48 Car Back On Top At Daytona

Photo Courtesy of NASCAR.com

One day after over 30 fans were injured in a massive wreck in the Nationwide race, Jimmie Johnson managed to take home his second win in the famous Daytona 500 on his 400th career start. This is a great day for the five-time champion who has not won a championship in two years and has not finished above 20th since his last Daytona 500 win in 2006. Johnson also managed to run 198 laps more than he completed last year when he was crashed out of the 500 on Lap 2.

The 2013 Daytona 500 saw its fair share of wrecks including a wreck on the last lap that broke out as the leaders were entering the backstretch. However, it was nice that NASCAR did not throw the caution allowing the leaders to race back to the checkered flag making for an exciting ending as Dale Earnhardt Jr. almost race his way to a win with Mark Martin behind him pushing.

The race was also a history making day for NASCAR as Danica Patrick broke numerous records including being the first woman to start on the pole at Daytona, the first woman to lead a green flag lap at Daytona and the highest finishing female to ever run the Daytona 500 with an eighth place finish.

The Daytona 500 also marked the first official points event for the new Gen. 6 cars. However, they were fighting a lack of grip throughout the day forcing drivers to remain mostly single file in the upper lanes of the the track.

Besides the last lap wreck, there were a few other moderately sized wrecks during the race including the first on Lap 33 when Kyle Busch got into the back of Kasey Kahne's #5 Chevrolet which checked up for slowing cars. The wreck took out big names such as Tony Stewart and Kevin Harvick, two of the favorites to win the race. A later wreck also took out Carl Edwards who was having a miserable speedweeks where he wrecked five different cars.

On another note, there were also a fair amount of quality issues with the Toyotas with multiple engine issues taking out top-running cars Matt Kenseth and Kyle Busch as they were both leading the field. Martin Truex Jr's Toyota also had its engine fail as well.

The race also had many edge-of-your-seat moments as we saw four and five-wide racing in some parts of the track and a late duel between Jimmie Johnson and Brad Keselowski (who managed to survive two early wrecks albeit with a fair share of front end damage). 

Next week the Sprint cup series is in the desert of Phoenix, Arizona starting at 2:30 EST.

The Top Ten:

 1.  (9) Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet, 200, $1,525,275.
 2. (19) Dale Earnhardt Jr., Chevrolet, 200, $1,104,814.
 3. (14) Mark Martin, Toyota, 200, $817,013.
 4. (15) Brad Keselowski, Ford, 200, $707,855.
 5. (34) Ryan Newman, Chevrolet, 200, $572,771.
 6.  (5) Greg Biffle, Ford, 200, $461,664.
 7. (40) Regan Smith, Chevrolet, 200, $411,822.
 8.  (1) Danica Patrick , Chevrolet, 200, $357,464.
 9. (38) Michael McDowell, Ford, 200, $366,121.
10. (41) JJ Yeley, Chevrolet, 200, $338,738.

Carvana - A Whole New Way To Buy Cars

Carvana - Car Shopping Reinvented

Last night, I was introduced to a new company in the Atlanta area called Carvana. Now for those of you who are not familiar with my background, I specialize in digital marketing as well as automobiles. Because of this, I was extremely interested in Carvana.

The Internet is continuing to grow and online shopping has become the go-to method for shoppers to get what they want without leaving their homes. Previously, online automotive sites would allow you to buy the vehicle but it often required a trip to the dealer to either purchase or pick-up the vehicle. However, that is the past, Carvana is the future.

Carvana offers you the ability to browse, finance and purchase a car from the comfort of your couch. Enter your information and zip code and you are automatically presented with a list of vehicles near you ranging from high-end luxury cars to everyday drivers. After you find the car you want, you can use their financing tool to see the APR, down payment, monthly payment and term length to finance the car through Carvana. Once you purchase the car, it will be delivered directly to your door the following day so you can get out on the open road immediately.

A 2011 BMW 535i on Carvana

My favorite aspect of Carvana is the transparency that comes with each vehicle listed on the site. As you're scrolling through vehicles, you can find out all of the features as well as any imperfections. One such example of this was a beautiful BMW 5 Series I was looking at. The vehicle has a small scratch on the roof that was noted in the 360 degree visual of the car. Additionally, these are the real cars you would be buying, not a stock image of the vehicle. What you see is what you get.

While I am on that topic, each vehicle in the system has a 360 degree view of both the exterior and interior complete with bubbles showing all features and hazard triangles showing any imperfections. This feature gets you up close and personal with the vehicle like you would expect at a dealership visit. Finally, each listed vehicle comes with a free Experian AutoCheck report so you can see the vehicle history.

Now, by this point you are probably thinking, "This is interesting but you cannot truly experience the car without driving it." I could not agree more. The great benefit to this system is that you can purchase the car from Carvana and they will deliver it to your door within a day. If you do not like the car, you have seven days to return it, no questions asked. This is ample time to test out the car and ensure it is to your liking. In the event there is a problem, just return it for a refund.

Regardless of where you're reading this, I encourage you to try out Carvana. I feel this is the way of the future for car buying and I look forward to watching the platform expand in the upcoming months and years.

For more information, check out the press release from Carvana below.

Disclaimer: I have not been paid or compensated by Carvana in any way. However, I would like to note that I have not gone through a purchase with the system.

CARVANA LAUNCHES FIRST 100 PERCENT ONLINE CAR RETAILER IN ATLANTA

Consumers can purchase vehicles in 30 minutes and receive next day delivery

ATLANTA - Jan. 29, 2013 – Carvana announces its launch into the used car market following an exclusive preview at The High Museum of Art on Jan. 28. The first–of-its-kind in the auto industry, Carvana offers potential car buyers the unique opportunity to browse, finance and buy a car entirely online. Carvana.com caters to a wide variety of consumers from car enthusiasts to convenience seekers by simplifying the car buying process with innovative technology and next day delivery.

