Autoblog

British GP track Donington Park declares bankruptcy

Noah Joseph — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:30:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Government/Legal, Earnings/Financials, UK

1993 European Grand Prix at Donington

It's been one heck of a rollercoaster ride for Donington Park this year. The British racing circuit hosted a Formula One race back in 1993, and was set to take over the British Grand Prix from Silverstone until the race promoter fell on hard times.

Donington Ventures Leisure Ltd signed a 150-year lease with Wheatcroft & Sons Ltd, owners of the circuit just two years ago with the aim of bringing F1 racing back to the track. But having failed to raise the capital necessary to bring the track's facilities up to F1 standards, Autocar reports that the 17-year deal with Bernie Ecclestone's Formula One Management fell into jeopardy.

Its prospects and finances in ruins, Donington Ventures has declared bankruptcy and entered administration. Now the lease could be up for grabs; failing that, it will revert to Wheatcroft ownership, the British Grand Prix will likely return to Silverstone for good and Donington will go back to hosting concerts, touring cars and motorbike races once again.

[Source: Autocar | Image: Pascal Rondeau/Allsport/Getty]

British GP track Donington Park declares bankruptcy originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche family auctioning off watch collection

Noah Joseph — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Auctions, Porsche

Porsche family watch collection - Click above for image gallery

Times are tough for the Porsche family. Amidst the merger with Volkswagen, their company just suffered a $6.6 billion loss. But we didn't think things were this bad for the descendants of Ferdinand Porsche until Bonhams announced they would be liquidating that family's watch collection to the highest bidder.

Okay, we're exaggerating just a bit. The Porsche family stands to make a lot of money out of the Volkswagen merger, and the collection is being auctioned off for charity. And while we have no idea what charity that is, we have to assume it's not the Porsche family themselves.

As it turns out, the family's interests extend beyond the automobile. Not only does their Porsche Design Group have its own range of watches, but some fourteen years ago they bought Eterna, one of the largest independent watchmakers in Switzerland. Eterna fabricates Porsche Design watches as well as their own brand, and several of the rarest examples will be included along with others among the 49 watches crossing the auction block on December 2 in London.

Among those pieces Bonhams is highlight are included a rare 18kt gold Porsche Design prototype and an Eterna presented to family scion Ferdinand Oliver Porsche on his 40th birthday, along with rare timepieces from Rolex and Omega as well as Panerai (which makes watches for arch-rival Ferrari), Jaeger LeCoultre (which partners with Aston Martin) and Breitling (in league with Bentley). Follow the jump for further details, and check out the images in the gallery below.

Gallery: Porsche Family Watch Collection

[Source: Bonhams]

Continue reading Porsche family auctioning off watch collection

Porsche family auctioning off watch collection originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Citroen Revolte concept to enter production as DS2

Noah Joseph — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 02:00:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Citroën

Citroen Revolte concept - Click above for high-res image gallery (if you must)

Sometimes we're happy when a concept car gets approved for production. This time around... not so much. According to reports from across the pond, the Citroen Revolte concept has been approved for production and will carry the DS2 badge when it arrives.

The concept car was unveiled a couple of months ago at the Frankfurt show, and suffice it to say, it wasn't exactly the best looking debut at the expo. Supposedly reviving the iconic 2CV, the Revolte concept certainly lived up to its name. The production version, meanwhile, is tipped to take on the DS2 nameplate as part of the French automaker's new premium line-up that started with the DS3 and is slated to grow with the inclusion of the DS4 (based on the upcoming new C4) and DS5 (based on - you guessed it - the new C5). Power for the DS2 is expected to come in the form of a range of three-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines when it hits the streets sometime around 2011.

The best we can say is this: At least it will remain far away from the States, as Citroen stays out of the North American market.

Gallery: Citroen Revolte concept

[Source: Auto Express]

REPORT: Citroen Revolte concept to enter production as DS2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics Aplenty: Porsche Boxster Spyder

Noah Joseph — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:25:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Convertible, Performance, Porsche

2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder - Click above for high-res image gallery

Porsche drivers don't like waiting. That's why they buy a Porsche, after all. So while a few weeks might not seem like a long time for most people, to a Porsche driver used to rocketing to 60 miles per hour in four-point-right-now seconds, the span of weeks must seem like an eternity.

Although we're still weeks away from the LA Auto Show, where Porsche is set to unveil the new Boxster Spyder, Zuffenhausen has kept its enthusiasts placated with a fresh batch of photos showing its newest, lightest vehicle in all its glory. We'll be on hand for the unveiling next month, but before then check out the updated high-res image gallery below.

