Well, he couldn't just leave the Falcon sitting on the sidelines, no sense leaving it to rust as he'd already stayed true to it for 23 years. So Eric "Hoon-Hulk" Bana put together a documentary to provide the inside story of his dragon-like affection for the car, his mates and how he got it back together. For color commentary, Bana brought in the likes of Jeremy Clarkson, Jay Leno and yes, Dr. Phil. Why Dr. Phil? Well, when you've got a dragon in your pants for your car — even a monster of a beast like Bana's red XB, we're pretty sure Dr. Phil would have a problem with it. Silly, puny Dr. Phil, doesn't he know anything about cars? Bana smash!

But the cosmetics are still what makes this one-off car something special. Ford's turned this $80,000 Shelby into KITT thanks to a sweet-looking black-on-black paint job, the addition of 20" Shelby "Super Snake" wheels, 90% tinted windows all-around and of course, the Auto Indulgence 15" LED "Knight Rider" security scanner lightbar. Sure, it's all stuff you can buy off the rack — but when combined together, it makes this "King of the Road" look bad-ass.

But what's great about this customized Shelby is when the novelty of cruising around in KITT wears out, and you've turned the lightbar off, you remember you're still driving a Shelby GT500KR. That said, there's now even greater incentive to pull to a stop, shift into first and floor it. Because when you do, your world shrinks into a tunnel of motion with only a pinpoint of clarity ahead, wild-eyed narration provided by an unnatural banshee wail emanating from the supercharger. You watch, almost from outside of your body, as time dilates and you are no longer subject to the rules of physics. You feel as though this motor will pull the stars from their places in the heavens. And then the rev limiter brings it all back to reality.

A sideways grin spread across my face as my autonomic nervous system registers how close I just came to some form of fiery death. The manic rush, instead of acting like a deterrent, plays a powerful stimulant, and you do it again, and again, and again.

That's because the GT500KR is a much better car than its predecessor, the Mustang GT500. The GT500 is a mean and nasty car, operating at the limits of the chassis — it's twitchy, overpowered and hard to live with. Driving it always makes you feel like you're toeing the line of control, even when toting the groceries. To be perfectly honest, the notion of driving a GT500 with more horsepower was, at the outset, mildly terrifying. But the GT500KR is much more refined — the extra power is met with a much better suspension thanks to upgraded KR-only dampers, springs and shocks. All of it works together to provide a far more confident drive than the GT500. No more skipping across expansion joints at speed on a sweeping freeway corner, only planted, firm and predictable driving over the bumps and potholes of Michigan roads. But, then why the taken-to-the-limits feeling? It's because that added confidence is underscored with the notion that instead of being more controllable, the razors edge has just been raised to a new and more frightening level.

In spite of this knowledge, you smile like any man charming a Cobra; resigned to the danger, but addicted to the exhilaration of it. It doesn't matter if the car handles incredibly well for a solid axle design on a heavy car with monster mill, it doesn't matter if the interior has no upgrades over a standard 'Stang, it doesn't matter that the windows are tinted so dark you strain to see headlights in the night because none of that changes the mechanical the wail of obscenities the supercharger hurls at you as it takes over your world.

People point. They stare. The silent back and forth sweep of the red light draws the questions of curious passers-by. Camera phones are wielded, friends are called over and disbelief removed. But in the face of the crushing power of this car, the tight hold that childhood memories maintain over the aura of KITT shrink, and become insignificant as you pull runs — again, and again, and again. The show may be in need of some "Turbo Boost," but this GT500KR has all the boost we need.

Photo Credit: Alex C. Conley

BOND MOVIE ROLE FOR NEW FORD KA

COLOGNE, August 15, 2008 - The highly-anticipated new James Bond adventure, 'Quantum of Solace', will feature a cameo appearance from Ford's fresh-faced new model, the all-new Ford Ka.

Ford's cheeky new small car will make its screen debut alongside the film's beautiful but feisty leading lady, Olga Kurylenko. Kurylenko plays Camille, a woman with her own personal mission and who quickly becomes an unlikely ally for Bond.

