V-8 Acura?
In pertinent Honda news is the announcement of the 2009 Acura TL, which brags "dramatic new styling", SH all-wheel drive, and "the most powerful Acura engine ever". Only months after hearing rumors that the RL will be receiving a newly developed V-8 when the new generation debuts in three years, we're wondering if the '09 TL might beat it to the punch. As Acura Spokesperson Mike Spencer reportedly hinted to another source, the company's inclusion of a turbo-four RDX, V-6-powered RL, and scheduled V-10-powered new NSX would leave a gaping hole that could be filled nicely with any high-performance V-8 the company may be producing, especially when coupled with their desire to develop a top-tier luxury model capable of competing with dominant Lexus and BMW offerings. Performance shops get ready; what we really want to see is a Savage S2K. Think a Ford 5.0-swapped Monster Miata can kick some ass? What about a high-revving, VTEC V-8-powered S2000? That's our kind of roadster! www.honda.com
Formula D Red Bull Drifting Goes Global
The people who bring you the Red Bull Air Race, Flugtag, and of course, Red Bull energy drink are allying with Formula D to bring you what's being hailed as the single most diverse, most competitive drift event ever to be held. The world's top 32 drifters will converge on the Port of Long Beach, Calif., in mid November to gun it out for the title of World Champion (and the largest prize purse ever offered in drift competition), including the biggest names in Japanese and American drifting, as well as unsung heroes from Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Europe. Triple-digit entry speeds are guaranteed, as is a mix of both fast and technical turns, and multiple trackside viewing areas for maximum spectator involvement. Book your tickets now-this will be one for the history books-and check back with 2NR as we showcase the unknown soldiers in future issues. www.formulad.com, www.redbullusa.com
In legal News
New Jersey state assembly members have introduced a bill that would provide for inspection and emissions exemptions and special licensing and titling for vehicles sporting drastic body modifications, engine swaps, or increased sound emission, among other customizations. If the legislation is approved and signed into law, New Jersey would become the 29th state to enact such a variation of SEMA's Street Rod/Custom Vehicle model bill, which permits exemption to State vehicle codes for owners of modified cars. The catch? The bill only applies to altered vehicles manufactured after 1948 that are at least 25 years old ("custom vehicles") and altered vehicles produced before or after 1948 that resemble a vehicle produced before 1949 ("street rods"). While the SEMA bill is a huge step in the right direction for auto enthusiasts, what this ultimately means is that your Civic, with the quiet cat-back exhaust that improves performance and fuel economy without affecting emissions, is still illegal for highway use in many areas. But if you drive an open-header 190dB, un-tuned, big-block-swapped '32 Ford kit car that smokes more than the Marlboro man himself, averages 1.6 mpg, and has no seat belts...you're good to go. Think that's wack? It gets worse. Visit the blog spot at importtuner.com for details.