I had the pleasure of driving with Hurley Haywood about two months ago during a Porsche event about the automaker’s new PDK 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. For those of you that don’t know Haywood, he is an American race-car driver who won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1977, 1983 and 1994. He is also the most winning driver at the 24 Hours of Daytona with a total of 5 wins. Check out this new video of Haywood giving the camera folks at this year’s 2009 Pebble Beach a hot lap in the 2010 Porsche Panamera 4s. Refresher : The Porsche Panamera 4S is powered by a 4.8L V8 making 400-hp. 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds with a top speed of 175 mph. Pricing starts at $93,800. Click here for complete pricing details on the 2010 Porsche Panamera . Click through for the video . 2010 Porsche Panamera : 2010 Porsche Panamera : – By: Omar Rana             Read more here:  Video: Hurley Haywood Porsche Panamera 4S hot lap Read the original here: Video: Hurley Haywood Porsche Panamera 4S hot lap

Ford will not be left out of the Frankfurt show. Being the only US automaker who survived the financial crisis without having to declare bankruptcy, they should be proud of showcasing their cars. Never mind if they’re not supercar material. This here’s the new Ford C-Max which gets the honor of being built on the same platform as the next-gen Ford Focus. The car’s basically a people mover with five and seven-seater options. Your choice depending on the number of butts you’ll be hauling around. The car will be powered by Ford’s turbocharged 1.6L four-cylinder EcoBoost engine. The C-segment platform used by the C-Max will also be shared by the upcoming Focus and the Kuga replacement. Pictured is the illustration of the five-seater C-Max. The larger seven-seater will be styled differently mimicking similar people movers like Renault Grand Scenic which employs sliding doors for better access to rear seats. Source: NY Times Read the rest here:  Frankfurt 2009: Ford C-Max Continued here: Frankfurt 2009: Ford C-Max

Lotus, which in recent years, have made its name by developing pocket supercars that lives by their agility and ability to finesse their way through corners and the company is poised to return to Formula One next year. The effort is no less led by the Malaysian government itself. It won’t be a start-from-scratch effort either since the team will be taking over BMW Sauber. The team will be backed by the other Malaysian giant Petronas oil. The influx of esteemed European officials into Lotus has brought in fresh ideas such as competing in the world’s largest motorsport. The arrival of former Ferrari exec Dany Bahar as Lotus CEO is said to have spurred on the effort. Several other teams aside from Lotus (like Aston Martin and USF1) are looking into participating next season and the FIA is reported to be still deliberating the issue. Excerpt from:  Formula 1: Lotus to Return Next Season Original post: Formula 1: Lotus to Return Next Season

While Honda, Nissan and Toyota all seem to be focusing aggressively on electric-vehicle development, Mazda is saying not to zero-emissions or range-extended vehicles. Speaking to Wards Auto at a media event in Monterey, California, Senior Vice President of Research and Development Robert Davis said that Mazda will stay away from EVs until battery technology improves. “Until battery technology can get there to meet a mass customer’s needs, and a customer in North America certainly drives further than the existing technology will allow, we don’t have the plans set in place yet for an electric vehicle,” said Davis. Davis said that the “technology does not meet Mazda’s fun to drive criteria and the high cost of electric powertrain development makes such a project financially unattractive.” He said that rather working on EV development, Mazda plans to focus on other fuel-saving methods to meet tighter CAFE regulations. – By: Stephen Calogera Source: Wards Auto (via AllCarsElectric ) Continued here:  Mazda has no plans for electric-vehicles until battery technology improves More:  Mazda has no plans for electric-vehicles until battery technology improves

