Carbon8Mag News

New era for Redline Time Attack begins as series secures investment for the future

2009-11-11T02:42:03Z

Redline Time Attack, the premier Time Attack series in North America, is set to introduce a new era in the sport. A controlling interest in the rising series has been acquired by an experienced group of private investors who have seen the potential and growth in Redline Time Attack.

By securing access to working capital and other vital resources, Redline Time Attack co-founder and President Nikolas Malechikos will be charged with executing the plan to turn the series' vision of time attack into reality. Malechikos will be supported by Jackson Stewart, who will serve as Executive V.P. of the series. Stewart brings three decades of professional motorsport experience to Redlline and will prove to be a valuable new asset to the series.

Beginning in December, Malechikos will transition into a full-time supporting role for Redline Time Attack, working out of newly remodeled offices in Rosamond, Calif. For the first time, the sport of time attack will have a professionally managed and organized sanctioning body positioned to lead the sport. The management team at Redline Time Attack will be able to provide a very high level of support to their drivers, teams, partners and fans, while growing public awareness of the emerging sport and the brand of Redline Time Attack.

With one final event in the 2009 season, Redline will roll out several new features as a glimpse of what is to be expected in 2010. On Saturday, November 14th, Redline Time Attack will host a press conference at Auto Club Speedway at 5:30pm to formerly introduce Jackson Stewart and announce the series plans for 2010 and beyond. The press conference is open to anyone interested in receiving more information about Redline Time Attack's future plans.

The new era for Redline Time Attack begins at the 2009 season finale at Auto Club Speedway on November 14-15. This event promises to be the most competitive of the season, with a record turnout expected and fierce competition in the Unlimited, Modified, Street and Stock classes.

About Redline Time Attack
Redline Time Attack is the only professionally organized and promoted series dedicated to the motorsport of Time Attack in North America. With an emphasis on technical innovation, Redline Time Attack features some of the wildest machines n North America competing against the clock in eight rounds spread across the country.

For more information, visit www.redlinetimeattack.com.

Braille Battery Releases The First Lithium Technology Automotive OEM Replacement Batteries in the World

2009-11-11T02:33:56Z

As light as 10 pounds! Up to 150 Amp Hour!

Intensity490R01sm.jpgBraille Battery a leading supplier of batteries to the racing industry releases the first Lithium OEM (original equipment manufacturer) replacement batteries for the exotic and luxury car market. The new Lithium Intensity batteries incorporates Braille's proven race winning Lithium technology in popular BCI groups 34, 48 and 49. Braille Lithium Intensity batteries offer all the weight savings associated with the Braille brand, with up to 3 times more power, 4 times less weight than the OEM batteries it replaces. Each new Lithium Intensity model will be offered in Race (Ultra Lightweight) and Luxury (Ultra Capacity) models to meet the needs of a wide range of customers. Exclusive Power Protection helps prevents dead batteries.

Lithium Intensity Race, "Super Power for Super Cars":

o   Up to 60 pounds lighter than OEM battery
o   50% more starting power than the OEM size battery
o   Safer and More Reliable than OEM battery
o   2 Year Racing Warranty

Braille Lithium Intensity Race batteries are as light 10 pounds in Group 34 size, with the largest Group 49 size at just 12 pounds. The Race version are hand crafted to exceed the manufactures Cranking Amp (CA) specifications by over 50% while trimming every ounce of weight from the OEM sized product. Braille's Lithium technology gives Exotic and Sports Car owners increased vehicle performance by saving up to 60 pounds of weight. Braille's exclusive Lithium OEM compatible casing makes installation simple. Racing customers can now comply with racing rules where running a "stock sized battery" is required and still have a performance advantage from lighter weight. In addition Braille's exclusive Lithium Sealed SafeTM design has no acid content which protects the racer and meets all the safety rules for racing. Braille's Intensity Race Batteries are built in the USA and covered by a 2 year Racing and Street Use Warranty.

Lithium Intensity Luxury, "Luxury is Simply a Measure of Reserve":

1. Under Half the Weight of Stock Battery
2. Double the Capacity of Stock
3. Power Protection Remote Control
4. Safer and More Reliable than OEM battery
5. 3 Year Premium Warranty

The new Lithium Intensity Luxury model is the solution to battery problems plaguing aftermarket builders and OEM companies alike. Luxury cars and Exotic Sports Cars are equipped with more electrical accessories and demand more power than ever before. This causes OEM batteries to be heavy and still run dead when the car is stored. Braille's exclusive built in Remote Lithium Power Protection allows owners to remotely disconnect the battery while storing the car and also protect from vehicle theft. Braille's Lithium Intensity Luxury models offers double the reserve time of the stock battery while still saving up to 40 pounds of weight. Braille's exclusive Sealed SafeTM Lithium chemistry has no acid inside to cause corrosion and stops damage to high-end vehicles from chemical spills and poisonous gases. Braille's Lithium Intensity Luxury Batteries are built in the USA and protected by a 3 year Warranty.

