Less than five bidders remain for Volvo, sale to be announced by June

Sources familiar with the matter said that Ford could announce the sale of Volvo by the end of this month or next. The two people that did not want to be identified said that less than five bidders remain for the Swedish brand and that China’s Geely Automobile Holdings is one of them.

Geely is also reported to be in the first round of bidders for GM’s Saab brand.

Ford has been trying to sell Volvo since December as it looks to reduce costs and raise cash in a global economic slowdown. Volvo posted a loss of $736 in the fourth quarter of 2008 and has lost $255 million in the first quarter of 2009.

Sad to see Pontiac go? ASC will convert your 2010 Camaro into a Pontiac Trans Am

Just before GM decided to kill the Pontiac brand, rumor had it that GM is repositioning Pontiac as a “niche” brand. Susan Docherty, vice president of Buick-Pontiac-GMC, gave us hope that Pontiac may survive and the brand may go back to its performance heritage roots with a new version of the Trans Am Firebird.

Well, that’s not going to happen now is it.

However, where there’s a will there’s a way. Tuner ASC Creative Services is offering a conversion kit that transforms your 2010 Chevrolet Camaro into a Pontiac Trans Am for those that are sad to see the historic brand go.

For more info contact dave.byron - at - ascglobal.com.

Lotus Evora convertible will come in 2012… but with only two-seats

About two months ago Lotus confirmed that it is working on other derivatives of the Evora including the availability of an automatic transmission and a convertible version. It is said that Lotus is also planning a supercharged Evora due out sometime in 2011.

According to a report by AutoCar, the 2+2 Evora will get the option of an automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters by next year. Lotus feels the automatic is essential if it wants to be competitive against the Porsche Cayman and Porsche’s PDK automatic.

The convertible Evora won’t hit the markets until 2012 at the latest. Sources say that Lotus has been facing an issue with the electric folding roof without compromising the weight and chassis rigidity. To help solve the problem, insiders say that Lotus will get rid of the Evora’s rear-seats.

It seems that there is no room in the world for a four-seater Lotus convertible.

Miscellaneous Thoughts: GM also canceling Cobalt SS, state trooper takes seized Charger SRT8 home, GM narrows bids for Saab

It’s that time of the day where we gather up some random news we’ve been reading here behind the scenes at egmCarTech.

GM cancels Cobalt SS: Earlier this morning we learned that GM has canned the 2010 Chevrolet Impala SS. We now have word that the Cobalt SS is also gone. Again, we’re not too sad to see the 260-hp Cobalt be put to rest.

Illinois state trooper takes home seized Dodge Charger SRT8: According to the Associated Press, an Illinois state trooper seized a Dodge Charger SRT8 from a suspected drunk driver back in Jan. 2007. Once the paperwork was completed, Ron Cooley, the 56-year old Executive Director of Illinois State Police Merit Board, took the car home for personal use. Oh and guess who picks up his fuel tab? You - the taxpayer. - The Newspaper.com (via TTAC)

GM narrows bids for Saab: Sources say that General Motors will choose two to three preferred bidders for Saab this week. GM plans to cut ties to Saab by January 1, 2010.

GMAC needs $11.5 billion: GMAC needs $11.5 billion in additional capital reserves, the U.S. Treasury and Federal Reserve Board said today. - Detroit News

President CEO of Mazda North America named 2009 Automotive Executive of the Year: Jim O’Sullivan will be named the 2009 Automotive Executive of the Year at a ceremony today in Detroit. The award recognizes excellence in automotive leadership, honoring those individuals with “staying power” who emerge from the crowd as survivors, thinkers and doers. What about Alan Mulally?

Elliott to break NASCAR speed record in a E-85 powered Mustang FR500C

Bill Elliott, working Hajek Motorsports and Ford Racing, announced today that he will attempt to break his 22-year-old NASCAR top speed record. Hajek Motorsports owner, Brent Hajek, said that he will work with Ford Racing on the company’s Hajek E-85 Mustang FR500C, which has been reconfigured to NASCAR specs.

Elliott will attempt to break his own record of 212.089 mph as FIA officials watch to verify and validate the record.

The Hajek Motorsports E-85 Mustang is currently undergoing final preparations at Bill Elliott’s race shop in Dawsonville, Georgia. The record breaking attempt will take place on Wednesday, May 13.

Follow through for the press release and the high-res image gallery.

2008 Ford Mustang FR500CJ:

Press Release:

HAJEK MOTORSPORTS WILL ATTEMPT TO BREAK NASCAR SPEED RECORD IN AN E-85 POWERED MUSTANG FR500C

AMES, Okla., May 6, 2009 - Brent Hajek already has a passion for living, but that passion burns brightest when he’s talking about racing, racing history and his love of all things Ford. Fortunately for fans of Ford, Hajek’s passion has prompted the Ames, Oklahoma native and owner of Hajek Motorsports to pursue his own place in racing history.

