Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Mazda2 and Mazda6 MPS version in the work
Mazda is updating its Mazda Performance Series (MPS) line-up with new models that will target models like the future Insignia VXR and even the BMW M3. A MPS version for the Mazda2 will go on sale in late 2009, and a Mazda6 MPS will also arrive in 2010.
The Mazda6 MPS features new spoilers, large air intakes, lowered side skirts and bigger alloy wheels. It’s believed that the model will use a turbocharged version of the 6’s all-new 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine that will deliver 280bhp.
The car will cover 0-60mph in six seconds, with a top speed limited to 155mph. Mazda is expected to take the wraps off a concept version at October’s Paris Motor Show and the production model should arrive in 2010.
Mazda2 MPS will be powered by a turbo variation on the existing 1.5-litre petrol with more than 170bhp.
Saleen seriously considering producing S5S Raptor
The Saleen S5S Raptor was one of the stars of the New York Auto Show, so it's not surprising that Saleen is considering building the 650-hp, V8 hyper car. According to an interview in Automobile with Chris Theodore, Ford's former head of NA product development, one of the men behind the Ford GT and the man atop Saleen, "the car has the potential for reality." He went on to say that the concept was "designed around a feasible business model," and that the S5S was very well received after its debut. This could mean that a production version is on the way and that it would take all of six months to have a prototype in testing. The major hurdle Saleen has to overcome is finding a suitable production partner, but if that wrinkle is ironed out and they decide to build the Raptor, Saleen's halo car might be spied in prototype form next year.
GM posts $3.25 billion loss in Q1
General Motors announced today that it recorded a net loss of $3.25 billion during the first quarter of 2008, but it looks worse than it is thanks to a $1.45 billion hit from its 49% stake in floundering GMAC. The two-month long American Axle strike also cost GM about $800 million, while further support of bankrupt supplier Delphi's restructuring took $731 million from the corporate coffers. These "headline numbers" don't look good, but GM's performance in the area of actually selling cars wasn't as bad as analysts expected, and the automaker's stock actually rose after these earnings were announced.
GM continued to do well in the business of selling cars in regions like Europe, Asia and Latin America, but the North American market continued to underperform. In North America, GM lost $812 million on revenue from sales of $24.5 billion, compared to a loss of $208 million last year on $28.1 billion of revenue. Aside from selling fewer vehicles, GM also lost 100,000 units of production thanks to the American Axle strike, which helped its market share slip from 22.5% last year to 21.7% in Q1 2008. Clearly the news isn't as good as it was, say, for Ford, but GM is virtually the only automaker being affected by the American Axle strike, and has a number of labor- and supplier-related issues to sort out before it can begin building a steady stream of its most popular models in North America.
PRESS RELEASE
GM Reports Preliminary First Quarter 2008 Financial Results
- First quarter revenue of $42.7 billion
- Positive adjusted automotive earnings before tax, with improvement of over $160 million
- Positive reported automotive earnings before tax, down by $118 million
- Adjusted net loss of $350 million, reported net loss of $3.3 billion
- Continued strong results in emerging markets
- Liquidity position of $23.9 billion
DETROIT – General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM) today announced financial results for the first quarter of 2008, marked by improved adjusted automotive operating performance, rapid growth in emerging markets, continued cost performance in GM North America (GMNA) operations and liquidity of nearly $24 billion, despite the impact of the American Axle strike on North American operations and weakness in the U.S. auto industry.
"We continue to leverage our global product portfolio to take advantage of tremendous growth in key emerging markets, while at the same time taking the appropriate actions to deal with the challenging economic conditions in the U.S.," said GM Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Rick Wagoner.
Reflecting several special items noted below, GM reported a net loss of $3.3 billion, or $5.74 per share in the first quarter of 2008, compared with a net loss from continuing operations of $42 million, or $.07 per diluted share, in the year-ago quarter.
Adjusted automotive earnings before taxes were $392 million, up $161 million despite the significant impact of the American Axle strike and weak U.S. auto industry (reported earnings declined $118 million). These positive results were driven by strong combined earnings before taxes of $1 billion in GM Latin America, Africa and Middle East (GMLAAM), GM Asia Pacific (GMAP) and GM Europe (GME), which more than offset a loss at GMNA.
Excluding special items, GM posted an adjusted net loss of $350 million, or $.62 per diluted share in the first quarter of 2008, reflecting losses at GMAC and tax expenses. These results compare to an adjusted net loss from continuing operations of $10 million, or $0.01 per diluted share in the first quarter of 2007.
