Once in a while you come across a statement that is so terribly funny that it can only be called EPIC. The following quote comes from the Cobalt SS Network, from a sadly misinformed enthusiast. One can only hope that he learns something from the 20 pages of comments.

So we all know that the supercharged engines need the intake bypass valve so they work in reverse. Otherwise the supercharger would just suck all the air out of the cylinder. So knowing that, how does the turbocharged version work in reverse? The engine is trying to suck air backwards, yet the turbo wants to spin forward so I don’t see how it works. Is there some sort of exhausting intake bypass valve on the turbo version? Also, if it does have the valve, does that also mean that it can make boost in reverse? Like how much boost? Like 5 psi or does it go over 20?

Can anyone help me sort this out?

Of course it gets even better when he pops up again on page 2

wow, lots of replies already, thanks guys

Real reason I’m asking because a friend is getting a 93 Corvette and he wants to race me. I said we can race to 30 mph because I think if I go from reverse I’ll get better weight transfer and beat him, but I’m concerned about making full boost since the turbocharger will be spinning backwards.

I damn near shot my KFC lunch across the room a second time after I read that one!

Via Los Jalops

As we headed towards Mosport for the vintage festival last week, it seemed fitting that we were cruising in Chevy’s retro styled HHR. Fortunately, this was no plain Jane grocery getter either. We were headed for some twisties where the turbocharged 2008 HHR SS could get it’s boogie on. With pie wagon styling, substantial chrome wheels and pumping out 260 ponies this machine was just perfect for a dragging the cooler and cameras up for a day at the track, not to mention a few dance steps along the way.

Over the past years, we haven’t owned a car with overly sporting intentions. Reason? Kids. A herd of them. There hasn’t been too many vehicles conceived over the years that are capable of hauling a family of 5 and a bunch of their junk that can do double duty as a weekend warrior. The two jobs have distinctly different needs. Lately though, several automakers have managed to combine the needs of a parental taxi with the wants of an autocrosser.
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It is such a shame that cameras don’t catch the colour orange in all it’s glory cause this MINI Cooper S wears a coat that is eyeball searing shade of dayglo. Fortunately this little shoebox won’t be mistaken for a pylon any time soon. This thing is quick!

I’m somewhat ashamed to say that this was my first ever drive in a modern MINI and it’s already in its’ second generation. Why? Well, the opportunity just never presented itself. Over the past few cars I’ve heard terms like rollerskate, go kart, formula car applied to the MINI and I was eager to get on with MINI experience.
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Well, its no secret that the current clad Corolla is well over-due for its model year makeover. Toyota has now hung onto the current design, extending the conforming, utilitarian, and conservative (read: boring) outlook for 2 extra years. In some circles I have heard this to be a really interesting strategy:

1. Civic/Mazda3/Lancer are all enjoying a facelift late 2005 Impreza hits the scene in new-dapper present, mid-2006.

2. Celica is retired, RSX is hung, Civic SIR/TypeR is introduced in respective domestic markets, WRX/STI/MazdaSpeed3 readily available

3. Yaris making a nill impact with the dealership offered ‘aero package’ For those that absolutly unaware of Toyota’s new “flagship” sports compact, let me paint you a picture:

Yes, get a good look at that rear. This thing doesn’t have enough horses for you to see it again once you’ve passed it.

WTF is up with Toyota? are they too busy ENJOYING WORLD DOMINATION WITHOUT A SPORTS CAR? WTF???????
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Following last week’s information leak on the upcoming 911 GT2, Porsche has decided to release the goods for real. The details are nothing short of stunning. 530 horsepower with 22.6 miles per gallon. Zero to 60 in 3.7 seconds with a top speed of 204 miles per hour! This is the most powerful 911 ever built, yet it gets better gas mileage than most SUV’s. Just wait till Herr Ruf and his crew get their hands on it!

More official images and Porsche press release after the break
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Something fishy here methinks! Some guy named Sid is selling “my dealers FIRST 997 TURBO CAB Launch car!!!” While using a spy photo, it seems to have a pretty full build description of the incoming vehicle. As of this writing, the current bid is for $18,200 over MSRP.

Right.

Ebay via CarScoop

As regular readers know, we love Volvos here in The Garage. New ones, old ones, fast ones and even off road ones. Off road ones? That’s right, Turbobricks forum member Brian Roth has bolted together this big swingin 245 that sits on a Chevy S10 Blazer chassis. The beast is powered by a 3.8 V6 which should be more than enough to make this mini monster motor.

Definitely not your Uncle Olaf’s Volvo!

Via Jalopnik

Maybe I’m longing to get back into my old Nissan dealership, or maybe Nissan just has some really cool things coming down the pipe, but it seems like there is lots of Nissan news in The Garage lately. The latest is from Nissan in the UK and comes in the form of a hopped up Murano.

WorldCarFans.com are reporting a 340 hp turbo version of the 3.5 liter V6 that will propel the Stylish SUV from 0-60 in about 7 seconds. Speaking of stylish, this version has received all sorts of aero add ons, along with big brakes, upgraded interior and more. The cold air intake on the hood looks like it may scoop up small children and wayward pets.

There is no mention of North America in the article, so who knows if we’ll see this on our streets. To get all the details (and there are lots) be sure to visit Worldcarfans.com