Hajek Motorsports has been around since the 1970s, and over the years Brent Hajek has amassed an impressive collection of historical race cars, predominantly Ford, that once carried some of the biggest names in racing.

Those vehicles include a NHRA Gas Ronda ‘66 Ford Mustang, Bob Glidden’s ‘88 Ford Thunderbird, Parnelli Jones’ ‘63 NASCAR Mercury Marauder, David Pearson’s ‘69 Ford Torino Talladega, and Bill Elliott’s ‘87 Ford Thunderbird, which is the all-time NASCAR speed record holder.

For Hajek, a successful oilman and a farmer, owning motorsports history wasn’t enough. He wanted to make his own racing history.

“It all changed when I first saw the Mustang FR500C,” said Hajek. “That car was amazing and it really got me thinking about how we could really accomplish some cool things if we put our minds to it. The FR500C has won championships and it has won high profile races, but I felt like it hasn’t received the credit or attention it deserves. So I decided it was time to chase some of these records and to make a little history. I started talking with the guys at Ford Racing and they have been incredibly supportive of our efforts.”

Last August, he took an E-85 converted Mustang FR500C to the Bonneville Salt Flats in search of the land speed record for an Ethanol powered car. Forced to run in the unlimited fuel class, his E-85 Ethanol powered Mustang posted an initial run of over 252 mph. A mechanical failure didn’t allow the team to make the validation run, but the 252 mph run earned their car the unofficial designation by some as the ‘fastest production Mustang on earth.’

On Wednesday, May 13, Hajek Motorsports will embark on its next challenge, with technical support from Ford Racing, when they attempt to break the 22-year-old NASCAR speed record held by Bill Elliott. Elliott himself will pilot Hajek’s E-85 Mustang FR500C, which has been reconfigured to NASCAR specs, at Talladega in an attempt to break his 212.089 mph qualifying lap from 1987 at the same track. FIA officials will be on site to verify the attempt and to validate the record.

Hajek Motorsports and Ford Racing hopes to continue the success from Hajek’s last Ford Racing-related program. It was Hajek who eagerly accepted the challenge of taking delivery of the first 40th Anniversary Mustang FR500CJ, better known as the Mustang Cobra Jet. With only a month to prepare, he entered four Cobra Jet’s for the NHRA season opener in Pomona, Calif. Not only did his team meet the deadline, but Hajek’s Cobra Jet driven by John Calvert duplicated the success of the original CJ’s by winning its debut race at the NHRA Winternationals.

“Brent and his team typify the high level of enthusiasm and dedication we see from a lot of our grass roots racers and private teams that campaign Ford cars and trucks in a wide variety of series every week,” said Brian Wolfe, director of Ford North American Motorsports. “Hajek Motorsports has set their focus on breaking a variety of racing records and, although they are a private team, we are glad to aid them with engineering and technical support in their quest to make motorsports history while driving a Ford.”

“It got to the point where I was running out of cars to collect so I decided I better create some new classics,” said Hajek. “Nobody has ever taken the same car to Bonneville and Talladega, so we decided to be the first to do it. I have always thought that the only person who should break Bill Elliott’s NASCAR speed record is Bill Elliott, so next week will be pretty exciting for everyone involved.”

The Hajek Motorsports E-85 Mustang is currently at Bill Elliott’s race shop in Dawsonville, Georgia, going through final preparations. Early next week, the team will scrub tires and do initial testing, in anticipation of breaking the record on Wednesday afternoon

100 units of the 2010 Hyundai Equus coming to U.S. dealerships

Now that Hyundai has found huge success in the mid-sized luxury market with the Genesis sedan, the Korean automaker is setting its sights on the likes of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Lexus LS and the BMW 7-Series.

At the 2009 New York Auto Show, Hyundai brought over its Equus large-luxury-sedan. Of course, Hyundai has yet to confirm distribution of the Equus in the North American market, but it said that it was displaying the Equus in New York to see if it could catch the interest of U.S. consumers with a large luxury-sedan.

Well, it seems like Hyundai is taking it a step further. According to USAToday, Hyundai will ship over 100 units of the Equus to U.S. dealerships this summer to “quietly gauge what American customers think about the model.”

“We have modest expectations,” said spokesman Oles Gadacz.

The model on display in New York was the Hyundai Equus VS460. It is powered by a 366-hp 4.6L Tau V8 mated to ZF 6-speed automatic transmission.

