NEW ENGINES AND ADDED STYLE FOR BRERA AND SPIDER RANGE

 Cars and Motorcycles  1 Response »
May 172010
 

Alfa Romeo UK has recently introduced its new 200 bhp 1750 TBi petrol and the 170 bhp 2.0 JTDM diesel engines to the head-turning Alfa Brera coupé and Alfa Spider convertible range, following the unveiling of the powerplants in the Alfa 159 range late last year.

The Alfa Brera and Alfa Spider perfectly encapsulate the characteristics most synonymous with Alfa Romeo – sportiness and elegance – and now with the latest in engine efficiency and refinement, the updated line-up in the Brera/Spider range has never been stronger.

In addition to the two new engines produced by Fiat Powertrain Technologies (FPT), an exclusive edition trim level will be available, known as Italia Independent – featuring unique content including a matt black titanium exterior finish, 18″ black opaque turbine design alloy wheels, carbon fibre effect trim inserts and a radio/sat-nav system. The Italia Independent trim will be available on all Alfa Brera and Alfa Spider derivatives.

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Video: Mark Tapper Rally New Zealand crash

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May 172010
 

Video: 2010 Nürburgring 24 Hours Lotus Exige Big Fire

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May 172010
 

Nurburgring 24hrs – RESULTS

 Cars and Motorcycles  No Responses »
May 172010
 
Pos No Make Laps Time
1 25 BMW M3 GT2 154 12:17.344
2 43 Ferrari F 430 GTC 154 9:33.019
3 97 Audi R8 LMS 153 9:32.691
4 76 BMW Z4 GT3 152 10:37.803
5 102 Audi R8 LMS 152 10:51.149
6 20 Porsche GT3 Cup S 151 9:27.493
7 26 BMW M3 GT2 150 10:52.452
8 18 Porsche GT3 Cup S 150 10:41.858
9 69 BMW Z4 GT3 149 10:04.650
10 35 Porsche 997 GT3 Cup 148 10:05.529
11 14 Porsche 997 GT3 Cup 147 9:51.098
12 44 Nissan Z 33 145 10:15.261
13 11 Porsche GT3 RS 145 9:56.683
14 33 Porsche GT3 Cup 145 10:01.348
15 133 Audi TTS 144 10:13.279
16 117 VW Scirocco GT24-CNG 143 11:21.086
17 9 Porsche GT3 R Hybrid 142 8:45.243
18 28 Porsche 997 Cup 142 11:53.099
19 50 Lexus LF-A 142 13:47.310
20 142 Opel Astra OPC 141 11:04.473
21 88 Porsche GT3 Cup S 141 9:46.524
22 169 BMW Z4 Coupe 140 14:34.092
23 141 Opel Astra OPC 140 11:04.216
24 70 Audi RS 4 140 10:57.487
25 137 Subaru GRB 139 10:06.699
26 96 BMW M3 GT4 139 11:44.227
27 106 BMW E 46 GTR 137 13:56.987
28 61 Aston Martin Vantage V8 137 11:14.500
29 48 Porsche 997 137 11:08.376
30 42 Porsche 997 GT3 Cup 137 9:50.002
31 158 Honda S 2000 136 10:42.297
32 146 VW Golf 136 11:40.637
33 120 BMW M3 GT4 134 10:38.765
34 37 Porsche 996 GT3 Cup 134 11:04.931
35 7 Aston Martin Rapide 134 14:05.952
36 184 Audi A3 133 11:16.215
37 139 Seat Leon Supercopa 132 12:40.116
38 219 BMW E36 M3 132 11:43.412
39 148 Subaru Impreza 132 16:35.743
