When we last visited the Hurst facility in Irvine, CA, we noticed something unusual. While nearly all of the Challengers were painted in either white or black, a lone Challenger painted in B5 Blue sat tucked away in a corner. When we inquired about the car, we were told that we would find out soon enough. Well, we know now, as Hurst has just unveiled a Competition/Plus package for the Dodge Challenger at the NHRA Motorsports Museum in Pomona, CA.

The Competition/Plus project was started in an effort to provide a more affordable package, as well as appeal to customers who might not necessarily want the classic gold paint schemes. Named after the legendary shifter that helped make Hurst famous, the package includes only the essentials: an Eibach suspension system, Magnaflow exhaust system, Hurst 20-inch alloy wheels, color-matched leather inserts and stitching for the interior, matte black exterior accents, and, of course, a Competition/Plus short throw shifter with the classic white ball. We’re told the package is available on any color of Challenger, whether it’s the B5 Blue pictured here, Hemi Orange, TorRed or any other.

Pricing has yet to be announced, but full details on the car should be released soon. Until then, take a look at our exclusive gallery of photographs that were given the chance to snap a couple of days before the car’s release.

[Source;Autoblog]

Ford tuning specialists Steeda Autosports have been teasing the 2010 version of their Q-Series Mustang for quite some time, and apparently for some of their customers, it can’t come soon enough. To help deal with requests, the Florida-based company has introduced a Sport Edition model that utilizes an array of parts already in the Steeda catalog. This particular steed is tweaked to handle, with upgraded billet lower control arms, sport springs, and 20-inch chrome wheels wrapped with Nitto NT05 high-performance tires. Other modifications include a sport shifter, underdrive performance pulleys, a performance air cleaner, and distinctive Steeda graphics. At $8995, the pricing seems pretty steep, especially without any significant power upgrades, but we have to admit it’s one good looking pony car.

[Source: Muscular Mustangs]

[Source:Autoblog]

Volkswagen is usually known for its simple, basic, iconic styling; the classic Beetle and the previous-generation Jetta are perfect case studies. Which is why the svelte and streamlined CC – known overseas as the Passat CC – has come as a refreshing change of pace for the German automaker. We’re not the only ones who think so, either, as the four-door coupe from Wolfsburg has been accumulating design awards the world over.

Adding to the list that already includes the coveted iF Product Design Award and the Australian International Design Award, the Volkswagen CC has now been awarded the prestigious Red Dot Design Award. The prize has bestowed annually since 1955 by the Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen, the legendary design museum housed in the reclaimed Zollverein coal mine. The Best of the Best award was accepted by designer Martin Kropp on behalf of VW’s Exterior Design Studio 1 and you can get all the details in the press release after the jump.

PRESS RELEASE

The Passat CC enchants the world with its style
Design awards in Germany and Australia

Wolfsburg, 01 July 2009 - International panels of design experts have chosen their winners and one Volkswagen model has made an exceptional impression: the Passat CC. Last night in Essen, Germany, Volkswagen’s four-door coupé was presented with the “red dot Design Award 2009 - Best of the Best”, once again highlighting Volkswagen’s first-class and attractive design concept. The elegant model has also sparked excitement down under in Australia, a statement backed-up by the fact that it has recently won the “Australian International Design Award”.

Last night the Aalto Theater in Essen provided the setting for a wonderful prize ceremony during which Martin Kropp, designer at Exterior Design Studio 1, accepted the “red dot Design Award” for Volkswagen. The “red dot Design Award” is one of today’s most coveted awards that a designer can win for a creative product. The prize has been awarded every year since 2000.

In March, the Passat CC was awarded the prestigious “iF Product Design Award 2009″ in Hanover. At the end of May the coupé also swept the board down under where it won the renowned “Australian International Design Award” in the “Automotive and Transport” category.

[Source:Autoblog]

In an interview with German magazine Motor Zeitung, Porsche’s R&D director Wolfgang Dürheimer discussed the possibility of electrifying the iconic 911 sports car. Legendary Porsche tuners Ruf first showed a battery-powered prototype 911 called the eRuf last fall and then revealed a second-generation version (pictured) at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The eRuf Greenster was a major improvement over the original and Dürheimer praised the achievement of the smaller company.

Dürheimer doesn’t rule out an electrified sports car in the future, but feels the technology is not quite ready for Porsche prime-time. The problem revolves around the size and weight of the batteries, and even discarding the conventional powertrain leaves the Greenster with a deficit of at least 500 pounds compared to a normal 911… and no luggage space to boot. As battery technology progresses, however, we can certainly expect a battery-powered sports car to emerge from Zuffenhausen in due course.

[Source: Motor Zeitung]
Photos Copyright ©2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

The thing about limited editions is that there are bound to be at least a few customers disappointed that they couldn’t get their hands on one. That’s the whole point, keeping demand higher than supply and thus ensuring a high price. So it’s a little unusual to see an automaker or aftermarket supplier going back and reopening the supply lines, especially if the model in question has already been replaced. But that’s exactly what British tuning house Arden has done with the AJ18.

Based on the previous-generation XK, Arden debuted this limited-edition track-inspired Jag coupe nearly ten years ago at the 1999 Frankfurt Motor Show, pegging production at just 13 units. A decade gone by, Arden has announced the availability of an additional five examples, bringing the total run up to 18 pieces. What sets the AJ18 apart from the stock XK8 is the carbon-composite aero kit, custom grilles and bumpers, narrow wing mirrors, giant rear wing and 20-inch Sportline rims hiding 370mm brake discs with 6-piston calipers mounted to a lowered Bilstein suspension.