Carvana is backed by DriveTime, a company with more than $1 billion in revenue and over 20 years’ experience in the car buying and selling market.  With a focus on mid-market and luxury vehicles, Carvana will launch its services in the Atlanta metropolitan area; however, with physical plant operations in Winder, Ga. it has the capacity to serve cities throughout Georgia and the surrounding five states.  With the support of the 7th-largest used car retailer in the country, Carvana will be able to leverage existing infrastructure, in conjunction with its proprietary technology, to expand rapidly across the United States.

“We have the ambition and fresh perspective of a start-up paired with the experience, infrastructure, and knowledge gained from our prior work and partnership with DriveTime,” says Carvana President, Ernie Garcia. “We are excited to introduce an entirely new concept into the car industry and breathe new life into the car buying experience.”

According to a recent survey conducted by Accenture’s Automotive Industry Group, 88 percent of potential car buyers want clearer online pricing and 94 percent would consider purchasing a car entirely online, from search to delivery. Carvana plans to capture this audience by offering a drastically different car buying experience, one that eliminates hours of haggling, waiting and frustration and replaces it with a simple, always on and relaxed process with added savings to the customer.

“Physical car dealerships have high overhead costs that are passed onto the consumer during the car buying process,” explains Garcia.  “Carvana eliminates physical overhead and replaces it with a consumer-friendly technology, creating a 360 degree online experience that gives complete control to the customer.”

Transparency and technological innovation are two key differentiators between the Carvana experience and the average used car purchase process. Carvana.com features notable advancements in photography, by providing high-definition 360 degree interior and exterior views, where consumers can take a vehicle for a virtual spin.  Carvana’s online platform simplifies the financing process by allowing consumers to manipulate down payment and monthly payment options to instantly formulate a payment plan unique to them.  

“As the first complete online auto retailer, we pride ourselves on our transparency and ease of use,” Garcia notes.  “Customers can experience our patent-pending, state of the art photography system and benefit from a unique and dynamic pricing and finance model so when they come to Carvana, what they see is truly what they get.”

Carvana’s Winder facility currently boasts a 150-car inventory with plans to increase this on a monthly basis throughout 2013.  All vehicles in inventory are less than three years old and include an Experian Autocheck report.  In addition, a majority of the vehicles maintain their original manufacturer warranty and come with full disclosure of any functional or cosmetic damage. All Carvana vehicles are backed by a 7-day, no-questions-asked Test Buy return policy.

###

About Carvana

Carvana was founded on the principle belief that car buying should be a quick and painless process.  By leveraging advances in technology against the costly overhead it takes to maintain a traditional dealership, Carvana is able to transfer savings on to the customer.  By increasing transparency and efficiency, Carvana puts the car buying experience back into the hands of the consumer. For further information, please visit www.carvana.com.

GM Reveals 2014 Corvette Stingray and Z51

The first all-new Corvette since the C5 in 1996 has been officially revealed to the press tonight at an event in Detroit. During the presentation, GM laid out all of the aspects of the new car which I will outline below.

A "New Car" But The Same Formula:

2014 Corvette - Photo Courtesy Of Edmunds

The Corvette C7 may be a new car but that does not mean that the essence of the Corvette has changed. The 2014 Corvette will remain a two-piece hatch back body with a rear-mounted transaxle and a front engine.

When it comes to the hardware of the new C7 generation, it is clear that GM is making an effort to attract drivers worldwide to the brand without disappointing traditional Corvette owners. The Corvette will be offered in two variations. The base version has officially been touted the "Stingray." Additionally, GM also announced a high performance version known as the Z51.

An All New Chassis and Weight Saving Techniques:

2014 Corvette - Photo Courtesy Of Edmunds

While both of these cars vary in performance, they will both feature an all new, entirely aluminum chassis. This is a major change from the C6 variant where only the Z06 and ZR1 models featured the entirely aluminum chassis.

One major benefit for the Corvette is the weight reduction as a result of the aluminum chassis. Its assembly begins with hydroformed side sills that are then joined to hollow sand castings in the front and rear of the chassis, die-cast inner tunnel structures, stamped bulkheads, and extruded crash sections at both ends. The final assembly stage is the bonding, bolting, and welding on the pieces resulting in a chassis that is 99 pounds lighter and 57% stiffer than the chassis from the C6.

Additionally, GM also used hollow sand-cast aluminum subframes and front lower control arms to cut additional weight. The balsa wood-core floor panels have also been replaced with fiberglass and a synthetic foam core.

Finally, the C7 will feature a carbon-fiber hood and removable carbon fiber roof panel in addition to fiberglass front fenders, door skins, rear-quarter panels and deck.

Amazingly, the new C7 is still heavier than the outgoing C6. While the number has not been revealed, the additional hardware and safety technology makes it unlikely that the car will be any lighter than before. However, the car is expected to have a 49/51 weight distribution and be around 100 pounds heavier than the outgoing C6.

The Drive:

For those not familiar with the current Corvette, it is more of a classic muscle car than a sports car. The C6 was designed to go in a straight line and it completely lacked finesse. While this is a brand of honor for most Corvette owners, it was not very helpful boosting sales.

As part of improving the driving dynamics, GM worked to address the vague steering of the C6 by beefing up the rack-and-pinion steering system and switching to electric power steering (although it is hard to see this as helpful).

2014 Corvette Drive Select- Photo Courtesy Of Edmunds

One major new feature is a knob on the console that will modify the settings of the car in five different ways. As you go through each setting, the throttle mapping, steering assist/ratio, stability control, cylinder deactivation (which seems a bit pointless in a 450hp sport car), aggressiveness, differential, and suspension calibrations of the Z51 model all change. And if you don't like the way they change, you can even adjust and reprogram the settings as you see fit.

In order to compete with the 911 benchmark, GM also decided to ditch the Goodyear tires of the C6 for Michelin Super Sport tires on both models. While the size remains the same (245/40 in the front and 285/35 in the rear) the Z51 offers lower-profile tires (245/35 front and 285/30 rear) while both models also featuring larger breaks resulting in a 60-0 breaking distance of 11 feet less than the outgoing model.

