Alfa Giulia GTAm – best Alfa Romeo ever

Alfa Romeo have made 70 models in their 100 year history. 2010 just happens to be the centenary year of the famous Italian marque, so what better time to work out which car Alfa fans (that’s Alfisti to you and I) think is the best Alfa made to date. As the article title suggests the Giulia GTAm won the poll, with a narrow margin over the 8C Competizione. Voting was conducted via the Alfa Centenary website.

The Alfa Giulia GTAm, which was voted as the best Alfa veer by 20.4 per cent of the overall tally, is based on the 1750 GT Veloce production model. It managed to win the 1970 European Touring Car Championship with driver Toine Hezemans at the wheel.

Coming in a close second with 19.8 percent of the votes was the 8c Competizione supercar, the fastest and most capable Alfa Romeo to date. But that's what you'd expect from a $180,000 (£123,000) supercar.

“The Giulia GTAm was a great Alfa and a deserved winner. It’s really interesting to see how people voted in the poll. We all have our favorites which is testament to the fantastic cars Alfa Romeo has produced over the past century.” For those of you interested, the latest GTAm is on sale in dealerships across the UK.






Press release

Although Alfa Romeo has to date created more than 70 models in its rich 100 year history, it all came down to a battle between just two iconic Alfas in a poll of fans’ favourites, initiated to celebrate the Italian marque’s centenary year.

And it was the Alfa Giulia GTAm that came top of the poll, beating the 8C Competizione supercar to the chequered flag with less than one percent more of the vote.

The Alfa Giulia GTAm, which gained 20.4 per cent of the overall tally, derived from the standard 1750 GT Veloce production model, and secured its place in the Alfa Romeo elite by winning the 1970 European Touring Car Championship in the hands of Dutchman Toine Hezemans. The votes for this poll were collected from admirers and owners – known as Alfisti - who submitted photos of their Alfas to the alfacentenary.co.uk website to create a unique piece of mosaic artwork.

The GTAm and Alfa’s current supercar, the 8C Competizione, led the way against a shortlist of classics including the 2900 B Le Mans, Alfasud and the 156 GTA.

A worthy runner-up with 19.8 per cent, the 8C Competizione - worth more than £123,000 - debuted as a concept car at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2003 and went on to be produced in 2008 as a limited edition model of just 500 examples and selling out almost immediately. The car’s name derives from Alfa’s world famous 8 cylinder (8C) engine and the marque’s racing pedigree.

The Alfa Spider Duetto, widely regarded as a design classic, finished in third place with 16.01 per cent of the vote. This car was first launched in 1966 and famously starred in the legendary film The Graduate in 1967, alongside Dustin Hoffman and Anne Bancroft.

Alfa Romeo UK Brand Communications manager, Damien Dally, says: “The Giulia GTAm was a great Alfa and a deserved winner. It’s really interesting to see how people voted in the poll. We all have our favourites which is testament to the fantastic cars Alfa Romeo has produced over the past century.”

The latest five-door Alfa Giulietta model, which takes styling cues from the iconic 8C Competizione, is now on sale in dealerships across the UK. For further information visit www.alfaromeo.co.uk

Kia 'Domino' and 'Echo' Black and White Special Editions (UK)

Kia has introduced new special editions of the Picanto city-car, Rio supermini and Soul crossover.

The Domino models offer extra equipment for less money, including fog lamps, air-conditioning and electronic stability control. The Picanto Domino is priced from $12,100, while the Rio Domino starts at $14,100.

The Picanto Domino is available with a 1.1-litre petrol engine, with either a manual or automatic transmission, while the Rio Domino is available with a 1.4-litre petrol or 1.5-litre CRDi diesel engine. Both Domino models are available in white or optional black metallic.

The Picanto Domino is priced from £7,995 and Rio Domino is priced from £9,295. Kia says these prices represent savings of £400 and £350 respectively over the ‘2’ versions upon which they are based.