2009 New York: 2010 Hyundai Equus:

Toyota reports $7.7 billion loss in first-quarter, forecasts $8.6 billion annual loss

Toyota, the world’s largest and most profitable automaker, today reported a loss of $7.7 million (larger than GM) during the first-quarter of 2009 and cut its annual dividend nearly 30 percent - the first cut since 1994.

The Japanese automaker said that it forecasts an annual loss of $8.6 billion this year and would sell about 1 million fewer vehicles. It said it will do all it can to cut costs and cushion its business during this economic downturn beating.

“Toyota’s outlook was worse than I’d expected. The company expects a really tough time for the first six months,” said Naoki Fujiwara, a fund manager at Shinkin Asset Management. “I expect the bottom for the auto industry is the April-June period, followed by a slow recovery.”

The global economic slowdown has hit the U.S. auto industry very hard. Chrysler has been forced into bankruptcy, while GM also face Chapter 11. Toyota, a rapidly expanding automaker, now has too much inventory with a dozen of its plants idled.

En-Suite Sky Garage: Apartment comes with an elevator for your personal car garage

Recession - that word is probably not mentioned around 200 Eleventh Avenue in Chelsea. The owner of the building is offering its tenants the world’s first “En-Suite Sky Garage.” What the heck is that?

Basically, it’s an elevator that will raise you and your car to a personal garage adjacent to your expensive pad in Chelsea. The owner will drive up and into the elevator. The elevator is engineered to recognize your car and automatically take you up to your floor. Once the elevator opens its doors on your floor, you simply pull out and into your private little garage.

Cost of this luxury? $3 million, with a penthouse unit going for $17.5 million. Parking on the street has never sounded better to us.

Fiat to GM: “If you have a better offer for Opel, take it”

Fiat’s CEO Sergio Marchionne is known for having a very straightforward character. As you’re all well aware by now, Marchionne is planning a new company with Fiat, GM’s Opel and its new stake in Chrysler, and he’s convinced that the partnership between Fiat and Opel is the best option for GM’s German brand.

“I’m offering the German government a car business that will be effectively debt-free and I will take on Opel’s liabilities, including pensions. I told them: if you have a better offer, take it,” Marchionne told The Economist in an interview published today

Currently, Opel is sandwiched between two bids - one from Fiat and one from Magna International Inc.

Marchionne said that the final deal depends on the European governments and their willingness to provide up to 5 to 7 billion euros in loans that would cover GM Europe’s pension liabilities and debts. He said that together, Opel and Fiat can save at least 1 billion euros a year.

“We can achieve convergence on all the big platforms by 2012. Ultimately, I need to do this with Chrysler, but Opel gets me there much faster and with more immediate returns,” Marchionne said.

Video: Chrysler launches “We’re building a new car company” TV campaign

A little more than a week after filing for bankruptcy and announcing its partnership with Fiat, Chrysler is returning to network TV advertising with a new prime-time TV campaign that will be launched May 11.

The tagline for the new Chrysler campaign is “We’re building a new car company. Come see what we’re building for you,” and is focused around building consumer confidence in the Dodge, Jeep and Chrysler brands.

The spots will start running on prime-time television on NBC, ABC and Fox. Print and digital media campaigns will be launched next month.

Danica Patrick poses for “Got Milk?” (with video)

After posing for the 2009 Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Edition, Danica Patrick is back with a new “Got Milk?” campaign.

28-year old Patrick said that she will also participate in the Body by Milk education program and that her milk choice for Victory Circle at the Indy 500 is chocolate.

The new Danica Patrick “Got Milk?” campaign was unveiled at yesterday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with a poster of her wearing the signature milk mustache along with a black catsuit.

Next Lotus Esprit and Elise in the works for 2011 and 2012

According to the folks over at AutoCar, work is progressing on the next-generation Lotus Elise and Esprit with scheduled production dates of 2011 and 2012. 

Sources say that the Elise will likely be a development of today’s model and won’t be a variant of the Evora which is built on a different chassis that is heavier. You can expect to see the next Elise in 2010 with sales to begin in 2011.

As for the Esprit, production of the model is dependent on the money that is coming in from the Evora. However, engineers and designers continue to work for a 2012 launch date. The next Esprit is expected to get a mid-mounted V8 and is said to be larger than the Evora.

Insiders said that collaboration with Abarth on new sports car has stalled. No word on when and if the sports car will make it back into Lotus’ future plans.

Report: Lotus Europa based Dodge Circuit electric-car has been killed

With Chrysler going through bankruptcy and giving majority control over to Italian automaker Fiat, it’s a bit unclear where the Auburn Hills automaker’s ENVI electric-vehicle division stands. Recent reports said that the bankruptcy judge or Fiat may decide to kill ENVI completely since it may be too costly.

