Porsche Carrera GT Production to End

Porsche is ending production of its high-performance Carrera GT in April, after a brief but well-received run of less than three years.

The company said it delivered its 1,111th Carrera GT in late December to a lucky customer in the United Arab Emirates, making it "the most successful high-performance sports car of all time" — whatever that means.

We can tell you this much: The Carrera GT was first unveiled in September 2000 at the Louvre in Paris and went into production three years later, in September 2003. Since then, more than half of the cars produced have been delivered to customers in North America, where the car retailed officially for $440,000.

Performance is prodigious. A 5.7-liter DOHC V10 delivers 605 horsepower (in U.S. trim) to the rear wheels through a six-speed gearbox. Zero-to-60-mph acceleration is achieved in less than 3.9 seconds, with a top speed of 205 miles per hour.

At the start of the car's short life span, Porsche said it intended to produce only 1,500 copies.
© edmunds.com

2007 Toyota Yaris Preview

The Yaris is built on a new platform that is longer and wider than its predecessor, and will be offered in both three-door ``liftback'' (sounds like ``hatchback'' is still considered a bad word by U.S. marketers) and four-door sedan body styles. Both are conventional contemporary subcompacts in layout, with a transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive chassis, independent front suspension by MacPherson struts, and a torsion beam rear axle. Brakes are disc in front, drum at the rear, with antilock available. As in larger, more-expensive cars, standard dual front airbags use the Occupant Classification System to determine deployment of the front passenger airbag, and front side and side curtain airbags are available.

Although the Yaris is considered a subcompact, and takes a small space on the road or in the parking lot, space efficiency is the name of the game inside. Both versions were designed to have "class-above'' ambiance, with clean, contemporary styling and first-rate materials. The Liftback's rear seat can be folded flat for a large amount of cargo space; the sedan's has a 60/40 split for the same purpose. Both, like the Echo and the Scions, have center-mounted instrument clusters. The standard equipment level is high, including amenities such as bright Optitron gauges - just like in a Lexus - a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, tinted glass, intermittent wipers with mist control, and useful interior lighting.

Power is from the 1NZ-FE 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine familiar from the Scions and the Prius. Here is makes 106 horsepower at 6000 rpm, with 103 lb-ft of torque at 4200 rpm, and drives the front wheels through either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Like most current Toyota engines, it is an aluminum alloy unit with dual overhead cams, four valves per cylinder, VVT-i variable valve timing, coil-on-plug direct ignition, and electronic throttle control. There is a timing chain, not a belt, for lower maintenance.

Fuel economy with the manual is 34 city, 40 highway, with a 37 average. The automatic rates 34/39/36. The engine has a ULEV-II emissions rating.

With no quirks in handling in daily driving situations, the new Yaris looks to be a good choice for anyone looking for inexpensive and economical transportation. The price wasn't announced at the introduction, except to say "under $13,000 base.'' Expect the 2007 Toyota Yaris in showrooms this coming Spring.
© theautochannel.com

Volvo's new S80 spied in advance of Geneva debut

Images of the all-new Volvo S80 luxury liner were captured on location in South Africa as it was prepped for a commercial.

This elegantly styled S80, which carries the flowing rear lines of its S60 sister, has front- and all-wheel-drive versions. It will debut at the Geneva show in March.
© autoweek.com

Corvette production interrupted due to wheel supply issue

General Motors has sent a memo to dealers informing them that Corvette wheel supply has “experienced significant disruption” and production of certain models could be delayed as a result.

GM says the wheel supply situation has caused it to make “several adjustments affecting wheel options, production volumes and production schedules.”

Dealers will have to change Corvette orders based on wheel availability. Wheel company Amcast, which went into bankruptcy on Dec. 2, supplied the wheels.

GM says wheel supply is still uncertain, and thus GM’s order fulfillment and distribution department is unable to follow the normal process of returning orders to dealers for necessary changes.

Polished wheels will not be available from GM’s new supplier. GM is changing all orders scheduled to be built after Jan. 3 from polished wheels to silver painted wheels. Further, the much-anticipated chrome wheel option will be postponed until “late spring production.”

GM says any substitution of a lower cost wheel will be reflected in a reduced MSRP and invoice. Additionally, overall wheel availability may delay production dates of orders already in the system.

GM says the impact on Z06 production is still undetermined.
© autoweek.com

Stop by CorvetteGuys.com and browse our large selection of Chevy Corvette Parts.

B9 Tribeca draws attention at auto show

Maria Farrell smiled and nodded at her husband, Brett, Tuesday when she saw ski racks attached to the roof of a Subaru B9 Tribeca on display at the Indiana Convention Center.

"He's retiring in a couple of years," she said of her husband. "We're skiers, and I can visualize myself driving one of these."

The entire Subaru lineup, including the B9 Tribeca, Legacy, Outback and Baja models that are built at Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. in Lafayette, are among 450 vehicles being exhibited by 39 automobile manufacturers at the 2006 Indianapolis Auto Show.

The Farrells live in Indianapolis and frequently drive past the SIA facility when visiting their daughter, who attends Purdue University.

"I've always liked Subarus. I like the all-wheel drive and that we have a facility here," said Brett Farrell. "All-wheel drive is something nice. The Subaru solution is a little better than some of the others."

The B9 Tribeca is a sport utility vehicle that offers five- and seven-passenger seating. It arrived at dealer showrooms in late May.

Jonathan Kershaw, a product specialist who represents Subaru, said the company's newest vehicle is attracting plenty of attention from people attending the auto show, which runs through Sunday.

"There's a lot of interest in the B9 Tribeca. We've gotten very positive feedback," Kershaw said. "People have been waiting a long time for a new, larger Subaru. People are happy you can have more than two kids and own a Subaru."

Ray Rosher of York, Pa., visited the 92nd annual auto show while staying with relatives in Indianapolis. He owns a 2005 Subaru Forester and would consider buying a B9 Tribeca when it comes time to make a change.

"It's a nice design with a lot of nice features on it. They keep improving," Rosher said. "They listen to their customers and really try to please the customer."

Subaru's Japanese-made WRX, Forester and Impreza models also are included in the display, which is near the center of the 375,000-square-foot exhibit area.

Indianapolis resident Ryan Bartlett spent some time sitting behind the steering wheel of a Subaru Legacy.

"I'm just kind of checking it out and seeing what's going on. I definitely like the stylish look of it," he said. "It's a sporty-type economy car. It's probably a little bit out of my price range, but I'm taking a look at it."
© jconline.com

DERHAAG MOTORSPORTS RETURNS TO DAYTONA WITH A VENGEANCE IN GRAND AMERICAN ROLEX SPORTS CAR SERIES

Courtesy Christy Moynihan, Derhaag Motorsports

SHAKOPEE, MN (December 29, 2005) -–Derhaag Motorsports has announced its full time entry into the Daytona Prototype category of the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series Association. No stranger to the series, having qualified on the GTS pole for the 2003 Rolex 24 at Daytona, the team has signed top drivers Chris Bingham and Randy Ruhlman to drive the #40 Preformed Line Products Pontiac Riley. The team has added racecar engineer Buddy Fey and has slated top Chevrolet factory driver Ron Fellows to complete the driver lineup for the longer races.