Formula DRIFT Pro-Am Nationals | Saturday, November 21st

2009-11-10T01:55:19Z

Justin Cheong

Hankook Tire Announces 2010 Motorsports Sponsorships

2009-11-10T01:51:06Z

Hankook Looks to Carry Winning Standard into 2010 Season

After celebrating its most successful motorsports season to date, Hankook Tire plans to get back on the track in 2010, continuing its participation in professional drifting and time attack competition and re-establishing a contingency reward program for grassroots motorsports enthusiasts.

Hankook's Formula Drift sponsored drivers climbed onto the podium in six out of seven races in the 2009 season with the successful debut of the Ventus R-S3 high-performance race tire. With six podium finishes last season, the Ventus R-S3 is one of the premier tires in Formula Drift competition. Hankook applied its latest motorsports technology to improve dry-grip performance by 30 percent; further enhancing the tire's handling capabilities.

In 2010 Hankook will once again sponsor Formula Drift's Team Papadakis and Dynamic Autosports, and will expand its stable of teams to include Conrad Grunewald Racing. Team driver and owner Conrad Grunewald will drive one of the few American muscle cars in Formula Drift - a 2010 Camaro SS equipped with a set of Hankook Ventus R-S3's.

"Conrad is a proven drift racer and intense competitor," said Jason Kim, motorsports marketing manager, Hankook Tire America Corp. "We are confident he will prove to be a valuable addition to our team and will contribute to Hankook's growing success in motorsports."

Dynamic Autosports returns with its current driver line-up - 2009 Rookie of Year Eric O'Sullivan, Robbie Nishida and Ryuji Miki. O'Sullivan will pilot the Rockstar Energy Drink/Hankook Tire Subaru WRX Sti, looking to claim his first win in his sophomore season. Robbie Nishida once again will be behind the wheel of Dynamics' Nissan 350Z while Ryuji Miki will navigate his A'PEXi/Hankook Mazda RX-7.

"Hankook is a valued sponsor, and its racing tires have contributed greatly to our team's growing success over the duration of our partnership," said Eddie Kim, owner, Dynamic Autosports. "We look forward to adding to that winning record in 2010. We can't wait to get Robbie, Eric and Ryuji back on the track with a set of Ventus R-S3's under them after last season's breakout performances."

Hankook also will continue to sponsor former two-time Formula Drift champion Tanner Foust in his Rockstar/Scion tC, as he looks to capture his third Formula Drift title.

In time attack, Hankook's 2010 driver line-up includes Gary Sheehan from GST Motorsport, Jonathan Bomorito from Sierra Sierra Enterprise and World Racing's Chris Rado.

All of Hankook's time attack drivers will compete on Hankook's Ventus Z214 DOT R Compound tires. The Ventus Z214 DOT R offers a symmetric tread design and utilizes a smooth tread surface with two longitudinal tread grooves for outstanding performance on the circuit in both dry and damp conditions.

"Each year drifting, time attack and grassroots motorsports - including club racing and autocross competitions - continue to grow and gain popularity in the U.S. and influence the marketplace," said Bill Bainbridge, director of brand communications, Hankook Tire America Corp. "This is in spite of these challenging economic times. Hankook will continue to be a leading next-generation tire maker in this arena, producing class-leading technology and delivering cutting-edge products like the Ventus R-S3 and Ventus Z214 to meet the demands of enthusiast consumers."

Details of Hankook's 2010 contingency rewards programs for SCCA and NASA members will be announced in January

Fox's 400hp IS C heads to SEMA 2009

2009-10-28T14:02:43Z

400hp Supercharged IS C to SEMA 2009

Fox Marketing is back for the 2009 SEMA Show, following up last years twin turbo IS F with a supercharged 2010 Lexus IS350C. While Lexus' hard-top cabrio may be an odd choice for a performance makeover, you can't deny the equipment Fox used to create the BASF Foxy Green, 405 horsepower drop-top.

A ProCharger C2 blower huffs five PSI into the stock 3.5-liter V6, with a Yonaka intercooler keeping the charge in check while spent hydrocarbons are shuttled out an F-Sport exhaust. Lexus' internal tuning division was tapped to supply the stoppers, with 14-inch discs clamped by six-piston caliper in front. iForged wheels, sized 20x9 inches in front and 20x11.5 inches in the rear, are wrapped in Toyo T1Rs and dropped over a set of Yonaka SPECII 36-way adjustable coilovers.

Since this is a Fox creation, the exterior mods are both extensive and custom, with a bespoke front lip, side skirts, grilles, badges and a two-inch fender flare.