The Power:

Corvette LT1 V8 - Photo Courtesy Of Edmunds

The new C7 will feature that brand new 6.2-liter LT1 V8 power plant which has been preliminarily rated at 450 horsepower and 450 Pound-feet of torque. In the Corvette, this will be good for a 0-60mph time of under four seconds. Additionally, (what I consider to be good news), GM has decided to dump a rumored automated manual gearbox and stick with two options: a six-speed automatic and a brand new seven-speed Tremec TR6070 manual. In the Tremec, the transmission receives a throttle blipping rev-matching feature as well as a twin-plate clutch and a dual mass flywheel.

One interesting thing to note is that the new seven-speed manual has the same exact gear ratios as the six-speed in the C6. In the C7, the seventh gear just acts as a massively-tall overdrive gear to raise the fuel economy (expected to be around 16/26 mpg for the manual).

The Z51:

2014 Corvette - Photo Courtesy Of Edmunds

The Z51 is a magnificent upgrade over the base Stingray model. The high performance Vette will receive a dry-sump oiling system, shorter gearing (similar to that of the current Grand Sport), larger Bilstein dampers, a rear stabilizer bar, and stiffer leaf springs. Additionally, as mentioned earlier  the Z51 will include low profile tires that will be mounted to forged wheels raising the size to 20 inches from the Stingray's 19".

You will also get a rear deck spoiler to reduce lift and prominent air inlets in the rear fenders to feed heat exchangers for the transmission and differential. While on the differential, the Z51 receives a trick differential that is a hydraulic clutch pack that modulates the rate at which the differential apportions torque across the axle.

Finally, the Z51 gains a Magnetic Ride Control to help provide handling prowess and a compliant ride.

Say Goodbye To Bad Interiors:

2014 Corvette Interior - Photo Courtesy Of Edmunds

The C7 features a fantastic new interior a far step away from the dollar store interior of previous Corvettes. The base plastic has been replaced with soft-touch surfaces and leather. There will also be two different seats available: a base seat and a sport competition seat.

One look at the angled dashboard makes it clear that the driver is the focus of the Corvette's interior. The car also pulls from its exterior styling to design the instrument binnacle and the HVAC controls. You will also find carbon fiber throughout the interior.

The Exterior Blows Away Past Corvette's:

Rear Fender Vents - Photo Courtesy Of Edmunds

While this car may not look much bigger than the outgoing C6, it is two inches longer (176.9 inches) and an inch wider (73.7"). You will also be treated to a larger wheelbase (up an inch to 106.7") and track widths increase an inch on both ends (61.7" in the front and 62.9" in the rear).

One complaint with the C7 is that it pulls a few styling cues from the Camaro including the aggressive trapezoidal taillights and the quadruple-barreled tailpipes in the center of the rear valance.

However, it is nice to see that the C7 is less slapped together compared with previous Vette's. This car looks like people actually took the time to make the components fit together in the car. Even the performance aspects of the design look good including the hood-mounted grille used to let one-third of the air out coming in through the front grille to reduce front end lift while also cooling the engine.

Finally, the C7 pulls some styling aspects from the C6.R ALMS racecar including fender-mounted vents in the rear leading to fixed rear quarter windows (shown above).

Final Notes:

You can expect to see the new C7 in a showroom near you in the not-too-distant-future. While pricing has not been released, it is rumored to be around $54,000 for the base model which would rival the Ford Shelby GT500.

I do hope that this new Vette will be as fun to drive as it is fun to look at. Only time will tell.

LA Auto Show - Toyota Reveals New 2014 RAV4

2014 Toyota RAV4 courtesy of Autoblog.com

Toyota has officially revealed the car at the LA Auto Show. While this might not sound like an exciting moment, it is the third best selling vehicle in the Toyota lineup (after the Camry and Corolla).

While the photos have surfaced for a while, we now have more details on the new RAV. The biggest development is the elimination of the 3.5L V6 engine of the previous RAV4 leaving just the 2.5L engine also found in the Camry. This engine is good for 176 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque. With this redesign, we see a three mile-per-gallon increase in fuel economy up to 24 city/31 highway on the front-wheel-drive model. Checking the box for the all-wheel-drive model will knock the efficiency down to 22/29 mpg but that is still fantastic for an all-wheel-drive compact SUV. Even one of the most efficient small off-roaders, the MINI Countryman S All-4 only pulls in 25/31 but costs a fair amount more.

Looking at the new design, I have to admit that I think this new RAV is beautiful. It pulls all the right styling queues from the Camry (including the headlights and grille) while creating a car that looks more stunning and well-rounded compared to the Honda CR-V (which I personally feel is too box-like). One major note is that the spare tire has been removed from the exterior and the rear lift-gate is no longer hinged from the side. Instead, the new RAV will feature a space saver under the cargo floor and a standard rear lift-gate. This is something I am glad to see. When I was younger, my parents had a 1998 RAV4 and one of the biggest frustrations was the rear-mounted tire. Even as a low speed collision, this tire can cause a large amount of damage to the rear door resulting in an expensive repair bill. As a result, I advised against a RAV4 since.

2014 Toyota RAV4 Interior courtesy of Autoblog.com

The interior is also drastically improved over the previous model. When I was looking to purchase the Camry, I cross-shopped the RAV4 but I found a few issue with the quality of the interior. My issues are far removed from this new model which pulls many styling functions from the Camry while adding just the right amount of sportiness. As far as features go, all RAV4 models will feature a Display Audio 6.1" LCD touchscreen, backup camera, bluetooth, privacy glass, and full power accessories.

One thing that has not been announced is the pricing but expect it to be near the current models list price of around $23,000. This is a car I look forward to seeing more of in the near future.

BMW Recalls 45,000 7 Series Sedans

Today BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG) announced the recall of 45,500 7 Series sedans built between 2005 and 2008 because the vehicles can roll away while parked. BMW reports that the automatic transmission does not remain in the "park" position because of a software issue on cars with keyless ignition and the "Comfort Access" package.

BMW has received complaints that the system will put the car into neutral if the button is pressed multiple times in succession. This can lead to increased risk of roll-away.

BMW will begin notifying owners in November but reports that an update to the software will not be available until March. This is the send recall for these cars in the last two weeks. Last week, BMW announced a recall that the doors may not latch due to a software issue on cars with "Comfort Access" and "Soft-Close Automatic Door options.

