You read correctly, the chief test driver and essentially the godfather of the LFA died behind the wheel of a special edition LFA today.  Colliding head on with two other test drivers who were in a BMW.  The two BMW drivers are in critical condition while Hiromu Naruse (67), the driver of the LFA died behind the wheel.  The LFA is the upcoming LFA Nurburgring Edition which was recently spotted on the Nurburgring for testing.  A moment of silence please.

Video of the scene is after the jump.

Source- AutoBlog

Episode 29 starts with introducing this weeks guest Drew Dowdell owner of CheersandGears.  Moving into the garage we talk about the Chevrolet Camaro Colin was in for the past week.  We also take time for a special report on the Local Minneapolis Fisker Karma unveiling that I attended last week.  We then move along to the major news of the week segment.  This week included-

• May Sales
• 2011 Dodge Charger Leaked
• Nissan Leaf will break the EV silence with a digital whistle
• A myriad of GM talk surrounding Ex-CEO Richard Wagoner Jr. and the possibility of a real RWD flagship for Cadillac

We then proceed to the clip of the week segment.  This week we featured Toyota, finally, although indirectly, is now acknowledging their safety failures for the first time in an ad  which Features their new Star Safety System. This system includes ABS, Electronic Stability Control, and the much needed brake over-ride system. (Link)

Next came our main topic which was discussing Mercury’s death and Lincoln’s future.

Last we discuss we plug our respective blogs, Cheers and Gears,  AutoBird Blog and Accelerate Mpls.

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Episode 27 starts in the garage where we talk about the 2010 Dodge Challenger SRT8 I was in for the past week.  We quickly discuss MAMA as I am now part of this group and will be attending the spring rally this week.  We then move along to the major news of the week segment.  This week included-

• Behind the Chevrolet marketing shift
• Susan Docherty given new role at GM
• Top 10 cars for America’s youth
• IIHS: Small electric cars and minitrucks such in crashes

Next came our main topics which we have a discussion about the Toyota and Tesla tie up and the GM & Chrysler’s potential IPO.

Last we discuss we plug our respective blogs, Cheers and Gears,  AutoBird Blog and Accelerate Mpls.

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So this lonely police Dodge Charger is having an identity crisis.  This is obviously equipped with the Hemi V8 based on the dual exhaust.  Though the Honda V6 badge and the Ford flex fuel badges are a bit misleading.  That and the Hybrid badge makes no sense seeing as there is no such thing as a hybrid Dodge Charger.  The best part?  This vehicle lives in the great state of California, also known as the home of the Toyota Prius.

Source- Blue Line Forums

Toyota paid the hefty fine of $16.4 million today for the delayed recall of the 2.3 million vehicles affected by the gas pedal fiasco.  Interesting to note is that this is the largest safety fine in history.  While Toyota did pay the fine they denied wrong doing (of course they did).   The payment was paid in full via an electronic transfer to the U.S. Treasury.  The payment will not go to NHTSA rather it will be going to the general fun that will be used to pay off debt.  One has to wonder if this saga is over or if it is just the closing of the chapter.

Source- Detroit News

Image- Lease Trader

It is true!  The first 2011 Buick Regal’s are hitting dealerships now and the first one sold this past weekend.  The car was sold in Elgin, IL by Woody Buick GMC dealership to 44 year old CEO at a manufacturing company.  He traded in an 2007 Saturn Outlook while also considering a Toyota Camry and Audi A4 before purchasing the new Regal.

The new owner stated “The Regal is a superb car to drive on the road, with more of a European feel than any other car we looked at,” said the new owner. “My 15 year-old daughter has already said she wants to take the car to college with her in a few years.”

GM had this to say about the first sale, “We are encouraged to see that the first Regal was sold within 24 hours of hitting the dealership lot,” said Roger McCormack, director of marketing for Buick. “The Regal is the next chapter in Buick’s modern transformation and will continue attracting new buyers to the brand.”

I personally think the Regal stands a good chance at luring more buyers at a lower age range into the Buick showrooms.  Time will tell but everyone that has driven one so far walks away throughly impressed.

Source- GMInsidenews

Ford GT

Another month of spring has come upon us and that means another Cars & Café gathering on a Saturday morning.  The coffee was flowing and everyone seemed very happy to see Kylee from Imola Motorsports pull in with the doughnut holes in the backseat of Kevin’s M5.  This month, rain was not in the forecast and the cars started flowing in early and fast.  By 8:30 the lot was full and people were already parking cars up on the hill.

My Father & My 300ZX

Some of the notable cars from last month made repeat appearances including the VW Bus and the Scion XB with the LED lights.  In fact, the XB parked next to our 300ZX.  On Friday night I saw a Subaru WRX that looked like it was on its way to a rally but, in fact, it was being pulled out of where it is kept for Cars and Café.  The WRX was literally kitted out and looked rally ready.  Two really nice last generation Toyota Supra’s were in attendance along with two Ford GT’s that seem to be regulars at the event.  Two Audi R8 V10′s pulled in along with two 4.2 V8 models.  Of course the myriad of Porsches, Audi’s and Mercedes were lined up.  Two BMW 8 Series made it out along with an M Coupe.  A custom 1978 Porsche 924 was revealed at the show and I must say it looked terrific.

Audi R8 V10

Custom 1978 Porsche 924

The AutoMotorPlex has been hard at work on newest build out of new buildings.  They are in the process of building out new garages currently.  As you can see in the picture, it looks like the heated floors are being laid out now (that is just a guess).

This month the organizers had something special in store. Many left the AutoMotorPlex for the first annual drag day immediately after the event.  The group traveled to Eau Claire, WI to Rock Falls Raceway.  Sadly, I could not attend due to a prior commitment though I heard it was a blast.

With more cars than last month and terrific weather, we are already off to a great start to the season.  Next month promises to be even better as the weather warms up more.

Episode 25 starts with introducing this weeks guest William Maley also known as realmudmonster on Twitter.  Moving into the garage we talk about the Chevrolet Malibu LTZ I was in for the past week along with the Porsche Panamera 4S sitting in my driveway.  We then move along to the major news of the week segment.  This week included-

• Alfa Romeo’s return to the U.S.
• Progress for automakers after losses
• Top Gear coming to the USA

We then proceed to the clip of the week segment.  This week we featured the new Ford Super Duty Kumbaya clip. (Link)

Next came our main topic which was discussing a poll about more Americans saying U.S. cars top Asian autos.

Last we discuss we plug our respective blogs, Cheers and Gears,  AutoBird Blog and Accelerate Mpls.

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Episode 24 starts with introductions including Justin Loyear from Cheers and Gears and this weeks guest William Maley also known as realmudmonster on Twitter.  Moving into the garage we talk about the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon I was in for the past week along with the Chevrolet Equinox Colin was in.  We then move along to the major news of the week segment.  This week included-

• New Fuel Economy Standards Still Use Old EPA Test
• Consumer Reports Flags 2010 Lexus GX 460
• Toyota Recalls 600,000 Sienna Minivans
• Saab had to foot the bill for the BLS
• Marchionne’s Chrysler may not survive as it exists today, analyst says

We then proceed to the clip of the week segment.  This week we featured a Toyota Avalon plane TV commercial. (Link)

Next came our main topic which was discussing ideas you would like to see on a Ford?

Last we discuss the past week on our respective blogs, Cheers and Gears,  AutoBird Blog and Accelerate Mpls.  The week in review included- my editorial on negativity in the auto industry and my review of the 2010 Chevrolet Silverado.  Cheers and Gears had a post on a new Subaru Legacy commercial.  Colin had a post about by the numbers in Germany.

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Episode 22 starts by introducing our newest member to the AutoBird Podcast team, Justin Loyear joining us from Cheers and Gears.  Moving into the garage we talk about the Buick Enclave I was in for the past week.  We then move along to the major news of the week segment.  This week included-

• Hyundai Hands Equus Owners iPad Instead of Car Manual/ Hyundai Plans Revamped Dealership Experience for Equus Customers
• Mazda Sky Engines Promise Diesel in 2012/ Mazda licenses Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive
• March Sales numbers: Toyota way up

Next came our main topics which their were quite a few but they all centered on the New York Auto Show.  This week the topics included discussion on the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid & Sonata Turbo, 2011 Kia Optima/Forte Hatch/Sportage, Scions, 2011 Nissan Juke, Chevrolet Cruze Eco and RS, 2011 Hyundai Equus, and last but certainly not least the 2011 Infiniti QX56.

Last we discuss the past week on our respective blogs, Cheers and Gears,  AutoBird Blog and Accelerate Mpls.  The week in review included- my updated  Name That Car: Sebring or 200C, Innovative Ford Fiesta Movement Campaign Stirs Interest, and Name That Car: Dodge Durango or Magnum.  Justin had a post on the March sales numbers along with a short recap of the New York Auto Show.  Colin had posts on Top 20 Vehicles in March and a post about Craigslist Confessionals by the one and only William Maley.

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