Fox Marketing IS C Mods List

Engine
Jashaan Autosports powered by ProCharger Supercharger System (405hp @ 5psi)
-ProCharger C-2 Blower
-Yonaka Intercooler Type 10 22x9x3
-Yonaka 2.5 inch Stainless Intercooler Piping
-Yonaka Couplers & Silicone hoses
AMSOIL 0w-30 Signature Series Synthetic Fluids
AMSOIL EA Oil Filter
AMSOIL Antifreeze
F-Sport Exhaust

Interior:
Lexus Cream White Interior
BASF R-M Black Painted Interior Parts
Classic Design Concepts Light Bar

Exterior:
BASF R-M Foxy Green Paint
BASF R-M Black Paint
Custom Lip molded front spoiler
Custom IS F front fenders
Custom IS F Side Skirts
Custom 2 inch fender flares
Custom Rear bumper flare
Custom SEIBON Carbon rear wing
Custom BASF R-M Carizzma Flat Black Grill Ring
Custom BASF R-M Black Grill inserts
Custom BASF R-M Foxy Green Lexus badge
Custom BASF R-M Black Lexus rear logos
Impressive Signs "C" Badging

Lighting:
Lightwurkz Custom BASF R-M Carizzma Flat Black Headlight Casings
Lightwurkz Custom 3 prong LED turn signals
Lightwurkz Custom shaved center running light

Brakes:
F-Sport Big Brakes 14 inch 6 piston Calipers

Suspension:
Yonaka SPEC II 36 way adjustable Coilovers
TunedParts Rear Brace

Wheels & Tires:
Front:
20x9 iForged Sprint BASF R-M Carizzma Flat Black w/ Gloss Black Lips - Cream white bolts
245/30/20 Toyo T1R

Rear:
20x11.5 iForged Sprint BASF R-M Carizzma Flat Black w/ Gloss Black Lips - Cream white bolts
305/30/20 Toyo T1R

Formula Drift - Irwindale Drift Report

2009-10-28T13:51:27Z

Formula Drift - Toyota Speedway at Irwindale, Irwindale, CA
The 2009 Formula Drift season has been by far, the most difficult year of professional drifting for Daijiro Yoshihara. From sorting a slew of problems in the beginning of the season to the shake-up experienced by testing the mortality of a drift car to rebuilding a competition worthy drift car in a mere 6 days, the challenges faced this year was appalling. Such tests of life truly determine whether one is comprised of the inner workings of what it takes to be a champion. Needless to say, Dai has more than survived this torturous year and was able to finish 6th at the Formula D Season Finale at Toyota Speedway at Irwindale, earning him the 11th spot in the overall standings.

The few days of testing prior to this event available to Dai with Team Falken and KW Suspension certainly paid off as he was able to lay down a very solid 81.8 point qualifying run; good enough to land him in 6th spot to tandem against, teammate, Ross Petty. The combination of SPD Metalwork's car setup and Dai's raw driving skill resulted in superior angle, and ultimately the win over Ross.

Once again faced against a teammate in Top 16 competition, Dai had to line up next to the formidable Darren McNamara (DMac). Dai is set to lead first and charges out of the gate hard taking the high line on the big bank close enough to the wall to nearly shave the paint off his rear bumper. DMac maintains a close gap, but suffers with a much shallower angle, giving the advantage of this battle to Dai. Dai follows closely behind on the second run squeezing the best out of DMac. DMac finally makes a small mistake of hitting his wing against the inner bank, slowing him down enough to allow Dai to completely close the gap and cross the finish line door to door.

Make sure that Dai receives no easy tandem battles in this round, the drifting gods has Dai lined up against Tanner Foust and his V8 powered Scion TC. It was practically impossible for Dai to see through the impermeable smoke screen set by Tanner, who receives the advantage after the initial run. Dai comes out hard through the starting line, but Tanner chases even harder, mirroring Dai's every move. Tanner's exceptional run grants him passage to the next round with Dai finished for the event at 6th place.

While 11th overall is not typically worthy of a celebration by Dai's standards, it is quite respectable considering all the hindrances that was sprinkled throughout the season. An ample amount of learning was done this year, not only about drifting, but also about life in general. This long year of grueling development concludes with all indicators pointing straight up for 2010.

"I didn't have the type of season that I expected to have this year but with a new car build, it's a learning process everyone has to go through," Dai explained. "I am just very happy and grateful that I had the chance to be with an amazing team. A million thanks to my fans and friends for all the support. And I thank all my sponsors especially Falken Tire, Discount Tire, and SPD...without them, none of this would be possible! ARIGATO!!"

