Hyundai Diesel Engine

Hyundai is planning to bring a "clean diesel" engine to the United States in 2009 or 2010, according to Hyundai CEO Dong Jin Kim.

The executive, quoted by Automotive News today, said the engine will be available in the Veracruz in the U.S. once it is adapted to meet 50-state emissions standards. The Veracruz, a seven-passenger crossover, is Hyundai's top-end model in the United States, currently priced starting at just under $27,000 with a 3.8-liter gasoline V6 engine.

The Hyundai-developed engine, a 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel that makes 240 horsepower, is already sold in the Veracruz in the home market of Korea and in Europe.

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Daihatsu Trevis Car

There are two ways to think about the new microsite for the Trevis, a chic minicar from Daihatsu: Someone in the Japanese company's marketing department is either extremely ahead of the curve or has gone around the bend.

If you look at www.my-trevis.de and get past the half-naked guy getting jiggy with it, you may find more shocking options inside, like a guy sending you warm kisses or another one showing you his nice hat. You see, Trevis is first and foremost a name and it seems Daihatsu decided to put a face behind the car. This may not be everyone's idea of a good time, but it is certain to get attention.

The Web site also has the usual automotive site features: Visitors can learn about the virtues of the Trevis, choose colors and browse through spec sheets. The Trevis is powered by a three-cylinder 1.0-liter engine, capable of 58 horsepower, and aimed squarely at the market where the Lancia Ypsilon is the latest fashion accessory.

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Hamann Crafts Even Racier Lamborghini Murcielago

Tuner Hamann is known for its prowess in further improving what are already some of the world's fastest and most exciting cars. The latest effort is the Hamann-ized Lamborghini Murcielago LP640, which it calls "a stealth bomber on four wheels" and "one of the most masculine-looking sports cars."

Hamann starts with aerodynamic modifications, adding a front spoiler and rear wing, as well as a two-part front wing, two-part rear diffuser, side sills and central running air box on the roof, which it says "brings back memories" of the Lamborghini Diablo GT-R. All are available in the customer's choice of fiberglass or carbon-Kevlar.

A double-pipe stainless sport rear silencer is intended to give the car a sportier look and a racetrack sound, or in the poetic words of Hamann, to herald "the arrival of the blood-curdling steer." A sport metallic catalytic converter is available.

Hamann's "Edition Race" 20-inch alloy wheels with a Y-spoke design are fitted to the Lamborghini. Inside, there's a "carbon look" interior and a lavish leather interior and choice of electronic gadgetry to each customer's specifications.

Complete information is available at the Hamann Web site.

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Chrysler's Numbers Game Will Gift a Sebring to One Lucky Newborn Baby

Chrysler is running a most unusual numbers game with its Sebring. The "Chrysler Sebring Bundle of Joy Sweepstakes" will award a new Sebring to one lucky family that delivers a newborn baby at the time closest to 2:03:04 a.m. on May 6, 2007.

Yes, that's 2:03:04 on 05/06/07. The sequence of numbers won't happen in the calendar again for more than a century.
Chrysler is counting the "winning time" as that exact moment in the time zone in which the baby is born, and the stipulation is that the winner must be a licensed driver and the parent or legal guardian of the infant.
In the event that more than one baby is born at this exact time and, more important, that his or her parents enter the Chrysler contest, a random drawing will determine the winner.
The doubtless sleep-deprived new parents have until June 15 to mail in a birth certificate that proves their claim to the prize. Full details are at the Bundle of Joy Web site.

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Lada Priora

TOGLIATTI, Russia — The new Lada Priora has gone on sale in Russia. This is the first attempt from Russia's biggest carmaker to change its image as a producer of ultra-cheap family cars. The new sedan retails for around $11,000 and is squarely aimed at such local bestsellers as the Renault Logan and the Hyundai Accent.

The car was originally introduced at the 2003 Moscow Auto Show with a tentative production launch penned for 2005. Even though the car is a thorough revamp of the now 13-year-old 110-series, it took a bit more time than expected to iron out quality issues, so the introduction date was postponed at least three times.

The styling of the midsize sedan, which measures 169.3 inches long by 70.9 inches wide, is not the latest word in design — but, considering the source, it does not look too outdated. Its interior is the work of Italian design consultant Carcerano. For export, the Priora will have a 1.6-liter gasoline engine that passes Euro 4 emissions control regulations, allowing it to be sold in most European markets. Airbags will be offered, although only as an option. Electric windows and an adjustable steering column add to the relative modernity of the new model.

So far only the sedan version has been launched, but wagon and coupe versions are also planned to join the lineup. Eventually the Priora should replace its donor, the 110-series, which had been Lada's Western European export model along with the Niva SUV before the Kalina appeared in 2006.

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Talladega bans 14 for disorderly conduct... sort of.

In the wake of the shameful can-throwing spectacle following Sunday's Cup race at Talladega, the track has banned 14 individuals from buying tickets FROM the track... ever.

Mind you, the track concedes that they can't prevent these idiots from getting tickets to races at Talladega through a third party.

Apparently, it's going to have to take another post-race disgrace at Talladega... probably later this year (if Junior doesn't win)... before fans are prevented from carrying the weapons (a.k.a beer cans) in the front door with them.

Ashley Taws set for return to racing

Toronto, Ontario, May 1 2007 - Ashley Taws, the driver who became well known several years ago racing the "Be Anything With Barbie" race car, will return to competition this year along with her former sponsor, Barbie. At a news conference on Thursday, the 23-year-old from Newmarket, Ont., will announce her new racing programme and unveil her race cars.

Taws was a rising star who had established a new benchmark for female racers in Canada. In the 2002 Canadian Formula Ford Championship, she claimed pole position at the Toronto Indy, took three podium (top- three) finishes, tied for third in championship points and won the rookie-of-the-year award.

Popular with fans and well-respected in the racing community, Taws was focused on winning the 2003 Canadian Formula Ford Championship when an off-season traffic accident left her severely injured. A passenger in a car involved in a head-on, highway collision, she suffered a broken spine, crushed aortal artery and multiple abdominal injuries. A comeback just six months later was initially successful, but short-lived as limited endurance and nagging health problems became an issue.

Healthy again and ready to race, Taws is looking forward to competing in two racing series this year and is particularly excited about returning to race on the streets of Toronto in the Grand Prix of Toronto.

Media are invited to attend this announcement which will take place on May 3 at 11am in Porter Airlines hangar 5 at the Toronto City Centre Airport.

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From Mark Jackson