Gran Turismo PSP ad at Laguna Seca is art imitating life imitating art. Or something. 0 comments

by Jonny Lieberman
In terms of tracks, we'd guess that while the Nürburgring gets the most press, Laguna Seca is number two. And with good reason, as Mazda's Raceway is fast, technical, beautiful and challenging. Plus, because the famed track's in Caramel, California, you get gorgeous, picture postcard weather for ten months of the year. If not more. Then, of course, there's the famous Corkscrew, and all of the hijinks that it ensures.
So large is Laguna's legend that Sony is now using to the track to sell its newly PSP ported version of Gran Turismo, the ever popular racing game. And as far as commercials go, this is one of the few we wish were a few minutes longer. The 'vert takes place on track at Laguna Seca where a Corvette ZR1 is chasing down a Ford GT and Nissan GT-R. And is that Tanner Foust? We think it is. Also, bonus points for whoever can identify the car the Blue Devil passes at the very beginning. Okay, we've stalled long enough. Make the jump to watch the video.
Buick takes another look at the small premium market with Avant Concept 0 comments

by Jeremy Korzeniewski
Need further proof that the premium car market is looking to downsize? General Motors' latest entry on its recently launched Lab website is the Buick Avant, which the automaker developed to study the future of scaled down models for its upper-level brands.
Innovative ideas abound with the Buick Avant Concept, including doors that can both swing and slide open, a driver's seat that moves laterally to customize interior packaging, a luggage shelf that brings packages to you and a so-called micro pergola roof that can be either opaque or transparent depending on the driver's wishes.
All told, Buick came up with six exterior themes and four interior concepts that it hopes to get feedback on. Check out the image gallery below and click past the break to watch the video. Then, click here to let GM know what you think of its ideas for the small premium market.
Ken Block takes unsuspecting DiRT 2 players out on hot laps 0 comments

by Jonathon Ramsey
DiRT 2 had a coming out party in the UK and not only did Ken Block join the festivities, he decided to surprise some big-talking gamers with a couple of hot laps. If we could take anything from the demonstration, it's that Ken Block looks to be just as badass when driving on the other side of the car. Oh, and there's also the comedy – check out the guy who screams in silence and the other one who looks like he's practicing lamaze breathing. Follow the jump to see the vid.
Michael Schumacher gives us a walk around of the Ferrari 458 Italia 0 comments

The marketing team in Maranello has been putting in a lot of effort to keep the Internets drooling over Ferrari's newest creation, the 562 hp 458 Italia, with a steady flow of information hitting the web.
The newest piece of 458 propaganda comes in the form of the world's most famous Ferrari employee talking about why the new Italia kicks ass. Hit the jump to listen to Michael Schumacher go over the finer points of the all new 458 Italia. Brakes, suspension, F1-style seven-speed gearbox and driving experience are all covered in a mere 1:32, and we agree with Mr. Schumacher when he calls the 458 Italia "una bella machina."


