Chop-Shop: Alfa Romeo Mi.To GTA

In contrast with various other “chops” we’ve seen from time to time, the Mi.To GTA that was created by the guys at “Progetto955” is a model that we will definetely see coming out of Alfa Romeo’s factory in the near future. We do not know whether or not the actual Mi.To GTA will look like this, but we are aware that Alfa’s plan is to equip the top-notch version of its premium mini with a 1.8-liter turbocharged engine delivering approximately 230 Hp.

Toyota Recalls More Than Half-A-Million Corolla and Matrix Models

Toyota has launched a safety recall involving approximately 539,500 Corolla and Matrix vehicles sold in the U.S. The recall concerns 2003 and 2004 Model Year Corolla and Matrix models equipped with power windows. According to Toyota, the driver and front passenger door glass bolts may loosen and come off, causing the door glass to separate from the window regulator. Vehicles that are equipped with manual windows are not involved in this campaign.
The Japanese carmaker said in a statement released today that it will notify owners of the involved vehicles with a Special Service Campaign letter via first class mail beginning in late April. As usual, replacement of the driver and front passenger door glass bolts will be done at no charge to the owners of the vehicle.

Scion Presents 400Hp Rear-Wheel-Drive tC Coupe for Formula Drift

The good news is that Scion has developed a rear-wheel drive version of its compact coupe, the tC. The bad news for all us RWD-lovers is that the RS*R tC was created to compete in Formula Drift events and not to go on sale for the public to enjoy. The conversion, that was performed by aftermarket specialist, RS*R, was able to be done thanks to the fact that the tC shares its platform with Toyota's Japanese market Avensis four-wheel drive and Caldina all-wheel drive.
RS*R changed the tC's stock transverse engine configuration to a longitudinal setup in order to drive power, through the transmission and drive shaft, directly to the rear wheels. While the stock tC is equipped wit a 161 Hp 2.4-liter engine, the RS*R features a 3SGE Beams motor, HKS GT3037 turbo and intercooler, Blitz Dual SBC boost controller, and AEM EMS engine management system that outputs more than 400 HP.

Drive an Aston Martin Vantage N24 on-track

As much as we would have like to offer you the chance to drive a race-prepped Aston Martin Vantage N24 on-track, unfortunately its UK newspaper “The Sunday Times” that’s giving its readers this unique opportunity. Thanks to a partnership between Aston Martin, PalmerSport and The Sunday Times, the UK newspaper is running a competition from April until October offering two lucky readers per month the chance to demonstrate their driving skills in a Vantage N24, at PalmerSport’s Bedford Autodrome.

For those of you who don’t believe in “Lady Luck”, Aston Martin offers the option to pay for a timed session in one of the cars. Either way, each driver’s lap time will be entered into a ‘Hot Lap League’, with the ten fastest drivers being called back at the end of the year to compete in a final to decide who’s the fastest. The winner will enjoy a package of prizes, including the loan of an Aston Martin V8 Vantage for a month and full VIP hospitality for two people at the 2009 Le Mans 24-hour race.

Brilliance BS4 Wagon

It may look like a BMW and it may be produced by a company that builds BMW’s Chinese-market cars, but fact is, it’s not a bimmer. These pictures supposedly show the station-wagon version of Brilliance’s BS4 compact sedan that is scheduled to make its global premiere at the 2008 Beijing Auto Show on April 20. And why supposedly may you ask; well, while we found these pics on several Chinese sites this morning, some details like the phony-looking alloy wheels, the fact that the car has only one roof-bar along with the Italian license-plates make us wonder whether or not these pics are the product of photoshop. We’ll know soon enough.

Lamborghini Murcielago Crash – China Style

A car crash is an unpleasant site - whatever the make or model. However, we must admit that we tend to feel worse when it involves exotic cars like this Lamborghini Murcielago that bit the dust somewhere in China. Ironic detail: the flowers seen in the picture above were not placed by some random folks or by the owner of the car in memory of the Lambo.

Nissan Livina C-GEAR

Nissan is enhancing its Livina line-up with the introduction of a third variant of its Asian market hatchback, the Livina C-Gear (to be called the 'X-Gear' in various markets). The crossover version of the Livina will make its first public appearance at the 2008 Beijing Auto Show later this month. In addition to its “rugged-look” exterior, Nissan supports that inside the C-Gear has received a sporty look and feel manifested through the combination of a black interior with silver finish.
The Livina C-Gear will be offered with a 1.6-liter gasoline engine with the choice of four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmissions. The model will be produced locally at DFL's Huadu plant in Guangdong province.