Wouldn’t it be great if you never had to worry about getting a flat ever again? That’s a possibility for the near future, thanks to Bridgestone’s Air-Free tires.

Making an appearance at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, the Bridgestone airless tires are puncture proof and super flashy. Employing a detailed resin spoke system, these airless tires offer the same shock absorption as the inflatable type. And thanks to these neon green thermoplastic resin spokes, the airless tires can rollover nails, broken glass and other road hazards without fear of springing a leak. Since these tires are made from recycled rubber and plastics, you can toss the worn out tread in the blue bin once it has become worn.

The Bridgestone airless tires are still in development (the company needs to work out a few kinks), but you can see them in action on an electric cart – check out the video after the jump. Would you switch to these new tires once they become available? Let us know in the comment section below.

[Source: Gizmodo]

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Bridgestone has just announce the finalists in its annual Safety Scholars Teen Driver Video Contest and as always, we’re seriously impressed. The 10 finalists were picked from 1,375 videos submitted by 16 to 21 year-olds from across the U.S., all with the message to drive safe. It’s no surprise that distracted driving was the main theme of this years videos.

We encourage you to head over to safetyscholars.com to view all the finalist’s videos vote for your favorite. Voting will take place until August 5th, with the three grand prize winners being announced August 17th. Bridgestone has also made the videos available on Facebook, YouTube and MySpace.

The grand prize winners will received a $5,000 scholarship, a new set of tires and the chance for their video turned into a Public Service Announcement on TV.

Check out a few of our faves after the jump:

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Toyota, the world’s largest automaker, is pulling out of Formula One racing to focus on its core business.

The decision comes a day before the Japanese manufacturer is expected to announce its worst ever financial results.

“Based on the current economic environment, we realize we have no choice but to withdraw from Formula One,” said Toyota president Akio Toyoda at a news conference. “This has been a very painful decision for the company.”

Since entering the F1 racing in 2002, Toyota has earned 13 podium finishes but no wins.

Toyota follows Honda and BMW in pulling out of F1. Earlier this week, tire manufacturer Bridgestone also announced it will cease being the series’ sole tire provider following the 2010 season. Toyota’s decision also comes three weeks after the end of an engine supply partnership with Williams F1, a move requested by Williams.

Toyota’s withdrawal opens a spot for the BMW-less Sauber team which was given a “reserved” spot in September, for such a contingency.

[Source: CNN, Formula 1]

Official release after the jump:

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Ready to give the Lingenfelter Camaro a run for its money, the team at SpeedFactory will unveil a 440 cubic-inch Dodge Challenger SRT8 with as much as 700-hp. The power increase comes thanks to a supercharger, but that’s not all. The 440 cu.-in. (7.2-liter) engine is a big step up from the already huge 6.1-liter V8. And to make the package even better, it uses a Mopar block made of lighter aluminum – rather than the heavy factory iron block. The heads are also aluminum and the all-new internals are forged.

Getting all that power down is made possible thanks to a Mopar transmission and a new rear end that can handle up to 1,000-hp.

Other highlights on the car include a Corsa stainless steel exhaust, new 20-inch wheels with Bridgestone R Compound tires, 15-inch Brembo rotors, stiffer springs and anti-roll bars, as well as a chassis brace.

AutoGuide’s live coverage of the 2009 SEMA Show starts November 3rd and we’ll be sure to track down this monster machine for a few extra pics – especially some under the hood!

See AutoGuide’s live SEMA Coverage here!

[Source: Car & Driver]

Subaru has just released details on its range-topping WRX STI Spec C model, offered exclusively for the Japanese market. With just a mild performance increase the focus of the Spec C model is on better power delivery, handling and reduced weight. The new model is intended to be a more race-ready platform.

Engine output is 304hp and 311 ft-lbs of torque, up from the standard 295hp and 299 ft-lbs. The increase is slight but is the result of a modified turbocharger and ECU program that also allows for quicker response.

As for reducing the car’s weight, that has been achieved due to the use of an aluminum hood and a smaller battery. A plexiglass windshield and side windows also drop several pounds, as do new lightweight 18-inch wheels.

For improved handling the Spec C gets stiffer springs, a larger rear stabilizer bar, stiffer sub-frame bushings and new shocks. A new mechanical limited slip differential (SD) out back also improves the car’s ability to get all that turbocharged power to the ground. Reinforcements to the front cross member, new Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tires and increased power steering pressure result in better handling and driving feel.

The WRX STI Spec C will be offered in standard colors as well as two exclusive colors, Sunrise Yellow and Pure White. It is currently on sale in Japan with just 900 units being offered.

GALLERY: Subaru WRX STI Spec C

Official release after the jump:

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