Spy VIDEO: Nissan 370Z caught in Arizona

Click above to see the Nissan 370Z in action, briefly.

As far as we know, the 2009 Nissan 370Z is due to be unveiled at the LA Auto Show later this year, so it comes as no surprise that testing is well underway. Our new friend Ryen was able to briefly catch a cloaked mule on highway 60, leading through Phoenix, Arizona yesterday, and although the video after the jump is brief, the VQ37HR-powered coupe does look a bit shorter than its predecessor, lending credence to the rumors we've heard since 2007.

As reported previously, the 370Z will be powered by the same 3.7-liter V6 found in the Infiniti G37, so output should be up and over 330 hp, with torque cresting the 270 lb.-ft. mark. The new Z will be shortened by five to seven inches, losing about 220 pounds in the process.

Hit the jump to view the video and check out BestCar's recreation here.

Gallery: Nissan 370Z teasers

Continue reading Spy VIDEO: Nissan 370Z caught in Arizona

Production Camaro details coming on July 22nd

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Chevy Camaro concept.

We're admittedly tiring of the Camaro hype machine, but we can't fault the fanboys at 5thgen.org for keeping their pot of excitement on boil. The site threw up a countdown to the announcement of the production Camaro on July 22nd, which apparently will be held at all domestic Chevrolet dealers through a two-hour satellite broadcast. Retailers will be given all the details on the Camaro at that time and according to a source, "real orders for real cars" will begin being accepted.

Gallery: Chevy Camaro Concept

Gallery: 2009 Chevy Camaro - spy shots

Gallery: 2010 Camaro in Production

[Source: 5thgen.org via Jalopnik]

Suzuki Carry drifter: it's O-KEI!

As Autoblog's resident kei car fanboy, I like to share news and links about the diminutive forbidden-fruit rides whenever something interesting pops on the radar, like yesterday. Today, it's just a photo, courtesy of the gang at Speedhunters. The tiny kei pickup is a Suzuki Carry, which, in the hands of a normal business owner, does precisely that. This one's obviously a wee bit more specialized though, as the rear wing and roll bar suggest. This little work truck's job is drifting. It might look wrong, but there's something so right about it. Who says you need triple-digit horsepower to have fun? [Source: Speedhunters]

eMercedesBenz Feature: The 1952 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Racing Sport Coupe

The Le Mans 24 Hour race has been ranking among the motor sport season's highlights ever since 1923. The competitors – and even more so the winners – have always attracted the undivided attention of the spectators as well as of the buyers, victory in Le Mans being equivalent to a boost in both image and sales figures. In 1952, Daimler-Benz AG entered three of the newly developed, futuristically designed Mercedes-Benz 300 SL racing sports coupes in this traditional long-distance race. The competitors were taken by surprise but not disquieted because first of all, Mercedes had never before done particularly well in Le Mans, and secondly, the cars from Untertürkheim were inferior to the cars of the French, British and Italians in terms of performance. Nevertheless, however, Mercedes again faced up to the competition. The new SL cars had demonstrated speed and stamina for the first time in the Mille Miglia in early May and finished in a respectable second place in this renowned long-distance race. The 300 SL hit the headlines again with its triple victory in the Bern Grand Prix.

America’s Favorite Cars

CNN Money, as they like to do, has compiled another list of cars. This time based on JD Powers surveys taken within the first 90 days of ownership of a car.

Buyers are surveyed within 90 days of purchasing their new autos. They’re asked about 80 different vehicle attributes. Historically, cars that score high on this survey tend to sell well without needing heavy incentives, according to J.D. Power.

I’m having a hard time believing this, since usually JD Power aren’t the best of friends, but the Clubman actually holds the top spot for the compact car segment!

Not surprisingly, the Mini’s exterior design was a favorite point among owners.

The engine and transmission also earned praise.

It is nice to see this. After spending quite a bit of time with the Clubman, I think it’s a very nice car.

[ The cars Americans love best]Money.cnn.com

MINI USA Sales Up 24.8% for June

MINI USA Press Release MINI USA reported sales of 5,211 cars, a 24.8 percent increase compared to 4,174 cars sold in the same period a year ago. Year-to date, MINI USA also reported sales of 26,400 cars, an increase of 33.6 percent over the 19,759 vehicles sold in the same period a year ago.

“The last three months have been the best in our history as the significant structural shift to small cars has brought into our dealerships a diverse range of vehicle owners that currently drive large cars, SUVs and trucks. Our retailers tell us these people recognize the combination of efficiency, great dynamics and premium values MINI provides and it allows them to downsize their vehicle without downsizing their aspirations,” said Jim McDowell, Vice-President MINI USA. “With very few cars remaining in inventory, our dealers are focusing on taking orders for custom-built cars that will be delivered to MINI drivers in July through September.”