Press Release

• Two new black and white themed special editions
  
• Domino: new to Picanto and Rio – extra equipment with savings of up to £400
  
• Echo: new luxurious addition to the Soul 'Originals' line-up
  
• On sale now
  

Kia has introduced two new special editions – 'Domino' and 'Echo' – that both play on classic black and white colour schemes and are now on sale across the UK Kia dealer network. Domino, available on the Picanto and Rio superminis, offers additional equipment for less whilst the Echo, available on the Soul urban crossover, comes with an array of luxury features more usually associated with larger vehicles.

Picanto Domino & Rio Domino
The Domino special edition is available on Kia's two practical and stylish five-door superminis –Picanto and Rio. Picanto Domino is available with a 1.1-litre petrol engine, with either a manual or automatic transmission; Rio Domino is available with a 1.4-litre petrol or 1.5-litre CRDi diesel engine.

Both Domino models are available in white or optional black metallic. Their body-coloured bumpers, mirrors and door handles can be offset with an optional contrasting black or white 'domino effect' stripe. Front fog lights complement the stylish 14-inch alloy wheels (Rio) and 14-inch wheel trims (Picanto) whilst additional reassurance is provided from Electronic Stability Control, which is now fitted as standard across all Picanto and Rio versions.

Inside, both models benefit from air-conditioning, iPod connectivity, remote central locking and a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear-knob. Rio Domino adds rear electric windows to the list of standard equipment.

As with every new Kia a seven year warranty comes as standard – Picanto Domino is priced from £7,995 OTR and Rio Domino is priced from £9,295 OTR. These prices represent savings of £400 and £350 respectively over the '2' versions upon which they are based.

Soul Echo
Kia's stylish urban crossover, Soul, has had a dose of luxury added with the arrival of the new Soul Echo. Echo is the latest bold addition to the Soul 'Originals' line-up – a collection of distinctive versions each with their own distinct personality – following on from other 'Originals' such as the Burner, Shaker and Samba.

Echo is available in a choice of two striking colours – Clear White or Quartz Black metallic – and both come with contrasting features that make them the mirror image of each other. The white Echo features stylish black 18-inch alloy wheels, black high-gloss door mirrors and a corresponding black sports stripe. The black Echo features white 18" alloy wheels, white high-gloss door mirrors and a sports stripe in white.

Soul Echo is laden with luxurious features usually associated with more expensive machinery. Inside, a full black leather interior and high-gloss black dashboard fascia continue the external monochrome look whilst an uprated sound system (with subwoofer), Bluetooth and iPod connectivity and reversing sensors ensure the Echo has plenty to keep everyone on board satisfied at all times. Air conditioning and privacy glass keep passengers and their belongings cool and shielded from prying eyes.

On the move, Soul Echo is powered by a choice of 1.6-litre petrol or 1.6-litre CRDi diesel engines and its occupants are protected by a host of safety features including six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Traction Control (TC) and a five-star Euro NCAP rating. The Soul Echo is available from just £13,995 OTR.

Soul Echo also benefits from some minor revisions being made to the entire Soul line-up: A trip computer, Emergency Stop Signal (which flashes the hazard warning lights under heavy braking), 'pull' style exterior door handles and illuminated electric window buttons are now standard on all Soul versions. Bluetooth connectivity is standard from the '2' version and above. Finally, Soul Shaker, previously only available in Vanilla, is now available in Chocolate Brown metallic and comes with fully colour-coded bumpers.

Auction: 1935 Bentley 3.5 Litre

We've seen our fair share of auto auctions over the years. At this point, it takes something truly rare and truly unique to catch our eye. The car in question has to be more than four wheels and a beautifully engineered engine, which explains why we're all riled over word that a 1935 Bentley 3 ½ Liter Saloon will be auctioned off by Historics at Brooklands. Yes, the car itself is something special. It wears a unique Flying B hood ornament – one of only three ever created – and has extensive documentation following nearly every mile on the odometer, but that's not what makes this particular lot so interesting.