Honda Recalls over 1.39 Million Accords, Civics and Pilots

Let me start by saying, I do not have a hatred for Honda. I actually admire the company even though I've done a few posts on them. I often get a lot of flack for pushing articles about Honda recalls or criticizing their cars. The truth of the matter is that, while I hate a fair amount of car manufacturers, Honda is not one of them.

Now that I have my rant out of the way, lets get to the latest in auto news with two Honda recalls. Over the last two-three years, Honda has recalled more cars than I can keep track of. This does concern me a bit when it comes to reliability but that is just me.

The first was on Monday when Honda added 572,000 '03-'07 Accord models to an active Acura campaign for leaking power steering pumps that can cause fluid to be sprayed in the engine compartment increasing the risk of a fire. Now for you owners involved, this recall will not go into effect until the beginning of next year because Honda cannot obtain enough parts to fix this recall. Honda will be sending out notices to owners about the issue and describing the symptoms. They advise that you bring the vehicle in for "interim repairs" if there is an issue. Basically, look for a smell from the seeping fluids. Also, if your car is really leaking fluid, you might hear a grinding type noise when the wheel is turning in either direction.

There is another recall out for 820,000 Civics and Pilots. If you have a 2002-2003 Civic or a 2004-2005 Pilot, there is a chance that the wiring of the headlight switch in cars may cause the low-beams to stop working. While Honda has said there were no reported accidents with this issue, this is not something to take lightly, especially if you drive at night.

If this recall sounds familiar to you, that's because it is. In March of 2012, Honda recalled 550,000 CR-V (2002-2004) and Pilot (2003 only) models for the same issue. This brings that recall alone up to 1.37 million cars.

Porsche Panamera Wagon Concept Revealed

One thing I will always be a fan of is a good looking wagon. You cannot imagine how happy I am to see that Porsche will be releasing a wagon version of their Panamera. The new model (cue the long name), the Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo Concept, is a fantastic looking car. Set to be displayed at the Paris Motor Show beginning September 27, the new Panamera is sure to be a hot topic.

As many of my loyal readers know, I have a major issue with the current five-door Panamera as I discussed in my road test. While I loved the ride, the quality and the power, I have an issue with the rear styling. I am also not the only one to think that it was hit by the ugly stick (watch an episode of Top Gear or read any review) the rear hatch on the Panamera has had some industry experts dub it, "ugly but deadly." While I understand the purpose for the rear hatch (trunk space and making it look like a stretched 911) I think it was poorly executed.

The revised front hints at the update Panamera.

The new wagon, as you can see above, is just plain beautiful. This car is fantastic to look at. It takes the good aspects of the Panamera design and adds sexier lines and more cargo space. While the car does look like a combination of every Porsche model thrown into one, I think it pulled the best aspects. The headlights off of the new Boxster, the tail lamps off of the 911 and the overall image of a shortened Cayenne all come together beautifully to make this car what the Panamera should have been.

Less buttons and clutter make for an improved interior.

There is also another aspect to this news, the new concept gives us a hint at the refresh of the standard Panamera. Now in its third year on the market, it is due for a mid-cycle refresh. It appears that we will be greeted with a revised face and an improved interior to cut down on the number of buttons.

While I can only hope for a Turbo version of this, the concept at the Paris Motor Show will be powered by Porsche's plug-in "e-Hybrid" design. Either way, I look forward to seeing this and the 918 on the road soon.

Official: Kurt Busch Moves to #78 Next Season

Getty Images

It was announced today that Kurt Busch, the driver of the #51 Phoenix Racing Chevrolet, will be moving to the Furniture Row Racing #78 for 2013.

After departing Penske Racing following the 2011 season, the 2004 champion joined Phoenix Racing because... well it was the only team willing to hire him without sponsorship. For those not familiar with Busch's antics, he lost his ride last season after two incidents with reporters following races at Richmond (where he tore up a reporter's script) and Homestead (where he cussed out a reporter). Earlier this season, Busch was suspended for the first Pocono race after berating a reporter the week before.

What does this mean for Phoenix Racing: According to Phoenix Racing's James Finch, the team is unlikely to return next year unless it can lock down a sponsorship. This likely means the end of Finch's time in NASCAR.

What does this mean for Regan Smith: Optimistic that he would return for next season, the 2011 Southern 500 winner does not think he will be back with the team. Busch is replacing him but the idea of a second car is not completely ruled out (i.e. it will not happen).

With the support of Richard Childress Racing behind FRR, maybe Busch might be able to accomplish something he couldn't with Hendrick technology (Hendrick backs Phoenix Racing), win a race or crack the top 20 in points. Although you don't exactly see RCR dominating the Chase right now...

Guess we'll have to wait until next season to find out.

Official: Ricky Stenhouse to Drive for Roush

In a bit of not-so-shocking news, Roush-Fenway Racing has announced that Ricky Stenhouse Jr. will replace Matt Kenseth next season. The car will be sponsored by Best Buy, Fifth Third Bank, and Zest who are returning from this season with an increased commitment.

This is a great opportunity for Stenhouse who will be put with a championship caliber team from the start. This settles the questions about his future with Roush following the termination of the historic #6 car. However this does open the door for new speculation about which number he will drive: the 17 or the 6?

This is just a small reintroduction post for Zach's Auto Review. Look for new reviews and news in the near future.

August Playseat Forza 4 Pack

Who else is pumped for the newest pack of cars for Forza Motorsports 4 on the Xbox 360? I cannot wait for this pack to drop tomorrow (August 7) on the Xbox Live store. The new pack will be available for 560 Microsoft Points and include a few of my favorite cars from the new release.

I personally could not be more excited about the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, the 2013 Boss 302 Mustang or the 2013 Scion FRS (which I have pushed for for a few months). Check out the full list below and the trailer for the latest pack.

• 2012 Chevolet Camaro ZL1
• 2013 Ford Mustang Boss 302
• 2013 Scion FR-S
• 2003 Aston Martin DB7 Zagato
• 1962 Lincoln Continental
• 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track
• 1984 Peugeot 205 T16
• 1989 Mercedes Benz #63 Team Sauber-Mercedes C9
• 1962 Triumph TR3B
• 2013 Lexus GS350 F Sport

Be sure to keep your eye out for the new pack. This is bound to be worth the 560 points.

