TopCar Advantage GT Porsche Cayenne

Advantage GT is the most ambitious project of Moscow tuning company TOPCAR to create unique sport cars based on Porsche Cayenne. The main feature of aerodynamic conversion of Advantage GT consists in that Porsche Cayenne SUV gets lines of classic 911 model range. The result is quite impressive – upon installation of all components Porsche Cayenne visually turns out to be not at all same as usual.

Virtually all original body parts are replaced. New bumper with integrated fog headlights and blinkers from the latest conversion of Porsche 997 Turbo visibly increased aggressive style and at the same time slightly turned lighter the front part of the car. One of the most important novelties – optics of the car: it was also taken from pumped up 997 Turbo. In order to place new optic equipment into proper locations, fixtures were re-developed, as well as front wings, which were manufactured for this very purpose. Hood of the car was also modified, it became logic succession of family radiator guard but has now a pair of new fins.

The profile of the car has also visibly changed. Now, it looks more like big coupe with protruding gills in the muscled rear part. An elegant solution is found for rear door knobs. In fact, there are no knobs on the body, there are small buttons on the internal side of the gills of rear wings, and they are hardly visible.

New rear bumper with diffuser and anti-wing at fifth door became a logic succession of the car design. As a result, the car width grew by 10 cm, and new bumpers make it longer by 20 cm.

Naturally, the engine was not left unchanged. The car with such exterior should run in an appropriate manner; and in this area TOPCAR Company is assisted by its partner – well-known German tuning company 9FF, which specializes on tuning of Porsche cars. 9FF has various options of Power Kit to increase capacity of Porsche Cayenne engines, which provides of quite impressive characteristics to the car.

Special attention is paid also to the interior in this elaborate project. It is merely has no chances to remain standard and is substantially re-developed. Exclusive wood, leather, alcantara are used in the finish work, as well as parts of high-tech carbon various by their texture and design.

Within the frame of this project TOPCAR Company has plans to build a limited series of 50 cars. The price of aerodynamic body kit for Advantage GT is EURO 50,000, which seems not too much taking into consideration the scale of the project and the quality of manufacturing. Each car will have own personal number. 25 cars have been already manufactured. This aerodynamic kit can be created on the basis of any Porsche Cayenne, even from previous generation.

Source: TopCar Press Release

BMW G-Power Z4 E89

G-POWER isn't just fast when it comes to HIGH-SPEED world records.

The all new BMW Z4 is hot when it comes from the factory. Now G-POWER makes it even hotter.

The G-POWER BI-TRONIK performance module pushes the factory 306 hp/400 Nm to 345 hp/480 Nm. 20 inch G-POWER “SILVERSTONE DIAMOND” alloy wheels with MICHELIN Pilot Sport tyres in the dimension 255/30 ZR 20 and 295/25 ZR 20, G-POWER coil-over suspension and a stainless steel sport rear muffler featuring the legendary G-POWER “DEEPTONE” technology round up the G-POWER package for the BMW Z4 E89.

The G-POWER program for the BMW Z4 E89 touches all key components and lets the nifty BMW Z4 appear even more sporty, beautiful and last but not least exclusive. At first one will notice the especially for the current BMW models designed 20 inch G-POWER SILVERSTONE alloy wheels. Due to the successful combination of double spokes and the "concave design" typical of G-POWER they highlight the breathtaking design of the new BMW Z4 and so separate it for the rest of the mass production. The G-POWER “diamond cut” provides for the fascinating dynamic appearance of the G-POWER SILVESTONE rim, in contrast to the silver-graphite coated rim body and the bolt applications of stainless steel. An additional feature of the G-POWER SILVERSTONE rim is its weight-optimised design that allows a low rim weight with the same stability, compared to other standard wheels. A perceptibly improved impression of convenience and a considerably increased agility accompany the minimisation of the unsprung mass: advantages of the G-POWER SILVERSTONE rim, which you can factually experience especially in combination with the low-profile tyres from MICHELIN in the dimension 255/30 ZR 20 and 295/25 ZR 20. Further improvement of the road handling is realized through the continuously height-adjustable G-POWER coil-over suspension GZ4-RS with nine selectable settings each for bound and rebound.

