After building a twin-turbo Lamborghini LP640 that laid down 1000-hp, Underground Racing has just announced even bigger and better things for the LP670-4 SV.

Rumor has it that Underground Racing wants to claim the title of fastest Murciélago in the world with this LP670-4 SV. Their engineers are claiming that they’ll be putting down 1,100-hp out of this beast. We’re guessing it won’t be long until we feast our eyes on dyno videos and some high-speed runs. And to top it off, we’re digging the fact that this LP670-4 SV is paired up with a set of HRE Wheels; anything less on an 1,100-hp Lamborghini would be blasphemous.

GALLERY: Underground Racing Twin-Turbo Lp670-4 SV

[Source: GT Spirit]

Porsche enthusiasts are some of the most die-hard brand loyalists out there; many Porsche owners we know wouldn’t even consider owning a sports car built anywhere outside of Stuttgart. And whether you own a fleet of Porsche racing cars, a Boxster, 924, Cayenne, or even just a few posters and a die-cast model or two, you’ve got passion for Porsche as well. After all, no one buys a 911 just because they needed something with four wheels to get to work. Now, Porsche is giving back to its most enthusiastic fans by offering up three free trips to the Porsche Sport Driving School at Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama.

Before you go get fitted for a new racing suit, there is, of course, a catch. As part of its 60th anniversary, Porsche wants to hear from enthusiasts about their “Porsche Passion.” And no matter what cars you’ve owned (or just wish you owned), Porsche wants your story. They are seeking entrants’ tales which “exemplify their unique passion for a specific Porsche car, an experience, or the brand as a whole.”

Entries will be accepted through November 1st, 2010, and then the best 20 stories will be published online, so fans can vote on the 3 winners. You can submit your story here.

[Source: Porsche via InsideLine]

We’re all a little sad to see the end of summer. We usually send it off with a long weekend, lots of backyard BBQs and a few pool parties. Since most of these types of shindigs involve alcohol, there’s always an increased risk of intoxicated drivers on the road. That’s why the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has started their drunk driving campaign called “Over the limit. Under arrest.”

On now until September 6th, you’ll see an increase presence of police enforcement officers and checkpoints on the road, as well as TV and radio campaigns to warn drivers of the risks.

This annual NHTSA operation began in 2003 and has helped reduce drunk-driving accidents and fatalities. Although the numbers have dropped since 1994, alcohol-related crashes continue to be responsible for about a third of all vehicle deaths. The numbers are startling – in 2008, about 12,000 people (32 percent) of all fatal crashes were caused by drivers of vehicles or motorcycles who had a blood-alcohol-content of at or above the legal limit of .08 percent. The highest percentage of deaths from drunk driving is those 21 to 24 years old.

The campaign to bring awareness to the seriousness of drunk driving has stepped up their efforts this year. Last month, New York State instituted a law that requires all drunk driving offenders to use interlock devices before they can start their car. And, the ROAD SAFE Act (Research of Alcohol Detection Systems for Stopping Alcohol-Related Fatalities Everywhere) was introduced by members of Congress, which will fund the development of new in-vehicle technologies to prevent under-the-influence drivers from operating a vehicle.

[Source: Consumer Reports]

Chrysler has been targeted by the Center for Auto Safety (a consumer advocate group founded by outspoken lawyer Ralph Nader – the same one that threw the book at Chevy’s Corvair in the 1960s), about fires resulting from alleged fuel tank defects on Jeep models.

The CAS probe focuses on the original 1993-98 ZJ and second generation 1999-04 WJ Jeep Grand Cherokees and the group claims that the location of the fuel tank on these models and the lack of shielding leads to rupture in the event of rear end collisions. Since the Grand Cherokee was introduced to the market in 1992, there have been 44 recorded crashes relating to fire, of which 55 people were killed.

