Ford is kicking its marketing campaign for the new Fiesta compact into overdrive, just as the model is appearing in Blue Oval dealerships around the USA.

In order to highlight the sporty nature of the new Fiesta, Ford went to famous rally driver and stunt man Ken Block, and tasked him with completing a few everyday errands such as taking out the trash, going grocery shopping or delivering mail.

As you can imagine, he isn’t using a regular Fiesta for all these tasks, instead relying on his custom Ford Fiesta rally car. Needless to say, hilarity and awesomeness followed.

Still, the ad doesn’t just promote the new Fiesta, but also a novel competition, entitled ‘Rock it like Block’. Fans will need to access this special website, and enter for a chance to win a special Fiesta, customized by Block himself. While it most definitely won’t be the Gymkhana Three Fiesta, it will still be awesome.

Hit the jump to check out the new Ken Block ad, and then enter in the competition.

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Video: Ken Block takes care of everyday errands with his Ford Fiesta rally car

Ever since the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept last year, rumors about its unavoidable production version have been appearing left and right.

The newest outlet to share its two (euro)cents is Germany’s AutoBild, which says that the Vision concept will become a reality in 2013.

According to the magazine, the concept will be produced as the BMW i100 sportscar, part of the company’s Project i initiative. The regular model is likely to retain the hybrid powertrain of the concept. A 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine, aided by an electric motor, will power the rear wheels, while the front ones will be driven by another electric motor. Power for the motors will be delivered by a pack of lithium ion batteries.

Performance fans will also be taken care of with an M-badged performance version. AutoBild says the M division will combine a 450 HP twin-turbo inline-six cylinder engine, which will be used on the next generation M3, with the electric motors. The lithium ion pack will be replaced by a set of supercapacitors, for extra performance.

Bear in mind that this is just speculation, at the moment. The BMW Vision EfficientDynamics will no doubt be made by the German company, but no official details have been revealed just yet.

Source: AutoBild via Autoblog

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BMW Vision EfficientDynamics to be built as the i100 sportscar in 2013, M version likely

Here we are with yet another supercar crash, but this time (luckily) no fire happened, like with the recent Ferrari 458 Italia or Audi R8 incidents.

It seems that a German Mclaren F1 owner decided to take the expensive hypercar for a run on the famous Autobahn. Sadly, according to police, another driver pulled out in front of the powerful model and the F1 driver swerved to avoid crashing.

The McLaren didn’t manage to stop in time, and impacted two parked cars, damaging the left front part.

While you may think this isn’t a serious accident, the bill for the repairs is estimated at around $130,000, more than the price of a lot of brand new supercars.

Still, the driver escaped unharmed, and is definitely relieved to see that the McLaren F1, which now is sold for a few million dollars, hasn’t been totaled.

Source: Top Gear

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McLaren F1 crashes in Germany, damage costs $130,000

Seeing as how summer is in its last month, Consumer Reports decided to make life easier for parents and teens that want to by a new car before school starts.

As such, the reputed American magazine has charted some of the best cars for both young, as well as senior drivers. By doing so, CR hopes that parents will try to avoid buying big, clunky SUVs for their children, thinking that it is the safest choice.

Instead, CR recommends smaller, more agile cars, fitted with safety equipment like ESC (Electronic Stability Control) as well as side airbags. The magazine says that models perfectly suited for teen drivers include the Hyundai Elantra, Mazda3, Scion xB, Acura TSX, Honda Accord, Kia Optima, Honda CR-V or the Nissan Rogue.

In case senior drivers want to buy a brand new car, CR advises they should consider models like the Honda Odyssey, Subaru Forester XT Limited, Hyundai Azera, Honda Accord or the Kia Rondo.

Judging from the two lists, as well as other recommendations, the Honda Accord (pictured above) is definitely the car to buy, no matter the age.

Source: Consumer Reports

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Consumer Reports charts the best cars for young and old people

Even though it is quite busy launching the brand new 2011 Saab 9-5 all over the world, as well as setting up plans for the next few years, Saab isn’t neglecting its entry-level offer, the 9-3.

According to insiders, the 2011 Saab 9-3 will be treated to a mild refresh, consisting of revised looks as well as new options for both the exterior and the interior.

It seems that the model will be getting two new colors, Javabrown and Diamond Silver, as well as the turbine wheels we saw on the 2011 9-5. Two new versions, Vector Griffin and Griffin Aero will be introduced, each sporting tweaked front fascias. The inside will be host to a few more trim options, and new materials, for the 2011 model year.

In terms of engines, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, with direct injection, will be available. It will output 163 in naturally aspirated form, and 220 HP, thanks to a turbocharger. In specific markets, a diesel engine will also be available, in three flavors: 130, 160 or 180 HP.

While this isn’t official just yet, Saab will certainly implement some changes if it wants the 9-3 to remain competitive until the next generation sedan arrives.