We’d just as soon go out and buy a new XK, dynamically superior as it is to its successor in just about every way, but if you’ve already got a previous-generation model in your driveway and still regret missing your chance to upgrade it to the Arden AJ18, this will probably be your last chance. Probably.

[Source: Carscoop]

General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, Honda and everyone else may not think there is much of a market for mainstream diesel vehicles in the United States, but Volkswagen would beg to differ. Since it launched its new generation diesels last fall in the Jetta and earlier this year in the Touareg, they have been selling like hotcakes with June being its best month yet. Last month was the best sales month to date for the Sportwagen with 1,982 sales and a whopping 81% of those were equipped with the 2.0-liter TDI four-cylinder.

Among the 8,431 Jetta sedans sold in June, 40% were diesel powered. And while the Touareg followed most other SUVs with a 41% overall decline to only 330 units in June, 29% of those had the 3.0-liter V6 TDI engine. Rabbit sales were down 69% in June, but a redesigned Golf is arriving in September, including a TDI – and if fuel prices keep climbing through the summer, it could see a huge sales spike as well.

[Source: Volkswagen]

News Release Issued: July 1, 2009 1:39 PM EDT
Clean Diesel Fuels Volkswagen’s June Sales

Over 25 percent of sales were Clean Diesel TDI’s

HERNDON, Va., July 1 /PRNewswire/ — Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced June 2009 sales of 19,027 units, representing an 18 percent decrease over June 2008. However, Volkswagen’s award winning clean diesels posted their best sales month since their re-launch with 5,072 units, representing an impressive 26 percent of total sales.

The Jetta SportWagen once again posted its best sales month ever with sales of 1,982 units. Clean diesel TDI’s accounted for 81 percent of SportWagen sales, 40 percent of Jetta sedan sales, and 29 percent of Touareg sales.

“Volkswagen of America is encouraged by the momentum of our clean diesel TDI sales,” said Mark Barnes, Chief Operating Officer, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “It appears that U.S. consumers are starting to realize the many benefits of today’s clean diesels–vehicles that attain more than 30 percent better fuel economy while emitting 25 percent less greenhouse gas emission, all without sacrificing driving dynamics,” Barnes added.

Volkswagen also announced today that they have been named a corporate leader in Strategic Visions Total Quality Index® (TQI). For 2009, Volkswagen has the most models across the segments that were measured than any other brand–New Beetle, Rabbit, Jetta, CC, and Tiguan were all recognized as TQI leaders in their respective segments.
[Source:Autoblog]

Suzuki is getting in on the free gas bandwagon that Hyundai kicked off this year by launching a “Free Gas for Summer” promotion on all SX4s sold between now and August 31st. Of course, it pays to read the fine print – what the purchaser really gets is a pre-paid credit card loaded up with $270 for the SX4 Sedan or $290 for the slightly less fuel efficient SX4 Crossover.

Whether or not this incentive is really “free gas for summer” depends on how much you plan to drive over the next three months or so. Still, it’s a relatively pain-free way for Suzuki to advertise “Free Gas!” and it’s still a few hundred bucks off the running costs of the car.

Along with the aforementioned sales promotion, Suzuki has also announced that it’s offering $2,000 in customer cash off the price of any SX4 sold with a manual transmission, which we found to be a willing partner in eking out the most performance from the little runabout and much more desirable than the four-speed slushbox when we tested it last year.
Photos Copyright ©2008 Jeremy Korzeniewski / Weblogs, Inc.

PRESS RELEASE:

Suzuki Announces FREE GAS FOR SUMMER Sales Event

• Offer available on retail purchases of new 2009 Suzuki SX4 Sedan and 2009 SX4 Crossover models through Aug. 31

• Suzuki offers $2,000 in customer cash on all 2009 SX4 models equipped with manual transmission

BREA, CA - July 1, 2009: To help motorists at the pump this summer driving season and generate additional traffic to U.S. showrooms, American Suzuki Motor Corp. has announced a nationwide sales promotion offering car buyers three months of free gasoline on retail purchases of new 2009 Suzuki SX4 Sedan and 2009 SX4 Crossover models. In addition, Suzuki is offering $2,000 in customer cash on all 2009 SX4 models equipped with manual transmission. The Suzuki “Free Gas for Summer” sales program, which kicks off July 1 and runs through Aug. 31, is expected to further build brand interest and bolster summer sales of its versatile SX4 lineup.

“Suzuki recognizes the economic challenges facing Americans and thought this promotion was a great way to provide relief for car buyers,” said Koichi Suzuki, executive vice president, American Suzuki Automotive Operations. “Working through our U.S. dealer network, we’re happy to extend this unique program to consumers across the country, providing potential buyers even more reason to consider purchasing a Suzuki SX4 during the summer shopping season.”

Customers will receive a stored value debit card that can be used for fuel purchases. The amount of each stored value gas card is determined by several factors, including an assumed three-month timeframe for summer driving, the car’s EPA estimated highway mpg, the Federal Highway Administration’s estimated average of 1,000 miles driven per month and the U.S. national average price of one gallon of regular gasoline as determined by the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

“Free Gas for Summer” Program 2009 Model Free Gas Incentive (pre-paid card)

SX4 Sedan/Sport $270
SX4 Crossover $290

To learn more about Suzuki’s “Free Gas for Summer” sales promotion, or to locate the nearest Suzuki dealer, please visit www.suzukiauto.com.

