Let me introduce you to your future love.

It wasn’t always a PR stunt: the first car, a BMW 3.0 CSL, was commissioned to the artist Alexander Calder in 1975 before it was raced at Le Mans. Since then, artists from Warhol to Hockney have stepped up to make a canvas out of the latest beemer.

This year an artist known for huge sculptures of balloon animals is in charge. Jeff Koons will create the 35th anniversary art car. He first expressed interest in 2003 the manufacturer says, and “is known for his heartfelt appreciation of cars.”

“We are enormously pleased about Jeff Koons’ eagerly anticipated contribution to the BMW Art Car series, celebrating its 35th anniversary,” said Frank-Peter Arndt, member of the Board of Management for the BMW AG and responsible for BMW Group’s international cultural formats. “Art Cars are part of the DNA of BMW’s cultural engagement. As manifested in Koons’ latest sculptural work, what unites us is the belief that nothing is impossible. Our company and Jeff Koons are drawn to permanent innovation and cutting-edge technology.”

Jeff Koons, an American, once held the title for most expensive piece of work by a living artist ever auctioned. In 2007 a magenta Hanging Heart sold at Sotheby’s New York for a whopping $23.6 million. According to Wikipedia he’s quoted as saying, “There’s a difference between being famous and being significant. I’m interested in [my work's] significance — anything that can enrich our lives and make them vaster — but I’m really not interested in the idea of fame for fame’s sake.”

Last year an artist named Robin Rhode strapped colorful tires to a new Z4 and drove it around a huge canvas, creating “art” from tread marks. The artist didn’t even drive the car which we find incredibly lame.

The model and style will be announced later this year. Anyone else want to see a BMW reincarnated as a balloon animal?

Check out the gallery below to see some of Koons’ work and other BMW art cars.

BMW images courtesy of BMW Drives.com. Koons images courtesy of Wikipedia.

[View with PicLens]

Watch this truck wipe out a pedestrian bridge in Istanbul. Maybe the driver drank his lunch.

From Jalopnik

Reacting to GM’s offer, Ford is offering $1,000 to owners of Toyota, Scion, Lexus, Honda, and Acura willing to make the switch. Chrysler has yet to answer with a program of their own.

This comes after frustrated owners of Toyota vehicles continue to seek answers from local dealers and corporate offices alike. Concerned drivers have yet to receive a substantial response from the company according to a report from CBS. Toyota began the first recalls due to floor mats potentially coming loose and holding down the accelerator pedal.

The newest set of recalls focused on a sticky accelerator pedal revealing itself after about 35,000 miles of usage. Both have raised concerns over the safety of the historically “reliable” auto maker.

In October the company recalled over 4 million vehicles due to the faulty floor mats with another million added to that total today. This was on top of another large recall involving 2.3 million vehicles involved due to the sticking pedal. According to the Detroit Free Press, safety advocates claim these errors have resulted in 19 deaths and more than 2,000 complaints.

This follows an announcement last week in which the company revealed a sticky accelerator pedal could cause concern for the vehicles’ drivers in the near future. And by concern I mean a fiery death. According to Toyota, a condition whereby the use of the accelerator pedal could become difficult to depress and does not immediately return is the primary issue. This is unrelated to the previous issue whereby loose floor mats could lay on the pedal, keeping it engaged.

Not good news for a company who’s initiated two voluntary recalls in recent months, both for instances of stuck accelerator pedals that could result in imminent death for Toyota Drivers. Following the sales stop is a cease in manufacturing for five factories across the U.S. And Canada.

Approximately 2.3 million vehicles will be affected by the recall, over half million more than the company sold last year according to cnn.com. This is on top of the 4.2 million being recalled due to the floor mat issue.

Specific vehicles affected by the recall include:

• 2009-2010 RAV4
• 2009-2010 Corolla
• 2009-2010 Matrix
• 2005-2010 Avalon
• “certain” 2007-2010 Camrys (seems a bit fishy to me)
• 2010 Highlander
• 2007-2010 Tundra
• and 2008-2010 Sequoia

While Toyota is calling this a rare situation, the significance of stopping the sale of most of their production vehicles tells a different story. This puts the reputable “quality” automaker at risk of some significant collateral damage.

Maybe they took the “keep moving forward” slogan too seriously.

If you’re nervous about your Toyota flying off cliffs get in touch with Toyota customer service at 800-331-4331.