Allmendinger Out At Penske Racing

Is some not-so-shocking news today, Penske Racing has announced that it is parting ways with the suspended AJ Allmendinger. Allmendinger was suspended before the July Daytona race a few weeks ago for testing positive in a random drug screening the week before. Allmendinger also tested positive in a second drug test last week (click here for that story).

While no parties wants to discuss the substance, ESPN is reporting it was an amphetamine. The doctor who does the testing for NASCAR says it is not likely for any over-the-counter items to test positive in the test.

Allmendinger has entered the NASCAR "Road To Recovery" program to work his way back to the track. He is taking the more noble path compared to the only other Sprint Cup driver who has failed the test, Jeremy Mayfield.

Sam Hornish Jr, who has an extensive history with Penske, will be in the #22 Pennzoil Dodge at least for this week at Pocono while Penske evaluates future options.

Breaking News: AJ Allmendinger Fails Second Drug Test

It was announced today that AJ Allmendinger has failed a second drug test after a second test found a banned substance in his system. Allmendinger has been suspended from NASCAR since July 7th when he was removed from the car before the start of the Coke 400 at Daytona.

The banned substance has not been clarified yet and the Allmendinger camp is insisting that the results were within a few nanograms of the accepted parameters. NASCAR has not commented on the levels.

A spokesperson for Allmendinger reports that the driver contracted an independant lab to determine if any of his daily products were the cause of the failure.

If Allmendinger agrees to complete NASCAR's "Road to Recovery" program than he will be reinstated. Until that time, it appears Sam Hornish Jr will drive the #22 Pennzoil Dodge for Penske (at least for this weekend's race at Indy anyway).

Lets just hope this doesn't become another Jeremy Mayfield case.

Recovering from an Automotive Theft after 42 Years

Suffering a property loss can be a tragic experience for anyone. When you have sentimental value in the stolen item, your suffering is even greater. For 42 years, Robert Russell of Texas has searched for his treasured 1967 Austin-Healey, which vanished from his Philadelphia home in 1970. The 66-year-old sales manager never gave up searching for the missing Healey, which vanished the morning after his second date with his future wife.

After a few days, many people begin to realize that their car is gone and carry-on with an empty hole in their heart. You lose that feeling of closure and you will forever be without the peace of mind that comes with recovering your stolen property. Luckily for Mr. Russell, he never gave up and eventually spotted his car listed on eBay in Beverly Hills. After confirming the stolen car was his, Mr. Russell took position of the classic British roadster, which is now valued around $23,000.

After seeing a story like this, you should never give up hope in recovering your stolen property. There are also things you can do now to prevent a car theft happening to you in your home. Technology has greatly advanced over the past 42 years and it is a lot easier to keep your car secure.

Car Security

When you are home with your vehicle, always keep it stored safely in a locked garage. If you must store your vehicle outside, be sure to keep it locked and close all of the windows. Even if it is for a short period of time, do not leave a door open or your convertible top down. This is inviting anyone into the car and you’re making it easy to bypass that first layer of security. 

Additionally, you should be sure to install an alarm system on your vehicle with an engine immobilizer and glass breakage sensors. Most modern day cars have an option for this when you purchase the vehicle. I would also suggest installing alloy wheel locks to prevent your wheels from being stolen. An additional security method could be installing a Lo-Jack device to track your vehicle if it is stolen. 

Home Security

When it comes to protecting your car, you also need to protect your home. One suggestion is to install a surveillance system inside and around your home. This will help deter a possible thief or get a nice mug shot of the burglar if they try to steal your car.

You should also secure your garage by covering up any windows and replacing your garage door motor with one that has a rolling code system. Additionally, be sure not to leave your keys or garage door opener in the car. A burglar could smash the window to get into the home to take the car. Also, always keep your garage door closed unless you’re there to monitor it. 

As mentioned earlier, I advise you to keep your car stored in the garage. I would also suggest re-enforcing the door between your garage and your home by installing a slab door that cannot be kicked down. Also, replace any hinges with visible pins and install three-inch screws on the hinges.

Be sure to look at other DIY home security tips to protect your home and keep your valuables safe.

About the Author: Dan Miller is a home security professional and car enthusiast. He is also a copywriter for HomeSecurityDeals.com and a consistent reader of Zach’s Auto Review.

Coke Zero 400 at Daytona Wrap-Up

Property of NASCAR

Saturday night's race at Daytona was one of the better races I've seen this season. I always love restrictor plate racing because you never know what is going to happen even on the last lap. This year's Coke Zero 400 did not disappoint with the race coming down to the last few corners.

Throughout the entire race, the team to beat was the 16-17 tag-team of Greg Biffle and Matt Kenseth (the Daytona 500 winner). Kenseth led the most laps with 89 while Biffle was out front for 35. They were hurt by a late caution as Jimmie Johnson was punted ducking down to pit road. This started a chain reaction accident taking out multiple cars including Jeff Gordon who was in third at the time. While Biffle and Kenseth were not involved, they already committed to pit road. Before they hit the line, the red lights came out signaling pit road was closed. While Kenseth drove through, Biffle elected to pit forcing Kenseth to re-pit and they both restarted in the back from Biffle's penalty.

While the pair did eventually work their way back up, Biffle got loose causing a 15-car accident. On the last lap, it was down to Kenseth/Biffle, Stewart/Kahne and Harvick/Burton. Coming back tot he start/finish line, it was just Kenseth, Stewart, and Burton (who had an amazing save on his #31 Chevy). At the finish, Stewart was the winner taking his fourth Daytona summer win while continuing to chase an elusive Daytona 500 win. Burton took second while the dominating Kenseth walked away with third. The drafting partners of all three were taken out in the last lap wreck though Kahne did finish in the top 10.