Gallery: 2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder

[Source: Porsche]

Pics Aplenty: Porsche Boxster Spyder originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Romeo Ferraris 500 Abarth packs 360 tarmac-munching Italian stallions

Noah Joseph — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Europe, Hatchback, Fiat, Specialty

Romeo Ferraris 500 Abarth endurance racer - Click above to view in high resolution

Think you've seen the most hardcore 500 already? Sure, Abarth has churned out some pretty wicked versions of the retro-hatch, but even the 695 Tributo Ferrari and R3T rally machine can't hold a candle to the beast above.

Given the name, you might think this latest Cinquecento was the result of another collaboration between Abarth and its big sister companies. But this 500 is actually a product of independent racing garage Romeo Ferraris, which has rebodied the 500 in carbon fiber and fitted it with a wing that looks big enough to sustain a jumbo jet's flight path. If that's not bonkers enough, Ferraris has squeezed out an insane output of 360 horsepower from the Abarth's 1.4-liter turbo four. That's more than 257 horsepower per liter, and rivals even the similarly insane 427 Cinquecento from SEMA for pure lunacy.

Drivers Aldo Cerruti, Michela Cerruti and Mario Ferraris will be taking turns behind the wheel at the upcoming 6 Hours of Vallelunga endurance race on November 22. We'd suggest everyone else get the hell out of the way.

[Source: CarScoop]

Romeo Ferraris 500 Abarth packs 360 tarmac-munching Italian stallions originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Formula Le Mans joins the big boys in the Le Mans Series

Noah Joseph — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:27:00 EST

Formula Le Mans Oreca FLM09 - Click above for image gallery

Most major racing disciplines around the world have a clear and comprehensive framework to allow aspiring drivers to learn the ropes. Pretty much everyone starts in karting, but from there F1 hopefuls go on to Formula Renault and other open-wheeled series; NASCAR aspirants to ARCA and the Nationwide Series; rally prodigees to local championships; and so on and so forth. But teams fielding Le Mans prototypes had to recruit from other disciplines. That is, until now.

Earlier this year, the Automobile Club de l'Ouest - the organization behind Le Mans and its associated series - launched Formula Le Mans, known in America as the Le Mans Prototype Challenge. The idea was simple: everybody driving the same cars, designed on the same model as LMP1 and LMP2 racers, in support races to existing LMS events. French racing team (and, since acquiring Courage Competition, chassis constructor) Oreca was contracted to design and build the cars and help organize the series.

The purpose-built chassis known as the FLM09 packs a Chevy LS3 tuned to 430 horsepower with Magneti Marelli engine management, driving an Xtrac six-speed sequential gearbox to Michelin slicks housing Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes. Eight teams participated in the inaugural season this year, fielding some 50 drivers at races at Spa-Francorchamps, La Sarthe, Algarve, the Nurburgring, Silverstone and Magny-Cours.

The opening season was a success, prompting ACO and Oreca to launch a winter series, currently under way. But for next year's series, Formula Le Mans will be fully integrated into the Le Mans Series as another category, much as they've been run in the American Le Mans Series since their inception. In order to separate the FLM cars from the higher-level LMP2 and keep them running for the full race distance, however, the Oreca FLM09s be equipped with restrictor plates. The integration of FLM into the full series ought to make for some interesting racing and a more hands-on training ground for aspiring drivers when they join the grid next year, but for now you can read the full press release after the jump and browse the mega gallery by hitting the thumbnails below.

Gallery: Formula Le Mans Oreca FLM09

[Source: Formula Le Mans]

Continue reading Formula Le Mans joins the big boys in the Le Mans Series

Formula Le Mans joins the big boys in the Le Mans Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Valentino Rossi samples the BMW M3 GTS, drives away in M3 sedan

Noah Joseph — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:55:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, BMW, Motorcycle

Valentino Rossi drives the BMW M3 GTS - Click above for high-res image gallery

After securing his record ninth MotoGP title, there's little doubt that Valentino Rossi is the fastest man on two wheels. And BMW has acknowledged the Italian rider's speed by awarding him a brand-spankin'-new M3 sedan.

The German automaker is a sponsor of the motorbike racing series, providing organizers with safety cars and other vehicles, and even using it to debut the new X6 M crossover earlier this year. And every year BMW gifts a car to the rider who proved the fastest in qualifying over the course of the season. Rossi's won the "M Award" five times now, but before he drove off in his new V8 sports sedan, BMW gave him a rare opportunity to sample the new hardcore M3 GTS.

So what did the fastest man on two wheels think of the fastest Bimmer on four? Quite a lot, apparently, as the multiple world champion said he wants to be first on the list when the M3 GTS goes on sale next year. That's quite a glowing endorsement, and all it cost them was a test drive. Click on the thumbnails below for a high-res image gallery.

Gallery: Valentino Rossi drives the BMW M3 GTS

[Source: BMW M Division]

Valentino Rossi samples the BMW M3 GTS, drives away in M3 sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Two Out of Three Ain't Bad: Most Chevy Camaros reportedly being sold with V8 power

Noah Joseph — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet

2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's a sign of the times that most buyers of the new Camaro would go for the V6 and not the V8. At $31,595, the eight-cylinder SS model naturally sells for more than the $23,530 base V6 model. To compound the issue the V6 model costs the auto giant nearly as much to build as the V8 version.

So why would GM want buyers to go for the V6? The smaller engine would help the General keep its Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) rate on the good side of earth-friendly. But according to Edmunds, customers have been voting with their feet. Their right feet, as it would happen, heavy as they are.

Of more than 47,000 Camaros sold from April through October, Edmunds estimates that about two-thirds have been V8 SS models - a trend we can get on board with.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS

[Source: Inside Line]

Two Out of Three Ain't Bad: Most Chevy Camaros reportedly being sold with V8 power originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A Noble Endeavor: Fenix Automotive Limited takes shape

Noah Joseph — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:32:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, UK, MISC

Few visionaries have bred as many supercar brands as Lee Noble. The British sportscar guru is responsible for the Noble M12 and M400, the Ascari Ecosse, the Ultima GTR, Rossion Q1 and Salica GT, to name just a few. And now he's looking to add one more to the list with the announcement of his latest project: Fenix Automotive.

Just last month we brought you initial news of Lee Noble's new project, but the picture is now coming into focus under the Fenix name. UK publication Car Magazine says that the formula calls for a lightweight, mid-engined V8 supercar blending track-worthy performance with grand touring drivability in a package priced below £75,000 ($125k), even lower than initially expected. Noble will be turning once again to Hi-Tech Automotive in Port Elizabeth, South Africa - which also built the M12 as well as Superformance Replicars - to assemble the as-yet unnamed first product from Fenix Automotive Limited, with initial photos set to surface early next year in advance of initial deliveries by the end of 2010.

[Source: Car Magazine]

A Noble Endeavor: Fenix Automotive Limited takes shape originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Ferrari preparing hardcore 599 GTO?

Noah Joseph — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Ferrari, Rumormill

Ferrari 599XX - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ferrari often uses its World Finals event to unveil exclusive new versions of its most enticing road cars. The FXX Evoluzione was unveiled there a couple of years ago, and the 16M Scuderia Spider made its debut at the event last year. But aside from a mishap involving Fernando Alonso, Felipe Massa and Luca di Montezemolo in a California convertible, this year's event at Valencia came and went with nothing new to offer. However, the latest churns from the rumormill indicate Maranello could be working on an exciting new project.

Supposedly leaked pre-order sheets reportedly refer to a "599 GTO Limited Edition", named in deference to the iconic 250 GTO (to say nothing of the ground-pounding 288 GTO). Based on the 599 GTB Fiorano, the GTO could be Maranello's answer to arch-rival Lamborghini's Murcielago LP670-4 SuperVeloce.

Incorporating design cues and technologies from the 599XX program, the 599 GTO could benefit from a weight-reduction program to cut some 100-150 pound off the curb weight thanks to the extensive use of carbon fiber, while squeezing out as much as 700 horsepower from the Enzo-derived 6.0-liter V12. Pricing would be expected to jump by as much as a quarter to nearly $400,000, and if the reports prove accurate, the 599 GTO could be ready for debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March with the first of just 500 examples slated for delivery by this time next year.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Ferrari 599xx

[Source: Autogespot]

Rumormill: Ferrari preparing hardcore 599 GTO? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pixie of Ecstasy: Rolls-Royce edition Mini reportedly confirmed for custom order

Noah Joseph — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:57:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Mini, Rolls-Royce, Luxury

Mini Rolls-Royce special for Park Lane - Click above for image gallery

It's been about half a year since the initial reports of a Rolls-Royce edition Mini first surfaced, and nearly as long since the first batch of photos emerged. But rumors persist, and now reports from the UK indicate that mutual parent company BMW has given the green light for a series of Rolls-style accoutrements for the iconic retro-hatch.

