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All 200 examples of the drop-dead beautiful Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe are now booked. Yours, if ordered today, will only be delivered to you in the spring of 2009. RR Chairman and CEO, former BMW South Africa CEO Ian Robertson, says two out of three sales of the Phantom Coupe are by people who don’t currently own a Rolls. “It means we’re beginning to appeal to a broader audience,” he said. Dare we say even a younger, less high-nosed audience? It is only a matter of time before we see it on MTV Cribs with fat 22-inch chrome rims.

Rolls Royce has been on a serious comeback trail since the Phantom came into power. Last year they saw over 1,000 units shipped for the first time, signaling the proper return of the RR brand to the fore for the first time since the Germans took over.

Under no illusions as to the whereabouts of the market for the Phantom Coupe, Robertson said the car is a sportier Rolls Royce, but it is still very clearly not a sports car. But is it a Bentley GT beater?

Purring under the long bonnet is the traditional 6.75-litre RR V12 that produces 453 hp/ 337kW and 720Nm of torque. Phantom Coupe is thus able to move from 0 – 100km/h in 5.6 seconds, topping off at 250km/h.

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The extremely limited run of 151 Roush P-51A Mustangs sold out within 24 hours of its introduction, but you've got one last chance to pick up the most powerful ponycar that Roush has ever produced. Roush Performance plans to auction car number 151, the last of the 2008 production run, at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event in West Palm Beach, Florida on Saturday, March 29. The auction will take place live on the SPEED Channel, and proceeds will go to the Salute to Education Scholarship charity.

In case you missed it the first time, the P-51A is a monster modified Mustang that takes its inspiration in part from the World War II P-51 fighter plane. Major modifications to the completely rebuilt 4.6 liter V8 include a forged eight-bolt crank, forged aluminum pistons that lower compression from 9:8 to 8:6, a custom upper and lower intake manifold, custom Roush fuel rail with high-flow fuel injectors, a dual electronic throttle body, and the latest ROUSHcharger supercharger with intercooler. It's all good for 510 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, and all of that even comes with a 3 year/36,000 mile warranty, something many tuner cars don't boast.

The P-51A's paint scheme is inspired by the WWII fighter, with steel gray panels accented with the yellow and red colors used by the 357th Fighters Group, Eighth Air Force ETO (European Theater Operations), one of the most successful American aerial combat groups.



Press Release

ROUSH® Performance, in partnership with the Ford Motor Company, is going to put the very last production 2008 ROUSH P-51A™ Mustang under the gavel and spotlights of the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event at West Palm Beach, Fla. This car, number 151 in a limited production run of 151, will be sold on Saturday, March 29 with proceeds going to the Salute to Education Scholarship charity.
“Number 151 is a pretty significant car for ROUSH considering the total inventory of ROUSH P-51A Mustangs basically sold out within 24 hours when the dealer order banks were opened up,” said Joe Thompson, general manager of ROUSH Performance. “Whoever ends up with this car will truly acquire a part of ROUSH history.”
Jack Roush, the motorsports legend, NASCAR team owner, and aviation enthusiast who owns and flies his own World War II P-51 fighter planes, will be in attendance personally overseeing the bidding on the highest horsepower Mustang that ROUSH Performance has every built. He is flying in from the NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Matinsville (Va.) Speedway specifically for the auction.
Shown in the Barrett-Jackson catalog as lot number 667, the ROUSH P-51A is expected to be seen going under the gavel live during the SPEED Channel television broadcast that evening.
“It is for a very worthwhile cause that we are putting up this ROUSH P-51A Mustang,” said Jack Roush. “I am proud of the work that the ROUSH engineers put into the development, I am proud of the finished vehicle, and I am proud that we can help to support the Salute to Education with the proceeds from the auction.”
The ROUSH P-51A is easily the highest horsepower Mustang that the company has ever produced, and represents the first time that internal engine components have been upgraded by ROUSH technicians in their Livonia, Mich., facility. The stock Ford 4.6L, 3V engine sees a rebuild of several of the functional internal components, including a forged steel eight-bolt crankshaft, forged aluminum pistons with increased dish to lower the compression from 9:8 to 8:6, and forged steel H-Beam connecting rods. These upgraded parts were necessary for the stock Ford engine (which comes with 300 horsepower from the factory) to be able to withstand the additional power generated from the newest iteration of the legendary ROUSHcharger™ supercharger system.
Additional alterations include a custom aluminum upper and lower intake manifold for the high capacity air-to-water intercooler and ROUSHcharger. ROUSH installs a custom fuel rail and high-flow fuel injectors, a high-flow capacity fuel system, as well as a dual electronic throttle body. The new ROUSH P-51A engine has a rating of 510 horsepower and 510 lb.-ft. torque. As with all ROUSH vehicles, the P-51A has an industry-leading 3 year/36,000 mile warranty.
As an interesting side note, the yellow and red accent colors on the vehicle come from those used by the 357th Fighters Group, Eighth Air Force ETO (European Theater Operations) who were unofficially known as “The Yoxford Boys” after a village near their base. Its victory totals in air-to-air combat are the most of any P-51 group in the Eighth Air Force and third among all groups fighting in Europe. The 357th flew 313 combat missions between February 11, 1944 and April 25, 1945 and is officially credited by the US Air Force with having destroyed 595.5 German airplanes in the air and 106.5 on the ground. Pilots in this group included Captain Clarence E. “Bud” Anderson who flew a P-51 named “Old Crow.” One of Roush’s personal P-51 fighters is painted as a replica of this airplane.
The Salute to Education Scholarship is awarded to high school seniors who demonstrate community service, academic achievement, leadership and strong educational and career goals. Ford Motor Company, participating Ford and Lincoln Mercury dealers, and Ford Motor Credit fund the program
which has helped thousands of students realize their dream for a college or university education.
Participating Ford and Lincoln Mercury dealers and Ford Motor Company have distributed more than $11 million in scholarships and educational grants in communities in Texas, California and Florida.
“Ford and the South Florida Ford Dealers are excited to partner with ROUSH Performance on this auction to benefit the Ford Salute to Education Scholarship Program. The P-51A Mustang is a real show stopper and will generate huge excitement at Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach bringing substantial money to the scholarship fund,” explained Kevin Giacomini, regional sales manager of Ford, Lincoln Mercury Sales Operations Orlando Region.

