Hot Wheels to Comes to LIfe at Indy 500

Very few car-related things make me reminisce about my childhood more than Hot Wheels, so my eyes were immediately drawn to a news article today about a stunt being planned which will involve a real truck, and a massive ramp.

Over the course of three weeks, organizers planned to construct a 30 meter door with a huge orange ramp, and judging by the trial-run video I saw, they're nearly done. Their goal is to break the jump record for a four-wheel vehicle, and to be honest, I can't wait to see their attempt!


The stunt will take place in the fourth turn of Indianapolis Motor Speedway before the May 29 race begins. Company officials expect the driver, whose identity is being kept secret until after the stunt, to break Johnny Greaves’ current world record of 301 feet.

Finally Some Isuzu News!

Isuzu has almost become a forgotten brand these days in most of North America. Its GM partnership has been going roughly due to lack of interest, and lack of sales. But things might be looking up for the brand, based on reports that Volkswagen has expressed interest in purchasing Isuzu.

VW has stated that they won't be making any quick decisions, but if the purchase does go through, VW would only have indirect control considering that MAN SE, a truck maker that is 29.9 percent owned by VW, may be the entity to make the stake.

The reason I found it necessary to mention this possible purchase, is actually based upon the surge in Isuzu's stock of 9.6%. And this was purely on the "word" that the purchase may occur. I know I'll be keeping an eye on this!

Cheers!

Land Rover Defender Relaunch Planned for 2015

Although Land Rover has always catered its Defender to a very small client base (making it quite rare), Land Rover has announced that it has already begun the development process of the next-generation Defender. American readers probably aren't as familiar with this vehicle, considering it's been banned in the United States since the 1990's due to airbag regulations, but the next-generation Defender is sure to be in the public eye within the next few years.

The current model has retained its basic design for several decades, but expect this to change.

What does this mean exactly? Land Rover has indicated they are quite serious about the update, boasting a new production facility, brand new platform, and most importantly the backing of parent company Tata Motors.

Land Rover was kind enough to provide a time-frame for curious enthusiasts such as myself. We can expect a concept of the Defender in 2013, with the road-going version scheduled for its market introduction in 2015.