With Ford officially anointing India’s Tata Motors as the top bidder for Jaguar and Land Rover, it looks look Chrysler is trying to cook up a deal with an automaker in India as well.

Several global media outlets reported over the weekend that Chrysler is in talks with India’s Mahindra & Mahindra, archrival to Tata, for some kind of partnership, the nature of which is unclear.

Chrysler: Expanding Global Reach

From the day it took over Chrysler, Cerberus Capital Management has said it intends to expand Chrysler’s global reach.

To that end, Chrysler last week announced it had appointed Simon Boag executive vice president for global alliance operations. Then came news of Mahindra, though neither Chrysler nor Mahindra have said anything publicly about a potential partnership.

The Economic Times in India, quoting unnamed industry sources, reported last week that Chrysler wants to tap Mahindra’s engineering expertise to develop products for emerging markets. The publication reported a partnership could include an equity stake.

Mahindra Pulling the Plut with Nissan-Renault?

The rumors of a Chrysler-Mahindra link gained momentum when separate media reports on Saturday said Mahindra may pull out of a joint venture with Nissan-Renault to build a $1 billion car plant in India.

The Dow Jones Newswires reported that Mahindra, which has a 50% stake in the Nissan-Renault venture, was unhappy with partnerships the Nissan and Renault have made with other Indian automakers, the Press Trust of India news agency said.

Nissan and Renault have separately partnered with India’s Bajaj Auto Ltd. to make a low-cost car by around 2010 to compete against Tata’s new $2,500 four-seater car, being unveiled this week at the New Delhi auto show, which AutoObserver will cover.  Nissan has also partnered with India’s Ashok Leyland Ltd. to build light trucks and develop auto technologies at new plants in India.

Mahindra will continue its partnership with Renault to manufacture the low-cost Logan sedan launched in India in April, The Economic Times reported.

Another report over the weekend, however, attributed Mahindra’s reported move to withdraw from the Nissan-Renault venture. Mahindra didn’t find "sufficient synergies" in the project, The Economic Times said.

Still, a possible link with Chrysler, which has no partners in India, may be a factor as well.

Chrysler’s Other Overseas Connections

Chrysler also reportedly is talking with Russian automaker Gaz. An unnamed Gaz executive reportedly told the Financial Times in London in December that the two companies were in talks.

In China, Chrysler appointed former GM and Shanghai Automotive executive Phil Murtaugh to head Asia-Pacific operations so expansion in China and elsewhere in the region is expected.

What’s less clear is Chrysler’s partnership with China’s Chery Automobile Co., signed last year. The deal was supposed to yield a small car to be sold under the Dodge brand in North America, Central America and Europe. But a

Chery executive said late last year the companies are still in the phase of exploring options, which could take a couple of years.

Source: Chrysler-Mahindra Cooking Up India Deal?

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Alex Nunez
Aftermarket, SEMA, Sports/GTs, Supercars, Ford

Click image for hi-res gallery of the GTX1

Gennadi Dedign Group has announced that the end draws nigh for the company’s limited-run Ford GT roadster conversion, the GTX1. Over two years of production, the plan was to make 600 total cars available. 100 would be SEMA Edition replicas of the Valencia Orange show car shown above and in the attached gallery. The other 500 would be regular customer cars. According to Gennadi, only 100 cars or so have been ordered and completed, and whatever the number stands at when orders are officially ended on August 31, 2008 will be the final production run. The SEMA editions, in addition to the roof conversion, also received a host of additional upgrades including racing seats, adjustable shocks, Wilwood brakes, a power boost to 700 horses, a hidden rear bumper, and other some interior tweaks, too. Incidentally, we recently saw one of the finished customer cars (it sported the Tungsten paint job) in Greenwich, CT not long ago. With the roof in place, it can easily be mistaken for a “garden variety” GT — which we would have done if not for the GTX1 labeling aft of the front wheel. Little did we know that it was one of a much smaller group than Gennadi probably anticipated building. If you’ve got a Ford GT and a hankering for an arier experience, you’ve got until August to let Gennadi have its way with it.

[Source: Gennadi Design Group]

Gallery: Ford GTX1

PRESS RELEASE:
January 4th, 2008

End of the production for the Ford GTX1

It seems true that all good things must come to an end and so it is with the Ford GTX1 concept car that was designed by Kip Ewing of SVT Division for the 2005 SEMA show in Las Vegas. The car was an instant hit at the show. Plans to build a limited production run of the GTX1 were laid and agreed to between Ford Motor Co. and Genaddi Design Group. Clients could now upgrade their Ford GT Supercars into the GTX1 Roadster version at Genaddi Design Group’s facilities in Green Bay, WI. A limited number of 500 GTX1s, built to the customer’s request, plus an additional 100 SEMA edition cars, built to duplicate the car that appeared at the SEMA show in 2005, were available.

