Kia Soul Hamster

Kia has announced plans to introduce a special edition Soul that celebrates the popular "This or That" commercial.
Dubbed the Hamster Edition, the model is distinguished by black exterior graphics, a rear spoiler and 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the cabin boasts a push-button ignition, automatic climate control, black leather seats and exclusive floor mats.
No word on pricing, but the Hamster Edition will start arriving at U.S. dealerships later this spring.

Kia Forte EX

With a glance at the fuel gauge, it seems as though the little peg might not have moved at all. Perhaps that shouldn’t be surprising with our test model’s fuel economy rating of 26-mpg in town and 36-mpg on the highway. Fuel bills decrease, smiles increase.
These numbers get a boost thanks to Kia’s EcoMinder fuel efficiency monitor. This system monitors throttle input and vehicle speed to determine when you are driving most efficiently. A small green indicator light marked “Eco” illuminates on the instrument cluster when the vehicle is travelling at its most efficient.
Powered by a modestly torquey 156-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder the Forte has adequate power under most conditions, but when you really punch it, it’s hard not to groan in disappointment. But let’s put on our practical thinking caps for a moment though; did we expect F1 style performance out of a compact sedan with a base price of $14,995? No. It would have been nice, but no.
Some buyers (younger males in particular) will appreciate the six-speed automatic transmission’s Sportmatic feature, allowing manual operation of the gears to eek out a bit more fun. Formerly a four-speed with an optional 5-speed, this new 6-speed auto-box is now standard on the EX trim.

Fed mulling standardizing keyless ignition systems

For 2011, there are 189 vehicles with push start technology, including many vehicles that retail for less than $20,000. But while the technology has proliferated to nearly every vehicle segment, each automaker has its own keyless ignition mechanism.
Automotive News reports that the Society of Automobile Engineers (SAE) International isn't crazy about this, and it's looking to standardize keyless ignition systems. The move can be at least partially viewed as a reaction to unintended acceleration issues faced by Toyota. Some Toyota owners who reported reported the UA phenomenon were unable to turn off the vehicle because Toyota's programmers necessitate that the star/stop button must be pressed for three or more seconds to cut off power to the engine.According to Automotive News, the SAE proposes that drivers should be able to stop the vehicle by pressing the button for .5 to two seconds, or by briefly pressing the button two or three times.

Infiniti G25

Finally, Infiniti is offering a more budget-oriented alternative in the G25 and while it might not have the big V6 under the hood or the 300+ horsepower, it’s a genuine luxury sports sedan without apologies.
SMALLER V6 MORE CAPABLE THAN ITS HORSEPOWER SUGGESTS

As the name suggests, it’s powered by a rather small 2.5-liter V6 engine that makes 218-hp and 187 lb-ft of torque. Mated to Infiniti’s excellent and quick-shifting 7-speed automatic it feels much faster and even sounds pretty mean. Apart from BMW’s six-speed unit, this might be the fastest reacting auto-box on the market and really makes living with an automatic less of a sacrifice.

A far cry from the 5.5 second sprint you’ll get from big brother G37, acceleration times are around 7.5 seconds to 60-mph, which is similar to what you’ll get in an Audi A4 or BMW 328i. ‘Fast’ isn’t a word to describe it, but few will find it lacking.

Rain didn't cut this year's Petit Le Mans short

Rain didn't cut this year's Petit Le Mans short. Unlike last year's race, racers went carbon-fiber fender to carbon-fiber fender for the full 1,000 miles at Road Atlanta during the running of the 2010 Petit Le Mans. By the time the checkered flag fell, Peugeot walked away with a one-two win, effectively establishing a French dynasty in the American Le Mans series. As you may recall, Peugeot took the overall win at last year's Petit Le Mans as well, beating out arch-diesel-rival Audi in the process. This year, the quad-rings fell to third place, a full two laps behind the leading French racer thanks to a flat tire late in the race. The German car, piloted by Le Mans legends Tom Kristensen, Allen McNish and Dindo Capello, simply couldn't make up the time lost to the pits, sealing the win for Peugeot in the process.
The pair of Pugs led 299 of the 394 total laps, but that doesn't mean that's where the only show was. Hit the jump for a quick recap.

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Chevrolet already scrapping week-old

Click above to view the video after the jump

Sometimes an advertising tag-line is so right, people remember it for decades. In the automotive realm, BMW's "Ultimate Driving Machine" and Cadillac's "Standard of the World" stand out and catch on. Apparently "excellence for all" didn't. The new ad line was developed by Publicis Worldwide which had been tapped to replace Campbell-Ewald as Chevrolet's ad agency just over a month ago.

New General Motors VP of Marketing Joel Ewanick dropped Publicis barely a week after taking the job and the tag-line which had only been used in some print ads in recent weeks won't be seen again. New television ads that are running now close out with "everyone deserves excellence" and the main focus is on the so-called "Red-x" quality engineers.

With Ewanick clearly taking charge at GM marketing, it will be interesting to see what new Chevrolet agency Goodby, Silverstein & Partners comes up with. Make the jump for the aforementioned Red-X engineers spot.