Ferrari World: fast times on Abu Dhabi F1 roller coaster?

According the official Ferrari literature, Ferrari World facts and figures include:new * World’s first Ferrari theme park; * World’s largest indoor park; * Located on Yas Island on the North East side of Abu Dhabi’s mainland; * Adjacent to the Yas Marina Circuit, site of inaugural 2009 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix; * More than 20 state-of-the-art rides and attractions: * The world’s fastest roller coaster emulating the feeling of being in an F1 car; * G-force experience taking passengers on an adrenaline-pumping ride up over 62m, through the roof and back down again; * State-of-the-art racing

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Porsche, Mercedes-Benz most expensive sports cars to insure

1. Porsche 911 Carrera GT2 $2,943.78 2. Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG $2,863.03 3. Dodge Viper SRT-10 $2,851.89 4. Porsche Panamera Turbo AWD $2,837.39 5. Dodge Viper SRT-10 Convertible $2,815.90 6. Mercedes-Benz CL600 $2,754.80 7.  Audi R8 $2,751.55 8. Porsche Panamera S $2,744.78 9. Mercedes-Benz SL600 $2,715.86 10. Porsche 911 Carrera Turbo $2,706.04

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Honda recalls more than 400,000 Odyssey and Element models

Honda will recall Odyssey and Element in the 2007-2008 model years to fix the vehicle stability assist modulators. Some of the modulators were assembled so that could allow air to enter, Honda detailed in a media release. The trapped air could cause the brake pedal to fall closer to the floor before the car stops, and in affected vehicles the problem tends to increase over time. Not all of the cars involved in the recall may have this issue, but Honda is including all units that could be affected. Honda said it will start contacting affected customers at the end

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Nissan debuts mini-car March in China, hopes for 1 million global sales in 4 years

The 1,200-cc engine compact, called March in Thailand, China and Japan, and Micra in India, Europe and other markets will have a price range between $11,500 $16,500). Nissan Chief Operating Officer Toshiyuki Shiga said the compact would be sold in more than 160 countries, with Thailand one of four main manufacturing and export hubs with China, India and Mexico. Nissan expects production in China to begin in the second half of this year. Production of the March model would nearly double Nissan’s Thai car output to 200,000 units a year. The Micra/March, unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in early

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Hyundai cruises past Toyota, Honda in Kelley Blue Book customer loyalty

Additionally, throughout the month of February 2010 Hyundai outperformed the overall car segment average by a healthy margin. Hyundai values increased 2 percent month-over-month, relative to a 0.3 percent increase for the entire car segment. In addition to topping brand loyalty, the all-new 2011 Sonata was named to kbb.com’s Top 10 Most-Researched New Vehicles list for the first time. In February, the Sonata was the fifth most-researched new car on kbb.com alongside ‘Top 10 Most-Researched’ mainstays such as Accord, Civic, Camry and CR-V. “2009 marked an unprecedented year for the Hyundai brand and we are well poised to keep the

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Toyota officially refutes San Diego runaway Toyota Prius claim

A California Highway Patrol officer intercepted the vehicle and instructed the driver to press firmly on the brakes, apply the emergency brake and turn off the car, at which time the Prius came to a safe stop. While a final report is not yet complete, Toyota announced via press release: “There are strong indications that the driver’s account of the event is inconsistent with the findings of the preliminary analysis.” Toyota engineers employed data download/analysis, static and dynamic testing as well as thorough inspections of all relative components. In addition, they retraced the reported driving route taking into account driving

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San Diego runaway Toyota Prius: Could it have been a hoax?

The legitimacy of the story of Jim Sikes, the 61-year-old man who couldn’t stop his 2008 Toyota Prius on a Southern California freeway earlier this month until he was assisted by a California Highway Patrol officer, is now in question. According to a report on CNN.com, technicians who tested the Toyota after its owner claimed its gas pedal stuck were unable to recreate the same condition. The revelation was detailed in a draft of a congressional memo obtained Sunday by CNN. In addition, owner Jim Sikes’ claim that the car kept going even though he slammed on the brake while

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Runaway Toyota parodied on Saturday Night Live, Ford gets hybrid props

Toyota, in its continuing whirlwind of runaway vehicles, recalls and pending litigation, has received the ultimate compliment. It’s been parodied on Saturday Night Live. In a brief skit on the March 13 show, cast members Kenan Thompson and Abby Elliott are peaceful walk through what appears to be a national park or forest trail. But when the couple returns to their Toyota Prius, parked at the trail head, and leaves the area, the car immediately suffers from the proverbial “unintended acceleration.” The couple panics and shouts mock expletives. Despite the current series of runaway incidents around the country, the skit

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Volkswagen towing a travel trailer or an RV towing a VW?