In order to benefit from the improvements of road handling and cornering realised by the G-POWER products, the factory output even in the strongest version provided by BMW, the Z4 sDrive 35i, is not enough. That is why G-POWER offers the performance module BI-TRONIK that pushes the factory performance from a standard 306 hp/400 Nm to a more satisfying 345 hp and even more important 480 Nm of torque. In doing so, as for all performance increasing projects of G-POWER, reliability and durability were the top priorities during the development of the BI-TRONIK. Nevertheless, a performance and a torque increase of approx. 20% could be realised. Due to the use of original plug-in connectors, the G-POWER BI-TRONIK can be easily and quickly integrated; residue-free removal is possible, as well. Of course, all standard engine protection and diagnostic functions of the engine control unit are maintained to full extent.

Naturally the performance figures benefit from this output improvement. The figure from stand still to 100 km/h is now less than 5 seconds (4,7 seconds).

Next to the output and the suspension of the BMW Z4, G-POWER has taken care of the sound, as well. The full stainless steal G-POWER 4-trim sport rear muffler with its 4 x 83 mm tailpipes gives the BMW Z4 a deep, throaty sound that turns heads but is at now time annoying, thanks to the patented G-POWER “DEEPTONE” technology.

Source:G-Power

Ferrari 458 Italia

Maranello, July 28th 2009 – While it’s true that every Ferrari is innovative by definition, it’s equally true that in the course of the Prancing Horse’s history, certain cars have marked a genuine departure from the current range. This is very much the case with the Ferrari 458 Italia, which is a massive leap forward from the company’s previous mid-rear engined sports cars.

The new model is a synthesis of style, creative flair, passion and cutting-edge technology, characteristics for which Italy as a nation is well-known. For this reason Ferrari chose to add the name of its homeland to the traditional figure representing the displacement and number of cylinders.

The Ferrari 458 Italia is a completely new car from every point of view: engine, design, aerodynamics, handling, instrumentation and ergonomics, just to name a few.

A two-seater berlinetta, the Ferrari 458 Italia, as is now traditional for all Ferrari’s road-going cars, benefits hugely from the company’s Formula 1 experience. This is particularly evident in the speed and precision with which the car responds to driver inputs and in the attention focused on reducing internal friction in the engine for lower fuel consumption than the F430, despite the fact that both overall displacement and power have increased. However, Ferrari’s track experience makes its presence felt in the 458 Italia not only in terms of pure technological transfer but also on a more emotional level, because of the strong emphasis on creating an almost symbiotic relationship between driver and car. The 458 Italia features an innovative driving environment with a new kind of steering wheel and dashboard that is the direct result of racing practice. Once again input from Michael Schumacher - who was involved from the very start of the 458 Italia project - played an invaluable part.

The Ferrari 458 Italia’s Pininfarina design provides further evidence of the complete departure from the past that this new car hails. The Ferrari 458 Italia has a compact, aerodynamic shape, underscoring the concepts of simplicity, efficiency and lightness that inspired the project. As with every Ferrari, the car’s styling has been very heavily influenced by the requirements for aerodynamic efficiency, as can be seen from the downforce of 140 kg at 200km/h generated by the new model. The front features a single opening for the front grille and side air intakes, with aerodynamic sections and profiles designed to direct air to the coolant radiators and the new flat underbody. The nose also sports small aeroelastic winglets which generate downforce and, as speed rises, deform to reduce the section of the radiator inlets and cut drag.

The new 4499 cc V8 is the first Ferrari direct injection engine to be mid-rear mounted. It has a very low piston compression height typical of racing engines which contributed to achieving its compression ratio of 12.5:1. Equipped with the traditional flat-plane crankshaft, the engine delivers 570 CV at 9000 rpm and, with an outstanding power output of 127 CV/litre, sets a new benchmark not only for the whole Ferrari range and the history of company, but also for the entire market segment. Maximum torque is 540 Nm at 6000 rpm, over 80 per cent of which is available from 3250 rpm. Specific torque is a record 120 Nm/litre. However, what is truly extraordinary is the amount of torque available while still maintaining high levels of power at low revs.

The car’s soundtrack is also typical Ferrari, with an exciting, powerful growl emerging from the engine before it channels through to the exhaust’s three rear tailpipes.