[Source:Autoblog]

The Citroen C3 is old enough in car years that it’s getting a re-do before it undergoes a mid-life crisis. The new version is certainly a more mature design, receding hairline and all. Citroen has come up with its own euphemism for it, coining the phrase “Zenith Windscreen” to describe a large windshield that extends further up into the roof than normal to create a panoramic feel to the interior.

The new C3 is a smoother looking supermini than before, with slicker styling keeping it modern and slipping through the air with a Cd of .30. Inside the redone sheetmetal, the interior gets classed up and quieted down. Most notably, there’s an integrated air freshener, presumably useful when you’re using all 10.5 cubic feet of boot space to haul big dogs or foie gras party platters.

An HDi (Citroenese for “diesel”) engine keeps CO2 emissions low, and new powerplants are in the pipeline for 2011. The new engines will use stop/start, the diesel versions of which will drop carbon dioxide emissions further, while gasoline-fueled C3s will also dip below the 100g/km of CO2 emissions level with a new three-cylinder engine. The C3’s new duds don’t come with the typical generational increase in weight, and the Chevron-emblazoned C-class car will motor onto the small car battlefield ready to earn more accolades with its latest generation. Follow the jump for Citroen’s official press releas,e or browse over the C3’s new design in the high-res gallery below.

[Source: Citroen]

Press Release:

A TOUCH OF GLASS: CITROËN INTRODUCES THE NEW C3

Citroën has released first details of the new C3, a completely redesigned successor to the popular C3 supermini – a bestseller with over 2 million units delivered worldwide.

Arriving in the UK early in 2010, the new C3 boasts contemporary lines and seductive styling, compact exterior dimensions – cleverly matched to exceptional interior space – good environmental credentials and a refined, high quality interior – as well as offering a unique and innovative windscreen design.

On the outside, new C3 gets a sportier edge, with a tauter profile that gives the car a more dynamic, yet robust appearance. Nowhere is the modern styling more apparent than in the design of the new C3’s unique Zenith windscreen, which flows dramatically up and over the heads of the front occupants. Coupled with slim side pillars, the huge progressively tinted windscreen offers a truly panoramic field of vision – along with optimum overhead sun protection.

‘Visiodrive’ – the word created to best describe the new Citroën C3 – is born out of this unique windscreen, which is yet another example of Citroën’s use of ‘Creative Technologie’. The screen helps to create a bright and pleasurable cabin environment for driver and passengers alike – improving visibility, road safety, driving pleasure, ambience and the overall feeling of spaciousness.

Inside the cabin, attention to detail and the use of high quality materials, delivers an air of refinement and class, which is complemented by enhanced sound insulation and a pleasant fragrance from the car’s integrated air freshener.

Despite its added sophistication, increased comfort and interior space, the new C3 remains one of the most compact vehicles in its segment – and avoids any increase in weight over the current model. At just 3.94m long and 1.71m wide, it offers a generous 300 litres of boot space, along with numerous storage areas throughout the cabin. Occupants also benefit from a feeling of comfort and roominess with a slightly raised seating position for ease of access and improved visibility.

The new C3 is at ease in the city, with its compact dimensions and 10.2m turning circle, as well as on the open road, thanks to its enhanced dynamics. The careful control of weight, combined with optimised aerodynamics (Cd of 0.30), allows the new C3 to achieve excellent fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

From launch, an HDi 90 powered version will be available emitting just 99g/km CO2 – the first full production Citroën to emit less than 100g/km. Whilst the arrival of new power plants from 2011, incorporating second-generation Stop & Start technology, will see diesel versions emitting as little as 90g/km CO2, to be followed by new generation three-cylinder petrol engines with less than 100g/km CO2.

Modern and perfectly at home in the 21st century, the new C3 can be well connected with USB, iPod and Bluetooth® functionality, as well as offering Citroën’s ‘MyWay’ satellite navigation and Hifi System®.

[Source:Autoblog]

Cars.com has once again published its annual American-Made Index that rates vehicles built within the United States based on their sales and percentage of domestic parts content. This year’s list has a number of movers and shakers based mainly on the fact that a troubled economy has torpedoed sales of some models and others are now ineligible because their parent brands are being canceled.

The Ford F-150 has lost its top ranking in the American-Made Index for the first time since Cars.com began producing the list back in 2006. The new No. 1 is – gasp – the Toyota Camry. Assembled in Georgetown, KY and Lafayette, IN, the Camry’s upswing in domestic parts content helped it barely edge out the F-150, which has seen both its sales and domestic parts content fall year-over-year. Toyota, in fact, had four models make the American-Made Index this year including the Sienna, Tundra and first-timer Venza.

General Motors placed the Chevrolet Malibu, Silverado and GMC Sierra, while Ford had the aforementioned F-150, and list newcomer Ford Taurus, which enjoys the highest domestic parts content of 90 percent. No Chrysler vehicles made the top ten, although one Honda did: the Lincoln, AL Odyssey has an 80 percent domestic parts content rating and thus sewed up the #10 spot. You can view the full list after the jump and visit Cars.com to read more about how the index was produced.

