Lamborghini posts Global Sales Increase for 2008

Along with the likes of Jaguar and Audi, Lamborghini was one of the few automakers that witnessed gains in 2008 sales figures. In fact, the Italian supercar company sold a whopping 24 more cars this year raising their global sales to 2430.

The 1% increase, albeit small, is still a wonder given the economic and financial conditions. Unsurprisingly, the U.S. market posted the biggest decline where sales fell by 20.3%. Making up for losses in one of Lambo's largest markets, its Middle East and Far Eastern sales jumped by surprising rates. Sales were up 66% to 166 in the Middle East, while China sales were up 157%.

The company considers its current line up the most attractive in its 46 year history. Under its current owner, Audi AG, its products are more reliable and the brand is rapidly expanding in new markets.

We hope the sales increase is enough to convince Lamborghini to build the gorgeous Estoque sedan it unveiled at the 2008 Paris Auto Show. What better way than a super sedan to ensure continued sales gains for years to come?

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Is The Maserati 250F The World’s Greatest Racing Car?

There are plenty of legendary cars in the annals of motorsports history, but is the Maserati 250F the greatest of them all? According to Britian’s Royal Automobile Club and Octane magazine, indeed it is.

The title was awarded to the Maserati following a poll of Octane readers, who picked it over legendary rolling stock like the Auto Union Type C, Lotus 49, and Mercedes-Benz W196.

That’s not to say the Italian open-wheel GP car isn’t without merit. Between 1954 and 1958, it won an astonishing 55 races, including the 1954 Argentine Grand Prix at the hands of Juan Manuel Fangio. With Sir Sterling Moss at the wheel, the car was victorious at the 1956 Monaco and Italian Grands Prix.

Sir Moss is still fond of the Maserati – not only did he nominate it for voting, but claims he “won affection for the 250F because it was the car that gave me my first proper break in Formula One.”

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Mazda Reduces Precious Metal Usage in Converters by 70 Percent

Mazda issued a press release last week, stating that it has developed a way to reduce the amount of precious metal needed in catalytic converters. The technology will be employed on the upcoming 2010 Mazda3, and Mazda will progressively apply it to all its global markets.

Called single-nanocatalyst, the technology requires 70 percent less precious metal in its application on the 2010 Mazda3 compared to the outgoing model. Mazda says the new cayalyst "will enable very efficient purifications with minimal deterioration over time even under the harshest operating conditions." In Japan, the Mazda3 is a Super Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle (SU-LEV)

Thieves have been known to steal catalytic converters and sell them to metal recyclers. Because catalytic converters require precious metals such as gold and platinum to operate, they can be worth a hefty chunk of change. Mazda did not announce plans to share the technology with other auto manufacturers.

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2009 Hyundai Genesis named North American Car and of the Year

The Hyundai Genesis was a huge step for the Korean automaker, but it seems like the investment is paying off. The sedan just beat out some stiff competition from the Ford Flex and the Volkswagen Jetta TDI for the 2009 North American Car Year.

The Hyundai Genesis also receives the honor of being the first Korean car to ever win the prodigious award. When Hyundai announced its first-ever V-8 engine, its first-ever rear-wheel-drive platform, and its first foray into the luxury car arena, many were skeptical. The award is just further proof that the car's no-holds-barred assault on luxury and near-luxury sedan market is shaping up to be a real threat.

The decision was made this morning at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. The Genesis replaces last year’s winner, the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu.

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GM May Spin Off Saab

Automotive News reported yesterday that GM is preparing to turn Saab into its own entity, according to an unidentified GM source. The move may be an attempt to make Saab a more viable investment for potential buyers, as GM has been unable to attract any suitors for the flailing subsidiary since its strategic review began in December.

"Saab has been negotiating with GM and the Swedish government about becoming a more independent company, initially as part of GM," the mystery GM source said. Saab would take control of its own decision-making and finances, according to the source.

Pail Akerlund, head of Saab's union, said, "Under this [plan], the Saab board will be more like a normal board, and less dependent on what happens on GM's European strategy board. They will make their own decisions." GM would still be the owner, but Saab would have its own budget, and move its operations, research, development and design work back to Sweden from Russelsheim, Germany, said Akerlund.