Stepping into the 2010 Scion tC for the first time, I was admittedly skeptical. After all, the tC is a car targeted at a certain demographic, namely students and recent college grads. How cool can anything built by a bunch of old men in suits trying to target the “millennial” crowd really be? All it takes is one look at their Web site to realize Scion is the kid who always tries too hard to fit in. Sprawled across the tC’s image is, “Tear it up, don’t rip it off.” What does that even mean?

My point is this: anything that tries to be cool rarely ends up that way. That would be like Clint Eastwood looking you in the eye and saying you’ll never be as cool as he is. So in this way, the tC is like Colin Farrell: It thinks it’s cool, but does that alone make it a cool car?

Well no, not really. But strip away the overzealous marketing and uber-edgy packaging and you’re left with solid gold.

But for that price tag, you get a great tortilla. The tC comes with standard power windows, power locks, a panoramic moon roof, 17-inch alloy wheels, four-wheel disc brakes, a Macpherson strut double wishbone suspension, cruise control and an iPod connector for the sound system. Not bad for a hair under $18,000.

If you’re a recent graduate, the deal gets even better with a $1,000 rebate. For those without much credit history (like college students), Scion has flexible credit programs to get you behind the wheel.

Under the hood you’ll find the same engine from the Toyota Camry and Corolla, a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder motor putting out 161 horsepower and 162 lb.-ft. of torque. Combined fuel economy is a comparatively low 23 miles per gallon.

But the real story isn’t the engine; it’s the suspension. Throw the tC into a corner at nearly any speed and it just sticks to the road. The Macpherson suspension keeps the whole car level while sailing around corners, and the steering is light and accurate. Our tester came equipped with optional 18-inch Toyota Racing Development wheels and sport tires. While nearly useless in the snow, they proved awesome on twisty mountain roads.

Inside you get air conditioning, folding seats, a great sunroof and a Pioneer sound system standard, which you’ll immediately want to tear apart and throw out the window. Ours was the upgraded premium system, and frankly I’d rather listen to a dying rhinoceros.

Unlike other cars in this segment, people actually fit in the rear of the tC. They have to be short people, but their legs will find a surprising amount of space. Also of note is the visibility. The seating position is comfortable, and the massive front and side windows make it easy to see what’s going on.

But the tC’s best quality, like the burrito, is all the customization available for it–some directly from the dealership. Our tester had the 18-inch wheels, a ground effects kit, a spoiler, a special shift knob and the stupid sound system all for $21,636. Throw in a few other options like a limited-slip differential, a TRD performance brake kit, coil-over suspension upgrade and a TRD performance clutch kit and you’re only looking at $26,461. That’s $7,000 less than a new Mitsubishi Evo. If looks are more your thing, Scion and other aftermarket supporters offer a huge variety of options to tweak your tC just the way you want it.

So it turns out my skepticism was undue. After a long drive through the mountains the 2010 Scion tC proved to be a great car. Sure the transmission was a bit finicky at times and the seats were a tad uncomfortable after a few hours at the wheel, but overall the car performed magnificently, and for the price tag it’s way less than its competitors. Take a look past the cheesy advertising and you’ll find a great car at a great price.

[View with PicLens]

This story originally appeared in my column at the CU Independent.com

Photo shout out to Jorian Stuckey for her help with the photos.

The SVT Raptor may just be the quintessential man mobile.

One look at the monster machine; gleaming in neon orange paint, giant tear graphics down the side, huge wheels and Fox Racing shocks peering out from under the huge flared fenders and you realize it’s the perfect car for… well no one really.

The wife would hate it, the neighbors would find it annoying and even high school boys would question the size of your privates, but none of that matters. The only thing that does is the feeling you get behind the wheel.

From the moment you climb into the cabin the Raptor’s orange interior, toggle switches and black hood vents hint at the fun of things to come.

This is the kind of car that would have saved lives in Jurassic Park, the kind of car you take tailgating with the college buddies. It’s the kind of car that should list a gun rack as an optional factory accessory, and it’s the kind of car that gets attention.

But above all it makes you feel like a kid whenever you drive it. Behind the wheel you’re the coolest kid on the block, especially when a minivan driver stares up at you with a small tear in his eye.

So it’s the perfect man mobile right? Um… no.

When you put your foot down, the fun stops.

