By Katherine Helmetag

Atomicalex

So I’m checking out the Brilliance M2 Sport Sedan with Matt and Mike from neuwerks.com and who wants to have a peep at the latest blatant BMW ripoff but Chris Bangle himself! He’s a really nice guy, and stopped for a moment to pose for a pic.

By Katherine Helmetag

Atomicalex

The designers over at Brilliance got the green paint memo. Here’s their hatchback, which we spotted on the upper floor. If you were wondering what would fill up the space left vacant by Nissan, Porsche, and the rest of the no-shows, here it is. More pics after the jump.

Continue reading "Brilliance Hatchback FRV" »

Last night, I wound up talking to a college buddy that I hadn’t heard from in years. He was pretty impressed when I told him about some of the ridiculous stuff I’ve gotten to do because of my job, and it totally reminded me of how lucky I am. Anyway, here’s the news:

• Nissan is advertising that the GT-R puts out 480 horsepower, but the company might not be telling the truth. The funny thing? Recent dyno sessions indicate its halo car is actually producing 520 horsepower. Why is Nissan pulling a Joe Gibbs Racing? Don’t manufacturers usually want to brag about how many ponies their cars put out? Car & Driver
• This is easily one of the best lines I’ve read all year: "And as he crashed into a Kitchener car lot— driving naked while speeding, drunk, high on crack cocaine and next to a naked prostitute—he was not being of good behaviour." Don’t miss the story of James Boppre’s wild night on the town. The Record via Jalopnik
• Chinese automaker Brilliance will bring four models to Detroit for the annual NAIAS, and while I’m a little curious to see the cars, I’m really stoked to get a look at the sure to be Engrish-laden press releases. Car Scoop
• Poland’s Veno Automotive says it’s new supercar chassis will be able handle 1000 horsepower, which is great and everything, but it probably won’t be enough to outrun the pack of vicious lawyers that Lamborghini is probably going to sic on them. AutoExpress

I’m just curious, and I the only person who really digs those FreeCreditReport.com commercials? Honestly, I think that "New Car" isn’t nearly as funny as "Pirates" or "Dream Girl,"  but I like all of them. Anyway, here’s the news:

• While US motorists are feeling pain at the pump, oil-producing countries are rolling in dough, and some folks over there are paying nearly a million dollars for low-digit license plates. Is this what we get for not becoming energy independent? Sigh. Autoblog
• The Gullwing—the successor to Mercedes’ SLR McLaren supercar—has been spotted at the Ring. While it was wearing some Viper sheet metal on its hind quarters, even in this Franken-trim, the car looks pretty sexy. AutoExpress
• Chinese company Brilliance took serious heat after crash tests made its BS6 look about as safe as gator wrestling. But lo and behold, somebody has wrecked one—and lived to tell the tale! World Car Fans
• Microsoft Sync’s system has made the Focus has a bright spot in Ford’s lineup, but now that Hyundai and Kia will be getting similar technology, will it be able to keep its edge? Time will tell. Freep

It’s official. Everyone at CarDomain HQ has decided that it’s time for winter to be over. And please, don’t remind us that it’s technically spring. In our book, if it’s 39 degrees and raining, it’s still winter. Anyway, here’s the news:

• The bean-counters at the US Department of energy are predicting that high fuel prices will lead to a drop in demand during the summer driving months. That’s the first decline in almost 20 years, and since gas isn’t getting any cheaper, it probably won’t be the last one. Automotive News
• Chinese car company Brilliance, which made waves with its less-than-brilliant performance in a German crash test, is releasing a wagon for the Chinese domestic market. And while it might not be safe, Pininfarina did the design, so at least it looks pretty good. Winding Road
• In an effort to combat falling vehicle sales in its native Japan, Toyota is thinking outside the box. Or rather, outside the dealership. The company has just built a mall where the central areas will double as a sales floor. Will it work? Sure it will. The Japanese are nuts, remember? Auto Express
• Three time F1 champ Jackie Stewart has joined the chorus of people calling for Max Mosley—AKA: Nazi-orgy dude—to step down. How much longer is he going to try to keep his post? Seriously man, it’s over. BBC News