[Source: Cars.com]

The Cars.com American-Made Index

1. Toyota Camry – Georgetown, Ky.; Lafayette, Ind.
2. Ford F-150 – Dearborn, Mich.; Claycomo, Mo.
3. Chevrolet Malibu – Kansas City, Kan.
4. Honda Odyssey – Lincoln, Ala.
5. Chevrolet Silverado 1500 – Fort Wayne, Ind.
6. Toyota Sienna – Princeton, Ind.
7. Toyota Tundra – San Antonio, TX
8. GMC Sierra 1500 – Fort Wayne, Ind.
9. Ford Taurus – Chicago
10. Toyota Venza – Georgetown, Ky.

[Source:Autoblog]

Oh baby. The cat would appear to be out of the bag for the Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2, as what certainly look to be official photos of the newest bull have hit the web. Details are sketchy, but Lamborghini’s naming scheme keeps no secrets. Assuming this is all on the level, expect 550 horsepower from the V10 mounted aft of the cockpit, with that power going to the rear wheels exclusively. The lack of AWD should also result in some weight loss, a welcome addition in any sports car, much less a Lamborghini making this kind of power. And yes, that’s a ball-topped gated shifter in the interior photo featured in the gallery. Glorious. A very serious car for very serious drivers. We’re dying to hear the official details.

[Source:Autoblog]

China’s Sichuan Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machinery, the company that recently surfaced as the top bidder for Hummer, is about to start talks with Chinese regulators to secure the deal. While General Motors has a tentative agreement with Tengzhong, the two companies have yet to receive the state’s blessing, which is necessary for the sale to go through.

Tengzhong, GM and Hummer have been working on a proposal to present to the National Development and Reform Commission, despite speculation that the deal will be blocked by those Chinese officials. Tengzhong reportedly remains optimistic, saying they haven’t heard anything from the authorities and don’t expect to until their proposal is actually submitted.

Speculation that the deal was in jeopardy began when a China National Radio station reported that government regulators would block the deal based on environmental concerns about Hummer vehicles and the fact that Tengzhong doesn’t have much experience as an automaker. Tengzhong is better known as a manufacturer of special-use vehicles, structural components for highways and bridges, construction machinery and energy equipment, so some have suggested this is little more than a publicity stunt for the company, but it certainly sounds like they are serious about the deal now.

[Sources: Reuters, Wall Street Journal]

Four 500s by 2011. That is the latest word out of Italy concerning the adorable Fiat 500. While the Chrysler/Fiat merger chugs along, the tiny 500 is the only model that has been officially greenlighted for American consumption under the Fiat banner. To make up for that dearth of models, Fiat will apparently offer the 500 in four different flavors when it reaches these shores: hatchback, convertible, station wagon and sporty hatchback. There’s also an outside chance of a micro-CUV according to this Automotive News piece.

The “sporty hatchback” will be the Abarth, Europe’s 2008 Car of the Year. Chrysler/Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne calls it “our iPod.” Wonder if it’s too late for some co-branding. While it might seem that a sporty wagon and sporty drop-top would be fairly easy to slot into the mix (Abarth Giardiniera SS Corsa, FTW!), we’ll have to make due with those four iterations for the time being. The 500 family should be in U.S. dealerships by the first half of 2011. The American-market cars will likely be produced at a Chrysler plant in the United States or in Toluca, Mexico, but there’s no official word on U.S. pricing yet.

[Source:Autoblog]

While lucky Brits are already capable of walking into a Lotus dealership and driving off with a new midsize Evora of their very own, Americans still have to wait a bit longer. We’ve already shown you the 2010 Lotus Evora that was at the L.A. Auto Show, and we’ve given you info on the specs and options. We’ve even confirmed U.S. details for the most important numbers.

Although an official release date hasn’t been confirmed yet, we have heard that the magic moment will arrive early next year. Whether the Evora gets labeled as a 2010 or 2011 model remains up in the air, but we do know a lot of other info about this all-new model crafted by the magicians in Hethel. What we haven’t had until now are some real-world photos. That all changed over the weekend when a couple of test engineers stopped by for a spell at our favorite weekly Southern California car meet, Cars and Coffee. Read the rest of our first impression after the jump, and don’t forget to check out the gallery as well.

Two 2010 Lotus Evora evaluators that were in the area for some last-minute testing were parked amidst the hundreds of other sports cars, muscle cars, race cars and hot rods in Irvine this Saturday morning. Parked next to an original Lotus Elan, the cars looked big, but if you glanced up at the Noble and Rossion parked butt-to-butt with them in the next row, you saw near mirror images. The Evora looks a lot bigger than an Elise or Exige – because it is. Some may complain that Lotus has gone soft because of how large and relatively heavy these cars are, but that impression melts away when you see them in person. They aren’t large cars by any means, they appear to be about the size of a Porsche Cayman.

The Evora cuts a very provocative shape that had left bystanders oohing and ahhing. While the red hue made the most of the car’s creases and curves, the black example could have been mistaken for a Ferrari F430, though more than one person mentioned Acura’s NSX while we were admiring the cars. Apparently, one reviewer has already pointed out that this Lotus doesn’t have any clear advantage over the decades old super-Honda. Similar weight (3,000 pounds), horsepower (276), and proportions make the comparison a fair one, but know that this car will likely retail for around $75,000, much less than the dearly-departed NSX. And here’s the clincher: the Lotus has a backseat.