You see, the car is being sold along with complete ownership of Freestone & Webb – the company that originally built the Bentley's special body way back when. The company is being auctioned off with neither assets nor debt, so the winning buyer will essentially have rights to the name alone. The coachbuilder hasn't built anything since closing its doors for good in 1958.

The Bentley and Freestone & Webb will be sold alongside a total of 65 other classics on June 2.

via:autoblog




Press Release

Classic Bentley to be auctioned, complete with free ownership of the company that built it

75 years after it was coach-built to the highest standards of the day, a 1935 Bentley will be auctioned at Brooklands on June 2 with a unique, free 'accessory' - ownership of the British coach-building company that created it.

Billed as one of the finest examples of its kind, the fine 1935 3 ½ litre Bentley Saloon is a jewel amongst 65 other fine classic and collector cars offered by specialist auction company, Historics at Brooklands.

Valued at between £75,000 - £90,000, the Bentley is offered by Historics with a comprehensive array of diaries documenting it's many trips in great detail. It is adorned with a single winged 'B' radiator mascot; believed to be one of only three examples of the experimental design ever produced, whilst the company which originally built the bespoke bodywork and interior of the car - Freestone & Webb - has even greater rarity value.

The renowned British coachbuilder was formed in 1923 by V.E. Freestone and A.J. Webb and, at its height, was producing 15 Rolls-Royces and Bentleys a year with exquisite hand-crafted bodywork and interiors. Freestone & Webb regularly exhibited at the London Motor Show and, for nine consecutive years, its excellence in the industry was recognised with the Gold Medal in the Private Coachbuilders competition.

Following the death of Webb in 1955, the company was taken over by HR Owen and continued to build bodies until 1958, after which the name was shelved.

The car's vendor discovered and acquired the company name and registered the limited company in 1990. It is now offered, together with the Bentley, as asset and debt free, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own not only a fine motor car, but also an iconic piece of British automotive coachbuilding history.

For more information, and to attend the Historics at Brooklands auction on the evening of June 2, call 0800 988 3838, e-mail: auctions@historics.co.uk, or see the website, www.historics.co.uk. Entry by catalogue only, available prior to, or on the evening.

3-litre Bentley Saloon.

Christened 'The Silent Sports Car', the chassis of the 3 ½ litre Bentley Saloon was built from September 1933 in Derby alongside Rolls-Royce – and indeed designed under the influence of Sir Henry Royce - earning its moniker, in part, to excellent handling characteristics and a top speed of 97mph when adorned with the lightweight bodywork.

Despite early examples of the Bentley 3 ½ litre costing around £1,500, the unique blend of style, grace and performance proved popular amongst the inter-war elite, with over 70% of the cars built between 1933 and 1939 said to be still in existence some 80 years on.

A small selection of the 65 fine motorcars consigned to the first Historics of Brooklands auction on Wednesday, June 2, includes the following. Please visit
http://www.historics.co.uk/buying/online-catalogue.aspx for the full consigned list of vehicles.

High res photographs are available of all vehicles

1930 Bentley 4.5 litre Vanden Plas Tourer

A beautifully presented 1931 Bentley 4.5 litre boasts a well-documented and wonderful history, a fabulous finish with the correct engine and period-style supercharger. Examples of these important cars rarely come to the market, and a high level of international interest is expected £625,000 - £775,000

1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Drophead Coupe

Very original, four owners from new, long-term owner since mid 80's
£110,000-£145,000

1954 Jaguar XK120 Drophead Coupe

Discovered in a barn after 20 years and recently re-commissioned
£48,000-£50,000

1987 Aston Martin Zagato Volante

Extremely rare, 1 of 37
£45,000-£60,000

1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom I

Body by Thrupp & Maberly. Engine, body and interior restored
£130,000-£155,000

1955 Jaguar XK120 Roadster

Stunning body on uprated XK140 chassis
£45,000-£55,000

1937 MG TA Special

All aluminium body, built to very high spec, demonstrated at Le Mans Classic 2004
£25,000-£35,000

1937 MG TA

Well-known 'Team Rosbif' racing T-Type. Raced extensively from early sixties onwards in the UK and Europe
£23,000-£28,000