The reported results for the first quarter of 2008 include unfavorable special items totaling $2.9 billion. The charges include $1.45 billion to record a non-cash partial impairment of our equity investment in GMAC. Based on current market pricing, GM concluded that the estimated fair value of the common and preferred equity interests it holds in GMAC were approximately $1.45 billion less than GM's carrying value.
GM also took a non-cash charge of $731 million to increase GM's liability for estimated net costs associated with GM's support of Delphi's bankruptcy and restructuring efforts. This charge primarily results from updated estimates reflecting uncertainty around the nature, value and timing of GM's recoveries. In addition, GM recorded $394 million in non-cash tax-related valuation allowances related to deferred tax assets in Europe, and $324 million in charges related to previously-announced restructuring actions in North America and Europe. Details on all of the special items are included in the "Highlights" section of this news release.
GM's total revenue for the first quarter of 2008 was $42.7 billion, down slightly from $43.4 billion in the year-ago quarter primarily due to lower North America automotive and financial services and insurance revenues. Automotive revenues outside of North America were up over 20 percent, with strong growth in China, Brazil, Russia and India.
As reported in the fourth quarter of 2007, and reflected in the remainder of this release, GM now reports its automotive operations and regional results on an earnings-before-tax basis, with taxes reported on a total corporate basis.
GM Automotive Operations
Adjusted profits from GM's global automotive operations improved, with first quarter 2008 earnings before tax of $392 million on an adjusted basis (reported earnings before tax of $68 million), compared to $231 million in the year-ago period (reported earnings before tax of $186 million).
GM sold 2.25 million vehicles in the first quarter of 2008, down less than one percent from 2.27 million units in the first quarter 2007, with a record 64 percent of sales outside of the United States. Unit sales outside GMNA were up 8 percent compared with the same quarter last year. Robust sales in the first quarter in GM's GMLAAM and GMAP regions, and improved sales in the GME region helped offset a 10 percent unit decline in GMNA.
GMNA
GMNA revenue for the first quarter 2008 was $24.5 billion, compared to $28.1 billion in the year-ago period. The decline in GMNA first quarter revenue was significantly impacted by the lost production due to the American Axle strike. Other factors include a softer U.S. market and planned actions to maintain lean inventories. With the industry shift toward more fuel-efficient vehicles, GM's most recently launched passenger cars and crossovers, including the Cadillac CTS, GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave and the all-new Chevrolet Malibu continue to perform well in the marketplace.
The decline in GMNA first quarter earnings was more than accounted for by the loss of 100,000 production units resulting from the American Axle strike, which had an estimated impact to earnings of $0.8 billion. Other factors included lower volumes resulting from a softer U.S. market and lower market share, as well as shifts in product mix. Partially offsetting the declines were favorable material and structural cost performance and commodity hedging gains and foreign exchange.
GME
GME Revenue was up 17 percent and adjusted earnings before tax improved by $137 million. GME's improved earnings for the first quarter were driven by improved material cost performance, commodity hedging gains and reduced warranty costs, which were partially offset by negative foreign exchange and unfavorable country mix. GME had record first-quarter sales volumes of 572,000 units.
GMLAAM
Adjusted earnings before tax in the GMLAAM region more than doubled in the first quarter of 2008, driven by continued strong market growth and gains in GM market share in the region. GMLAAM revenue was up over 33 percent and volumes were up 20 percent, setting new first-quarter records for both unit sales and revenue. In addition, Argentina, Egypt and North Africa each set new quarterly sales records.
GMAP
GMAP adjusted earnings before tax increased by 49 percent, driven by strong volume and improvements in material cost performance, which were partially offset by mix and pricing deterioration and increased structural costs incurred to support growth. Revenue and earnings before tax improved significantly due to the overall volume gains, although market share was down slightly primarily due to declines in China, Australia and Korea.
GMAC
On a standalone basis, GMAC Financial Services reported a net loss of $589 million for the first quarter 2008, primarily due to significant declines in the international mortgage operation of Residential Capital, LLC (ResCap). The company's global automotive and insurance businesses posted profits. GM reported an adjusted loss before taxes of $276 million for the quarter attributable to GMAC, as a result of its 49 percent equity interest and preferred dividends. While continued volatility in the capital and credit markets put pressure on first quarter results, GMAC continues to take actions to reduce risk, streamline its cost structure and preserve liquidity in an effort to protect franchise value.
