Manufacturers shouldn’t forget about this important marketI like the direction Honda is taking this. As my headline implies, hybrid manufacturers need to appeal to enthusiasts. There’s no way around it. I think it’s safe to say that most car aficionados don’t like hybrids. You can throw me in that camp. A hybrid represents something less in the all-conquering name of high performance. Hybrids have a lot of batteries. Potentially, thousands of batteries. And all those batteries can add hundreds of pounds to a car’s weight. Not something you want in a …

Five cars that run up the highest maintenance tabThere’s no 100% accurate way of predicting which cars will have the highest repair costs over the years, as such costs depend on a huge number of factors that vary with ownership. Depending on how often you use your car, you’ll run up a different maintenance tab. The following five cars, though, have been estimated by experts to be the most expensive cars of 2010 in terms of repair costs. Estimates are based on average costs of repairs and maintenance for the …

As goes Audi, Volkswagen seems to quickly follow suit. We previously reported about the Audi A3 TDI that burned synthetic diesel fuel. Now Volkswagen’s Jetta TDI has been named the 2011 Urban Green Vehicle of the Year.
Even though the relationship is quite clear between the two makes, I love their approach. Sharing technology across all of the brands makes sense. Plus it saves VW a ton of money. But VW/Audi are not throwing all of their economy and ‘greenspeak’ behind hybrids and all-electrics. Yes, global warmists, you’ll undoubtedly hate this …

Demand outstrips supply
As consumer demand for premium car models rebounds, MINI has announced their all-new Countryman is sold out until February.
MINI is in a somewhat unique position with the Countryman. First of all, this is MINI’s first 4-door, with room for five. Second, you have the option of ordering it with all-wheel drive. Even though these are new features in a car from MINI, the Countryman’s uniqueness sets it apart from other brands.
In this case, it’s a premium brand offering features urban dwellers find attractive. It’s sourced from one of …

Brand leads the way in the UK
Not only does Ford lead car sales in the UK but the new Fiesta is the best seller for the month of October. Ford leads all car sales in the UK compared to a year ago.
Ford is touting their success as a best selling brand with total vehicle retail share up 1.1 percentage points compared with 2009.
Recognized for safety firsts
In addition, Ford is being recognized across their product line, including the Fiesta, as being a leader in safety innovations.
Ford likes to describe the Fiesta …

So one day after announcing the Pastrana-Subaru split, the X Games star has announced what’s next. And what next is NASCAR.
Along with Michael Waltrip Racing, Pastrana announced today the creation of a new NASCAR team, Pastrana-Waltrip Racing. The team will begin fielding cars in the 2011 NASCAR Nationwide Series, with Pastrana taking the seat for seven of those races. He’ll drive in twenty races in 2012.
“I’ve been following NASCAR closely for years as a fan of the sport with competing in the sport a life-long dream,” Pastrana said. “I decided …

One of the most recognized faces of extreme sports is parting ways with Subaru.
Travis Pastrana and Subaru of America have decided not to continue their relationship, which began in 2004. Pastrana joined the Subaru Ralley Team USA in 2006 racked up over 150 stage wins, 40 podium finishes and 22 event victories, earning four consecutive Ralley American National Championship titles.
Subaru’s press release follows.

Ford is preparing their new Focus to enter the competitive fray enthusiasts know as touring car. What’s exciting is that Ford will work together with private teams to develop the car to be race-ready for the various touring car categories that have grown around the world.
It looks like Ford is targeting the 2011 British Touring Car Championship as their starting point.
“There has been tremendous interest from the racing world about the new Focus, and it’s the perfect fit for a global touring car,” said Jost Capito, director of Global Performance …

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As any enthusiast should know by now, there’s soon to be an American version of Top Gear hitting US airways on November 21st. Jalopnik posted a photo yesterday of what the set will look like to viewers eyes when the show debuts.
I think it’s pretty clear that two of the show’s hosts are pictured, with Rutledge Wood on the left and probably Tanner Foust with his back to us. The single chair on the right obviously empty.
And that’s what made me stop and think. Among the hosts chosen to host …