1955 Ford Thunderbird

Imported to the UK in early 1960's
£12,000-£18,000

1969 Chevrolet Camaro 396 SS Convertible

Genuine numbers-matching 396SS in restored condition
£30,000-£40,000
1968 Ford Escort AVO Rally

Absolutely correct period rally car, beautifully restored.
£35,000-£45,000

1939 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith by Mulliner & Co

A stunning Razor-Edge saloon with a 6,000 hour restoration.
£30,000-£40,000

Infiniti Announced FX30ds price for UK Market

Infiniti has announced today the Infiniti FX30ds price for the UK market and that it can already be ordered here. The deliveries of the diesel Infiniti FX30ds will begin in Britain from July. The Infiniti FX30ds is powered by a 3.0-litre V6 piezo-injection engine that develops 235 bhp and 550Nm (406 lb ft) of torque from 1750rpm. The company says the Infiniti FX30ds has a combined fuel consumption of 31.4 mpg (9.0l/100km) and a CO2 emissions level of 238 g/km. The engine of the Infiniti FX30ds is coupled with 7-speed Adaptive Shift Control automatic transmission.

via:zercustoms




Press Release

• More miles and lower CO₂ from Infiniti’s first FX diesel
• Bespoke 235 bhp piezo-injection V6 with class-leading 550Nm (406 lb ft)
  of torque
• Still a sports car at heart – a diesel with available Rear Active
  Steering (RAS)
• Choice of luxury GT or sporting S themes, both topped by new Premium
  grades equipped as standard with every feature in Infiniti’s portfolio
• Infiniti’s Forward Collision Warning and Lane Departure Prevention
  systems now available in Europe
• FX30d prices from £45,150 – virtually the same as FX37 petrol versions
• Orderable now with deliveries to start from July

ROLLE, Switzerland (May 6, 2010) – The Infiniti FX, one of the sportiest
driving – and certainly the sportiest looking – large crossovers on the market
is now available with a sporting new engine under the bonnet. A diesel. This
isn’t the only first for Infiniti in Europe because with the new engine comes
the availability of new safety technology: Forward Collision Warning and Lane
Departure Prevention.

Playing to the FX’s strengths, the state-of-the-art 3.0-litre V6 enhances the
FX’s already torque-rich performance while significantly lowering CO₂
emissions and fuel consumption for real customer benefit. To be called the
FX30d, the four variant range joins the FX petrol V6 and V8 models in a new look
line-up for 2010 – and at prices that are virtually identical to equivalent V6
petrol models.

Announced today, the FX30d costs from £45,150, just £200 more than the
equivalent FX37 petrol model. Available in both luxury GT and more sporting S
guises, the arrival of the diesel also marks the addition of new Premium
specification grades with every possible feature included as standard –
including the sophisticated new safety technology to help guard against
collisions, available for the first time on any Infiniti in Europe.

The FX’s advanced construction, aerodynamic prowess and highly efficient
intelligent all-wheel drive system provide the perfect accompaniment for the
bespoke new V6 diesel engine. Fuel consumption on the combined cycle is trimmed
to 31.4 mpg (9.0l/100km) while CO₂ emissions drop to 238 g/km.

The diesel FX, however, remains a performance car at heart – as the new
engine’s impressive 550 Nm (406 lb ft) of pulling power, available at just
1750rpm, demonstrates. Paired with the standard 7-speed Adaptive Shift Control
automatic transmission, the piezo-injection engine powers the greener FX from
0-62 mph in just 8.3 seconds. But with more torque than even the petrol V8 of
the FX50, it’s the diesel’s effortless overtaking pace that is set to leave the
lasting impression.

The FX’s sports credentials are enhanced in the FX30dS model which puts the
emphasis firmly on driver appeal. The S spec diesel includes 21-inch alloy
wheels, sports seats, sports suspension and Rear Active Steering (RAS) – the
first time this incisive handling technology has been available in the FX range
on anything other than the FX50 flagship.