Cash and Liquidity
Cash, marketable securities, and readily-available assets of the Voluntary Employees' Beneficiary Association (VEBA) trust totaled $23.9 billion on March 31, 2008, down from $24.7 billion on March 31, 2007. The change in liquidity reflects adjusted negative operating cash flow of $3.6 billion in the first quarter 2008. The decrease was driven largely by lower production in GMNA, including the impact of the American Axle strike. Including undrawn, committed U.S. credit facilities of approximately $7 billion, GM has access to more than $30 billion in liquidity.
Looking Forward
In light of the current state of the U.S. economy and automotive industry, GM has revised its 2008 U.S. total industry seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) outlook to the mid to high 15 million unit range, down from the low 16 million unit range. As a result of the anticipated softer automotive industry, GM announced earlier this week that it will eliminate a shift of production at four assembly plants: Janesville, WI; Pontiac and Flint, MI and Oshawa, Ont.
"We remain focused on taking the actions necessary to assure GM's long-term success – product excellence, leadership in advanced propulsion technology, growth in emerging markets, and accelerating the restructuring of our U.S. business to achieve sustainable profitability," said Wagoner.
Results for the first quarter of 2008 are preliminary and may be revised prior to the filing of GM's first quarter report on Form 10-Q in May
Nissan Future Z Car "revealed"-the new 370Z?
Nissan hung a "sculpture" today on the wall of a meeting room at the company’s Nissan 360 global product review: a sculpture that hints at the design of the next-generation Nissan Z.
Same thing was done my Mazda in 1980s when the company unveiled the Miata. Mazda got a huge kick out of how hundreds of journalists visited the R&D facility but never noticed the secret roadster that everyone was talking about was hanging there in plain sight.
Nissan Design Chief Shiro Nakamura wasn’t as secretive as Matano — he blatantly pointed out his wall hanging to a group of 80 North American automotive journalists gathered in the hotel meeting room in this costal resort town about 17 miles west of Lisbon.
The sculpture represented, he said, a new Nissan that people would be seeing more of in the fall.
BMW’s electric baby renderings
BMW will unveil a small Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) sometime in 2012. Supposed to be called Isetta, the future tiny car was created because of new Californian regulations which require big car makers to sell between a few hundred and a few thousand ZEVs every year from 2012.
BMW chief Norbert Reithofer recently said the company “would be obliged to sell a Zero Emissions Vehicle under the US regulations and that a battery car was “the most likely answer”.
Reithofer also said that BMW could have built just a few hundred cars to meet the US regulations but admitted that the company was also wondering if it could use the basic concept “not just for an electric car but also for a range of city cars”. These cars would use petrol and diesel motors, and could even feature BMW motorcycle engines.
Jaguar XF by Loder1899
Loder1899 has made its name (fine) tuning Ford Group vehicles, and even though Jaguar is now under Tata control Max and Julia Loder are still happy to oblige Jaguar fans with their tuning kits. This time the German tuning house took receipt of the new sedan and worked their magic.Loder1899 started with a body kit consisting of a new front spoiler, boot spoiler and rear diffuser accentuating the sporty character of the Jaguar XF. Loder1899 also lowered the XF by 35 mm giving it both a faster appeal as well as a lower center of gravity. The look is finished with 20 or 21 inch wheels, pictured are 21 inch silver 'Hollow Spoke' wheels.
But the tuning does not stop with just aesthetics, Loder1899 also bumps up power output thanks to a new motor management system. The 2.7 liter TDV6 engine now produced 249 hp instead of the factory spec 207 hp, torque is increased to maximum 522 Nm at 3,850 rpm from 435 Nm at 4,000 rpm.
The whole kit costs about Euro 8,000 in Germany excluding taxes, assembly and painting.
Ford Mustang 2008
Ford Mustang charges into 2008 as the one and only pony car on the streets, and looks to stretch its segment leadership with new features for that personalized look and feel that Mustang enthusiasts love. Mustang remains one of the greatest automotive sales success stories of all time. Nearly one out of every two sports cars sold in America is a Mustang, and Mustang remains one of the hottest-selling cars in America. It’s also America’s best-selling convertible.
The 2008 Mustang intends to hold on to that sales leadership with new available features that will add personal appeal, including High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps, 18-inch wheels on the V-6 coupe, and an interior ambient lighting system.