The 'Quantum of Solace' Ka is unique with metallic gold paint and an exclusive exterior graphics and interior trim combination.

"The new Ka is the perfect match for the character of Camille - adventurous, individual and thoroughly modern," says Ford of Europe's Chief Operating Officer, Stephen Odell. "We are delighted that the launch of the film coincides with the launch of such a significant new model for Ford of Europe."

The special 'Quantum of Solace' Ka was created by Ford of Europe's Design team, in collaboration with the movie's Oscar ® award-winning production designer, Dennis Gassner. The Ka's cameo continues Ford of Europe's relationship with the James Bond films, following the debut appearance of the latest Ford Mondeo, in the 2006 blockbuster, 'Casino Royale'.

Twelve years after the original Ford Ka wowed customers with its modern spirit and what has proved to be a remarkably age-less design, its successor looks set to repeat its impact.

The new model retains all the qualities which made the Ka so popular - compact size, great looks, lively dynamics and fun personality - but presents them in a fresh new package. Further technical details of the new Ford Ka will be revealed closer to launch later in 2008.

'Quantum of Solace' is produced for EON Productions by Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli and distributed by Sony Pictures Entertainment.

Directed by Marc Forster, the film stars Daniel Craig as the legendary secret agent, James Bond and opens in the UK and France on October 31st, then elsewhere November 7th.

The all-new Ka enjoys the spotlight of its own at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, on October 2.

# # #

Gaze in open-mawed horror as Run-DMC's "It's Tricky" gets utterly butchered. Feel your skin crawl as Jason Castro shows off his mad dribbling skillz. Mourn for your departed soul as Kristy Lee Cook swats the ball away from a charging black man.

It ain't pretty, to be sure. But if Ford is actually committed to taking the Idol contestants down this road, may we suggest that next week they cover Akinyele's classic "Put It In Your Mouth"? That might be enough to make us buy a Focus.

• American Idol [FOX]

Knight Rider, the made for TV movie, airs Sunday night on NBC, starring our friend KITT here and a cast of no name, blandly good looking actors. Val Kilmer provides KITT's voice. David Hasselhoff will make a cameo appearance to smooth the transition from 25 years ago to today. It's rumored that should the movie prove successful, we should expect a spin-off series some time in the near future.

In person, KITT is little more than a prop. It's roughly finished and beat to hell. We're some of the first people outside the show, after Jay Leno, to get our hands on the car. We're not NBC employees like Jay, so we couldn't drive the vehicle for liability reasons, but we were able to hop in for a short ride. It felt like a Mustang, one with loud pipes, a plastic interior and lowered suspension; it rides rough as hell. But that's the adult in me speaking. The five year old that still exists somewhere deep inside me is positively giddy with excitement at finally getting the opportunity to ride along with Michael Knight, or at least one of Ford's delivery guys who looked just a little bit like him. NBC's hoping a lot more people's inner child won't be able to resist KITT either.