The 458 Italia is equipped with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission which increases performance whilst providing very smooth shifts even at full throttle. The engineers have developed specific, sportier gear ratios to match the power and torque curves of the new V8, guaranteeing high torque even at lower engine speeds and allowing the car to reach its maximum speed in top gear.

This new Ferrari is also a major leap forward when it comes to cutting emissions. Despite the fact that the new engine is significantly more powerful than the V8s that preceded it, the Ferrari 458 Italia produces just 320 g/km of CO2 and fuel consumption is 13.7 l/100 km (combined cycle), the best in the entire segment.

The engineers also focused on weight reduction during the design phase for similar reasons. Consequently, the Ferrari 458 Italia has a dry weight of 1380 kg with a power-to-weight ratio of 2.42 kg/CV. Weight distribution is also optimal with 58 per cent over the rear axle. The result of the engineers’ endeavours can be summed up in to two simple statistics which together perfectly encapsulate the Ferrari 458 Italia’s exceptional performance: 0-100 km/h acceleration in under 3.4 seconds and a maximum speed in excess of 325 km/h.

For the new chassis, once more in aluminium, Maranello’s engineers incorporated various types of advanced alloys along with aerospace industry-derived manufacturing and bonding techniques.

With regard to vehicle dynamics, the Ferrari 458 Italia’s suspension features twin wishbones at the front and a multi-link set-up at the rear tuned for maximum roadholding and superlative handling. Along with a more direct steering ratio, the 458 Italia thus offers extremely rapid turn-in and body control whilst maintaining superior ride comfort.

The integration of the E-Diff and F1-Trac (now controlled by the same ECU) and their respective mappings is even greater, resulting in a 32 per cent increase in longitudinal acceleration out of corners compared to previous models. The evolution of the control logic, with even faster and more accurate calculation of levels of grip, ensures even greater roadholding, better handling and ease of control on the limit.

The same ECU also governs the high-performance ABS, providing even more precise control over the logic threshold and greater efficiency. The brakes also feature a prefill function whereby the pistons in the callipers move the pads into contact with the discs on lift off to minimise delay in the brakes being applied. This combined with the ABS has cut the 100-0 km/h braking distance to a mere 32.5 metres.

The Ferrari 458 Italia’s interior is another area of the car that exalts its sporty personality. The driver is welcomed by a new layout and a revolutionary ergonomic interface where the main controls are all clustered on the steering wheel.

With the Ferrari 458 Italia, Maranello has brought a highly distinctive new car to its 8-cylinder range. The company now offers two models that share a common, race-derived DNA, both exceptionally sporty and fun to drive in true Ferrari tradition, but aimed at two very different kinds of client. While the Ferrari California was created for owners requiring a more versatile sports car with a practical edge, the 458 Italia is designed for owners for whom the priority is uncompromising on-road performance with occasional track day capability, but who still demand a car that is useable in day-to-day driving like all Ferrari’s recent models.

Ferrari 458 Italia – Technical specifications

Dimensions

Length 4527 mm (178.2 in.)

Width 1937 mm (76.3 in.)

Height 1213 mm (47.8 in.)

Wheelbase 2650 mm (104.3 in.)

Dry weight 1380 kg (3042 lbs)*

Weight/power ratio 2,42 kg/CV (7.16 lbs/kW)

Weight distribution fr/r 42%/58%

Engine

Type V8 – 90°

Displacement 4499 cc (274.5 cu in.)

Maximum power 570 CV (425 kW)** @ 9000 rpm

Maximum torque 540 Nm (398 lbs/ft) @ 6000 rpm

Specific power output 127 CV/l

Compression ratio 12.5:1

Tyres

Front 235/35 ZR20 8.5”

Rear 295/35 ZR20 10.5”

Performance

Maximum speed >325 km/h (>202 mph)

0-100 km/h

Fuel consumption + emissions

Fuel consumption*** 13.7 l/100 km

Emissions*** 320 g CO2/km

Gearbox

Dual-clutch, 7-speed F1

Electronics

E-Diff3, F1-Trac, high-performance ABS

* With forged wheels and Racing seats

** Including 5 CV of ram effect

*** Combined cycle (ECE+EUDC)

Source: Ferrari Press Release

A big no to Tata Nano

A conventional car run on ordinary fuel leaves little doubt on the primary intent behind the Nano being just another business opportunity

Some years ago, an architectural competition for the ideal house for India was won by a government engineer. His proposal for a single room cement and bamboo home at a cost of Rs8,000 was judged the best entry from across India. Designed 20 years ago, the house was seen as a thrust to a bold new future for Indian domestic architecture. But thankfully, like all new ideas, the project was quickly forgotten.

The Tata Nano, India’s big small car, has been similarly endorsed. As Beethoven’s music resounded in the dark hall, the strobe lights picked up the bubble of the Nano, and yet another conventional—but cheap—car rolled out of the assembly line. At Rs1 lakh, however, the car generated excitement that has reverberated beyond automotive circles. Its export potential, its compact design, its gleaming chrome and dynamic shape all naturally garnered moments of pride for a nation steeped in a perpetual state of unfinishedness. Incomplete roads, broken sidewalks, projects delayed—how could something as good-looking as the Nano be produced in India?

Certainly, in cosmetic terms, there are few objects on the Indian shelf that give such an absolute sense of national self-worth. And yet, beyond the allure of a beautiful product, the car addresses none of the larger concerns implicit in its release. It says nothing about the state of the roads on which it will be driven, nothing about the future of fossil fuels, nothing about technology or emissions or the environment. By all counts, it is a conventional car. It is, as Ratan Tata himself admits, merely the promise of a Rs1 lakh car, delivered.

How, then, do societies with far less need for experimentation promote bold ideas with rigorous parameters? And with less fuss? No one will argue that the central premise behind the Nano is aspirational. Like a house or a watch, people will buy it less to enact a physical change in their life than as a symbolic improvement of their condition. Yet when it is driven, the mere action of its introduction on to the road makes the Nano a public act, to which both the car owner and the manufacturer owe a civic responsibility. Is the one-time payment of road tax enough compensation for the 10 years of congestion and pollution the car will cause?

Without fuss, or Beethoven’s music, Japanese firms have been quietly and effectively working on hybrid cars, taking them from mere experiments to marketable commodities—each year refining the technology and design. Between them, Toyota and Honda have diligently reduced cost, increased electric and fuel efficiency and added features to cool the interiors without air-conditioning. Their understanding of driving conditions in the city and those on long country stretches has itself altered hybrid technologies to minimize environmental impact. A Chinese inverter company has produced a cheap electric car of such high standards that it is to be marketed in Europe. Chevrolet, a US subsidiary of General Motors, known the world over for its gas-guzzlers, is also promoting a new hybrid version, the Chevy Volt. An electric scooter has been introduced by the Italian firm Piaggio. Is there a Bajaj hybrid scooter in the making?

In a world living under the constant threat of depleting resources and increasing emissions, the Tata answer is a blip on the horizon. A conventional car run on ordinary fuel leaves little doubt on the primary intent behind the Nano being just another business opportunity. Yet among the business-minded in India, there are few people such as the Tatas—innovative, culturally conscious, urbane and ecologically aware—to come up with a wholly different car for India. When that will happen is anybody’s guess. The Nano, meanwhile, will slowly sink into the stream of Indian traffic, like all other brands, and be slowly forgotten.

Source: livemint

Ford Builds AV-X10 'Dearborn Doll' Mustang for EAA Gathering of Eagles

Back in January we hinted Ford Motor Company would build another one-of-a-kind aviation themed Ford Mustang for the Experimental Aircraft Association's 'Gathering of Eagles' fundraiser and we have now learned it's dubbed the AV-X10 "Dearborn Doll" Ford Mustang. The one-off 2010 AV-X10 Mustang will be auctioned off during the 2009 EAA Air Venture Oshkosh fly-in convention which takes place July 27-August 2.

The AV-X10 "Dearborn Doll" Mustang utilizes the 2010 Mustang GT with Glassroof option as the platform base with performance modifications coming from Ford Racing. Under the hood the Mustang is packed with the 10-millionth Romeo Engine Plant 4.6-liter V-8 engine. It also includes a Ford Racing 550 horsepower supercharger kit, FR500S performance exhaust, short throw shifter, Handling Pack featuring dampers, lowering springs and anti-roll bar kit.

The paint and graphic theme on the AV-X10 Mustang is a tribute to WWII aviation paint schemes that includes a custom blended Satin Silver base with Yellow "nose cone" and rear wing along with a white tail stripe with the AV-X10 call letters. Dearborn Doll pin-up art adorns each side of the front fenders. Other exterior features include a Shelby GT500 lower rear fascia and rear wing, and Air Force star decklid badge. Keeping this Mustang grounded are a set of 19-inch forged SVT GT500 five spoke wheels painted in liquid silver with yellow propeller tips. The Glassroof is even treated to an abstract translucent star and bars scheme for added effect.

The interior is a custom one-of-a-kind design that includes "worn" bomber jacket style leather for the trim mated with cockpit inspired diamond tucked seat and door inserts in military olive khaki material. The dash utilizes the OEM aluminum look with a little custom flair by way of unique diamond knurled pattern with "Dearborn Doll" script. The instrumentation includes a Pyrometer, boost and fuel pressure gauges with unique "Ground Speed" and "Engine Speed" AV-X10 graphics. In the middle of the center console air vents is a custom "Engine Start" button.

Check out the video below for interviews and a complete rundown of what the AV-X10 Mustang has to offer

Source: mustangblog

Audi A5 Sportback

HighThrottle Mobile Version : Just simply type http://highthrottle.mofuse.mobi on your mobile browser

Source: Youtube

HT CHICK OF THE DAY

No safety know pain, know safety no pain.

Ride Safe, Take Care..Keep Visiting HighThrottle!!

BMW Motorrad USA has announced that the long-awaited S 1000 RR sport bike-will have a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $13,800

BMW Motorrad USA has announced that the long-awaited S 1000 RR sport bike – expected to arrive in U.S. dealerships in December -- will have a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $13,800. A Pre-Sale Program is currently under way through December 31, 2009 to ensure that interested customers can secure themselves a place in line when the bike arrives in US dealerships in early 2010. Interested consumers should visit their local dealer or www.BMWPlanetPower.com for more information on the Pre-Sale program.

"We have had tremendous interest in this bike since it was first unveiled in Monza earlier this year," commented Todd Andersen, Marketing Manager, BMW Motorrad USA. "The S 1000 RR represents an entirely new dimension for BMW Motorrad and the sport bike segment. At this price, we expect a significant number of customers to take advantage of our Pre-Sale program. In fact, all of our first month's production has already been sold through this program."

Options for the S 1000 RR are available at the following prices:

Motorsports Paint Scheme: $750

Race ABS: $1,000

Race ABS & Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) $1,480

Gear Shift Assistant: $450

Anti Theft Alarm: $395

BMW launched the most anticipated new sport bike in recent history, the S 1000 RR, at the famed Monza racetrack, in Italy, during the Superbike World Championship race weekend on May 9, 2009. The S 1000 RR, weighing only 404 lbs and delivering a massive 193 hp, is one of the most potent, sophisticated and lightest sport bikes ever produced. It holds the distinction of being the most powerful production 1000cc sport bike in the world.

In addition to the class-leading power plant, the BMW S 1000 RR possesses new technical features, such as the first-ever four-stage Race ABS system with settings for Rain, Sport, Race and Slick conditions. The groundbreaking new ABS system weighs only about 5.5 lbs complete -- nearly 20 lbs lighter than the competition.

With its highly distinctive new asymmetrical headlights, which follow the very elegant and unique asymmetrical panels, this first BMW Superbike promises to standout from the crowd of liter-class bikes.

The production version of the S 1000 RR was officially unveiled in the U.S. at Miller Motorsports Park in Utah during WSBK races, during the last weekend of May. Following its U.S. unveiling, BMW's official S 1000 RR ambassadors, have been traveling to dealerships across the nation for special S 1000 RR presentations, track days and dealer events during the Pre-Sale Program.

For blogs, S 1000 RR events, images, tech specs, and news and about the new BMW S 1000 RR, visit the exclusive S 1000 RR microsite http://www.bmwplanetpower.com.

The site provides links to other key websites, including:

* S 1000 RR Official Web Site at www.S1000RR.com

* BMW Motorrad Motorsports at http://www.bmw-motorrad.com/com/en/motorsports/motorsport_main.html

* BMW XPLOR Rider Community at www.bmwxplor.com

* BMW Motorrad USA at www.bmwmotorcycles.com

Source: BMW Press Release

The Bentley Continental Supersports, the fastest and most powerful car in the company's 90-year history

The Bentley Continental Supersports, the fastest and most powerful car in the company's 90-year history, received the ultimate examination of its supercar handling and performance credentials when Le Mans racing legend and honorary Bentley Boy Derek Bell spent the weekend driving the 621bhp Bentley at pace during the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

The muscular two-seater, which delivers a 0-60mph sprint time of just 3.7 seconds and a maximum top speed of 204mph, produced a series of searing runs up the Goodwood Hill with Bell regularly pushing the car well-over the 100mph mark on a highly challenging course renowned for its narrow road and succession of tight corners and bends.

Designed and built at Bentleys Crewe headquarters, the Continental Supersports combines extreme performance with the pioneering use of FlexFuel technology in the luxury sector. The 6-litre W12 twin-turbocharged engine is capable of running on either petrol, E85 biofuel or any combination of these fuel sources.

Source: Bentley Press Release

Recently-launched Handling GTE option for the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano now also available as a Ferrari Genuine Accessories package for dealer fitment

The recently-launched Handling GTE option for the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano is now also available as a Ferrari Genuine Accessories package for dealer fitment, with two options available according to the customers specific requirements and age of vehicle.

The options are:

Model Year

Ferrari Genuine Accessories available

Fitted price (from) *

Pre-2008:

Handling, Exhaust and Aesthetic kits £17,213

Post-2008:

Handling, Performance, Exhaust and Aesthetic kits £19,703

* Final price will depend on specific kits required and model year of car. All prices are excluding VAT.

To demonstrate the enhancements offered by this exciting addition to the Ferrari Genuine Accessories range, the attached video and images of a 599 GTB Fiorano fitted with the HGTE package should convince existing owners to consider upgrading their cars to this new specification. The video and images are available free of copyright for editorial use only.

The full specification of each kit is detailed below:

1) Handling, includes:

- Lower suspension (10mm)

-New magnetorheologically controlled suspension calibration for the Manettino SPORT and RACE configurations

-More rigid suspension springs (front + 17%, rear + 15%)

-More rigid rear anti-roll bars (diameter increased to 25mm)

-HGTE specific tyres with improved compound (8% more grip)

-3-piece modular rims with reduced weight (forged spokes) and special new design

2) Performance (only available for post-2008 cars, from engine no. 122779), includes:

-New exhausts silencers with two-tone finish tailpipes

-Enhanced F1 gearshift actuation, with response times reduced to 85ms

-New accelerator logic with modified mapping for improved throttle response

-N.B. The Performance kit cannot be installed on cars with manual gearboxes.

3) Exhaust, includes:

New exhausts silencers with two-tone finish tailpipes

The Exhaust kit is designed for:

-vehicles that cannot receive the software updates listed in the Performance kit since the engine was produced before assembly number 122779 (pre-2008)

-all cars with manual gearboxes

-clients who are only interested in modifying the styling and sound of their own cars

-N.B. The Exhaust kit is included in the Performance kit, for cars post-2008.

4) Aesthetic, includes:

-New design front grille with a special chromatic treatment

-Burnished finish to Prancing Horse symbols on the front grill and rear boot lid

Notes:

-- The interior trim modifications which are included as part of the factory-fit HGTE package on a new car are not available as part of any of the Ferrari Genuine Accessories packages outlined above.

-- The mesh front grille on the car shown in the attached images is currently only available on new cars ordered with the HGTE package via the Carrozzeria Scaglietti Personalisation Programme.

Source: Ferrari Press Release

Tatas threaten to scrap Vista electric launch

London, July 19 India's Tata Motors has threatened to scrap its plan to launch Vista electric cars in the UK if it does not receive a 10 million pounds loan from the British government soon, The Observer reported today.

"The company is furious after being told by officials from (Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills) Lord Peter Mandelson's business department that it needed more time to find out if the venture will be considered for the loan -- taking the total wait to six months," it said.

In April, Tata Motors registered its expression of interest to apply for the 10 million pounds loan to help launch the Vista electric vehicle, which was unveiled at the Geneva Motors Show this year, and build an assembly line for it in the UK.

Source: ptinews

1952 Jaguar C-Type Sports Racing Car - The legend Phil Hill starting line-up for RM Auctions Sports & Classics of Monterey event

A historic 1952 Jaguar C-Type Sports Racing Car that was driven to victory in 1952 by the legendary Phil Hill to claim the Jaguar C-Type's first North American racing victory has joined the starting line-up for RM Auctions Sports & Classics of Monterey event, to be held August 13th – 15th in Monterey, California.

The rare C-Type, designated XKC-007, was one of just 53 examples built and one of the first Jaguar C-Types delivered to the United States. Shipped to New York in 1952, this example was immediately driven to Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, where it, along with XKC-009, made their competitive racing debuts as part of the company's North American sales pitch for the model. It was at this meet that XKC-007 made Jaguar history when the eventual World Champion driver, Phil Hill – then just 25 – drove it to victory in The Sheldon Cup. Under the sponsorship of Charles Hornburg, the Western United States Jaguar distributor, and with Phil Hill back behind the wheel, XKC-007 went on to achieve further success at Torrey Pines that same year.

XKC-007 passed through the hands of numerous owners over the following years and was fully restored by noted Jaguar expert Terry Larson before making its way into the distinguished, private collection of Jerry and Kathy Nell in 1993 where it has remained ever since. Presented in period correct condition, it notably displays the signature of the great Phil Hill and retains its original, numbers matching engine.Throughout its racing career, XKC-007 was never crashed.

"RM Auctions is truly honored to represent this outstanding C-Type on behalf of its long term owner. XKC-007 is certainly the most historically significant Jaguar C-Types to ever come to auction during Monterey's famed classic car week and its well-known provenance, coupled with its historically significant racing history and victories, is set to attract the interest of discerning collectors around the world," said Ian Kelleher, President and Chief Operating Officer of RM Auctions.

"It is without question an amazing opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts to have the chance of successfully bidding on and owning the best of the very best," he added.

In addition to its rich race history, XKC-007 has enjoyed success on the show field, awarded a national championship in 1994 by the Jaguar Club of North America. In 2002 it was reunited with Phil Hill at Pebble Beach to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the C-Type, as well as at another commemorative event in 2006 in Elkhart Lake when the famed Wisconsin road track was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The rare 1952 Jaguar C-Type Sports Racing Car, chassis number XKC-007, will lead a magnificent line-up of investment-quality collector cars when RM Auctions highly anticipated Sports & Classics of Monterey auction event returns to the Portola Hotel and Spa, 2 Portola Plaza, Monterey, California, August 13th to 15th. The auction preview will commence August 12th from 12noon – 6:00pm, followed by full-day previews on August 13th through 15th with auction action each evening. Admission to the three-day event is $40.00 USD per person. An official auction catalog is available for an additional $100 USD.

For further information and full event details, please visit www.rmauctions.com or call 800-211-4371 (within North America) or +1 519 352 4575.

About RM Auctions

Celebrating 30 years in the collector car industry, RM Auctions and its associated companies are responsible for acquisitions, restorations and sales of the world's rarest and most valuable vintage automobiles, including record-breaking sales in Maranello, Italy and London, England. RM's restoration division achieved unprecedented accolades in 2006, when the Company earned "Best of Show" honors at the world's top three collector car events in a single year. www.rmauctions.com

Source: Press Release

VW to pay $11.28 billion for all of Porsche: report

Porsche SE's controlling families will agree on Thursday to accept an offer by Volkswagen to buy its sports car business Porsche AG for roughly 8 billion euros ($11.28 billion), Der Spiegel reported on Saturday.

Germany's leading weekly magazine wrote that the rival Porsche and Piech clans, which own 100 percent of Porsche SE votes, will approve the two-stage takeover at a supervisory board meeting on July 23.

Volkswagen would purchase a 49.9 percent stake in Porsche AG and at a later date acquire the rest, in a deal that would create an integrated automotive group with 10 brands under the leadership of the Wolfsburg-based carmaker.

The sale would help Porsche SE pay off most of its debt, which two sources told Reuters has ballooned to considerably more than 10 billion euros.

Der Spiegel also said embattled Porsche SE and Porsche AG Chief Executive Wendelin Wiedeking is negotiating over a severance package that could total more than 100 million euros. In the meantime, production chief Michael Macht will replace him as head of Porsche AG, the magazine reported.

On Thursday, Wiedeking rejected speculation he was about to leave the group.

Asked on Saturday whether the two families have reached a decision for the July 23 board meeting, Porsche spokesman Anton Hunger said "we have not been informed of one," adding that the Spiegel report was speculation that the company would not comment on.

Separately rival German weekly magazine Focus reported that Volkswagen's powerful chairman and part-owner of Porsche, Ferdinand Piech, plans to remove Wiedeking on Thursday from the influential six-man steering committee on the VW supervisory board.

The vacancy could open up the opportunity for Piech's cousin and rival, Wolfgang Porsche, VW supervisory board member and Porsche SE chairman, to replace Wiedeking in the committee as a representative of his side of the family.

The grandfather of Wolfgang Porsche and Ferdinand Piech was Ferdinand Porsche, designer of the Beetle and founder of Volkswagen.

Source: reuters

Steve Saleen's SMS Supercars, announced today that they have filed a lawsuit in the Superior Court in California

Steve Saleen's SMS Supercars, announced today that they have filed a lawsuit in the Superior Court in California, seeking an order directing MJ Acquisitions, Inc. to cease and desist from promoting their products under the Saleen name in any form. Concurrently, Mr. Saleen is also seeking additional, related remedies from the company that formerly carried his name. This action is an additional move to continue to protect the name, reputation and brand value of Steve Saleen, and to reassure his loyal customers, dealers and car enthusiasts that only Steve Saleen's SMS Supercar performance vehicles and products are genuine and deserving to carry his name. Steve Saleen ceded control of the company he founded, Saleen, Inc., in 2003 and left it completely in the spring of 2007 without any further management association. The non-enthusiast corporate executives sold a number of assets to a company by the name of MJ Acquisitions, Inc., changed the company's name, and in early 2009 ceased operations altogether.

True Steve Saleen performance vehicles again available in the market

After having left his previous company, Mr. Saleen started Steve Saleen's SMS Supercars in 2008 and unveiled his newest creation, the SMS 570 Challenger, in January of this year. After having participated in the 2009 National American Dealers Association show as part of the official Chrysler Group display, Steve Saleen's SMS Supercars successfully launched the SMS 570X Challenger and the new SMS 296 Supercharger at the New York International Auto Show in April of 2009, where many media ranked them among the stars of the show. Steve Saleen's SMS 460 and 460X Mustangs were announced at the 45th Mustang Anniversary show in Alabama in April, with more info and images to be released this weekend at the Mustangs Northwest Roundup in Seattle and during the 2009 Mustang Week in Myrtle Beach starting Monday, July 20.

Steve Saleen steps up and protects his brand, name, reputation and customers "SMS Supercars is the new Saleen" (Steve Saleen)

In April 2009, Steve Saleen announced support for his customers and dealers affected negatively by the demise of the company that long carried his name. In a statement issued in April, he said: "The company I launched a long time ago announced it will no longer honor its product warranties, nor will the acquiring company for those assets, MJ Acquisitions, Inc. This kind of 'customer treatment' damages my reputation, misleads customers and cannot be left unaddressed." Steve Saleen announced that SMS Supercars would guarantee the warranties that MJ Acquisitions abandoned. Mr. Saleen went on to say: "It amuses me that faceless executives and wannabes are trying to misrepresent themselves as some kind of continuation of Saleen, which they are not. SMS Supercars is the true Saleen. It is the only company I endorse, the only company entitled to use my name and legacy, and the only company that carries my signature on its products, because they are my products. The legal action we have undertaken today will emphasize once and for all that the only genuine Saleen products are mine.

About Steve Saleen's SMS Supercars – Speed, Science and Style

Steve Saleen's SMS Supercars, a company founded by renowned race driver and automotive icon Steve Saleen, is a manufacturer of high-end lifestyle performance vehicles, technical performance parts, lifestyle accessories and apparel. Steve Saleen's SMS Supercars designs, engineers, tests, certifies, manufactures and assembles all of its own products and vehicles. As SMS Supercars' first product, the SMS 570 and SMS 570X Challenger have been launched in early 2009, while SMS 460 and SMS 460X Mustang models have been announced for market entry later in 2009.

Source: SMS Supercars Press Release

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