40 6 Aston Martin V12 Vantage 132 13:44.272
41 226 BMW M3 131 11:28.621
42 63 Chevrolet Corvette 131 11:31.680
43 82 BMW 135 i 131 11:43.845
44 232 BMW E46 M3 131 11:59.453
45 162 Opel Astra GTC 131 11:08.708
46 180 BMW Z4 3.0 si 131 13:58.997
47 59 Aston Martin N24 130 12:42.930
48 90 BMW M3 E46 130 13:57.437
49 223 BMW Z 85 / DU 51 130 11:47.581
50 183 Renault Clio III Cup 128 14:01.978
51 201 Peugeot RC Z 128 11:43.605
52 118 VW Scirocco GT24-CNG 128 9:32.410
53 213 BMW E 90 128 12:51.373
54 122 Volvo Heico HS3 Bioeth 128 13:49.709
55 151 Renault Clio 128 13:54.251
56 23 Porsche 997 GT3 Cup 127 12:10.831
57 86 BMW Z4 M-Coupe 127 10:42.029
58 87 Nissan 350 Z 127 26:43.568
59 224 BMW E 36 M3 127 12:02.121
60 72 Lexus IS F 127 10:35.443
61 214 Mercedes Benz C 230 126 14:10.690
62 2 ABT Audi R8 LMS 125 8:47.284
63 205 BMW E36 318 IS 125 14:36.264
64 218 BMW E87 130i 125 13:44.866
65 237 BMW M3 125 10:58.72
66 125 Audi TTS 125 12:11.127
67 211 BMW 320 iS 125 11:14.665
68 167 Renault Clio Cup 125 12:27.391
69 175 Alfa Romeo 147 JTD 125 11:42.839
70 164 Renault Clio RS III 125 12:03.041
71 113 BMW 130 i 125 11:31.319
72 236 Porsche Cayman S 125 12:42.904
73 126 Ford Mondeo 125 13:03.178
74 116 VW Scirocco GT24-CNG 124 12:09.000
75 235 BMW M3 E46 124 13:46.484
76 212 BMW 325 i 123 13:16.658
77 233 Mercedes Benz SLK 350 123 11:40.768
78 80 BMW 330 i 123 13:17.555
79 206 BMW 318 iS 123 14:19.905
80 40 Porsche 997 RSR 122 9:28.976
81 60 Aston Martin Vantage V8 122 11:23.215
82 200 Peugeot RC Z 122 11:44.184
83 119 Seat Supercopa 121 12:08.039
84 135 Audi A3 121 10:00.571
85 244 Honda Civic Type-R 120 10:57.731
86 243 Honda Civic Type-R 120 10:59.547
87 74 Aston Martin N24 120 40:42.843
88 41 Porsche 997 GT3 Cup 120 11:43.873
89 155 Honda Civic Type-R 120 13:50.246
90 215 BMW 325 i E90 119 13:29.300
91 193 BMW 330d 119 11:57.759
92 246 Honda Civic Type-R 119 11:11.073
93 220 BMW Z4 Coupe 118 1:28:03.022
94 225 BMW E36 M3 118 12:31.904
95 49 Audi R8 117 13:14.171
96 85 Porsche 911 116 9:39.399
97 153 VW Golf III Kitcar 115 12:50.687
98 176 BMW 120 d 115 14:33.735
99 127 Ford Focus ST 114 13:48.782
100 129 BMW 325 i E92 114 11:56.635
101 75 BMW 320 d 114 14:24.107
102 227 BMW M3 GT 113 12:38.080
103 8 Porsche GT3 R 112 8:43.088
104 55 Ginetta G50 – GT4 112 11:13.986
105 157 Honda S 2000 111 10:48.467
106 152 Honda Civic Type-R 111 12:10.383
107 79 Audi D2 W12 111 15:30.299
108 128 Volvo S60 Turbo 110 12:39.973
109 78 Audi D11 V8 110 15:30.426
110 208 Opel Astra G 109 12:15.946
111 161 Peugeot 206 RCC 109 14:32.484
112 234 Porsche 996 108 17:18.526
113 17 Porsche 997 GT3 108 10:51.552
114 245 Honda Integra 106 13:39.482
115 140 Seat Leon Supercopa 104 11:19.716
116 99 Audi R8 LMS 103 8:43.035
117 250 Ford Focus RS 103 12:52.395
118 154 VW Golf III Kitcar 102 15:17.302