Following market trends that seem to indicate that, in Europe especially, buyers aren't willing to give up on luxury when they go for more compact, fuel-efficient rides, the specially-trimmed Minis would offer customers a range of customization options suitable for a Phantom yet packed into a Cooper. But rather than outfitting Minis with stock luxury trim packages - like Aston Martin is preparing to do with the iQ-based Cygnet - the exclusive Mini hatchbacks would be outfitted at the Rolls-Royce factory according to individual customer orders. Clients would be able to choose from the best leathers and veneers to give their Minis a more upscale feel, much like the coachbuilt Minis popular amongst British celebs like Harold Radford and The Beatles in the '60s, but available through established dealers in a more organized fashion.

Unfortunately, that's about all the information available at this point, but sources suggest a public announcement sometime next year.

Gallery: Rolls MINI for Park Lane

[Source: Autocar]

Pixie of Ecstasy: Rolls-Royce edition Mini reportedly confirmed for custom order originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Blackbird and Ferrari team up for carbon fiber acoustic guitar [w/VIDEO]

Noah Joseph — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Ferrari

Lightweight. Compact. Exclusive. Carbon fiber construction. Red detailing. Built for the road. Beautiful sound. These are a few of the qualities listed on the special edition Blackbird Carbon Fiber guitar, but they could just as easily be talking about a Ferrari sportscar. And while the Prancing Horse marque has put its logo on everything from laptop computers to home gyms (and just about everything in between), here we give you the first Ferrari-branded musical instrument.

The Blackbird Rider Carbon Fiber Travel Guitar is the brainchild of Joe Luttwak, a designer who spent some time working for Ferrari in Maranello. The Ferrari edition is further distinguished by a red interior, a red A string and a Scuderia shield on the head. Although prices and production numbers weren't released, the model on which it's based sells for a whopping $1,499.

The entire run - each individually autographed by Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen - sold out shortly after it went on sale in Ferrari Stores. Which may be unfortunate, but we'll just have to content ourselves listening to Ferrari exhaust notes instead. Check out the video and press release after the jump, photos in the gallery below.

Gallery: Blackbird Rider Ferrari Edition Guitar

[Source: Blackbird Guitars]

Continue reading Blackbird and Ferrari team up for carbon fiber acoustic guitar [w/VIDEO]

Blackbird and Ferrari team up for carbon fiber acoustic guitar [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Renault could sell 40% of its F1 team to Russian investors

Noah Joseph — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Renault, Russia

A few weeks back, Toyota announced its departure from Formula One, and it looked like Renault could follow. The team had lost its drivers, its team leaders, its sponsors and its reputation. The French automaker's board convened in France to discuss the matter, but no announcement followed, leaving everyone scratching their heads. Well if the latest rumors hold any truth, we could have our reason.

While the decision may have seemed fairly black or white (should I stay or should I go?) there are plenty shades of gray for Renault to choose from. One option would have been to sell or shutter its team while continuing to supply engines, but now another possibility has emerged: for Renault to sell part of the team but keep the rest.

The reports stem from Turun Sanomat, one of Finland's largest daily papers, which suggests that the French automaker could sell as much as 40 percent of the team to an unnamed Russian company. The move would help Renault raise some much-needed capital to continue its involvement in the sport, but could come with strings attached, including placing GP2 runner-up Vitaly Petrov in a race seat beside Robert Kubica. Considering the hot water Renault's already in with the Russians and how poorly the country's last venture into F1 went, they could prove hesitant, but then Ghosn and company might not have any better options.

[Source: Turun Sanomat via F1-Live]

REPORT: Renault could sell 40% of its F1 team to Russian investors originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes Grand Prix searches for drivers while dispelling board's concerns

Noah Joseph — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:31:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Mercedes-Benz

The new Mercedes GP car rendered - Click above to view in high-resolution

With two manufacturers leaving the series, four new teams joining the grid and a giant game of musical chairs amongst the drivers ensuing, the off-season between the 2009 and 2010 Formula One World Championships is packing in as much action as the racing itself. But few developments have garnered as much attention as the coup orchestrated by Mercedes-Benz Motorsport, withdrawing from McLaren after fifteen years as its active partner in favor of a more conventional engine supplier role, while buying over 75% of the Brawn GP outfit to enter the sport as a full manufacturer team under the Mercedes Grand Prix banner.