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Volvo’s XC70 press release reads “Safe, stunning and smart”. Wind the clock back 20 years and this series of adjectives would be flawed if used to describe a Volvo product from that era. ”Safe”, definitely, Volvo has long been a byword for safety. ”Smart”, yes, Volvo owners were always considered to be somewhat reserved but prudent. “Stunning”, whoa, steady on there. Even back in the days when a Ford Escort XR3i was considered stylish if not stunning, Volvo’s core objective was to produce safe, reliable transport and style constituted a set of optional alloys if you were lucky.

That day has long passed. Volvo have realised long ago that their products needed sex appeal to increase sales, and with this in mind Volvo have transformed into one of the most stylish car producers on the planet. Volvo’s new XC60 definitely carries on this philosophy. Described by Volvo as “Small Premium Utility” The XC60 design appears to be influence much more by its big brother XC90 in that it is a ground up crossover design. As a result it adopts a much more cohesive look than the Station-wagon/Estate based XC70.

Not resting on their safety laurels, Volvo are using the XC60 to introduce their new “City Safety” system which is said to help driver’s avoid common low speed city collisions, such as in traffic jams or tail backs. Essentially the car will brake itself if it detects that a collision is imminent. As a result of this feature, Volvo believes that the new XC60 is their safest car to date, praise indeed.

Three engines will be available at launch. A turbocharged 285hp T6 engine will be the performance choice followed by two 2.4L I5 diesels, one rated at 163hp and the other at 185hp. AWD (All Wheel Drive) is standard throughout the range but Volvo have committed to launching a front wheel drive diesel model capable of a 170g/km of CO2 by 2009.

Press Release

Safe, stunning and smart – the new Volvo XC60
has what the crossover customer dreams about

The new Volvo XC60 is stepping boldly into what is currently the automotive world’s fastest-growing segment – dressed in a thrilling blend of muscular XC capability and the sporty charisma of a coupe.
“This is not only the safest Volvo ever. If you ask me, it’s also the most stunning.
Not a bad combination, is it?” says Volvo Cars President and CEO Fredrik Arp.
The new XC60 has its premiere showing at the international car show in Geneva
in March, with the first cars reaching dealers in Europe in autumn 2008.

The “Small Premium Utility” segment is growing quickly. Within the next few years, buyers will have at least ten crossover models to choose between. By 2009, this segment is expected to expand by 75 percent to 443,000 cars.
“In order to succeed in that kind of competition, you have to stick your chin out and create a car that stands out from the crowd. The new XC60 bases its unique appeal on the synthesis between daringly sporty design and a range of intelligent safety systems that help the driver avoid accidents,” explains Fredrik Arp.
The big safety news is City Safety – a unique feature that can help the driver avoid or reduce the effects of the type of low-speed impacts that are common in city traffic and traffic tailbacks. If the car is about to drive into the vehicle in front and the driver does not react, the car brakes itself.
“We are first manufacturer in the world to offer this type of feature as standard. City Safety clearly advertises that the new XC60 is the safest car Volvo has ever produced. The car is packed with our accumulated safety know-how and technology, both when it comes to preventing accidents and protecting all the occupants in a collision,” says Fredrik Arp.