That might not seem like a big deal, but it does make a difference for insurance rates and for people who need a little extra room from time to time. We can confirm that the interior is fully capable of swallowing two real adult males, and the backseat is about as abysmal as you’d imagine, but motivated people can fit back there. Really. The one interior shot of the instrument cluster was taken from that very backseat. We’ll keep you posted as we get more info about this new offering from Lotus, but for now, check out our high-res gallery.

[Source:Autoblog]

With a nod to our current global economic and environmental issues, super GT maker Aston Martin has reportedly announced the world’s first super luxury supermini. Having blown their development budget on the V12 Vantage RS, Rapide and One-77 hypercar, they turned to an unlikely partner for some help: Toyota. Aston Martin has taken the Toyota iQ 3+1 commuter and given it a tailored suit from Saville Row. The result is the new Aston Martin Cygnet you see above. In case you’re wondering, a “cygnet” is a baby swan, not to be confused with an ugly duckling.

Although technically just a concept, word has it that the vehicle will be put into limited production and sold exclusively to existing Aston Martin owners, at least initially. There’s a full press release after the jump, but the Cygnet should sell for around £20,000 (around $33k USD) when it goes on sale late next year. The car will retain the iQ’s unique 3+1 seating but will be tailored to the individual customer’s needs when it is assembled in Gaydon. Think of it as a move to “1-down” BMW’s MINI brand. We only have the one photo for now, but from what we can see it doesn’t look as unfortunate as we might have expected with Aston’s distinctive grille, hood cutouts, side vents, and of course, the winged badge. Still, you have to wonder what this sort of thing might do to the Engish company’s brand equity, no? Follow the jump for the presser. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

Press Release:

New Aston Martin “Cygnet” inspired by Toyota’s iQ
Collaboration marks critical step in plans to expand ‘iQ world’

Toyota’s revolutionary iQ platform is about to reset traditional thinking, with plans that the world’s
smallest four-seater will serve as the basis for a new luxury commuter car to be exclusively built for and
sold to Aston Martin owners. Toyota Motor Europe (TME) today announced that the new “Cygnet” would
pair Aston Martin’s trademark design flair with the Toyota iQ’s highly compact and low-CO2 city driving
package. The commuter car will be tailored specifically to customer requirements at Aston Martin’s
global headquarters in Gaydon, the United Kingdom.

‘It’s a great compliment that the Toyota iQ has been hand-picked by one of the world’s most prestigious sports
car brands, a company with whom we also share a strong friendship. This collaboration represents a natural
pairing of strategies: a small yet spacious package, perfect for the city driver, finished off with Aston Martin’s
iconic design language,’ said Tadashi Arashima, CEO and President of TME. ‘The Cygnet is a good choice for
the Aston Martin owner looking for that second or third car, which is luxurious and eco-conscious,’ he added.

Although radically different in size and customer base, Aston Martin and Toyota are united in their corporate
philosophies of delivering superior quality, engineering excellence and innovative technology. The collaboration
is also fortunate to benefit from a strong relationship underlined by a passion for cars.

The Toyota iQ is considered a breakthrough in intelligent design. Less than three metres in length, its flexible
package can accommodate up to four people, providing owners with a new dimension of versatility. Featuring a
range of design innovations – such as its flat under-floor fuel tank and asymmetric dashboard – the iQ is
positioned as the “no compromise choice” with CO2 emissions starting as low as 99 g/km. It also offers
outstanding levels of passive and active safety equipment resulting in a Euro NCAP 5-star rating.

Despite tough market conditions for the automotive industry, the Toyota iQ has proved appealing to a wide
variety of city drivers with a taste for style, driving performance and low CO2. The Toyota iQ made its European
sales debut in January 2009. It continues to perform in line with expectation, with over 25,000 units sold to-date.

The planned collaboration with Aston Martin is a timely endorsement of the iQ’s superior packaging. The
announcement marks a critical step in Toyota’s longer-term planning to expand the ‘iQ world’ – that is, to bring
new versions of the Toyota iQ to market globally and expand the company’s eco-friendly line-up.

[Source:Autoblog]

Coinciding with the 35th Annual Ford and Team Shelby Nationals in Tulsa, OK, Shelby Automobiles has released a barrage of new models including a 2010 version of the GT500 Super Snake (above). Most of the models are based on the previous generation Mustang, either the Mustang GT, Shelby GT or GT500 that current owners can bring to Shelby to be modified.
First up is the Shelby GT/SC, basically a Shelby GT with a supercharger, upgraded brakes and triple gauges on the dash. Next is the Shelby GT/SR (right), which is essentially a GT/SC model fitted with additional equipment for racing like BFGoodrich R compound tires, a one-piece aluminum driveshaft, front brake duct kit and an adjustable suspension.

If you want to Shelbify your regular Mustang GT, you can opt for the SuperCharged package that includes a supercharger, upgrades brakes, suspension and exhaust, 18-inch tires and more. You can also spec out your Mustang to SR spec, which adds similar upgrades to the GT/SR model.

Have a GT500 that needs more Shelby stuff on it? You can now go with the GT500SE (Special Edition) package that includes a carbon fiber front splitter, rocker panels and hood grille inserts, Ford Racing suspension, Borla exhaust, 20-inch wheels and tires, and more. And what if your GT500 is a 2010 model? Well, Shelby is now offering their Super Snake package for the latest GT500 that, among other things, offers a 725-horsepower supercharger upgrade.

