Is there more than a joint minivan project in the future for Chrysler and VW? The Car Connection feeds the flames of corporate speculation. "There is going to be another round of mergers in the auto industry," the chairman for the Center for Automotive research asserts. "And the one company that matches up well with Volkswagen is Chrysler." David Cole feels Chrysler has a lot to offer the German automaker: U.S. production facilities, a large dealer network and recently reduced labor costs. With VW's stated goal of selling a million vehicles in the U.S. per year, they'll have to do something new. That said, the last Chrysler - VW collaboration gave unto us the Volksie-engined  Dodge Omni/Plymouth Horizon twins. Just think of the possibilities now… The next Chrysler 300 could be built on the A6 platform, a revitalized Crossfire could feature a Boxster drivetrain, or the Golf/Rabbit could be the donor for the next Caliber. Of course, if if you switch that around, we could be looking at an A4-a-like with a Sebring-grade interior.

The Car Connection »

Source: Wild Ass Rumor of the Day: VW to Buy Chrysler

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 Lambo versus Tornado  23.11.2007 The car is the one on the ground

It was an obvious challenge - the stealth fighter inspired Lamborghini Reventon against a real fighter jet.

The 3km acceleration race took place this week at Brescia military airport.

The high-speed challenge saw an A200-A Tornado aircraft provided by the airbase pitted against the Reventón driven by an official Lamborghini test driver.

Car vs. Jet races have been seen before, most memorably when Top Gear’s Richard Hammond raced a Bugatti Veyron against a Eurofighter.

There are only 20 Reventón cars available, each with a price tag of 1 million euros plus taxes.

All are already sold and will be built and delivered in 2008.

The Lamborghini Reventón, officially presented to the public at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, has also won the “Most Beautiful Automobile in the World 2007″ award this month.

So back to our race, who won?

The Reventón took the lead in the first leg of the race, but the Tornado caught up in the last few metres, taking off and flying over the Reventón that was travelling at a speed of over 340 km/h.

Back to the drawing board then, Lamborghini…

Source: Lambo Vs a Fighter Jet

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A Mercedes-Benz employee of the Laguna Niguel dealership that’s located 50 miles southeast of Los Angeles was convicted to serve 18 months in a federal penitentiary by U.S. District Court in Los Angeles for defrauding the store of more than $1 million.

According to court documents, David Delgado used his position as supervisor of temporary workers to create phony time sheets. Delgado recruited and approved phony time cards for at least 27 temporary workers from 2004 to February 2007- porters and attendants at the dealership’s on-site car wash. The workers reported their (unworked) hours to the companies, who billed the dealership based on Delgado’s approvals. The staffing agency would then pay the temps who would then split the cash with Delgado. The temporary workers came from two outside staffing agencies, Manpower Inc. and Volt Management Corp. -Continued after the jump

In all, the scammers managed to fill their pockets with $1,053,970. As you probably have guessed already, Delgado was turned in by an employee who revealed the scam to the dealership’s general manager, Pat Bolter. Following charges on May 8, Delgado agreed to a plea bargain were we will serve 18 months in a federal penitentiary and repay the $1,053,970 lost by the dealership.

Via: Autonews (sub. Req.)

Source: Mercedes-Benz Employee Steals $1 Million From Dealer!

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SANTA MONICA, Calif. – Incentive spending by automakers remain roughly flat in November, as manufactured tried to stick their plans for less incentive spending to boost profit margins. Yet, the plan may prove to contribute to softer vehicle sales, being reported by manufacturers throughout Monday.

"Even with the year-end sell-down upon us, the domestic automakers have stayed committed to the value pricing strategy that limits their investment in incentives,” said Jesse Toprak, executive director of Industry Analysis for Edmunds.com.

"Chrysler and Ford are spending far less per vehicle than they were this time last year. GM is spending even less than them, though it not matching its remarkably low incentive average of last November,” Toprak added. “As usual, the domestics are keeping a close eye on each others’ moves in order to maximize profit margins while maintaining competitiveness."

Edmunds.com estimated Monday that the industry’s aggregate incentive spending in November totaled approximately $2.77 billion, up a tad 3.75 percent from October. That puts the average automotive manufacturer incentive in the U.S. at $2,309 per vehicle sold in November 2007, up $135, or 6.2 percent, from October 2007, and up $21, or 0.9 percent, from November 2006.

Chrysler, Ford and General Motors spent an aggregate of $1.89 billion, or 68.5 percent of the total; Japanese manufacturers spent $527 million, or 19.1 percent; European manufacturers spent $235 million, or 8.5 percent; and Korean manufacturers spent $108 million, or 3.9 percent.

Combined incentives spending for domestic manufacturers averaged $3,188 per vehicle sold in November 2007, up from $3,104 in October 2007. From October to November, European automakers increased incentives spending by $442 to $2,415 per vehicle sold; Japanese automakers increased incentives spending by $147 to $1,162 per vehicle sold; and Korean automakers increased incentives spending by $484 to $2,017 per vehicle sold.

Among vehicle segments, large trucks had the highest average incentives, $3,885 per vehicle sold, followed by large SUVs at $3,616. Compact cars had the lowest average incentives per vehicle sold, $946, followed by sport cars at $1,232. Analysis of incentives expenditures as a percentage of average sticker price for each segment shows large cars averaged the highest, 12.5 percent, followed by large trucks at 12.2 percent of sticker price. Luxury sports cars averaged the lowest, 3.8 percent, followed by sports cars at 4.2 percent of sticker price.

Edmunds.com’s analysis shows the minivan segment experienced a 38-percent drop in incentives compared to last year – the biggest decline of all segments. Last year, the minivan segment was the most heavily incentivized while the ones on dealer lots today are relatively new models that are enjoying sustained launch buzz. However, this segment has been weakening in recent months, so higher incentives may be in store.

Comparing all brands, in November Mini spent the least – virtually nothing – followed by Scion at $118 per vehicle sold. At the other end of the spectrum, Cadillac spent the most, $6,200, followed by Saab at $5,940 per vehicle sold. Relative to their vehicle prices, Saab and Mercury spent the most, 17.6 percent and 16.1 percent of sticker price, respectively, while Mini spent virtually nothing and Scion spent just 0.7 percent.

Edmunds.com’s monthly True Cost of Incentives (TCI) report takes into account all automakers’ various U.S. incentives programs, including subvented interest rates and lease programs, as well as cash rebates to consumers and dealers. To ensure the greatest possible accuracy, Edmunds.com bases its calculations on sales volume, including the mix of vehicle makes and models for each month, as well as on the proportion of vehicles for which each type of incentive was used.

True Cost of Incentives for the "Big Six" Automakers

November 2007

October 2007

November 2006

Chrysler Group

$3,360

$3,105

$4,112

Ford

$3,191

$3,205

$3,470

General Motors

$3,136

$3,058

$2,661

Honda

$865

$639

$499

Nissan

$2,113

$2,070

$2,056

Toyota

$888

$706

$857

Source: Edmunds.com

Source: Incentive Spending Roughly Flat, Says Edmunds.com Report

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Sam Abuelsamid
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Tesla Motors, Green Daily

Martin Eberhard’s departure from active involvement in the operation of Tesla Motors came via a brief statement from the company late Friday evening after the Wall Street Journal broke the embargo on the story. When Martin was removed as CEO in August to focus on the getting the Roadster into production, he made a statement on the company blog about what was going on.

This time around, all references to Martin were promptly removed from the management team listing on the Tesla site. As you might expect, Martin’s contract with Tesla prohibits him from making disparaging remarks about the company. As a result Martin has made a discrete yet telling statement on the Tesla Motors Club discussion forum. Martin didn’t leave voluntarily and wasn’t too thrilled with the way things went down. In the comments from the previous post about Martin’s departure it appears a number of other people have left recently. Hopefully this is not a sign of how things will be happening moving forward at Tesla. You can see Martin Eberhard’s comment after the jump and follow the whole discussion thread at the Tesla Motors Club forum.

[Source: Tesla Motors Club]

A word from Martin Yes it is true - I am no longer with Tesla Motors - neither on its Board of Directors nor an employee of any sort. I have also signed a non-disparagement agreement with Tesla, so I must. by contract, be a bit careful about how I word things.

But I am also not going to lie about it. I am not at all happy with the way I was treated, and I do not think this was the very best way to handle a transition - not the best for Tesla Motors, not the best for Tesla’s customers (to whom I still feel a strong sense of responsibility), and not for Tesla’s investors.

Silicon Valley has given us many examples of fast-growing startup companies that managed to find a home for its founders even as new management teams were brought in to manage the continued growth of the companies. Larry and Sergey over at Google are prime examples: they still drive the vision and technology of the company, and still define the public image of Google. But management of Google is now in the hands of seasoned professionals who know how to run and grow the company far beyond Larry and Sergey could have.

But as Michael Marks likes to say, it is what it is. I am now part of Tesla’s rather informal Advisory Board, and make myself available to Ze’ev, should he wish to avail himself of my experience. We shall see.

Ze’ev is a bright and experienced guy. Unlike me, he’s made a zillion dollars from his past ventures (MMI & Clifford) - so he has taken this position not for money. He’s raced formula cars, and gets what a sports car should be. He seems to care a lot about global warming. As an Israeli, he is quite sensitive to the problem of oil dependency toward the Middle East. So I have reason to be hopeful, and I am motivated to see him succeed.

For my part, I am a free man. I will probably spend the next 6 months thinking about my next venture. I still care about the things that concerned me 5 years ago, so I will look for another opportunity to contribute to solving the dual problems of global warming and oil dependency.

Hopefully, I will begin posting my own blog at www.teslafounders.com. There’s nothing up at that address yet, by maybe by New Years.

Thanks for your support, Tesla fans.
Martin __________________
Martin Eberhard
Tesla Motors Founder

Source: Martin Eberhard comments on his departure from Tesla

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Alex Nunez
Aftermarket, Tuners, Coupes, Sedans/Saloons, Sports/GTs, SUVs, Euro, Supercars, Audi, Volkswagen, Misc. Auto Shows

Click image for a gallery of Abt’s Essen roster

German tuning house Abt Sportsline brought everything and the kitchen sink to the Essen Motor Show, and rather than present it piecemeal, we figured we’d put the whole megillah out for you in one shot. From A4 to Touareg, the latest hardware from VW and Audi has been worked over with appearance and suspension mods. Most boast notable power upgrades as well. Yes, we’ll even revisit the (unfortunately) red-and-green-trimmed Abt R8, which we first talked about last week. If you’re looking for a Christmas-themed supercar, or if you’re a really nostalgic New Jersey Devils fan, it might just fit the bill.

Follow the jump for the rundown on all things Abt at Essen.

[Source: Abt Sportsline]

Gallery: Abt Sportsline: Essen 2007 Lineup

Abt AS4

Click image for photo gallery

• Based on the new Audi A4
• Abt body kit, suspension, brakes, wheels, muffler
• 1.8 TFSI w/ Abt Power: 200 hp / 228 lb-ft
• 1.8 TFSI w/ Abt Power S: 240 hp
• 2.0 TDI w/ Abt Power: 170 hp
• 2.0 TDI w/ Abt Power S: 200 hp
• 2.7 TDI w/ Abt Power: 230 hp
• 3.0 TDI w/ Abt Power: 270 hp / 405 lb-ft
• 3.0 TDI w/ Abt Power S: 300 hp / 442 lb-ft

Abt AS5

Click image for photo gallery

• Based on the Audi A5
• Abt body kit, suspension, brakes, wheels, muffler
• Abt interior accessories
• 3.0 TDI w/ Abt Power S: 300 hp / 442 lb ft
• 0-62 mph in 5.3 seconds

Abt Touareg

Click image for photo gallery

• Based on the VW Touareg 2
• Abt body kit, level control for air suspension, brakes, wheels, exhaust
• 2.5 TDI w/ Abt Power: 195 hp
• 3.0 TDI w/ Abt Power S: 300 hp / 442 lb-ft
• V10 TDI in Abt VS10: 360 hp
• 4.2 TDI w/ Abt Power R replacement turbo: 500 hp

Abt Tiguan

Click image for photo gallery

• Abt body kit, suspension, brakes, wheels, muffler
• 1.4 TSI w/ Abt Power: 200 hp
• 2.0 TDI w/ Abt Power: 170 hp
• 2.0 TDI w/ Abt Power S: 200 hp

Abt R8

Click image for photo gallery

• Weight reduction
• Abt body kit, carbon fiber side blades and skirts
• Abt suspension, brakes, wheels, exhaust
• Optional 2-tone finish (red and green not recommended unless you’re Santa)

Source: Roundup: Abt Sportsline at the Essen Motor Show

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Cadillac will return to Australian shores, nearly forty years after ending local sales. The first cars will hit Aussie showrooms late next year and will be limited to the CTS range. The announcement was made by Holden chairman and managing director Chris Gubbey at a media event today.

The first model will be the 304hp (227kW) 3.6L V6 petrol version but a 2.9L turbodiesel V6 powered car is expected to follow in 2009. All cars will come standard with a six-speed auto. The only mechanical options will be two different sports suspension packages.

The big news is that engineers in Australia are working on a new V12 engine destined for an all-new Cadillac flagship. According to Drive, the new car will be based on the long wheelbase Holden Statesman sedan but will get its own unique body plus a V12 powertrain.

According to GM’s Bob Lutz, development work is ‘‘well under way’’ in Australia. The new V12 engine is essentially two GM 3.6L V6 engines mated together with a single crankshaft. Inside sources have revealed that the engine’s output will be roughly double that of a single V6, so expect to see around 523hp (390kW) and 680Nm (500lb-ft) of torque from its 7.2L of displacement.

The new model will be targeted at cars like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Lexus LS range, and will include crash avoidance and safety technologies as well as direct injection and cylinder deactivation features.

Source: Cadillac headed Down Under, Aussie V12 in the works

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A facelifted Ford Focus diesel? Is it still fun?

In a word, yes. Britain’s bestseller has been under Martin Smith’s scalpel to bring it in line with his ‘kinetic design’. Gone is the slightly mundane look of the current car to be replaced by rakish headlights, little and large opposing trapezoid intakes, and botox-injected sides. This is where the money has been spent.

Dynamically it’s untouched, but it’s interior has been given a visual polish, and particular attention has been paid to boosting refinement levels and reducing noise levels.

All Focuses now get ESP, and we tested the (pricey) £18,345 Titanium spec model. Your money’s better spent on the Zetec trim - you’ll save around £800, end up with all the kit you need, and be spared the privacy glass that made the rear of our car quite depressing.

Source: Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi Titanium

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Since 1994, some twenty U.S. police officers have burned to death after their Crown Victoria police car was rear-ended. According to Safetyforum, that's because the Panther-platformed police car's gas tank is flawed in two critical ways. "(1) it is located in the crush zone behind the rear axle, where it is most likely to be rammed into the axle, suspension system or other components and ruptured in a crash; and (2) it lacks protective shielding." Ford continues to defend itself against fire-related Crown Vic police cruiser lawsuits and refuses to pay for fire suppression systems for the estimated 400k Crown Vics patrolling American highways and byways. The Cincinnati Enquirer reports that the Ohio Department of Public Safety is joining those police forces using public funds to address the weakness. The agency plans on spending $643,850 on FIRE Panels to protect its 1630 Crown Vics. Wrapped around the gas tank, the FIRE Panel shatters in a collision and releases a cloud of fire suppression powder. One problem: "Capt. Brigette Charles, chairwoman of a committee that has studied cruiser safety in Ohio since 2003, called the FIRE panel devices 'junk.'" Ford has a more active fire suppression system, but it's pricier still. 

Cincinnati Enquirer »

Source: Ohio to Spend $650k on “Exploding” Crown Vic Cruisers