Unfortunately it didn’t. All the dramatic styling and moments of childhood reminiscing were washed away as we meandered along the road. Eventually the Raptor did get up to speed, but the acceleration left me wanting so much more. I was expecting a Mustang with big wheels; I got a Focus with a bright paint job.

The culprit was the 5.4L V8 found in the regular F-150, putting out a measly 320 hp and 390 ft.-Ib. of torque. This is in a truck with all the same guts as the regular F-150 plus big tires, and other trim and racing pieces. More weight and the same engine doesn’t equate to a faster truck. Ford says a beefier 6.2L will be available sometime next year.

I was expecting a Mustang with big wheels; I got a Focus with a bright paint job.

On road the Raptor was a beast to drive, thanks in part to the huge squishy tires. The steering was heavy and vague and bucked you around on every sharp turn.

On the inside things were going better. The SYNC system was keeping me entertained, the seats were comfortable, and everything was well laid out. The toggle switches for user-added accessories was a brilliant addition, as it keeps the new owner from having to drill into the vehicle. Plus it’s just downright cool.

I hate to pass total judgment on the Raptor just yet; after all we spent no time off road. And I imagine that’s where it will excel. With about 12 usable inches of travel in the suspension and internal bypass FOX Racing Shox it probably does well.

But on road it’s just not good. So I’m telling my inner 12-year-old to wait. With a bigger V8 and some off road time the SVT Raptor may be a winner. If you’re looking for any on-road practicality don’t bother. If you need to impress the ladies and run from dinosaurs now the starting price is just under $40,000.

The 0-60

Car: 2010 Ford SVT Raptor
Engine: 5.4L 3V Triton V-8
0-60: Low eights according to Ford
Horsepower: 320 hp at 5,000 rpm
Torque: 390 ft.-lb. at 3,500 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic overdrive with Tow Haul Mode
Fuel Economy: 14 city / 18 highway mpg
Ford says: The 6.2L available next year will have an estimated 400 hp and 400 ft.-lb. The only way this truck is going green is with a lizard paint job.

[View with PicLens]

In the interest of fairness, the author of this article worked at Ford summer 2009.

This will be the second vehicle in Fisker’s portfolio, following its hybrid sports car the Karma. The Karma, introduced in 2007 with units being delivered early next year, is said to have a top speed of 125 mph and up to a 300 mile range on a single charge. Not only that, but it does 0-60 in 5.8 seconds. Not too shabby for a hybrid.

However I wouldn’t expect the “family friendly” version to post those sort of numbers.  According to earth2tech.com Fisker has yet to begin design on their “Project Nina” slated for the new plant, but engineering is in the works. The company hopes to be producing 75,000 to 100,000 vehicles per year by 2014 with only half believed to remain in the U.S.

Even Vice President Joe Biden was on hand this morning to help make the announcement, saying, “…we’re on our way to helping America’s auto industry reclaim its top position in the global market.”

We can’t help but wonder if the Karma will be coming stateside anytime soon as well. Currently manufactured in Finland alongside the Porsche Boxster and Cayman, a production facility in the U.S. would firmly plant the automaker as an all-American company. Fisker is based out of southern California and they have plans for a research and design center in Pontiac Michigan according to a Wired: Autopia article.

Will Fisker automotive be able to succeed in a plant that formerly produced the Saturn Sky and Pontiac Solstice roadsters? Only time will tell, but it’s a sad day for a car guy when two great sports cars are replaced by a family-oriented plug-in sedan. So Fisker, bring the Karma over. America needs a good-looking exotic hybrid.

When it comes to car choice they analyze what they’ll spend their hard-earned 5 a.m. money on. But before they know it, a new Mercedes is in the garage and they’re not sure where it came from. Sure it glistens and offers a million buttons with enough options to impress anyone at the office, but it certainly doesn’t win points on originality. Or they could buy a BMW, if they want a car people will mistake for a moose. And yes, they could buy a Jaguar, but everyone will start referring to them as “that guy”.

Or, being the smart businessman you are, you could take a spin in the 2010 Lincoln MKZ. Yeah, it’s a Lincoln, and sure, you’ll need to convince the boys at the office of your sanity. But a quick drive will can be convincing. From the outside it has a face unlike any other in the luxury market. From the back… well just don’t look at the back. The praying-mantis-taillights are far-out for the business crowd. The profile looks like a luxury sedan, enough said.

Inside business people will find themselves at home. The black and metal-looking interior with hints of wood scattered about feel just like an office. The seat is comfortable and the optional heating and cooling make your butt nice and cozy on long road trips. We took it from Detroit to Chicago and back very comfortably.

Driving around Chicago the sounds system begged me to roll the windows down and indulge my neighbor at the red light with some business music; John Mayer. Crisp and clear to high volumes, the THX sound system coupled with the SYNC media manager let me listen to my iPod loud and proud while the built in navigation was easy to use.

The ride in the MKZ was surprisingly smooth, even over dirt roads. The 3.5L V-6 has enough get up and go for around town, but it’s far from a sporty engine. I’d expect this to be included in the twin-turbo Eco-Boost lineup sometime soon. Until then we’ll have to settle on 263 horses and a 0-60 of 7.1 seconds.

So the Lincoln is the perfect car for the luxury buyer. Well, not really. Don’t get me wrong, the Lincoln is a great car, especially considering the $35,000 price tag; well below other cars in this class. But unlike its European brethren the MKZ just doesn’t have that feel of an ultra-luxury car. It doesn’t turn heads on the street, it doesn’t have loads of gizmos and gadgets, and it just doesn’t “feel” like an expensive luxury brand. Your tennis instructor wouldn’t drive one, but Bill from accounting would.

Young execs looking for a great mid-level luxury sedan will be pleased with the MKZ. It’s a great beginners luxury car. And it’s living proof Lincoln isn’t just for those who can’t afford a Mercedes.

[View with PicLens]

The 0-60

Car: 2010 Lincoln MKZ
Engine: 3.5L V-6 Duratec
0-60: 7.1 seconds
Horsepower: 263 hp at 6,250 rpm
Torque: 249 ft.-lb. at 4,500 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed SelectShift automatic
Fuel Economy: 18 city / 27 highway mpg
Ford says: 45 percent of current Lincoln MKZ buyers do not currently own a Ford, Lincoln or Mercury product

Here at Fast Cars – Fun Life we enjoy the finer things in life: burning rubber, snaking through a mountain roadway, drag racing the garage project, even customizing our cars with fuzzy dice and body kits. But there comes a point where we just have to sit back and scratch our heads.

Enter the Tommy Kaira body kit for the new Toyota Prius.

Yes that’s right, a body kit… for a Prius.

How hard would viewers of the Fast and the Furious laugh if Vin Diesel rolled up in a tuned Prius? Can you imagine it? “Now me and the mad scientist gotta tear apart the electric engine and replace the batteries you fried.” It just doesn’t have the same ring to it.

Remember that this is the same Prius that puts out less than 100 hp. The same Prius hippies drive. So the question is, what kind of hippy will want to put a body kit on their symbol of eco-friendliness? Now maybe a body kit that increased aerodynamics and therefore gas mileage, but I seriously doubt the Tommy Kaira accomplishes that task.

Now don’t get us wrong, this has to be the coolest Prius we’ve ever seen (did I really just say that?). The design is actually pretty good with nice carbon fiber accents, clean lines and a dual exhaust. If I had to drive a Prius, the kit would be a welcome addition… but I don’t have to drive a Prius.

It’s not that I don’t like the Tommy Kaira Prius, it’s that I want the performance to match the looks. The Prius should be enjoyed for what it is, an ecofriendy-get-around-towner.

I’d call this car a classic case of all show and no go. Where’s the fun in that? I’d love to see a sport Prius with this kit and a respectable 0-60 time, but for now that seems impossible. Why, you might ask?

People who drive Priuses (Prii?) want a car that gets great gas mileage and lets  people know they’re doing their part to help the environment. Sadly a sweet-looking body kit doesn’t deliver the green message.

Now, if performance parts for a Prius wasn’t an oxymoron I’d welcome a body kit to compliment increased abilities. But a quick search for tuning parts led to the Priuschat forum where a user posed the same question, asking for performance parts. The best answer: Gold spinners and fuzzy dice.

Come on Tommy Kaira, if you’re going to release a body kit at least offer a performance exhaust system… or Energizer batteries with an extended life. Because, “It don’t matter if you win by an inch or a mile, winning is winning.” Especially at 50 mpg.

Pictures and info Via Ben Schaffer’s CarDomain blog