It seems the White House was working hard and fast for a solution to the CARS debacle. Earlier we reported Cash for Clunkers may be suspended due to an overwhelming response to the program causing funds to dry up quicker than congress expected. CNN is now reporting the White House has held a press conference affirming the program “can and will” continue. This was followed up by a breaking report just a few minutes ago that an additional $2 Billion (with a B kids!) has been approved by the House to shore up the program. Looks like ball is in the Senate’s court and we should have the final vote next week. The drama continues. [source: CNN]

This year’s running of the Pikes Peak Hill Climb churned out some seriously sexy videos. There was Gronholm’s attack in his 800 horse Ford Fiesta, and now Red Bull has delivered us this piece of work detailing Rhys Millen’s record-smashing 2 wheel-drive effort. Word is Millen crossed the checkers with his rear tires showing cords [Ed: Thanks, Grammar and Usage Police], but his 12:09.397 run guaranteed the guy’s place in the history books. Hop the jump to have a look at the builder/racer doing what he does best in his trick Hyundai Genesis Coupe. If it doesn’t make you want to hop in your own cockpit and hit it, you might want to check your vitals. [Source: AutoBlog]

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Now here’s some fun news. Peugeot just announced it will attend this year’s Petit Le Mans in Atlanta. This year’s Le Mans winner will bring not one, but two clean-diesel 908 prototypes to play at Road Atlanta on September 26. Given the company’s performance in France this year, our money is on Peugeot pulling off a 1-2 victory at the 12-hour race. While we’d love to see Audi dot Peugot’s eye here in the land of the free, we’re just happy to see some world-class racers in our back yard. Time to fire up Truth in 24 to get stoked. [Source: AmericanLeMans]

The Cash for Clunkers program just might be suspended. Those of you looking for that $9000 BMW 335d discount will have to settle for the $4500 off your Bimmer and a $900 tax incentive. The Cash for Clunkers program, which has already unnecessarily claimed a legendary Porsche 928, has surpassed government expectations in mere days. The AP says the White House is reviewing the program after the $1 billion budget covered just a few weeks of CARS. The current backlog in transaction processing is causing this “suspension.” More news to come. [Source: Associated Press]

Kia’s rolled out a new rendering of its VG sedan, and the sucker looks hot as can be. The company says the production version of the code-named saloon should replace cruisers like the Amanti and Opirus, and there’s plenty of Forte Koupe and Soul in the car’s darkened grille and swept headlights. That’s a good thing in my book, as those models mark a departure from the vague styling of the company’s past. You know, not quite attractive and not quite fugly. The VG should be powered by a 3.5-liter V6 when it hits the states by mid 2010. Korean markets may get a peep at the new Kia by the end of this year. [Source: Carscoop]

Turns out all those rumors about Michael Schumacher sliding into Felipe Massa’s spot on Ferrari’s F1 team were true. Schumi’s coming out of retirement to pilot a ballistic Prancing Horse for the remainder of the 2009 season while Felipe Massa recovers. Massa was injured in a serious crash during qualifying for the Hungarian GP. The Brazilian has since left intensive care, but it’s unclear just how long he will be out of the saddle. There’s some question about whether or not he’ll ever return to F1 period. In the mean time, Ferrari has announced Schumacher’s return so long as he aces the standard fitness test. It won’t be long before the seven-time champ slides behind the tiller of the F60 to take on Valencia. Brawn beware. [Source: 0-60]

Though San Francisco is more well-known for its eco-friendly progress, San Jose is leading the way in electric vehicle infrastructure. With 7 electric-vehicle charging stations available to the public, the largest city in the Silicon Valley is making the entry for Tesla, Aptera, and other plug-in electric automakers easier. San Jose’s manager of corporate outreach, Nanci Klein, is cooperating with local Fortune 100 companies to potentially install charging stations on employer campuses. In addition, certain light posts around the city are being retrofitted with charging adapters. The future for electric vehicles in San Jose is looking mighty bright and green. [Source: Gas 2.0]

Being born and bred in this neck of the woods – Da South – I hold some inescapable truths near and dear. Muscle cars are cool, Johnny Cash is still the man and there is no tea before sweet tea. That said, NASCAR is the one southern tradition I just can’t wrap my skull around. I’ve never been to a race, but what’s so thrilling about a field of guys driving near identical cars around a track with four left turns? Old school NASCAR, with the best and greatest each manufacturer had to offer racing on the sand at Daytona, was hardcore awesome. Now, not so much. There may just be hope. It looks like Ford’s bringing the 2010 Mustang to play on the tri-ovals of the U.S. with a new muscle-car oriented race series. It remains to be seen whether the cars on track even vaguely resemble their stock counterparts, but we can hope. Yes, we can hope. Hop the jump for a look at the press release. [Source: Ford]

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Sorry Bimmer fans, but Ze Germans are following in Honda’s footsteps and walking way from F1 at the end of the 2009 season. Instead of citing the usual gloom and doom economic reasons, the company said F1 no longer fits into the company’s plan for viability and sustainability. Of course, the fact that the BMW-Sauber team had its rear thoroughly paddled this year probably helped in the decision. The company has big plans for all of its extra coinage, including extra drivetrain research. BMW also says that the rest of its motorsport endeavors need not fear the axe. That means its touring car and American Le Mans series participation is safe. Hop the jump for a look at the press release. [Source: BMW]

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Alright, he’s no American Idol or Guitar Hero, but you gotta give this kid some credit. Not many can make a musical situation out of a government-run program to scrap gas hogs. I’m hoping he gets signed to a record deal and turns it into a musical with hardcore guitar riffs. Maybe the Doobie Brothers could play back up. Hey, I can dream. Hit the jump for the video!

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