Formula Drift Season is One for the Record Book for Hankook Tire

2009-10-24T01:53:45Z

Ventus R-S3 Drives On-Track Success for Hankook's Stable of Teams

Hankook Tire is celebrating its most successful Formula Drift season to-date after a podium finish by Tanner Foust at the Formula Drift season finale. The win ties Hankook with Falken and Maxxis for the most podium finishes by a tire maker for the year with each recording 6 podiums in 7 races.*

The season marks Hankook's best performance in Formula Drift since its entry in 2007. In its third year as an associate series sponsor, Hankook claimed one victory, two second place finishes and three third place finishes. They closed out the season with four consecutive podium finishes and notched another milestone by putting three different drivers on the podium in one season.

"Hankook strives to deliver cutting-edge products to our Formula Drift drivers, as they do battle in this highly-competitive, growing sport," said Bill Bainbridge, director of brand communications, Hankook America Corp. "This season's results are a testament to our drivers, teams and the performance of Hankook's Ventus R-S3."

All of Hankook's drivers raced with the new Ventus R-S3 high performance tire. Hankook has applied its latest motorsports technology to improve dry-grip performance by 30 percent, further enhancing the tire's handling capabilities.

"This was a great season for the Rockstar/Scion team and Hankook," said Foust. "In a series with more tire manufacturers than any other motorsport, the Hankook R-S3's performance never failed to impress me when stacked against the competition. The Ventus R-S3 provides outstanding grip while maintaining great control. With six podium finishes this season alone, it's obvious this tire's a winner."

All four Hankook drivers finished in the top 20 in the overall points standings. In addition to Foust, Hankook drivers Robbie Nishida finished 8th, Ryuji Miki was 16th and Rookie of the Year driver Eric O'Sullivan was 18th. O'Sullivan is the first Hankook driver to win Rookie of the Year honors. He dominated the category with 332.25 points and an impressive second place podium finish in his first year.

"We're very excited about the results from both our drivers, Robbie Nishida and Eric O'Sullivan,"" said Eddie Kim, owner, Dynamic Autosports. "With the help of Hankook's Ventus R-S3, we've been able to rack up multiple podium finishes along with Rookie of the Year honors for Eric. The Hankook tire's winning capability has been on display time and again this season."

Despite scorching heat and a Los Angeles Angels pennant race happening just blocks away, a sold out crowd was on hand to witness the final race of the year, known as "Judgment Day." Emotions were running high as multiple drivers were still in the running for the championship. When the smoke cleared Foust was just edged out by Tyler McQuarrie and first-place finisher, Ryan Turek. All Hankook drivers finished in the top 32 at Irwindale.

Foust finished 6th in the drivers' championship in his first year competing on Hankook tires.

*Hankook Podium Finishes

Round 1
Long Beach, Calif., April 11/Third Place/Tanner Foust/Rockstar, Scion

Round 4
Las Vegas, Nev., July 11/First Place/Tanner Foust/Rockstar, Scion

Round 4
Las Vegas, Nev., July 11/Second Place/Ryuji Miki/A'PEXi, Hankook Tire

Round 5
Monroe, Wash., Aug. 8/Second Place/Eric O'Sullivan/Dynamic Autosports, Hankook Tire, Rockstar Energy Drink

Round 6
Sonoma, Calif., Aug. 22/Third Place/Ryuji Miki/A'PEXi, Hankook Tire

Round 7
Irwindale, Calif., Oct. 17/Third Place/Tanner Foust/Rockstar, Scion

Lexus LFA Supercar

2009-10-24T01:47:23Z

Lexus LFA Supercar to Make North American Debut at 2009 SEMA and Los Angeles International Auto Shows

Lexus' First Supercar Redefines the Segment for the 21st Century
4.8L V10 Engine Generates 552 Horsepower for Powerful Rear-Wheel Drive Performance
Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer Helps Provide a Light and Strong Structure

The highly anticipated LFA supercar, which just made its global debut at the Tokyo Motor Show, will be on display for the first time in North America at two back-to-back premier venues -- the 2009 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) trade show in Las Vegas this November and the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show in December.

Next year, Lexus will show the LFA at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Chicago Auto Show, Dallas Auto Show and New York International Auto Show.

As the first Lexus supercar, the LFA serves as the flagship for the F portfolio of Lexus performance models and redefines the supercar for the 21st century. The Lexus F brand complements the core Lexus DNA by emphasizing serious performance. The LFA was carefully developed from a blank canvas by a small and dedicated team of hand-picked engineers that pushed every possible dynamic boundary.

"The development of the LFA was unlike any other Lexus," said Mark Templin, Lexus division group vice president and general manager. "Minute details were engineered to provide an engaging and serious supercar that delivers impressive performance on and off the race track. Only 500 will ever be built worldwide, and each will be assembled to customer order, offering a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be part of a small, exclusive group of individuals."
All 500 LFA supercars will be hand-assembled by skilled technicians in the "Lexus LFA Works" at the Motomachi Plant in Toyota City at a rate of no more than 20 per month.