ENVI was scheduled to deliver its first electric-vehicle in late 2010 with lithium-ion battery packs supplied by A123Systems. The division had created a total of five vehicle concepts but never confirmed which of those five concepts would make it into production. However, last month CNNMoney said that Chrysler’s first production ENVI would be the Lotus Europa based Dodge Circuit.

While that may have gotten many of you excited, a report by AutoCar released today said that the car has been killed.

“The Europa-based Dodge Circuit electric car has been killed by the credit crunch,” reports AutoCar.

Nonetheless, insiders say that Lotus is now talking to European OEM to setup another electric-car program like the Tesla Roadster.

The Dodge Circuit EV is (or was) a pure electric-car that carries a 268-hp electric-motor allowing it to travel 150 miles to 200 miles on a single charge. 0 to 60 comes in under 5 seconds with a top speed of 120 mph.

Dodge Circuit EV:

Miscellaneous Thoughts: Auto industry look-a-likes, Rhys Millen drifts Genesis sedan, 2011 Jeep Phoenix?

In today’s edition of Miscellaneous Thoughts we bring you auto-industry celebrity look-a-likes and drifting champion Rhys Millen making the Genesis Sedan go sideway. Also could a Fiat platform based Jeep Phoenix work?

Auto industry look-a-likes: The folks at iMotor are having some fun this Friday comparing popular auto industry executives to the world’s famous celebrities. Our favorite? Daimler AG CEO Dieter Zetsche and the Monopoly man. - iMotor

Rhys Millen drifts the Hyundai Genesis sedan: Sure Millen can drift the Genesis Coupe all over the place, but can he make the Genesis sedan go sideways? - KickingTires

Obama eliminates budget to develop hydrogen fuel-cell cars

President Barack Obama eliminated former President George W. Bush’s $1.2 billion plan to develop cars powered by hydrogen fuel-cells. The move wills save you, the taxpayers, a whopping $100 million annually.

“The probability of deploying hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles in the next 10 to 20 years is low,” Energy Department spokesman Tom Welch told Automotive News.

According to Energy Secretary Steven Chu, the Obama administration plans to target more immediate fuel-saving solutions.

Welch said that there is a large cost involved with developing infrastructures for hydrogen fueling stations for cars. He said that there are also huge technical obstacles to produce hydrogen and storing it in vehicle as a fuel-source.

President Obama’s fiscal 2010 budge proposal has $68.2 million for fuel-cell technologies, down form $169 million last year.

Peugeot 408 First Spy Photos Surface

These are the first spy images of the Peugeot 408, the replacement model for the 407. From these images it looks quite production-ready.

Comparo: BMW M3 vs. Audi RS4 vs. Cadillac CTS-V vs. Lexus IS-F vs. Mercedes C63 AMG

M, RS, V, F, AMG. The alpha alphabet represents five manufacturers' best efforts to create something unique, exciting and memorable from their more prosaic mainstream motors. The resulting "performance tuned" sports sedans are so powerful, so capable, so versatile, that they're the ground based equivalent of the all-weather fighter jets that battle for control of the skies. While the shibboleth "there's no such thing as a bad car" applies here, there are always going to be winners and losers. And it's our job to sort the wheat from the chaff.

Used Review: 2005 Mercedes E320 CDI

My experience running the 2005 One Lap of America in a Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16/ had left me more than a little cynical about the event. The fantasy of running the "modern-day Cannonball" had been eclipsed by frustration with the quasi-time-trial, horsepower-obsessed reality that is OLOA in the modern era. Still, the competitive disease from which both I and my co-driver Brian suffered meant that we wanted to "win" the thing before we left Brock's Big Parade for the greener pastures of real wheel-to-wheel racing. Enter former radiologist and current Mercedes-Benz tuner Satish Tummala, owner of Motorwerks in Detroit.

Fiat and Chrysler deal may be completed by mid-February

Fiat and Chrysler first released a joint statement announcing they had signed a non-binding term sheet to establish a global strategic alliance just over two weeks ago but according to Fiat's CEO the deal could be signed and completed by as early as the middle of this month. The alliance, to be a key element of Chrysler’s viability plan, would provide the American carmaker with access to competitive, fuel-efficient vehicle platforms, new powertrains, and components to be produced at Chrysler manufacturing sites.