Photography: Ray Wert and Wes Siler

UPDATED 'KNIGHT RIDER' REVS UP TO RETURN TO NBC FOR SPECIAL TWO-HOUR MOVIE EVENT ON FEBRUARY 17 AS NEW KITT CAR IS REVEALED "Knight Rider" Cast Justin Bruening, Deanna Russo, Sydney Tamiia Poitier and Bruce Davison Participate at the Unveiling Event Showcasing the Customized KITT Ford Mustang to Be Featured in Movie Dave Bartis ("Heist," "The O.C.") and Doug Liman ("Mr. and Mrs. Smith," "The Bourne Identity") to Serve as Executive Producers; David Hasselhoff, the Star of the Original "Knight Rider" Series, Appears as a Special Guest Star in His Original Role as Michael Knight NBC Also Forms Partnership with Ford Motor Company That Provides for Unique Content Opportunity BURBANK - December 12, 2007 - As "Knight Rider" — NBC's iconic 1980s television classic that became a runaway success, comes roaring back to life on the network with an updated sequel that will air as a two-hour movie event on Sunday, February 17 (9-11 p.m. ET) — NBC unveiled the new customized KITT Ford Mustang to be featured in the series in a press event held at NBC's Burbank Studios today. The movie stars Justin Bruening ("Cold Case," "All My Children"), Deanna Russo ("NCIS," "The Young and the Restless"), Sydney Tamiia Poitier ("Veronica Mars," "Grindhouse") and Bruce Davison ("Breach," "Close to Home"). In addition, David Hasselhoff (NBC's "America's Got Talent") — who starred in the popular lead role as Michael Knight for four seasons during the original series — returns as the same character in a special guest-star appearance. Will Arnett (NBC's "30 Rock," "Blades of Glory") will provide the voice of KITT. Dave Bartis ("Heist," "The O.C.") and Doug Liman ("Mr. and Mrs. Smith," "The Bourne Identity") serve as executive producers. NBC also has an arrangement with Ford Motor Company that provides for a unique content opportunity that makes the Ford Mustang one of the stars of the movie. The three cars to be employed in the series include the KITT Hero — a Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR that is playing the part of the everyday Hero car with 540 horsepower; the KITT Attack — a super high-speed version of the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR Hero car that transforms into Attack mode with the help of air-ride technology and specialized body parts — and a KITT Remote, which is a driverless Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR version of the Hero vehicle.

As the original story resumes, the new KITT (Knight Industries Three Thousand) is absolutely the coolest car ever created: its supercomputer capable of hacking almost any system; its weapons systems efficient; and its body — thanks to its creator's work and nanotechnology — is capable of actually shifting shape and color. Plus, its artificial intelligence makes it the ideal crime-fighting partner: logical, precise and possessing infinite knowledge. It is the ultimate car — and someone will be willing to do anything to obtain it.

Sarah Graiman is a 24-year old Ph.D candidate at Stanford University, following in her genius father Charles' (Davison) footsteps. But when men attempt to abduct her, Sarah receives a mysterious call from KITT warning her that he's a creation of Charles, who also invented the first KITT 25 years ago — and that her father is in serious danger.

Sarah and KITT track down her best friend from childhood, Mike Tracer (Bruening), a 23-year-old ex-Army Ranger, whom Sarah hasn't seen since he left home at 18. Having served in Iraq, Mike is now jaded and lost and initially resistant. Eventually he agrees to help Sarah and the two set out to discover who's behind the attempt to procure KITT and find Charles. Along the way, Carrie Rivai (Poitier) plays the agile yet tough FBI agent who has a long-standing friendship with Charles and Sarah. Due to those ties, she is brought into the mix to help in the search.

David Andron is supervising producer and writer. Steve Shill ("Dexter," "The Tudors"), also a co-executive producer, directs the two-hour movie from Universal Media Studios and Dutch Oven Productions.

[SpoilerTV via AICN]

If this ends up being true — Ford's totally gonna be pwning the General in this round of the Muscle Car Wars. In fact, it'd be an assault to all that GM holds true to see a 'stang as the pony car playing Michael's ride. We'll have to wait and see what we're able to come up with — but rest assured we'll leave no stone unturned and no Knight Industries compound unsearched. Hell, we'll even see if we can get Peter Cullen to help us out as KARR if need be.

"It was unclear what the status of his health was, but a witness provided a Luna bar for relief, as the judge clamored for orange juice."

"O'Quinn also maintains an extensive collection of collector cars with a total value of over $100 million. In October 2005, he bought Pope John Paul II's 1975 Ford Escort GL ( 690,000). In September 2006, he bought a 2005 Lamborghini Gallardo covered with 33 celebrity autographs ($500,000), the Batmobile used in the filming of Batman Forever ($335,000), a 1941 Packard limousine used by President Franklin D. Roosevelt ($290,000) and a 1938 Cadillac Town Car used by Pope Pius XII ($250,000)."