Sacrificing neither performance nor refinement over the petrol FX, the
FX30d’s engine provides an exceptional breadth of capability. The exhaust has
even been tuned so it sounds sporting. Uniquely, the V6 features a compacted
graphite iron (CGI) block which combines the light weight of an alloy block with
the smoothness of an iron block engine – without recourse to complicated extra
engineering.

With 238 PS (235 bhp) the power output is among the highest of single-turbo
V6 diesel engines. The turbocharger is mounted in the V of the engine which is
set at an unusual 65 degree angle to the benefit of balance, reliability as well
as packaging efficiency.

The new diesel model is available in four guises, all paired by equivalent
FX37 petrol models in a simplified line-up designed to reflect a Europe-wide
customer preference for top-end FXs. In practice the change means more features,
fewer extra-cost options and a new top grade, Premium.

FX buyers can go in two specification directions: luxury GT or sporting S.
The 2010 GT, in either FX30d diesel or FX37 petrol forms, comes fully equipped
as standard with paddle-shift 7-speed automatic transmission, intelligent
all-wheel drive, leather upholstery, heated and cooled front seats, bi-Xenon
cornering headlights (AFS), rear view camera and parking sensors, powered front
seat adjustment (with driver’s seat memory), electric reach and rake adjustment
for steering wheel, glass sunroof, 20-inch light alloy wheels, I-Key with smart
access, cruise control, Scratch Shield self-healing paint and a 7-speaker audio
system including 6-CD changer, MP3 decoder, Aux-In and Bluetooth for mobile
connectivity.

The S derivatives ramp up the sporting appeal with powered front sports
seats, Continuous Damping Control (CDC) shock absorbers, 21-inch alloy wheels
and, on the diesel S and 5.0-litre V8 petrol only, Rear Active Steering (RAS),
which enhances both stability and agility. To distinguish the S, the model comes
with smoked-glass headlamps and dark chrome exterior air vent and sill strip.

The new Premium grade enhances both GT and S models with features which are
often unavailable in rivals. Safety is a particular focus, reinforcing the FX’s
highest-possible five-star ranking in the EuroNCAP crash tests. Both GT Premium
and S Premium versions of FX30d and FX37 are equipped with key elements of
Infiniti’s innovative Safety Shield technology such as Intelligent Cruise
Control (ICC) with full speed range, Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA), and Forward
Collision Warning (FCW).

ICC ensures a safe distance to the car in front while the cruise control is
operating. When cruise control is off – the majority of the time for most
drivers – a combination of IBA and FCW remains constantly on alert, not just
warning the driver of insufficient distance to the vehicle in front but
pre-loading the powerful all-disc braking system in readiness for an emergency
stop, should that become necessary.

Another safety bonus, for the diesel only, is the inclusion in Premium models
of Lane Departure Prevention (LDP), available in Europe for the first time.
Unlike rival systems which merely warn the driver when the car strays out of a
designated traffic lane, Infiniti’s LDP gives a warning but crucially will then
take action if that warning is not heeded. Gentle brake pressure on one side of
the car guides the vehicle back into the correct lane. LDP functions only above
70 km/h and is automatically over-ridden by use of the indicators. The system
can also be turned off by the driver if desired.

FX Premium versions are also equipped with innovations like Around View
Monitor and a 30GB hard disk drive satellite navigation system, key ingredient
of Infiniti’s headline Connectiviti+ information and entertainment platform.
Notable for its wide ranging functionality and intuitive controls, the satnav is
not just four times faster than the previous DVD-based system but includes a
wide range of features and facilities, from Michelin Guide recommendations to 3D
graphics, to take the stress out of journeys – and add some extra enjoyment,
too.

On the music front, Premium models are equipped with a 10 GB Music Box which
can store the equivalent of 300 CDs – and, as standard, a Bose^®
Premium Sound System on which to enjoy them.

As before the V8-powered FX50 remains the flagship. There are no changes to
its specification for 2010 – virtually everything was already standard – but the
model is now badged FX50 S Premium to reflect the new order.