Chrysler receives three offers for Dodge Viper business

Chrysler confirmed today that it has received three offers for its Dodge Viper sports car business, and that it was currently doing due diligence ahead of making a final decision. The ailing Detroit carmaker did not reveal who made the offers, nor the likely time that a decision would be made, but the company’s vice-president Jim Press said it likely won’t come until after the viability presentation planned for the U.S. Treasury later this month. Previously, Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli confirmed that the sale had gathered interest from both international and North American parties but wasn’t willing to reveal any names.
Dodge Viper SRT 10 ACR

Tesla in 'late stage' negotiations for new sedan plant site

Electric car company Tesla Motors has had its fair share of successes on its route to its position at the leading edge of the new automotive industry, but last week it suffered a setback that threatened to kill its forward momentum. The planned construction of a new manufacturing facility and headquarters in San Jose, California, was delayed indefinitely due to a lack of venture capital funding, but now progress is being made on a new 'brownfield' facility at another location. "We cannot do anything that may jeopardize securing the federal loan," said Tesla senior communications manager Rachel Konrad, according to the AFP.
Tesla Roadster

U.S. Senate passes tax break for new car buyers

No one at this point doubts the country's, or the world's, economic woes, most especially those within the car industry. So the passage today of a Senate bill allowing the deduction of sales tax and interest paid on new car purchases made between November 12, 2008 and the end of 2009 comes as a welcome aid. Clearing the floor with a 71-26 majority, the bill will allow single taxpayers earning as much as $125,000 and couples with combined incomes as high as $250,000 file for the tax break, reports the AP.

Pre-production Camaro assembly line photos released by GM

General Motors announced it would delay production of the new 2010 Chevrolet Camaro by a month in mid-January, but photos released today reveal cars being built on an assembly line in Oshawa, where production will eventually take place. The full-scale production run isn't expected to start until March 16, however. In the mean time, Chevrolet is ostensibly building cars for press previews, testing and final refinement. The pictures, posted to the 5thGen Camaro enthusiast forums, show just about every stage of assembly from raw bodies-in-white heading to paint to the finished product rolling off the factory floor.
2010 Chevrolet Camaro pre-production assembly at Oshawa plant

Obama caps executive salaries for firms accepting loan money

President Barack Obama today tied another string to the money received by GM and Chrysler, setting a cap of $500,000 on executive salaries for companies in receipt of taxpayer funds. The move is likely to prove popular with the public, which often perceives corporate executives as overpaid. The salary limits also apply to Wall Street businesses that took bailout money, perhaps further securing a positive public sentiment by limiting the further damage that can be done in the financial sector. But it's not yet clear what impact the decision might have on those that run the companies. "In order to restore our financial system, we've got to restore trust.

Spy shots: 2010 Saab 9-3X crossover

Due for its debut at next month's Geneva Motor Show, the Saab 9-3X was recently caught while undergoing cold weather testing in Sweden with barely a hint of camouflage material. As expected, the vehicle is essentially a current-generation 9-3 SportCombi sitting on raised suspension, and featuring protective body cladding and roof rails. Under the skin should be the latest version of the Haldex-sourced XWD four-wheel traction system. Power will likely be offered in a variety of petrol and diesel engines, though exactly which of General Motors' wide array of supplies will be found when it goes on sale later this year is yet unknown.
2010 Saab 9-3X crossover spy shots

Video: Early look at Seat Exeo ‘Estate’

The once cash-strapped Seat brand is on the verge of developing a range of new models, with no less than four different vehicles planned for production within the next three to four years. The launch of the Ibiza hatch last April was just the tip of the iceberg as the Spanish carmaker is now working on a new minicar and compact SUV, as well as the recently revealed Exeo Sedan. We can also add to that list an Exeo wagon or ‘Estate,’ which is depicted in this new official video and is expected to make its world debut at next month’s Geneva Motor Show.
2010 Seat Exeo sedan

Production Mark VI Volkswagen Golf GTI images leaked

In November Volkswagen unveiled a thinly disguised 'concept' of the next-generation version of the Golf GTI, one of the most acclaimed hot hatches on the market. New shots released today show the concept car was in fact a doppelganger for the production model, right down to the fog lights and the license plate holder. As expected, the Mark VI GTI's styling remains similar to the previous model and is differentiated mostly by a new front bumper design. The last generation was purchased by 1.7 million people and it’s expected that this new model will do just as well.
VW Golf Mark VI official photos

American F1 team may join grid in 2010

Last year reports emerged claiming that Ken Anderson, a well-known U.S. engineer who has worked in prominent F1 roles, was in talks with Honda about setting up an American-based F1 team. With Honda announcing its decision late last year to pull out of the sport altogether, speculation about Anderson’s future plans has once again flared up. According to latest reports, a new F1 team is under wraps in the U.S. and is set to be launched officially later this month. The team is expected to be fronted by Anderson and F1 stalwart and broadcaster Peter Windsor.

