Ferrari's fiery recall

Ferrari's release of the 458 Italia earlier this year has caused a serious burning sensation in many of the vehicles owner's stomachs. Unfortunately that sensation isn't due to the car's amazing performance, as one would assume, but more to the fact that the cars are on fire, literally.

Since the vehicle's U.S. release, an unprecedented amount of fiery instances have ignited across the country. Tomorrow morning Ferrari will make an official recall on the 458 Italia.

One owner quoted "Ferrari has determined the cause of the 458's that have caught on fire was from an adhesive that attached the heat shield under the rear fenders. The heat shields were attached with an adhesive and became flammable under high temps. Ferrari is not taking any chances and will replace this part on every 458 italia produced to date."

All that remains of one completely consumed 458

Below, a rare sight. One 2010 Italia that has at least for the moment, evaded it's fiery demise.


-Nicho

GM files for IPO

You read it correctly, General Motors has officially filed for an Initial Public Offering.
See the S-1 registration is below...


It's going to be interesting to see how much cash flow this brings in for GM.

-Nicho

Noteworthy: Hyundai forges their own path in hybrids

Hyundai has been stunning the US auto market by producing more and more reliable vehicles at lower than average prices. They're effectively chipping away at the negative stigma many consumers harbor towards the brand. Following this trend Hyundai recently created the 2011 Sonata Hybrid, a vehicle that makes you feel as good as it looks.

The South Korean automaker decided not to license Toyota's hybrid technology (as several other auto manufacturers are) but instead to create their own unique hybrid system using smaller and lighter nickel-metal hydride batteries.

A 40-hp electric motor sits between the engine and the transmission in place of a torque converter giving the hybrid a combined system output of 209 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. Surprisingly the Sonata can run solely on the electric motor at speeds up to 62mph.

The leather laden interior is sleek and the center console offers enough gadgets and gizmos to keep even the most ADHD driver occupied.

Look out for the new Sonata late this year.
The numbers:
Price: $27,500
Zero to 60 mph: 9.2 sec
Top speed (governor limited): 123 mph
EPA city/highway driving: 37/40 mpg

-Nicho

The 2011 335is makes the 2011 M3 obselete!

The new 335is's single turbo engine produces 320hp and 370 lb-ft of torque when demanded. This power drives the coupe through a 1/4mi. in 13.3 seconds at 108mph.

Subtle design updates give the coupe an even sportier look. Check out the rear diffuser below.

The interior remains mostly unchanged but is still on par when with the M's

BMW’s new DCT dual-clutch automated manual transmission addressed the first gear engagement problem found in the M3. This makes for quicker launches in the 335is.

The new 335is offers greater fuel efficiency, almost identical performance and similar styling all while saving you $8,000. I find it a difficult argument to pick the M3 over the 335. Watch out for the tuners who get a hold of this car and boost it's turbo output, it's going to be a rocket ship and put the M3 to shame. Lesson here, BMW might be cutting into their M-market with the high performance daily drivers they're currently producing.

Below is the 2011 335is

0-60mph: 4.6s
1/4mi: 13.2s
MPG: 17/24 mpg
Price: $50,525

Now compare to the 2011 M3 seen below. Not much different right?

0-60mph: 4.6s
1/4mi: 12.7s
MPG: 14mpg/20mpg
Price: $58,400

-Nicho

Germany says goodbye to Uruguay!

Germany just shut down Uruguay with a 3-2 victory. Sami Khedira, center, celebrates after scoring Germany's third goal in today's game.


Below: Uruguay's goalkeeper Fernando Muslera reacts to his teams defeat.


-Nicho

A Letter from Apple regarding the iPhone 4

Like any good Apple user I subscribe to the company's RSS feed which emails breaking news on Apple's products. This morning I received a funny email entitled "A Letter from Apple regarding the iPhone 4". The press release began with the following: "The iPhone 4 has been the most successful product launch in Apple’s history. It has been judged by reviewers around the world to be the best smartphone ever, and users have told us that they love it. So we were surprised when we read reports of reception problems, and we immediately began investigating them." Surprised Apple? Really? This is the first time that you've received complaints about your phone's service?

The company boasted about it's new antenna design which was supposed to promote better signal in areas where the previous generations experienced problems. Obviously engineers overestimated the Antenna's improvement in the 4.

The press release divides the signal problems between an incorrect signal calculation formula and the position of the user's hand during calls. Are you serious? I can't hold my $500 phone a certain way or it won't work? C'mon! Grow up Apple! You release great products but get your stuff together. If the service provider you're in contract with isn't up to par, drop them and go with someone who's reliable. The iPhone rocks but consumer's are going to be left with a sour feeling when they realize they can't complete a phone call. I know I'm pretty bitter concerning my iPhone's spotty service.

images from apple.com

Here's a link to the full press release
A Letter from Apple regarding the iPhone 4

-Nicho

2011 Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible

I'm not even going to bore you with the amazing statistics on the 2011 Supersport Convertible. To sum it up, Bentley has stripped weight, stiffened suspension, tweaked the transmission for faster shifting and upped Horsepower/Torque to create a lean mean super sophisticated driving machine. The new convertible is quite easy on the eyes but less so on the wallet with prices hovering just below $300K.













images from caranddriver.com

Numbers:
Weight: 5400 lbs.
HP/TQ: 621 bhp/590 ft-lbs.
0-60mph: 3.9 sec
1/4-mile: 12.3 sec
Top speed: 202 mph (redline limited)
Price: $286,695

Tesla Model S

The Tesla Model S is one of the most innovative, American-made, vehicle's slated for release in the next few years. For starters, it's 100% electric.

Charging the Model S will cost around $4, a steal when compared to the +$3/per gallon we are currently paying.

Tesla Motors has become a popular company here in America with the release of the Tesla Roadster in 2009, a 100% electric sports car capable of supercar speeds and a high travel distance between charges.

The Model S offers a center-mounted 17" touch-screen which gives users the ability to listen to Pandora and even use Google Maps via 3G connectivity.

A large panoramic roof offers passengers uninterrupted outdoor views.

Deliveries are scheduled to begin in early 2012. You can place a deposit for the Model S through the company's website at http://www.teslamotors.com

Numbers:
Range: 300 miles
0-60mph: 5.6s
Top Speed: 120mph
Price: $49,900 (w/$7,500 federal tax credit)

-Nicho

images from Tesla Motor's website

2011 Mercedes Benz S63 AMG

Say goodbye to the naturally aspirated 6.2liter V-8 from the previous gen S63 AMG and hello to the new twin turbo-charged 5.5liter V-8 in the 2011 S63 AMG. Mercedes Benz has decided to stick with the current trend of downsizing engine capacity while adding forced airflow enabling their vehicles to achieve massive power with lower fuel consumption.

Two versions of the new S63 AMG will be available offering different levels of engine boost: 15psi for 536hp/590ft-lbs. with the base model and 19psi for 563hp/664ft-lbs. with the performance package. Fuel efficiency rises 6mpg with the new engine and acceleration times fall. 0-62mph comes in just 4.5 seconds compared to the previous gen's 4.6 second 0-62 time.

Top speed ranges from a governed 155mph in the base model to 186mph in the performance package-equipped model. Styling for the S63 retains Mercedes' historical elegance but also suggests that a fierce beast lies beneath the hood due to the monstrous dual-quad exhausts.

images from www.caranddriver.com

Numbers:
Weight: 4,900lbs.
Power: 536hp/590ft-lbs. or 563hp/664ft-lbs. (perform. package)
0-62mph: 4.5s
Top Speed: 155mph (gov. limited) or 186mph (perform. package)
Fuel Economy: 22mpg (combined
Est. Price: $135,000

2013 Mercedes Benz SLS AMG E-Cell

The prototype SLS AMG E-Cell is not your everyday supercar. It's ELECTRIC!! Literally!!

Powered by 4 independent AC motors (one at each wheel), the E-Cell has a combined power output of 526hp and 649 ft-lbs. of torque. Capable of achieving 62mph in just 4.0 seconds flat, this green machine is also a mean machine.

The current battery sytem gives the E-Cell a limited range of 90 miles per charge. Future battery config's are scheduled to achieve 130 miles per charge however.

Video of the SLS E-Cell cruising. Notice the near silence.

Numbers:
Weight: 4,400lbs.
HP/TQ: 526hp/649 ft-lbs.
0-62mph: 4.0s
Top speed: 155 (gov. limited)
Est. Price: $250,000