George Barris, ‘King of the Kustomizers,’ joins fellow automotive geniuses Jimmy Shine and “Mad Mike” Martin as judges for SPEED’s new all-star build show, Car Warriors, set to premiere Feb. 23 at 9 p.m. ET.

The one-hour weekly series, shot on a purpose-built set developed on the grounds of Ted Moser’s famed Picture Car Warehouse in Northridge, Ca., features a hand-picked, eight-person All-Star automotive team taking on shops from around the country in a pressure-packed, 72-hour restoration project, matching wits, skills and stamina on a wide variety of vehicles. Barris, Shine and Martin review the results and determine the winning team.

“The time frame will be their biggest challenge,” Barris said. “The teams need to be prepared to work around the clock with little break. It’s tiresome… they are going to have coffee coming out of their ears in order to allow them to stay awake, focused and driven to win.”

Gone is the heat of summer, replaced by cool nights and mornings. Soon, many areas of the country will be faced with consistently chilly, even sub-freezing temperatures.

This time of year serves as a reminder that a drop in tire inflation pressures corresponds with the falling thermometer readings. Goodyear experts explain that air pressure in a tire typically goes down 1-2 pounds for every 10 degrees of temperature change.

continue reading "As Temperature Drops, So Does Tire Inflation"

Nationwide Insurance teamed up with NASCAR drivers Kenny Wallace and Brad Coleman to raise awareness among Texas teens about DWD – Driving While Distracted.

“When our three daughters started driving my wife and I took it very seriously. Each went through driver’s education programs, but we also taught them safe driving on our own,” said Wallace, driver of the No. 28 U.S. Border Patrol Chevy in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. “The most important thing to me is that they are safe drivers who are very aware of their surroundings when they are in the car.”

continue reading "DWD – Driving While Distracted"

Do you plan a first time trip to New York? You wonder what attractions are in the New York? If it is a long trip you can make your own plan but if you have just few days to spend in New York you need a professional help.

continue reading "Bus tours in New York"

Harley-Davidson is inviting people worldwide to become a part of the Harley-Davidson Museum family through its new Membership program. Opening its doors in July 2008, the Harley-Davidson Museum is offering several membership levels, and those who join the Museum by June 1, 2008 will be invited to a pre-grand opening preview of the Museum, subject to capacity. All who have signed up in 2008 will forever be known as “Founding Members.”

Museum members will receive exclusive benefits and privileges reserved for those who want access to the back roads of the Harley-Davidson experience. Special access to a members-only Web site and exclusive events throughout the year are just a few of many exciting benefits. In addition, members will enjoy perks not available to the general public, such as behind-the-scenes information on Museum exhibits, “fast lane” admission to the Museum, a discount at the retail store and a members-only dog tag.

continue reading "Harley-Davidson Museum family"

Consumers pick favorite vehicles at The Chicago Auto Show in five categories:

Winners in the contest’s five categories were:

Best All-New Production Vehicle: Dodge Challenger
Best Concept Vehicle: Cadillac CTS Coupe
Best Chicago Auto Show World Introduction: Dodge Challenger
Best Exhibit: Chevrolet
Vehicle I’d most like to have in my driveway: Chevrolet Camaro “Bumblebee”

The 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) is proud to announce the second annual Photo Contest sponsored by WWJ Newsradio 950.

On Tuesday, Jan. 22, visitors with a camera and an auto show ticket will be able to attend the show an hour early (8 a.m.), giving them unprecedented access to photograph the show for the photo contest.

“Last year’s inaugural contest was a huge success and we are very excited to once again partner with WWJ Newsradio 950 to provide this unique opportunity to NAIAS attendees,” said Carl Galeana, senior co-chairman for the NAIAS 2008. “The contest not only allows show attendees early access to the show floor for photo opportunities, but their photos will be posted on the NAIAS Web site and prizes will be awarded for the most outstanding photos.”

Photos must be taken with a camera (camera phones do not qualify). Photos can be submitted from Tuesday, Jan. 22 through Sunday, Jan. 27, but participants are only allowed early entry on Tuesday, Jan. 22, through the Oakland entrance. Participants will be able to upload their photos on www.naias.com, browse photos from other participants and enter to win an official framed NAIAS 2008 poster.

The Thailand Customs Department crushed a Bt40 million Ferrari to metal scraps to prevent “car laundering”.

Lexus announced manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) today for the 2008 RX 400h hybrid luxury utility vehicle, SC 430 luxury hardtop convertible, GX 470 premium luxury utility vehicle, IS 250/350 luxury sport sedans, ES 350 luxury sedan, and LS 460 premium luxury sedan. Each model will go on sale in September.

For 2008, the RX 400h hybrid luxury utility vehicle receives several styling enhancements including a restyled front grille design, new exterior chrome door handles, a new finish on the five-spoke, 18-inch wheels, and a color-keyed rear spoiler. The world’s first luxury utility hybrid also receives seven new exterior colors including Smoky Granite Mica, Golden Almond Metallic, Classic Silver Metallic, Breakwater Blue Metallic, Brandy Wine Mica, Desert Sage Metallic and Matador Red Mica.

The base MSRP for the RX 400h with front-wheel-drive will remain unchanged at $41,180. The price of the all-wheel-drive RX 400h also remains unchanged from 2007 at $42,580.

The SC 430 luxury hardtop convertible carries over unchanged for the 2008 model year. The base MSRP for the 2008 SC 430 also remains unchanged at $65,455.

The 2008 GX 470 also receives additional styling upgrades including a new dark metallic finish on the front grille, chrome roof rack side rails, liquid graphite on the standard 17-inch alloy wheels, a clear rear combination lamp turn signal lens cover, and two new colors — Salsa Red Pearl and Desert Sage metallic. Inside, the GX 470 receives a new Brown Walnut wood trim and a chrome finish on the front door speaker grilles. Additional changes were also made on the optional Sport Package where the carpeting, third-seat latch and cargo hook will now be black.

The 2008 GX 470 will carry a base MSRP of $46,815, an increase of $180, or 0.4 percent. Additionally, the price of the popular Third Row Seat with Rear Air Conditioner option significantly reduced by $1,545 and will now be offered at $485.

The 2008 IS 250 and 350 features a new finish to its standard 17-inch wheels for a sportier appearance. Additional upgrades include backlighting on the outside power mirror control, white illuminated scuff plates and an additional coin holder.

The base MSRP for the IS 250 with a manual transmission will be $30,455, an increase of $200, or 0.7 percent. The IS 250 with an automatic transmission will carry a base MSRP of $31,625, up $200, or 0.6 percent. The IS 250 with all-wheel-drive and an automatic transmission will carry a base MSRP of $34,085, a price reduction of $200, or 0.6 percent. The IS 350 will be base priced at $35,905, an increase of $200, or 0.6 percent.

For 2008 the Lexus ES 350 receives restyled outside rear-view mirrors for a sleeker look. Inside, the ES adds two rear personal lamps for added passenger convenience.

The ES 350 will carry a base MSRP of $33,720, an increase of $250, or 0.7 percent.

Launched in the fall of 2006, the all-new LS 460 and LS 460 L have received overwhelming accolades and enjoyed spectacular consumer acceptance. For the 2008 model year, the LS will carry over unchanged with the exception of one new exterior color, Opaline Pearl. The long wheelbase LS 460 L offers a new Air Suspension package that includes 19-inch five-spoke alloy wheels with 245/45R19 all-season tires, Variable Gear Ratio Steering and Adaptive Variable Air Suspension.

The 2008 LS 460 will have a base MSRP of $61,500, an increase of $500, or 0.8 percent. The base MSRP for the LS 460 L will be $71,500, an increase of $500, or 0.7 percent.

Nintendo announce a partnership with Roush Fenway Racing and NASCAR Nextel Cup driver Greg Biffle. Biffle will debut the Wii-themed Ford Fusion at Watkins Glen in August and then provide an encore performance at Dover’s Monster Mile in September. Nintendo’s partnership with Roush Fenway Racing is the company’s first endeavor with NASCAR and it is excited about the possibilities it brings.

“Partnering with Roush Fenway Racing further demonstrates how Wii is bringing gaming to the masses,” says George Harrison, Nintendo of America’s senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. “Like going to a NASCAR race, playing Wii is a family event. Everyone can enjoy Wii regardless of his or her gaming knowledge and experience.”

Biffle has one Nextel Cup and two Busch Series wins at Dover International Speedway as well as one Craftsman Truck Series win at Watkins Glen. Biffle looks to improve upon those stats in the Wii Ford Fusion later this season.

“I’m excited about this partnership with Nintendo and the Wii system,” said Biffle. “I just got one myself and I love the boxing game. I’ve always been a fan of boxing and with Wii, it’s a workout. I really get into it. I’ll be driving the Wii car at Watkins Glen and Dover. I’ve got a pretty good record at Dover and I’d love to get the Wii car up front in both races.”

Team owner Jack Roush is pleased to add Nintendo to the list of power brands that have chosen Roush Fenway Racing for their entry into the sport.

“We have been fortunate at Roush Fenway Racing to add several well-respected and recognizable brands to our list of sponsors,” said Roush. “The addition of Nintendo’s Wii as a valuable partner to Roush Fenway is an asset sure to produce multiple benefits both on and off the track. I understand this is Nintendo’s first venture in NASCAR and I know our team will do everything in their power to make it a positive one.”