Anteros Coupe and Convertible go on sale, prices start at $149,500

We first heard about Anteros and its custom line of modified Corvette kit cars back in 2006, when the Californian coachbuilder displayed a number of concept versions of the then new kit at the SEMA Auto Show. Today, Anteros is about to start sales of two new kits, both of which are also based on the C6 Chevrolet Corvette platform. While kit-cars that combine styling from the golden age of automotive aesthetics with modern mechanical reliability are not exactly rare, the Anteros vehicles tend to borrow classic lines from a number of manufacturers rather than just pilfering from one. According to Anteros, the designers have drawn "inspiration and DNA from the 1960s" to create a car that harks back to the likes of Ferrari, Aston Martin, Jaguar, Austin and Maserati during that period. While the styling may be from a bygone era, the mechanicals certainly are not.
Anteros XTM based on the C6 Chevrolet Corvette

PSA Peugeot Citroen planning 2011 launch for first diesel-hybrid

PSA Peugeot Citroen plans to enter the hybrid market in Europe in coming years with new diesel hybrid technology, but the current economic downturn is starting to take its toll on the French carmaker and could see further development of the efficient powertrains delayed. The technology has already been previewed in a number of concept cars, including the recently revealed Prologue HYmotion4 AWD and a diesel hybrid Le Mans racer, but according to one PSA exec the first production versions are unlikely to be available until 2011 at the earliest.
2009 Peugeot 908 HY Le Mans

What’s The Best Hood Ornament Of All Time?

Sadly gone the way of the Dodo, classicly awesome hood ornaments were once one of the most unique features of cars. What's the best one ever?

Eternally obsessed with all things Detroit, Ben and Ray chose the Pierce Arrow and crystal Mercury badges respectively. Ever the traditionalist, I prefer the Jaguar leaper because it conveys the classy aggression of old Jaguars perfectly. Like most of its counterparts, pedestrian crash regulations sadly killed off two of the three in favor of a meek looking pussycat badge and a strange Obama-rising-sun-like circular chrome tchotchke. And Pierce? Killed off long ago. So what's yours?

2011 Porsche 911 Carrera: Next Generation Model Spied

Not that Porsche really needs to camouflage its next generation 911 as even non-Porschephiles are aware of the fact that every 911 stylistically resembles the previous, sometimes even an earlier model. However, it would be unfair to support that nothing has changed on the new 911 that is internally called the 998. Scheduled to arrive in late 2011, Porsche's new bread-and-butter model will wear the 'same-old' 911 suit refreshed with styling cues from the new Panamera sport sedan, mainly in what concerns the front-end design.

Other than that, these latest spy shots of an early prototype model show that the new 911 sports a lower roofline and a visibly wider rear track, while it also appears that the car has slightly grown in length. The heavily camouflaged rear-end that carefully hides the pop-up wing spoiler leaves a lot to the imagination.
What is clearly visible is the discreet roof spoiler mounted above the rear window that belongs to an extensive aero package that is said to significantly improve the 911's aerodynamics on the move.
We don't know all the details, but it is rumored that the package will also include an active front lip spoiler, variable front air intake(s) while some suggest that Porsche will go even as far as replacing the door mirrors with video cameras. As for the side air-vents seen in the prototype model, we're not quite sure of what to make of them as there is a strong possibility that they are fake.
Despite the fact that Porsche recently updated the current 911's six-cylinder boxer engines in the vehicle's latest facelift in 2008, expect to see some improvements in terms of performance as well as in fuel consumption and emissions. That said, the naturally-aspirated flat-six in the basic Carrera and Carrera S models could produce around 360 and 400 horsepower respectively.

Depending on the version, power will channeled to the rear-wheels or to all four wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox or the optional seven-speed double clutch PDK gearbox which may receive some minor tweaks by then.

MINI Clubman :First Official Photos

First glance,at this MINI Clubman i was smiling.It was a specially modified MINI Cooper S Clubman and a 6.80-meter or 22-foot Airstream trailer!
These are the first official photos of a one-off concept of a specially modified MINI Cooper S Clubman and a 6.80-meter or 22-foot Airstream trailer that was created in collaboration with Danish furniture producers, Republic of Fritz Hansen. The design study will be unveiled to the public for the first time at the INTERNI Design Energies exhibition that takes place in Milan on 22 – 27 April 2009.

The concept behind the project is the creation of a mobile base for surfers and beachgoers alike. As such, the designers of Republic of Fritz Hansen kitted out both the American travel trailer and the MINI Clubman with unique features.
Design details include the use of what MINI describes as "surfer-dude wetsuit" neoprene, fresh colors and flower prints which are common on both the Clubman and the Aistream trailer.
The trailer comes with a waterproof interior that is outfitted with numerous chairs, a table and even two surfboards halves, which double up as shelving. A special feature of the trailer is that it fully opens on one side revealing a built-in sun-bathing bed.
In the Clubman, the designers of the Copenhagen-based Republic of Fritz Hansen removed the rear seat bench and stripped out the boot to fit four specially made securing shells with purpose-built mounts that can accommodate diving gear equipment, including flippers, a mask, wetsuit and oxygen tanks.

