2012 Toyota FT-86: New Photos Surface Online

When we brought you the first brochure images of the production version of the JDM Toyota FT-86 coupe on Thursday, we rightfully assumed that we should see more pictures of the rear-wheel drive model in the coming weeks before the official presentation at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show on November 30.

Better make that a little over 24 hours as we just discovered yet another collection of scanned images on a Japanese forum, providing us with an even better look at the exterior design of Toyota's mainstream sports car.

While the previous photos showed us a Modellista-prepped version, this time we have the standard FT-86 with or without some optional accessories such as the front panel air vent trims and rear diffuser accents.

Read more »

Giggidy Giggidy Goo or What the Deuce? Miss Tuning Calendar 2012 [NSFW]

For better or for worse, tuning shows are as much about modified cars as they are about booth babes - and that's regardless of where they take place. Just wait and see at next week's SEMA Show.

But just to get your engines running – or so to speak, we have a special treat for you, and no, we're not referring to the Nissan 180SX/200SX ...

Read more »

Toyota Reduces U.S. Production Due to Thailand Floods

It seems that nature's forces do not like Toyota. The March natural disaster in Japan affected Toyota the most and now, just as it is gearing up production to make up for the lost time, a massive flood in Thailand has plagued the automaker's three local factories forcing the company to change its plans once again.

Toyota issued the following statement: “Parts availability from Thailand is not predictable at this time and is changing with the continued severity of the flooding.”

Read more »

BMW Begins Regular Production of new 2012 3-Series Sedan

With the official presentation out of the way, the BMW Group began series production of its new premium sedan, the 2012 3-Series, at is Munich plant in Germany as it prepares for its worldwide market launch in February next year.

“The BMW 3 Series is the most important volume-produced model from the BMW Group as well as the biggest-selling model in the entire premium segment," said Frank-Peter Arndt, Member of the BMW AG Board of Management responsible for production.

Read more »

Report: Ferrari California to Receive Mild Life Facelift with a Power Upgrade for 2012

[2011 Ferrari California pictured above]

When Ferrari launched the California in 2008, the hardtop roadster model was a novelty for Maranello. Despite objections from purists, Ferrari proved to be right and the California was a major sales success.

Not only did it boost the brand’s sales but it also succeeded in its original goal to bring in buyers who would only consider Aston Martins, Porsches and Bentleys as they found Ferraris to be impractical.

Now, according to CAR magazine, Ferrari’s front-engined V8 model is about to get a major overhaul for 2012, with production of the refreshed version beginning as early as January.

Read more »

Warning: Meet the Worst Accident Scam Artist in the World [Video]

Traffic accidents involving pedestrians are all too common but once in a while, you get your archetypal "please hit me" scam artist that will try anything to get something from you or better yet, your insurance company.

And truth is, unless there's a witness or two around, you'll either waste or have a pretty hard time proving your innocence. On the other hand, if you've installed a dashboard mounted camera on your car, an accident con can turn a nightmare scenario into a rather enjoyable 30 second clip.

Enter the world of the one of the worst fraudsters we've ever seen in action. Period. According to the person that uploaded the video, the incident took place somewhere in Korea. You can watch it right after the break.

Read more »

Il Monstro: 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ with 22,400 miles goes Under the Hammer

The Alfa Romeo 75 is remembered as the last rear-wheel drive sedan to be produced by the Milanese brand. Yet, its claim to glory is much bigger than that as the 75 underpinned one the most bizarre Alfa Romeos to date: the SZ.

Initially presented as a Zagato concept at the 1987 Geneva Motor Show, the ES30 (Experimental Sports 3.0-liter), as was its internal designation, debuted in production form at the same show two years later as the SZ, which stands for Sports Zagato.

And it caused quite a commotion, thanks to its angular styling and angry looks. Some 25 years later, the SZ's exterior styling is still divisive, but nevertheless, it does stand out from the crowd…

It was available in one trim level in a red color with a dark-grey roof and tan leather interior – save for one example finished in black that was built exclusively for Andrea Zagato himself.

Read more »