Six-cylinder turbo – and two turbo diesels
The new XC60 will initially be available with the six-cylinder turbocharged T6 engine producing 285 horsepower and two five-cylinder turbodiesels: the D5 producing 185 and the 2.4D with 163 horsepower. All Wheel Drive (AWD) with Instant Traction is fitted as standard on all variants.
“Owing to its compact dimensions – the XC60 is 20 cm shorter than the XC70 and lower than the XC90 – it continues our range of slimmed-down car models with high energy efficiency. During 2009, we will offer a front-wheel driven 2.4-litre version powered by a Euro 5 diesel engine producing 163 horsepower and with a CO2 target around 170 g/km,” reveals Fredrik Arp.
The chassis setting is aggressively sporty without losing anything in terms of comfort. Sitting behind the wheel of the new XC60 is in other words more of a driving experience, while the larger Volvo XC90 focuses more on providing a ride experience.

Target group with high demands on technology
The XC60 project has its sights set on a target group that imposes high demands on design, brand integrity and high-tech content in its choice of lifestyle products.
Tongue in cheek, one might say that it’s all about consumers who’ve grown up with the microchip as a natural supplement to their breakfast cereal. They’re used to the immensely fast pace of development in the world of electronics – and every succeeding birthday has brought with it increased capacity in ever-shrinking gift packages.
When it comes to the choice of car, these consumers adopt the same view as they do for other lifecycle products, that is to say all the properties should preferably be integrated into one single attractive and intelligent package.
“One might say that this could be the C30 owner’s next car. It’s as sporty and exciting, but way more capable. An all-round car for the person who lives single in the city and for the young family taking the kids for a weekend of fun and adventure,” relates Fredrik Arp. He adds:
“We’re aiming primarily at lifestyle rather than age. With the XC60 we are broadening our model range to attract even more customers with an active urban lifestyle. Like the Volvo C30, the XC60 plays an important role in our planned volume expansion strategy.”

Equal allocation to Europe and North America
The sales target for the new XC60 is over 50,000 cars per year. Distribution between Europe and North America is unusually uniform: about 40 percent each. The remaining 20 percent is destined for the rest of the world.
The five largest markets during peak year 2010 will be the USA, Germany, Great Britain, Russia and China.
“This car has a natural appeal in North America. Here in Europe it is the sporty personality in combination with the compact format that attracts new buyers, primarily women. The XC60 offers a feeling of space even though it is about 20 centimetres shorter than the XC70,” explains Fredrik Arp, and adds:
“The fact that both China and Russia are among the five largest XC60 markets is proof that these growing markets are now beginning to be really large. Both markets will now advance even higher up the sales league in the future.”
The Volvo XC60 will be built at the Volvo Cars factory in Ghent, Belgium. Sales will start in Europe during the second half of 2008, while sales in North America will get under way in early 2009.

For more information, please contact Maria Bohlin, mbohlin1@volvocars.com,
phone +46 (0)31-59 65 25.


Descriptions and facts in this press material relate to Volvo Cars’ international car range. Described features might be optional.
Vehicle specifications may vary from one country to another and may be altered without prior notification
Source: Volvo




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Unveiled in fiery Passion Red finish and scheduled to debut at Detroit next week, this is an XC90 designed specifically for the more discerning consumer. Volvo R-Design is a new concept in refinement, first seen on V70, XC70 and S80 models, giving customers the higher levels of customisation now so prevalent in the industry. The new product line is seen by the firm to highlight their increasing focus on making their cars 'more extrovert and emotional' - and that it does.

Based on
the XC90 Sport model, namely utilising its sport chassis, the R-Design version also pinches silk matt finish details, brushed steel sill mouldings and stylish blue-lit metal watch-style instrument dial faces. But exclusive to R-Design are 19-inch or optional 20-inch alloys, dual exhaust pipes and rear view mirror caps in a silk matt finish.

Further accentuating a more sporty vehicle is the removal of roof rails, which move to the options list. Exclusive R-Design badges stress the upgrade, splattering badging on the grille, on backrests and on the leather-trim steering wheel. Additional accents in the cabin include the perforated leather sports seats and contrasting cream-coloured strip on off-black Flex-Tec upholstery. An aluminium centre stack and door inlays provide a refined trim.

Press Release

Volvo’s new sports inspired R-Design package is now available on the Volvo XC90 and is given its first public appearance at the North American International Auto Show this month. Already a popular specification on the Volvo C30, S40 and V50 models the R-Design package is made for customers who want a car with refined and expressive attributes and one which makes a bold statement on the road.

The R-Design package for the Volvo XC90 is an extension of the XC90 Sport model that was introduced in late 2006 and maintains many of the same prominent features such as Sport chassis, details in silk matt finish, sill mouldings in brushed stainless steel and instrument dials with metal chronograph watch-style faces and blue lighting.

However, R-Design brings a whole new expressive dimension with 19-inch alloy wheels as standard with an option to upgrade to 20-inch, dual exhaust pipes, skid-plate, the R-Design badge in the grille and rear view mirror caps in silk matt finish. To further accentuate the sporty nature and to create a sleeker appearance, the car is not fitted with roof rails, although these are still available as an option.