"I am thrilled to have the whole team returning this year, with some excellent additions,” says team owner Jim Derhaag. “Last year, everything jelled. The crew worked hard, Randy won races; things just clicked. My team has raced in the Trans Am Series since 1982, and obviously, we are very saddened to see that Series go away. This move to Grand American with the Daytona Prototype is a milestone for us. The series is growing rapidly, and the knowledge and experience within Grand-Am is phenomenal. These cars have state-of-the-art technology and are driven by world-class drivers. We are excited to have such a great driver lineup for this year, with Randy and Chris as our full time drivers for 2006, and Ron coming in for the longer races. We are very excited about our future here!”

“We had a great year in 2005 in Trans-Am, but we've also been looking at Grand American for a while now," said Ruhlman, driver of the 2005 #49 Preformed Line Products Corvette for Derhaag Motorsports. "We were all set to run for the Trans-Am Championship this year, but when things collapsed at the last minute with Champ Car and Trans-Am, Jim Derhaag found a great opportunity for the team to move up to the Daytona Prototypes. The Rolex Series is a series that seems to be a natural for Derhaag Motorsports. They have the teamwork, exceptional organization, and a well-deserved reputation for putting together fast, reliable cars that give their drivers every chance of winning. That's exactly what it takes to succeed at these long races. This format will be a new experience for me and I'm excited to be teamed up with a driver of Chris' caliber.”

Joining Derhaag Motorsports after several successful seasons in Grand American is Chris Bingham, the 2001 and 2002 Rolex Series GTS Champion. “Following a turbulent season both owning and driving the #15 CB Motorsports Pontiac Riley and never quite reaching the levels of performance and results I felt we were capable of, this new opportunity is a welcome relief. I am in this series to race and to win and that is all,” said Bingham. “Owning the team last year distracted me from my goals and it became apparent I needed someone to handle the car and team and let me focus on the track. Jim and Derhaag Motorsports are the perfect fit for me, as they have such a strong reputation and pedigree. I have no doubt that 2006 will prove to be far more satisfying than last year. Driving with Randy and Ron next year will be a real treat and will undoubtedly help me push my game to a new level. Working with Jim, Buddy and the entire crew will be a privilege and I look forward to a successful and enjoyable 2006 season. I’d also like to thank KeyBank, McDonald Financial Group, Centurion Financial Group, Park Place Ltd, and Gatorz eyewear for their support this coming year.”

Bingham, of Bellevue, Washington, is a professional racing driver with an impressive resume and years of experience. He has competed in the Busch Grand National Series, open wheel racing in Indy Lights as well as IRL and has extensive endurance racing experience. As a two-time Rolex Sports Car Series GTS champion, Bingham was nominated as one of the "Best Road Racers of the Year" in 2002. He made his return to full time Rolex Series racing in 2004, piloting the #15 CB Motorsports car, before joining the Derhaag Motorsports team for 2006.

Ruhlman was the 2005 Trans-Am winner of the Long Beach Grand Prix and Cleveland Grand Prix races, was named the 2005 BBS "Most Improved Driver of the Year", and was runner up for the 2005 Trans-Am Drivers' Championship. Ruhlman, hailing from Greensboro, North Carolina, has extensive racing experience, predominantly in road racing in the Trans-Am Series, as well as in IMSA, ASA and the NASCAR short track series.

Fellows, a veteran racer of many series, including NASCAR Nextel Cup, American Le Mans and Trans-Am, is a factory driver for Chevrolet and no stranger to 24-hour endurance racing. Fellows was an overall winner in the Rolex 24 at Daytona in 2001 with the factory Corvette team, as well as winning at Le Mans in GTS in 2001 and 2002. Fellows brings vast experience to the team for the longer venues and will be joining the effort for those races during the season, the first being the Rolex 24 at Daytona.

The driver lineup will be complemented by the addition of new team engineer, Buddy Fey. Fey brings to the team a wealth of knowledge and racing experience, as well as an unsurpassed expertise in these technically demanding Daytona Prototype cars.

Mercedes coming to Detroit with S65 AMG

Mercedes-Benz will flex its considerable muscle at the upcoming North American International Auto Show in Detroit when it unveils a rapid new S65 AMG. Due to reach North American showrooms in July, the luxury performance sedan carries over the hand-built twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V12 engine and five-speed automatic transmission from the previous S65 AMG, all wrapped up in the body of the all-new S-Class.

Mercedes says the reworked Maybach mill, with 612 hp at 4750 rpm and an enormous 738 lb-ft of torque beginning at 2000 rpm, should be slightly faster than an S600 and should match the older S65’s 0-to-62-mph time of 4.4 seconds, despite a small increase in weight. Top speed is limited to 155 mph, though buyers of all high-end AMG models these days can pay extra to have the electronic limiter recalibrated to 186 mph.

With the new S-Class chassis, S65 buyers get a wholesale lift in performance with a tauter suspension, reworked active body control and stronger brakes.

The S65 AMG is distinguished from lesser S-Class models by a heavily styled front bumper with a gaping central air duct, chunkier sills, a deeper rear bumper with a quartet of chrome oval tailpipes, and five-spoke 19-inch wheels. Inside, there’s unique instrument graphics, new gear shift paddles behind the steering wheel, sport seats, and a Racetimer device that allows the driver to record lap times or acceleration splits via a menu in the instrument binnacle.

Together with the S65 AMG, Mercedes-Benz is also developing a new S63 AMG model running the new 510-hp naturally aspirated 6.3-liter V8 engine unveiled in the ML63 AMG and Vision R63 concepts at the Frankfurt motor show last September. Don’t look for those models to go into production until later in 2006, however.
© autoweek.com

Competition Tire Canada posts Goodyear Racing Tire Contingency for PMRA Teams

Bruce F. Mehlenbacher, Director of Operations

December 27, 2005, Niagara on the Lake, ON – Competition Tire Canada will be posting Goodyear Racing Tire contingency awards at each series event for 2006, the Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA), www.ProModifiedRacing.com, is pleased to announce.

“The PMRA has proven itself to be a winner in a short time,” explained Craig Fairchild of Competition Tire. “We want to be a part of this, and we will pay a contingency award to the low qualifier and winner of each event if they are running Goodyear Racing Tires.”

Goodyear's racing heritage reaches back almost to the very first car race at the turn of the 20th century. In those early years auto makers were just beginning to see the wide-open possibilities of a sport called automobile racing. From then until now -- with one major interruption -- Goodyear's enthusiastic involvement with motorsports has grown as fast as the size of the crowds. The company produces more than one-half million tires a year for races of all kinds, all over the world.

“Goodyear has won more racing championships than any other tire company in the world,” stated Bruce F. Mehlenbacher, Director of Operations of the PMRA. “I have known the Fairchilds and Competition Tire for over 20 years and their company has a major history with motorsport. Having them involved in the PMRA series is very exciting news.”

Competition Tire Canada is one of Canada’s top auto racing suppliers. Based in the Niagara Peninsula, Competition Tire has been offering quality Goodyear products and service for over two decades in road course, oval track, and drag strip racing. For Information contact: 905.684.7418

At present, the PMRA has three events confirmed for the 2006 season, the KC Auto Parts Family Day Celebration at Toronto Motorsports Park in Cayuga, ON Saturday, June 24, and the Pro Modified Racing Association is pleased to be running inaugural events at St. Thomas Dragway in Sparta, ON August 5 and 6 and at the Grand Bend Motorplex, over the Labor Day weekend.