Three new colors enhance Mustang’s bold, American style while safety improves with the addition of standard side air bags.
Two new Shelby Mustangs are available for 2008 – the 2008 Mustang Shelby GT and Shelby GT500KR. The 2008 Mustang Shelby GT offers consumers a new Vista Blue exterior color with silver stripe, and the choice of two body styles, coupe or convertible. Under the hood, the Shelby GT’s 4.6-liter V-8 engine is modified with Ford Racing Performance Parts and generates 319 horsepower. Coil springs drop the overall ride height by an inch-and-a-half and stiffer dampers and a front swaybar further enhance cornering feel and body control.
To mark the 40th Anniversary of the original “King of the Road” Mustang, 2008 sees the return of the Shelby GT500KR. Hailed as the most powerful production Ford Mustang ever produced, the 2008 Shelby GT500KR features an estimated 540-horsepower 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 with a Ford Racing Power Upgrade Pack, 3.73:1 rear axle ratio, short-throw shifter, and unique suspension tuning. Available in spring 2008, the exterior design draws inspiration from the classic Shelby KR Mustangs and features unique carbon composite hood, Shelby-designed 18-inch wheels, and special 40th Anniversary badging and unique striping.
Also new for 2008 is a limited-edition Warriors in Pink Mustang – designed exclusively in support of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. Produced in celebration of Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s 25th Anniversary, the vehicle features unique pink exterior and interior design accents. Sales from the Warriors in Pink edition will help raise funds for Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Highlights include:
- Pink ribbon and Pony fender badge.
- Pink ‘Mustang’ rocker tape stripe.
- Charcoal leather seats and Charcoal floor mats with Pink contrast stitching.
- Leather-wrapped aluminum spoke steering wheel with Pink contrast stitching.
- Unique Pony grille with chrome bezel and fog lamps.
Design and Equipment
Mustang epitomizes pure American muscle. The signature long hood and short rear deck capitalize on more than 40 years of Mustang heritage, as do classic design cues that have defined Mustangs since the 1960s: C-scoops in the sides, three-element taillamps, and a galloping horse badge in the center of the grille.
The Mustang’s menacing shark-like nose imparts an attitude not seen since the 1967 model, while jeweled, round headlamps in trapezoidal housings are part of its modern architecture. The car’s aggressive rake gives the design visual motion, while the short overhangs and up to 18-inch wheels and tires anchor the design visually and physically to the road.
Mustang continues to offer unique packages for 2008.
The Pony Package, available on the V-6 model, first launched in 2006. It features a GT-handling package that includes a larger front stabilizer bar, the addition of a rear stabilizer bar and
P235/55ZR17 tires on painted cast-aluminum wheels. Also included are bright, machined rims and unique tri-bar Pony center caps. Further touches include fog lights, Pony front fender badges, lower door tape stripe, carpeted front floor mats with special brushed chrome “Mustang” logos and a rear spoiler.
The Mustang GT California Special is available on GT Premium models and includes 18-inch wheels, side scoops, unique tape stripes, rolled bright exhaust tips, black leather trimmed seats with unique “Cal Special” contrasting Dove or Parchment leather inserts, a larger air intake, a chin spoiler (1.5 inches lower than GT), and unique front and rear fascias.
An appearance package is available for the Mustang GT featuring rolled exhaust tips, an engine cover with a Pony emblem and a hood scoop.
The California Special and GT appearance packages can be ordered separately or combined to give Mustang enthusiasts one of the most expressive Mustang GTs ever offered.
Customizable interior to fit any mood
Inside, Mustang’s industry-first MyColor™ color-configurable instrument panel offers the ultimate in personalization. Mustang owners can mix and match lighting at the touch of a button to create more than 125 color backgrounds to suit their personalities, moods, outfits or whims.
For 2008, Ford also lets Mustang owners color outside the lines with an available interior ambient lighting package. This unique feature offers the option of illuminating the front and rear footwells and front cupholders with any one of seven colors. The driver or front passenger can choose from red, orange, blue, indigo, violet, green and yellow.
Additional modern interior touches mix with Mustang history and heritage. Chrome-ringed air vents are aligned vertically across the dash, precisely in line with the gauges, and the steering wheel has three spokes with a center hub marked by the horse and tricolor bars logo, echoing the design of the 1967 Mustang.
