Kawasaki Js550/440 Dual Carbs on 2040-parts.com

Chicago tuner breaks 9-second mark with Nissan GT-R

AMS Performance of Chicago, holder of the fastest quarter-mile time in a Nissan GT-R, has set the bar higher with an 8.97-second run at 169 mph. According to AMS, the run also grabbed the fastest 60-to-130-mph time, at 3.34 seconds. The Alpha 12, the shop's flagship performance package, cranks up the GT-R's output to 1,500 hp.

U.S. unveils blueprint to tackle driver distraction

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said Thursday the agency isn't looking at new regulations to address distracted driving, but rather is calling on automakers to step up voluntary efforts to combat risks with new technologies and education. LaHood, who's made distracted driving a top automotive safety priority of the Obama administration, said he's met with the CEOs of numerous automakers and feels confident "they're committed to safety." He even praised Subaru of America for a TV ad that highlighted the dangers of driver distraction. The commercial featured a father talking to his teenage daughter about the risks of using a cell phone while on the road.

Lotus Evora GTE Road Car Concept heading to Pebble Beach

Lotus Evora GTE Road Car Concept Lotus has taken away the Exige from its American customers with the Exige Matte Black Final Edition heralding the end, but is planning on giving back something a bit meatier at Pebble Beach trhis month in the shape of the Lotus Evora GTE Road Car Concept. All we’ve got so far is one (less than wonderful) image of the Evora GTE Road Car and a bit of detail. That bit of detail tells us that the Evora GTE Road Car is based on / inspired by the Lotus Evora GTE, which recently ran the Le Mans 24 Hours, and gets a tuned version of the regular Toyota V6 to deliver 420bhp .