119 156 Honda Civic Type-R 101 10:59.010
120 150 Peugeot 207 RC 100 1:45:32.520
121 165 Renault Clio Cup 98 12:48.320
122 134 Seat Leon 97 10:28.928
123 216 BMW E46 325i 94 10:49.358
124 138 BMW Mini Cooper S 94 12:03.334
125 64 Nissan 370 Z GT4 92 13:43.569
126 190 BMW 335 d GTR 91 11:35.277
127 130 BMW 325 i E 90 90 11:44.761
128 170 BMW E 90 90 14:11.725
129 195 Audi A4 quattro 89 14:00.971
130 242 Renault Clio 88 11:43.286
131 168 Seat Ibiza 86 13:47.948
132 16 Porsche GT3 Cup 997 85 18:59.066
133 221 BMW E36 M3 85 11:32.845
134 105 BMW E 46 M3 84 10:02.249
135 172 VW Golf 5 RTDi 84 13:18.599
136 166 Renault Clio Cup 84 4:13:10.011
137 159 VW Golf 3 16V 84 16:01.775
138 204 BMW E36 318 IS 80 1:33:09.532
139 163 Honda Civic Type-R 79 10:31.837
140 107 BMW 130 i GTR 79 13:50.210
141 145 BMW Mini Cooper 77 14:42.711
142 203 BMW 318 iS 77 12:51.071
143 67 Aston Martin N24 77 10:05.782
144 39 Porsche 997 GT3 75 9:25.914
145 174 VW Golf V 75 11:32.845
146 66 Aston Martin V8 Vantage 75 11:28.140
147 3 Porsche GT3 R 73 12:06.914
148 210 Ford Fiesta ST 73 2:10:28.039
149 47 Porsche 997 GT3 71 11:13.991
150 202 BMW E36 318 IS 71 14:27.851
151 83 BMW E 46 WTCC 71 10:32.234
152 111 Audi R8 LMS 69 9:41.096
153 112 BMW E 46 M3 68 11:24.541
154 132 Audi TT 68 12:58.523
155 81 BMW 330 i 67 10:21.549
156 51 Lexus LF-A 67 13:47.145
157 19 Porsche 997 GT3 Cup 66 9:29.958
158 71 Audi RS 4 66 10:30.068
159 68 Chevrolet Corvette 64 45:05.595
160 89 Porsche 997 GT3 63 12:06.871
161 143 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X 62 10:01.266
162 147 Audi TT 61 11:04.239
163 207 Opel Astra OPC 60 13:27.693
164 228 BMW Z4 56 10:26.58
165 173 BMW 320 Raps 52 2:43:47.161
166 194 BMW 135 d 52 14:33.464
167 65 Porsche Caymann 50 12:17.900
168 1 Porsche GT3 R 47 8:44.237
169 100 ABT Audi R8 LMS 47 8:54.065
170 98 Audi R8 LMS 41 8:52.263
171 110 BMW M3 41 10:44.90
172 84 BMW E46 M3 41 13:43.063
173 123 Seat Leon Supercopa 39 12:15.210
174 15 Porsche GT3 Cup 997 37 10:06.725
175 182 Seat Leon TDI 37 12:29.736
176 45 Porsche 911 RSR 32 9:47.874
177 12 Porsche 911 GT3 R 31 8:52.469
178 114 Lotus Exige Cup 31 10:34.096
179 179 BMW 320d 30 3:52:26.610
180 58 Chrysler Viper 30 1:14:17.156
181 22 Dodge Viper 28 12:37.701
182 171 BMW E 90 27 10:44.890
183 124 Seat Leon Supercopa 25 10:00.662
184 149 Mitsubishi Lancer CTO 23 12:18.304
185 46 Porsche 997 GT3 Cup 23 3:29:21.731
186 144 BMW Mini Cooper 21 9:48.900
187 27 Porsche 997 Cup 20 9:28.487
188 36 Porsche 911 GT 3 17 9:18.216
189 109 BMW M3 E46 16 9:42.668
190 177 BMW 120 d 15 24:50.118
191 77 BMW Z4 GT3 12 8:55.659
192 131 Mercedes Benz 190 Evo 2 7 10:15.52
193 160 Opel Manta 5 10:16.775
194 186 Alfa Romeo 156 4 13:41.141
195 121 Seat Supercopa MK2 4 4:53:48.665
196 108 BMW 130 i 3 11:54.276
197 57 BMW E92 M3 GTRS 1 9:53.944

