Street Scoop: 2012 Toyota Yaris

These photos of the upcoming Toyota Yaris provide a direct comparison between the old one and the new one. The new one will be about four inches longer than the current one with the majority of that extra space between the front and rear axle making it roomier for the passengers.

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Turbosmart E-Boost Street

Turbosmart's e-Boost Street electronic boost controller gives you total control over you vehicle's boost curve using two available boost settings, easily selected via a "turn-and-push" button or external switch. The easy-to-read, three-segment display with adjustable brightness can be configured for PSI, KPa, or BAR, and includes a warning light to inform the driver of over-boost shut-down or rev-limit, allowing the unit to double as a boost gauge, tachometer, or shift light. 
Turbomaster's e-Boost Street controllers can maintain up to 40psi of boost, and feature an auxiliary output that can trigger intercooler spray, methanol, or nitrous injection systems. Each e-Boost Street includes a control unit, installation kit, solenoid with mounting bracket, vacuum hoses, and hose clamps.

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Akrapovic Racing Exhaust System

Akrapovic is a high-performance exhaust manufacturer from Slovenia. Best known in the United States for outfitting the San Manuel Yamahas of James Stewart and Josh Hill, the company is highly regarded as one of the premier systems in Europe. The high-end Evolution line of exhaust is made of titanium tubing and features a carbon fiber end cap, while the more affordable Racing line features stainless steel tubing and a composite muffler end cap.

Hits: The overall fit and finish of the Akrapovic system is second-to-none; everything from the beautiful welds to the perfect slip fit connections are flawless. The system bolted on to our test bike perfectly, requiring no jiggling or coaxing of any sort. On the track, the system yielded performance changes that were mostly noticeable down low and up top. In the KX450F's case, the Akrapovic system smoothed out the massive mid-range hit, making the bike both further at the high-end of the rpm range, allowing it to pull further in each gear. One of the best-liked characteristics of the system, however, was the fact that it provided performance gains while at the same time reducing the exhaust noise levels.

Misses: The Akrapovic system is not cheap, nor is it short and compact. There are other aftermarket mufflers that are better tucked in, but none of them offer the noise dampening performance of the Akrapovic.
akrapovic.com

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EBC 180MM Oversized Front Rotor

The EBC 180mm front brake rotor is an oversized rotor designed to increase stopping power on any bike it's installed on. Made from stainless steel and designed to be floating, the rotor is strong, durable, and constructed to withstand hard hits that normally would bend a stock rotor.



Hits: The huge size of the rotor does an excellent job at increasing stopping power, while the durable steel that it is constructed of protects against hard, unexpected hits from flying rocks or roost. When applying the front brake with this rotor installed, the power is increased, the front brake isn't too touchy - it produces a nice consistent feel. When going fast, great stopping power is a must, and the EBC rotor provides just that.

Misses: While the oversized rotor did increase the stopping power, it did take me a while to get used to, as it was far more powerful than stock. I with the stock rotor installed wasn't necessary with the EBC setup. I had to consistently tell myself that in the case of the EBC front brake, less pull on the lever was actually more. Lastly, the stock front disc guard on most bikes must be removed in order to install the EBC rotor kit.

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Scott Airbone Helmet

Scott is one of the most recognized names in all of motocross..much like Mike or Ryan. And speaking of recognition, whose name do you think would pop up if we ran the Identiy graphic through the fingerprint scanner? Kidding aside, the folks at Scott are known for their innovation and constant drive toward progression. Their latest venture delves into the helmet market, and they have every intention of becoming a class leader. With bob Maynard at the design helm, Scott is sure to make a big splash at your local dealer.

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Return Of The RS500

To commemorate the end of production for its current model Focus RS, Ford is creating an ultra-high-performance RS500 version. And like legendary Sierra Cosworth RS500 of the 1908s with which it shares a moniker, the hatchback will be produced in a strictly limited run of 500 cars.

The machine features a number of performance upgrades over the Focus RS, including modifications to the engine.
Ford partnered with automotive engineer Revolve Technologies - the company behind Ford factory-approved Mountune performance parts. A revised intercooler, larger air filter box, bigger exhaust and re-mapped ECU are some of the changes, and the result is a 2.5-litre inline five-cylinder engine good for 257kW at 6000rpm and 60Nm of torque. In the real world that's enough wick to propel the RS500 from standstill to 100kph in 5.6 seconds. Drive comes through a close-ratio 6-speed gearbox feeding to the front wheels through a Quaife limited slip diff.

A standout feature has to be the exterior, where Ford has combined matte black bodywork with 19-inch metallic black alloys to create an aggressive look. The unique panel treatment is not paint-based, but rather a special 3M film applied at the final stage before delivery.

"We were determined to mark the end of production for the current and acclaimed Focus RS with something even more special," said Joe Bakaj, Ford of Europe's vice president for product development. "From its stunning looks to its intoxicating performance, we have no doubt that the RS500 will be appreciated and quickly snapped up by performance car enthusiasts."

Unfortunately for us, the RS500 will only be sold in Europe.

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Cool Concept Car - Cadillac Sixteen

Here's a concept car for you from Cadillac. Introducing the 13.6-Liter 1000-horsepower v16 Cadillac Sixteen. Yes, I said v16! Whoa! Very impressive. 

A click of the remote will open the doors to this masterpiece. The sixteen does not include door handles. The interior of the sixteen consists of leather, polished walnut and aluminum and not to mention the thick carpet made of silk. Leather power adjusted bucket seats scream "cool car!." The electronic speedometer is center mounted in the dash. To start, press the brake and push the green button on the right side of the steering wheel.

The transmission only has 4 gears, but you will most likely only feel 2 shifts during your drive. The suspension includes 4-wheel steering. The stock wheels sit twenty four inches. Amazing as it sounds...this concept car was put into production.

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2006 Lamborghini Murcielago LP640

Just wanted to add some pictures of this cool car. 

Engine - 6.5 liter V12
Torque - 487 lb-ft @ 6000 rpm
HP - 631 hp @ 8000 rpm
HP/Liter - 98.5 hp per liter
0-62 mph - 3.4 seconds

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The 2008 Audi TT 3.2 Quattro Roadster

This ride is definitely a cool car that will bring the ladies. After all, it does kind of look like a ladies car ;) Hehe. Although it's a sports car, it seems the test results show that it isn't that great of a sports car. The cloth top model will turn heads. It takes roughly twelve seconds to fold down the top. Aluminum trip surrounding powerful gages looks beautiful (sorry we don't have any shots of the inside). The engine is a 200 horsepower 3.2 liter v6. Sadly the 2.0 turbo only comes in front wheel drive (dual clutch trans). All 3.2 models have a Quattro all wheel drive and offers a S tonic or a regular 6 speed manual. Check out the pics of this cool car!

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