The acquisition has drawn public criticism from Erich Klemm, employee representative on the Daimler board and chairman of its Corporate Works Council, who decried the move as an unnecessary cost when money is tight and other automakers are withdrawing from the series. Chairman Dieter Zetsche responded that the acquisition of the Brawn team will give the company more exposure for less cash: The deal reportedly cost the German automaker some $336 million, but its operating costs are expected to drop to about $74 million annually by 2011, analyzed as far less than what Mercedes was contributing annually to the McLaren budget.

Zetsche might have more trouble, however, explaining to the board how their star driver slipped through their fingers and defected to the team they just ditched. McLaren just announced the recruitment of Jenson Button to team up with Lewis Hamilton for a twin-champ "super team," and Rubens Barrichello is off to Williams next season, leaving the new Mercedes GP team looking for new drivers. Considering they're the reigning champions suddenly flush with cash, they shouldn't have much trouble, though.

Zetsche and Mercedes motorsport boss Norbert Haug are reportedly keen to capitalize with an all-German line-up, fueling speculation that Michael Schumacher could rejoin Mercedes (whose junior driving program gave him his start) and Brawn (who orchestrated all seven of his world championships). Nico Rosberg is thought to already have signed on to switch places with Barrichello, while Nick Heidfeld has been linked with a switch from the departing BMW to its arch-rival Mercedes. Toyota's Timo Glock was also reportedly in the running, but the young German driver signed with newcomer Manor GP instead. Haug has indicated an announcement will come within the next couple of weeks, so stay tuned.

[Source: F1 Live]

Mercedes Grand Prix searches for drivers while dispelling board's concerns originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cayman Sand: Nor'Ida claims its latest victim

Noah Joseph — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:56:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Porsche

It's bad enough when natural disasters lay waste to homes and coastline, but we're not sure we can bear the sight of this sort of car-carnage. Like this image, for example, of a Porsche Cayman buried in the sand. But we guess this was bound to happen to a car named after a Caribbean archipelago.

The shot was taken by Asylum blogger Elizabeth Brady on Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, where the effects of "Nor'Ida" - a particularly strong Nor'Easter conspiring with the remnants of Tropical System Ida - were apparently felt particularly hard.

Natural disaster or no natural disaster, we're sure someone will find a way of blaming this on a low-flying pelican - or perhaps Ferrari boss Luca di Montezemolo.

[Source: Asylum | Image: Elizabeth Brady]

Cayman Sand: Nor'Ida claims its latest victim originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: BMW M division pushing for hardcore version of next 1 Series

Noah Joseph — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, BMW

BMW Concept 1 Series tii - Click above for high-res image gallery

Successive generations of the BMW M3 have come a long way since the original, with a skyrocketing curb weight and an ever-climbing price tag. The new M3 GTS may have done a lot to counter the former, although sadly it only further escalated the latter. But enthusiasts take heart, because someone's on the case. Fortunately, that someone is Dr. Kay Segler, head of Munich's famous M division.

According to reports, Segler and his team are pushing the beancounters to give them the authorization to make an M-tuned 1 Series. While the twin-turbo 135i is touted by many as a closer successor to the original M3 than the current M3, he feels there's more that can be done.

Unfortunately, Segler is talking about the next-generation 1 Series, so even if approved, it'd be a while before any future M-tuned 1 hits the road. If and when it does, however, it could take aim at the Audi S3 with a 330-horsepower version of the Bavarian automaker's new TwinPower engine. As for naming schemes, they may have to get a little creative to avoid confusion with the original M1 supercar.

Gallery: BMW Concept 1 Series tii

[Source: PistonHeads]

REPORT: BMW M division pushing for hardcore version of next 1 Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Final Buell motorcycle assembled in Wisconsin

Noah Joseph — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Motorcycle

As far as motorcycle manufacturers go, Buell lived a relatively short life. Founded by a former Harley-Davidson engineer in 1993, the sportbike company was acquired by HDMC in 2003. But hard times falling on businesses large and small forced Harley to announce Buell's closure. And now the last Buell has been pushed off the assembly line and into the great wild yonder.

After 136,923 motorcycles built over the course of 26 years of production, the final model produced was the black Lightning XB12Scg pictured above. On December 18, the plant in Troy, Wisconsin, will officially close down, while the existing network of dealers continue to sell off the remaining stock.

Farewell, Buell. We hardly knew ye.

