The Noble M15 first appeared in concept form last year and was powered by a mid-mounted twin-turbocharged V6 engine with 455hp on tap. Since then a lot has happened to the niche sports car manufacturer. An injection of funds came earlier this year when the rights to the M400 and M12 were sold to Ohio-based 1G Racing and then a mystery investor pledged more funds for the development of the M15, meaning engineers were able to upgrade the original specifications.

According to the brand’s Italian importer, UK Garage, the final production version of the M15 will come with a 4.4L Volvo V8 engine with a pair of turbochargers bolted on to develop a peak output of 650hp. The car’s mass will remain at roughly 1,100kg thanks to its carbon-fiber and aluminum construction, also making its chassis 30% more rigid than the M12 and with better weight distribution to boot.

Expect to see a 0-100km/h time of less than 3.0 seconds and a time of 6.0 seconds flat for the 160km/h mark. Only 50 cars are tipped to enter production, each with a price tag of roughly €150,000.
Via: Autoblog.it

Source: Noble M15 to get 650HP twin-turbo V8

In September we first reported that VW was considering restarting production in the U.S., and now German media reports claim we could have a final decision as early as June next year. Despite being one of the most popular brands in Europe, VW has had little success in the U.S. and suffers from a perception of manufacturing overpriced and poor quality vehicles.

To overcome this, VW is considering building cars locally and launching unique products for the U.S. market. The carmaker’s head of group production, Jochem Heizmann, has told reporters from Auto Motor und Sport that a “plant in the USA is an important statement for our sales strategy. A decision has however not been made yet - this should happen in the first half of 2008.” Heizmann also explained that it would take about three years to be up and running once the decision is made.

The first of the new models is a vehicle internally labeled the “New Compact Sedan” (NCS). It will be completely engineered in Germany but manufactured in the U.S. The car will stretch 4.55m, making it longer than the current Jetta sedan, and up to 160,000 units could be produced annually.

This would be followed by the “New Medium Sedan” (NMS), which would replace the Jetta in the U.S. market. There’s also the possibility of a new SUV based on an extended version of the Tiguan, however no confirmation has been given.

VW also hopes to improve its sales in Southeast Asia by working with Malaysia’s Proton to build a range of small cars.

Source: VW to decide on U.S. production soon, announcing new models

Alex Julian
Filed in: | F1

McLaren have announced that former world champion Fernando Alonso is to leave the team, after both parties agreed to a “mutual parting of ways”. Alonso, who joined the British squad from Renault at the start of 2007, did have two years left to run on his contract.

The statement released today revealed that, after discussions, it had been decided “it would be in the best interests of both parties to bring the relationship to an end”.

Although Alonso won four races during the 2007 season, and finished third in the championship battle, relations between the Spaniard and McLaren had become increasingly strained in recent months.

“He is a great driver but for some reason the combination of Vodafone McLaren Mercedes and Fernando has not really worked out, and in the end we reached a stage where none of us could find a way to move forward," explained McLaren team principal Ron Dennis. "We all believe that our joint decision to part company is for the best, and we will now continue to focus on our 2008 world championship challenge. Everybody at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, especially McLaren’s Spanish Partners Banco Santander and Mutua Madrilena and the team’s title partner Vodafone, want to wish Fernando all the best for the future.”

Fernando Alonso

For his part, Alonso said that, although he never really felt at home at McLaren, he still believed they were a great squad. “Since I was a boy I had always wanted to drive for McLaren, but sometimes in life things do not work out," explained the 26 year-old. "I continue to believe that McLaren is a great team. Yes, we have had our ups and downs during the season, which has made it extra-challenging for all of us, and it is not a secret that I never really felt at home. I know there have been suggestions of favoritism within the team and people say a lot of things in the heat of battle, but in the end I was always provided with an equal opportunity to win. Today’s decision allows all of us to focus on 2008, and I wish the team, Vodafone, Banco Santander, Mutua Madrilena and all the other team partners who I have worked closely with during the year, the best for the future.”

The team also revealed that an announcement on Alonso’s replacement would be made in due course.

The only question that remains unanswered is: will Fernando Alonso be the 2008 Renault driver? I hope that we will find that soon!

Source:Formula 1

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Source: The inevitable has happened – Fernando Alonso leaves McLaren