The rear-wheel drive LFA is dynamically styled and powered by a sophisticated new high-revving 9,000 rpm (redline) 4.8-liter V10 engine that generates 552 hp and 354 lb.-ft. of torque for adrenaline-fuelled 202- mph performance. This specially-developed powerplant is paired with a unique six-speed Automated Sequential Gearbox (ASG) with blazing-quick paddle-activated shifts for ultimate driver control. Linked by a rigid torque tube for excellent drivetrain integrity, the ASG is located in a transaxle layout over the rear axle for an optimal 48:52 front-to-rear weight distribution. Motorsport-developed lightweight aluminum alloy suspension components are complemented by Carbon Ceramic Material (CCM) brake discs and an innovative electrically assisted rack and pinion steering system.

Lightweight, powerful and balanced, the LFA features advanced Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) construction for its chassis and much of its bodywork to deliver a light, incredibly strong and impact-resistant structure. Rather than outsource this sophisticated materials technology, the LFA team took the radical step of developing its own CFRP processes internally for ultimate quality control and to make a sound engineering investment in the future.

The LFA's sporty styling is distinguished by coherent lines that flow from roof to sill in a seamless convex to concave line for sophisticated aerodynamics. Its front-mid engine layout, long wheelbase, short overhangs, and snug, low-slung cabin identify it as a supercar. CFRP also gave the LFA's designers a far higher degree of design freedom, allowing them to create shapes, curves and edges that would have been impossible with metal. For example, the sharp trailing edges at the rear of the LFA that help provide superlative aerodynamics would not have been possible had traditional metal been used for the bodywork.

A dramatic low-slung cockpit has been intelligently designed and hand-assembled with the finest materials to reflect the car's driver-centric dynamics. The intimate two-seat cabin has been conceived at every stage - ergonomics, acoustics, materials, comfort, versatility and visibility levels have all been painstakingly engineered - to put the driver at the center of the driving experience.

Production of the LFA supercar will begin in December 2010 with deliveries continuing for the following 24 months. Consumers may contact the Lexus LFA Information Center at 866-LFA-4794 to express interest or visit www.Lexus-LFA.com for more information.

CASIO G-SHOCK LAUNCHES NEW G-RESCUE G7900

2009-10-17T15:58:15Z

Inspired by Search and Rescue Teams

Casio America, Inc. proudly introduces the G-RESCUE G7900 a new model from its shock and water resistant G-Shock watch line. Making its first appearance in the U.S. market, the G7900 derives its inspiration from search and rescue teams worldwide.

The new G7900 digital watch features a trendy big case with superior hexagon protection, made by 4 large screws on the bezel and side to form a superior line of defense. The largest buttons in G-Shock history improve button operability, even while wearing gloves. For a high performance fit and superior shock resistance, the G-RESCUE features back case shock absorbers to stabilize the watch and protect case from impact.

"The G-RESCUE G7900 is a new shape for the G-Shock family of watches, but embraces classic G-Shock technology," said Shigenori Itoh, Vice President of Casio's Timepiece Division. "We are excited to deliver technologically advanced, rugged products to the fashion conscious, yet active man".

Additionally, the G-Rescue features low temperature resistance, able to withstand temperatures as low as -4°F.

Other amenities include shock resistance, 200M water resistance, moon and tide graph, auto EL backlight, flash alert, world time, four daily alarms, 1/100 second chronograph and 12/24 formats.

In three trendy color combinations, rugged black (G7900-1), eye-catching white (G7900A-7) and vibrant red (G7900A-4), the G-RESCUE series is available nationwide and online for $99. For more information please visit www.gshock.com.

Formula DRIFT Round 7: Judgment Day to Host the Royal Purple - Need for Speed Time Attack Challenge

2009-10-17T15:43:00Z

Drivers to compete on Oct. 17 at the Toyota Speedway at Irwindale for $5000

Formula DRIFT will be hosting, during the Round 7: Judgment Day season finale, a live video game competition between the top drivers of the series in the Royal Purple - Need for Speed Time Attack Challenge. The drivers will compete using the newly released Need for Speed SHIFT game and the winner will receive a check for $5000 courtesy of Royal Purple.

Invites have been sent out to the top Formula DRIFT drivers to compete in this challenge. The drivers will need to qualify on Thursday, October 15 to make it to the live competition during the Round 7: Judgment Day event. The top 3 qualifiers will then compete during half time between the Top 32 and Top 16 Pro Competition at the Need for Speed SHIFT booth. Only one driver will be crowned the winner and will receive a $5000 check during the podium ceremony from Royal Purple.

'Need for Speed SHIFT is the game for true enthusiasts,' says Royal Purple VP of Sales & Marketing Mark McFann. "It's the closest thing my racing brethren and I have seen to the real thing. We know Formula D drifters bring it on the track -- now we want to see if they can bring it on the (gaming) console."