Volkswagen New Eos "Edition 2010" Launches

Maybe it's a thing of the spring, but European automakers are revealing one special edition model after the other lately. This times it's Volkswagen that has announced a new special version of the Eos coupe-convertible called "Edition 2010". Initially available only for the German market, this model's specialness comes from the extra convenient features and the design package "Chrome & Style" that adds a chromed grille, LED tailights in 'cherry red' and a two-tone leather interior trim that covers the seats, door panels and the steering wheel.
In terms of equipment upgrades, the Eos Edition 2010 gains heated front seats, a "Climatronic" air condition system and an enhanced radio-navigation system with touch-screen.
The Eos "Edition 2010" is available with four gasoline engines ranging from 122 to 260HP and a 2.0-liter diesel with 140HP. Prices in Germany start from €30,550.

Rolls Royce Ghost Premieres at the Concorso d'Eleganza

The recently baptized Rolls Royce Ghost made its debut at the Concorso d'Eleganza gathering at Lake Como, Italy. The above photo comes courtesy of the folks over at German car magazine Auto Motor und Sport that claim in their article that is the 'series version' of the 200EX concept. From our part, aside from the never before seen exterior color, we couldn't spot any differences between the 200EX and the Ghost. Then again, the Geneva Show 200EX concept wasn't much of a concept so go figure.
In any case, Rolls Royce's new "entry-level" luxury sedan that features a new 6.6-liter turbocharged V12 engine sending over 507 horsepower to the rear wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission will go on sale in the beginning of 2010.
Via: AMS

VW Scirocco coupe(Scirocco 2.0TSI) from APP Europe

APP Europe had compile a great collection of parts combination from five branded parts into VW Scirocco coupe. The design that put into this Scirocco 2.0TSI were using parts from Rieger Tuning, KW Automotive, Wimmer Rennsporttechnik, CFC and MR Car Design.It is totally great looking sporty coupe car.
The Scirocco's 2.0-liter turbocharged engine benefits from an upgraded ECU that costs €2,500 or US$3,300, courtesy of Wimmer Rensporttechnik, that boosts output from 200HP to 261HP and peak torque from 280Nm(206 lbs-ft) to 380Nm (280 lbs-ft) allowing the coupe to reach a top speed of 263km/h or 164mph.
Furthermore, the Scirocco gains a sport exhaust system from MR Car Design (€1,599 or US$2,100) while the same company also provided a new limited slip differential (35%) for €2,990 or US$3,950. These changes call for an update on the DSG's software that will cost you an another €890 or US$1,180.
Braking power is provided by APP's high performance brake system (€3,220 or US$4,260) with 4-pistons and two-part slotted discs sized 355x32 mm while KW Automotive is the company of choice for a set of coilovers (€1,529 or US$2,020).
The new bodykit that includes a front apron (€599 or US$792), side skirts (€328 or US$433) and a rear apron with an integrated diffuser (€329 or US$435) is from Rieger. The optic highlights such as the black roof and red pin stripes are from CFC (prices weren't announced).
Last but not least, APP Europe equips the Scirocco with a set of 19-inch, 3-piece bi-colour aluminium wheels (complete set for €5,200 or US$6,870) wrapped in Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta high performance tires.

Update: BMW X6 Price and Package

BMW X6 now is the most popular dynamic car around from BMW.It does own a great features and performance.I know i rants a lot about this one model, BMW X6.It just that i can't resist what does it has to offer.From BMW blog i found this BMW official update price.

BMW X6 xDrive 50i - $63,000
# Premium (ZPP) - $1,750
# Sport w/19″ tire package (ZSP) - $3,100
# Cold Weather Package (ZCW) - $900
# Rear Climate Package (ZRC) - $900
# Premium Sound Package (ZPS) - $2,000
# Active Ventilated Seat Package (ZAV) - $1,100
BMW X6 xDrive 35i - $52,500
* Premium (ZPP) - $1,750
* Sport w/19″ tire package (ZSP) - $3,600
* Cold Weather Package (ZCW) - $900
* Rear Climate Package (ZRC) - $900
* Premium Sound Package (ZPS) - $2,000
* Active Ventilated Seat Package (ZAV) - $2,100
* Technology Package (ZTP) - $2,000
Options
* Alcantara/Leather Combination - No cost
* Nappa Leather - $1,000
* Metallic Paint - No cost
* Running Boards - $300
* HD Radio - $350
* Heated Rear Seats - $350
* Rear-View Camera - $400
* Heated Front Seats - $500
* Automatic Tailgate - $500
* Satellite Radio - $595
* Soft Close Doors - $600
* BMW Assist w/Bluetooth - $750
* Sport package wheel upgrade (20″) - $950
* Comfort Access - $1,000
* Multi-contour Seats - $1,200
* Heads-Up Display - $1,200
* Active Steering - $1,400
* Rear Seat Entertainment - $1,700
* Navigation with RTTI - $1,900
Note: The xDrive50i comes standard with Navigation with RTTI and Multi-contour seats