Only about 100 GTX1s have been ordered and completed by Genaddi Design Group but like the original run of the Ford GT Supercars, the build cycle for the GTX1 was, and is limited to two years. The GTX1 was made famous by numerous magazines worldwide, countless videos and U-tube shows and even famed car aficionado Jeremy Clarkson of the BBC TV Show Top Gear. He claimed while driving the GTX1 that it was one of the best cars he had ever driven. The GTX1 is listed in the NADA book and is a collectable icon that will increase in value and collectability now and in years to come.

The GTX1 is only available for an additional 8 months with orders being taken until August 31st, 2008. If the number is met of 600 units for the build, great, if not the lucky ones that own a GTX1 will see their investment portfolio increase in value by owning one of these rare supercars.

Genaddi Design Group will still offer all options to GT owners after August 2008 like their practical products that make ownership of a normal GT more enjoyable. These options include but are not limited to the Butterfly Doors, performance upgrades, chassis stiffener systems and wild interior and exterior color changes and also the trunk option. In the future, nothing will change between Genaddi Design Group and the GT community except the GTX1 will be in the history books. The bell has rung and being late for class on this one will get you an immediate failure as a collector.

Sincerely,

Mark Gerisch
Owner/Founder
Genaddi Design Group LLC

Source: Ford GTX1 production comes to an end

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The new Porsche Panamera isn’t on the road yet or the Germans came up with the idea of a hybrid version. Porsches new four-door-saloon is the fifth Porsche model from Zuffenhausen. Not only the Panamera goes hybrid but the Cayenne as well. The SUV will get a hybrid version somewhere before 2010 and by then, the car will have a fuel consumption of 1:11: nine liters of fuel on 100 kilometers.

The Panamera will be introduced in 2009 and eventually it will get the same technique as the Cayenne. By doing this on the Cayenne first, Porsche has some time to fix problems and improve the engine for the Panamera. The new four-door is said to be tough competition for the Maserati Quattroporte and Aston Martin Rapide. The last one will be manufactured from next year as well.

Source: Autoweek

Source: Porsche Panamera goes hybrid!

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GM's main man told Bloomberg that he expects 75 percent of The General's car and truck sales to come from outside the U.S. within a decade. Meanwhile, while GM's setting sales records in developing markets overseas, they're losing money at home. Lots of money. To his credit, Rabid Rick did touch on that small issue with Bloomberg. GM's CEO claimed his "plan" to end those losses is about "50 to 60 percent complete." WHAT PLAN? Has anyone seen this plan or is he, like Indiana Jones, making it up as he goes along? Which ever it is, Wagoner [finally] admits things aren't quite going as expected. "Maybe the actions are a little farther along, but the results I don't think are that far along." With Wagoner conceding defeat in North America, the results probably won't get much farther along, either. What's that sound? Why, it's Toyota, Honda and Nissan letting out a war whoop as they thunder down their American happy hunting ground.

Bloomberg »

Source: Rick Wagoner: GM’s Throwing in the Towel on the U.S. Market

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Simona Alina
Filed in: Peugeot | minivans vans | Peugeot 807

With an updated design, cutting edge equipment and a new engine option, these latest developments on the 807 will confirm its position as a versatile luxury vehicle. The 807 sees the introduction of new external styling, new high quality interior features, improved equipment levels and a new high performance HDi power train (2.2-litre HDi DPFS 125kW ≈ 170 bhp) combined with a manual six-speed gearbox or, shortly after launch with a new automatic six-speed gearbox.

With all these new additions, the 807 will strengthen its position as a versatile, luxurious and dynamic MPV, capable of meeting the needs of ever more demanding customers, whatever their lifestyles.

Exterior styling

Still based on the same timeless exterior design, the designers, however, have now added an extra touch of modernism and refinement to this latest 807. A number of subtle styling touches have been introduced to the front of the vehicle, with slight changes made to the air intake grille which is now separated by horizontal chrome detailing, a larger lion badge and the addition of a chrome trim round the entire vehicle. This feature helps to emphasise the body protection mouldings, which are also painted in the same colour as the vehicle’s exterior. To reflect the new chrome features, the side door handles now also have a chrome finish.

At the rear, the Peugeot badge is now larger, with a larger chrome tailgate trim accommodating the new “PEUGEOT” lettering. Finally, there are also two new metallic paint finishes available, “Rhodes blue” and “Moondust” grey.

Interior style

Internally, the trims, finishes and fittings have been updated to match customer expectations – benefiting from the use of higher quality materials. With this in mind, the plastic materials making up the fascia panel and door fittings, etc are now specified in ‘Mistral’ Black. Similarly, a lot of pre-prepared parts are in softer colours. The door handles, the gear knob and the fascia panel vent edges have a chrome finish, which contributes to the luxurious opulence of the passenger compartment.

Regarding the trim on the seats, the fascia panel and the door panels, the entry-level model (available depending on the market) will be trimmed in a new ‘Bise’ Grey woven fabric. This trim colour is also used on level two models, but here it is combined with a velour woven fabric. Customers can also specify the option of a second, lighter trim called ‘Matinal’.

This new look can also be found in level three vehicles, but this time the seats are trimmed in Alcantara® and fabric. As an option ‘Mistral’ black leather is available for the seats, with the door panels and fascia panel trimmed in Alcantara.

Engine

A new 2.2-litre HDi DPFS 125 kW (≈ 170 bhp) diesel engine has been introduced to become the top-of-the-range HDi diesel model in the 807 range. It will further enhance the dynamic and luxurious appeal of this vehicle. This engine, fitted with twin turbo-chargers, can be already found powering the Peugeot 407 and the 607, and due to its engine technology is one of the most advanced engines available. This HDi engine provides a level of performance and driveability which is more frequently found with larger capacity engines, while still providing low fuel consumption and reduced CO2 emissions.

The 807 HDi range now comprises of:

• 2.0-litre 16v HDi DPFS 88kW (≈ 120bhp), 300Nm, 6-speed manual gearbox, • 2.0-litre 16v HDi DPFS 100kW (≈ 136bhp), 320-340Nm, 6-speed manual gearbox,
• 2.2-litre 16v HDi DPFS 125kW (≈ 170bhp), 370 Nm, 6-speed manual gearbox,
• 2.2-litre 16v HDi DPFS 125kW (≈ 170bhp), 400Nm, 6-speed automatic gearbox (available in the Spring of 2008).

The petrol range is made up of two models:

• 2.0-litre 16v 103kW (≈ 141bhp), 200Nm, 5-speed manual gearbox,
• 2.0-litre 16v 103kW (≈ 141bhp), 200Nm, 4-speed automatic gearbox.

This new 2.2-litre HDi DPFS engine is the result of the fourth phase of the co-operation between PSA Peugeot Citroën and the Ford Motor Company and completes the evolution of the HDi range successfully developed in partnership since signing the co-operation agreement in 1998.

The four cylinder 2179cm3 engine has a sixteen-valve cylinder head with twin overhead camshafts. It has a maximum power of 125kW at 4000rpm and a generous maximum torque of 370Nm at 1500rpm for the manual gearbox and 400Nm at 1750rpm with the 6-speed ‘Porsche Tiptronic System’ automatic gearbox.

The torque and driveability at low engine speeds are particularly impressive, with the engine producing a torque of 200Nm at 1000rpm and 280Nm at 1250rpm. The operating range is also very wide, with high torque output available at all engine speeds (more than 350Nm at 3000rpm).

A new type of combustion chamber, a third generation common rail diesel injection system, increased injection pressure of 1800 bar and the fitment of parallel sequential twin turbochargers are the main technological innovations of this engine. Ultimately, this engine brings greater driveability to the 807 combining improved dynamic performance, with a six-speed gearbox, be it manual or automatic.

Equipment

Stylish and natural, the developments in the new 807 also relate to the onboard equipment, with technology working for the driver and also for passengers, in relation to both safety and comfort. The new 807 can also be fitted with a hands-free Bluetooth™ kit, front parking assistance and a rear multimedia system, consisting of a 16/9 screen and a DVD reader.

A perfectly integrated rear multimedia system

For the wellbeing of all rear passengers and the driver, a fold-away, adjustable 16/9 screen and DVD player are fitted in the central roof area of the vehicle. For the individual comfort of each occupant, two wireless headsets and a remote control are provided with the system. Using an audio/video jack, teenagers and young children with a keen interest in digital technology will be able to plug in games consoles, video players, computers, camcorders, cameras, etc. This system is optional but is even fitted as standard on higher spec models in some countries.

Bluetooth hands-free kit

Communicating with the car radio, this system allows the car to ‘recognise’ a Bluetooth™ mobile phone present in the car, take over its main functions, and transfer them to the car. The driver can then use their mobile telephone handsfree, and hear the telephone conversation through the car’s loudspeakers.

Front parking assistance

Front parking assistance, normally provided as standard in higher spec models in some countries, is now combined with rear parking assistance. This is a great help when parking and provides greater safety for pedestrians.

It uses the loudspeaker closest to the obstacle, to communicate via a variable audible tone, which varies in frequency, the distance of a nearby obstacle. Furthermore, a visual representation of the remaining distance is also provided on the multifunction screen.

This system, made up of four ultrasound sensors at the front and another four at the rear, is activated when reverse gear is selected or at speeds of less than 10kph, after the car has stopped for over three seconds.

It is also worth noting that within the past few months, the 807 has also seen the introduction of the new RT4 Multi-media system. Linked to a colour 3D screen and grouping together audio, GSM, GPS and Peugeot Emergency services, it includes a 30GB hard disk enabling it to host maps covering the whole of Europe and to save up to 180 hours of music in MP3 format.

Source: Peugeot 807

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McLaren has moved to bind Lewis Hamilton to the team until at least 2012 by inking a (US) $138 million deal with the British youngster, according to reports. The British tabloid News of the World claims that Hamilton, who turns 23 on Monday, will make an average of more than $27 million per season for the next five years, despite making just $700,000 plus points bonuses while he raced to second place in the drivers’ championship in 2007.

The newspaper says the McLaren driver’s basic 2008 salary will be $17m, plus another $6m if he spearheads the Mercedes-powered squad’s first title since Mika Hakkinen in 1999.

“I’ve always said I’m happy to stay at McLaren for the rest of my career if they want me to,” Hamilton, who recently moved to Switzerland for personal and tax purposes, is quoted as saying.

“I have a great relationship with the team having been with them for so long, right from my days in karting, and I’m ready to lead them on the track this year.

“My relationship with the team only grew stronger last year with all that happened off the track and the way they supported me in the final races,” he added.

Source: Show me the money: Hamilton inks $138m McLaren deal

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Noah Joseph
Etc., Ferrari

With the end of the year 2007, so came the end of Ferrari’s 60th anniversary celebrations. Although the 60 special-edition 612 Scagliettis made to mark the occasion were nothing compared to the F40 and F50 supercars that were created to celebrate previous anniversaries, for its sixtieth Maranello partied it up in a number of ways, including an around-the-world rally. The relay baton that was passed off through each country on its global adventure was decorated with 60 emblems, each designed for the occasion and depicting an icon from each year of the company’s history.

Now those emblems are being offered to customers as a collection, each minted in brass and mounted on a wooden base covered in red silk. Anchoring the display is the same Ferrari badge that goes on the boot lid of every new Ferrari road car. The collection is available for about $2000, but if you think nobody would drop that kind of cash on something like this, there are thousands of Ferrari collectors out there who are used to spending easily a hundred times that on a new car without batting an eye, and 1947 of them will have these hanging in their homes, offices or garage.

[Source: FerrariStore.com via Luxurylaunches.com]

Source: Collector’s Collection: Ferrari 60th Anniversary Icons

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Ferrari has today unveiled its 2008 Formula 1 car in Maranello, a day ahead of rival McLaren’s expected reveal of their 2008 season car.

The F2008 is a vastly different machine with new Formula 1 regulations driving significant changes in its design and development.

It is the first of the new generation cars to feature the mandatory Standard Electronic Control Unit (SECU) produced by McLaren Electronic Systems.

The F2008 is actually heavier than previous incarnations due to new rules limiting the use of composite materials used in the chassis and aerodynamics.

Racing will be put in the hands of the driver now more than ever with regulations removing traction control systems and the restriction of engine braking as part of the new SECU system.

Source: F2008 unveiled in Maranello

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Just Gabe and I tonight. Todd was watching his Kansas Jayhawks win the Orange Bowl! Before getting into it, db has finally figured out how to record and I think you will enjoy this show.

We pick on GP’s just a bit, but not really. Be sure to check out the new features of the site, especially the subscribe to comments via email. If you are hardcore and prefer to subscribe to comments via RSS, you can find the comments feed here.

Then, news of the week from Motoringfile.

Check back tomorrow for a fun show we did before New Years, joined by Matt Gifford. It was a great fun and I think you’ll really enjoy it! As a bonus, I will have that one ready for you earlier than normal, so keep an eye out here and in iTunes (or the Zune Marketplace) for that to show up.

Woofcast 211:

Shownotes/Download | Subscribe | WRR @ iTunes

Written By: DB

Source: White Roof Radio #211

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At the upcoming Detroit Show (January 13) Ford will introduce a new engine technology called “Ecoboost”. In plain English, “Ecoboost” translates to Ford’s new family of 4 and 6-cylinder engines that feature turbocharging and direct injection technology (same as the VW Group’s TFSi / TSi units). Ford promises that the new “Ecoboost” engine range will deliver up to 20 percent better fuel economy, 15 percent fewer CO2 emissions and better performance compared to larger displacement engines.

Ford will debut the EcoBoost engine line-up on the new Lincoln MKS flagship in 2009 with a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 that will produce an estimated 340 HP and more than 340 lb.-ft. of torque followed by the Ford Flex and other vehicles. The American carmaker states that by 2013, more than half a million EcoBoost-powered vehicles will be on the road annually in North America. -Details after the jump

Press Release

FORD TO EQUIP HALF A MILLION VEHICLES WITH ECOBOOST ENGINE TECHNOLOGY FOR UP TO 20% BETTER FUEL ECONOMY

• EcoBoost is F