Numerous standard features include an auxiliary audio input jack, one-touch up-down power windows, power mirrors, keyless entry and power locks, a heated rear window, interval wipers, air conditioning, speed control and a CD player. Available interior options include SIRIUS® Satellite Radio, heated front seats, voice-activated navigation and a Shaker 1000 premium audio system.
Power and Performance
Muscular engines infuse Mustang with tire-smoking performance. The 4.6-liter aluminum V-8 has three valve heads and cranks out 300 horsepower. That’s more than 50 percent more power than the small-block, 289-cubic-inch V-8 found in the classic 1964.5 model.
The standard engine – a 60-degree, 4.0-liter, single-overhead-cam V-6 – produces 210 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque.
Both engines are paired with a standard 5-speed manual transmission or an available 5-speed automatic, which provides a unique combination of off-the-line jump and good highway fuel economy.
At the front suspension, MacPherson struts with reverse “L” lower control arms deliver comfort. The three-link rear suspension has a lightweight, tubular Panhard rod that provides precise control of the rear axle. This technology stabilizes the rear axle as the wheels move, particularly during hard cornering.
The standard four-wheel disc brakes have the biggest rotors and stiffest calipers ever fitted to a mainstream Mustang. Twin-piston aluminum calipers clamp down on 12.4-inch ventilated front brake discs on GT models. In the rear, the brake rotors are 11.8 inches in diameter.
A four-channel anti-lock brake system (ABS) with traction control is standard on GT models and available on V-6 models. It uses electronic sensors to constantly monitor road conditions and feed the information to a dedicated control computer that’s capable of determining within milliseconds whether the vehicle is on dry pavement or negotiating a slippery surface. When traction control isn’t desired, drivers can deactivate the system with a button on the instrument panel.
Safety and Security
The 2008 Mustang adds standard side air bags to an already comprehensive safety package. Along with the addition of seat-mounted thorax side air bags, safety features also include dual-stage driver and front passenger air bags, safety belt pretensioners, seat weight sensing system for the passenger seat and crash severity sensing.
An optional active anti-theft package offers customers an added level of security. It includes a sensing module to guard against tow-away thefts, an interior motion sensor to detect smash-and-grab break-ins, a separate alarm sounder — in addition to the vehicle horn — to thwart thieves trying to disable the horn, and a high-capacity, 60-ampere-hour battery that sounds the alarm longer.
Major Features and Options
V-6 Deluxe: Auxiliary audio input jack; One-touch up-down power windows; Power mirrors and door locks; Keyless entry; air conditioning; AM/FM audio system with single CD; Tilt steering wheel; Speed control; Rear window defroster; Stainless steel exhaust; 16-inch wheels; Four-wheel power disc brakes; Cloth bucket seats with 50/50 split-fold rear on coupe models; Seat-mounted side air bags; LATCH; Personal Safety System®; SecuriLock®; and Tire Pressure Monitoring System.
V-6 Premium adds: 16-inch, painted bright machined-aluminum wheels with chrome spinner; Shaker 500 audio system with six-disc CD changer and MP3 capability; Six-way power-adjustable driver seat.
GT Deluxe adds: 4.6-liter, 3-valve, V-8 engine; ABS with traction control; Stainless steel dual exhaust; Front fog lamps in grille; Complex reflector halogen headlamps with integral turn signals; Rear spoiler; Performance tires with 17-inch, painted cast-aluminum wheels; and AM/FM audio system with single CD.
GT Premium adds: Shaker 500 audio system with six-disc CD player; and Aberdeen leather-trimmed, Embossed sport bucket seats.
Options include: Ambient interior lighting; GT California Special Package; GT Appearance Package; Comfort Group; Shaker 1000 premium audio system; SIRIUS® Satellite Radio; Touch-screen navigation system; V-6 Pony Package; Interior Upgrade Package with satin-aluminum trim or dark aluminum trim and MyColor custom instrument panel; Sport Interior Appearance Package; Premier Trim with Color Accent Package, Sport Exterior Appearance Package; Five-speed automatic transmission; Two styles of 18-inch, cast-aluminum wheels; Active anti-theft system.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
12 Hours Shelby - race report in Portuguese
Luis Carlos Cardoso from Shelby Modelismo in Brazil has sent this race report from a 12 hour race they had in March. Even if you can't read Portuguese the photos are nice of the cars, eh?
***EDIT***
Thanks to Bill for pointing out that Brazilians are Portuguese speaking folk! My mistake.
DK
***EDIT***
Thanks to Bill for pointing out that Brazilians are Portuguese speaking folk! My mistake.