Inside the car, the seats are covered in off-black Flex-Tec with the seat cushion and backrest in contrasting cream-coloured leather; the perforated leather and sports seats with additional lateral cushioning support the driver even in faster cornering. The R-Design logo embossed on the backrest and the contrasting stitching reinforce the interior’s sporty appearance. Other R-Design interior details include the leather-trim steering wheel with its R-Design logo, aluminium pedals, specially designed aluminium centre stack and door inlays, gear selector and tufted dark sport floor mats with contrasting leather piping.

“R-Design is entirely in line with the accelerated focus on making our cars more extrovert and emotional. It gives the buyers the opportunity to spice up the already distinct personality of these car models,” says Steve Mattin, Senior Vice President and Design Director at Volvo Cars.




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Volvo has unveiled plans for this year’s Ocean Race special edition trim package which will be available on the V70, XC70 and XC90.

Unlike previous years where the special editions were only available with an Ocean Blue exterior, the new versions will also be offered in Electric Silver. All models have wheels with an ocean wave inspired design and an exterior featuring new chrome details.

The interiors have several nautical inspired items including seat stitching which draws inspiration from sail production and aluminum floor mat anchors which resemble clews. Featuring comfortable leather seats and an interior decorated with aluminum trim, owners won’t have to worry about getting sea sick.

The new Volvo Ocean Race special editions will reach dealerships in June.

Press Release

Volvo Cars introduces special edition to celebrate the Volvo Ocean Race

Volvo Cars is starting the countdown to the Volvo Ocean Race by launching a series of specially designed cars. The new Volvo Ocean Race Edition encompasses three models: the Volvo V70, Volvo XC70 and Volvo XC90. New is that customers can choose between two exterior colours: Ocean Blue and Electric Silver.

"The Volvo Ocean Race reflects the values that our customers look for when they choose a car. It's all about an active lifestyle, adventure and passion. The cars in the Volvo Ocean Race Edition radiate all this. We are convinced that the marine design connection will make them very attractive," says Lennart Stegland, President of the Special Vehicles division at Volvo Cars.

When Volvo organised the Volvo Ocean Race the very first time in 2001-02, the company sold 4,500 special edition Volvo V70s and X70s. In conjunction with the 2005-06 race, the Ocean Blue family was extended with the Volvo XC90 and sales increased to 8,600 cars.

The most recent Volvo Ocean Race Edition will reach dealers in June 2008 and Volvo Cars expects to sell about 9,000 cars. The five largest markets are Germany, Sweden, Finland, Great Britain and Japan.

Exciting new interiors
"This time we've sharpened our offer with a stronger link to sailing. More interior details echoes the materials used in masts and rigs. The stitching on the upholstery traces its roots to sail making. The aluminium detailing on the mats resembles clews. What is more, the design of the unique wheels has been inspired by the movement of the ocean's waves," says Lennart Stegland.

The Volvo Ocean Race emblem has a new, more exclusive design and the cars' marine aura is enhanced by the Ocean Blue livery in combination with exterior details in chrome. The Volvo Ocean Race Edition cars are also available in Electric Silver.

All the cars feature full leather upholstery in exclusive soft leather and the interior is available in Soft Beige or Offblack, with the centre console and other details in a silk matt aluminium finish. The cars in the Volvo Ocean Race Edition series can be specified with the full range of engine alternatives available for each respective model and market.

Volvo Ocean Race
The Volvo Ocean Race is the world's most gruelling ocean adventure. An extreme race that consists of 10 legs. The vessels start off on 4 October from Alicante in Spain. The finishing line is in St Petersburg, Russia, on June 27, 2009 after stops in Cape Town (South Africa), Kochi (India), Singapore, Qingdao (China), Brazil (Rio de Janeiro), Boston (USA), Galway (Ireland), Göteborg (Sweden) and Stockholm (Sweden). The 2008-09 event also includes an inshore race in most of the ports.

For more detailed information about the Volvo Ocean Race, click on:
http://www.volvooceanrace.org
http://www.volvooceanrace.tv



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Lotus have a chequered past. They have always produced fabulous handling vehicles virtue of their engineering talent and low weight models. Lotus’s problem has always been funding. Also, Lotus have never benefited from truly stable management virtue of the fact it’s had as many owners in recent years as it probably has had models.

It appears at present under the helm of Mike Kimberley and Lotus’s current owners, Proton, that its enjoying a period of relative stability. Lotus have recently expanded its range to cater for federal tastes with its Europa model an it now sells the Elise in the US as well.

Building on this success it has long been rumoured that Lotus have been working on a model to slot in above the Elise/Europa platform. Here before you on this site is cold hard proof that development of this model, which is codenamed “Eagle”, is well advanced. The Eagle is said to be powered by a mid mounted Toyota 3.5 L V6 running through the rear wheels. The beauty of using a mainstream manufacturer’s engine is that these units are usually able to pass the most stringent emissions legislation around the world. This frees up Lotus’s engineers to concentrate on other aspects of the car like suspension, handling and crash worthiness. Lotus previewed a piece of the new Eagle concepts front chassis module at Geneva a few days ago. Expect the whole Eagle to premiere at July’s British motor show.