The CAS claims that 13 of these deaths were the result of rear end collisions. However, the center also said that these post-crash fires, on their own do not establish a manufacturing defect with the vehicles, hence further investigation is needed.

Noted Michael Palese, a spokesperson for Chrysler, “our company is cooperating fully with the National Highway Traffic Safety Adminstration in this investigation.” He also stated  that it is just that, “an investigation, not a recall.”

Source: [Bloomberg Businessweek]

Clear of any bad PR for at least a few weeks, Toyota has been hit by yet another safety issue with its cars, announcing a recall of 1.1 million Corolla and Matrix models. The recall involves the 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine in the cars and as such also affects 200,000 Pontiac Vibes. Models affected include the 2005 to 2008 model year cars.

At issue is the Engine Control Module (ECM), which may have been “improperly manufactured.” The unit could crack at certain solder points resulting in the check engine light to come on, harsh shifts to occur or the engine to simply not start.

Three accidents are been reported related to this issue (including one injury) but none have been confirmed.

Toyota will replace the units starting in mid September.

See after the jump for the official Toyota and GM press releases:

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Lotus has just officially confirmed the Evora S and IPS (Intelligent Precision Shift) automatic transmission models, both of which are set to debut at the Paris Auto Show in just a few weeks time.

Most exciting is the Evora S with a 350-ps (345-hp) V6 engine. Details are scarce, but it would seem from the official press release that all this power from the same 3.5-liter V6 engine that makes 276-hp in the standard Evora comes without a supercharger as suspected. Instead it looks as though the Lotus partnership with Cosworth has lead to an impressive power increase for the Toyota-sourced V6.

Along with 345-hp, the Evora S also get a Sport button that adjusts the throttle response, increases the rev limit and changes the stability control program for a more sport-oriented experience. In addition, it also activates an exhaust bypass valve that gives the Evora a race-inspired exhaust note.

In addition to the Evora S, Lotus will also unveil the Evora IPS (Intelligent Precision Shift) model in Paris. Using a six-speed automatic transmission (likely from Toyota), Lotus has developed its own transmission control unit to deliver quick shifts for the 276-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine.

Both models will help Lotus expand its reach in the marketplace, with the Evora S attracting higher dollar customers (though fewer of them), while the Evora IPS model will appeal to a wider range of buyers, particularly in North America.

Speaking about the automatic transmission model, Lotus ECO Dany Bahar commented that, “The Evora IPS is set to broaden the appeal of the Evora and reach out to a slightly different market. We hope it will be popular with established automatic locations such as Asia, the Middle East and the U.S. It’s been a long time since Lotus created an automatic and we’ve spent a great deal of time refining this one to make sure that it perfectly complements the Evora drive experience.”

AutoGuide will be on-hand in Paris to bring you live photos and additional details from the official unveiling.

GALLERY: Lotus Evora S

Read AutoGuide’s 2010 Lotus Evora Review by Clicking Here

Official release after the jump:

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The MINI brand has always been synonymous with an uber-cool British fast-paced lifestyle. And now, even if you aren’t British, you can steal the look with MINI’s Rooftop Collection.

Whether it’s for a night out on the town or you’re off on holidays, there’s something in this collection to fit your travel needs. Designed to complement the MINI Countryman crossover model, these pieces are made to meet your full range of travel requirements.

The MINI hard-shell suitcases from the Rooftop line are tough and can take the rigors of airplane travel.  Adorned with either the Union Jack or Racing Stripes, this suitcase features an extending telescopic handle, two strong carry handles and smooth-running wheels. The main compartment comes with packing belts and a net divider, while the center section has two small side pockets. It also comes with a protective transportation cover, an integrated lock and a nameplate just in case you get separated from your luggage.

The Black Jack Collection luggage line stands out with its classy black finish and tone-in-tone Union Jack motif. This line also includes the Cabin Trolley, which can be used as carry-on because of its smaller size, the Black Jack Briefcase, Black Jack Duffle Bag, small Black Jack Ammo shoulder bag, Black Jack Washkit and the Black Jack Wallet.

