Toyota FT 86 Open Concept e1362102872133
Cars ·

Toyota FT-86 Open Concept

The hottest little car in the tuning world is about to turn up the heat a little more with the unveiling of the convertible Toyota FT-86 Open. The FT-86 name was given to the concept version of the now Scion FR-S, Toyota GT86, Toyota 86, and Subaru BRZ. The FT-86 Open is still a “concept” and it will be making its first public appearance at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. Apparently the Toyota FT-86 Open is only one stage from the production trim.

No word yet on whether or when the North American Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ will be receiving the convertible versions of this vehicle. The Toyota FT-86 Open will continue to have a 2+2 seating configuration and besides the missing roof, the overall appearance of the vehicle looks the same as the standard coupe. Changes that we do know about include new alloy wheels, and a couple of body modifications such as the windshield to accommodate the retractable roof. The roof will be a soft-top but I’m sure after market companies will be quick to provide hard-top options offering several variants in terms of design.

2014 VW Golf GTI e1362009037607
Cars ·

2014 Volkswagen Golf GTI MK7

I’ve never been a fan of the Volkswagen family and I have always seen them as overpriced and just average vehicles. The 2014 Volkswagen Golf GTI (MK7) was recently unveiled in its production trim and looks quite similar to the previous generation MK6. Perhaps the GTI MK8 will have more drastic changes. The 2014 VW Golf GTI gets the standard upgrades over the regular model such as red accents on the front grille, smoked LED tail lights, honeycomb grille inserts, a twin pipe exhaust, rear spoiler, diffuser, and side skirts. The GTI also sits on a pretty nice set of 17-inch alloy wheels.

The interior should be similar to the previous generation of the Golf GTI with the base model featuring the classic tartan pattern fabric for the sport seats, black headliner, flat bottom steering wheel, and red ambient interior lighting.

EterniTrees Urns e1361955467560
Gadgets & Gear ·

Life After Death With EterniTrees Urns

For thousands of years, people have believed that a death does not necessarily mean that it is the end. That there is another life waiting for us whether it be in heaven, hell, or being reincarnated into something else. Whatever your belief, there is no proof of life after death although scientists are hard at work trying to figure it out. While we look for answers, a few companies have taken the “life after death” thing into their own hands by thinking outside the casket box.

Eternitrees for example, have developed a biodegradable urn that will use the ashes of your loved one and grow into a tree. Cremated ashes contain beneficial plant nutrients which can be released with the help of a unique mixture that can be found in the EterniTrees Urn. The ashes on their own are actually harmful to plants but the formula found in the EterniTrees Urn can cancel out that negative effects. Instead of spreading the ashes of the deceased, this method allows you to have a memorial for your loved one right in your backyard for generations.

All-new 2014 Jeep Cherokee
Cars ·

2014 Jeep Cherokee – What The Eff?

Seriously, what in the world is this shit? The Jeep Cherokee disappeared off the map for a few years and its back and looking fuglier than ever! The 2014 Jeep Cherokee will be replacing the Jeep Liberty as their new mid-size SUV. If you think the Nissan Juke is unique looking, think again. I don’t really even know what to say about this new SUV besides making my point of it being hideous to the power of 10. It’s good to be unique in this competitive market but maybe a little too much in the case of this new Jeep Cherokee.

It would make a lot of sense if these photos were released on April 1st but I’m afraid that’s not the case here. What does this thing remind you off? I think the main issue here is the name of the vehicle. The Jeep Cherokee was a great SUV and quite capable. The 2014 Jeep Cherokee might be capable in the performance department as well but the design aspect of it does not live up to the Cherokee name. Maybe if it was a completely new SUV with a different name, the reaction might be different from everybody.

The Flyboard jetpack
Gadgets & Gear ·

Flyboard Jetpack by Zagata Racing

A couple of years ago, a product called the Jetlev R200 hit the market which would allow you to experience the awesomeness of a jetpack but was powered by water rather than dangerous fuels. Although not as cool as a real jetpack, it still looks quite fun and provides an adrenaline rush. Now, there is another product which is similar to the Jetlev called The Flyboard jetpack which allows propulsion in the air just like the Jetlev but it also allows users to explore underwater and swim like dolphins. The Flyboard jetpack also happens to cost a fraction of the Jetlev.

The development of the Flyboard jetpack was started by Zapata-Racing in 2011 and progress on the project was relatively quick thanks to Zapata-Racing’s experience in the racing jet ski propulsion industry. The Flyboard jetpack is available in two versions with one being a two-person “craft” while the other option is for single use only. The operator of the Flyboard is basically strapping their feet into shoes that are attached to power water jets which provide lift and can be stabilized via hand-guided nozzles.

2013 ABT Audi A3 Sportsback e1360913144650
Cars ·

Audi A3 Sportback by ABT Sportsline

There’s nothing wrong with the looks of the stock Audi A3 Sportback but the S3 Sportback is much more sexy. If you’re an A3 Sportback owner and are looking to upgrade to a more agressive look like the S3 but don’t want to cough up the money, consider the package being offered by ABT Sportsline for the latest Audi A3 Sportback. And if you are looking to also get S3 power out of the A3 Sportback, this kit won’t be the solution…for now.

German tuners from ABT Sportsline have a number of modifications available in their kit which include both aesthetics and performance oriented. In the looks department, the Audi A3 Sportback receives a new front grill and lip spoiler integrated into the front bumper. As we go down the car, you will find fender insets, new side skirts, a roof spoiler, and changes to the rear bumper which now make room for a new quad tailpipe exhaust system.

2014 Mercedes A45 AMG e1360824616177
Cars ·

355HP Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG

Forget the CLA, the new Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG is what North America needs. This beautiful high-performing hatchback was recently revealed by Mercedes and packs quite a punch for a 2.0-liter twin-scroll turbocharged vehicle. With the 2.0-liter turbo engine producing an impressive 355horsepower making it the most powerful series production four cylinder turbocharged engine in the world.

The power powertrain is mated to an AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and also features the AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. The system is a front-wheel drive car under normal conditions but when required, the 4MATIC all-wheel drive splits the torque between the front and rear axle at a 50:50 ratio. According to Mercedes, this system is 25 percent lighter than the all-wheel drive being offered by competitors such as Audi S3.