Lexus’ image is battered by a number of recalls of their vehicles due to problems like stalling engines, fuel leaks, or instability during emergency maneuvers. Aside from the Lexus brand, the Japanese car manufacturer’s main brand also had to recall about 8 million vehicles due to risks linked to unintentional acceleration.

According to researchers, it is highly possible that Mercedes-Benz will take over Toyota when the figures reflecting the impact of the recalls come in on the second half of 2010.

For the first six months of this year, Toyota’s deliveries in the U.S jumped by 19% or roughly 107,000 vehicles. Mercedes-Benz on the other hand showed a stronger performance with a 25% increase translating to about 106,972 units. The market share of Lexus is projected to go down to 1.98% lagging behind Mercedes-Benz and BMW. Basing it on the numbers alone, it will be a rough battle of the sales units of the two automotive luxury brands.

The dipping numbers of Lexus followed the April recalls of the GX 460 tagged as “safety risk” by Consumer Reports after finding about the roll over risks during high speed maneuvers. Back in May, the Lexus LS 600h and the LS460 halted its production and units were recalled.

In June, it was the turn of the HS 250h sedan. July involved recalls of 7 models due to defects with the engine.

The Lexus brand has been struggling to stand up from these recalls. Unless they are able to manage the damage well, we can expect the premium brand of Toyota to lose its crown to the German brand.

The story about the move of Mitsubishi has some odd details behind it with rumors that the carmaker planned to scrap the Lancer EVO model while there are also rumors that it will no longer release petrol variants of the Evolution but instead focus on a diesel-electric hybrid.

If Mitsubishi is really planning to make an EVO which is a diesel-only or a diesel-eletric hybrid, this will keep the car from mainstream competition of motor-sport. The move will also make it hard to push it in the markets of Japan and the United States. One good news though will be keeping its carbon dioxide emission down the line of 200 grams per kilometer.

The diesel-electric Lancer EVO will most likely go from 0 to 100 km/h below five seconds. This model is rumored to still have the AWD system that gives the car a great performance.

The Subaru plan seems definite with an Impreza STi on the works due for 2012. This new model will have a diesel powerplant which will be a beefed up version of the current 2.0L diesel engine used by the Impreza lineup.

There are also rumors that the 4-cylinder engine of the STi will be downsized to a turbocharged 1.5L engine. This move will also keep the STi from joining rally tourneys.

Let’s wait and see. We will keep you posted!

Now, of course, I am not talking about the rain that is just a few droplets, I am actually referring to rain that is hard and heavy.  When you are in this type of downpour, there are some tips and tricks that you want to make sure that you are following in order to stay safe.

For one, you want to make sure that you allow way more traveling time – that way, you can ensure that you still get to your destination in time and that you do it safely.  You also want to brake a heck of a lot earlier and with a lot less force, that way your brakes do not slip.

I am having a few problems.

There is drool all over my keyboard, for one thing. For another, I cannot quite seem to pick up my jaw from off of the floor.

I mean, oh em gee times three. OMG OMG OMG!

The Porsche 918 Spyder concept is So. Effing. Hot.

There are a computer of skeletons in the closet of its creation, but eh, who cares?

I just want to be able to look at it. Because heaven knows I don’t have a shot in H. E. Double hockey sticks of ever getting to drive it or anything.

So, Hondas.  Affordable automobiles.  But what about practicality?  For the most part, at least in my opinion, Honda vehicles are mid-line autos.  They are not really flashy, they are nothing really spectacular, but they are dependable, they are functional — until Honda up and decides to get edgy or something, at which point you get the Honda 3R-C concept.  Yeah, yeah, eco friendly, jump on the bandwagon.  But I have a question for all of you readers: would you ever actually be caught dead on something like this?

If you are one of those Aston Martin fans, you must – must know about the brand new 2011 Aston Martin Rapide right?  Well, I did not until I actually saw it in Hardly Green.  This is a car that not only looks extremely stylish and chic and the engine is one that I would love to have in my car right now!

Another cool thing about the 2011 Aston Martin Rapide is the fact that there are going to be so many different colors available!  If you want silver blonde or even quantum silver – these are both available for purchase.

What about red though?  Well, trust me, the beautiful 2011 Aston Martin Rapide in red looks awesome and I think that you guys are really going to like it!

Not only does this particular bike look sweet but riding it alone is something worth while.  March is when it is supposed to be delivered and while you might not be able to see it up close and personal until then – this is just a teaser for you to look at.

I will keep you posted on the Yamaha 2010 FZ8 and let you know exactly how much it is and things as soon as I find out – so make sure that you check back!

Toyota is brand that produces these fantastic vehicles and with the snow that we have had here in Mass.  I can tell you for sure that I could use one of these awesome trucks.  The truck itself is the Toyota Hilux and I can tell you for sure that these trucks are fantastic in the snow.

Not only can they beat down any snow in the world but they are actually one truck that allows people to have tours around Iceland, which is rare.

So. What do you think? The packaging and refinement attributes were integrated with this model, so that they mesh with the capabilities and utility seen in a decidedly SUV design. The vehicle is designed to seat eight, because with it, Honda was hoping to make the world of cars and the world of trucks come together. Were they successful?

I’m not sure whether or not Chad Brown gets to drive it too – but I hope he’s getting a freeroll!

Click here to view the embedded video.