Asimozart
Spokes...uh...bot of Honda's Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility project, ASIMO, recently conducted a Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) recital of "Impossible Dream", as an introduction to a special performance and instruction series by renowned cellist and NPR rockstar Yo-Yo Ma. Honda sponsored the exhibit in hopes of drawing more attention to the DSO's Power of Dreams Music Education Fund-a cause dedicated to expanding music education in public schools, to which Honda has donated over $1 million. But sadly, it seems ASIMO's recent fame may have gone to his posi-tronic head. Second-hand accounts from backstage put the mechanical maestro in somewhat of a tirade after the event, yelling smack on the Toyota Partner robot, "So Partner thought his (expletive) trumpet performances had everyone fooled," he was heard screaming, alone, from within his dressing room, "Let's see if he's robot enough to play in my ensemble!" When later questioned if he'd consider working with Partner on a joint performance, ASIMO replied, "I'll keep a chair open for him," he added, "...a fourth chair! Muhahaha!!"www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTlV0Y5yAww
Calling All Wrx/Evo Time Attackers
Import Tuner's 2nd annual EVO/STI shootout presented by Continental Tires is right around the corner, and we've still got slots to fill. This year's Super Lap Battle styled shin-dig will follow suit to last year's (full coverage in APR '08 issue), with Continental Tires dishing out a set of four ContiSportContact 3 ultra high performance radials to each qualifying car, for use in the competition and however each car's owner sees fit afterward. Potential cars include any generation WRX/STI or EVO that is plated, state-registered for highway use, retains full interior, and will meet a NASA tech inspection immediately before competition. Eligible drivers must be state licensed, and must have some prior track driving experience. Think you got what it takes? Submit a comprehensive proposal including your car's detailed spec sheet, sample photos (no high-res, please), driver history and bio to Mr. Super Lap: Elliott.moran@sourceinterlink.com
Reliable Rotaries?!
Carter will be the first to tell you-rotaries are spinning proof that a good idea in theory isn't always a good idea in reality. Sure, their simplicity looks great on paper, but we're betting a fair amount of you reading this have experienced the joys of constantly blowing up the little bastards in your RX-7s-so much so, that maybe you turned a cold shoulder to the RX-8 in 2004. Well, Mazda says this was a bad decision, and they're saying it with an extended warranty that covers nearly every part of the RX-8's Renesis rotary engine. The best part? The warranty even applies to any '04 and newer rotary meeting an 8-year-100,000-mile stipulation. Pretty confident in their product, if you ask us. Contact your dealership for details, while we kick ourselves for passing up on the RX-8 years ago and hope Mazda decides to retroact the warranty another 11 years or so...to cover failed 500whp builds. www.mazda.com
By th3 Number5
181.1
The dB level put forth by Pioneer audio equipment inside Scott Owens' "Loudest Car in the World"-or just over the pressure equivalent of a detonating one pound of T.N.T. at 15 feet.