Among the tracks included in the presentation are:

1. Indianapolis Motor Speedway (#1)
2. Circuit de Spa Francorchamps, in Belgium (#5)
3. Bonneville Speedway (#7)
4. Las Vegas Motor Speedway (#10)

We think this has got to be one of the coolest uses of Google Earth ever.

Don’t you?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced that Volvo has issued a recall on the 2010 XC90. The recall covers roughly 2,500 vehicles, and is due to a potential leak in the fuel line between the line and a connector.

The first sign of the leak MAY be the smell of fuel, but it’s also possible that a fire could break out at the right front wheel of the vehicle if an ignition source sparks it, even without the smell.

Dealers will check the date code printed on the fuel line and replace it if a recall has been issued for it. The fix will be performed for free.

Owners may contact Volvo at 800-458-1552 or NHTSA’s vehicle safety hot line at 888-327-4236.

Automotive News reported over the weekend that Research In Motion Ltd. (RIM), the company that makes BlackBerry phones has agreed to the aquisition of QNX Software Systems from Harman International Industries, Inc. Why are they doing this? It’s to gain access to technology for wireless connections in cars.

The tech that RIM will gain will specifically aid Acura, Audi, and BMW cars with connections to cell phones, navigation systems, and music players. RIM is expanding into new markets, in an attempt to offset slowing sales growth and decreasing prices, as well as the heavy competition from Apple, Inc.’s iPhone and Google’s DROID systems.

RIM has not disclosed the terms of the deal, but the Waterloo, Ontario, Canada-based company expects the deal to close in mid-to-late May. QNX’s current owner, Harman, bought the software company in 2004 for $138 million in cash, and also assumed some debt.

To be honest, it’s worrisome when adults are texting or talking while driving, as well, but teens are less experienced when it comes to second-guessing other drivers, and therefore have a higher risk of actually getting into an accident while using a handheld device.

How much more likely?

According to a story published last October in the Insurance Journal a report was released by Transportation Department officials which said that in 2008, almost 6,000 people were killed and over half a million were injured in car crashes where at least one kind of driver distraction was reported. In addition, driver distraction was a factor in sixteen percent of all fatal crashes that year.

In addition to the general statistics, the greatest proportion of distracted drivers were younger motorists, those aged twenty or younger, with sixteen percent of those drivers reported to be involved in fatal crashes.

Despite inconclusive data about text-while-driving bans actually working, it seems that distracted driving is a major epidemic in the United States.

The question is: what do we do about it?

Smart ForTwo

The insurance industry is regarding the Smart car as small, but safe although — as only insurance agents can do — the pros are quick to point out that smaller vehicles are riskier than big ones.

Uh, duh?

Hummer vs. Semi
ForTwo vs. Semi

You do the math.

Ford Focus Spiffier for 2009

The Focus SE coupe will get a sportier exterior for the new model year with a lower front fascia in a bid to European-esque design. There will be a new roofline spoiler and the standard wheels will be 17″ aluminum. The idea is to make the car more attractive to younger buyers. It’ll go on sale in August with a price take of $16,615 for the SE and $18,035 for the SES.

Ferrari GT California – Always Speedy

Ferrari is showing off a new eight-cylinder GT available as a convertible only with a hand-formed aluminum body. Under the hood look for a 4.3-liter V8 in the mid-front position. Estimates put the 0 to 62 mph rating at under 4 seconds. There’s a seven-speed dual clutch transmission, Brembo brakes, and a F1-Trac traction control system. The public debut is scheduled for the Paris motor show in October.