American Icon Hulk Hogan Drives An SRT8, Lays The Hurt Down On The Typical Family Sedan

As old as legends like Sergeant Slaughter and The Nature Boy but still able to squeeze into those barely-there wrestling tights without horrifying fans [seriously, Ric Flair, we love you man, but really, keep the robe on], our hero Hulk Hogan has been in the gossip rags everywhere lately while his tranny wife takes him to the cleaners. So when the Hulk was spotted cruising around in a Hulkamania-yellow Dodge Charger SRT8, we were flat out surprised his estranged wife hadn’t reduced the star to a Geo Prism.

An American legend to the core, celebrity gossip rags have reported that the entire Hogan family has been suited up by Dodge. Hulk’s daughter Brooke reportedly cruises in a Dodge Avenger while his son and amateur career racer, Nick, has logged heavy track time behind the wheel of a Dodge Viper. We really couldn’t care less what his [derogatory term for the female reproductive organ] of an ex-wife drives.

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Lexus IS-F: the F stands for fast

Lexus IS-F

After establishing itself as equal in terms of luxury to BMW, Audi and Mercedes, Lexus has taken the next step in its development with the IS-F.  Just like each of the Bavarian automakers has in-house performance upgraded models (M-BMW, AMG-Mercedes, S/RS-Audi), the IS-F represents an impressive first example of the Lexus maturation as both a luxury and performance brand.   

IS-F Stacked Tailpipes

What Lexus gets right begins with the powerplant: a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter 417 horsepower V8.  This monster is mated with the world’s first eight (that’s not a typo) speed automatic transmission that drives the rear wheels.  0–60 times in the IS-F are achieved in 4.6 seconds and produce a governed maximum speed of 170 mph. 

Lexus V8

While clearly the mechanics of the IS-F are on target, the most direct competitor for the IS-F, the BMW M3, takes care of the details in a way that the Lexus hasn’t quite mastered.  To begin with BMW and Mercedes don’t bother with non-functional pieces, such as the imposter air vents on the Lexus.  From the hood bulge to the menacing bumpers and stacked tail pipes, the Lexus looks like it is trying to convince you of its speed and perhaps trying too hard.  The Bavarians are more subtle in their design, until they drop the hammer on the throttle and you see the M on the truck as it leaves you in its wake.

Lexus IS-F Interior

Also, for a company that has successful achieved a level of elegance, ergonomics and taste, the interior of the Lexus sometimes borders on cheap looking.  A silver carbon fiber “appliqué” is present on the doors and center console and a rather flimsy looking plastic tray divides the rear seats.  The rest of the interior sports blue stitching on black leather seats, solid aluminum gear shift paddles and an ‘F’ on the steering wheel to designate this special model. 

The price tag of the IS-F is $56,610, which is comparable though slightly more expensive than the M3 ($54,575).  For a first attempt into this genre the IS-F is a solid entry.  It may not be completely refined, but  the IS-F will probably still appeal to those that want to stand out a bit from the typical performance sedan crowd.  Lexus will most surely keep closing the gap on its competitors.

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Video: More Speed Racer Movie Teasers with Video Trailer to Boot!

When it comes to new movies there is one thing that I am certain to avoid and that is detail spoiling trailers. With that said and despite the few of us who cover our eyes during certain highly anticipated trailers in the movie theatre, I know there are plenty of people out there who get really excited for pre-release movie details. So this article is for them. If you are of the ilk that trailers are something to be avoided until after you have seen the movie you might want to just move on to another article, because this sneak peek into the movie is pretty lengthy.

For some the live-action Speed Racer Movie will be the fulfillment of a long anticipated dream, while to others it might be a CGI-induced Acid flashback-styled visual kaleidoscope. Just the same we are hoping for the best. There are certain to be moments where the adult in us might cringe at some of the dialogue that might have been harvested long ago from the corn fields of the 50’s and 60’s, but let us remember that despite our own aged claims on the Speed Racer franchise that this movie is targeted at the next generation of Speed Racer Fans. So hopefully my 5 year-old cousin will enjoy it!

If you are ready for your next sneak-peek at this May’s release of Speed Racer then follow the leap and head on over to the theatrical trailer. (more…)

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Big 3 Performance brings another Mustang Model to the Big Pony Party

Just when you thought the table was set and all parties have found their seat another participant finds a seat at the table and opens up a high-octane beverage. There are more Mustang variations of the current pony body style than some manufacturers have models in their line-up. So why should there be another? Two reasons should sum it up well enough: Because they can and because there’s a demand.

Big 3 Performance will be producing their own take on the Mustang with a 100 car production plan that samples some of the best of the after-market parts available. Out of the 100 cars to be built there will be 20 of them showcasing a 650-hp engine. That will give this pony production car some of the highest horsepower ratings of all current Mustangs. With an aim at strong performance and some gunning-for-ya fascia the Big 3 Performance team will be acquiring plenty of affectionate looks.

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The Bentley Continental GT gets another boost of Speed in 2008

Is it possible that the engineers and execs at Bentley were feeling a little down-trodden that they have been left out of the 200 club for so long? I mean, come-on. The only people who could deny Bentley entry into the illustrious club is Bentley themselves. Should they not get some sort of honorary acceptance for measuring out a top speed of 198-mph?
With the 2008 Continental GT Speed Bentley will be ending its denial and slipping just inside the door at 203-mph. Finally, an entrant that can bring some Grey Pupon for those dry sandwiches (Yes, I know that it is a Rolls Royce in the commercials. Deal with it.).

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