Most of you guys may already know this, but for those of you not up to date, today is the day when rally driver and stunt man Ken Block will launch his Gymkhana Three video.

Get ready for more drifting, powersliding, stunts and more as Block will throw around his 600 HP modified Ford Fiesta around an industrial complex of some sorts.

Teaser shots are already on the DC Shoes Gymkhana Three website, so stay tuned for the official video in the following hours. Until then, why don’t you check out Gymkhana 1, Gymkhana 2 and Gymkhana 2.1, all located after the jump.

Source: DC Shoes

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Reminder: Ken Block launches Gymkhana Three today

A few weeks ago, a fresh batch of rumors concerning the next generation Chevrolet Corvette, the C7, appeared. Among the tidbits of information were details of a mid-engined chassis, possibly with a V6 unit, as well as a wet dual-cluth transmission, courtesy of Saab.

Now, Karl Stracke, the General Motors vice president of global engineering has talked about these rumors, and, wouldn’t you know it, shot them down.

According to Stracke, the next Corvette will keep its front-engine platform, and will still use a V8 engine. More specifically, a new direct injection small block V8, which is currently being prepared for the heavy duty pickup trucks in the GM range.

The possibility of a wet dual clutch transmission has also been denied, as the assemblies are too costly to manufacture and aren’t that reliable. Instead, one can expect a dry dual-clutch gearbox in the future.

Stracke also went on to say that a hybrid powertrain may appear in the future, seeing as how other supercars are currently testing out such technologies.

So, the next Chevrolet Corvette C7 will keep its V8 in the front, but might get some help from an electric motor and a new transmission. How does that sound to you? Share your thoughts below.

Source: Autoblog

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GM denies mid-engined Corvette, hybrid still a possibility

Jeep is continuing its upgrade trend, and after revealing the all-new 2011 Grand Cherokee, the off-road specialist has also detailed the 2011 Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited models.

Off-road fans are definitely going to enjoy driving the refreshed Wrangler both on the road as well as on hardcore trails, thanks to a series of major upgrades made to the interior. No longer are customers getting the Spartan treatment, as Jeep has fitted a brand new steering wheel, revised instrument panels, larger rear windows and used better materials for the trim.

A more comfortable arm rest is also available, as is a USB interface and Bluetooth connectivity for the new audio system. Speaking of sound, Jeep says that a new ‘acoustical treatment’ has been fitted to the 2011 Wrangler, meaning your conversations won’t have to be carried out via loud speaker anymore.

In all seriousness, the 2011 Jeep Wrangler definitely has some great new features on the inside, but also boasts new paint colors like Bright White, Cosmos Blue, Deep Cherry Red, Detonator Yellow, and Sahara Tan. What’s more, a body color removable hardtop is now available, for a price, on the popular Sahara trim line.

The 2011 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited are now in production, and will be available in dealerships in the following weeks. Until then, check it out in the photo gallery below.

Photo Gallery: 2011 Jeep Wrangler

Source: Jeep

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2011 Jeep Wrangler officially detailed

Just in case you something a bit more special out of your super sedan, the Porsche Panamera Personalization Program has just been revealed, including new accessories as well as power upgrades, you know, just because we’re talking about Porsche.

Let’s start with the simpler things shall we? Customers can now opt for the Sport Design Package on any new Panamera. This includes a revised front fascia, with wider air intakes, as well as a redesigned rear apron with new diffusers and fins. Side skirts and new 20-inch wheels are available, for that extra dose of personalization.

If you really want to spend some money though, then the Powerkit for the Porsche Panamera Turbo is right up your luxurious alley. In case the top-of-the-range Turbo didn’t have enough power, this kit, as its name suggests, adds even more. 40 HP and 37 lb-ft, more specifically, taking the output to a final 540 HP and 553 lb-ft. What’s more, the Powerkit includes the Sport Chrono Turbo Package, which, if the car is in Sport Plus mode, upgrades the torque output to an even more dizzying 590 lb-ft.

All this extra power means the Panamera Turbo can sprint from 0 to 62 mph in 3.9 seconds, and up to 190 mph, all while keeping its EPA-rated fuel average of 15 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.

While the Sport Design Package may no cost all that much, $4,590, the Powerkit is definitely going to blast away the upgrade budget, as it is priced at $21,730.

Source: Porsche

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Porsche Panamera Personalization Program revealed, includes power upgrades for Turbo

After a much talked about report from the Wall Street Journal saying that unintended acceleration incidents suffered by Toyota models were caused by driver error, the preliminary findings of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also seem to point that out.