Overwhelmed? So are we, but follow the jump to dig through all the upgrades and information for each vehicle.
[Source: Shelby]

Shelby GT/SR:

• Supercharger standard finish (up to 550 HP finish options available at extra cost)
• 4 wheel Baer 6 piston extreme brake upgrade
• Shelby grille with letters
• Engine cap set
• Stripe designation
• Shelby gauge pod
• Autometer signature series gauges
• Serialized dash and engine bay plaque *
• Specific 18×9 Aluminum Wheels with “Branded” center caps
• BFG “R” compound DOT legal 275/35/18 tires
• Functional Deep Draw hood
• 1″ lower front ball joints
• Bump Steer kit
• Caster Camber kit
• Upgraded front lower control arm bushings
• Rear upper and lower control arms and upper control arm bracket
• One piece 3.5″ aluminum drive shaft
• Watts link rear suspension
• Shelby Performance cooling package (not available for Paxton SC intercooler only)
• Front brake duct kit
• Shelby GT/SR Floor Mats
• Shelby GT/SC authenticity certificate

Pricing:
$31,499
Package price reflects Shelby/Kenne Bell, Black finish Supercharger. Shelby/Ford Racing Whipple, Black finish Supercharger $1,300 additional. Pricing does not include tax, fluids or dispoal fees.

Available options:
• Track tuning additional $750
• Performance clutch
• Eibach Pro-2 coil over shocks, struts and sway bar kit
• Borla exhaust
• 3:73 Gear Set
• 6 point race ready roll cage
• Sequential tail lights
• Rear quarter window covers
• Shelby front chin spoiler
• Shelby/Kicker stereo upgrade system
• Shelby performance cooling system upgrade (Ford Racing and Kenne Bell only)
• Two-tone interior upgrade kit with Shelby S/R designation
• Custom console cover upgrade with Shelby S/R designation
• BFG 275/35/18 street tire package

Notes:
Any Shelby GT or GT/SC owner choosing the Shelby GT SR option will receive an “owner appreciation” discount of 10% off of the pre-tax package price.

Shelby GT/SC:

• Supercharger standard finish (up to 550 HP, finish options available at extra cost)
• 4 wheel brake upgrade package (consisting of)
• Baer Drilled and Slotted rotors
• Baer Brake Pads
• Stainless Steel front and rear brake line kit
• Shelby Gauge Pod
• Autometer Shelby Signature Series Gauges
• Stripe designation (Shelby GT/SC)
• “Factory Supercharged” engine bay plaque and authenticity certificate

Pricing:
• Shelby/Ford Racing Whipple SC Black: $12,725
• Shelby/Ford Racing Whipple SC Polished: $12,999
• Shelby/Kenne Bell Black: $10,899
• Shelby/Kenne Bell Polished: $11,599
(Pricing does not include tax, fluids or disposal fees).

Notes:
This package is specifically targeted at the Shelby GT and Shelby GT-H owner. Current owners who place a reservation deposit prior to December 31, 2009 are eligible for an owner appreciation discount of 10% on the package price.

Shelby GT500SE:

Badged as the Shelby GT 500 SE this will be a “Special Edition” package installed at Shelby Automobile’s and authorized Modification Centers. It will be limited to 500 per model year. All GT500SE’s include a certificate of authenticity.
The Shelby GT500SE consists of the following:

Exterior: (vehicle retains current Factory Striping)
• Carbon fiber front fascia splitter
• Carbon fiber rocker panels
• Body colored mirror covers
• Carbon fiber hood grille inserts
• Deck lid SHELBY letter kit
• GT 500 SE designation on lower front fender
• Sequential tail lights
• Front brake duct kit
• Rear brake duct kit
• GT 500 SE faux gas cap

Interior:
• CSM consecutively numbered plaque in center of dash
• CSM consecutively numbered engine compartment plaque
• GT 500 SE door sill plate with CSM consecutive number
• Light bar with solenoid activated brake light system (convertible)
• GT 500 SE embroidered front floor and trunk mats
• Aesthetic engine cap kit with billet oil stick handle and fluid caps
• Center gauge cluster with Autometer Shelby Signature gauges (Boost, Oil and fuel pressure)
• Aluminum Shelby map light accent
• Satin door lock knobs
• GT 500 SE embroidered console cover
• GT 500 SE embroidered head rest covers

Performance:
• Borla exhaust system
• Ford Racing performance suspension
• 20″x9″ Carroll Shelby Wheel Company CS 56 wheels (choice of insert colors, Silver, Black, Chrome (additional cost)
• Pirelli P-zero Tires 255/35 ZR20 (front) and 275/35 ZR20 (rear)

Pricing: Coupe $14,999 Convertible $15,999
(Prices do not reflect applicable sales tax)

Options:
• Kenne Bell 725 HP Supercharger
• Ford Racing 630 HP Supercharger
• Shelby Performance Cooling package
• Two tone interior upgrade package
• Shelby/Kicker Sound System package
• Bear 6 piston Extreme front and rear brake upgrade kit

Notes:
Owners choosing to place a reservation before December 31, 2009 will receive a package discount of 10%.