PMRA officials are in negotiations with several tracks at present for 2006, both eighth and quarter-mile tracks in Ontario, Quebec, Michigan, New York and Ohio with the plan of presenting a six -event drag racing series in 2006.

Ryan Litt Ready to Rumble

Courtesy Tommy Goudge, PR Manager

From Litt PR (December 27,2005) By Tommy Goudge - The 50th Annual “Rumble in Fort Wayne” indoor racing events are coming up on Thursday, December 29th and Friday December 30th, and once again Ryan Litt from Lyons, Ontario, Canada will be competing. Driving the same Eddie Griffith owned Ford Focus powered Beast chassis Midget car that he has driven in past indoor events, Ryan’s hopes are high for good finishes in each of the 2 nights.

Last year in this same event, Ryan ran very well and actually led more than 40 laps of the feature on the final night before traffic and brake problems slowed him down. NASCAR champion Tony Stewart will once again be returning to his roots and competing in this year’s edition of the historic indoor racing event, as will many other stars in the Midget racing world.

Where: Allen County Memorial Coliseum Expo Centre, Fort Wayne, Indiana.

What: Rumble Series “Rumble in Fort Wayne”, featuring the USAC National Midget Car Series.

When: Thursday December 29th and Friday December 30th.

Happy Holidays from Ryan Litt racing. Hope to see you in Fort Wayne! For more info, check out Ryan’s official website: www.RyanLitt.com.

Nissan releases photos of three-seat Detroit Show Concept

Riding a wave of strong vehicle introductions, Nissan unveils at Detroit a semi-frivolous three-seater dubbed Urge. This bare-bones car has a “motorcycle-inspired” design and scissors-style doors with cutaway panels. It remains to be seen whether an urge will strike sufficiently to justify its creation. A see-through glass hood reveals a small-displacement engine tied to a six-speed sequential gearbox. The front-engine, rear-drive car carries 19-inch wheels up front with 20-inchers out back, all stopped by Brembo brakes.

The interior boasts mesh-and-leather bucket seats, a billet-aluminum center console, and docking stations for an MP3 player and cell phone; the phone acts as an Intelligent Key to start the car. Targeted at those who can’t afford a car on their own, Urge has an integrated Xbox 360 gaming system to further distract its owner.

Urge, by the numbers:
Engine: Quick, high-revving, small-displacement engine

Transmission: Six-speed sequential manual gearbox

Drive configuration: Front-engine/rear-wheel drive

Wheels/tires/brakes: 19-inch front, 20-inch rear nine-spoke spun-aluminum-alloy/ 195/45R front, 225/35R rear Michelins/350Z-style Brembo four-wheel discs

Wheelbase: 104.3 inches
Length: 156.6 inches
Width: 71.8 inches
Height: 49.6 inches
Target weight: 2400 pounds
Seating capacity: Three passengers

Select exterior features: Motorcycle-inspired styling, see-through glass hood, cutaway door panels, aluminum center structure, aluminum and carbon fiber construction, four-bar-hinge scissors-style doors, spun- aluminum roof cage structure, collapsible quick-close, manual (storable) canvas top, “Mirror Crystal” exterior color

Select interior features: Driver-oriented interior with compact, responsive F1-style steering wheel, racing-style lightweight mesh-and-leather bucket seats, billet- aluminum center console, cellphone and MP3 player docking stations (cellphone acts as Intelligent Key to start vehicle), customizable driver info screens (including HVAC, navigation, audio and suspension/performance tuning), integrated gaming system powered by Xbox 360
© autoweek.com

Hamann Ferrari F430 Kicks It Up a Notch

Hamann, the BMW tuning specialist, is offering an aero upgrade kit and other performance-enhancing modifications on the Ferrari F430.

Hamann's Sport Kit 620, available beginning in March, includes twin superchargers with separate intercoolers, an oil cooler, and modified Motronic engine controls. Output jumps to 620 horsepower and torque to 465 pound-feet.

Hamann also offers suspension, brake, and exhaust upgrade kits for the F430. Custom alloy wheels include sizes up to 20 inches.

Exterior add-ons include a new front spoiler, wide side sills, rear diffuser and spoiler, in a choice of carbon-Kevlar or fiberglass. Full interior packages are also available.

Hamann provides extensive upgrades for Porsche, Lamborghini, Mercedes, Rolls-Royce, Mini, and Range Rover vehicles.
© edmunds.com

World of Outlaws to Launch 2006 Season at Volusia Speedway Park's 35th Annual Winternationals

Norman, OK — Dec. 28, 2005 — By Chris Dolack, VP Public Relations Last season the World of Outlaws Sprint Series returned to Volusia Speedway Park for the first time since the early 1980s.

On Feb. 9, the Mean 15 will return to drop the green flag on the World of Outlaws 2006 race to the championship as part of the half-mile facility’s 35th Annual Winternationals.

Led by 2005 stars Craig Dollansky, Terry McCarl, Daryn Pittman, Donny Schatz and Brooke Tatnell, the Outlaws 2006 season promises to be one of the most competitive in history as it enters its 29th year of thrilling fans from coast to coast.

With Volusia only a little more than 30 minutes from Daytona Beach, Fla., and all of the racing action on Florida’s Atlantic coast, fans no doubt will be the biggest winners during Speed Weeks, especially considering the schedule of events.

The World of Outlaws Sprint Series highlights the first week of racing at the Volusia dirt track, but the action will be nearly non-stop for two weeks beginning Feb. 7 when the All Star Circuit of Champions sprint car series opens the event.

The All Stars will sanction races Feb. 7-8 and Feb. 11-12.

The World of Outlaws Sprint Series takes over Feb. 9-10 before the UMP super late models invade for races Feb. 13-15 and again on Feb. 17.

The UMP modifieds will be the busiest during the two weeks, running events nightly from Feb. 7 through Feb. 14.

The Advance Auto Parts Modified Super DIRT Series will run Feb. 15-18 and the World of Outlaws Late Model Series will highlight the second weekend of action with events on Feb. 16 and the finale on Feb. 18.

“No matter what type of cars you like to watch race, you’ll probably see them compete at Volusia in February,” said DIRT MotorSports Vice President and CFO Brian Carter.

“The action seems as if it’s non-stop night after night, day after day. For some it will be the first chance to really shake down their cars for the 2006 season, but for some of the sprint car drivers it will just be a continuation of everything they’ve been doing around the world during the winter.”

Several of the Outlaws national touring drivers already are making headlines as they gear up for 2006. In the past three days alone, Brooke Tatnell, Daryn Pittman and Donny Schatz have earned victories in Australia while Craig Dollansky drove to Victory Lane on Dec. 17 in New Zealand.

DIRT MotorSports and the World of Outlaws Sprint Series continue to shape the 2006 schedule and look forward to the series’ 29th year of bringing the best collection of sprint car racers from coast to coast for what will no doubt be one of the most competitive seasons in series history.