According to GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz, Saab - which was purchased by the American auto maker in 2000 - has "been on GM life support." The Swedish company sold just 21,368 vehicles in the U.S. last year. The future of Saab will be decided before February 17, when GM is scheduled to submit its business plan to the U.S. government.

Saab spokesman Eric Geers said Saab has had "positive and constructive discussions with GM and the Swedish government about the future structure of the business."

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Ford Kills Mercury Sable

Mark Schirmer, spokesman for the Lincoln and Mercury brands, told Automotive News yesterday that the end of April will see the last Mercury Sable roll off the assembly line at Ford's Chicago assembly plant. Earlier yesterday, Ford announced that the Taurus X, also produced at the Chicago assembly plant, would end production at the end of February.

The current Mercury Sable debuted in 2004 as the Mercury Montego. Current CEO Alan Mulally had the Montego name changed to Sable, a storied Mercury moniker, at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show. The original Mercury Sable was a huge seller for Ford when it debuted in 1986, but fizzled out when the company moved it to the Taurus platform in 1996 and tried to push it upmarket. It was discontinued in 2005, with the Montego and Milan debuting as its replacement.

The 2010 Mercury Sable was expected to debut with 2010 Ford Taurus at the 2009 North American International Auto Show. The death of the Sable indicates Ford is serious about its claims that the Mercury brand will become a "small car" company-the Mercury Milan, a platform-mate of the mid-sized Ford Fusion, will become the largest car offered by Mercury. Mercury's lineup still includes the Mariner and Mountaineer SUVs-but their ends may be in sight as well.

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Pontiac Shrinks to Four Nameplates

The 2009 North American International Auto Show is well underway, with GM unveiling new models for its Chevrolet, Cadillac and Buick brands Sunday, and executives spewing news tidbits left and right. Among them: Bob Lutz has confirmed which models will comprise the dwindling Pontiac lineup.

According to Lutz, the surviving members of the Pontiac genocide will include the G8 sedan, the G5 coupe, the Vibe hatchback, and the Solstice coupe and convertible. The Torrent SUV, along with G6 convertible, coupe and sedan, which share their underpinnings with the Chevrolet Malibu and Saab 9-3, will be dropped. Plans to bring the G8 ST sport truck to production have been cancelled, and the future of the G3 subcompact is uncertain.

Although GM has been unable to find prospective buyers for its Saab and Hummer brands, North American President Troy Clarke said yesterday at the auto show that the company will still be able to follow through with its plans to reduce to four core brands. "We have to re-engineer the way we're doing business in many regards," Clarke said. "We're going to be a smaller company."

Clarke also had a few words about GM's Saturn brand. "We've entered into a very, very open and candid dialogue with our Saturn retailers," Clarke said. "It just hasn't been a good business for us." According to Automotive News, Saturn's only annual profit came in 1993.

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Updated 2009 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR Revealed

With the recent barrage of new mid-cycle Porsches, the 2009 911 GT3 RSR is the latest 911 variant based on the 997.5 architecture.

The 911 GT3 RSR is the most powerful racer model of the 911 GT3 and has been heavily modified for the 2009 GT2 racing season. The new RSR features a completely revised cooling system, which is immediately visible, as the 2009 RSR has extra louvers on the hood. The louvers were added as part of the redesigned radiator ducting.

The engine also underwent significant changes for 2009. It now displaces 4.0 liters instead of 3.8 and produces 450 hp at 7800 RPM. In accordance with 2009 GT2 regulations, the size of the engine air restrictors were reduced as well. The engine’s displacement was boosted to help counter this reduction and to optimize the torque curve. Peak torque of 317 ft-lbs is now reached at 7250 RPM with a rev limiter at 9000 RPM.

Aerodynamics have been revised to make the car more adjustable, with the rear wing now allowing a wider range of movement. Porsche went to some lengths to remove weight as well - the brakes and wiring harness have been lightened and “weight-optimized” to improve handling. Interestingly, an air-conditioning unit has been added as an option.

To make the car more serviceable, Porsche moved the fast oil refill system to the rear decklid. A new air-jack system with overpressure valve (as seen on several other Le Mans cars) has been added to make pit stops faster. Another feature to make the cars more identifiable during endurance races is programmable multi-function controller, that – among other things - allows teams to program the blinking front lights.

