Brabus Rocket bests own speed record

rocket_nardo_05.jpgThese engineers at Brabus sure are tough guys to please. Apparently, the top speed record they set at Nardo with the Brabus Rocket wasn’t good enough. Some of you may recall that back in June, we reported that the Rocket maxed out at 362.4 km/h (225.18 mph) on a top speed attempt at the Italian track. That was good enough to snare the uber-CLS the lofty title of “Fastest Sedan in the World.” Continue reading Brabus Rocket bests own speed record

RR of the Day: ’87 Saab 900 Turbo Convertible

87saab_rrotd_01.jpgAhhh, 80s week. We’ve already seen one of our favorite Germans and a blocky Japanese classic. Today, we take a virtual road trip up to New Hampshire for a little Scandinavian treat. Patrick’s 1987 Saab 900 Convertible was bought four years ago for a reasonable-sounding $1,800. At the time, he says, the car was junkyard material. Luckily for the ragtop Saab, Patrick (a.k.a. Flickr user smackdownsaab), was prepared to give it the TLC and financial support needed to bring it up to daily-driver standards. We’d say that things worked out quite well. Continue reading RR of the Day: ’87 Saab 900 Turbo Convertible

Subaru announces RB320 STi in honor of fallen rally driver

subaru_rb320_01.jpgSubaru is paying tribute to the late Richard Burns, 2001’s World Rally Champion, by offering a special-edition Impreza in his honor. The RB320 STi’s name is derived from Richard’s initials and the power output of the car’s engine. All the Richard Burns editions receive the Prodrive Performance Pack, which in addition to delivering the 320 horses, includes an uprated suspension that puts the Subie 30mm closer to the ground. Continue reading Subaru announces RB320 STi in honor of fallen rally driver

GM minivans taken out back and shot

chev_uplander.jpgGM, in what can only be termed as a smart move, has killed plans to redesign its minivan lineup for the 2009 model year. Like Ford, which axed the slow-selling Windstar, GM will euthanize it’s rather awful minivan lineup, meaning that we won’t have the Chevy Uplander, and Buick Terraza around to use as punchlines anymore. Instead, GM will focus on its new full-size crossovers that feature 3-row seating — the Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia, and Buick Enclave. Continue reading GM minivans taken out back and shot