Prices for the full range of 2010 FX models are as follows:

FX37 GT	£44,950
FX30d GT	£45,150
FX37 GT Premium	£49,040
FX30d GT Premium	£49,680
FX37 S	£47,000
FX30d S	£47,200
FX37 S Premium	£51,090
FX30d S Premium	£51,730
FX50 S Premium	£56,400

The full range of both petrol and diesel-powered FX models is now available
to order from an Infiniti Centre.

2011 Lexus IS-F

Lexus UK revealed today the first details on the 2011 IS-F Sports sedan. For the first time the car will be offered with limited slip differential, but also new high-tech features and a cool new all-white interior lead. In UK prices start at £55,595.

The 2011 Lexus IS F also comes with a new HDD satellite navigation system with a 40GB hard disc drive and a 10GB storage space for music. The 2011 Lexus IS F is equipped with a 14-speaker Mark Levinson 5.1 surround sound system that can receive DAB digital broadcasts and has a USB port.

The tuner in the IS F's 14-speaker Mark Levinson 5.1 surround sound system has been upgraded to receive DAB digital broadcasts and a USB port has been added (in addition to the Aux-in jack).

Customers could get the new version of the IS-F with a new white leather interior instead of the standard black finish and they could also get the car with a new set of 19″ wheels. Both of these changes are free options.





Press release

Sharper handling, new high-tech features and a cool new all-white interior lead the list of improvements and changes for Lexus’s ultra-high-performance IS F for 2011.

Limited slip differential

As announced at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show, the full-blooded sports saloon gains the benefit of a new limited slip differential. Fitted as standard, it gives the IS F significantly better traction and stability in high-speed cornering: Lexus test engineers were able to improve the car’s lap time around the Fuji International Speedway by a full two seconds.

The Torsen unit is robust enough to handle the 505Nm delivered by the IS F’s 5.0-litre V8 engine, automatically directing drive torque to the rear wheel with the most grip. Out-and-out performance is unchanged, with the IS F capable of nought to 62mph acceleration in 4.8 seconds and a top speed (electronically limited) of 168mph.

HDD satellite navigation

In keeping with Lexus’s reputation for effective use of advanced technologies, the IS F is fitted with a new satellite navigation system, powered by a 40GB hard disc drive (HDD). It is one of the fastest-responding and most accurate guidance systems on the market, giving full-map coverage across Europe, with automatic links to local traffic information data to ensure efficient route planning.

The HDD also provides an on-board ”sound library” function, with 10GB of disc space available for owners to store tracks from CD – space enough for around 2,000 songs.

DAB audio

The tuner in the IS F’s 14-speaker Mark Levinson 5.1 surround sound system has been upgraded to receive DAB digital broadcasts and a USB port has been added (in addition to the Aux-in jack), to allow for fully integrated connection of portable digital music players.

New leather interior and alloy wheel options

IS F can be ordered with a new white leather interior in place of the standard black finish and with new mesh-design 19-inch alloy wheels instead of the standard 10-spoke design. Both are no-cost options.

Prices

The 2011 Lexus IS F is on sale now, priced £55,595 on-the-road.

2010 Honda Civic BTCC

The 2010 Honda Civic BTCC has been unveiled today and the company has also announced its drivers line-up for the new season. The 2010 Honda Civic BTCC will be painted in Championship White paint, the company's traditional racing color which is also on the 200 Civic Type R MUGEN units. The 2010 Honda Civic BTCC will be driven in the 2010 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship by Matt Neal and Gordon "Flash" Shedden.

The car will be painted in Championship White paint, Honda’s traditional racing color.
Also touring car fans will have the chance to win a one-off Civic Type R Mugen Concept car in a competition that will be running in participating Honda dealerships.





Press release

Honda (UK) and Team Dynamics Motorsport have announced the Honda Racing Team driver line-up for its assault on the 2010 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship.