The final competition will see the top 3 qualifiers battling on an XBOX 360 console in a hot lap challenge, with the fastest driver being awarded with the win. The drivers will be piloting a Maserati MC12 on the Nurburgring Nordeschleife track in Time Attack mode.

"I've seen some of the Formula D drifters race Need for Speed SHIFT previously and, believe me, some of them are amazing gamers.," Rod Chong, creative director of Speedhunters. ""So we wanted to up the ante. This time, they'll be competing in-game for the same prize money they'd win at the actual Toyota Speedway at Irwindale Formula DRIFT event."

Tickets for Round 7: Judgment Day on October 16-17 are available now. Online tickets can be purchased on the Formula DRIFT website. For more information, visit: www.formuladrift.com.

Lexus Announces Prices for 2010 LS 460 and GS Models

2009-10-10T23:27:00Z

New LS 460 Optional Sport Package Combines Sport Tuned Air Suspension, Brembo Brakes, 19-inch Forged Wheels with Aero Body Design Elements and Exclusive Interior Features
Updated Lexus Premium Audio System Adds USB /iPod® Connectivity, Bluetooth® Streaming Music Capability, Integrated XM® Satellite Radio Receiver
New Subscription-Based Lexus Enform™ with Safety Connect™ Telematics System

Lexus today announced Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) for the 2010 LS 460 and LS 460 L premium luxury sedans, GS 350 and GS 460 mid-size luxury sport sedans, and GS 450h mid-size luxury sport hybrid sedan. The MSRPs do not include a delivery, processing and handling fee of $875. The GS and LS sedans will arrive at dealerships later this month.

For 2010, the 2010 LS 460 models receive a revised grille, bumper, and headlamps, taillamps, license plate surround and exhaust diffusers. In addition, new side mirrors feature integrated turn signals while the standard 18-inch wheels have a new 10-spoke design. The LS 460 and LS 460 L freshen their exterior color palette for 2010 with new shades: Peridot Mica, Satin Cashmere Metallic, Matador Red Mica and Deep Sea Mica. Inside the LS adds an Eco Drive indicator that can encourage economical driving. LS 460 L models also receive standard Intuitive Park Assist and Intelligent High-Beam.

The LS 460 rear-wheel drive (RWD) model offers a new Sport Package for 2010. The Sport Package enhances the overall driving experience with an exclusive perforated Black/Saddle leather interior with sport front seats, a unique leather-trimmed steering wheel and paddle shifters for the eight-speed automatic transmission. It also offers tighter handling with its sport-tuned air suspension, stabilizer bars and shock absorbers. A unique front grille, distinctive Aero kit, which features a front lower spoiler, side rocker panels, and rear lower spoiler, 19-inch 10-split spoke forged wheels, and Brembo brakes are also included in the package.

The Appearance Package, a stand-alone option for all LS 460 and LS 460 L models, is also new for 2010 and offers the unique front grille and Aero kit found in the Sport Package. For RWD models the package also includes 19-inch five-spoke wheels.

The new Cold Weather Package featuring a deicer, more effective heater and heavy-duty battery is available for all LS 460 and LS 460 L models.

Advanced Pre-Collision System (APCS) is now available for the LS 460 L models. LS 460 and LS 460 L models also receive power rear seats with lumbar massage and power butterfly headrests as part of the optional Comfort Plus, Rear Seat Upgrade and Executive Class Seating Packages.
2010 LS 460 and GS PRICING/2-2-2-2 The GS 350 and GS 460 enter the 2010 model year with active front headrests and updates to exterior and interior colors.

The GS 350 and GS 460 receive two new exterior colors, Deep Sea Mica and Satin Cashmere Metallic as Black Sapphire Pearl, Verdigris Mica, and Golden Almond Metallic are discontinued. Parchment-colored interior replaces Cashmere.

GS 450h receives a few exterior enhancements to distinguish itself from the gas-only model, including a revised front grille, clear taillamp covers and unique 18-inch wheels.

The LS 460 and GS series enter the 2010 model year with an updated Lexus Premium Audio System and a new optional hard disc drive (HDD) navigation system. The Lexus Navigation System includes a casual-speech voice recognition feature, voice command, and enhanced Bluetooth® with phonebook download. The updated Lexus Premium Audio System includes Bluetooth streaming audio and a USB port, in addition to the auxiliary port. When an iPod® is connected through the USB port, information such as artist, track and album is displayed on the head unit, while music can be controlled through the head unit or steering wheel audio controls. An integrated XM® Satellite Radio receiver is also standard.

Lexus Enform™ with Safety Connect™ is an all-new telematics system available by subscription. Safety Connect alone is standard on all LS 460 and GS models. Lexus Enform with Safety Connect is standard on navigation-equipped LS 460 and GS vehicles. Complimentary one-year trial subscriptions of Lexus Enform and Safety Connect are included. The Lexus Enform and the Safety Connect response center operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - every day of the year.

