Chris Shunk
Etc., Videos

Back in 1960, the sky was the limit in terms of technology and industrial growth. 60 years earlier, only the rich had cars and telephones, and television was a pipe-dream. By 1960, however, every family had a car and a television, nuclear power had been invented, and jet airplanes transported people around the globe. The rush of growth led to futurists coming up with wild fantasies of the world to come, and we've found a real classic in the YouTube vault. After the jump is a nine minute cartoon from 1960 that details the future of transportation, from self-driving cars and flying ambulances to highways that are constructed in a day or two.

In some ways, the futuristic video was right on. It shows families driving in what is basically a glass-domed minivan that features children watching TV while dad gets up-to-the-second navigation updates via a punch-card system and a synchronized scanning map. Of course the car drove itself, too, but that technology is also well on its way. The video short mentioned solar power, but the vehicle that relied on the sun for motivation had no wheels and used an electro-glide for movement. Oddly enough, solar power came after atomic propulsion. And even though computers had been around since the 1940s, no mention of the technology was described during the video. Hit the jump to check oit, it's well worth a close look.

[Source: Chuck.Goolsbee.org]

Source: VIDEO: The future of motoring, circa 1960

Merritt Johnson
Motorsports, Celebrities

IMDb has quoted former Malcom in the Middle star and current Pacific Coast Motorsports driver Frankie Muniz as saying, "I don't want to sound conceited, but I don't think there has been an actor or celebrity-turned-racecar driver that has made it as high up on the racecar circuit as I have. So I don't think there's anyone who can keep up with me. And that's just me being honest." In case folks missed the press release, Muniz turned his focus away from his acting career and devoted his efforts to auto racing after winning the 2005 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach Celebrity Race. He joined the Formula BMW series in 2006, finishing a season high of 16th. Last year saw the erstwhile child star running in the Champ Car Atlantic series where he managed to creep into the top 10 at one event. Not much of a stellar track record as racing goes.

Conceited may not be the right term, but uninformed might be. It seems that Mr. Muniz needs a lesson in automotive racing history. Over the years there have been quite a few racing actors. Names such as Steve McQueen and Paul Newman immediately leap to mind, both producing notable results at prestigious events. McQueen finished second overall at the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1970, and 1979 saw Newman do the same at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. A little humility might be in order for the young actor/racer.

Thanks for the tip, Tom!

[Source: Internet Movie Database]

Source: Frankie Muniz: self-proclaimed best actor-turned-racer ever

Damon Lavrinc
SUVs, Crossovers/CUVs, MINI

Sure, the title is oxymoronic, but it's just a matter of time before MINI unveils its beefed-up 'ute. CAR put its crack team of 3D modeling wizards on the job to show what a mud-plugging MINI could look like, and surprising, it's not all that bad.

While the design stays true to MINI's traditional cues, the larger front fascia, ribbed roofline and increased ride height gives the 4x4 a more rugged appearance. It all seems plausible, but the extra set of doors remain complete theoretical since MINI still hasn't released any specifics. Power is supposedly provided by the Cooper S' 175 hp turbocharged 1.6-liter four cylinder, but if the SUV/CUV packs on the pounds, the forced induction mill might not be able to provide the necessary get-up-and-go. A diesel is likely to be available and it's rumored that Getrag has been tapped to provide the transmission and all-wheel-drive system.

The 'ute is expected to be unveiled sometime next year, but it's name is still open to speculation. However, CAR quizzed a MINI manager who assured them that it wouldn't go by the name "Crossman." Good call.

[Source: CAR]

Source: Most convincing rendering yet: MINI SUV