Source: DanicaPatrick.com Reports over the weekend suggest that Danica Patrica is considering a move to NASCAR under the guidance of Tony Stewart. The two-time Sprint Cup champion spoke to reporters at Atlanta Motor Speedway for the Labor Day Classic, telling them, "I can pretty much guarantee at some point she's going to be over here." ESPN cites an unnamed source "very close to the situation," who says Patrick's future involvement with NASCAR is all but certain. However, Patrick apparently will not give up Indy car racing and, at least next year, will limit her involvement to the Nationwide Series and Trucks to build up familiarity with the cars. Juan Pablo Montoya, who hasn't had the easiest time in NASCAR since coming over from F1, has already gone on record with some friendly advice for Patrick. "(The cars are) so different to drive," Montoya said in an interview with the Associated Press. "It's not the same feeling. When you drive an open-wheel car on an oval, you have the grip, you turn the wheel and it turns, you get on it and it goes and you get on the brakes and it stops. "This (type of racing), it goes more with the momentum. You've got to give time to the car and you've got to get used to the feeling that you've got to go fast when the car doesn't feel right." Although Stewart says Patrick is looking for a fun, new challenge, no one seems to be laboring under the illusion that lucrative endorsement deals aren't part of the attraction for the 2009 SI Swimsuit Edition model . ESPN Sporting News Sports Illustrated Read more from the original source: Danica Patrick May Be Weighing a Move to NASCAR View original here:  Danica Patrick May Be Weighing a Move to NASCAR

The new addition to the BMW group is revealing it self under some tough competitive glares at the Frankfurt Motor  Show . The BMW group has been working on to bring some of the greatest machines that they have ever had in recent times. The BMW M6 with its great interior and exterior has created a great design that is appealing. The powerful engine is smart and crisp. The exclusive design is paired with the great matte finish color. The special engraving is for the limited edition only. In fact a few lucky customers would be there to make way for the new limited pieces. The special floor mats, black or grey or dual toned stitching inside and the Merino full leather interior really makes way for the M6 Competition version . This M6 is all here to make the owner seem special. Credit: flickr Some of the finest technical tunings will bring about great suspension that provides about greater momentum and revised springs. The rear has been lowered in some mm in this current version. Source: autospies   View post: New BMW M6 at the Frankfurt Motor Show Read the original post:  New BMW M6 at the Frankfurt Motor Show

BMW has released the official details and images of the new Rolls-Royce Ghost (aka RR4), the new model series in the company’s ultra-luxury brand. Visually, the model remains mostly unchanged from its concept debut at the Geneva Motor Show last March. Power comes from a new 6.6L V12 twin-turbo engine making 563-hp with a maximum torque of 575 lb-ft. 0 to 60 mph comes in just 4.7 seconds with a top-speed electronically governed at 155 mph. The engine is mated to a 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox. For those of you wondering, the Rolls-Royce Ghost manages an estimated fuel-economy of 17 mpg. The Rolls-Royce Ghost will make its world debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show later this month and will be priced between €200,000 and €300,000 when it goes on sale. Buyers will have a choice of 12 exterior colors, each of which can be contrasted by an available Silver Satin bonnet. Click through for the press release and the high-res image gallery . 2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost : Press Release : ROLLS-ROYCE GHOST INTRODUCTION Autumn 2006, Paris motor show: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars announced that work had begun on a new model series. The new car would be in production and on sale by the turn of the decade. The only other facts confirmed at that stage were that it would be smaller than the Phantom saloon and priced somewhere between €200,000 and €300,000 before tax. Speculation about its style and specification began almost immediately… Little was seen of the new car, codenamed RR4, until the spring of 2008, when Rolls-Royce released the first official sketches. The styling was instantly recognisable as a Rolls-Royce, although less traditional than previous models. At the time Chief Designer, Ian Cameron, said, “The RR4 has a more informal presence than the Phantom models with a greater emphasis on driving. In design terms this is expressed through its slightly smaller dimensions, yet with powerful, purposeful proportions. It is a true and uncompromising Rolls-Royce in every sense.” As sightings of secret development models on the road increased, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars unveiled 200EX, the experimental forerunner to Ghost, at the Geneva motor show in March 2009. An instant hit, 200EX bore the trademark Rolls-Royce design cues but in altogether more compelling...

Audi’s US boss called the Chevrolet Volt a “car for idiots” stating that people shouldn’t buy a $40,000 vehicle when cheaper fuel-efficient vehicles (diesels and hybrids) are available in the market. Well he should have been a bit more careful to what he says especially when his company’s teasing an electric vehicle as well. It might not be a pudgy car like the Volt but an electric version, even of their esteemed R8 supercar, is still bound to be an overpriced electric as well. If you’re going to visit this microsite – ElectricityUntamed.com – you’re going to see a timer that counts down to the Frankfurt show and then a sequence of flashing text, “What’s happened to electricity? It got dumbed down and domesticated. On September 15 electricity, and all its force and power, will run free and completely untamed.” It then displays quite a lot of trivia about energy and lightning. Once the sequence closes you’ll be redirected to a page with this grainy teaser image of what appears to be the R8’s fascia. Source: Leftlane View original here:  Microsite Teases Electric Audi R8 More here: Microsite Teases Electric Audi R8

The 2010 Kia Sorento is ready to make its European debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show later this month. It will go on sale in the U.S. later this year after it makes it stateside debut at the 2009 LA Auto Show in December. In the U.S., the 2010 Kia Sorento will be offered with an entry-level 2.4L 4-cylinder engine making 175-hp with a maximum torque of 166 lb-ft. The top-of-the-line model will carry a 3.5L V6 unit making 277-hp with a peak torque of 247 lb-ft. Transmission choices will include a 5-speed automatic and a 6-speed automatic mated to a 2WD front-wheel-drive system or a 4WD system. We’ve updated our high-res image gallery so check out all the new pictures after the jump. Click through for the high-res image gallery . 2010 Kia Sorento : – By: Stephen Calogera             Read the original post: 2010 Kia Sorento to make European debut in Frankfurt (w/ updated high-res gallery) View original here:  2010 Kia Sorento to make European debut in Frankfurt (w/ updated high-res gallery)

We were actually just wondering what Ed Whitacre Jr. is up to after taking his new position as chairman of General Motors Company. According to a report by Detroit Free Press’ Tom Walsh, Whitacre is basically scaring the heck out of every top-level GM executive – including Fritz Henderson. Executives said that Whitacre called a meeting on Wednesday with a mix of management from all levels and said that he expects to see a lot of changes in the next 12 weeks – changes every day. He said that if progress and changes don’t come rapidly, there will be significant consequences. A GM executive told Walsh that he found Whitacre’s remarks “stunning.” The new chairman told Bloomberg News that while Henderson was the right leader for GM ”at this point in time,” he had not set a deadline for judging his performance. Another executive described  Whitacre as “frighteningly direct” in conversation. He said that Whitacre made it clear that every top executive’s job was on the line. The executive told Walsh that if progress in sales, market share and profitability don’t come soon, heads could roll in the next two or three months. – By: Omar Rana Source: Detroit Free Press See the rest here: GM’s new Chairman is blunt and ‘frighteningly direct,’ wants to see improvements See the original post here: GM’s new Chairman is blunt and ‘frighteningly direct,’ wants to see improvements

Before you scoff at the idea of a poster contest (or a blog entry about a poster contest), you should know that 2010 will be the 22nd year of the Detroit Auto Show poster contest for Michigan high school students. And if automakers are smart, they'll be using this contest to scout the next generation of automotive designers. Because some of the 2009 posters are really good. You're looking at them here. If you wanted to enter, you'd need to be a resident of Michigan and in grades 10-12. You'd then to create a poster in any two-dimensional media reproducible to 25-by-21 inches. You'd need to include the following copy: "North American International Auto Show 2010, Detroit, and Cobo Center." You'd need to submit it all by Nov. 18. And you'd then be eligible for one of 16 cash awards. Details and Gallery of 2009 Winners Original post: 2010 Detroit Auto Show: Michigan High-Schoolers Will Create the Posters The rest is here: 2010 Detroit Auto Show: Michigan High-Schoolers Will Create the Posters

Novitec Rosso has just released a new customization package for the Ferrari 599 GTB that increases the output of the V12 engine by 40-hp. But doesn’t Novitec already offer an 808-hp tuning program for the 599 GTB? Yes, they do; however, this new Performance State 3 package is much cheaper (cheap only if 40-hp is worth 10,490 euros to you) and gives you extra horsepower from the V12 without any alterations to the engine’s inner workings. With a total of 660-hp, this Ferrari 599 GTB can travel at a top speed of up to 208 mph. Of course, along with the extra power Novitec is offering a bunch of body modifications, which you can learn more about in the press release posted after the jump. Click through for the press release and the high-res image gallery . Novitec Rosso – Ferrari 599 GTB Performance Stage 3 Package : Press Release : New from NOVITEC ROSSO for the Ferrari 599 GTB: An Extra 40 hp, Striking Design and Exclusive Accessories The Ferrari 599 GTB is the focus of the latest new product developments from NOVITEC ROSSO, the worldwide leader in customizing the great cars from Maranello. The new developments include a performance kit that increases power output of the V12 engine by 40 hp / 29.4 kW, a striking and aerodynamically efficient design program and numerous exclusive accessories. In addition to the familiar twin compressor engines with up to 808 hp / 594 kW NOVITEC ROSSO now also offers classic engine tuning for the six-liter twelve-cylinder four-valve engine. The Performance Stage 3, starting at 10,490 Euros, increases power output from standard 620 hp / 456.3 kW to 660 hp / 485.7 kW without any alterations to the engine’s inner workings. The conversion consists of new engine electronics and a complete NOVITEC ROSSO stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system. The new engine management system comprises new mapping for ignition and injection as well as increase in maximum engine speed to 8,550 rpm. The NOVITEC ROSSO sport exhaust system features four tailpipes with diameters of 90 millimeters and is available in two different versions. In addition to a conventional version there is also a system with controllable exhaust flap. Using the little ‘Manettino’ switch on the steering wheel, the driver can change the...

According to a report by CARandDRIVER , Fiat engineers are currently studying the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee for the basis of a new Alfa Romeo SUV. Sources say that Fiat isn’t satisfied with Alfa’s current share of the European market and is looking to get the brand to compete in new segments. Looks wise you can expect a lot of Competizione and MiTo touches. Power is likely to come from Chrysler’s new 3.6L V6 engine making 280-hp along with one or two diesel options. A HEMI V8 is very unlikely to find its way under the hood of the Alfa Romeo SUV. Will it come to the United States? Most probably. As we already know, Alfa Romeo is looking to get back into the U.S. market and a brand new SUV should help them fit right in. Key competitors are said to be the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz ML-Class and the Volkswagen Touareg. Sources say that the name for the new Italian SUV will be Alfa Romeo CXover/A – and we’re not kidding. Almost looks like a math problem. 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee : – By: Kap Shah Source: CARandDRIVER The rest is here: Alfa Romeo studying SUV based on 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Read the original here: Alfa Romeo studying SUV based on 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Thank god for the R8's brilliant LED headlights. Without them, you wouldn't have such a clear look at what happens when an impatient driver, fog and a largely immovable embankment come together to produce this minor catastrophe. According to the couple that arrived on the scene first, the truck passed them at a high rate of speed just a few minutes earlier. "I'm not surprised this happened the way that moron was driving," said the woman in the least compassionate way possible. Bear in mind, the truck was originally headed in the other direction, so it managed to pirouette off the hillside before landing in this position. No one was hurt we were told. As you can see, the R8's headlights throw down a bright, wide swath of light that the local sheriff surely would have appreciated had we stuck around for the investigation. Instead, we sneaked by the fallen Toyota and continued through the thick fog at a speed that would assure we wouldn't meet the same fate. Our apologies for the blurry photos. Dan insisted that we hurry by and not take too many photos to avoid looking like soulless snobs relishing in the misfortune of others.   The rest is here: Audi R8 V10 Road Trip: Fog + Idiot = Rolled Toyota Read more here: Audi R8 V10 Road Trip: Fog + Idiot = Rolled Toyota

Forty percent of American car owners have delayed purchasing a new vehicle, based on the latest Auto Pulse survey conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center. The leading reason for putting off buying is that their current car is still in good shape (72 percent).   The cars may be running well, but just like you, they aren’t getting any younger. The survey found that the typical vehicle in the United States is roughly eight years old, achieving a median of 23.1 miles per gallon. (Those not in the market reported the highest fuel efficiency, likely due to owning more recent models, at 23.7 mpg.)   Other leading reasons for the delayed purchases, include concern about the economy (61 percent), new vehicles being too expensive (49 percent), and waiting for better incentives (31 percent).   Real and perceived economic hardship and desire for cost-savings are important influences on buying behavior. Concern for losing a job (29 percent), expectation car prices will lower (28 percent), and financing being difficult to obtain (26 percent) are factors for many consumers.   Have you delayed replacing your current vehicle? Tell us why in the comments below.   For more insights into car-buying today and American consumer behavior, read the full Auto Pulse report .   — Jeff Bartlett with the Consumer Reports National Research Center Read the original post: Survey: Why aren’t consumers buying cars now?