I did want to point out the frustrating coverage by TNT this weekend as they spent the entire race "with continuous coverage." Their idea of continuous coverage is nothing like ESPN's last year. Instead they played a commercial in the bottom third of the screen every two minutes plugging "non-stop coverage" then they would still go to commercial breaks anyway. Even after the commercial ended, the bottom third of the screen would continue to plug the sponsor limiting the size of the actual racing (i feel bad for anyone with a small TV since you couldn't see anything). Their coverage has been horrible this season often switching to less important camera angles while races were going on for the win. I hope they fix their problems soon or NASCAR dumps their coverage.

In other news, there is a surprising report of AJ Allmendinger being suspended for failing a random drug test at Kentucky. Since this report showed up 90 minutes before the race, Penske was forced to rush Sam Hornish Jr. to the track where he arrived just minutes before the green flag. Hornish ended up 33rd after a tire problem caused him to spin just pas half way. Penske officials say they will meet with Allmendinger to grasp the situation.

See everyone next week at Loudon, NH for the Lenox Industrial Tools 301.

Results:
1. Tony Stewart #14 Mobil 1 Chevrolet
2. Jeff Burton #31 Wheaties Chevolet
3. Matt Kenseth #17 Zest Ford
4. Joey Logano #20 Dollar General Toyota
5. Ryan Newman #39 Aspen Dental
6. Carl Edwards #99 Subway Ford
7. Kasey Kahne #5 Hendrickcars.com Chevrolet
8. Brad Keselowski #2 Miller-Light Dodge
9. Michael Waltrip #55 Aaron's Toyota
10. Bobby Labonte #47 Kingsford Toyota

Standings:
1. Matt Kenseth 676
2. Dale Earnhardt Jr. -25
3. Greg Biffle -44 (+1)
4. Jimmie Johnson -58 (-1)
5. Tony Stewart -84 (+4)

Forza Motorsports 4 July Car Pack

It is time for the latest Forza Motorsports 4 car pack to hit the marketplace. The July car pack will drop July 3rd for 560 Microsoft points and will feature some of the fastest cars in Forza. This article will run through the ten news cars. Also be sure the check out the trailer below.

- McLaren 59 GT MP4-12C GT3

This car has a mouthful of a name that sounds like the latest fax machine out of the HP R&D department but it is actually one of the fastest carbon-fiber production sports cars on the market. This car borrows a lot of technology from F1 including the steering wheel. The GT3 had to be detuned for the series to make it tractable so it is down to 539 hp (not like thats a small amount). The car also features a Ricardo six-speed sequential gearbox and will be in limited production.

- 1998 Aston Martin V8 Vantage V600

As many of you know, I love a good Aston. While this was personally not one of my favorite designs, this is a quality Aston driven by two Eaton superchargers producing 600hp and 600 lb-ft of torque from the 5.3L V8. Only 56 cars were made so here is your opportunity to snatch one up albeit a virtual one.

- 1973 AMC Gremlin X

Your thoughts are probably the same as mine, "WTF?" Yes the AMC Gremlin has finally poked its ugly face into the Forza network with the "X" trim package adding stripes, body colored fascia, slotted road wheels, and a black-out grill. While the X did add some flare, it did not add any power making the sales boost for AMC in '73 a surprise.

- 1952 Hudson Hornet

This historical car was a technological marvel back in its day. The car was also a racing masterpiece which set records that would stand tall for decades. The Hornet also had a staring role in Pixar's "Cars" as Doc Hudson. Now you can create your own Doc to take to the Forza 4 track of your choice.

- 1954 Jaguar XK120

For any fan of classic British sports cars, or cars in general, the '54 XK120 was a dream car. This classic roadster delivered an exhilarating ride and refined performance. While performance in that day was only 210hp, the car still had plenty of power (and the looks) to snatch up that beautiful lady at the Bellagio.

- 2012 Ascari KZ1R

Lets welcome yet another fax machine to the Forza family. While I cannot understand the naming system of these new hyper cars, I can appreciate a car this good looking packing enough power to reach a 200mph top speed and 0-60 in three seconds. This car gets its power from the same 5.0L V8 out of the M5 while only weighing in at 3,000 pounds. Seeing as this car will have a limited edition run of only 50 cars, this may be your best chance to snatch up a KZ1R.

- 1956 Lotus Eleven

This car was amazingly powerful for a 1.1L engine. In 1956, the car could hit 143 mph and it managed a seventh place finish at Le Mans. Because the car only weighed 1,000 pounds, its minuscule engine could do amazing things. Check out the Eleven in the Lotus dealership.

- 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG

While this may not seem like a particularly special car, the SLK55 is a masterpiece with its 5.5L V8 throwing out 415 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque. This loud example of AMG power features a seven-speed transmission while being one of the sharper cars in the pack.

- 1995 RUF CTR2

Even though the recent Porsche Pack added more rear-engined cars from that other sports car company in Germany, Forza continues to add cars from RUF. The CTR2 is based on the 993 chassis and is capible of 220mph and a 0-60 time of 3.6 seconds from the 3.6L twin-turbo flat six. Power comes in at 520 hp eventually getting up to as much as 580hp. While they are street legal, I would advise against driving them anywhere near a cop unless you like a challenge.

- 2012 Spyker C8 Aileron

This car is designed for the GTE class and the 4.2L mid-engined C8 produces 400hp and 354 lb-ft of torque providing power through a six-speed automatic ZF box. We will see how the Aileron performs soon in the next Le Mans race.

As is typical with Forza, you can also expect new monthly rivals challenges based on the new cars. This pack is also not part of the season pass. Check out the trailer below.

Matt Kenseth Leaving Roush-Fenway

At the end of the 2012 season, Matt Kenseth will be out of the #17 Roush-Fenway Ford that he has driven since 1997 (the car was an entry by current Roush manager, Robbie Reiser). The expectation is that Ricky Stenhouse Jr., last year's Nationwide Series champion, will take over the ride beginning next season.


The rumor in the NASCAR community is that Kenseth will join Joe Gibbs racing to drive the #20 currently driven by Joey Logano or a fourth entry. Team president J.D. Gibbs has not said anything on the matter but speculation on Kenseth's departure began last weekend at Sonoma noting that Logano is in a contract year.