CAPITAL CITY SPEEDWAY: New website

Arnie Malcolm, the new (and past) promoter of Capital City Speedway (formerly Ottodrome), sent us a link to the track's new website.

The site contains news and information regarding the Ottawa-area oval, including a note that 'Motor Mouth' Brian Goudge is returning as the announcer.

"ANOTHER PIECE TO THE PUZZLE, BRIAN GOUDGE WILL RETURN AS TRACK ANNOUNCER IN 2006: Well there doesn't seem to be a day that goes by that another piece to the puzzle doesn't fall into place, and another big piece did just that this past week. A person who for years was considered the voice of Capital City Speedway, Brian Goudge will return in 2006 as the track's official announcer. Brian worked as the announcer for many years, while Dave Booth ran the track and all through the time that Penny Bell was involved. Brian was not at the track for the last four years, but is very excited about coming back to the track he calls home. Brian who lives in Kanata, has kept busy announcing though as he is the track announcer at Brockville Speedway, a dirt track just outside Brockville, Ontario. He has also for the past 8-10 years been the official announcer for the Great American Race, which is owned by stock car icon Jack Roush. "Motor "Mouth which is his signature, spend most of his life as a school teacher, but is now retired or at least that's what he says, although you would never know that if you where to check his calendar. We believe that Brian will play an important role in helping us rebuild this famous Ottawa land mark, and yes I'm sure we will get a mention or two at Brockville Speedway every Saturday night, plus many other functions that Goudge is involved in. Our main goal right now is to get the word out, that Capital City Speedway is open for business and ready to rock and we believe that besides being a great announcer, Brian is also a great communicator and promoter of the sport of stock car racing. There is no question that right now everyone is looking forward to opening night 2006, and none more than the tracks "new" old" announcer."

New England NASCAR drivers Lepage and LaJoie to pilot bobsleds in Lake Placid

LAKE PLACID, N.Y. – Northeast NASCAR fans will be especially happy to know that two native sons will join the action Jan. 5-7 when the Chevrolet Geoff Bodine Bobsled Challenge hits the ice at the Verizon Sports Complex in Lake Placid, N.Y.

     Kevin Lepage of Shelburne, Vt. and Randy LaJoie of Norwalk, Conn. have both committed to participating in the competition among 10 drivers that will raise money for the Bo-Dyn Bobsled Project. This research and development initiative, started in 1992 by Bodine, is striving to raise needed funds to keep the United States Men’s and Women’s Bobsled Teams at the forefront of international racing. And that includes the Winter Olympics.

      Lepage won over $1 million in 12 Cup starts in 2005. His top results were ninth in Daytona and 12th in Charlotte coming from start 43.

      LaJoie, two-time NASCAR Busch Series champion, was sixth at Talladega, seventh in Milwaukee and eighth in Las Vegas.

      Lepage is hoping that many of his Vermont fans will make the journey to Lake Placid. He was in his home state recently for the holidays and made several local appearances.

      “It will be a great experience in the sense that I have never been to Lake Placid,” said Lepage. “But growing up in Vermont, I was always intrigued by the sport of bobsledding. Most importantly though, I’m looking forward to supporting Geoff and his design project for the U.S. team.”

       In 1997, LaJoie rode in a bobsled with 2002 Salt Lake City bronze medalist Brian Shimer. He recently recalled that ride in Utah with the five-time Olympian.

       “I wanted to get out halfway down,” admitted LaJoie. “It was a different speed than I had ever experienced. I’m really looking forward to driving the sleds and support Geoff and the whole American team. What Geoff has done is great.”

       One needs to look no further than the current World Cup results in the men’s and women’s divisions. Approximately one-third of the medals awarded to date have gone to Uncle Sam’s racers in the Bo-Dyn craft. These sleek, aerodynamic sleds are born at Chassis Dynamics in Connecticut under the watchful eye of Bob Cuneo.

       After a day of training on Jan. 6, the green light will be flashed on Jan. 7 as Lepage and LaJoie will go up against Geoff and Todd Bodine as well as Johnny Sauter, Boris Said, Steve Park, Dick Trickle, Joel Kauffmann and Stanton Barrett.

       Other drivers, such as Cup winner Tony Stewart and Dale Earnhardt, Jr., are hopeful their schedules will enable them to attend.

       The pilots will race twice on Jan. 7 – at 10 am and 2 pm – after qualification on the afternoon of Jan. 6.

        ESPN will televise a one-hour program on Jan. 29 at 5 pm (Eastern), while Speed Channel will provide two hours of coverage on Feb. 4 at 2 pm (Eastern).

        In addition to the on-ice action, the festivities will include a $100 a plate fundraiser at Nicola’s on Main in Lake Placid. Call 518-523-5853. There will be a silent auction featuring NASCAR memorabilia and Bodine bobsled event-related merchandise.

       While Chevrolet is the title sponsor, Whelen Engineering is the presenting sponsor and Columbia Sportswear is the Official Clothing Supplier for the Lake Placid event.

       For more information on this event including ticket purchases, please log on to www.bodinebobsled.com.

Competition Tire Canada posts Goodyear Racing Tire Contingency for PMRA Teams

Niagara on the Lake, ON – Competition Tire Canada will be posting Goodyear Racing Tire contingency awards at each series event for 2006, the Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA), www.ProModifiedRacing.com, is pleased to announce.

“The PMRA has proven itself to be a winner in a short time,” explained Craig Fairchild of Competition Tire. “We want to be a part of this, and we will pay a contingency award to the low qualifier and winner of each event if they are running Goodyear Racing Tires.”

Goodyear's racing heritage reaches back almost to the very first car race at the turn of the 20th century. In those early years auto makers were just beginning to see the wide-open possibilities of a sport called automobile racing. From then until now -- with one major interruption -- Goodyear's enthusiastic involvement with motorsports has grown as fast as the size of the crowds. The company produces more than one-half million tires a year for races of all kinds, all over the world.

“Goodyear has won more racing championships than any other tire company in the world,” stated Bruce F. Mehlenbacher, Director of Operations of the PMRA. “I have known the Fairchilds and Competition Tire for over 20 years and their company has a major history with motorsport. Having them involved in the PMRA series is very exciting news.”

Competition Tire Canada is one of Canada’s top auto racing suppliers. Based in the Niagara Peninsula, Competition Tire has been offering quality Goodyear products and service for over two decades in road course, oval track, and drag strip racing.

For Information contact: 905.684.7418

At present, the PMRA has three events confirmed for the 2006 season, the KC Auto Parts Family Day Celebration at Toronto Motorsports Park in Cayuga, ON Saturday, June 24, and the Pro Modified Racing Association is pleased to be running inaugural events at St. Thomas Dragway in Sparta, ON August 5 and 6 and at the Grand Bend Motorplex, over the Labor Day weekend.

PMRA officials are in negotiations with several tracks at present for 2006, both eighth and quarter-mile tracks in Ontario, Quebec, Michigan, New York and Ohio with the plan of presenting a six -event drag racing series in 2006.

Started late in 2004 and entering its second year of operation, the PMRA ran five events in 2005 at four Ontario, Quebec, and New York locations, with a different winner at each track. The PMRA provides drag race fans the opportunity to see and hear popular Pro Modified racing in the class known as “the world’s fastest door slammers.”

The PMRA is a self-governing organization with its own set of technical and safety rules based on the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) Pro Modified division. Cars in the PMRA capture the true spirit of hot rodding, and the class offers a widely diverse group of racecars with different types of 2000-horsepower engines propelling the cars down the quarter-mile in the 6.20-second range at 230 mph.

For more information contact Bruce F. Mehlenbacher mehlenbacher@ProModifiedRacing.com

Beautiful Brute Redux: 2006 Chrysler 300C Heritage Edition to Debut in L.A.

Chrysler will introduce a 2006 Chrysler 300C Heritage Edition that pays homage to the "Beautiful Brute," the 1957 Chrysler 300C, at the upcoming Los Angeles auto show.

The automaker said the Heritage Edition would be priced at around $36,000 and go into production this spring at its Brampton, Ontario, assembly plant.


The Heritage Edition features the 5.7-liter multi-displacement Hemi engine, a five-speed AutoStick transmission, all-season tires, and 18-inch chrome-clad wheels. The exterior is outfitted with chromed body-side molding with tricolor 300C badges modeled after the ones on the 1957 model.

Inside, the Heritage Edition takes its cues from the automaker's high-performance SRT division, with an SRT trunk lid spoiler and SRT front seats. The new 300C model also has a two-tone cabin, an upgraded Boston Acoustics sound system, and a new smoke translucent finish on the steering wheel and door handles.

This is also the first Chrysler model to feature SmartBeam headlamps that automatically adjust high-beam brightness and intensity.
© edmunds.com

Porsche's silver bullet spied on shakedown test

Spies have undermined Porsche's plan to keep its seventh-generation 911 Turbo secret until its world premiere at the Geneva motor show next February.

Building on the wide-bodied appearance of the recently introduced 4S, the 997-series Turbo declares itself with a unique front bumper carrying high-intensity LED indicators and parking lights integrated into a horizontal bar running across the outer air ducts. The fog lamps are set low on the corners within special housings designed to protect them from stone damage.

Along the flanks, sills under the doors are more pronounced and sizeable air ducts ahead of the rear wheel arches provide efficient cooling. Changes to the rear include the adoption of a reshaped biplane wing assembly that Porsche says will provide added levels of downforce, and a bumper with small ducts to pull hot air out of the engine bay. Completing the makeover, lightweight 19-inch alloy wheels wear ultra-low-profile tires, accentuating a significantly lower ride height than standard 911 models.

Behind the Turbo's distinctive look is a more powerful version of Porsche's twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine. High-level Zuffenhausen sources say the powerplant is derived from the outgoing model's engine, which itself evolved from Porsche's Le Mans-winning 911 GT1 sports car program.

We've heard reports of power outputs of up to 500 hp-a massive 80-hp or 19 percent increase above the outgoing model's 420 hp. The company's habit of incremental improvement suggests the figure could be significantly lower, though with others advertising 500 hp, Porsche must be tempted to respond. Nothing is official just yet, but we're told to expect a subtle 30-hp gain, taking the new model up to 450 hp (the same power obtainable by adding a Porsche X50 power kit to today's 911 Turbo S-perhaps a similar option will be offer­ed on the new model).

The Turbo's torque figure also rises by about 30 lb-ft to 457 lb-ft. Drive goes to all four wheels via a standard six-speed manual unit or a new double-clutch automatic gearbox, and Porsche's familiar full-time awd system.

Key to the increased output is Variable Turbine Geometry technology for the two turbo­chargers. Common on high-performance diesel engines, VTG continuously adjusts the angle of the turbocharger's vanes to provide a more linear delivery of power and wider spread of torque. To make this work on gasoline engines, with much higher exhaust temperatures than diesel units, the BorgWarner-developed turbos employ heat-resistant ceramics. The engine also benefits from improved variable intake and exhaust valve timing.

The 997 Turbo's weight is up to about 3520 pounds. Even with the added weight, the 997 Turbo gains in power-to-weight ratio and should be able to hit 60 mph in well under 4.0 seconds with a top speed of 190 mph.
© autoweek.com

Gumpert Apollo

German magazine "Focus" has a cool update story about the Gumpert Apollo including some great pictures! Enjoy It:

Here are some figures:
Engine: 4,2-Liter-V8 from Audi, Bi-Turbo
Power: 650 bhp
Torque: 850 Nm
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 3,0 seconds (Porsche Carrera GT: 3,9)
Top speed: 360 km/h (Porsche Carrera GT: 330)
© germancablog.com

VW EcoRacer: Successfully finishes first on-road test

The VW EcoRacer successfully finished its first on-road test!

Volkswagen's EcoRacer sports car has successfully completed its racetrack debut: 34 journalists from nine countries gave the concept car from Wolfsburg a thorough test on the racetrack in Pau in the South of France.
In three days, the motor sport journalists covered over 1200 kilometres, mainly at high speed, in the yellow two-seater. The EcoRacer proved that it is versatile and dynamic in the guise of a coupé, a roadster and a speedster.

The EcoRacer weighs just 850 kilograms thanks to its carbon fibre body. It accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 6.3 seconds. The newly developed 1.5-litre turbo diesel with 100 kW /136 PS has a top speed of 230 km/h and an average fuel consumption of just 3.4 litres per 100 kilometres.

However, not only the technology fulfilled the expectations of the Volkswagen engineers. The design of the vehicle was also presented well at the racetrack. Volkswagen designer Cesar Muntada: "It is a wonderful experience to see your new vehicle on the road for the first time and to see the reactions to it. I am particularly pleased about the emotions the EcoRacer stirred up on the racetrack."
© germancarblog.com

Nissan planning to import Infiniti brand vehicles to China

Nissan Motor Co. will begin importing its Infiniti luxury sedans into China by the end of 2007, the Japanese automaker said.

"We aim to have 10 percent of the premium (import) market by 2011," said Sharon Shen, spokesperson for Nissan (China) Investment Co.

The company is still working out which models will be imported, she added.
Nissan hopes to have 10 dealerships in place for the launch, Shen said.

The market for such high-end imported cars is around 35,000 units a year, said Yale Zhang, head of emerging markets forecasting for CSM Asia in Shanghai.

Infiniti is a relative late comer to China's premium import market. Mercedes, BMW, and Toyota's Lexus brand are already here.

Said Shen: "We don't really feel that this is late. The customer tastes are still developing. In 2007, customers will develop their own tastes instead of just following trends."

Nissan will have a unique marketing and sales strategy for the Infiniti brand, she said.

Marketing will be key because Chinese aren't familiar with the Infiniti brand, though Nissan-badged cars are assembled and sold in China, said Zhang.

Said Mei Songlin, deputy general manager of J.D. Power and Associates China operations: "Generally, Chinese people believe in European luxury brands. The only exception is Lexus. Before Toyota launched Lexus here, the brand's Chinese name was well known."
© autoweek.com

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Happy Holidays

I want to wish everyone in the racing community a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Happy Holidays.

Be Happy, be healthy, be safe. Enjoy this time with family and friends.

Greasemonkey.

China says it has become a net exporter of cars and trucks for the first time.

China says it has become a net exporter of cars and trucks for the first time, with new Chinese competitors such as Geely and Chery starting to make their mark in the markets of Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

Exports jumped by 133.5 percent in the first 10 months of this year, giving China an export surplus of 7,000 vehicles, according to the official Xinhua News Agency.

Beijing has been promoting the growth of its automakers in recent years as foreign suppliers expand in China, which is expected to become the world's biggest car market.

The report Wednesday by Xinhua didn't give detailed figures for China's auto exports.

But Michael Dunne, president of Beijing-based consulting firm Automotive Resources Asia, said China's exports in 2005 would probably reach about 125,000 units.

"Chinese automobile manufacturers are facing an increasingly competitive market at home," he said. "They are high volume producers. To compete and survive, they need to export worldwide."
© chinabroadcast.cn

MINI Traveller Concept Coming to Detroit

An American-themed version of the MINI Traveller concept seen at this year's Frankfurt auto show will be on display at the Detroit auto show in January. The Americanized version of the concept loses its B-pillar for openness, and adds flexibility in loading with specially hinged doors that swivel to the side and front for maximum accessibility.

A new storage box off the rear side window has side flaps for loading and unloading cargo. Silver metallic paint and a white leather interior round out the concept for the Detroit show, which opens to the media on Jan. 8.
© thecarconnection.com

Ultratrick: Subaru Impreza S204 Debuts in Japan

Calling all Impreza fans! Subaru Tecnica International (STI) in Japan will build just 600 examples of this latest Impreza S204, starting in January 2006.

Since April 2000, Subaru's tuning arm, STI, has been quietly putting together its own limited run of hand-built cars, starting with the S201, which pushed out 300 horsepower.

After the S202 (2002) and S203 (2004), based on the second-generation Impreza, both with 320 hp, it's time to welcome the S204, which gets the latest shape Impreza front end and is the new Japanese domestic state of the art.

Using the latest six-speed WRX STi as a base, the STI team has hand-built, blueprinted, balanced, and tuned the already formidable 1,994cc flat-four Twin Scroll turbo, to deliver the same 320 hp at 6,400 rpm, plus a resounding 318 lb-ft at 4,400 rpm, the highest factory torque output to date.

The lowered, stiffened S204 chassis gets original spec coil springs, dampers, bushing and roll bars. With BBS alloys, 18-inch Pirelli PZero Corsa system tires, and original 17-inch vented brakes, STI claims the whole dynamic threshold improves on last year's S203.

Body tweaks include a unique grille, a carbon front skirt, and a trunk spoiler. Inside, there's a set of very smart, thin, reclining Recaro bucket seats and moody black/gray cabin coding.

The price of entry is $41,000, about $8,500 more than the standard WRX STi in Japan. Expensive, yes, but also very exclusive and a likely future collector's item.
© edmunds.com

Cool wallpapers For your desktop pleasure !

It's christmas time and you are in decoration mood. Why not change your desktop wallpaper also?"TopGear" has some very cool wallpapers of the Audi RS4:


the Bugatti Veyron:

the Lamborghini Gallardo:
Think about it!
© germancarblog.com

SAUBLE SPEEDWAY: ARCA Lincoln Welders Truck Series heading to The Beach in 2006

SAUBLE BEACH, ON – Although it is the first day of winter, the summer of 2006 is heating up at Steelback Sauble Speedway, today’s announcement is exciting news for truck race fans.

On June 24th 2006 the ARCA Lincoln Welders Truck Series from the United States will invade Sauble Speedway for a 100-lap national truck series race.

ARCA (The Automobile Racing Club of America) for more than 50 years has presented championship stock car racing, founded in 1953 as a Midwestern based stock car auto racing sanctioning body.

The ARCA Lincoln Welders Truck Series will make its first Canadian stop of 2006 at Steelback Sauble Speedway, the sponsor of this special event will be released in the coming days.

Be sure to mark June 24th/06 on your calendar to see this exciting US Series go door handle to door handle at one of Ontario’s finest two-groove ¼ mile racetrack.

Steelback Sauble Speedway your 2006 Ultimate Entertainment Facility.

- From Sauble Speedway.

VW Phaeton: Luxury, extra long !

Volkswagen Individual made an extra-long version of the VW Phaeton with some extra luxury!

It's called the VW Phaeton Lounge and was presented at the Dubai Motor Show.

The VW Phaeton Lounge is 1.8 meter longer than the regular Phaeton!The Phaeton Lounge is powered by a 420 bhp W12, top speed is blocked at 180 km/h. And it's the first time that a stretch limo got a 4-wheel drive!
© germancarblog.com

Duesenberg Torpedo Resurrects a Classic Nameplate

A new Duesenberg automobile called the Torpedo Coupe, a four-seater with radical engine technology, is set for a January 2007 market introduction, according to the Duesenberg Custom Coach Web site.


Designed by Jeff Teague, the car will be driven by what the company is describing as a "revolutionary new power plant," a CEM, or cylindrical energy module engine. The supercharged 12-cylinder engine gets an estimated 70 miles per gallon and 300 horsepower from a tiny 100-pound package measuring 18 inches in diameter and 24 inches in length. The company says it has "an unparalleled power-to-weight ratio."

Duesenberg, a U.S. company which operated from 1910-'37, created one of the fastest cars of its time, the 265-horsepower 1935 Model J. Back then, the Duesenberg was the ride of royalty and celebrities, including Clark Gable and the Duke of Windsor. Today, the classic Duesenbergs are owned by collectors such as Jay Leno.
© edmunds.com

VW Passat Coupe: Coming 2008 !

"Auto Motor und Sport" is reporting that the VW Passat Coupé is really coming 2008. You can read more about it in their latest issue.

The VW Passat Coupé will come with 4- and 6-cylinder-engines. Base engine is the 1.4 TFSI with 170 bhp. Top engine will be a 3.6 VR6 with 280 bhp.
© germancarblog.com

PMRA and St. Thomas Dragway link up for inaugural race in 2006

SPARTA, ON – The Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA), www.ProModifiedRacing.com will be racing at St. Thomas Dragway as part of its 2006 tour.
 
This will be the PMRA’s inaugural event at the storied Sparta facility.
 
“We are very pleased and excited to include the PMRA on our 2006 schedule of special events,” said St. Thomas Dragway Track Owner and General Manager Dave Mathers. “This series will be a very important part of our Hot Rod Reunion Weekend.”
 
The popular PMRA Pro Modifieds are scheduled to race at the NHRA-sanctioned eighth-mile strip in Sparta, ON Saturday and Sunday, August 5 and 6, 2006.
 
At present, the PMRA has three events confirmed for the 2006 season, at Toronto Motorsports Park in Cayuga, ON Saturday, June 24 and the Pro Modified Racing Association is pleased to be running its first event at the Grand Bend Motorplex, to be held over the Labor Day weekend.
 
"St. Thomas Dragway has been operating since 1962 and is a landmark drag racing facility in Canada,” stated Bruce F. Mehlenbacher, Director of Operations of the PMRA. “Some of the biggest legends of our sport have raced there and it will be a very important stop for the PMRA series.”
 
For information about the PMRA event at St. Thomas Dragway call 1.519.775.2263 (Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET) or visit online at www.StThomasDragway.com.
 
