Videos: Nurburgring Sideways With A 640Hp Mercedes CL55 MKB

In its most simple definition, drifting is when a driver gets a car sideways for an extended period of time. Aimless? Yes. Fun? Definitely. Easy? Certainty not. Drifting is an art form if you will, acquiring plenty of technique on the drivers part. And by God, German drifting champion, Werner Gusenbauer has the word “technique” engraved on both his hands. Gusenbauer took a 640Hp MKB Mercedes-Benz CL55 and powerslided his way through the famous Nurburgring Nordshleife race track in Germany. In the first video we get an inside view that includes a nifty set of drift angles, g-forces and speed gauges while if you follow the jump you’ll get the chance to see second video with exterior shots of Gusenbauer’s drifting capabilities. -Continued below

GM To Build Corsa Based Opel & Chevrolet Compact SUV’s In Antwerp

GM plans to present an all-new compact SUV/Crossover based on an extended Opel Corsa platform in 2009/2010, offered both, in Opel and Chevrolet flavours and built in GM’s Antwerp site in Belgium. According to German newspaper, Automobilwoche, the compact SUV/Crossover will be available in FWD and 4WD versions and placed under the Antara and Captiva in Opel’s and Chevrolet’s line-up respectively. Although a long shot, Chevy’s version could be inspired from the New York Show Trax concept featured in the photo.

The news comes about month after GM announced that the next generation Opel Astra, due in 2010, wouldn’t be built at the Antwerp site in Belgium, thus raising several questions about the plant’s future that currently employs 4.500 people. Even though GM plans to cut 1.400 jobs by the end of the year, the decision to build the compact SUV/Crossovers in Antwerp means the plant will continue to operate until 2016. In this case, something is better than nothing. Via: Le blog auto , Source: Automobilewoche

BMW X3 E21: Based On ’83 Chevy Blazer Chassis!

Wait a minute, I just had an epiphany; this ain’t no X3, it’s a SC3 (Sports Crossover). Yeah, that sounds so much better. This “Ultimate Redneck Machine” was created via a shotgun marriage between a 1981 E21 320i body and a 1983 Chevy Blazer 4x4 Chassis, complete with a 2.8 V6 Automatic with overdrive trans powertrain and 33x15 Tires. Could be yours for a mere $2.500 / €1.850. If anything, you’ll be the center (height) of attention. -More high-res pics after the jump Via: Autoblog.com , Source: Craiglist