Twenty of these powerful machines have been built, and are now being delivered to various motorsport teams. The 2009 911 GT3 RSR costs 380,000 Euros ($490,500) plus tax specific to each country.

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2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible Launches Just In Time for Christmas!

Still trying to figure out just what gift to give this holiday season? You're in luck - the 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible is now available for your shopping convenience.
2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible

We'd like to be kidding, but it's entirely possible to give the gift of a G this holiday season. A special G37 Convertible Premier Edition is available only through Bloomingdale's 2008 Holiday Catalog. Only 200 examples, all wearing a red leather interior, a blacked-out grille, and custom 19-inch alloy wheels, will be built. Place your order now, and you can pick up your 'vert in early 2009.

Should you wait until after the holiday rush to place your order, you'll find the G37 - like its coupe and sedan siblings - come in both base and G37S trims. The latter comes only with a six-speed manual transmission mated to the 325-hp, 3.7-liter V-6 (base cars also offer a seven-speed automatic) and also adds sport steering, larger brakes, and 19-inch aluminum wheels with performance-rated rubber.
Interior view of 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible

In lieu of a cloth top, the G37 convertible uses a retractable folding hardtop, not unlike those used on the Mercedes-Benz SLK or Volvo C70. Though Infiniti claims the car looks good with the top either up or down, we'd argue it looks better with the lid tucked away. Considering the rear quarters of the G37 coupe are closely tied to the roofline, designers had to significantly alter the convertible's haunches. The result isn't as taut as the coupe, but it's still elegant, particularly in this light hue.
Logo sign of 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible

Unless you happen to have a very merry Christmas, G37 convertibles should arrive at dealers in the spring of 2009.

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New Cadillac Limousine Prepared for Obama Administration

In 1919, Woodrow Wilson was the first American President to be seen in a Cadillac limousine. Ninety years later, President Barack Obama will continue the tradition.

With Obama’s inauguration approaching, GM has released photos and information on the new Presidential Limo President Obama will ride in. The new Presidential Limo has been updated to reflect Cadillac’s current design theme and reflect styling seen on the STS and DTS sedans. In addition to adding visual depth to the car, the design updates give the car a more upright profile to help with outward visibility.

While most aspects of the car are confidential, Cadillac has pointed out how to identify if the president is in the vehicle and where the presidential seals are located. If the president is in the vehicle, an onlooker can see the presidential flag (or standard) flown on the left front fender – assuming, of course, the onlooker can see past the president’s motor convoy. The presidential seals are affixed to the exterior rear doors on each door panel trim piece, and one in the center of the rear seat back panel.

Details are thin on anything else related to the Presidential Limo, but we’re told the passenger compartment is equipped with all the luxury and communication features one could ever need. We also believe the car to use a large gasoline V-8 engine: with the Caddy packing on tremendous weight from extensive armor plating (we’re told the doors are almost eight inches thick), it’ll need all the power the engine can muster.

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Honda Kills Plans for New NSX

The latest victim of the automotive market's vicious downturn may be the next-generation Acura NSX. Honda CEO Takeo Fukui announced in his end of year speech that all development of the supercar has been cancelled as part of a restructuring effort inside the company. Fukui also said the company has abandoned plans to bring the Acura brand to Japan by 2010.

Honda was developing a V-10 engine for the NSX, which would have made it the most powerful production car the company had ever made. However, Fukui will now focus on developing hybrid powertrain instead, aiming to achieve mass market penetration as soon as possible.

The original NSX was discontinued in 2005, after a 15-year production run.

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Nissan GT-R SpecV Officially Announced

Nissan confirmed the long rumored GT-R SpecV will be offered in a limited production run. If the supercar performance of the regular old GT-R wasn't enough, the company claims the SpecV will offer "race car-level performance in a street-legal vehicle."
Nissan GT-R SpecV rear

The SpecV will be more nimble than the standard GT-R due in part to its lighter weight. The higher performance model does away with the rear seats and dumps the standard front buckets in favor of a couple carbon-fiber Recaros. Carbon fiber insets also adorn the rear center storage box, instrument panel and other trim areas.

The weight reduction efforts were applied to the wheels as well. The SpecV will wear a set of NISMO forged aluminum wheels. The new wheels offer less unsprung weight and complement the carbon-ceramic brakes, exclusive suspension, and grippy tires.

Nissan GT-R SpecV interior

As many had anticipated, Nissan did decide to dial up the performance of the twin-turbocharged V-6 engine ever so slightly. The SpecV will receive a high gear boost control device that cranks up the pressure from the turbos in the intermediate-to-high speed ranges. The additional boost provides more torque that will push occupants even further back in their seats. Performance will also be enhanced by the new titanium-coated exhaust system.

The exterior of the SpecV will be distinguished by carbon-fiber accents. It will sport a new front grille, rear spoiler, and brake cooling ducts all made from the lightweight material. In terms of exterior color, people can have the SpecV in an exclusive Ultimate Black Opal.

Nissan GT-R SpecV badge

Initially, Nissan intends to only sell the SpecV at seven Japanese dealers starting February 2, 2009 with a European launch slated for later this year. The dealers will have specific GT-R SpecV trained mechanics to better service the car. The car will sell in Japan for 15,750,000 yen or about $171,517 U.S. Unfortunately, Nissan has no current plans to sell the car in the North America.

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Mitsubishi Won't Show At 2009 Detroit Auto Show

Kid Rock may feel as if there's "no party like a Detroit party," but the folks at Mitsubishi beg to differ. Last week, marketing directors revealed the company will skip the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

It's not the only brand abstaining from the show, either. The same week, Ferrari, Land Rover, Rolls Royce, and Suzuki all announced withdrawal from the show as well. Coupled with the 2008 withdrawal of Porsche and Isuzu's departure in 2006, this now means seven brands have abandoned stands at the Detroit show over the past three years.

Though automakers have previously expressed their dismay with the limited space available at Detroit's Cobo Hall, the driving factor for all these brands is a lack of sales. Even outside of the current economic climate, each brand has struggled to succeed in both Michigan and throughout the Midwest (presently, there are only ten Suzuki dealers in Michigan).

We don't, however, expect their places to remain vacant during the show. We'd bet other manufacturers will expand their displays ever so slightly (as BMW did once Porsche departed), though we hear an increasing number of Chinese automakers are interested in displaying on the main show floor.

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Ford to bring PowerShift Dual-Clutch Transmission to U.S. in 2010

In a further effort to increase fuel economy, Ford will launch a new PowerShift dual-clutch gearbox in its upcoming small cars. The fresh six-speed transmission will weigh 30 pounds less than the four-speed automatic in the current Ford Focus and could increase fuel economy by as much as nine percent.

If this strategy sounds familiar, that's because it is. VW has been putting its DSG dual-clutch transmissions in its small cars for years. In Europe, Ford offers a PowerShift transmission option for the Focus. However, this new transmission uses a dry-clutch like a conventional manual transmission, whereas the other two use a wet-clutch. The added benefit of the dry-clutch is durability and efficiency, since it doesn't require either an oil pump or torque converter.

To ensure drivers reap only the benefits of the new dual-clutch gearbox, Ford attempted to take care of the drawbacks of a manual transmission. PowerShift equipped vehicles will feature a hill mode (aka launch assist) that will apply the brakes to prevent the vehicle from rolling back on a grade. There is also a creep mode to simulate the low speed control of an automatic by limiting the amount of torque in either reverse or drive based on the brake pressure. Finally, when stopping, the clutch will disengage to improve coasting downshifts and reduce parasitic losses to improve fuel economy.

The PowerShift transmission could be first offered on the 2010 Fiesta and it will likely be offered on the next generation Focus as well. Ford says that almost all of its transmissions will be "advanced" six-speed gearboxes by 2013.

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Jaguar Sales Rise 8 Percent in 2008

Trouncing the red-ink trends of most automobile makers in 2008, Jaguar posted an 8 percent sales increase for 2008, selling 65,000 vehicles worldwide. Jaguar stopped reporting sales figures earlier this year when it was purchased by Tata Motors, but Managing Director Mike O'Driscoll revealed the good news Tuesday at the 2009 North American International Auto Show.

In the United States, sales were down 4 percent, to 15,500 units, O'Driscoll said. According to Automotive News, Jaguar's U.S. sales have dropped 75 percent since peaking at 61,204 units in 2003, when Ford was the luxury carmaker's owner.

Gary Temple, CEO of Jaguar Land Rover North America said the company expects Jaguar sales to be flat this year. Jaguar showed its 2010 XKR and an all-new XFR at the 2009 NAIAS, both of which will be available in March.