PMRA officials are in negotiations with several tracks at present for 2006, both eighth and quarter-mile tracks in Ontario, Quebec, Michigan, New York and Ohio with the plan of presenting a six -event drag racing series in 2006.
 
Started late in 2004 and entering its second year of operation, the PMRA ran five events in 2005 at four Ontario, Quebec, and New York locations, with a different winner at each track. The PMRA provides drag race fans the opportunity to see and hear popular Pro Modified racing in the class known as “the world’s fastest door slammers.”
 
The PMRA is a self-governing organization with its own set of technical and safety rules based on the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) Pro Modified division. Cars in the PMRA capture the true spirit of hot rodding, and the class offers a widely diverse group of racecars with different types of 2000-horsepower engines propelling the cars down the quarter-mile in the 6.20-second range at 230 mph.
 
For more information contact Bruce F. Mehlenbacher mehlenbacher@ProModifiedRacing.com
 
For more information contact: Bruce F. Mehlenbacher
Director of Operations // Telephone: 905.772.1800 Ext. #22 // Fax: 905.772-1799 // Cellular: 905.517.5345 // E-mail: mehlenbacher@ProModifiedRacing.com

Tim Miller // Media Director // Telephone: 905.870.1456 // E-mail: tmiller@promodifiedracing.com
 
Dave Mathers  // St. Thomas Dragway // Telephone: 519.775.2263 // Fax: 519.775.2593 // E-mail: sttdrags@skynet.ca

Sunoco Fuels Up DIRT Modifieds For 2006 Advance Auto Parts Florida Tour DIRT MotorSports PR

WEEDSPORT, N.Y. (December 20) – Top drivers will once again share thousands of dollars during the upcoming race season as Sunoco Race Fuels continues to carry out it's long-standing role as a major point fund contributor in DIRT MotorSports NorthEast's premier touring divisions.

The chase for the overall Hoosier Tire-Sunoco Race Fuels Mr. DIRT Modified crown begins in less than two months when Volusia Speedway Park hosts the 2006 Advance Auto Parts Florida Tour scheduled February 15-18. The traditional schedule once again includes three 30-lap main events with a $5,000-to-win 50-lap finale closing out the '06 trip. An optional practice day has been set for Wed., Feb. 14.

"We're proud to continue our association with DIRT," stated Rob Marro, General Manager, Sunoco Performance Products and Automotive Events. "Sunoco has been involved from the beginning of DIRT and we're happy to continue our support of all the drivers in this popular Northeast motorsports series. Sunoco Race Fuels has had a long and beneficial relationship with DIRT over the years and we expect that to continue."

Sunoco recently extended a quarter-century of commitment to DIRT MotorSports by retaining its status as the "Official Fuel" at all events sanctioned by DMS NorthEast. 2005 marked the first in the latest three-year agreement reached between Sunoco Performance Products and DIRT MotorSports officials, which upholds Sunoco as the exclusive fuel supplier on the entire DIRT NE circuit.

Sunoco will supply all racing fuel required for use by DIRT MotorSports and used exclusively by the teams in competition at all DMS NorthEast sanctioned events. Throughout the racing season random fuel checks will take place while Sunoco decals will be seen prominently displayed on every car's side panels and a Sunoco patch will be worn on each driver's fire suit.

"We're obviously pleased to have Sunoco back with our organization as a corporate partner," commented DIRT MotorSports NorthEast General Manager Tonya Moschell, as she prepared for her first full year of tenure in DIRT NorthEast's 31st successive season of promotion. "The return of Sunoco is a major show of support and we're proud to have our teams faithfully using the product as Sunoco brand fuel continues to be recognized among the best performance products available in racing anywhere today."

Advance Auto Parts Modified teams competing in the 35th Annual Winter Nationals at Volusia in February will be running both Sunoco high-performance Standard (110 octane) and Supreme (112) fuel mixtures; both supplied by Bearden Oil with its tanker truck located on-site throughout the week.

Once the nation's most recognized regional short-track sanctioning body, DIRT MotorSports has now assumed a national identity all its own and Sunoco Race Fuels has continued to strengthen an enduring affiliation that began in 1978. A point fund was ultimately established in 1983 when the first official "Mr. DIRT" Championship Trail was sponsored by CAM2 Racing Gasoline. Sunoco has also offered sponsorship of select events at Super DIRT Week in Syracuse and served as a Sportsman Super DIRT Series namesake. 2005 marked the company's first support of the coveted DIRT NorthEast Driver of the Year award garnered by Mr. DIRT champ Tim Fuller.

Teams can direct further questions regarding fuel, tires or general race day rules to Bob Dini at his shop (845/358-5049) or by cell phone (405/623-1803). For those drivers wishing to add team information for the Advance Auto Parts Florida Tour pre-race roster, please contact DIRT NE Media Manager Tom Skibinski at the Weedsport office (315/834-6606) or through e-mail media@dirtmotorsports.com correspondence.

Fans and race teams already planning to attend Volusia (386/985-4402) are encouraged to contact the track public relations offices for area hotel/motel accomodations. Overnight camping is also available at the track for self-contained units. Volusia Speedway Park www.volusiaspeedwaypark.com is located 15 miles west of Daytona Beach on State Road 40 in Barberville, Fla. Mail is received at: 1500 E. Highway 40, DeLeon Springs, FL 32130.

The DIRT MotorSports™ Advance Auto Parts Modified Series is brought to fans across the Northeast by several sponsors and partners, including series sponsors Advance Auto Parts, Dynomax Performance Exhaust, Hoosier Racing Tire and Sunoco Race Fuels. Promotional Partners include Stacker 2®, AMB i.t. and F.X. Caprara Car Companies and the contingency sponsors are DART Machinery, Bicknell Racing Products, Bilstein Shocks, MSD Ignitions and Wrisco Industries.

Dubai Showstopper: $2.28 Million Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster

— A renovated and rare 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster, said to be worth $2.28 million, tempted wealthy buyers at the recently concluded motor show here.

The vehicle is owned by Hamburg-based E. Thiesen Automobile Raritaten, which says that between 1936 and 1939, only 419 540Ks were built by Mercedes-Benz in 10 different body styles. Of the Special Roadster version, only 25 examples were built and only 10 models remain in the world.

E. Thiesen says it took a team of engineers and mechanics eight years to rebuild this Benz. The company has the vehicle for sale and says its appearance in Dubai has resulted in "several potentially serious buyers."

Another Mercedes 540K Special Roadster, owned by Warner Brothers' Jack Warner, sold for $3.63 million, according to the Web site eMercedesBenz.
© edmunds.com

Brabus Injects Some Humor into Mercedes-Benz U-Class

Mercedes-Benz tuner Brabus has taken the U-Class — the one with the no-nonsense motto of "Any task, any time, any terrain" — and transformed it into an everyday driver.

The German tuner tweaked a standard short-wheelbase Unimog by skipping any engine modifications but adding such amenities as a navigation system, carbon-fiber trim, and new silver-and-gray leather Brabus seats. The all-wheel-drive Unimog is a multipurpose vehicle with 18 inches of ground clearance and a 280-horsepower engine.
© edmunds.com

Ford struggling to sell 900,000 F-Series pickups in 2005

Ford Motor Co. still wants to sell 900,000 F-series pickups in 2005. But the year is slipping away with plenty of trucks yet to sell.