Team BMW Motorsport wins the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring.

 Cars and Motorcycles  No Responses »
May 172010
 

Nürburgring (DE), 16th May 2010. Team BMW Motorsport has made a triumphant return and won the 2010 24-hour race at the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. Five years since the manufacturer’s last victory, the no. 25 BMW M3 GT2 claimed BMW’s 19th victory at this endurance classic on Sunday. The winning car, with Jörg Müller (DE), Augusto Farfus (BR), Uwe Alzen (DE) and Pedro Lamy (PT) at the wheel, crossed the finish line first after 154 laps of the 25.378-kilometre circuit. The quartet of drivers produced a flawless performance and fought their way onto the top step of the podium despite gearbox problems in the last three hours.

An impressive fight back saw the second BMW M3 GT2, car number 26, driven by Dirk Werner (DE), Dirk Müller (DE), Andy Priaulx (GB) and Dirk Adorf (DE) race through the field to finish in seventh in front of 220,000 spectators. A crash, while swerving to avoid a collision, resulted in the four drivers losing an hour in the pits early on in the race and dropping back to 182nd. In cool, but dry conditions, car number 26 worked its way back up the field lap by lap. The drivers’ fighting spirit was ultimately rewarded.

The two private BMW Z4 GT3 cars with numbers 76 and 69, run by Schubert Motorsport and Dörr Motorsport respectively, rounded off an excellent overall result for BMW by finishing in fourth and ninth. In addition to the win, BMW teams secured ten class wins at the Nordschleife. These results have further strengthened BMW’s position as the most successful manufacturer in the history of the race. Of the 198 cars lining up for this year’s event, 63 were BMWs.

BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen said: “That was a fantastic return for us at the 24-hour race here on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. This win reminds me of the triumph in Le Mans in 1999. I have never known excitement like I experienced today. After some of our direct rivals fell by the wayside, our victory was also hanging by a thread. At about 12.00 the winning car developed a gearbox problem, resulting in the loss of one gear. Shortly after 13.00 other gears gradually gave up. It was a masterful performance how Jörg Müller and Uwe Alzen brought the car home in first place in this crucial phase. The tension was enormous for all of us, so the relief was all the greater when the car crossed the finish line. I must say a big thank you to every single member of the team. Everyone worked perfectly together. Thanks also to our loyal fans, who have taken us to their hearts after a five-year break and given us such great support.”

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NISSAN ANNOUNCES EUROPEAN PRICES OF NISSAN LEAF, WORLD’S FIRST MASS-MARKET, ALL-ELECTRIC ZERO-EMISSION VEHICLE – Price to be under 30,000 Euros after incentives in most European countries

 Cars and Motorcycles  No Responses »
May 172010
 

  • Price in UK is 23,350 Pounds (27,471 Euros) after government incentives
  • Price in the Netherlands is 32,839 Euros (28,068 Pounds). Dutch buyers will benefit from 6,000-19,000 Euros (5,128-16,239 Pounds) in tax savings over five years
  • Price in Republic of Ireland is 29,995 Euros (25,637 Pounds) after government incentives
  • Price in Portugal is 29,955 Euros (25,603 Pounds) after government incentives
  • All prices include battery
  • Reservations for the four initial markets to begin in July
  • Prices for other countries to be announced closer to launch

Nissan International SA today announced that the all-electric Nissan LEAF will be priced at under 30,000 Euros (25,641 Pounds) after incentives in most of its European launch markets – about the same as a comparably-equipped diesel or hybrid vehicle.

The company also announced specific prices for the UK, Netherlands, Republic of Ireland and Portugal, the four initial European launch markets for the Nissan LEAF. Reservations will begin in July.

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Steinmetz tuned the 2010 Opel Astra

 Cars and Motorcycles  No Responses »
May 172010
 

Aerodynamic components, lowering, wheels and design elements have been developed by Steinmetz specifically for the Astra J, to give an even more striking but not obtrusive design.

The Steinmetz lowering has been matched to the FlexRide System and the Watt linkage fitted to the rear axle. The Steinmetz lowering by 30 mm has been specially developed for city traffic, but is also ideal for a quick blast around the North Loop of the Nürburgring.

The new Steinmetz aerodynamic components provide that external wow factor. With the front spoiler and totally black front grille by Steinmetz, the front end appears even more dominant. For the rear, a roof spoiler has been designed to pick up the flowing styling lines. Available as an option for the sides, there are designer strips in silver and anthracite and door handle plates in polished stainless steel.

The second world premiere at the Tuning World Bodensee is the launch of the ST10 alloy wheel in size 8.5J x 19″ ET39 in Bicolor. The classic Steinmetz Design with two dishes between the partially open five spokes perfectly fills the wheelarches of the Astra J by Steinmetz and gives a fine view of the standard brakes. Clear lines, a inwardly dished wheel centre with semi-circular Steinmetz logo above the three-dimensional centre cap are additional eyecatchers of the ST 10 by Steinmetz.

In the same size as the ST10, the ST7 from the existing range can also be fitted. Both alloy wheels run on tyres size 235/35/R19 without any adaptation to the wheelarches on the Astra J by Steinmetz.
Steinmetz Opel-Tuning recommends tyres by Continental and Michelin.

The right gear always in view. For the interior, finished to a high standard by Opel, Steinmetz has developed a gear display which shows the driver – in his colour of choice – the gear currently selected. Foot mats with a stainless steel logo, and sill trims of polished stainless steel, complete the Steinmetz product range for the Astra J.

Lexus Invites Consumers to Co-star in New ‘Dark Ride’ Interactive Film to Launch New CT 200h Hybrid

 Cars and Motorcycles  No Responses »
May 172010
 

Torrance, Calif., May 14, 2010 — “Get in, buckle up and start talking.” Lexus customers will be calling the shots in a high-definition interactive film entitled “Dark Ride.” The film features Lexus’ newest hybrid, the CT 200h premium compact car, piloted by actor Norman Reedus (Boondock Saints franchise). Reedus is behind the wheel in this 12:30 action film, but he is following the directions of the person riding shotgun…the consumer.