DK
Nissan GT-R at 193mph
This latest test drive was made by legendary game designer Kazunori Yamauchi, creator and producer of the Gran Turismo series. He took the 2009 Nissan GT-R to the Nurburgring in Germany in an attempt to push it to a speed of 193mph.
2010 Audi S4 spy shots
The next generation S4 will be unveiled in 2009 as a 2010 model. The super-sedan will be powered by a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 and will have enough power to compete with models like BMW 335i.
In 2011 Audi will also unveil a RS4 version, powered by a V8 engine. It will compete with M3.
The 2010 S4 will loose weight and will have improved fuel economy.
2008 Alfa Romeo Spider Limited Edition
The Limited Edition package includes Italian Frau® leather upholstery, electrically adjustable heated seats and Alfa Romeo’s unique Blue&MeTM multimedia package – in addition to the already generous standard equipment.
At the heart of the Spider lies the Alfa 2.2 JTS petrol engine; for flexibility and power - using the latest variable valve timing technology to deliver a crisp, responsive and yet fuel-efficient 185bhp, with 0 to 62mph in just 8.8 seconds.
The Spider Limited edition is offered in four stylish interior and exterior colour combinations to choose from: Ghiaccio White with natural, or black leather interior, Alfa Red exterior with black leather interior, Carbonio Black exterior natural leather interior.
The price of the Alfa Spider Limited Edition 2.2 JTS is just £25,500 on the road, which represents a substantial saving of more than £3,000 compared to the list price of the individual options.
Audi launches Sportscar Experience at Infineon Raceway
Driving a car on a racetrack, a controlled environment where the vehicle's limits can be safely probed, is an experience that not only increases driving skills, but it builds confidence too. Recognizing this, and offering car enthusiasts a way to legally wring-out some of their hottest products, Audi has partnered with Emotive to launch their 2008 Audi Sportscar Experience. Unlike last year's marketing-oriented Audi Driving Experience, or any other Driver Education event, the Sportscar Experience is focused on high-performance driving.
The program consists of several different one- and two-day programs held at Infineon Raceway in California. Drivers sign up for the event of their choice, and each one includes a high-performance Audi "S" model for flogging (yes, tires and brakes are included). The vehicles include the 420-hp Audi RS4, the 354-hp Audi S5, the 450-hp Audi S8, and the awesome 420-hp Audi R8. If there is a downside to all of this fun, it's the price. The entry-level half-day "Introductory Program" runs $695. A full-day program in the RS4 will cost you $1,295. Want to improve your skills behind the wheel of the R8? That will set you back a cool $1,895 for a one-day program, $3,495 for two days. Having fun ain't cheap.
Audi Launches the 2008 Audi Sportscar Experience
• Program based at Audi Forum Sonoma in Northern California
• Special half-day program added for drivers to test all new Audi "S" models
• Experience designed and executed with strategic partner Emotive
SONOMA, Calif., April 29, 2008 – Audi of America, Inc. today announced the launch of the 2008 Audi Sportscar Experience based at the Audi Forum Sonoma at Infineon Raceway in California. Created by Audi and its strategic partner, Emotive, the Audi Sportscar Experience is a hands-on driving experience designed especially for performance car enthusiasts – consumers who love to drive and experience exceptionally engineered vehicles. The 2008 Audi Sportscar Experience will feature the new Audi R8 sportscar and the Audi RS 4 high-performance sedan.
The Audi Sportscar Experience features a special half-day program allowing drivers to experience the true performance of Audi's newest "S" models -- including the sporty S4, the new and powerful S5 coupe, and the luxurious and commanding 450-horsepower S8. Additionally, participants will have access to highly-acclaimed, limited-volume new products from Audi.
"This program was developed on the pillars of the Audi brand – performance and technology," said Scott Keogh, chief marketing officer, Audi of America. "The Audi Sportcar Experience allows participants to test and sharpen their driving skills and push our cars in a controlled environment. There is no better way to demonstrate the foundation of this company than behind the wheel and on the track."
The Audi Sportscar Experience operates year-round from the Audi Forum Sonoma, located trackside at Turn 1 of Infineon Raceway in beautiful Sonoma Valley. Using a variety of vehicles from among the Audi R, RS, and S model lines, the Audi Sportscar Experience takes drivers through a rigorous, behind-the-wheel instructional driving program at one of the most exciting racing circuits in the world. With its 160-foot elevation changes, challenging corners and breathtaking scenery, the 2.5-mile Infineon course has been aptly described as a small Nurburgring.