Shelby SuperCharged (SC) & SR:

• Supercharger standard finish (up to 550 HP finish options available at extra cost)
• Short throw shifter
• Shelby Pro-Plus 4 wheel brake system
• Performance Suspension
• Borla dual exhaust
• Shelby chrome bar grille (Shelby Grille with letters and driving lights, SR only)
• Engine cap set
• Shelby Gauge Pod
• Autometer Shelby Signature Series Gauges
• Stripe designation
• Serialized dash and engine bay plaque
• Specific 18×9 Aluminum Wheels with “Branded” center caps
• BFG “R” compound DOT legal 275/35/18 tires
• Shelby Functional Deep Draw hood
• Hood pin kit
• Shelby rear deck lid letters
• Shelby Supercharged Floor Mats

Pricing:
Base Package Price: $19,599
Shelby SR Package Price: $31,499

(Pricing reflects Shelby/Kenne Bell, Black finished Supercharger. Shelby/Ford Racing Whipple, Black finish Supercharger $1,300 additional)

Available options:
• Shelby GT-H Front Fascia
• Shelby Rear Fascia
• Front and Rear Brake Ducts*
• Performance clutch
• Caster Camber Plates*
• One Piece 3.5″ diameter aluminum drive shaft*
• Eibach Pro-2 Coil-Over Shocks and Struts*
• Eibach Pro Sway Bar Kit*
• Baer 6-Piston Extreme Front and Rear Brake Kit*
• 1″ drop Lower Ball Joints*
• Bump Steer Kit*
• Upgraded Lower Control Arm Bushings*
• 6-point Roll Cage
• 3:73 Rear Gear*
• Watts Link Rear Suspension*
• Sequential Taillights
• Rear quarter window covers*
• Shelby front chin spoiler
• Shelby/Kicker stereo upgrade system
• Shelby performance cooling system upgrade (Ford Racing and Kenne Bell only)
• Two-tone interior upgrade kit with Shelby S/R designation
• Custom console cover upgrade with Shelby S/R designation
• Goodyear F1 Supercar 18″ street tire package
* Included with SR.

2010 Shelby GT500 Super Snake:

In 2010 Shelby Automobiles continues to bring you the Shelby GT500 Super Snake package for your existing Shelby GT500. The upgrade will offer several performance options in excess of 700 horsepower and sleek looks only Shelby can bring you based on Ford’s exciting new GT500 design. This package is limited in volume.

Package Price: $29, 495 (630 HP), $33, 495 (700+ HP)

Standard Features:
• Shelby/Ford Racing Whipple 630 HP supercharger
• Shelby/Super Snake hood with pins
• Carbon fiber body components
• SHELBY deck lid letter kit
• Super Snake badging (front grille and front fenders)
• Sequential tail lights
• Shelby Super Snake striping
• Front and rear brake duct kit
• Quarter window scoops or block-offs
• CSM consecutively numbered dash plaque and engine plate
• Shelby Super Snake door sill plates
• Light bar with third brake light (convertible)
• Shelby/Baer 6-piston caliper front brake system and rear rotors
• Borla cat-back exhaust system
• Shelby/Ford Racing suspension w/ adjustable damper
• Short-throw shifter
• Cold air intake system
• Custom drive shaft (700+ horsepower package)
• 3.73:1 differential
• 20″ Shelby/Alcoa Super Snake wheels and Pirelli P-Zero tires
• Shelby three piece floor mat set
• Aesthetic engine kit with billet fluid caps and dip stick handle
• Center gauge cluster with Autometer Carroll Shelby signature carbon fiber faced gauges
• Aluminum Shelby map light accent and satin door lock knobs
• Shelby embroidered headrest
• Center console with Shelby logo

Options:
• Shelby/Ford Racing Whipple 700+ HP supercharger
• Shelby/Kenne Bell 725 HP supercharger (black or polished)
• Shelby/Baer 6-piston caliper rear brake system
• Shelby/Eibach adjustable coilover suspension
• Shelby/Eibach sway bars
• White ball billet short-throw shifter
• Shelby/Kicker stereo upgrade
• Shelby performance cooling package
• Two-tone leather interior upgrade
• Two-tone leather console cover
• Perforated leather seat inserts
• Shelby Super Snake faux rear gas cap

[Source:Autoblog]

Following weeks of speculation, General Motors finally made its decision official this afternoon. Its new small cars will be built in Michigan with final assembly taking place at the Lake Orion plant with stampings coming from the nearby Pontiac Metal Center. As a result of the decision, 1,400 jobs will be preserved in hard-hit Michigan.

The Lake Orion factory was due to be idled in September, when production of the Pontiac G6 ends there. Instead it will be re-tooled to build a new small car that has not yet been announced. The plant will be specified as a B/C plant, meaning it will have flexibility to build both B and C segment cars. The first will be a B car, which will replace the Aveo and may be called the Viva. The plant will also be able to build C cars like the new Cruze and possibly a Buick version of the Opel Astra. The Viva would be a B-segment car similar in size to the new Ford Fiesta. Powertrain components will also be sourced from GM’s North American operations although no specifics have been announced yet. GM emphasized that this is the first car of this size to be built in the United States from any major automaker.
[Source: General Motors]

PRESS RELEASE

Michigan Plants Will Build GM’s Future Small Car

UAW, state & local government support, and GM’s efficient, flexible manufacturing operations make competitive, profitable small car in U.S. possible

1,400 total jobs to be saved

DETROIT — General Motors selected its assembly plant in Orion Township, Mich. and stamping facility in Pontiac, Mich., to build its future small car, which will add to the automaker’s growing portfolio of U.S.-built, highly fuel-efficient cars, including the Chevrolet Cruze and Volt. Today’s announcement will restore approximately 1,400 jobs in total — 1,200 at Orion Assembly and 200 at Pontiac Metal Center, Building # 14.

