Racing: Chevy Picks Impala as NASCAR Model for 2007

Date posted: 10-30-2006

HAMPTON, Ga. — Chevrolet announced Friday at Atlanta Motor Speedway that it will market its Impala model through several races in the 2007 NASCAR Nextel Cup season.

NASCAR will phase in its new-generation racing car, also known as the Car of Tomorrow, in 16 races next season, and Chevrolet teams will use bodies patterned after the Impala four-door sedan rather than the Monte Carlo two-door coupe.

The Monte Carlo has a long history with the racing series. It first saw NASCAR action as a 1971 first-generation model and returned when Chevy resurrected the model in 1995. Monte Carlos will continue to be fielded in the final races for the traditional NASCAR racing car.

What this means to you: The Impala gets the nod as the representative of NASCAR’s controversial new Car of Tomorrow standard.

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NEW YORK — Nissan and designer Marc Ecko recently unveiled the results of their new partnership: a Nissan-inspired line of apparel and accessories, and customized versions of the Pathfinder and Armada.

The Ecko-customized Nissan Pathfinder is inspired by ecko unltd.’s “street-smart swagger,” the automaker said in a statement. It features smoothed wheelwells, a modified grille and a custom black-and-gray camouflage paint job. The interior includes seamless black leather, molded wood backs and a glossy center console in Safety Orange.

The customized Nissan Armada features a cream Landau roof, laser-etched rims and Safety Orange side panels. The interior is equipped with premium cream-and-tan calfskin leathers with heavy-contrast stitching.

Ecko also designed limited-edition, co-branded pullover anoraks, T-shirts, leather key chains and other items that will be sold online through www.ecko.com. Proceeds from the sales will benefit Sweat Equity Enterprises, a nonprofit organization that works with at-risk teens to teach them professional design and technology skills.

Both Ecko-modified Nissans will be on display at2006 SEMA.

Marc Ecko is the youngest member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America.

What this means to you: Look for other automakers to jump on this “double label” bandwagon.

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I Have 7 Perfect Honda Civics For Sale all 1999’s. I’m asking $9,500 for all 7 or best offer. Thank you - 1 lineitem valued at $7,000

Complete Lot Consisting Of 7 Honda Civics

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SYDNEY — Ford Australia has used the Australian International Motor Show here to launch two luxury performance models, the Force 6 and the Force 8, from its performance division, Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV).

Both are variants of FPV’s newly introduced BF Falcon MkII lineup.

The Force 6 version, priced at $54,975 (U.S.), is powered by FPV’s turbo six that makes 362 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The Force 8 has the quad-cam 5.4-liter Boss 290 V8 that makes 389 hp and 384 pound-feet of torque. That model costs the equivalent of $55,285 in the U.S. Both come with a ZF six-speed automatic transmission.

Australian pundits are characterizing the Force 6 and Force 8 as appealing to executives who want a high-performance car with less flashy looks.

What this means to you: Ford Australia is keeping up with GM Holden in the performance-variant stakes. Australia is really where a lot of interesting stuff for Motown is happening.

[Source] Edmunds

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Posted Oct 28th 2006 8:41PM by Damon Lavrinc

The man from our favorite kind of road received the new MINI’s pricing from a Deep Throat within the automaker. The pricing is printed below, but the short-and-sweet version is simple: a $700 increase on the Cooper and a $400 increase on ‘S’ models. That’s not entirely out of line, considering the upgraded interior and extra performance of the new model.

Current Cooper (2006) – Base MSRP: $17,450 + $550 D&H = $18,000
New Cooper (2007) –Base MSRP: $18,050 + $650 D&H = $18,700

Current Cooper S (2006) –Base MSRP: $20,900 + $550 D&H = $21,450
New Cooper S (2007) –Base MSRP: $21,200 + $650 D&H = $21,850

No word yet on how much the JCW package will set you back, but don’t expect it before 2008. You’ll probably see a press release soon.

[Source: Winding Road]

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Posted Oct 29th 2006 8:08AM by Alex Nunez

Anyone who’s gotten married or has had to arrange for chauffeur-driven transportation for an event knows that with the hourly rates limo services charge, the bill adds up in a hurry. James Alice, a UK car-for-hire firm, built its reputation hiring out high-end cars such as the Bentley Arnage, BMW 7 Series, and an Aston Martin DB7 Vantage Volante, primarily for wedding use, based on what’s detailed on the company’s website.

James Alise is ready to turn the conventional wisdom on it’s head, however, by adding a new service. They will provide customers with a chauffeur-driven Arnage for a week. The cost? A flat £2,000. Want the Bimmer instead (why anyone would is a good question)? That’s just £1,750. Those prices include unlimited mileage. The only cost above and beyond the stated rate is for fuel.

So if you’re heading to the St. Ives area and want to roll in ultimate style, these folks will be able to accomodate you.

[Source: Auto Industry]

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