The saga continues, boys and girls! The Senate just approved an additional $2 billion for the Cash for Clunkers program this afternoon in a 60-37 vote. The wildly successful program was in danger of running out of money last week, and it appeared Republicans were going to squat and fight any request for additional funds every step of the way until the White House started throwing its weight around. In an impressive victory snatched from the jaws of bankruptcy, the now $2 billion richer program is likely to stay in effect at least until Labor Day, according to the White House. Given the runaway success of the program so far and how badly the administration underestimated public interest and turnout, it remains to be seen whether CARS makes it that far before running out of money again. [Source: CNN]

It’s electric! Well maybe not to the likes of people like Glenn Beck, who laughed himself into an embarrassing moment of silence on national television this morning when he saw the picture. But he’s Glenn Beck, so who cares? But I digress. The new Leaf from Nissan looks to be, ahem turning over a new leaf [Ed: Zing!] when it comes to Zero Emissions vehicles — at least in the aesthetics department. It’s no small accomplishment that it looks damn good for a segment of the industry that usually gives us wacky Aptera’s and glorified golf carts. Hit the jump for more info on the Nissan Leaf. [Source: Nissan News]

Read More >>

New tech is always exciting if you’re a nerd like me. That’s why I had a bit of an engineergasm when I heard about the mythical Supercapacitor a few years ago, even if it was strictly a mad scientists pipe-dream at the time. Well holy technological break-through batman! Hit the jump for the low down on this latest tech.

Read More >>

I love rally racing, which means I love the X-Games by proxy. Pastrana — love him or hate him — is a god among men when it comes to driving. So when the new Ford Fiesta and Subaru WRX go at it in the dirt you’re bound to have a blood pumping fight to the finish line on your hands. Especially when defending champ Pastrana locks horns with the likes of rookie Kenny Brack. Hit the jump for easily one of the sickest final matchups in X-Games history — including the Ford dragging its rear bumper around the first few twisties. Enjoy! [Source: Youtube]

Read More >>

I admit it. I’ve been guilty more than once of laying down a pair of fatty black scorch marks in virgin parking lots, but I’ve definitely got nothing on the guys in Japan. In those parts, drifting isn’t just a sport — its an art. Tokyo Drift might have been a slightly embarrassing embellishment, but I think few can deny that the best drifters in the world hail from the Land of the Rising Sun. In that vein, hit the jump for six lessons in drifting badassery from the Sensei himself. Just don’t tell anyone we told you to do it when you sideswipe a tree. [Source: Youtube]

Read More >>

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]

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!

Read More >>

I’m feeling a little deviant today. Instead of cars… lets talk motorcycles. This guy can, in fact, ride his bike with no handlebars. Hit the jump to check out some seriously badass motorcycle stunts. You can even see him chattin it up with the Knoxville 5-0. Seriously — props, guy.

Read More >>

I love Top Gear. I don’t know what automotive enthusiast who doesn’t. The show is the kind of pure genius we can get behind. The best part? Hard to say, but there’s nothing wrong with the crew’s ridiculous stunts. According to local newspapers, Top Gear plans on re-creating a scene from the original Italian Job by racing a bunch of MINI Coopers around the new Belfast sewer system. This I gotta see. To the torrents. [Source: BBC News]

I was never a big fan of the 350Z. It just didn’t live up to the hype for me, and certainly didn’t tug at my nostalgia chords at all [Ed: Speak for your lonesome...]. If anything I felt like it was a travesty to include it in the iconic family of Z cars that I’m particularly fond of. Well no more — the new 370Z does away with a lot of the things I didn’t like, and while it still doesn’t match the original Z cars (in my humble opinion) its styling reminds me of the car’s younger, hotter, and more athletic sister — the GT-R. Resembling Godzilla is A-ok in my book. Hit the jump for the topless 370Z in all its sexy glory.

Read More >>