More specifically, out of the 58 cases of runaway Toyota models, in 35 cases the brakes weren’t even applied. The NHTSA investigators also said that in the rest of the incidents, the problem wasn’t electrical or software related. Instead, either the floor mat caused pedal entrapment, or the gas pedal was stuck from a mechanical standpoint.

This backs up Toyota’s own theories about the unintended acceleration scandal, and goes against claims from victims and lawyers that said that the incidents were caused by a glitch in the software of the car.

The NHTSA does highlight that these are just preliminary findings, and more will be known after NASA completes its probe into the Toyota incidents.

Source: Detroit News via Autoblog

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Electrical problems didn’t cause unintended acceleration for Toyota models, NHTSA says

A few weeks ago rumors were floating on the web concerning Volkswagen and its latest acquisition target, Italian carmaker Alfa Romeo, currently owned by Fiat.

At that time, the parties involved declined to comment, but things have seemingly changed now.

According to a report from Automotive News Europe, two unnamed Volkswagen executives have said that Alfa Romeo would make a great purchase, given its history and the versatile platforms it currently uses. Meanwhile, another unnamed exec from Fiat said that VW should go looking elsewhere, as the Italian group has big plans for Alfa Romeo, looking to increase global sales by extending to North America.

Without a doubt Alfa Romeo would make a great brand to have in any carmaker’s portfolio, but it’s quite clear that Fiat wants to keep it for itself at least in the next few years. Knowing Volkswagen’s appetite for growth though, sooner or later we might see an official move.

Source: Automotive News Europe

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Volkswagen looking to buy Alfa Romeo, Fiat doesn’t want to sell

After it was already revealed for Europe, the 2011 Nissan Murano has now been confirmed to arrive on US shores.

The new mid-size crossover packs a brand new grille, as well as a few other tricks with the 2011 model year edition.

First off, as you can see above, the old razor-like grille is gone, replaced with something bit more … peculiar, so to speak. The front bumper has also been tweaked and is a bit on the bloated side. Still, you will be able to order a brand new trim line, the SV, in both front- and all-wheel drive versions.

New options ranging from 20-inch wheels to a dual-panel moonroof or new colors can also be ordered for the Japanese crossover. You’ll still get just one engine though, the 3.5-liter VQ V6, capable of 260 HP and 240 lb-ft of torque.

Expect the 2011 Nissan Murano to reach dealerships in October.

Source: Nissan

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2011 Nissan Murano gets refreshed looks and new options

You know what car would be perfect for a Bonneville land speed record attempt? The Suzuki Kizashi!

That’s what the guys from Road & Track believed, as the magazine went to work, with the help of customizer Richard Holdener, on a tuned Kizashi that would break the speed record on the famous salt flats of Bonneville.

As such, with an overhauled four cylinder engine and a turbocharger capable of blasting 16 pounds of boost, the Suzuki Kizashi reached an impressive 203 mph, and now holds the land speed record in the Blown Gas Coupe category.

Check out the two record breaking videos after the jump.

Source: Suzuki

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Videos: Suzuki Kizashi reaches 203 mph, breaks land speed record at Bonneville

Volkswagen is getting ready to launch the 2011 Phaeton luxury limousine in Europe and China, but that doesn’t mean the German company will neglect other markets.

Even though the first generation model hasn’t reached decent sales in the USA, reports say that the new generation Volkswagen Phaeton might still make it to US shores in the near future.

According to the rumors, if the ‘people’s limousine’ will arrive in America, it will be thoroughly reworked to comply with the expectations of US customers. This means new engines, a new interior and other such changes.

For it’s part, VW has revealed that it is currently busy with the launch of the 2011 Phaeton in specific markets, but will be examining the launch of the limousine in other territories soon enough.

What say you? Should the new Phaeton be allowed on US shores? Would you buy it? Share your thoughts below.

Source: Autoblog

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New Volkswagen Phaeton might make it to US shores

Kia is taking a step towards more futuristic concepts and has just unveiled the new Pop electric urban commuter prototype.

According to the South Korean company, the Pop is a zero emissions city model, with seating for three on a bench. The driver sits on the left, which goes against other such concepts that put the driver in the center of the vehicle.

The Pop boasts a pretty interesting design, but don’t expect it to arrive on new models anytime soon. The company also highlights the 9.8 feet length (3 meters), which makes it perfect for even the most congested cities.

Expect the Kia Pop EV concept to be showcased at the Paris Motor Show this fall.

Source: Kia

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Kia showcases Pop concept before Paris debut