Source: Saabs United via Autoblog

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2011 Saab 9-3 to be refreshed, will get new options

In order to promote Blur, its latest racing/destruction video game, Activision has partnered up with Sony to award PlayStation 3 gamers with a real life BMW 125i.

All you have to do is just log into the PlayStation Store, download the free demo of Blur, and play until you reach level 5 in the game. As soon as you achieve that, you are entered in a competition that might net you a real life BMW 125i coupe, complete with the M Sport package and the Performance racing strips.

Sadly, the competition is opened only to European gamers over 18, specifically those in Ireland, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Greece, Spain, Finland, France, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Russia and United Kingdom.

Still, if you’re ready this, then boot up your PlayStation 3 and start downloading. The competition starts today, August 4, and ends on August 25.

Source: PlayStation Blog

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Europeans can win a BMW 125i by playing Blur on their PlayStation 3

Almost all Italian car fans, as well as rally enthusiasts, fondly remember the iconic Lancia Stratos sportscar, which broke records and won hearts in the hectic 1970s. Sadly, it was discontinued, and models are now worth quite a lot of money.

Enthusiasts were treated to a huge surprise with the Fenomen Stratos concept, which was revealed back in 2005. Sadly, nothing came out of it, not even a limited series.

Now, it seems things might have changed. According to ItaliaSpeed, these two spy photos depict a Lancia Stratos prototype being tested out on a private Fiat track.

While the model does share most of its design with the Fenomen Stratos, a few things have been changed, for a better functionality, including the front fascia. Not much else was revealed, so do take these shots with a mighty huge grain of salt.

If it will revive the Stratos, we’re pretty sure Lancia is going to strike gold in the deep pockets of enthusiasts all over the world.

Source: ItaliaSpeed

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Lancia Stratos prototype spied on the track

It seems that compact sedans are quickly becoming extremely popular in the USA, at least judging by the impressive array of new models set to arrive on the market. These include cars like the Chevrolet Cruze on the 2012 Ford Focus.

Now, a new contender is preparing for its own launch, the 2011 Hyundai Elantra.

We’ve already seen the Elantra be revealed in its native South Korea, at the Busan Motor Show, as the KDM-spec Hyundai Avante. At that time, no details were revealed about US availability. Now, as the Avante is hitting showrooms in its native country, Hyundai has confirmed that the 2011 Elantra will also be reaching US shores by the end of the year.

As you can see, the new model will boast the ‘Fluidic’ design we already saw on the bigger 2011 Sonata. In South Korea, the model is offered with the 1.6-liter Gamma inline-four cylinder engine, capable of 138 HP with 123 lb-ft of torque. While power figures aren’t all that impressive, it can achieve a combined fuel average of 38.8 mpg.

Expect more details about the US-spec 2011 Hyundai Elantra as we reach the end of 2010.

Source: Hyundai via Autoblog

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2011 Hyundai Elantra arrives in the USA by the end of the year

It seems that the racing video game genre is going to become rather crowded at the end of 2010 and beginning of 2011, as not only will we finally get to see Gran Turismo 5, but also not one, but two Need For Speed titles.

We already saw Need For Speed Hot Pursuit at this year’s E3 conference in Los Angeles, and now, in a recent conference call, Electronic Arts has confirmed that another NFS title is set to arrive in the near future.

Need For Speed Shift 2, as its name suggests, is the sequel to the popular NFS Shift, which was launched in the fall of 2009. The game brought a more realistic approach to racing games, something a bit uncommon for regular NFS titles.

Not a lot was revealed about NFS Shift 2, but you can expect a huge array of licensed cars, plenty of real life tracks as well as some of the most detailed interiors this side of Gran Turismo 5. It will be available on consoles (Xbox 360 and Playstation 3, most likely) as well as on the PC.

The game is scheduled to appear in Q4 (fourth quarter) of the 2011 fiscal year, meaning somewhere between January 1 and March 31, 2011. Until then, rest assured that NFS Hot Pursuit will be more than able to satisfy your virtual racing urges.

Source: EA

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Need for Speed Shift 2 confirmed for the beginning of 2011

At the beginning of the year, we revealed to you the awesome FireBreather customization concept, based on the already impressive Chevrolet Camaro SS.

Now, the guys at Classic Design Concepts have finally revealed the production version, which will be available to anyone with a a deep passion for the old Firebird model, back when Pontiac was still alive and kicking.

Besides the unique exterior, with a fresh body kit reminiscent of the Trans-Am, the interior has also been decked out in Firebird elements, as well as new technologies, already present in the Camaro.

Under the hood, you will find a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine, capable of sending 599 HP to the back wheels.

The price for this customized model starts at $60,000 and is already up for sale from Classic Design Concepts.

Source: Firebreather via Autoblog

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FireBreather muscle car now available from Classic Design Concepts