On Wednesday, Dec. 14, Ford was still shy of the goal by 65,400 trucks. That's more than it sold in all of November.
It's a tall order for dealers to sell that many in the final two weeks of December, especially with holidays.
Ford acknowledges that the 900,000 F-series target will be tough to achieve. But it isn't giving up. A dealer bonus program offers as much as $1,000 a truck sold in December. Ford is counting on dealers to crank up sales.

"This is not an easy task, but we have everybody focused on it," said Al Giombetti, Ford vice president of sales.
© autoweek.com

Andretti Green Racing to Field Pro Series Entries for Klein and Camara in 2006

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (Dec. 20, 2005) – Andretti Green Racing announced today it will field Indy Racing League Pro Series entries in 2006 for drivers Jonathan Klein and Jaime Camara. The cars will be Andretti Green Racing entries, and will be prepared and maintained by Sam Schmidt Motorsports.

Klein, the 18-year-old son of Klein Tools chairman and chief executive officer Richard T. Klein Jr., spent the 2005 season in the Star Mazda Championship racing for Andersen Walko Racing. Klein posted two top fives and six top-10 finishes during the season, including a runner-up finish in the season finale at Mazda Raceway.

Camara, who hails from Goiana, Goias, Brazil, ran the full Pro Series slate in 2005 behind the wheel of the CELG-Sam Schmidt Motorsports entry. Camara posted two wins, three poles, five top fives and 11 top 10s on the way to a fifth-place finish in the series standings.

2006 will mark Andretti Green's second year of competition in the Pro Series. Working in conjunction with Keith Duesenberg Racing this past season, Andretti Green Racing entered Marco Andretti in six Pro Series events, earning three wins, three poles and five top-five finishes.

By running two full-time entries in the Pro Series, Andretti Green will earn six additional testing days for its IndyCar Series program with Klein and Camara each gaining an opportunity to test the first half of each day.

Klein, Camara and the rest of the Pro Series field will open the 2006 season on March 26 at Homestead-Miami Speedway with the Homestead-Miami 100.

Jonathan Klein:
"I just found out this was going to happen on Friday, so I'm not sure it has really even set in yet. This opportunity is overwhelming and exciting all at the same time. I'm just really excited to get the chance to run with Sam and Andretti Green in the Pro Series. Sam has quite a record in this series, but he has also done so many great things with his foundation. I've already started to think about ways I can help out and try to make an impact to help people who are dealing with paralysis."

Jaime Camara:
"I'm really looking forward to next season because now I know the tracks that the Pro Series runs on and I have a year's experience on ovals. 2006 is going to be much better than this season and I think we have a good shot at winning the championship. If we can be consistent from the beginning until the end of the season, I don't think we'll have any problems."

Sam Schmidt, Owner, Sam Schmidt Motorsports:
"I am clearly very excited to be working with everybody at Andretti Green, especially Michael, Kim and Kevin. My relationship with Michael has increased a lot over the last 12 months because of his willingness to become involved with my foundation and that means a tremendous amount to me personally. So, when this opportunity came up, I thought it was an honor and a compliment to Sam Schmidt Motorsports that, if AGR were going to run anyone in the Pro Series, that they would utilize our services.
"On the driver side, I think Jonathan and Rick Klein are just superb people. I'm really going to enjoy working with Jonathan because he brings a fresh mind and a 'sponge-type attitude' with him. As far as Jaime goes, we have year's worth of experience and I know we can build on that. He's already proven to be a winner and I think we can look to improve on what we achieved last year and move up a few spots on the points ladder."

Kim Green, President, Andretti Green Racing:
"Andretti Green is excited about the opportunity we have in front of us for the 2006 IRL Pro Series. We always welcome the opportunity to help develop young talent and we're very excited about the prospect of working with both Jonathan and Jaime. The rules package and the prize money package that the league has created for the Pro Series provides real incentive for teams like Andretti Green to participate. It's also special for us to continue our relationship with Sam. We had a great association with Sam off the racetrack last year, and it's great to be able to strengthen that tie by working together on and off the track in 2006."

Contact: Al Larsen, (317) 872-2700 ext 239, alan.larsen@andrettigreenracing.com

Brighton Speedway Park: Gift Ideas

Brighton Speedway Park: Gift ideas

Season Passes and Mini Passes are great last minute gifts for Brighton Speedway Park (www.brightonspeedway.com) Fans and Drivers....

Rule Books make a great quick gift for the avid driver or the driveway junkie...

Why not stuff their stockings with Brighton Speedway Bucks.  These BSB's can be used anywhere on the property, from admission, to the canteens, the fuel truck or the souvenir booth.

A great gift idea for as little as $10.00!  Show your appreciation to your sponsor with a personalized full colour 8 x 10 plaque. You can customize the information and choose your own picture.

Visit the website at www.brightonspeedway.com or call the office 10am to 2pm daily at 613.475. 1102

Corner Gas: Our favourite show!

Last week's episode of Corner Gas had the phone lines ringing at our office the next day! Thanks to the people at Corner Gas for promoting all things Canadian.

Los Angeles Auto Show Preview

Audi’s new entry into the SUV market, the Q7, is making its North American debut in Los Angeles.

Audi introduces its all-new aggressively-styled Q7 in LA. Performance will come from its 345-hp V-8 engine that is paired to a six-speed tiptronic automotive transmission. Inside, it’s all luxury and convenience for up to seven passengers in three-row seating. The Q7 has 28 different seating and storage configurations to optimize interior space.

Toyota is bringing their Yaris subcompact to the States for the growing segment of car buyers concerned about fuel economy.

The new Yaris replaces the Echo in Toyota’s compact lineup. With crisp styling and a neat little 1.5-liter engine with variable valve timing (to boost power and fuel mileage while lowering emissions), the Yaris could be a great remedy for high gas prices. Set for its World debut in LA, the Yaris is projected to return up to 40 mpg on the highway.

© aiada.org

Audi TT Sportback

German car magazine "Auto Motor und Sport" had some pics (Photoshop) of the upcoming Audi TT Sportback in one of their latest issues:

© germancarblog.com

Exclusive: 2008 Hummer H2 Slated for Updated Interior, Engine

The 2008 Hummer H2, which will hit showrooms in 2007, will get a midcycle enhancement that includes an updated interior and an engine upgrade, Inside Line has learned.

Hummer general manager Susan Docherty would not give specifics on the H2's makeover. The 2006 full-size SUV is powered by a 6.0-liter V8 that makes 325 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque.

Docherty said Hummer recently surveyed its buyers and discovered that 36 percent of them say they intend to take their vehicles off-road. She said that nugget of information was "noteworthy" because the conventional industry wisdom, as well as previous Hummer research, has been that fewer than 10 percent of SUV buyers take their vehicle off-road.

Docherty also reported that the Hummer brand outpaces every other General Motors brand when it comes to aftermarket accessories. Buyers of the under-$30,000 Hummer H3 load up their vehicles with $1,200 in GM aftermarket accessories. The average transaction price for the SUV is $36,000, she said.

"That means the H3 is definitely in premium territory," Docherty said.
© edmunds.com