"We've created an unmatched experience for avid car enthusiasts," said Chip Pankow, president of Emotive Group. "We'll help drivers develop the skills necessary to extract optimal performance from these exceptionally engineered vehicles on a real speedway – all set in the beautiful locale of Sonoma's world-class wine country."
The Audi Sportscar Experience includes both one- and two-day programs. A complete schedule of events can be found at www.audidrivingexperience.com. Programs include:
RS 4 One-Day Program
Bred from motorsport dominance, the 2008 Audi RS 4 delivers a blend of exceptional luxury and pulse-pounding performance. The one-day program is designed to develop driving fundamentals, including braking, accident avoidance, car control and slalom. Drivers develop their skills in a controlled manner and put themselves to the test on the slalom course. ($1,295)
RS 4 Two-Day Program
Building on the foundation from the one-day program, the two-day program adds track lapping on Infineon Raceway, Northern California's premier speedway. Drivers will test the remarkable capabilities of the RS 4 while racing on one of the most exciting tracks in the world – just like a race car driver! ($2,495)
R8 One-Day Program
The amazing Audi R8 sports car was just named the 2008 World Performance Car of the Year at the 2008 New York Auto Show. The race-ready R8 epitomizes Audi's quest for perfection and is the industry leader in innovation, technology, design and performance. Drivers will utilize the R8 to hone their driving skills on the paddock and then take the R8 where it really wants to be – on the 2.52-mile road racing course at Infineon Raceway. ($1,895)
R8 Two-Day Program
This program also builds on the essentials of the one-day program and incorporates more track time in the R8. Progressive sessions in the R8 ensure that drivers will responsibly approach the limits of the R8 at Infineon Raceway. Drivers will enjoy ample seat time and instruction from professional drivers who are experts in their fields. ($3,495)
S Model Half-Day Introductory Program
"S" denotes sport in the world of Audi. In the S-Model Half-Day Introductory Program, drivers will get a taste for racing in the S4, the new S5, and the 450-bhp S8. This program covers the fundamentals of driving followed by laps on the speedway. The experience culminates in a handling course competition where drivers can compete in the team category and for individual best time. ($695)
VIDEO: BMW Design Director on M1 Hommage Concept
Truth be told, the Autoblog team is split on whether or not we like the M1 Hommage Concept that was unveiled at the Concorso d'Eleganza at Villa d'Este this past weekend. Some of us claim that it's genius baked in a car-shaped pan, while the rest would rather stare at flame surfacing, Chris Bangle's ignominious contribution to automotive design, until their eyes start bleeding. Regardless, it creates discussion, and to facilitate the talk we have BMW Design Director Adrian van Hooydonk on camera after the jump talking about the car and its inspiration, the original M1.
Though the video after the jump is over eight minutes long, you'll want to watch it all the way through to catch footage of the original M1 that was used for the photo shoot being thrashed on-track.
BMW talks about the M1 Hommage Concept
Though the video after the jump is over eight minutes long, you'll want to watch it all the way through to catch footage of the original M1 that was used for the photo shoot being thrashed on-track.
BMW talks about the M1 Hommage Concept
Opel Corsa OPC by Steinmetz
The Opel Corsa OPC is quite a little number with its 192 hp 1.6 turbo engine, but Steinmetz has some more fun adding factors in store for the hot hatch.Starting with the engine, Steinmetz has a midified exhaust system for the Corsa OPC adding 10 hp to total at 202 hp and provides a deeper note to impress bystanders. The German tuning house also installed a new suspension system and lowered the car by 30mm, resulting in a lower center of gravity and less roll tendency.
Besides performance adjustements, Steinmetz has also developed some new visual extras like the new front grille Type II with honeycomb design and two-piece front spoiler. The front and sides are linked through 'designer stripes' in silver or anthracite, topped off with a aluminum filler cap and 16 to 19 inch bi-color wheels.
Press release:
The front spoiler in its 2-piece form, and the wheel and tyre combinations up to 19", are simply made for a high fun factor. And the "little one" delivers fun on every journey, especially with the modified exhaust which not only offers an extra 10 HP but also provides a deeper note. The overall package is completed by a 15 mm lowering, leaving the driver with lingering impressions to make him smile long after, when remembering the drive.