BMW X6 by Hartge-Blend of high-performance street machine

When it comes to BMW cars, i always get excited to write for in this blog.Especially BMW X6 model, one of my favorites.The great driving performance and dynamic driving BMW6 is such an enormous in automotive industry.BMW X6 has a limits for such a powerful vehicle at 220 g/km. Indeed, the X6 xDrive35d from HARTGE uses half a litre less diesel per 100 kilometres than its series counterpart under comparable conditions. Equally impressive are the performance figures. Despite a weight of 2,185 kg, the X6 takes only six seconds to reach 100 km/h and is thus significantly quicker off the mark than the standard xDrive35d (6.9 sec.). The maximum speed - there is no electronic limiter on the HARTGE model - has been measured at 256 km/h.
The BMW tuners Hartge from Germany’s Saarland region have modified a diesel variant of the German Automaker latest Sports Activity Vehicle. The Hartge BMW X6 is a blend of high-performance street machine and crossover workhorse. The output of the straight 6 has been boosted to produce 328 HP and almost 500 lb-ft of torque while consuming less fuel. The body has also been widened to accommodate the addition of 22 inch rims.

China outpaces U.S. in January cars sales

The phenomenally weak market in the U.S. is setting record lows on a regular basis, and today is no exception: China has surpassed the U.S. in total car sales for the month of January. Conservative estimates for 2009 have the U.S. market selling 10.5 million or more vehicles, but so far this year the annualized rate only points to a tally of 9.5 million. China, on the other hand, is primed to hit 10.7 million units by year's end, reports The Globe and Mail. A confluence of events - the U.S.
BYD Auto F3DM plug-in hybrid

Mitsubishi withdraws from rally racing

The world of motorsport is facing some of its toughest times in memory as major carmakers pull out of their highest-level programs. The latest to leave the rolls is Mitsubishi's highly successful rally program, which will close operations indefinitely to keep costs down. Twelve-time winners of the grueling Dakar Rally, including a still-unmatched string of seven victories between 2001-2007, Mitsubishi's rally team in many respects is to off-road racing what Ferrari is to Formula 1. Despite the winning record, the company's financial woes include a predicted $670 million net loss, reports Financial Times, and that means something must give. “The sudden deterioration of the global economy made it necessary for the company to focus its resources more tightly,” said Mitsubishi in a statement.
Mitsubishi Racing Lancer

Jaguar Leaping Forward, Faster

New Owners and New Attitude Mean Jaguar May Finally Realize Its Potential

There's a post-colonial irony to the fate of the British auto industry. Its two most elite names, Rolls-Royce and Bentley, now belong to the Germans, while those two other symbols of the empire, Jaguar and Land Rover, are now owned and operated out of the one-time heart of Britain's overseas holdings.

The New Deal: Lincoln Concept C

Reinventing American Luxury

Longer, wider, lower. As America embraced the consumer economy in the 1950s, America's automakers did their level best to persuade American consumers that more was, well, more. Between 1949 and 1969, the footprint of the basic Ford sedan grew 19 percent, for example. And even today, despite the oil shocks, the incursion of small cars from Europe and Asia, and today's financial meltdown, bigger is still regarded as better by many Americans.

Source: Cadillac Converj Gets Green-Light

E-Rev Caddy Slated for 2011 Intro; Voltec-Based Crossover in the Works as Well

DETROIT - General Motors has approved production of the stunning Cadillac Converj, its extended-range electric-powered coupe based on the Chevrolet Volt's Voltec architecture, a well-placed source says. GM brass wants the car on the road by 2011, making it a 2012 model. This is all contingent on improved finances for GM, of course, which means it's contingent on the government's reaction to the next version of the automaker's viability plan due June 1. It doesn't hurt that the Obama administration has called for automakers to bring more fuel-efficient cars and trucks to market. A production Converj is potentially profitable and would improve Cadillac's green image at the same time.

2011 Future Cars

The Future Car Files, Part 2: More of the Coolest, Most Interesting, and Most Significant New Cars Coming in the Near Future

The economy's still in the proverbial dumpster. The fate of two of the Detroit Three is hanging on by a lug nut that's almost off the thread. No one who builds cars has been unscathed by the carnage. As John Krafcik, U.S. CEO of Hyundai -- one of the few automakers who have managed to keep its head just above a sea of red ink -- remarked recently: "flat is the new up."