Video: Driver Makes Unbelievable U-Turn on the Highway

We've seen plenty of drivers doing some pretty dim-witted things on the road but this fella that was caught on camera making a u-turn on a Greek highway is without any doubt in a class of his own. Watch how the reckless driver in the grey Lancia Dedra sedan performs a 180 degree turn on the highway before he enters a tunnel and then, deifying all laws of common sense, he drives in the opposite direction of traffic putting everyone's life in danger just to get out of the exit he missed. You have to see this video after the jump to fully appreciate the idiocy of this driver.

Thanks for the vid CK!

Caractere Styling Kit for Volkswagen Tiguan

The latest bodykit to come out of Caractere's drawing boards is for the new Volkswagen Tiguan SUV. Like most of its styling proposals for VW Group models, the Belgian-based tuning firm's exterior package gives the Tiguan a more aggressive look without going haywire. The package consists of a front and rear spoiler, side skirts, a new front grille, wheel arch extensions and a roof spoiler all of which can be ordered in either the same or a different color than the vehicle itself. The styling kit is complemented by 18, 19 or 20-inch alloy wheels. -Continued

Via: Worldcarfans

Breaking News: Ford Planning to Sell Mazda Shares

In a weekend full of surprises and bewilderment for the American auto industry, right after reports of Chrysler holding merger talks with GM hit the web, Japanese media reported Saturday that Ford Motor Company was seriously considering selling its stake in Mazda Motor Corp as part of an effort to keep itself alive amid a downturn in global auto sales and a worldwide financial crisis.

Citing unnamed inside sources, public broadcaster NHK TV reported that Ford has almost reached a final decision to sell its shares in Mazda to secure hard cash to rebuild management. NHK TV said that about 20 percentage points of Ford's 33.4 percent stake in Mazda is expected to sell for roughly 1 billion U.S. dollars. The TV report noted that Mazda was among those interested in buying the shares. -Continued

Although NHK TV's report did not include any comments from either company, The Associated Press received a statement from Mazda saying that no specific decision has been made while Ford also said it had nothing to announce and did not want to comment on speculation.

Ford had acquired a 25 percent stake in Mazda in 1979 that was raised to 33,4 percent in 1996 giving the American firm a controlling share over the Japanese automaker.

Link: NHK TV

Video: 2009 Toyota iQ

The iQ is Toyota's latest proposal in the city car segment and it will go on sale in most European markets by the end of the year. Despite its minuscule exterior dimensions (the iQ measures just under 3.0 meters in length), Toyota claims that thanks to its revolutionary packaging, the iQ can fit three adults and a child in its interior. The company says that it expects yearly iQ sales volumes to be around 80,000 units in Europe. Click through to watch the video.

Chrysler in Preliminary Merger Talks with GM

According to separate reports in The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, two of the most iconic and troubled.... names in the American industry, General Motors and Chrysler LLC, have been in preliminary talks the past month or so concerning a possible merger. It is also reported that Cerberus Capital Management, the private equity firm that owns Chrysler LLC is also holding talks with other automakers including the Renault - Nissan Group.

Citing unnamed sources close to the process, the New York Times said that the chances of a merger between the General and Chrysler LLC were “50-50” as of Friday and would most likely still take weeks to work out. Officially, GM declined to comment on any specific talks with Chrysler. “Without referencing this specific rumor, as we’ve often said G.M. officials routinely discuss issues of mutual interest with other automakers,” told NYT GM's spokesman, Tony Cervone. -Continued

On Chrysler LLC's behalf, behalf, Lori McTavish, Executive Director, Communications, Chrysler LLC said: "Chrysler LLC as a matter of policy does not confirm or disclose the nature of its private business meetings. As we have said, the Company is looking at a number of potential global partnerships as it explores growth opportunities around the world. Beyond those partnerships already announced however, Chrysler has not formed any new agreements and has no further announcements to make at this time."

It is apparent that the two American giants have indeed explored the possibility of a merger, but that shouldn't surprise anyone. However, from an automotive prospective and aside from the brisk bragging rights for forming the largest automaker in the world (GM sold 9.4 million vehicles in 2007, Chrysler 2.7 million) we just can't figure how this merger could possibly benefit two problematic companies with a near identical product portfolio.

Links: NYT & WSJ

Video: Nissan Skyline R32 Pickup Truck

Since you really liked the BMW M5 Ute from down-under here's an equally divisive pickup truck conversion, this time based on the Nissan R32 Skyline. The souped up El Camino from the Far East was apparently created for drift racing and as you can see in the video after the jump, it manages to shake that arse like a pro. -Continued

Thanks for the tip Marcus!

2008 Sydney Motor Show - The Gals

Even though this year's 2008 Australian International Motor Show in Sydney (9th-20th October) was a ghost of its old self with few significant premiers and a lot of absentees including Audi and BMW, the show did have its bright spots in the form of beautiful models. Click through to check them out in our mega high-res gallery that consists of 47 photos. -Continued