Engine/Silencer: The already powerful engine, developing 141kW/192HP as standard, has been coaxed by the Steinmetz engineers into giving a further 7kW/10HP thanks to the use of the new left/right silencer system. This exhaust is also available for the central silencer arrangement. So the "little" Corsa OPC by Steinmetz, with its hefty 202 HP, is ready for the sprint.
Suspension: The Steinmetz lowering kit brings the Corsa OPC by Steinmetz 30 mm nearer to the tarmac. "A few“ millimetres which reduce the vehicle's roll tendency and lower the centre of gravity. These two elements together give the Corsa OPC by Steinmetz even better road-holding in the limit zone, while retaining the expected level of comfort for everyday use.
Aerodynamics/Interior: Crouching down and apparently smiling from the headlamps, the power of the front is emphasised by Steinmetz front grille Type II in honeycomb design with its vertical double strut and 2-piece front spoiler. Flowing transitions provide a pleasing uniformity. The front and rear sections are linked by the new Steinmetz designer stripes in silver or anthracite, and the aluminium filler cap sets a further accent. The interior is enhanced by the Steinmetz foot mats with stainless steel.
Wheel/tyre combination: Wheel and tyre combinations from 16" to 19" are available for the Corsa OPC by Steinmetz. The ST3 can be fitted in size 8.0J x 19“ and the ST4 in 8.0J x 18“. The ST4 is a bicolor wheel which fascinates observers thanks to its black/silver appearance, where its brilliance is the result of the polished finish. The resulting light interplay gives the desired effect which makes the wheel a true eyecatcher. All components together combine to create an everyday "race car" in which every kilometre driven is a kilometre more fun.
Monday, April 28, 2008
New Boss Bodies Vega
Well, what can you say...how about a Vega?!? Well, you just can't go wrong at $5.00 a body! Well Steve from Boss Bodies has the car for you then at this link.
Bugatti targa-top Veyron will be more expensive, exclusive
We already know that Bugatti's second vehicle in the modern era will be a targa-top version of the Veyron 16.4, but AutoExpress has revealed that production of the open-air exotica will be limited to just 80 units compared to the coupe's comparatively ample run of 300 cars. The cost of letting the sun shine through your Veyron's dome will also be more prohibitive, with a price tag creeping up on £900,000 compared to the £840,000 cost of the coupe. As with most open-air cars, the Veyron's chassis will be made beefier to cope with the loss of rigidity caused by a big hole in its roof. As such, the new car will weigh more than than the record-setting original. Top speed will therefore be relatively limited, if one can call a 217-mph top speed limited. Then again, as we learned while driving the car ourselves, every car is limited compared to the original Veyron.
Pics Aplenty: Keating SKR supercar
Last week saw the unveiling of the Keating SKR, a bespoke supercar powered by either a 6.0- or 7.0-liter GM-sourced V8 producing between 400 and 500 horsepower and tipping the scales at just over 2,600 pounds. Keating finally got its act together and supplied us with a gallery of images, but the proof is in the pudding, and it's obvious that Keating is on a seriously tight budget. What else could explain the cell-phone quality build pics, the CGI color configurations and the obvious photochopping of the Keating logo on to GM's LS3? Regardless, we've assembled all the pics in a gallery for your perusal, and here's hoping that the SKR's build quality is better than the company's Photoshop skills.
Maserati A8 GCS Berlinetta Touring
Pininfarina, Vignale, Zagato, Scaglietti, Bertone, Boano & Ellena, Motto, Fissore, Boneschi, Castagna, Frua, Viotti… and Touring Superleggera. These are just a few Italian brands, who starting the beginning of the twentieth century until today (even if with just a few names remained in history), were regarded as artists in the auto market. Their clients at that moments were the nobles, the gentlemen who wanted to transform their cars into a masterpiece of design but, above all into an agile, lightweight model that could compete with any other car with no trouble.
But this was long time ago. This week-end the history made a successful return at the Concorso D’Eleganza Villa D’Este, where the Touring Superleggera, founded in 1926 by Carlo Felice Bianchi Anderlon, presented a special concept as a return to those glorious days: the Maserati A8 GCS.
The A8GCS shares the engine and the transmission with the Maserati GranTurismo; it has a weight of only 1,200 kg. The engine is placed in the front middle of the car, what makes it have the characteristic long hood and the small and short cabin.
As about its design, at the front there is a great grid typical Maserati with headlights set. At the rear dominates the characteristic four headlights with four twin discharges.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
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