November 9th will bring the return of the 8-6 as Initial D: Fifth Stage premieres in Japan! While there are no current plans to air episodes in the US (previous seasons are available on Netflix), I’m pretty sure these episodes will be dubbed or subbed online very soon. Are you as hyped for this as we are?

You gotta love Google for knowing how to have a good time.  To date there have been countless ‘candid’ moments caught by the Google Street View team,  everything from public urination, topless sunbathing or just good ‘ol falling off your bike.

The team most recently found a little ‘detour’ onto Laguna Seca, which in turn found its way onto Google Maps Street View.

Check out how to negotiate Laguna Seca’s famed corkscrew via Google Street View

The Cinderella Story which belongs to Swedish driver Kenny Bräck inked it’s chapter on redemption today, with an Gold Medal finish at the 2009 X Games.  Bräck won the gold with an impressive display of both road and rally driving skills along with a bit of luck.  A brief of history on Bräck: this CART, IRL and IROC Series driver claimed an Indy championship in 1999 and then had his career (and life) all but ended after a devastating crash at Texas Motor Speedway. Entering as a rookie to Rally and X Games, this event also marked Bräcks’ first return to heads up driving competition since the crash.

After battling through Eliminations, Bräck was matched up against top seeded and favored drivers; Ken Block in the Semi’s and Travis Pastrana in the Final. Bräck got a bit of help from driver error which ended in DQs for both Subaru drivers, giving Bräck and his Ford Fiesta Team the Gold.  Although he won on DQs there’s nothing to be  taken anything away from Bräcks’ accomplishment, as he did turn the fastest time of the day with a 3:24.887 (Pastrana turned the second fastest time with a 3:25.342).

Check out full race results, gallery and much more over at ESPN.

Feast your eyes on another model that won’t grace American streets with its presence – The Subaru Impreza STI Spec C.  The Subaru Impreza STI Spec C just went on sale in Japan and boasts 304HP and 311ft/lbs of torque from, get this, a 2.0L.  Helping to achieve that number from the 2.0L is a reworked ball bearing sin the turbocharger, ECU retune and intercooler water sprayer.  The performance doesn’t come from power alone, the body has gone on a crash diet of sorts with a smaller battery, lightened hood and even lightweight Laminar glass.

In addition, the Spec C get’s an aesthetic treatment ranging from red stitched Recaros to lightweight 18-inch alloy wheels.  Production is limited to 900 units, so if you’re overseas, get in line… quick.

More info and Subaru Press Release at Japan Car Blog

Another ‘tip’ from the guys at Japan’s Best Car Magazine is claiming the long rumored and awaited Toyota/Subaru sports car collaboration (covertly know as the 068A) will debut at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show.  Questions still swirl as to whether this will be a true Toyota Supra replacement, or at attractive showcase for hybrid technology that will compete with the new Honda CR-ZX.

Only time will tell.

Check out the full rundown at AutoBlog.

Concepts of the CR-Z have been floating around for the better part of a decade, but Honda has finally come out publicaly and announced the CR-Z will hit the roads as a 2010 model.  In these rough times, Honda is getting back to basics and doing what they do best: making a compact, efficient sporty car for the masses.

In addition to the CR-Z, a Hybrid Fit is also scheduled for release as a 2010 model.  Both the vehicles will be unveiled in their production form at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show.

For full gallery and write up, check out AutoBlog

The annual car show held at the Edsel & Elanor Ford House in Grosse Point, Michigan is slated for this Father’s Day weekend.  Come out to see everything from Model-Ts. to GT2000s to current and concept models.  Proceeds benefit the Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology, so grab your dad and head on down.

For more information check out Eyes on Design

]]> https://news.rpmsuperstore.com/?p=618 Thu, 18 Jun 2009 18:00:02 +0000 http://news.rpmsuperstore.com/?p=618

If you saw the first vid – then I feel I have no reason to introduce the follow up.  If you haven’t; go get a refresher at the first Ken Block Gymkhana Practice, then come back to watch this.

No guarantees if you buy the shoes then you can drive like that… but… I’m sure it won’t hurt.

Big props to everyone, especially DCShoes for making this happen.

Click here to view latest RPM News

If the latest theatrical release of Speed Racer just left you exhausted (and possibly with an epileptic seizure) and yearing for days of lore – then fret not!  No longer do you have to get up early Saturday mornings like you did when you were a child – now you have the Internet – and the Internet has Hulu.

Join Speed, Racer X, Trixie, Pops, Chim-Chim and the rest of the crew for non-stop Mach V goodness.  All 66 episodes can be watched anytime over at Hulu!