Lotus may have a chequered past but it is also one laced with brilliance. Lets not forget this little sportscar maker won the Formula One World Championship seven times. Given heritage like that, if Lotus can start producing products that are relevant again, it is certain build a business that will hopefully ensure Lotus gains a much more secure future. Now that’s something keen drivers all over the world would raise a glass to.
Press Release

Excerpt from Lotus Press Release at the Geneva Motor Show:

Group Lotus plc unveiled the first glimpse of the eagerly awaited Project Eagle at the 78th annual Geneva International Motor Show. This exhibition showcases part of the advanced technology being utilised for Project Eagle and the latest development of the innovative Lotus Versatile Vehicle Architecture (VVA). This first glimpse is the front module of the chassis, which is shown prior to the full unveiling of Project Eagle at the British Motor Show in July 2008.
Project Eagle is the code name for the new higher specification addition to the Lotus product range entering the market above the Elise, Exige and Europa. Going into production at the beginning of next year, Project Eagle draws heavily on the proven technology used in the iconic Lotus Elise family of vehicles as well as the Versatile Vehicle Architecture (VVA) shown as the APX (Aluminium Performance Crossover) Concept Vehicle. Project Eagle will be an all new fantastic Lotus sports car, which illustrates Lotus Engineering’s ability to create innovative and exciting high performance niche car products.



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The oldest known surviving baby Rolls-Royce, a 1921 Goshawk cabriolet, will go up for auction April 29th in the UK. The 20hp cabriolet was the fourth experimental vehicle created to test a new chassis which was meant to replace the one on the aging Silver Ghost.

Originally fitted with a Hooper touring body, the car was used by Sir Henry Royce and chief designer Ernest Hives। In 1925 the car was equipped with a new engine and sold to a private owner who fitted the car with a cabriolet body by T H Gill & Company. Featuring a three speed gearbox and brakes for the rear wheels only, the classic car carries an estimate of £30,000-£50,000.

Press Release

EXPERIMENTAL ‘GOSHAWK’ ROLLS-ROYCE CONFIRMED FOR BARONS’ APRIL SALE
A very rare 1921 Rolls-Royce 20hp Cabriolet, the fourth experimental chassis built under the ‘Goshawk’ code name, and believed to be the oldest-surviving ‘baby’ Rolls-Royce, will be auctioned by Barons at Sandown Park, Esher, Surrey, on April 29th.

In the early 1920s, recognising that the sophisticated Silver Ghost was beyond the skill - and beneath the dignity - of most owners to maintain, Rolls-Royce strove to develop a car more suitable for owner-drivers; the result was the 20hp. The first experimental chassis for this new model were code named ‘Goshawk’, and the car offered at Barons on April 29th - chassis number 4 G 11 - played an important role in the history of the company.

Originally fitted with a Hooper touring body, it was used extensively by Henry Royce and his then Chief Designer, Ernest Hives, at the company’s design centre in Le Canadel, France. Royce also used the car personally at home in the UK, returning it to Derby for modifications as the 20hp model was developed further.

In 1925 a replacement engine was fitted and 4 G 11 sold into private ownership. At that time, the original coachwork was also replaced, with the elegant cabriolet body by T H Gill & Co of Paddington.
As an early, experimental car, it has the three-speed, centrally located gearbox, and brakes on the rear wheels only. The car has featured extensively in reference books, including The Rolls-Royce Twenty by John Fasals and Rolls-Royce and Bentley, The Experimental Cars by Ian Rimmer. It carries an estimate of £30,000-£50,000.

Barons’ MD, Laurence Sayers Gillan, said, “It is very exciting to be able to offer such a rare and important piece of Rolls-Royce history. It’s also a very usable car, and should prove delightful to own and drive.”
Barons’ April 29th event also features a dedicated Jaguar Heritage Sale - giving enthusiasts even more opportunities to acquire their own great British classic

Source: Barons’



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Porsche's RS Spyder makes its debut in the Le Mans Series (LMS) in 2008, and the sports prototypes tested in Europe for the first time at Le Castellet in southern France recently. Denmark's Team Essex and the Netherlands' Merksteijn Motorsport took part in the testing, which was designed to allow the drivers to get familiar with the LMP2 vehicles. A third team, the Swiss Horag Racing team, will also campaign an RS Spyder this year. 2008 marks the RS Spyder's third year in competition, and will be the first season that the car is available outside of the American Le Mans series.

Ex-Formula One driver Jos Verstappen will be driving for the Merksteijn Motorsport team, and is excited about the RS Spyder. "The Spyder has amazing grip in the fast corners. It’s incredibly stable under braking and we haven't experienced one technical problem. This is simply a fantastic car which is great fun to drive," he said.

The five-race LMS calendar begins in Barcelona on April 6.


