Pfadt Race Engineering Cadillac ATS hits 162.5 at Texas Mile

Pfadt Race Engineering is claiming it has the world's fastest Cadillac ATS after clocking 162.5 mph in the standing mile at the latest Texas Mile event in Beeville. Pfadt used the turbocharged four-cylinder ATS as a starting point and upgraded the turbo, intercooler, suspension and exhaust. Pfadt says the engine improvements are responsible for adding more than 100 extra hp in the lightweight luxury sedan, which starts with 272 hp.

Name the new Viper color, win a trip to Daytona

Chrysler and SRT are giving fans a chance to name a new color for the Viper sports car. Beginning today, enthusiasts can go to driveSRT.com/colorcontest to check out the rules and enter. The grand-prize winner gets a trip to Daytona Beach, Fla., for the 2014 Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona and the opportunity to spend time with the Viper Design team over the weekend.

Nissan to open new studio in Beijing

After last week's announcement of leadership changes at Nissan's North American and European design centers, Nissan Investment Co., Ltd (NCIC), a Nissan subsidiary in China, today revealed plans to expand its global design resources with the establishment of a new design studio in Beijing. "With the addition of 20 designers, Nissan's new studio will enhance our design capabilities, as well as our product competitiveness in China and Asia where the automotive industry continues to see robust growth," said Shiro Nakamura, chief creative officer and senior vice president of design and brand. "Locating the studio where our customers live and work allows us to best respond to their needs and design vehicles that exceed their expectations." Scheduled to open early in 2011, the studio in the Chao Yang district of Beijing will be the first design facility in China established by a Japanese automaker.