Auto Mobiles

"It's the perfect fusion of a compact Crossover and a stylish coup: there's nothing quite like it on the market today ... though we are certain that rival manufacturers will quickly try to follow suit with their own variations on the theme."

Posted Feb 25th 2008 1:57PM by John Neff Filed under: Euro , Crossovers/CUVs , Infiniti Click above to view high-res gallery of the 2009 Infiniti EX37 Euro-spec Infiniti is ready to cross over into Europe for ... via Autoblog

You know we’re always good for bad puns here, right?

Every now and then, automakers do something really cool and acknowledge their history. International’s been all over their history as of late, especially since the introduction of the LoneStar retro-styled over-the-road truck cab. Can’t wait to see that one hauling the produce on the highway.

Just came across another part of their publicity campaign for the LoneStar, a 1939 International D-series half-ton pickup that International had American Speed Company in Plymouth, Michigan, convert into the D-MAXX street rod. American Speed then treated the pickup to a mild chop, shave and full air suspension and dropped in a 390-cu.in. MaxxForce 7 diesel V-8 good for 350hp and 650-lbs.ft. of torque.

International’s website doesn’t indicate exactly how the company plans on using the D-MAXX to promote the LoneStar, but we’d imagine they’ll show it at as many truck shows and state fairs as possible this year.

By the way, there’s no way I could get through this post without drawing out LooonnneeeeStaaaarrrrrr in my best Darth Helmet voice.

The news on the Associated Press last week indicated that the IROC series is finished for good and all assets will be auctioned off March 7-8 at their Tinton Falls, New Jersey, headquarters.

IROC has been seeking corporate sponsors since the end of the 2006 series, and obviously those efforts were unsuccessful. The two-day auction will sell everything that is left of the series including cars, tools, memorabilia and other equipment.

The series was first conceived by Roger Penske and Les Richter in 1973 and brought together race car drivers from many different racing leagues in head-to-head competition with identically-prepared cars. The International Race of Champions had staged over 120 races in its 33 year history at 16 different venues, pitting more than 100 of the best drivers against each other.

IROC president and biggest cheerleader Jay Signore stated that none of the major manufacturers have shown any interest in sponsoring the challenge and agrees it is time for move to other endeavors. Jay and his wife Barbara have been with IROC since its inception in 1974 when the first series was won by Mark Donahue. NASCAR’s Tony Stewart was the most recent winner in 2006.

New Euro Accord continues to depress buyers. Some are beginning to think Honda will be purchased by Toyota, the much larger Japanese auto maker.

Click image to enlarge The first Challenger fetched $400,000 at Barrett-Jackson, and now #43 has managed to sell on eBay for a whopping $228,143.43. Of course #43 is no run-of-the-mill Challenger, as it's the ...