New Cell Phone Ban takes affect in WA & CA

Washington and California joined the ranks of about 30 other states yesterday banning the use of cellular phones while driving.

The new laws are almost identical in both states, with California having stiffer rules for those under 18 and Washington having a total ban on text messaging too (since Jan 1).

The good lads at Jalopnik did a great break down of the new laws in both states.

We hate to be the bearers of bad news, California and Washington state, but today, July 1, is the day that a new hands-free driving law goes into effect. Luckily for you, we’re here to break down the new rules and explain what you can and can’t do, along with providing some alternative options. Don’t live in California or Washington? Check out our guide here to see what’s happening in your state.

[ The Facts About California, Washington's Cell Phone Bans ] Jalopnik.com

R60 to Spawn a Five-door Hatchback?

More information about the MINI that everyone loves to hate is being reported by Leftlane news among other outlets.

The upcoming Mini SUV, thus far dubbed Sports Activity Vehicle, or SAV, is likely to be the basis for a front-wheel drive hatchback in order to keep costs down, today’s reports say. The SAV is due to debut at the Paris motor show this October, though the brand’s biggest hatch isn’t likely to come out until 2012.

While the information is interesting we can confirm that part of it is indeed incorrect. What will be seen in Paris will actually be officially a concept and not a look at the final production MINI cross-over. And while they are reporting that it’s still unclear what this MINI will be based on, we at MF have known for some time the R60 will be part Clubman (from the firewall forward) and part BMW X1 with quite a few exclusive elements thrown in for good measure.

As soon as we get more information we’ll be passing it along. Be sure to check out the R60 section for all of the information we have to date - which is quite a bit more than what is being reported elsewhere.

[ Mini SUV to spawn a five-door FWD hatchback model ] Leftlanenews.com

BimmerFile Review: BMW M3 Sedan

It doesn’t get much further removed from the MINI than a $60k BMW M3 sedan, but think of them as kindred spirits. And the M3 is one of those “it” cars for 2008 that simply makes for a fun review and a good comparison to the small car we all love. As you may have guessed it, our sister site BimmerFile was able to get their hands on an M3 sedan for a full week’s test. A highly recommended read if you’re at all interested in one of the ultimate sports sedans out there.

+ BimmerFile Review: BMW M3 Sedan

Rumormill: Ferrari looking at turbo'd V6 to save fuel

Dino fans rejoice, the rumormill is churning out plenty of grist about a V6 power unit in the offing for some future Ferraris. The California is already getting a V8, so Prancing Horse fans wishing for a "Dino II" will remain unfulfilled, but new approaches to high performance are key to keeping Ferrari at the zenith of autodom, lest it fall down the nostalgia hole that's seen Jaguar nearly suffocate on its own pillowy upholstery. The case for a V6 would be partly the banal issues of emissions and consumption, and a six might also offer weight and packaging advantages, though the rumors of a turbocharged mill add plumbing, weight, and complexity back into the mix. Additionally, anyone who's ever given the boot to a turbocharged engine can attest that forced induction's ability to make small engines flex big muscles, it can also lead to big-league fuel swilling, poking holes in the idea that a turbo V6 might save a lot of fuel over the direct-injected V8. Like any automaker, Ferrari is certainly looking at all sorts of "what if" ideas that will never reach production to find the right solution for the myriad technical challenges facing any automaker, let alone an exotic manufacturer. One thing's certain: a turbo V6 with Ferrari emblazoned along the cam covers would shriek with a proper Italian accent, and you have to respect any company that violently spits on the ground when the terms "SUV" or "Four-Door" are whispered.

Gallery: 2009 Ferrari California

2011 BMW 5-Series Spied!

The next generation of the BMW 5-Series will sport an advanced version of the iDrive system and more cues to bring its interior closer to those found in Audis. TheCarConnection.com's spy photographer ring has nabbed these new photos of the next BMW 5-Series, including the first interior photos. The cabin shot shows a relocated iDrive controller with satellite buttons, which may provide shortcuts like the buttons that surround Audi's MMI controller. A joystick-style shifter is also found inside, as is a button for an electronic parking brake. The new 5-Series also has a redesigned cockpit; the steering wheel has roller-type controls again like those in Audis. On the equipment list: keyless start/stop, an active suspension, a night-vision system, a head-up display, and a navigation system with a larger display. The body styles for the new BMW 5-Series will include a Sedan, a Touring wagon, and a fastback version along the lines of the new X6. All-wheel drive will be offered across the lineup. A debut at the 2009 Frankfurt auto show might be in the cards for the new 5-Series, which likely will make it to the U.S. as a 2011 model.

Forbes lists top 10 family cars

As the self-appointed family car reviewer for Autoblog, I have some opinions on the topic. If money were no object, my nomination for the ultimate family car would be split between the Mercedes-Benz R-Class and the BMW 5 Series wagon. But the R-Class entry price is $42k, and the Bimmer's is close to $50k -- not exactly family-friendly. Forbes Magazine, however, is a bit more realistic in its quest for the perfect family car, and considers price a deciding factor, like the majority of families. I agree with its Compact Car pick. The 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit is a good deal for your $16k entry price (though Forbes says $19k). On paper, its 15 cu. ft. of cargo space doesn't sound like much, but in reality, it's bigger than it sounds. The Rabbit also averages about 25 mpg, and these days, that's a big deal. Still, there are some Forbes picks I just don't agree with. For example, the mag selects the Saab 9-3 Sport Combi as best wagon. Really? I admit I've never driven one, but I'm just wondering where the new Jetta Sportwagen placed. (I just stepped out of reviewing one for a week.) Forbes cites the Saab's maximum 72.3 cu. ft of cargo space as a big factor. But it only bests the VeeDub's by 5.4 cu. ft. And while the VW gives up 110 horses to the Saab's 280, but the VW gets, on average, 24 mpg to the Saab's 18. Oh, and the Saab requires premium fuel. I guess the question is this: Do you want to drag race your wagon or save money? My family will take the cash, please.

Continue reading Forbes lists top 10 family cars

Mercedes-Benz USA's Sales Drop 0.1 Percent In June 2008

In financial news, Mercedes-Benz USA is reporting today that for the month of June, sales of Mercedes-Benz vehicles dropped 0.1 percent to 19,576 new units (compared to 19,589 new units in June 2007). This figure brings sales at the U.S. Mercedes division up to a total of 119,279 new units through the first six months of year, a 0.9 percent increase over 2007's six month year-to-date total of 118,240 new units. As for the models making headlines, the C-Class continued to be the volume leader for MBUSA, with sales of the sedan jumping an impressive 25.1 percent over last June (5,977 vs. 4,776 in 2007). The E-Class and the recently redesigned SL-Class both posted strong gains as well, with the two models' sales jumping 18.3 percent (4,360 units) and 12.3 percent (667 units), respectively. And last but not least, contrary to prevailing market conditions, the M-Class noted a 2.0 percent improvement in in the luxury SUV segment, with sales of the off-roader totaling 2,601 new units.

Daimler Receives Major Mercedes-Benz Coach Contract From Saudi Arabia

Daimler's Mercedes-Benz Buses and Coaches division has just announced that they've received a contract from SAPTCO (Saudi Arabian Public Transport) for 300 Mercedes-Benz Travego coaches. Half of the coaches are scheduled for delivery before the end of this year, while the second half will be handed over at the beginning of next year. This marks the first time that SAPTCO - the country's largest bus operator - has opted for the Travego model, although half of the company's 2,500 vehicle fleet already bear Mercedes' three-pointed star. The Travegos will be used for journeys between the pilgrimage cities in Saudi Arabia, and all will be fitted with uprated air conditioning system boasting a 39kW cooling capacity to cope with the extreme climatic conditions of the region.

Top 10 Vehicles Owned by Billionaires

by NATE CHAPNICK, ForbesAutos.com

If your pockets were as deep as Bill Gates’ what would you drive? A new Porsche or a seven-year-old one? Each year, Forbes magazine compiles a list of the world’s wealthiest people. While awaiting the release of the 2006 list, which will be published in March, ForbesAutos.com wanted to give you a look at the vehicles driven by the billionaires at the top of the 2005 list. Check back in March when we update this list to reflect the Top 10 ranking for 2006.

1. William Gates III
2. Warren Buffett
3. Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Alsaud
4. Ingvar Kamprad
5. Paul Allen
6. Lawrence Ellison
7. Jim Walton
8. Alice Walton
9. Michael Dell
10. Steven Ballmer

The cars and trucks driven by those in the Top 10 of the 2005 Forbes list was, in short, shocking. You won’t find a Bugatti, Ferrari or BMW driven by these billionaires. But you will find a Lincoln, a Mazda, even a Dodge and Ford. It seems that for the super-rich, a vehicle is seen not as a status symbol, but as a means to an end in which to get from point A to point B. Status is something that these billionaires need not prove to others. In many cases, the people on our list prefer to live inconspicuously, avoiding the limelight at all costs. This might explain why many of their vehicles cost less than your own daily driver.

To compile our list, we obtained motor vehicle registration records from each billionaire’s respective state. For those not residing in the U.S., we relied on interviews with company representatives or past interviews with the billionaires themselves. Their net worth was taken from Forbes.com’s 2005 World’s Billionaires List.