Press Release

European premiere of the Porsche RS Spyder

At the official test of the Le Mans Series (LMS) in Le Castellet (France), the Porsche RS Spyder celebrated its European premiere. Here, the two sports prototypes of the Team Essex (Denmark) and Van Merksteijn Motorsport (Netherlands) met their opponents in the fiercely-contested LMP2 class for the first time. The Swiss Horag Racing team was not present for the test as it is already in Florida where it will contest the Sebring 12 hour race on 15 March. The main purpose in southern France was for teams and drivers to familiarise themselves with the new sports prototype. For both race teams the RS Spyder represents new territory.

Sharing driving duties in the Porsche RS Spyder of the Dutch team for the 2008 season is a high-profile trio. Joining team-owner Peter van Merksteijn and ex-DTM pilot Jeroen Bleekemolen to contest the LMS is Jos Verstappen. The ex-Formula 1 driver, who recently took a two-year break, is totally enthusiastic about the 476 hp sports prototype. “The Spyder has amazing grip in the fast corners. It’s incredibly stabile under braking and we haven’t experienced one technical problem. This is simply a fantastic car which is great fun to drive.”

The Danish Essex team also takes up the race with a well-known line-up of swift drivers. John Nielsen brings with him successes in sports car racing. He was world sports car champion and won, amongst others, the Le Mans 24 hour race in 1990. Nielsen doubles as team manager and driver. Casper Elgaard, the second Essex driver, is multiple Danish touring car champion. Aside from finding a suitable set-up for the circuit, the team is also practicing its pit stops in preparation for the season. John Nielsen: “Good pit stops can mean the difference between winning and losing a race. For this reason we tested our pit stops here in the narrow pits under stressful conditions. My boys are extremely ambitious. They want to be the best at pit stops.”

Also putting the tests to good use are the Porsche teams competing in the near-standard GT2 class with the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR. For the IMSA Performance Matmut team, works driver Richard Lietz (Austria) and his French team mate Raymond Narac travelled to Le Castellet. Competing for the German Felbermayr team are Porsche works driver Marc Lieb, 2007 winner of the 24 hour race on the Nuerburgring-Nordschleife, and Australia’s Alex Davison.

Five races make up the LMS calendar in 2008, each run over 1,000 kilometres on traditional European race tracks like Spa-Francorchamps, Monza and the Nuerburgring. Additionally, the Essex and VW Motorsport teams will contest the sportscar highlight in Le Mans on 14/15 June. The first Le Mans Series race takes place on 6 April in Barcelona (Spain).

Facts and Figures

This is the Le Mans Series

Contested for the first time in 2004, the Le Mans Series (LMS) offers fans exciting sportscar racing. The regulations are based on the rules of the Le Mans 24 hour race. Five championship rounds will be contested this season on traditional circuits throughout Europe. The races run over a distance of 1,000 kilometres. The LMS is the European counterpart to the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) in the USA and Canada.

The starting field consists of two different sports vehicle categories: Sports prototypes and standard sportscars. They are divided into four classes:

LMP1 class: Sports prototypes with up to 750 hp and a minimum weight of 900 kilograms (in the ALMS: 750 hp/925 kilograms).
LMP2 class: Sports prototypes with around 475 hp and an 825 kilogram minimum weight (in the ALMS: 475 hp/800 kg). The Porsche RS Spyder competes in this class.
GT1 class: Heavily modified standard sportscars with up to 650 hp and a minimum weight of 1,125 to 1,325 kilograms (in the ALMS: 650 hp/1,125 to 1,325 kilograms)
GT2 class: Slightly modified standard sportscars with between 450 hp to 470 hp and a minimum weight of 1,125 to 1,325 kilograms (in the ALMS: 450 to 470 hp/1,125 to 1,325 kilograms). The Porsche 911 GT3 RSR competes in this class.

All race cars start together but are classified separately according to the class. This system ensures diverse and gripping racing with many overtaking manoeuvres. Points are only allocated for placings in each class. Championship titles are awarded for drivers, manufacturers and teams in all four classes. Porsche works driver Marc Lieb won the driver title in the GT2 class in 2005 and 2006.

For the RS Spyder, 2008 marks the first season in the Le Mans Series.

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Not content with being the largest foreign Motor Car Company in China, Volkswagen has been announced as the official supplier of vehicles to the 2008 Olympic Games. The Volkswagen Group have a 17% share of the Chinese market and amazingly, China represents Volkswagen’s second largest market in the world only lagging their homeland market in Germany. Their volumes have mainly come from fleet deals to taxi companies and government orders but they also import more premium models such as the Touareg and Phaeton.

Sealing the deal to become the Olympic Games chief vehicle supplier should allow Volkswagen to penetrate even further into China’s rapidly expanding buying public. As part of the run up to the opening event in 2 months time, Volkswagen will accompany the Olympic torch across China.


Speaking at the official announcement in Beijing, Dr. Winfried Vahland, President & CEO Volkswagen Group China said: “This relay shall be recorded in the Olympic history as the torch relay with the longest duration and involving the widest geographical areas and the largest number of participants. As such it is a great honour for Volkswagen to have been chosen as the official supplier. Vehicles are an integral part of the torch relay which are necessary to make this great event happen. Our vehicles will be permanently involved. It is a pleasure to be involved in this relay. It stands for peace and friendship. We will do everything we can make this the greatest torch relay ever,”

The full range of Volkswagens will be available during the event including Skodas and Audis and the total will number up to a 1000 vehicles।



Press Release

Volkswagen unveils first convoy-vehicles for Olympic torch relay
Volkswagen Group China will deliver 1,000 cars as official supplier
Beijing, 28 February 2008 - Two months ahead of the Olympic torch arriving in China, Volkswagen unveiled the first convoy vehicles with Olympic design to the public. These models will be part of 1,000 cars which will accompany the Olympic flame gradually on its way across China. The presentation on Thursday in Beijing was attended by Mr WANG Wei, Executive Vice-President and Secretary General of the Beijing Organising Committee for the Games of the 29th Olympiad (BOCOG), Dr. Winfried Vahland, President & CEO Volkswagen Group China, Mr AN Tiecheng, President of FAW-Volkswagen, and Mr LIU Jian, Managing Director of Shanghai Volkswagen. Volkswagen and its joint ventures were nominated at the event as official supplier for the torch relay.
“This relay shall be recorded in the Olympic history as the torch relay with the longest duration and involving the widest geographical areas and the largest number of participants. As such it is a great honor for Volkswagen to have been chosen as the official supplier. Vehicles are an integral part of the torch relay which are necessary to make this great event happen. Our vehicles will be permanently involved. It is a pleasure to be involved in this relay. It stands for peace and friendship. We will do everything we can make this the greatest torch relay ever,” Vahland said.
40 convoys and service around the clock
346 vehicles will be used for the core convoys, while 583 will serve as administration and support cars, while another 30 will be used for security and media purposes. 40 convoys will be formed in the course of the relay through China.
Ten Volkswagen Crafter will be especially equipped to host media and camera teams and to serve as security vehicles. The Volkswagen Touran, Passat Lingyu and Skoda Octavia will be provided by Shanghai Volkswagen, while FAW-Volkswagen put the Volkswagen Magotan, Sagitar and Audi vehicles at disposal. Volkswagen Crafter and Multivans will be provided as imported vehicles. To assure technical support and service around the clock Shanghai Volkswagen and FAW-Volkswagen will also provide a dedicated team of professionals, comprised of more than 200 of the company’s best technical support and after sales service staff.
Longest torch relay ever
The Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay will last 97 days in total and will cover more than 40,000 kilometers. The flame will arrive in Sanya in the South of China on May 4 and will arrive in Beijing on August 8. It will be carried through 113 cities and regions from all 31 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities of China and will be carried also on top of the Mount Everest.

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For better or for worse, Ford's Model T put America (and arguably the world) on wheels. The iconic Tin Lizzie celebrates its 100th birthday in 2008, and Ford has planned a series of events to honor the car. The multi-purposeful Model T was the vehicle that could do anything, and in 1913 Ford's moving assembly line raised production and lowered costs to the point that almost anyone could afford one. The tough, versatile vehicle was named the Car of the Century by a panel of journalists and experts in 1999, and could be considered the precursor of the modern SUV--though it actually got better fuel economy than the average Hummer.

The flivver's birthday party kicks off at the Amelia Island Concours, where a special collection of Model Ts will be displayed on the "Field of Dreams." The Model T will be the automotive guest of honor at the 2008 Amelia Island event.


Ford has also worked with the Model T Club of America to host the "T Party 2008" in Richmond, Indiana। This event, scheduled for July 21-26, is expected to bring together the largest gathering of Model Ts since the car's initial production run. Over seven hundred vehicles are already signed up, with Model Ts coming from Europe and Australia. Considering that over fifteen million Model Ts were produced, the number will probably rise. Over ten thousand owners and enthusiasts are expected to attend.



Press Release

DEARBORN, Mich., March 5, 2008 – The car that put the world on wheels, the Ford Model T, is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2008 and Ford is planning a year-long series of celebrations to honor the iconic vehicle.

Celebrations will officially commence at the 2008 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance in Amelia Island, Fla., March 7-9. Ford has many other regional events in the works for a year filled with celebrations, including a special Model T display at the West Coast’s largest Ford enthusiast car show - the Fabulous Fords Forever! event at Knott’s Berry Farm Amusement Park in Anaheim, Calif., on Apr. 20th. In July, Ford Motor Company will be the title sponsor of the Model T Ford Club of America’s “T Party 2008” that will be held in Richmond, Ind.

Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance
Among the fine collection of automobiles that will be displayed at the 2008 Amelia Island Concours this weekend will be a class of special Model Ts featured on the “Field of Dreams,” one of the premier locations at the event. This display will recognize this historic automobile and its contribution to America’s emergence as an industrial power in the early 1900s.