This decision is dependent on the successful outcome of ongoing economic incentive negotiations between GM and state and local government officials.

“Small cars represent one of the fastest-growing segments in both the U.S. and around the world,” said Troy Clarke, president of General Motors North America. ” GM will be the only automaker, foreign or domestic, to build small cars in the U.S . , and we believe Orion Assembly and Pontiac Stamping are well suited to deliver a high-quality, fuel-efficient car that competes with anything in the marketplace.”

A selection team comprised of leaders from several of GM’s functional areas, including manufacturing, labor relations and finance, made the final decision based on a specific set of criteria. Orion Assembly will be retooled and is anticipated to be a two-shift operation, building 160,000 cars annually - a combination of both small and compact vehicles.

“This is great news for our members at UAW Local 5960, Oakland County, and the State of Michigan, and shows the world the UAW can compete in the most competitive segment of the automotive industry,” said Cal Rapson, UAW Vice President and Director, UAW-GM Department. “My heart also goes out to our UAW members in Janesville, Wisc., and Spring Hill, Tenn. Our work will not be complete until all of our members displaced by the shrinking auto industry are returned to work. With today’s announcement, we can begin to restore hope that the worst of the times are behind us.”

Gary Cowger, Group Vice President of GM Global Manufacturing & Labor Relations added: “I would like to personally thank all of the key stakeholders involved in the review process, including state and local government officials. This vehicle segment is one of the toughest and most competitive in the world but with our recently modified agreement with the UAW and GM’s proven capability in efficient, flexible manufacturing, it is now possible for GM to produce these size vehicles in the U.S. in a cost-competitive and profitable way.”

As announced on June 1, Orion Assembly will be placed into standby capacity status in Sept. 2009. Pontiac Metal Center ’s Building #14 will be placed into standby capacity status in Dec. 2010. Pontiac Metal’s buildings #15 and #25 will close by Dec. 2010, or sooner depending on market demand. Timing for the retooling of the small car assembly and stamping plants is still under study, but we anticipate this prep work would begin in late 2010 in anticipation of the start of production in 2011.

Two other GM assembly plants in Spring Hill, Tenn. and Janesville, Wis. were also under consideration to build the future small car. Spring Hill will be placed in standby capacity status in Nov. 2009, as announced earlier this month. The plant could be brought online at some point in the future should GM require additional capacity due to increased market demand. Janesville was placed on standby capacity in May 2009 and will remain in that status.

GM already has a strong manufacturing presence in the United States. Currently, about 67 percent of GM cars and trucks sold in the United States are built there. With this announcement, GM anticipates that U.S. production levels will increase beyond 70 percent by 2013, augmenting its already industry-leading U.S. manufacturing footprint of by far more plants than any other OEM.

General Motors Corp., one of the world’s largest automakers, was founded in 1908, and today manufactures cars and trucks in 34 countries. With its global headquarters in Detroit, GM employs 235,000 people in every major region of the world, and sells and services vehicles in some 140 countries. In 2008, GM sold 8.35 million cars and trucks globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, Hummer, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM’s largest national market is the United States, followed by China, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Canada, Russia and Germany. GM’s OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.

[Source:Autoblog]

India’s Tata Motors has reported a net loss of $520 million (25.05 billion rupees) for the fiscal year ending in March of 2009. Over the same period one year earlier, Tata managed to earn 21.68 billion rupees in profit. What gives? Naturally, the global economic meltdown didn’t do the automaker any favors, but the main problem can be sourced back to the poor performance of Jaguar and Land Rover, which the Indian automaker purchased from Ford last year with the help of a $3 billion bridge loan.

The fact that Jaguar Land Rover accounted for $504 million of that $520 million total loss means that more job cuts and plant shutdowns are in store for the ailing British duo. Says Tata Vice Chairman Ravi Kant:

We have sent people on sabbatical, gone for cheaper low-cost country sourcing and tight control in cash flows, and are assisting JLR (Jaguar Land Rover) for a major belt tightening.

Earlier this month, it was reported that Tata was in search of some £1 billion ($1.5B) in cash and underwriting help to pump into the JLR operations.

[Source:Autoblog]

t’s not much of a shock to find an automotive mash-up on eBay Motors. However, it’s rare that one of those Frankencars is a combination of one vintage Italian exotic with an even rarer and more exotic body on top, all assembled by the genius responsible for much of the hardware in the first place.

Initially intended to be a Bizzarrini GT America, this striking red coupe has been assembled on top of a Lamborghini 400GT chassis carrying the very V12 Giotto Bizzarrini designed for the marque of the bull before striking out on his own. It’s more than the melding of one man’s portfolio of work, the seller says it’s a true Bizzarini because the car was actually finished in Livorno, Italy by Giancarlo Reali, former coachwork chief for the Bizzarrini operation.

While the car is in need of some elbow grease to render it fully stunning, that doesn’t make it a bargain at a $250,000 starting bid. Given that this car seems to have actual pedigree that’s sorely lacking from most of the stock offered on eBay, that price may not be as outlandish as it first seems for a one-off put together from 40-year-old leftover parts.

[Source:Autoblog]