World Series champ Lenny Dykstra facing grand theft auto charges

Former slugger Lenny “Nails” Dykstra was arrested Monday on charges of running a car theft ring with two other cohorts. The trio managed to make off with three vehicles after giving false information to a Southern California dealership.

No stranger to legal trouble, Dykstra is now facing 25 charges related to the incident, including several counts of grand theft auto. Los Angeles County prosecutors say Dykstra, along with his accountant Robert Hymersand friend Christopher Gavanis, attempted to lease vehicles from two dealerships with phony information. Although the first two dealerships didn’t bite, the third one did.

“He has scammed everybody he knows,” Deputy Dist. Atty. Alex Karkanen said. “They faked pay stubs. They faked income information for the company. They made it all up on a laser printer at home. And when the dealers asked for a co-signer, they said their financial officer would sign.” That financial officer turned out to be one of Hymersand’s unsuspecting clients.

The alleged car bandits made off with a Ford Flex, Mustang and Lincoln MKS. The cars are now back in the possession of the dealer, but Dykstra maintains his innocence.

“Of course I’m not guilty,” Dykstra told the Daily News of New York on Monday. “The car got stolen alright – stolen by them. I don’t have it anymore.”

Adding insult to injury, police also found cocaine, Ecstasy and somatropin, a form of human growth hormone, when raiding Dykstra’s house.

Dykstra, already facing charges related to bankruptcy fraud, could spend up to 12 years in prison if convicted on his latest charges.

References
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2011 Nissan Leaf Named 'World Car Of The Year'

This year’s World Car of the Year competition began with thirty-nine vehicles, picked by a team of journalists from around the world. The next stage cut the list of eligible vehicles down to ten, followed by the selection of three finalists at last month’s Geneva Motor Show. It came down to the 2011 Nissan Leaf against the 2011 Audi A8 and the 2011 BMW 5 Series; as good as the other cars may have been, only one car on the list counts as revolutionary, and the jurors awarded the title to the Nissan LEAF. In a prepared statement, the panel said, “The Leaf is the gateway to a brave new electric world from Nissan. This 5-seater, 5-door hatchback is the world's first, purpose-built, mass-produced electric car. The good news? It feels just like a normal car, only quieter."

Nissan wasn’t the only award winner at this year’s presentation. Ferrari’s 458 Italia was declared the 2011 World Performance Car, besting the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and the Porsche 911 Turbo. Aston Martin’s Rapide was declared the 2011 World Car Design Of The Year, beating out the Alfa Romeo Giulietta and the Ferrari 458 Italia. Finally, the Chevrolet Volt took top honors as the 2011 World Green Car, defeating the BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Edition and the Nissan Leaf.

The World Car Awards began in 2003 as a way to recognize the globalization of the automotive industry, and to recognize manufacturers who deliver excellence on an international scale. To be eligible for a World Car Award in any category, a vehicle must be sold on at least two continents  for a period ranging from January 1 of the previous year through May 30 of the current year. Previous World Car of the Year award winners include the Volkswagen Polo (2010), the Mazda 2 (2008) and the Lexus LS460 (2007).

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The Standard of The World bags Motor Trend Classic Trophy at Amelia Island 2011

George and Nancy Weaver, of East Earl, Pennsylvania, had the right combination of car, presentation, and quality all wrapped up in their magnificent 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz, to snag the Motor Trend Classic Trophy at this year’s Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance.  It was a difficult choice, with a field full of Cobras and Ferrari Daytonas, but this big Caddy spoke to me as a car I’d really enjoy driving back from Amelia Island Florida, back to our LA area offices.  I’d keep that top down, sing to myself, and just cruise, baby.  This dual-quad Caddy has the power to haul, but what’s the rush.  It’s all about style.  I’d also check in with road chef, author, and TV host Guy Fieri for his recommendation of all the diners, drive-ins, and dives that I should check out as I traversed the southern United States in this decidedly dreamy ride.

Photos by Bill Thornley

Matt Stone on March 14 2011 1:00 PM

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2011 Geneva Motor Show: Three World Premieres For Toyota

Source: MotorAuthority.com

Toyota FT-86 II Concept teaser

We already know that Toyota will be unveiling an updated version of its FT-86 rear-wheel drive sports car concept at next month’s 2011 Geneva Motor Show, the aptly named FT-86 II, which we saw a teaser of last month, but now the Japanese auto giant has confirmed several other world premieres.

We can also reveal that the upcoming show will be graced by the appearance of a new electric car based on the Toyota iQ, as well as a concept car previewing a hybrid version of the next-generation of Toyota’s popular compact car. Finally, Toyota will also debut the European version of the more versatile Prius V, the new seven-seat Prius+.

Toyota iQ EV prototype

The iQ electric car is a prototype featuring a newly designed flat lithium-ion battery pack and is good for up to 65 miles on a single charge. It will undergo testing on European roads this year, with a potential introduction to that market through a leasing program in 2012.

Toyota has already announced its plans to bring the car to market in the U.S. as a Scion and is also investigating its viability in other regions.

2011 Toyota Yaris HSD Concept

As for the Yaris HSD (Hybrid Synergy Drive), the new concept will preview the look of Toyota’s next-generation Yaris and also introduce several hybrid-specific styling cues. Additionally, the concept also confirms Toyota's intention to bring full hybrid technology to the compact segment.

The 2011 Geneva Motor Show kicks off on March 1. Follow our complete coverage of the event by clicking here.

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