Close to 20,000 spectators and automobile aficionados will attend the weekend’s Concours activities, helping Ford kickoff the Model T centennial celebration.

“T Party 2008”
Ford Motor Company, with support from Ford Motor Company Fund, is the title sponsor for the “T Party 2008” celebration hosted by the Model T Ford Club of America, which plans to bring in close to 1,000 Model Ts for this significant milestone.

The “T Party 2008” will be held July 21-26 in Richmond, Ind., and is expected to be the largest gathering of Model Ts since they left the factory. The weeklong centennial celebration will draw over ten thousand Model T owners and enthusiasts from around the world. More than 700 Model Ts are already registered for the event, including entries from England, Norway, Australia and New Zealand.

“The support and response we’re receiving around the T Party has been phenomenal. The Model T Ford Club of America has been looking forward to celebrating this milestone for many years,” said Jay Klehfoth, chief executive officer, Model T Ford Club of America. “We’re thankful for Ford’s support in helping bring this event alive to the thousands of Model T enthusiasts who will join us from around the world.”

One hundred years ago, the Ford Model T changed the world with its technology and the same concept has lived with Ford ever since.

“The Ford Model T is rightly credited with putting the world on wheels, and its influence can still be felt today,” said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services. “We’re proud to join in the celebration of one hundred years of fantastic Ford heritage and innovation with Model T enthusiasts from around the world, and we look forward to carrying the legacy and spirit of the Model T into the future.”

For more information on the “T Party 2008” centennial celebration, please visit www.tparty2008.com. Additional Model T centennial celebration events are being planned and will be announced later this year.

Ford Model T Facts

October 1, 1908 marks the anniversary of the first Model T built for sale.
The Model T was the first low-priced, mass-produced automobile with standard, interchangeable parts.
The Model T was equipped with a 20-horsepower, four-cylinder engine with a top speed of about 45 miles per hour, weighed 1,200 pounds, and achieved 13-21 miles per gallon.
The moving assembly line for the Model T revolutionized manufacturing in 1913.
More than 15 Million Model Ts had been sold by May 26, 1927, when a ceremony marked the formal end of Model T production.
Henry Ford called the Model T “the universal car,” a low-cost, reliable vehicle that could be maintained easily and could successfully travel the poor roads of the era.
On Dec. 18, 1999, the Ford Model T was named “Car of the Century” by a panel of 133 automotive journalists and experts who began with a list of 700 candidates in 1996 and sequentially narrowed the nominees through seven rounds of balloting over three years.
Source: Ford



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The Lightning Car Company has pulled the wraps off their new Lightning GT. Designed to incorporate the latest advancements in battery and motor technology, the car runs solely on electricity.

With more than 700 horsepower and a lightweight body built from carbon fiber and Kevlar, the car can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4 seconds. NanoSafe battery packs provide 36 kW of power, while regenerative braking helps maximize the GT’s range. The vehicle comes with a home charging unit with internal safety features and a mobile charger is offered.

Standard equipment includes anti-lock brakes, traction control, central locking, alarm and immobilizer, electric windows, and leather/alcantara sports seats. Owners can also order their car with air conditioning and a navigation system.

Construction of a prototype is currently underway and is scheduled to be completed later this year. The company is accepting pre-orders for a £15,000 deposit.

Press Release

ELECTRIC LIGHTNING GT DESIGN REVEALED

In June 2007, The Lightning Car Company announced its intent to develop electric technology for a luxury British sports car – the Lightning GT. Today sees the unveiling of its evolutionary design. This super car with its outstanding presence & performance is set to put British sports car innovation well and truly back on the map. Designed to accommodate the latest battery and motor technology and reflect its 100% electric power and performance, the electric Lightning prototype is being hand-built by a small team of passionate British engineers, designers and collaborators.

Whilst the rest of the automotive world engages in the hybrid, hydrogen or electric debate, the Lightning Car Company firmly believes its 100% Electric Lightning GT will help kick start the market for performance EV’s. Without a significant positive shift in perception, electric motoring will remain a huge compromise in the eyes of driving enthusiasts and therefore fail to impress the masses. Our vision is shared by the world's biggest car maker, General Motors, who believes the global oil supply has peaked and a switch to electric cars is inevitable…

The design team has created a successor to the petrol Lightning GT. Combining the spirit, heritage, individuality and drama of the original car with a dynamic and contemporary design language moves it into a new era and, in doing so, embraces the new technologies and innovative architecture that reside beneath its skin. Subtle creases, positive and negative sections add a sense of strength and finesse to the dramatic surfaces of the car while retaining an understated, yet distinctive British Grand Tourer aesthetic. The Lightning’s interior will also be designed to complement the unique electric driving experience.

With the build of the prototype well underway, we should see how this translates into the ‘real thing’ during the second half of 2008. The electric Lightning GT and Sports versions are now available to pre-order and deposits of £15,000 are being accepted.
Source: Lightning Car Company



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