Chuck Woodbury is publisher of RVTravel.com and several other web sites and blog relating in the recreational vehicle industry. Woodbury reports on campgrounds to recalls, new products to the sights and sounds of the open road. Woodbury also has a keen knack for discovering the unique, including the video below — a more than 25-year-old sales video for a Volkswagen Beetle towing a travel trailer. Or, is it a travel trailer towing a Volkswagen? The contraption has a 360-degree turning radius and the commentator discusses the idea with a combination of instruction and humor. For the latest information in the

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Buy a new Hummer in Chesterfield, Illinois, get a free new shotgun

After recently attaining a license from the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, to sell weapons and ammunition in the dealership, Lynch devised the perk for new Hummer buyers. “There is now a real reason to believe that the current inventory on hand at dealers may be the last of the new Hummers, we wanted to send them off with something memorable,” said Lynch. “Browning and Hummer are prestigious brands and American Icons – bringing them together is a natural fit.” Lynch told various media outlets’ reporters. Last week, General Motors announced it will keep Hummer until May 1. If

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Flying car on the horizon? It's a Lamborghini with wings

“It’s a $200,000 vehicle, like a Lamborghini, but in this case it flies.” says Carl Dietrich, CEO and CTO of Terrafugia. Dietrich says his company has many buyers lined up and that vehicle is ready for commercial use. But whether potential consumers embrace the machine is anyone’s guess. Dietrich also needs financial support for his proposed debut in 2011. View the Reuters’ video here: Flying Car

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Total recall: Ford leads General Motors, Toyota, VW, Honda on all-time dubious list

10: Honda, 1995, 3.7 million — Faulty seat belt buckle. Recalled all Honda and Acura made between 1986-1991. 9: Volkswagen, 1972, 3.7 million — Non-functioning windshield wipers. The NHTSA ordered recall all VWs, 1949-1969. 8. General Motors, 1973, 3.7 million — Body had the potential to scrape the ground, prompting gravel to jam steering. Shields installed in full-sized models from 1971-1973, including including the Buick Electra, Riviera and LeSabre, Chevrolet Bel Air, Biscayne, Caprice, Brookwood, Impala, Kingwood and Townsman, the Oldsmobile 88 and 98, and the Pontiac Bonneville, Catalina and Grandville. 7: Ford, 1972, 4 million — Poorly constructed seat

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Second runaway Toyota Prius in two days, this time in upstate New York

The previous day, a California man said his 2008 Toyota Prius sped out of control on a California freeway. The man, 61, said his car accelerated beyond his control after he overtook another vehicle in San Diego County. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is aware of both incidents and is investigating. In the New York incident, the woman was driving on a long, curving driveway when the Prius accelerated beyond her control. She sped across a two-lane road, described as a “fairly busy” street. She traveled 150 to 200 feet, he said, before the Prius’ front end struck the

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Toyota recall timeline: apologies, promises and faulty parts

* March 8 — Driver James Sikes speeds along a San Diego County freeway in a 2008 Toyota Prius for 20 minutes, reaching 94 miles per hour, before a Highway Patrol officer helps slow down the car. Toyota, the California Highway Patrol and federal safety officials say they will investigate. * March 2 — U.S. Prius sales rise 10 percent in February despite earlier recalls over faulty brakes and floor mats that can trap gas pedals, causing unwanted acceleration. * Feb. 24 — Toyota President Akio Toyoda apologizes for the Toyota‘s millions of recalls before House Oversight and Reform Committee.

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Toyota denies another Prius recall set despite Wall Street Journal report

Other models involved in this previously-announced recall include 2007-2010 Camry, 2005-2010 Avalon, 2005-2010 Tacoma, 2007-2010 Tundra, 2007-2010 ES 350, 2006-2010 IS 250, and 2006-2010 IS 350.  On January 27, 2010, Toyota expanded the campaign to include the 2008-2010 Highlander, 2009-2010 Corolla, 2009-2010 Venza, 2009-2010 Matrix and 2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe. Owners who have further questions are asked to visit www.toyota.com or www.lexus.com or contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331 or Lexus Customer Assistance at 1-800-255-3987. Public Web site:  https://www.toyota.com and www.toyota.com/recall Source: PRNewswire.com

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Toyota recalls all 2000-2003 Tundras with potential corrosion, dropping gas tank, spare tire issues

Last November, Toyota recalled 110,000 Tundras sold in 20 cold-weather states, saying exposure to heavy road salt could cause the corrosion. Toyota spokesman Brian Lyons was unable to say how many additional vehicles are now involved. The recall will now expand nationwide, according to announcements mailed to dealers. The manufacturer reported the rear cross-member of the frame of the Tundra could corrode in some cases, and that could cause loss of rear brake circuits, making it harder for drivers to stop. Toyota redesigned the Tundra in 2007 in an attempt in infiltrate the market for full-size work trucks dominated by

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