Lexus Insider™, a complimentary, opt-in service available without a subscription, is also standard on Lexus Enform-equipped LS 460 and GS vehicles. The service offers in-vehicle audio casts with useful vehicle tips and event information, as well as insights into exclusive owners' benefits. Also available as part of the Lexus Enform navigation platform are XM NavTraffic® and XM NavWeatherTM which are available via individual XM® subscriptions. All XM services include a complimentary 90-day trial subscription.

Model	MSRP	MSRP Increase	Percentage Increase
GS 350	$45,000	$0	0.0%
GS 350	$46,950	$0	0.0%
GS 460	$53,470	$0	0.0%
GS 450h	$56,550	$0	0.0%
LS 460 RWD	$64,680	$855	1.3%
LS 460 AWD	$68,205	$855	1.3%
LS 460 L RWD	$70,225	-$3,510	-4.8%
LS 460 L AWD	$73,750	-$3,510	-4.5%

Dai Releases A New Website

2009-10-10T00:30:00Z

Daijiro Yoshihara, also known as "Dai," announces today the launch of his new website. This is the first website redesign update since his original site. With new features and a clean design and layout, the new website is geared to help drift fans, motor sport fans, and sponsors to stay in tune with Dai throughout his career.

The new site features several different pages such as his bio, vehicle information, news updates, photos, videos, and more. Users can easily navigate through the new layout to read his blog entries and look up his motor sport schedule. In "Dai" fashion, the site was designed to be simple in look with predominately a white background setting with subtle accents of red in correlation to his logo, while still being able to maintain a stylish look.

To help stay connected with fans and sponsors, the new site includes links to different social networking sites that Dai is associated with such as Twitter, Facebook, and MySpace.

For more information and a first hand look, please visit www.daiyoshihara.com

Bondurant School of High Performance Driving gift certificatds make memorable holiday presents

2009-10-10T00:19:58Z

Give the gift of a lifetime this holiday with a gift certificate to the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving.

Bondurant Gift Certificates are available in any denomination and can be redeemed for all racing and driving courses, as well as Bondurant merchandise.

"No matter what your budget this holiday season, Bondurant Gift Certificates give recipients an experience they'll never forget," said Ken Thom, president and general manager, Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving. "For example, a gift certificate for $200 can be used for an action-packed, two-hour SuperKart Course where participants learn proper seating position, shifting, accelerating, braking and line technique in a 120 M.P.H. CRG 125cc Shifter Kart."

To purchase a gift certificate, visit www.bondurant.com or call 800.842.RACE (7223). Course dates are not required at the time of purchase and gift certificates are valid for one year from date of purchase. The Bondurant School urges people to sign up well before course dates because many fill up months in advance.

About Bondurant
Bondurant Enterprises consists of The Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving - one of the largest driving schools in North America - featuring a 15-turn, 1.6 mile road course, an 8-acre asphalt pad for advanced training, and more than 200 race-prepared vehicles, sedans and open-wheel cars. Located on the Gila River Indian Community outside of Phoenix, Ariz., it is recognized as the "Fastest 60 acres in America." The purpose-built facility is adjacent to Firebird International Raceway with access to three additional race tracks, a lake and three skid pads. Bob Bondurant, an internationally recognized leader in advanced driving training, opened the school in 1968. Bondurant SuperKart School, located on the facility, offers two karting tracks with state-of-the-art equipment and training. Bondurant Trackside is the premier leader in OEM events, showcasing manufacturer's vehicles. For more information or to book an event, call 800.842.RACE (7223) or visit www.bondurant.com. Write to Bondurant at P.O. Box 51980, Phoenix, AZ 85076.

Former NHRA Pro Stock, Sport Compact racer Carlson dies

2009-10-07T01:53:34Z

by Phil Burgess, National DRAGSTER Editor
Former NHRA Pro Stock and Sport Compact racer Shaun Carlson died Oct. 4. He was 35. Carlson had been diagnosed with Brugada syndrome, also known as Sudden Unexpected Death Syndrome (SUDS), a genetic disease that is characterized by abnormal electrocardiogram findings and an increased risk of sudden cardiac death, but it is unknown whether that contributed to his death.

Carlson, a talented fabricator who was the car owner for former world drifting champion Samuel Hübinette in the Formula Drift series, had been ill the last few years yet continued to field his team.

Carlson, owner of NuFormz Engineering in Ontario, Calif., had been racing since 1999 but first came to national prominence on the sport compact scene, where his front-wheel-drive machines were strong and innovative runners; he built the first sport compact drag car with a tube chassis.