Following 452 career starts behind the weel of the #17 Ford, Kenseth tweeted, ''I'm very thankful to Jack Roush for the opportunities he's given me over the past 14 years. Together we have enjoyed a lot of success... as a team we are committed as ever to the remainder of the 2012 season and chasing a 3rd sprint cup title for Jack and RFR.'' 


One of the biggest issues is the lack of solid sponsorship since DeWalt tools left a few year back and Crown Royal bowed out last season. Sponsorship issues also led to David Ragan losing his ride following the end of last season. Since Stenhouse Jr is in a long term contract with Roush and in need of a ride, (Carl Edwards and Greg Biffle extended their contracts last season) it makes sense that Kenseth is out.


Lets see how this effects the #17's championship run.

Manual Transmissions Get Closer To Death

BMW F10 M5 Manual - Autoblog.com

In a time where no one respects the concept of controlling a car for yourself, many car companies are screwing those who love to have full control. Those who love to take a screaming muscle car or an exotic hyper car from zero to 60mph one gear at a time (or in the case of some cars, only one gear).

You will be hard-pressed to find a manual high-performance car today. One such tragedy is Lamborghini, who decided to cut manual transmissions from their lineup after only 3% of cars sold were row-it-yourself transmissions. But they are not the only one to do this. Look at the Bugatti Veyron, the new Vanquish, the Ferrari California/458, most AMG powered Mercedes,  and the Lexus LFA; all of these amazing automobiles forgo a manual transmission in favor of an automatic or "flappy paddle" gearbox. Even Porsche, who is traditionally known for manual transmission cars and the first to implement a seven-speed manual, now offers PDK automatics in all of their models. What a long way we've come.

It was rumored yesterday that BMW is now joining that group by taking the manual transmission option out of the next generation of M5 and M6 performance cars. I personally take issue with this because I love the new M5. If I had the means to purchase one, I would in a heartbeat. The idea of a rear-wheel-drive saloon car with over 500 horses and a manual transmission it like an amazing dream. I drove one of these a few weeks ago and I love it. I can't guarantee that I would like the new M5 (which is a few years away) but this doesn't help their case.

The problem is that most of the people buying a luxury performance car want something to show off and keep more as a status symbol for your daily commute rather than its true purpose of screaming around a racetrack. According to BMW, only about 15% of buyers are opting for a manual transmission in their new M5 which equals a monetary loss for BMW.

BMW Seven Speed Manual - Bimmer Post

Now, from a business perspective, I cannot blame them for this move. If your losing money, do not continue to piss it down the toilet. The problem I have from a car-enthusiast perspective is that I will not buy a BMW M5 or M6 now. The teenage dreams of owning a brand new manual M5 are dead. In the minds of stick-shift lovers, BMW is dying.

A bit of good news is that BMW will continue to offer it in their M3 and hopefully a future 1M. You can also obtain a manual in many "basic" BMW models. Even more ironically is that this news comes just two weeks after patent applications show a seven-speed manual gearbox in the works (with an awkward shift pattern that you can see to the right).

I sincerely hope that the manual transmission does not die off. As a memo to auto manufacturers worldwide, I (and many other auto enthusiasts) would take a car with a manual over your next "performance minded car" with any form of automatic or flappy paddle gearing system. These cars are meant to give exceptional performance whether it is on the racetrack or in town. The only reason for an automatic sports car is as a grand-touring car (even then I still rather have a manual to play with as I zip through the mountains.

2013 Porsche Cayman Spotted

Property of AutoBlog.com

It looks like AutoBlog has stumbled upon a test car that seems to be the new Cayman. This would make sense as it typically follows the Boxster which debuted earlier this year. However, an official Porsche launch is several months away.

It looks like the biggest changes result from fuel economy goals leading to a weight reduction to prevent a performance sacrifice. It is expected that the base 265hp and the 315hp S engines will carry over

The perfect gift for any Porsche enthusiast.

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Aston Martin Officially Reveals The Vanquish

The New Aston Martin Vanquish:

Although the return of the Vanquish has been reported for a few weeks now, the replacement for the aging Aston Martin DBS was formally introduced yesterday at Villa d'Este. The Vanquish has officially reclaimed its thrown in the Aston Martin lineup.

The Vanquish will sit on the VH platform of the past but I do not see that as a bad thing when stiffness is up almost 25% and power is derived from the traditional 6.0L V12 out of the DBS. I also like the current styling where bits of the design were taken from the One-77.

Inside the Vanquish, the beautifully designed interior does not put form over function as the car looks easy to enjoy and use. The cabin is also larger and trunk space has grown over the DBS.

Going back to the 6.0L engine, the motor adds 55 horses from the DBS bringing the total to 565 hp with 420 lb-ft of torque (unchanged). The transmission will be a Touchtronic 2 six-speed automatic and the car should be good for 0-60 in 4 seconds.

For those of you who are not aware, I am an Aston Martin lover. I personally feel this car looks amazing and I hope to get behind the wheel in the near future.

For more information and some great clips, check out the official video from Aston Martin.

2012 MINI Cooper Countryman S Review

2012 MINI Cooper Countryman S:

Photo property of Zach's Auto Review

Over the weekend, I helped a friend purchase a new MINI Cooper. After a few months of narrowing down a car he wanted, he finally settled on a 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman S. He even narrowed it down to a particular car he wanted from Global MINI in Atlanta. On Saturday, we went to view and test the Countryman before eventually choosing to buy it.


The selected car was a 2012 S model in alpine white with black leatherette interior. The car included a panoramic moonroof, Harmon/Kardon sound system, bluetooth, black bonnet stripes, black alloy wheels, center arm rest, flat-load floor and rear bench seat. MSRP came in at $30,650.

The Car:

The Countryman is one of the latest inductees into the MINI lineup. It is also the first MINI to feature four doors and optional all wheel drive. With increased functionality and room for five people, this is the most practical car to come out of the company. 

While this swollen MINI may seem like a gas-guzzling SUV to some, the car actually employs the same 1.6L and 1.6L turbo engines as the rest of the MINI line which is good for 32mpg highway and 26 city. This makes the Countryman one of the most fuel efficient petrol SUV's on the market. At the same time, the car is not short on power with 181 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque from the 1.6L turbo S. This is good enough for a 0-60 time in the seven second range from its relatively light body (curb weight is 2,954).