Two time BTCC champion Matt Neal will once again be partnered by Gordon "Flash" Shedden – a reunion of the drivers who last competed together for Honda in 2007. This year’s racing Civics will wear Championship White paint, Honda’s traditional racing colour and that of the new Civic Type R MUGEN 200 cars.

Steve Neal, Team Dynamics Team Principal, said: "Team Dynamics and Honda have a huge heritage, it’s the brand that we won two championships back to back with and it’s great to get the support of Honda (UK) which is backing a car that’s built in Britain."

Touring Car fans will also have the chance to win a one-off Civic Type R MUGEN Concept car in a competition that will be running in participating Honda dealerships, at each BTCC round and on honda.co.uk/btcc from the start of the season.

Honda (UK) will be hosting special ‘Question of Motorsport Live’ events at Honda dealer showrooms near to each of the BTCC rounds on the Saturday evenings after qualifying. Tim Harvey will again be host, keeping charge of the two captains, Matt and Flash. The competition promises to be as fierce off the track as well as on, with the two drivers competing against each other in this fun test of their motorsport knowledge. For details of these events, visit honda.co.uk/btcc from the 1 April.

The Honda Racing Team is also pleased to announce support of Yuasa, a world leader in battery design and manufacture and number one in the UK for aftermarket automotive and motorcycle batteries and industrial batteries.

Both Honda (UK) and Team Dynamics look forward to meeting motor racing fans throughout this BTCC season, starting at Thruxton on Sunday, 4 April.

Ratan Tata seeks U.K. aid for Jaguar Land Rover

Jaguar Land Rover could make further job cuts unless the British government provides financial aid to the brands, Ratan Tata, chairman of Tata Motors, said today in a television interview.

Tata said Jaguar Land Rover needs £500 million ($734 million) in loan guarantees from the British government. "If funds are not available the company will not be able to run," he said. "So layoffs will take place."
Read All Article



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Audi releasing new low-cost 1.8 TFSI TT Roadster in the UK

Audi UK sold 100,845 cars in 2008, and this year it wants to sell even more. But how can the automaker pull that off in days like these? By putting its smaller 1.8-liter TFSI four-cylinder engine in the TT Roadster (since the Brits just looooove their convertibles), thereby creating a car that is more economical, environmentally friendly and, hopefully, almost as fun as its 2.0 TFSI brother.

The four-pot's 158-horsepower, 184-lb-ft works through a six-speed manual and pulls from 0-to-62 mph in 7.4 seconds and maxes out at a top speed of 139 mph. The car's single trim specification offers 17-inch Y-design alloy wheels, a power top with heated glass rear window, power wind deflector, power windows and mirrors, Tetrus cloth upholstery, climate control and a Chorus CD audio system.

The TT Roadster 1.8 can be ordered now with an on-the-road price pegged at £23,910 ($34,717 USD), versus £27,355 ($39,748 USD) for the 2.0 TFSI. Deliveries will begin in April and the full press release from Audi is after the jump.
Read more



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Will the new Focus be Ford's last RS?

Ford Focus RS is an epoch-making performance cars, but it also will be the last sign of the remote sensing Express Ford ever

This is the end of an era. We can reveal the new Ford Focus RS model is likely to be the last to wear the company's legendary performance badge.

The current financial crisis and future emissions regulations mean that developing countries such as high-performance gasoline cars in the future is no longer a viable company.

The news will be a shock, the United Kingdom Express Ford fans, because it marks the beginning of a long-term blue oval-shaped line of high-performance vehicles to escort RS1600 in 1970.

Please read our review, Ford Focus RS here.

Ford insiders told reporters: "The new Focus RS is a very special, not only because of its incredible performance, but because it is likely to be the last time this type of car you'll see from Ford."

He explained that the economic recession has meant that "absolutely no business case" of any new model of remote sensing at the moment, the situation is likely not going to change.

This is because, once recovery started in all the company's focus will be economic and environmentally-friendly vehicles, such as hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles.

The insider said: "People should be enjoyed by automobile, such as Fox, RS, and they can be. This is unlikely you will see the drivers once again focus on high-performance hatchback."
Source: iMotor Mag




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