“With ‘Dark Ride’ we are creating a unique virtual test drive opportunity so consumers can experience this hybrid, that is like no other, months before it is available at dealerships in early 2011,” said Dave Nordstrom, Lexus vice president of marketing. “In it, consumers play a co-starring role as the fun-to-drive Lexus CT 200h is put through its paces. By guiding the driver and the CT through a series of adventures, customers will be exposed to ‘The Darker Side of Green,’ which is completely different than the way hybrids are usually portrayed.”

The film releases online at www.lexusdarkride.com today along with the trailer for the film, which will appear in select movie theaters across the country. Visitors to the www.lexusdarkride.com site will get to insert themselves into the film, sitting beside “Tony” (Reedus), and navigating while he drives the CT 200h from the Nevada desert to a Los Angeles safehouse and protects it from a variety of enemies who wish to get their hands on the new prototype.

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Video: Virtual tour of Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

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May 172010
 

GM Reports First Quarter 2010 Results – GM achieves net income of $0.9 billion and EPS of $1.66

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May 172010
 

DETROIT, Mich. – General Motors Company today announced its first quarter 2010 results, marked by revenue of $31.5 billion and operating income of $1.2 billion. Net income attributable to common stockholders was $0.9 billion, resulting in earnings per share on a diluted basis of $1.66.

GM’s first quarter adjusted earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) was $1.7 billion, after adjusting for the favorable impact of the sale of the Saab brand.

GM North America had EBIT in the first quarter 2010 of $1.2 billion, up from a loss of $3.4 billion in the fourth quarter 2009. GM Europe had a loss before interest and taxes of $0.5 billion; an improvement of $0.3 billion from the fourth quarter. GM International Operations posted EBIT of $1.2 billion, up $0.5 billion from the fourth quarter.

Cash flow from operating activities was $1.7 billion and after adjusting for capital expenditures of $0.7 billion, free cash flow was $1.0 billion. GM ended the first quarter with $35.7 billion in cash and marketable securities, including funds in escrow.

“We’re pleased with our first quarter performance, in particular achieving profitability,” said Chris Liddell, vice chairman and chief financial officer. “In North America we are adding production to keep up with strong demand for new products in our four brands. We’re also steadily growing in emerging markets, keeping our costs under control, generating positive cash flow and maintaining a strong balance sheet. These are all important steps as we lay the foundation for a successful GM.”

CONSUMER REPORTS AUTO PULSE SURVEY: TOYOTA DOWN, FORD AND HONDA UP IN BRAND LOYALTY

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May 172010
 

YONKERS, NY – Car owners are generally a brand-loyal group, but Toyota’s highly visible problems with quality and safety have shaken and rearranged the competitive landscape, according to repeated surveys conducted over the past few months by Consumer Reports.

The once dominant automaker that led in brand loyalty in Consumer Reports’ December 2009 Brand Perceptions survey continues to lose ground, primarily to Ford and Honda, according to new findings by the Consumer Reports National Research Center.

Since December, there have been no changes in the rank order of the top four makes that respondents said they drive most often, nor for the make of the next prospective new car–often from another brand. However, when it comes to loyalty (will the car owner buy a new model from the same brand?) consumer preferences continue to shift.

To gauge how the volatile automotive market is changing brand preferences, the Consumer Reports National Research Center conducted a telephone survey using a nationally representative probability sample of households. In April, 1,704 interviews were completed among adults whose household owns at least one vehicle.

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ALL-NEW FORD FIESTA DELIVERS 40 MPG; TOPS CLASS IN FUEL ECONOMY

 Cars and Motorcycles  No Responses »
May 172010
 

  • Ford Fiesta with the six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission has been EPA certified for 40 mpg highway and 29 mpg city delivering class-leading fuel economy
  • Fiesta features several fuel-saving technologies including its PowerShift automatic transmission, Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing, Electric Power Assist Steering, aggressive deceleration fuel shutoff and enhanced aerodynamics
  • Fiesta joins Fusion Hybrid – America’s most fuel efficient midsize sedan – and other class leaders like Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner Hybrids, Ford Ranger, Mustang V-6 and Super Duty offering best-in-class fuel economy

DEARBORN, Mich., May 17, 2010 – Ford’s all-new 2011 Fiesta – an Internet star even before it goes on sale this summer – will now stand out on the highway with an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certified 40 mpg rating, making it the most fuel efficient car in its class.

The Ford Fiesta 40 mpg, achieved with Ford’s new six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission, is 5 mpg better than the Honda Fit and 4 mpg better than the Toyota Yaris.

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