released and focuses on SUV and truck tires.

Hosted off-road racing champions Cameron and Heidi Steele, the “how to choose a truck/SUV tire” video is the latest of these short educational videos that help drivers learn more about tires, from proper maintenance to improving fuel efficiency. Other video topics have covered the importance of properly inflated tires and how to read the sidewall of a tire.

“It’s not easy trying to figure out what type of truck tire to get,” said Paul Algarin, Yokohama Tire product analyst. “As Cameron and Heidi explain, there are many factors to consider, including size, tread, performance and comfort. And who better to give truck tire tips than off-road stars like Cameron and Heidi? Their explanations are engaging and easy to understand.”

Other topics to be covered soon include ways to achieve better fuel efficiency, judging tread wear and choosing the correct winter tire. Watch for the next video that will come out this September. Watch the latest video after the jump:
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An unknown builder is currently fabricating up a mid-engine Honda CR-Z, sporting a completely custom widebody and carbon fiber doors. While it may just be a concept car for the upcoming Tokyo Auto Salon, some rumors are hinting that this Honda CR-Z might be being built for the Japanese SuperGT racing series, competing in the GT300 class. Given how popular the CR-Z has already become in Japan, this would be a pretty cool move by Honda.

Currently Honda already competes in the GT500 class with the HSV-010 GT race car.

Obviously the CR-Z that any layman can buy is just a gas-saving, tree-hugging hybrid, but how wicked would it be to see this CR-Z actually perform on the track rather than just being a show car? We’re really curious as to the powerplant that’s being used as a mock up, especially as GT300 class cars make 300-hp. Stay tuned, this is one CR-Z we’re staying on top of!

[Source: GTChannel via Autoblog]

GALLERY: Widebody Honda CR-Z

Ford and Roush go together like peanut butter and jelly. You can have one without another, but it’s just not the same. Ford’s new 2011 Mustang 5.0 has already been getting tons of acclaim and now Roush will be taking it to a whole new level in performance. For a retail price of $5,999.00, your 2011 Mustang can have upwards of 550-hp and 470 ft-lbs of torque!

The Roushcharger Tuner Kit (part # 421140) is based on the popular TVS2300 Roushcharger and comes with a 90mm pulley that puts out approximate seven pounds of boost. To ensure the forced inducted 5.0L stays healthy, 47 lb fuel injectors, high-flow fuel rails, high-flow Roush air land and a twin 60mm throttle body are also included in the kit.

And those wondering about reliability and warranty, Roush offers a 90-day parts warranty but notes that it will not maintain the factory Ford warranty. Those willing to wait until fall, Roush will be releasing a kit that will come with full tuning and warranty.

Official press release available after the break.

Continue Reading…

On your mark, get set, drive green! A few determined students from the University of British Columbia are aiming to set a record for the fastest coast-to-coast drive across Canada in an electric vehicle. And not just any electric vehicle – they’re making the trek in a homemade electrified classic Volkswagen Beetle.

Their journey began last week as they set off from Vancouver to complete the 4,000-mile journey. Getting them there is the E-Beetle, a 1972 Bug the UBC Electric Car Club converted to run on electricity. Powered by a three-phase AC induction motor that’s hooked up to a lithium iron phosphate battery, the E-Beetle can go about 185 miles when cruising at 60 mph and 340 miles at 30 mph. If involved in a high-speed chase, the car can reach a top speed of around 85 mph. It takes four hours to recharge and it comes equipped four wheel discs with regenerative braking.

It’s a long drive, but these students are prepared. They’ve planned ahead and mapped out places to spend the night and plug in the car. There’s even a team blog you can follow that charts their progress.

[Source: Wired]

Nissan is debuting four new commercials designed to show off their new tag line “Innovation For All”.

Showing off a raft of future ideas, like controlling your car’s climate system with an iPhone, and some more recent (like boasting about brake over-ride systems being installed since 2004), Nissan is pushing the new campaign hard, and teasing enthusiasts with an early glimpse at the 2011 Quest minivan.

There are four ads in total, all available after the jump. We’re still partial to the Van Halen-infused 300ZX commercial though.

Continue Reading…

With FIAT preparing a return to North America, company CEO Sergio Marchionne said that Alfa Romeo vehicles would complement Fiat products in the same showrooms, giving dealers a wider array of vehicles to sell.

Currently, only the 500 small car is slated to be sold, and the niche product will likely be unable to generate enough profit to justify the substantial investment required to sell the car as a standalone product. The addition of Alfa products would make the prospect of selling the 500 more enticing.

“It’s more than likely that Fiat and Alfa Romeo brands will be sold in the same” dealerships, Marchionne said. Alfa products expected to be sold in North America include a compact hatchback, a mid-size sedan and a mid-size SUV. The Alfa brand also has significant cache among American consumers.

Marchionne is hosting a dealer meeting for Fiat and Chrysler franchise holders on August 30th but said he will not discuss Alfa Romeo plans at the event.

[Source: Automotive News]

Audi‘s diminutive A1 compact hatchback is proving to be such a hot product that the company has decided to sell the car “at short notice” in markets such as Asia.

While Audi wants to focus on European markets first, the car will eventually be sold in Asia, with Audi deciding on a strategy for the Chinese market. “Many of the Asian markets are now showing a trend toward smaller vehicles,” said Peter Schwarzenbauer, Audi’s head of sales. “For that reason, it’s right to sell the A1 also in those regions.”

Audi plans to produce around 100,000 A1s per year, with the vehicle being targeted at younger, professional types. A starting price of under $20,000 will help lure customers away from more mainstream brands.

Unfortunately, the earliest the A1 will arrive in North America will be in the car’s next generation, something that will take an absolute minimum of 4 years.

[Source: Bloomberg]