Plans are afoot to build the world’s first Islamic car with Malaysia, Turkey and Iran each proposing to build a variant of a religious friendly car containing a compass that finds Mecca and a Koran compartment (similar to the glove box).

Proton’s Managing Directors Syed Zainal Abidin and Syed Mohamed Tahir said the vehicle, possibly based on the Waja sedan, would be aimed at both local and export markets and identifies a need many customers have long thought should be available in their vehicles.

With a reputation for poor quality vehicles and lack luster sales perhaps Proton could be seen as cashing in on a need in order to make a quick buck, though you have to admit, it’s a fresh idea that will indeed find a market.

Maybe we’ll soon see a Catholic Coupe, Protestant Pick Up or Uniting Church Utility variant too.

Source: World’s first Islamic car

Bookmark it:

Continue reading...

Hot on the tail of our news on the Dodge Viper SRT10 last week comes this monster, the ACR (American Club Racer) ‘Hard Core’ pack. This beast still uses the same 8.4 litre V10 as a normal SRT10, as if it’s not enough, but has been tweaked to develop 448kW.

A carbon fibre spoiler kit, including a rear spoiler which has seven levels of adjustment, will increase down force by up to a third and has also managed to reduce overall weight by 18kg. Any non essential components have been stripped out of the car including the radio and carpet.

The Hard Core pack goes on sale after the Los Angeles Motor Show at the end of this week.

 Source: Top Gear 

Source: Viper goes Hard Core

Bookmark it:

Continue reading...

Chris Shunk
Coupes, Videos, Ford, Driving

The original Bullitt Mustang was one of the original sleepers, as all flash and flare were stripped in favor of a clean slate that could fly through the streets of San Francisco with the greatest of ease. The 2008 Bullitt has shed all the frivolities of the Shelby models, or even a stock GT, for that matter. What Ford did do was to add 15 HP through cold air induction and an engine re-calibration, made the ride more track-ready, and slid in the visual cues that brings us back to Steve McQueen’s 40 year-old original.

The Popular Mechanics film crew was front and center for a sweet peak at what the 2008 Bullitt can really do, and it’s a blast to watch. The newest Mustang spin-off dazzles out of the gate with an impressive array of wasted rubber while the green pony car keeps a tight orbit. We then learn some interesting facts about the Bullitt, like how Ford engineers designed the 4.6L V8 to deliver 315 HP on regular fuel, but the performance quotient increases if premium fuel is added. The extra .20 for 94 octane doesn’t sound as bad when it’s paying you back with extra ponies. Take a look at the video by clicking here, or hit the read link below. If you watch it and don’t want to at least take a Bullitt for a spin, we’re inclined to believe your interest in cars will one day pass.

[Source: Popular Mechanics]

Source: VIDEO: Mustang Bullitt melting tires courtesy of Popular Mechanics

Bookmark it:

Continue reading...

Lewis Hamilton may never again get the chance to win a world championship, his countryman and rival Jenson Button has warned. Hamilton, the McLaren rookie, looked certain to make history this year by securing the drivers’ title at his first attempt, as he entered the final races of the season with a substantial points advantage over his rivals.

But errors and problems in China and Brazil, as well as the back to back victories of Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen, meant the 22-year-old ultimately had to settle for the runner-up spot.

Hamilton dealt with the disappointment by telling the media that he will come back even stronger next year, but Button warned that title opportunities may never come around twice.

“He’s a great driver, but there are lots of great drivers in formula one who did not have his package,” said Button, who won his maiden grand prix last year and then fell to the back of the field in 2007 with the abysmal Honda RA107 racer.

The 27-year-old told the Evening Standard: “What would worry me is the lost opportunity. You can’t say in my sport: ‘Oh well, I only missed out by a point so next year I’ll go one better’. It doesn’t work like that.

“He should be sick as a dog because another chance like that might not come round again,” Button added.

Consoling Hamilton over the winter period, however, are ever increasing signs that he could be about to embark on perhaps the most financially-lucrative career in the history of the sport.

The Independent newspaper reports that he is considering floating himself on the London stock market, with a 10 per cent share in his newly formed company to potentially generate about $100m immediately.

Source: Button: Lewis Hamilton may never win title

Bookmark it:

Continue reading...

I just finished reading this article on Nascar.com called Petty: ‘07 Chase would be better with different duel where Richard Petty says this years Chase would be better if it were different drivers, since Johnson and Gordon are from the same organization, there is no one for the fans who don’t like Hendrick cars to root for. He said if it was Earnhardt Jr with one of them, or Bowyer still had a shot, they could root for them against the Hendrick driver.

“It’s not good for the sport, no,” Petty said. “It’s too cut-and-dried. You’ve got no [real] competition. You’ve got competition between two teams within the same team. That don’t get it done as far as the general public.

“If one of these drivers happened to be [Dale] Earnhardt [Jr.], it might be a little different. When you get Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson, they’re the same. They’ve just got different names.”

But Petty, who is tied with the late Dale Earnhardt for the all-time lead with seven driving championships and owns a record 200 wins at the equivalent of the Cup level, said the closeness of the current Chase race isn’t compelling enough. He insisted that it is so because Johnson and Gordon have similar personalities and drive for the same owner, Rick Hendrick of Hendrick Motorsports, making it difficult for the average fan to get very excited. Source: Petty: ‘07 Chase would be better with different duel

I guess it just depends on who you are. I am a Jeff Gordon fan, so if you ask me, the race is too damn close, especially considering that Gordon would be 400 points ahead when using the old points system. I think it has been very exciting, and I am certainly happy that Gordon has a shot to win his fifth championship, and, while I don’t hate Jimmie Johnson, I know plenty of Gordon fans who do, and plenty of them root for him to crash and have trouble every week, lol. He is probably right about Dale Earnhardt Jr. fans, etc, they have no one to root for, but I bet they still watch every week, just like they probably did when he won by 722 points in 1975. Okay, I know, 1975’s Nascar is a lot different than today’s, but I think you know what I mean.

I am sure the championship he won in 1979 was a lot more exciting because he only won it by 11 points, when compared to the 1975 championship, and under the old points system, Gordon would be winning by over 400 points, I think, compared to being behind by 30 points under the new system. The King does say at the end that there will always be cycles, one guy always winning or another and that there will be other people to challenge these two, because that’s life, just the way it is.

I wonder if he realizes that Gordon would be knocking on his door a lot sooner under the old system than today’s, as Jeff would’ve already locked up his sixth championship at last weeks race in Texas and would be looking for number seven next year…

Chase for the Cup, Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Richard Petty

Source: The King Says the Chase Would be Better with Different Drivers

Bookmark it:

Continue reading...

Simona Alina
Filed in: Ford | 2008 | suv | Detroit Auto Show | Ford Verve

Ford has confirmed that the Verve SUV is under production and will be launched at 2008 Detroit motor Show. The Verve SUV is the production version of the Verve Concept launched at Frankfurt Motor Show.

The 2009 Verve SUV will share the same platform with the upcoming Fiesta , which in turn is based on the same platform as the latest Mazda 2 supermini.

The SUV will have small-capacity turbocharged units giving strong performance plus decent economy and emissions.

Source:AutoExpress

Source: Ford Verve SUV to debut at 2008 Detroit Motor Show

Bookmark it:

Continue reading...

Making its debut at the European equivalent of the SEMA Show, the 2007 ESSEN Motorshow, which takes place in Germany from Dec. 1 to 9, the Volkswagen Tiguan by ABT, boasts a series of cosmetic and mechanical upgrades. In terms of styling, the German tuner developed an aggressive bodykit that includes among other things, a front and rear spoiler, fender extensions, side skirts and a new grille combined with a new set of alloy rims (available in 18, 19 and 20 inch). -Continued after the jump

To match the looks, ABT is offering power upgrades on all available engines. This means, the power of the 1.4 TSI is increased from serial 150 hp to 200 hp while the 2.0-liter Turbodiesel offers 170 hp instead of 140 hp while the 170 hp 2.0 TDI engine, delivers 200 hp. To complement the engine upgrades, ABT equips the Tiguan with an adjustable sports suspension and a new brake system, measuring 345 x 30 mm.

Via: Autoblog.it , Source: ABT

Source: VW Tiguan SUV by ABT: 1.4-litre TSI With 200 Hp!

Bookmark it:

Continue reading...

Alex Julian
Filed in: | F1

Williams test driver Kazuki Nakajima will race for the team next season alongside Nico Rosberg. Nakajima made his competitive Formula One debut in the FW29 at last month’s season finale in Brazil, while Rosberg has been at the British squad for two seasons.

“I am delighted to confirm that Nico will be racing for the team for his third consecutive year after demonstrating impressive and widely applauded form in 2007,” commented team principal Frank Williams.

Nico Rosberg

“Nico will be ably partnered by Kazuki, who has impressed the team over the past year. He has pace and the right aptitude to develop into a competitive Formula One racer and over the course of the next season, we will provide him with all the necessary support and assistance to hone his talents.”

Over the course of the season, Nakajima covered 7,000 kilometres for Williams during testing and also represented the team for several Friday practice sessions at Grands Prix. The 22 year-old, who also enjoyed a successful campaign in GP2, replaced retiring driver Alexander Wurz for October’s Brazilian race, finishing tenth.

Kazuki Nakajima

“This is the crowning of a great year for me,” commented the former GP2 driver. “It was an amazing experience to drive out of the garage as a Formula One driver at Albert Park last March, and now to be confirmed as a race driver for AT&T Williams is a dream come true. I am very grateful to Toyota for the support I have had through the Toyota Driver’s Programme and to Williams for the team’s faith in me. There is plenty of work to be done before next season starts, but I am resolved to do whatever is necessary and to show Williams and Toyota that they have made a good investment.”

Nico Rosberg

The confirmation that Rosberg is to stay at Williams for a third year ends speculation he might partner Lewis Hamilton at McLaren next season. Since making his debut in 2006, the young German has scored 24 world championship points, 20 of which he clinched this season.

Source:Formula 1

Source: Rosberg and Nakajima will drive for Williams in 2008

Bookmark it:

Continue reading...

Nov 10, 2007

Formula One’s Contract Recognition Board is being asked to rule on whether or not Timo Glock has a valid contract with Toyota.

The Japanese manufacturer have reportedly signed Glock as Ralf Schumacher’s replacement for 2008. However, the contract registered with the CRB apparently conflicts with another one already on file from BMW-Sauber.

Read the full story

Source: Glock contract with Toyota in limbo

Bookmark it:

Continue reading...

Damon Lavrinc
Aftermarket, Motorsports, Etc.

Consolidation of aftermarket brake manufacturers seems to be all the rage recently, with Centric consuming both PowerSlot and Stoptech, and now, Brembo has bought out all of Hayes Lemmerz’s North American brake-components division. The Italian parts manufacturer dolled out a cool $58 million for both the Homer, Michigan and Apodaca, Mexico facilities, and in the process acquired the company’s 250 employees. We’re hoping that the deal bodes well for those of us looking to upgrade our current stoppers with beefy, red Brembo calipers.

The full press release is
PRESS RELEASE

NORTHVILLE, Mich., Nov. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Hayes Lemmerz International, Inc. and Brembo S.p.A. (Italian Stock Exchange: BRE) today announced the sale of Hayes Lemmerz’ Automotive Brake Components division to Brembo North America, Inc.

Hayes Lemmerz’ Automotive Brake Components division includes production facilities in Homer, Michigan and Apodaca, Mexico that manufacture brake rotors and drums for the North American passenger car and light truck markets. The division employs approximately 250 people, including 64 technical associates. The division’s 2006 sales were approximately $ 120 million.

Under the agreement announced today, Brembo North America, Inc., a subsidiary of Brembo S.p.A., has acquired all of the stock of two Hayes Lemmerz subsidiary companies that own the brake manufacturing operations in Homer and Apodaca and certain assets used in connection with the division’s sales, marketing and engineering group located in Hayes Lemmerz’ headquarters in Northville, Michigan.

The amount of the transaction is approximately $ 58 million, debt-free.

“We have built a strong business with a solid reputation for quality products, delivery and performance,” said Daniel Sandberg, President of Hayes Lemmerz’ Automotive Components Group. “Combining this business with an international, technically dynamic brake company like Brembo will better position the combined company to grow and compete in the global market. Our brake teams in Homer, Apodaca and Northville look forward to leveraging our shared commitment to superior customer service, product innovation and technology.”

“I am very pleased with the acquisition of this well-managed and successful business,” commented Brembo Chairman, Alberto Bombassei.

“This is another important step for Brembo in the NAFTA region, where we already have a strong presence with 2006 sales of approximately $ 140 million. Our purchase of Hayes Lemmerz’ rotor business will greatly improve Brembo’s leadership position in the North American brake rotor market. We continue to believe that North America, as a mature and sophisticated market, is one of the most important in the world which fits well with Brembo’s strategic position. This transaction will provide Brembo with a solid manufacturing base to supply all the North American operations of all of our customers,” Mr. Bombassei said.

Hayes Lemmerz International, Inc. is a leading global supplier of automotive and commercial highway wheels and powertrain components. The company has 24 facilities and over 7,000 employees worldwide.

Brembo S.p.A. is the world leader and the acknowledged innovator worldwide of disc braking system technology for vehicles. It supplies high performance braking systems to the most prestigious manufacturers of cars, commercial vehicles and motorbikes around the world. Brembo is also a leader in the racing sector and has won more than 200 championships. The company currently operates in 12 countries, with 23 production and business sites and a pool of over 4,700 associates, 9% of whom are engineers and product specialists working in R&D and technical areas. Brembo is the owner of the Brembo, AP Racing and Marchesini brands. Brembo’s 2006 sales in the NAFTA area were approximately $140 million (11.9% of total sales). The company operates in this region with a manufacturing plant in Puebla, Mexico, and business sites in Costa Mesa, CA and Charlotte, NC.

Source: Brembo buys up Hayes Lemmerz’s North American brake facilities

Bookmark it: