Lets say you find yourself in Utah, on a rally, with nothing but your vehicle, some food, and of course, camera gear. What do you do? Easy. Make something awesome.

Ford and Storm King Media provided the opportunity for that to happen, on the Deer Hill Rally. We brought the new 6.2L Raptor to meet its match in the canyons, high altitude mountain roads, which is some of the most difficult terrain to off-road on, and put it to the ultimate test. See how it stood up against some of mother nature’s greatest creations.

Watch the video, see photos, and more after the jump…

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During a recent shoot we spotted three possible 2011 prototypes, most likely preproduction models, in some stage (most likely final) altitude tests before the next model year. A Fiat 500, MINI Cooper and Honda Fit.

Check out the videos after the jump.

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What happens when you have a weekend to spend with the Mazdaspeed3? Clearly, you have fun driving it. But secondly and more importantly, you make a video… because… everybody… loves video.

The 2010 Mazdaspeed 3

There are many cars out on the road that serve a simple purpose – make it from point A to point B. Many people drive their vehicles for the soul purpose of having a mode of transportation that isn’t public. In other words, a personal space to move them where their heart desires. Fortunately there are a handful of individuals that exist who consider the act of driving and vehicle ownership as a statement of who they are. For these people, a “simple” car that moves them along the road with the cruise control set 5 mph above the speed limit (really breaking the law there buddy – you know who you are), just isn’t enough for them. They yearn for something more.

They need a car that compliments their passion for the open road, a car that will take them places with a giant childish grin. There are few notable cars out there that can achieve such greatness, one of them is the Mazdaspeed 3.

Watch an HD version of Zoom3d, and read the rest of our Mazdaspeed3 review after the jump.

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A few weeks ago we worked with 0-60 Magazine at Gotham Dream Cars for the Legends Dream Car Tour to produce this short interview with long-term Lamborghini test-driver, Valentino Balboni. He discusses the difference between all-wheel and two-wheel drive, along with some other fun commentary.

HD video after the jump .

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Mazda North American Operations has experienced its best April since 2005, reporting its seventh consecutive month of  sales increases. Compared to April 2009, Mazda managed a 17.3% increase or sales of 18,935 vehicles. The Mazda3 sold 9,320 units showing a marked increase of 27.6% compared to last yeast. The CX-9 and CX-7 reported 88.2% (2,219 units) and 79.2% (2,327 units) respectively.

Mazda is also celebrating its 40th anniversary, here’s an excerpt from the press release:

Celebrating its 40th Anniversary in the United States in 2010, Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif. and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada and Mexico through nearly 900 dealers.  Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada, Inc., located in Ontario; and in Mexico by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.

In the budget category for family cars, Edmunds.com and Parents magazine has included the 2010 Kia Soul as one the best value and family-friendly vehicles in the market. The funky soul with its unique styling is packed with standard features and safety equipment for a price starting under $14,000.

Here’s an except from the press release:

“Soul is such a unique and versatile car, suitable for drivers in any stage of life with its extensive array of safety features, style and overall value, including parents and families,” said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing of Kia Motors America (KMA). “The fact that this award is given by two well-respected outlets and based on direct consumer feedback is invaluable and a testament to our continuing commitment to providing attractive vehicles loaded with an abundance of safety features, technology and value.”

Volkswagen announced today that it will be presenting at the 31st International Vienna Motor Symposium. The symposium will feature Professor Dr. Wolfgang Steiger, Head of Future Technologies in Group Communication, as well as a contingent of engine experts representing the Company. They will be speaking in front of an audience of engineers from around the globe to discuss the future technology for power-trains, engine technology, and environmental impact from combustion engines in the world.

During the presentation, Volkswagen will present their new 3-cylinder Turbo Diesel engine to demonstrate their dedication to the cause of improving fuel economy, lowering environmental impact, and adjusting products based on the current economical climate.

Here’s an except from the press release:

Proving that such internal combustion engines can meet current and future demands – with top values in reduced emissions – is the new 1.2l TDI with 3 cylinders in the Polo BlueMotion. Despite its relatively small displacement, the 1.2l 55kW / 75PS TDI engine can deliver a torque of 180 Nm [133 ft-lbs] at 2,000 rpm. The specification for the new 3-cylinder TDI called for the greatest possible dynamic engine performance with reduced displacement, maximum acoustic comfort and systematic weight reduction – without compromising the engine’s thermodynamic efficiency. All of the advantages of a reduced number of cylinders – primarily reduced weight and friction power loss – are being exploited as well.

[Source: Volkswagen]

The Ford Start Concept was revealed at the Beijing Auto Show this week, and it seems to have been well-received. In a press release by Ford, Autoweek has awarded the Start Concept with the “Best Concept Award.” I guess it’s gaining some attention. But could this thing ever be production worthy?

With cars like the Fiesta, MINI, Mazda Speed3, Fiat 500, and other small cars, would this city-car have a place, or would it just add more clutter to an already saturated small car market?

Here’s a snipped of the press release:

Small, green, smart and fun, the Ford Start won admirers for its decidedly playful take on kinetic design. More than a design exploration into the feasibility of a future small car, it previews the smallest engine yet in the growing Ford EcoBoost engine family. Ford has confirmed that the 1.0-litre turbocharged I3 EcoBoost engine powering the Start is going into production, destined for use in future Ford small cars, where it is expected to deliver the same power as a larger petrol I4.

Jump ahead for more photos.

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