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First Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione Delivered in the U.S

Five years after the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione's debut at the 2003 Frankfurt Auto Show, Alfa Romeo delivers the first 8C Competizione to a U.S. customer.

The first U.S. bound 8C was shipped to “Miller Motorcars” in Connecticut where Renzo Barbirato, who headed up the Alfa Romeo 8C project, met the owner, James Glickenhaus, for the handover ceremony. After the handover ceremony, Glickenhaus took the 8C out for a test drive to “appreciate the main technical and dynamic features of his Alfa 8C Competizione.” We’re sure Glickenhaus can appreciate his 8C as he also owns the Ferrari Enzo-based Pinifarina P4/5.

Glickenhaus says he is particularly proud of being the first American customer to take delivery of an 8C. As this marks Alfa Romeo’s reentry into the American market –albeit with a stunning limited production model- he should be.

The 8C has the looks of an Italian exotic, and with only 84 examples destined for the U.S., it will be a rare sight. To compliment the 8C’s exotic looks are a 4.7-liter V-8 and a six-speed automatic that can shift in as little as two-tenths of a second. The 4.7-liter V-8 is similar to the units seen in the Maserati Gran Turismo and Ferrari F430 and produces 450 hp and 347 lb-ft of torque.

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Alfa Romeo Mito GTA to debut at 2009 Geneva Motor Show

Alfa Romeo confirmed that it was preparing a high-powered version Mito back in June. Now, word on the street is the Alfa Romeo Mito GTA will be unveiled at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show.

The hot hatch is expected to compete with the Mini Cooper JCW. The GTA aims to outperform the Mini with its turbocharged 1.75-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that will produce 240 horsepower. The agile Alfa will also benefit from weight reduction achieved through the use of carbon fiber and aluminum.

Sources say the GTA will be sharper looking than the current car. It will presumably sit lower, wear a more aggressive body kit, have larger wheels and offer new color schemes.

Now that Chrysler has partnered with Fiat, Alfa's parent company, perhaps we are one step closer to seeing the brand's return to the U.S. with a mass production model. If so, we'd say a hot hatch like the Mito GTA is a good place to start.

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Mercedes Benz Adaptive Headlight System Provides Intelligent High Beams

Anyone who spends some time on backroads with moderate traffic will really appreciate the new adaptive high beam assist from Mercedes-Benz. The system automatically adjusts head light output to maximize visibility for the Mercedes driver and also oncoming traffic.

Instead of just switching between high and low beams, the system also actively aims the head lights to project the maximum amount of light without blinding other drivers on the road. A camera located in the rearview mirror will detect the head lights of oncoming vehicles or the tail lights of cars you are approaching and adjust the aim of the head lights automatically.

The dynamic lighting system will aim the driver's side head light closer to the ground as traffic approaches and then slowly bring the light back up for maximum forward visibility once the vehicle has past. A brief demonstration of this system in a darkened arena showed how gradually the head lights change aim while a car approaches. By gradually changing the aim of the lights, drivers' eyes never have to adjust to a great change in the amount of light and the temporary loss of night vision that results from switching between high and low beams doesn't happen. There are two distinct modes to maximize the effectiveness of the system; one for highways and one for country roads.

More common features like adaptive headlights that follow the steering wheel's angle in a turn and cornering lights which only turn on during low speed turns are also included. Look for the new country and motorway modes to appear on the next Mercedes E-class coupe and sedan as well as the 2009 S-class.

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Ron Dennis Steps Down from McLaren F1 Team

Ron Dennis, McLaren Formula One team principal will step down after leading the team (and Lewis Hamilton, especially) to win the 2008 Drivers’ World Championship.

This news comes as we earlier reported that the team would be aiming higher with its new 2009 MP4-24 and going for both the Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships. Last season, McLaren lost the Constructors’ Championship to Ferrari and Lewis Hamilton narrowly beat out Ferrari’s Felipe Massa for the Drivers’ Championship.

Dennis says he has stepped down to pursue other interests including his companies upcoming supercar set to be launched in 2010. Dennis will be handing the team over to Martin Whitmarsh on March 1 ahead of the March 29 season start in Melbourne. Dennis will stay on as chief executive of the McLaren Group and will attend some races.

Cool racing cars

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