Virgie's "Texas" Lawyer Collapses in Court [TMZ]
John O'Quinn [Wikipedia]

Related:
Driving Under The Influence Of Meat: Tracy Morgan Gets A (Second) DUI; How'd She Get The SLR Back? The Paris Hilton And Friends Post-DUI Video [internal]

No, not our commenter — the Autobot named Bumblebee. Our fave fan site all about the 'formers hipped us to new pictures of a transformed 70's Camaro version of the yellow-n-black bot. I'm not yet thrilled as it's not the new concept Camaro version from later in the movie and we're actually curious as to where the rest of the car went post-transformation. But despite my lack of exuberance over this toy, there's some other news from TFW2005 that makes up for it. Unfortunately, it's only for olks over in the UK. We've heard they should be expecting to see:

"a Transformers Movie slot car racing set! UK slot car manufacturing company, Scalextric, is set to launch this product in June...the set will feature Transformers Bumblebee and Decepticon Barricade from the new movie and allow you to transform the cars to reveal the robots. Out early in June and costing 40, Scalextric is hoping to storm kids and adults bedrooms in time for the July 4 film release."

UK To Get Transformers Movie Racing Set in June [TFW2005]

Related:
All our Transformers coverage [internal]

Apparently the scene above was shot for a movie called "I Am Legend" which we're told has nothing to do with Matthew McConaughey's football histori-flick "We Are Marshall." Most importantly, it's the first time we've ever seen a Brooklyn intersection devoid of traffic in broad daylight. That is, as the video claims, "fucking nice." Hopefully when FoMoCo PR gives us our Shelby to play with we can try the same thing here in the metro D — also with limited traffic. – Ray Wert

Related:
Fun With FoMoCo PR: We Like To Live Life On The Edge; Transfomers In Detroit: Michael Bay Will Lay Waste To Your City [internal]

New shot of Movie BB on amazon.co.jp [TFW2005.com]

Related:
This Is Our Country, This Is Our Autobot: Transformers Trailer Hits The Web, Features Camaro Concept; Japan-Only Transformers Trailer Throws Down JDM Exclusive Goodness! [internal]

Ford Denies Connection to Web-Concert Porno Promo

...ads being run by Control Room, the online live streaming music concert promoter/distribution company in order to promote a concert by the artist Pink. The ads will be placed next to content on websites with a penchant for crotch and snatch shots — places like PerezHilton, Pink Is The New Blog and TMZ. The banners, which play off the title of Pink's new single "U and UR hand" will use headers like "Don't you and your hand have better places to be" and "See the real Pink." Sure, classy it ain't — but whatevs, this is concert promotion we're talking about here, right? I mean, it's not always the most wholesome form of marketing on earth.

But anyway, what's this have to do with Ford? Here's the part where things get really murky and AdAge has decided to forcibly connect some dots here, so let's slowly walk everyone, including ourselves, through this. Ford's the sponsor of the MSN Music concert starring Pink, but although, as AdAge admits, are "not involved in the celebrity campaign." The MSN Music concert's being promoted by the company Control Room. Control Room has decided to run an ad campaign opposite of traffic-generating crotch shots. Crotch shots are porn. So Ford, by way of MSN and via Control Room loves the Pr0n. Am I the only one here who thinks this is a bit silly? Does anyone else think this seriously smacks of an attempt to build a story where nothing's really there? I mean, why isn't AdAge trying to pin this on Microsoft, the company hosting the concert? Or you know, what about Control Room — the company who's running this ad campaign? Wait — no, let's go after the wholesome-imaged 'merican company with Toby Keith as a spokesman but who has nothing to do with any of this whatsoever. Good call, AdAge — way to trump journalistic integrity with your own attempt at tossing to the business readers the journalistic equivalent of a snatch shot. – Ray Wert

Ford Denies Connection to Web-Concert Porno Promo [AdAge]

Related:
GM Gets Lindsay Lohan to Show Off Her Breastesses [internal]

Seriously, the one most unfortunate part of this interview of the new Bond, Daniel Craig, isn't that his first car was a Nissan, or that he can't stand Lambos or Ferraris. It's that he's wearing a cardigan. Absolutely dreadful if you ask us. – Ray Wert

Related:
Bond-ed And Insured: UK Company Pens Estimate For 007's Car Insurance; Is The Dream Dead, Like A Zephyr Product Reference Guide? [internal]