Carlson set NHRA Sport Compact Racing Series Pro FWD records for e.t. and speed in May 2003 in Gainesville, where he captured his first NHRA victory. He finished third in the standings on the strength of four semifinal finishes. He also scored a victory at the inaugural Palm Beach NHRA Sport Compact Nationals in Florida in 2005 and drove to final-round appearance at the 2004 NHRA Sport Compact Fall Nationals in Englishtown. He also was the No. 1 qualifier at Texas Motorplex in August 2004; he finished fourth that season. Outside of NHRA, he was the 2002 Xbox Cup champion in the Pro Outlaw class.

Carlson got his first taste of NHRA Professional racing in 2004, when he subbed for an injured Darrell Alderman in Pro Stock at the season opener, where he grabbed a first-round win and nearly advanced to the semifinals in his debut.

Two years later, he piloted the Team Mopar/SRT Dodge Stratus R/T for Don Schumacher Racing in the NHRA Pro Stock class for the 2006 season. He competed at 15 events but only qualified at one, in Las Vegas in the spring, and finished 25th in the standings. Carlson used his mechanical skills to assist Allen and Roy Johnson, owners of J&J Racing, in tuning friend Richie Stevens Jr.'s Team Mopar/Valspar Dodge Stratus R/T during the latter part of the season, helping Stevens earn two late-season wins in 2006.

After leaving drag racing, Carlson became involved in professional drifting. NuFormz Racing maintained the Mopar Viper Competition Coupe that Hübinette piloted to the 2004 inaugural Need for Speed Underground Formula D Drift Series championship. Hübinette earned two wins for NuFormz Racing in 2005 and scored a runner-up finish in the Formula Drift standings, then won the 2006 Formula D championship on the strength of three wins. Hübinette captured a fifth-place finish in the final 2007 Formula Drift points standings and finished second again in 2008 after three podium finishes in his NuFormz Racing-prepped Mopar Dodge Viper SRT10.

Carlson was named as one of the Top Ten Innovators of All Time in the sport compact and drifting scene by Super Street magazine.

Services for Carlson will be on Monday Oct. 12 at 1 p.m. at Calvary Chapel Chino Valley, 12205 N. Pipeline Avenue, Chino, CA. 91710

Formula DRIFT Announces Schedule Change for the Pro Am National Championship

2009-10-04T16:00:36Z

Event will now be held on November 21 at the Toyota Speedway at Irwindale

Formula DRIFT has announced a schedule and venue change for the 2009 Pro Am National Championship. The event will now take place on November 21 at the Toyota Speedway at Irwindale.

The top amateur drivers from the United States and Canada will meet at the infamous "House of Drift," at the Toyota Speedway at Irwindale. This will be the first time that a Pro Am competition of this level will take place at this location. The rising stars of drifting will be discovered and compete for their chance to earn a Formula DRIFT Pro Championship license. Current professional drivers that made their way up through the Pro Am circuit include Justin Pawlak, Ryan Tuerck, Joon Maeng, and Matt Powers.

"Bringing the FD Pro Am National Championship to Irwindale is not only very cool, but very symbolic as well," said Jim Liaw, president and co-founder of Formula DRIFT. "Never has a Pro Am competition of this magnitude and importance been held at Irwindale before. And to top it off Irwindale is the birthplace of American professional drifting, back in 2003 when Ryan and I brought D1 outside of Japan for the first time."

Tickets for the Pro Am National Championship will go on sale on October 17, the same day as Round 7: Judgment Day the final event of the 6th season of the Formula DRIFT Pro Championship. Online tickets can be purchased on the Formula DRIFT website. For more information, visit: www.formuladrift.com.

Formula DRIFT Pro AM National Championship Invited Drivers List
Driver Name / Series Qualified From

Brian Peter / Formula DRIFT Atlanta
Dan Willie / Formula DRIFT Atlanta
Jason Jiovani / Formula DRIFT Atlanta
Tom Barnhart / Formula DRIFT Atlanta
Forrest Wang / Formula DRIFT Las Vegas
Johnny Kanavas / Formula DRIFT Las Vegas
Roland Gallagher / Formula DRIFT Las Vegas
Andrew Coomes / Formula DRIFT Las Vegas
Cyrus Martinez / Formula DRIFT Seattle
Victor Moore / Formula DRIFT Seattle
Ian Fournier / Formula DRIFT Seattle
Trent Stromkins / Formula DRIFT Seattle
Kohei Nakamura / DMCC West
Chris Scremin / DMCC West
Robert Parsons / DMCC West
David Briggs / DMCC East
Ryan Lanteigne / DMCC East
Claude Poirier / DMCC East
Russell Walker / HIN Texas
Ameen Rizvi / HIN Texas
Gary James / HIN Florida
Charlie Thompson / HIN Florida
Derek King / HIN Chicago
Mike Pollard / HIN Chicago
John Johnson / HIN Chicago

Note: In addition to the listed drivers, all current Formula DRIFT Pro License holders that do not meet the minimum points for automatic renewal will be invited to this competition. Alternates and additional drivers will be added to the list pending the results of upcoming Pro Am events.