And digging deep into its photo archive, MINI picked a few classics to create the Shout accessories line. Boasting eye-catching black-and-white retro MINI motifs, the Shout pieces bring to mind some legendary moments in MINI’s history. In this line you’ll find the Shout Small Doctor Bag sporting a classic Mini Rallye Monte Carlo print, the Shout Bucket Tote with cool Swinging London print, the Shout Messenger with classic Mini motif, and the Shout Wallet Simple and Medium Organizers.

GALLERY: MINI Rooftop Collection

BMW will take full advantage of investments in its MINI sub-brand, developing additional models based on those products that will be branded and sold as BMWs. According to a report by Automobile Magazine, the list includes a BMW version of the MINI Clubman and Countryman, as well as both a BMW and a MINI van. (Yes, the MINIvan).

It’s believed the new models will all be based on the upcoming front-drive/AWD platform that will first debut in the next-generation MINI Cooper. When the second-gen Clubman arrives it will be followed by the BMW Joy – an internal name given to what will essentially be the 1 Series Gran Turismo. After, a BMW 1 Series crossover will be based on the second-generation Countryman platform. And finally, there’s the MINI Traveler; a small van or MPV. A BMW version of this car will also be built to take on cars like the Mercedes B-Class ad next-generation Audi A2.

The first of these models are expected to start appearing around 2013.

[Source: Automobile]

Later this week, a many as 100 high-powered exotics will partake in the first ever “Race the Base” charity fundraiser at the Canadian Forces base in Cold Lake, Alberta, culminating in a shootout between a CF-18 fighter jet an an 860-hp twin-turbo Ferrari Enzo.

The event is a collaboration between Calgary, AB exotic car sales and service center ZR Auto and CFB Cold Lake, with participants paying a $1,500 registration fee that will go towards supporting four different charities: Military Families Support Society, Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation, Bonnyville Health Foundation and Hearts for Health Care.

Registered owners will be able to test the speed of their cars on the 3.7 kilometer, 8-lane wide airstrip and the event will also include a car show, parade, a school for participating drivers, practice sessions and an appearance by the Snowbirds.

The “Race the Base” fundraiser will culminate in the Enzo vs CF-18 shootout, with speed freak and event organizer Zahir Rana (of ZR Auto) testing his “World’s Fastest Ferrari Enzo” against the fighter jet.

Those looking to buy tickets or participate can get more info at www.zrauto.ca.

The vent takes place at CFB Cold Lake August 27-28.

[Source: The Vancouver Sun]

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Great news for Ford – the 2011 Fiesta earned a 2010 Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This marks the first time a mini-car has picked up an award since the introduction of a new roof strength test.

And if that was reason enough to celebrate, this nod also makes it the eighth Ford vehicle to earn the Institute’s top designation, which means it has the most “Top Safety Picks” of any automaker.

Helping it pick up a win is the fact that Fiesta is made from high-strength steels, and it features the company’s Trinity front crash structure, Side Protection And Cabin Enhancement (SPACE) Architecture and advanced airbag technologies. Outfitted with an energy-absorbing body structure, the Fiesta’s strength and stiffness helps to absorb and redirect crash forces away from the passenger compartment. It also comes with the most standard airbags in its class, as well as standard electronic stability control.

“Fiesta is proof that a small car can deliver big safety, and earning a Top Safety Pick further demonstrates Ford’s commitment to providing all of our customers with world-class crash protection,” said Sue Cischke, Ford’s group vice president of Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering. “Fiesta combines rigidity and more airbags – smartly deployed – than its competition, as well as standard stability control.”

One of the unique safety features the Fiesta offers is a driver’s knee airbag. This airbag helps reduce lower leg injuries during a frontal collision and to work with other safety features. Other Fiesta safety features include dual-stage first-row airbags, side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags.