Here Comes The Fear...

It's begun...

the anticipation...

the nervousness...

the excitement...

... all leading to more playtime this weekend.


Am i ready?

Am i willing?

Am i scared?

Am i happy?

... i'm all of these things... and more...

eBay: Rolls-Royce Bentley Chrysler 300C

Somewhere between the gold-plated Rolls-Royce grille, the Bentley badges, the “Indiana Sheriffs Association” license plate and the rear-wheel covers we decided that it would be more appropriate on our behalf to shut the f… up and let the pictures speak for themselves. Damn, the only thing missing here was Boss Hogg - so we just added him… -More caricatures of the Rolls-Royce Bentley 300C after the jump

Vehicle Description

You are looking at a one-of-a-kind extremely unique custom Chrysler/Bentley Conversion. This car has won 3 car shows and is fully loaded. A true vintage/contemporary feel. You'll LOVE THIS ONE!!

Exterior Features:

• Chrome Striping
• 22" Pazoni Wheels
• Continental removable kit made in Argentina
• Side Drop Skirts
• MGM Continental/Bentley Grill
• High Intensity Head Lamps

Performance:

• Automatic Transmission
• V8 5.7L Hemi Engine (High Performance)

Interior:

• Gray Italian Leather
• Boston Acoustic Sound System
• Factory Navigation System
• Climate Control Air/Heat
• 6-way power Sun Roof
• California Walnut Upgrade
• Heated, Power, Lumbar, Memory Seats

Car History:

• 2nd owner is seller
• Current owner purchased @ 7000 miles
• Excellent Service History
• Clean Carfax Info
• Transferrable Warranty - 10 years, 100K miles
• Initial investment $45,000
• Kit investment $25,00
• 22,000 miles

Via: ebay

Toyota Launches 7-Seater 'Vanguard' SUV in Japan

If you’re thinking RAV4, then you’re right on. But not the European RAV4. See, the Vanguard SUV is basically a slightly redesigned version of the US spec Toyota RAV4 with three rows of seats that can accommodate seven passengers. Like the European RAV4, the Japanese version of Toyota’s mid-size SUV is shorter in length than the RAV4 sold in the States (4,395 mm vs 4,599 mm) and it’s only offered with two rows of seats. Toyota's new 7seater SUV will go on sale in Japan from Sep. 8 and it will be offered with two engines plants, a 2.4L and a 3.5L V6 unit. -Press release and pics after the jump

Press Release

Tokyo — TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) announced today the nationwide launch in Japan of the "Vanguard", a new mid-size SUV, through "Toyopet" dealers and "Toyota Corolla" dealers.

The Vanguard is a new luxury-class mid-size SUV with a high degree of mobility and power to spare. Not only does it offer a superb driving performance based on exceptional handling and cruising stability, it features styling that reflects refined urban settings and provides a truly pleasant experience to drivers and passengers alike.

A 3.5-liter V6 engine and Active Torque Control 4WD combine with S-VSC (Steering-assisted Vehicle Stability Control) to provide power, handling and stability along with one of the best environmental and safety performances in its class*. The Vanguard benefits from interior and exterior design cues that achieve a sense of strength and quality, as well as three rows of seats that can accommodate seven passengers within a roomy and highly practical interior space.

*Compared to vehicles of similar engine displacement

Sales Outline

Sales channels "Toyopet" and "Toyota Corolla" dealers nationwide in Japan

Monthly sales targets in Japan 2,500 units

Dealer launch events September 8 and 9, 2007

Vehicle Outline

Interior and Exterior Designs Combine Strength and Quality

• The Vanguard's interior and exterior designs are based on the Toyota brand design philosophy "Vibrant Clarity", which is suited to active urban lifestyles.
• A strong sense of discerning and sophisticated individuality is expressed through its SUV sturdiness.

Exterior

• The front features slim, robust headlights that curve around to the side of the vehicle, while the integrated fender and bumper express stability. The hood has two sculpted lines that combine with distinctive fog lights to convey both strength and refinement.
• The side creates a silhouette that flows smoothly from the hood to the roof and the rear spoiler.
• The rear displays stability with a bumper that extends to the side, while the combination of taillights with clear lenses and LED lamps convey a sense of quality.

Interior

• The two-tiered instrument panel emphasizes the expansive breadth of the interior, as well as the openness and comfort of the cabin space.
• The bronze-tone finish used on the center console and door trim evokes a strong sense of refinement and quality.
• A combination of real leather and Alcantara®*, a leading international brand of suede-like artificial leather, is used on the seats. Meticulous attention to the feel and comfort of the seats expresses an unobtrusive quality.

* "Alcantara" is a registered trademark of Toray Industries, Inc

Roomy, Practical and Comfortable Interior

• Three-row seat models for accommodating seven occupants and two-row seat models for five occupants are available.
• The third row of seats in the three-row seat models can be stored under the floor to create a roomy rear cargo space.
• The second row of seats (with reclining function) have backrests that fold in a 60/40 split and a "super tilt-down" mechanism that allows both the seat cushions and the backrests to fold down to create a nearly flat luggage space. Vehicles with two rows of seats feature release levers located on the sides of the rear cargo space, easily accessible after opening the hatch door, making it possible to retract the second row of seats.
• By making components below the floor slimmer, and by installing the rear shock absorbers at an angle, the opening to the luggage space has been placed close to the ground and the luggage space made wider, which facilitates the loading and unloading of cargo.
• The HDD navigation system (compatible with G-Book mX and G-Book mX Pro telematics services) is equipped with advanced navigation features, including "Map on Demand" for updating the navigation system maps with the latest information, as well as a variety of multimedia functions.
• The Smart Entry & Start System uses a key that does not need to be removed from the driver's pocket to lock and unlock the doors, as well as a push button for starting the engine.
• The interior features three independent, large Optitron Meters with excellent visibility and fully automatic independent temperature controls (with temperature sensors) for the driver's and passenger's side, complete with a pollen-removal mode that filters out pollen, dust and other impurities from the air.

Superior Cruising Performance that Enhances the Fun of Driving

• The 3.5-liter V6 2GR-FE engine is combined with 5 Super ECT (Super Intelligent Electronically-controlled, Five-speed Automatic Transmission) for smooth and powerful acceleration and cruising with power to spare.
• The 2.4-liter 2AZ-FE engine achieves high torque at low and medium speeds for stable cruising and smooth acceleration at high speeds. The engine is paired with Super CVT-i (Super Continuously Variable Transmission-intelligent) and a seven-speed Sports Sequential Shiftmatic transmission that provides the feel of a manual transmission, to achieve high fuel efficiency and smooth cruising.
• Adopted as standard equipment on all vehicles in the series is Active Torque Control 4WD, which distributes optimum torque to the front and rear wheels depending on driving status, such as vehicle speed and road surface conditions. The system is integrated with S-VSC (Steering-assisted Vehicle Stability Control), which optimally balances driving power, steering and braking, to achieve stable driving regardless of road conditions.
• A newly designed suspension and a highly rigid body provide excellent handling and cruising stability as well as a comfortable ride.
• A "4WD LOCK" mode on vehicles fitted with the 3.5-liter engine maximizes the allocation of power to the rear wheels, enhancing driving in mud and on poor or unfinished road surfaces.

Class-leading Environmental and Safety Performance

• The 2.4-liter models boast a fuel efficiency of 12.6km/l in the 10-15 test cycle outlined by the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MLIT) with CO² emissions under the test cycle just 184g/km, achieving fuel efficiency that exceeds by 20% the level called for by Japan's 2010 standards*. Both NOx (nitrogen oxides) and NMHC (non-methane hydrocarbons) have also been reduced, meaning all models achieve emissions levels 75% lower than the 2005 standards under MLIT's Approval System for Low-emission Vehicles.
• Eco-VAS (Eco-Vehicle Assessment System)—Toyota's original comprehensive environmental impact assessment system—was implemented to efficiently achieve overall reduction of environmental impact throughout the vehicle's entire lifecycle. Environmental targets were set in the initial vehicle development stage and a life cycle assessment was carried out to achieve a reduction of air contaminants and CO², etc., throughout all stages of the vehicle's life from production and use to disposal.
• A review of the materials, processing methods and adhesives used for interior parts resulted in a reduction in the amount of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) used, thereby also reducing the unpleasant odors emitted from such compounds and achieving the Japanese automobile industry's voluntary goals.
• An Eco Driving Indicator lights up when the vehicle is being efficiently operated to raise the driver's awareness of environmentally considerate driving and, thus, contribute to higher fuel efficiency.
• The new vehicle adopts an advanced GOA (Global Outstanding Assessment) collision-safety body that has been further developed to meet stricter than normal conditions by incorporating the concept of omni-directional compatibility. Through the use of a body that effectively absorbs collision impact by diffusing it throughout its structure, Toyota satisfied all independent targets for survival space and occupant injury.
• The body structure has been developed to further reduce pedestrian head injuries in an effort to achieve one of the highest levels of injury prevention in its class.
• Front seat SRS side airbags and SRS curtain shield airbags that cover the front and rear seats come standard on all vehicles in the series.
• The front-seat structures are based on the WIL (Whiplash Injury Lessening) concept and come with stronger seat frames and greater backrest give. They were designed based on analyses using THUMS (Total Human Model for Safety), incorporating a structural design that reduces stress on the neck during low-speed rear impact.

Eat Your Cereal And Win A Ford Mustang, Edge or F-150...

Starting off from Labor Day Weekend (Sep. 1), Target stores in the US will be packed with Kellogg’s cereals featuring hot shots of the Ford Mustang, Edge and F-150. As part of the promotion with Kellogg's, Hot Wheels and Target, Ford will give away one of each vehicle in a contest involving Hot Wheels collector cards. As you might have guessed, to win one of the cars you’ll have to consume or simply buy (…) a lot of cereals in order to gather three specific colors of a vehicle. Of course, while some of the cards are available in great numbers, others are rare. Personally, I dislike promo contests like this one, but I guess it’ll get the job done for Ford. -Press release and images after the jump

BREAKFAST WITH THE FORD MUSTANG, EDGE AND F-150 - “THEY’RE GR-R-REAT!”

• · Ford’s best lineup ever gets better with new models to be featured on the country’s most popular cereal boxes through unique promotion with Kellogg’s ®, Hot Wheels ® and Target ®.
• · Consumers have a chance to win a Ford Mustang, Edge or F-150 by purchasing Ford-sponsored Kellogg’s ® cereals beginning Labor Day Weekend.

DEARBORN, Mich., Aug. 29, 2007 – Customers are saying “They’re gr-r-reat!” to Ford’s best lineup of vehicles ever, including the Ford Mustang, Edge and F-150 that are about to hit breakfast tables nationwide as part of a promotion with Kellogg’s ®, Hot Wheels ® and Target ® stores beginning Labor Day Weekend. Hot shots of these vehicles will grace more than one million packages of Kellogg’s ® most popular cereals – including Tony the Tiger’s world-famous Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes ® – that will be sold exclusively at Target stores. Ford also will give away one of each vehicle in a contest involving Hot Wheels collector cards, available in the specially-marked boxes.

“Ford’s iconic Mustang and F-150 are being joined by hot new entries such as the Edge and turning customers’ heads with great designs, safety, quality and innovation,” said Killol Bhuta, Sports Car marketing manager. “The goal of this unique promotion is to get more customers to test drive these great vehicles because once they do, they more likely will drive away in a Ford.”

The new promotion builds on the success of a similar contest with the Ford Fusion in summer 2007 as the legendary Mustang and F-150 are expected to stir more interest in collecting the boxes and vehicle cards. Like the Fusion last year, the Edge is as an all-new entry that Ford is targeting directly at young families who drive the cereal business.

Play Your Cards Right

To win, consumers must purchase special, Ford-marked boxes of Kellogg’s Froot Loops ®, Apple Jacks ®, Frosted Flakes ®, Cocoa Krispies ®, Corn Pops ® or the newest Kellogg’s cereal, Hot Wheels ®. Inside each box is a Hot Wheels collector card with a picture of one of the vehicles.

The F-150 will be awarded to the person who collects one each of the red, black and silver Ford F-150 cards. The Ford Edge winner will be the one who collects one each of the red, blue and rust Edge cards, and the Mustang will go to the person who turns in the red, silver and orange Mustang cards. While some of the cards are numerous, others are rare.

The promotion, which begins in September, is exclusive to Target stores and will be supported by weekly print ads and in-store advertising. The boxes also contain a Target coupon for a free Ford-model Hot Wheels basic car.

“We see this as a win-win promotion for all of our partners; Ford, Hot Wheels and Target,” said Mark Rose, Kellogg customer marketing associate director. “It drives traffic to Target stores for Kellogg’s cereals and exposes consumers not only to Hot Wheels but to the latest Ford products as well.”

Cereal Is Big Business

Americans spend more than $7.5 billion a year on cereal. It’s the third most popular item sold in grocery stores after soft drinks and milk.

Since it was introduced in the early 1900s, the cereal package has been used as an alternative form of marketing. Kellogg’s estimates the cereal box is read an average of five times in a typical household. And it’s not just part of a morning ritual for kids.

“Breakfast cereal is more popular than it’s ever been, and it’s way outside the grade school kid-market,” said David Hoffman, author of the book “The Breakfast Cereal Gourmet,” a history of some of our favorite cereals.

“Twenty and 30-somethings also eat cereals like Froot Loops, Frosted Flakes and Cocoa Krispies,” he added. “It’s a throwback to Saturday mornings in front of the television. It has a huge comfort factor.”

Ford’s Best Lineup Ever

Ford is aggressively adding to its best lineup ever with more new 2008 models, features and options while building on a quality record that J.D. Power & Associates recently reported is essentially equal to Toyota’s. The 2008 Ford Edge crossover will continue to energize the Ford brand after becoming the top-seller in America’s hottest vehicle segment only months after introduction.

The Edge’s modern styling is matched by the spirited performance, fuel efficiency and smooth, quiet ride from its 265-horsepower V-6 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission. New for the 2008 model, Edge offers Ford Sync™ – an industry-exclusive, voice-activated, hands-free, in-car communications and entertainment system. The available system, developed in collaboration with Microsoft, fully integrates mobile phones and media players into the vehicle using Bluetooth technology and USB connectivity.

The 2008 Ford Mustang charges into the 2008 model year to build on one of the greatest automotive sales success stories of all time. Nearly one out of every two sports cars sold in America is a Mustang. The 2008 Mustang offers two new Shelby Mustangs, including the Shelby GT 500KR – the most powerful production Ford Mustang ever with an estimated 540-horsepower 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 – that returns in spring 2008 to mark the 40th Anniversary of the original “King of the Road” Mustang.

The 2008 Ford F-150 half-ton pickup is the capability leader in its segment with best-in-class payload and towing capacities, building on the successful formula that has helped Ford sell more than 32 million F-Series trucks since its 1948 debut. It has also been the best-selling truck in America for 30 years running and the best-selling vehicle for 25 years in a row. Ford is adding to an unmatched lineup of more than 60 unique F-Series offerings with the most powerful Ford truck ever – the 450-horsepower 2008 Ford F-150 Harley-Davidson™ 105 th Anniversary edition that celebrates the humble beginnings of the famed automaker and motorcycle producer in 1903.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 260,000 employees and about 100 plants worldwide, the company’s core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.fordvehicles.com.

About the Kellogg Company

With 2006 sales of almost $11 billion, Kellogg Company (NYSE:K) is the world’s leading producer of cereal and a leading producer of convenience foods, including cookies, crackers, toaster pastries, fruit snacks, cereal bars, frozen waffles, and veggie foods. The company’s brands include Kellogg’s, Keebler, Pop-Tarts, Eggo, Cheez-It, Nutri-Grain, Rice Krispies, Murray, Austin, Morningstar Farms, Famous Amos, Carr’s, Plantation, Ready Crust and Kashi. Kellogg products are manufactured in 17 countries and marketed in more than 180 countries around the world. For more information, visit Kellogg’s Web site at www.kelloggcompany.com.

2008 Chevrolet Malibu Prices Announced

Chevy came out today with the price list for its all-new 2008 Malibu sedan lineup that will arrive in dealerships this November. Prices kick off at $19,995 for the base LS that’s equipped with a 169Hp 4-cylinder 2.4L and go all the way up to $26,995 for the 253 Hp 3.6 V6 LTZ. In between there’s the 1LT and 2LT trim levels that are priced at $20,955 and $22,635 respectively while the (mild) hybrid version of the Malibu gets a $22,790 sticker. -Details in Chevy’s press release after the jump

All-New 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Delivers A Lot Of Value Starting At $19,995

CHICAGO – Chevrolet today announced pricing for its all-new 2008 Malibu midsize sedan lineup, with MSRPs starting at $19,995 for the base LS and for the first time, a hybrid for $22,790. The Malibu continues to drive home Chevy’s commitment to dependable, fun-to-drive cars packed with value.

“When we debuted Malibu at the North American International Auto show in January, we promised that its $40,000 looks would cost half as much,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. “Well, we’ve kept our word. Customers will see everything we’ve packed into a sedan starting under $20 grand and think there’s a typo on the sticker.”

Malibu is built to be the best midsize car in the market, having been benchmarked against the top names in the class and loaded with standard features that many competitors don’t offer at any price. The design team focused on the attributes that mattered most to midsize car buyers such as families and commuters.

All Malibus are equipped with a long list of standard features, including six air bags (dual-stage frontal, seat-mounted side-impact thorax and head-curtain side air bags); four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with all-speed traction control; OnStar Gen 7 safety and security system with Turn-by-Turn Navigation; air conditioning; and XM Satellite Radio.

Along with the LS and Hybrid, the Malibu lineup includes the 1LT and 2LT trim levels and the top-of-the-line LTZ. MSRP for the 1LT is $20,955; 2LT, $22,635 and the LTZ, $26,995. All include the $650 destination charge.

Malibu, arriving in dealerships in November, combines fuel efficiency, performance and a long list of standard amenities wrapped in a design that carries the new face of Chevrolet. It features a strong body structure, precise build quality and refined driving dynamics. It is more than three inches longer than its predecessor, with a six-inch-longer (112.3 in / 2,852 mm) wheelbase.

GM’s StabiliTrak electronic stability control system is standard on LT, LTZ and Hybrid models. A number of equipment packages also are available and include features such as power-adjustable pedals, premium seating, uplevel interiors; power equipment groups and a deluxe audio system.

Malibu performance comes from two powerful yet fuel-efficient dual-overhead cam four- and six-cylinder engines, including a standard 169-horsepower (126 kW) 2.4L Ecotec DOHC four-cylinder engine that delivers 30 mpg highway, 22 city (’08 EPA); and an available 252-horsepower (188 kW) 3.6L DOHC V-6 with variable valve timing, rated at 26 mpg highway and 17 city.

The Malibu Hybrid, featuring the affordable GM Hybrid System, also goes on sale in November. Powered by a hybrid version of the 2.4L Ecotec, it is rated at 32 mpg highway and 24 city.

Four-cylinder-equipped models come with a four-speed transmission with overdrive. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard with the 3.6L V-6 and will be available next spring on the four-cylinder-equipped LTZ – the first four-cylinder engine/six-speed transmission combination in the segment.

Other highlights of the redesigned 2008 Chevy Malibu include:

• All-new refined and contemporary exterior with a new grille design and heritage-inspired twin round taillamps
• Upscale interior design with a choice of cloth, suede and leather inside; available two-tone cockpit in a number of color combinations; gauges with Chevrolet blue LED backlighting
• Ambient lighting in areas such as the overhead console and door-pull pockets for a more inviting cabin
• Standard four-wheel independent suspension for a more controlled and confident driving experience
• One of the segment’s quietest, most refined driving experiences, thanks to noise-reducing materials such as a liquid spray-on sound deadener, laminated steel, laminated “quiet glass” and composite wheel liners
• Standard theft-deterrent system for vehicle and contents
• Remote vehicle starting (standard on 2LT and LTZ; available on 1LT) and standard universal home remote on 2LT and LTZ
• TAPshift manual shift control, available on 2LT and standard on LTZ
• Sixteen-inch standard wheels on LS and an available family of large wheels, including 18-inch ultra-bright aluminum polished wheels available on 2LT and standard on LTZ
• Available rear power center includes 110-volt AC adapter with three-prong outlet on 1LT, 2LT and LTZ (included and available only with Rear Power Package)
• Available sunroof on LT and LTZ models
• Premium eight-speaker, 210-watt sound system standard on LTZ and available on 2LT.
• Standard tire-pressure monitoring system

“We strive to offer the best value in every segment where we compete, and midsize cars are not different,” Peper said. “For example, the Chevy Impala has been one of the biggest success stories in this industry during the past two years, gaining more than two points of market share. Now, combined with Malibu, this gives us a solid one-two punch in midsize cars and puts Chevy back into the car game in a big way.”

The Malibu is built at the GM Fairfax Assembly Plant in Kansas City, Kan. The dependability of the 2008 Malibu is backed by GM’s five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, the best protection package in the industry, providing customers with added peace of mind and value during their ownership experience.