From a manufacturing stand-point, the Countryman is not built by MINI. For those familiar with the E83 BMWs, they were built by Magna Steyr in their Austrian plant. After the F25 moved production to the South Carolina factory with the X5 and X6, Magna Steyr had an extra line at the plant to produce a new car. BMW AG decided to give MINI an SUV that would be similar to the BMW X1 which is also built in the Austrian factory.

Exterior:

While the Countryman is obviously a MINI, it does vary its styling compared to its brother vehicles. The front grill is noticeably varied from the generic MINI front fascia. The roofline does slightly invoke "Coupe" design with a slightly stretched baseball-cap look. The rear of the car uses a sturdy tailgate with a VW duplicated door latch. 


This car honestly looks fantastic. Its aggressive stance and longer body makes it one of the best looking MINI's since the Cooper came back in 02. Unlike other MINI designs - like the new coupe or the upcoming MINI Clubvan - the Countryman can best be related to a beautiful woman, it is stunning and it makes you want to see more. 

Interior: 

If you are familiar a MINI, you will feel right at home with the Countryman. Everything is where it would be in a similar car... for the most part. The Countryman adds a center rail which, depending on your rear seat configuration, can run through the entire cabin or end for a full rear bench seat (new for 2012). 

For a person who has never seen a MINI, the dashboard may take some adjustment. In all honesty, the interior is very easy to get used to and it is actually very functional and useful. The major complaints are that people seem to hate the pizza sized speedometer and the location of the window switches. 

While the interior seems very well constructed and the build quality seems top notch, I do have a few personal complains. Firstly, the seats. The standard "sports seats" do very little to keep you from moving around in the cabin. I also do not like run-flat tires and the fact that this car does not allow for a spare means that you are stuck with the expensive run-flats. These tires can cost $200 more than a traditional tire and they cannot be repaired if you pick up a nail. The panoramic moonroof cover also has a few issues. The cover is basically a sliding perforated sheet of plastic that allows in a fair amount of light and glare which occasionally makes it difficult to see.  

My last complaint is almost generic throughout the BMW AG line. I cannot stand the turn signal and wiper stalks on the steering column. With the launch of the last generation of BMW's, someone had the idea to put control stalks that do not stay where they should. If you indicate a left turn, the stalk returns to neutral making you have to push it to the right to cancel the action. Quick lane change signals are there but tend to only flash for a brief moment. The wiper stalks are the most confusing. Putting your wipers in the fastest setting requires you to constantly hit the level upwards. Turning on/off the wipers can require three separate motions.

The Drive:

To start with, the car is higher than any other MINI. You sit high (It is not a truck but it is comparable with most small crossovers) and you have very good visibility. I was amazed how easy it was to see all around the car and check blind spots. In the smaller MINIs, this is occasionally a problem due to the small size of the car. Nothing bad about it but you need to be more careful.

The Countryman is also the widest MINI and you can definitely feel it when your driving. It is also the heaviest MINI. Because of this, I would recommend the S model over the base. The base engine is fantastic in the standard Cooper but the extra weight requires extra power of the S. 


The "go-kart" feel of the traditional MINI is slightly lost on this car because of the longer wheelbase and the higher suspension. The Countryman is similar to a BMW SUV when it comes to ride quality. It is responsive but it is not a go-kart. I feel it is a good ride because "go-kart feel" tends to translate to a rough ride on highways from the firm spring and damper rates combined with a short wheelbase. With the Countryman, you have reasonable suspension travel without too much body roll combined with a responsive ride. All-in-all, the car handles extremely well when you consider it is an SUV. Do not worry about the Countryman letting you down on a mountain road, it will pull through.


I do have to admit that there is some turbo lag in the Countryman that is not as noticeable in some of the other MINI S's. I would attribute this to the size of the vehicle but it is not surprising when the car weighs in at 2,954 pounds. However, the car does get up to speed quickly. It did not take long to get up to highway speeds on an entrance ramp. The problem is that the Countryman (like most luxury/sport SUV's) is floaty and you can lose track of your speed so watch that massive speedometer.

Additionally, the automatic transmission feels slightly different in this MINI compared to other models. In other cars, the shifts are harsh and easily felt. The Countryman has a nice smooth gearbox that is barely felt climbing to sixth. For a bit of extra oomph, you can enable the "sport" mode which quickens your shifts or you can manually shift the car. Keep in mind that manually shifting in a BMW/MINI is different than most cars. Down is up and up is down. If you want to shift upwards, pull the shifter or paddle towards you or vice-verse to downshift. Also, the paddles on the steering wheel can be annoying. Both paddles do the same function as opposed to left is down, right is up. This can translate to some awkward shifts are you try to reach into the wheel to push the paddle back.

MINI Cost:

The biggest issue I have with MINI (and its parent, BMW) is that nothing comes with the car. In an age where bluetooth and iPod connectivity is standard in most cars, it is a $500 add-on for a BMW AG product. It is very easy to tack on $15,000 in additional items in this car and some of the MSRP stickers on the lot topped $38,000 in price before tax. Even a center armrest will run you $250. Another confusing aspect is that with BMW, you can get an automatic transmission at no cost. In the MINI, an auto will run you $1250.

While I do appreciate the level of customization that MINI provides, the items are not cheap. Lets say you wanted to deck out your MINI with British flags (ironic since the car is made in Austria) - interior mirror caps ($62), exterior mirror caps ($62), Valve stem caps ($17), side vent ($164) and roof graphic ($165) adds almost $500 to the MSRP of the car. 

Overall: 

To sum everything up, the Countryman is as much a MINI as any other car in the line-up. It is extremely fun to drive but it will not kill your body. The car also has plenty of power with the S turbo engine and you could easily get up to speed in a hurry if you need to. It is also fantastic to see a MINI that can actually fit a family of five with reasonable room and cargo. 


If you you are looking for a family vehicle and it fits your budget I would definitely consider the Countryman for a small, fun SUV. However, I do feel the best option will be a JCW powered option (in the works) with 208 hp and a six-speed manual transmission to compensate for the weight.