[Source: Motorcycle News]

Final Buell motorcycle assembled in Wisconsin originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Snow Drift: Dacia Duster debuts for Trophée Andros with Alain Prost

Noah Joseph — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, SUV, Europe, Renault, Specialty

Dacia Duster Trophée Andros - Click above for high-res image gallery

Let's set one thing straight here. The retirement of a leading Formula One driver is often portrayed as some sort of tragedy - for the driver himself especially. But the truth of the matter is that for a former World Champion, the world is his oyster. Retired F1 drivers can go on to compete in virtually any racing discipline they wish, with nothing to prove in the process. Of contemporary retired World Champions, Hakkinen and Rosberg went to DTM, Mansell took the Indy title, Lauda's training to become an astronaut and Villeneuve's gone...well, everywhere. But Alain Prost has gone another route entirely.

Having retired from F1 in 1994 after his fourth World Championship, Alain started his own team. Prost Grand Prix eventually folded in 2002, and the following year, the French driver began competing in the Trophée Andros. The most prominent ice racing series in the world, the Andros Trophy is held primarily in France where it draws some big names. World Touring Car Champion Yvan Muller won the Andros Trophy ten times, but in 2006 and 2007, Prost took the title twice in a row, driving a specially prepared Toyota Auris. This year, however, the quadruple F1 champion will be driving this: the new Dacia Duster.

Although a production version of the budget SUV won't be unveiled until Geneva in March - a year after the concept version debuted there - the Romanian subsidiary of French automaker Renault has given the world a sneak preview with this ice-racing version. Specially built by Renaultsport - the same outfit that fields single-seater formulae and makes all those wonderful hot hatches - the Duster ice racer packs Nissan's highly decorated VQ engine: a 3.0-liter 24-valve V6, mounted in the middle (that is, behind the driver) of a tubular chassis, driving 350 horsepower through a six-speed sequential gearbox to all four wheels via limited slip differential and a mechanical four-wheel-steering system. A fiberglass body helps keep weight down to just 2,100 lbs - the minimum allowed in the series - which should help Prost keep his competition on ice and keep Dacia fans (like Top Gear's James May) cool until the production version hits proper tarmac. Check out the full details in the press release after the jump and photos in our high-res image gallery below.

Gallery: Dacia Duster Troph�e Andros

[Source: Dacia]

Continue reading Snow Drift: Dacia Duster debuts for Trophée Andros with Alain Prost

Snow Drift: Dacia Duster debuts for Trophée Andros with Alain Prost originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai reportedly shopping locations for third North American plant - in Mexico [UPDATE]

Noah Joseph — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Hyundai, Kia

Hyundai Veracruz - Click above for high-res image gallery

Hyundai is on a mission to expand its American market share. And so far, the going's been good for the Korean automaker, which has been taking the fight to its Japanese rivals with increasing ferocity. Now reports indicate that Hyundai-Kia is looking into building a third assembly plant in North America. Only it probably won't be in the United States - like its existing plant in Alabama and the one being built in Georgia - and it won't be in Canada either; sources say the third plant is likely to end up in Mexico.

The reports are apparently substantiated by the Mexican government, which is understandably keen to encourage foreign investment. If and when it goes online - it's targeted for 2013 - the plant could be capable of churning out 150,000 vehicles annually, helping Hyundai quadruple its North American output by 2013. The plant could be used to produce the Hyundai Accent and Kia Rio for North American consumption, but not the Veracruz crossover - which may prove a little confusing, considering that the location Hyundai's looking at is in Veracruz, Mexico.

UPDATE: Hyundai has released the following statement regarding a possible third plant in NA.

"The recent report of Hyundai Motor Co. planning an investment in a Mexican manufacturing subsidiary is completely groundless. Neither HMC nor its affiliates in the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group have any plans to invest in manufacturing operations in Mexico at this time."

Gallery: 2007 Hyundai Veracruz

[Source: Inside Line]

Hyundai reportedly shopping locations for third North American plant - in Mexico [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BREAKING: Jenson Button joins Hamilton for twin-champ McLaren "super team"

Noah Joseph — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:27:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, UK

It's not every day that you see two World Champions teamed up together - especially not the two most recent. In fact, that bit has never happened before in Formula One history, but that's exactly what we'll see next year as McLaren has announced the teaming of Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton as its drivers for next season and beyond.

Button's move to McLaren has been long rumored, fueled recently by a visit by the World Champion together with his managers to the team's headquarters in Woking. Negotiations had been ongoing with the Brawn team with which he won his championship this year and which he'll now be departing, but even with Mercedes' injection of cash, the small team apparently couldn't afford the rate which the newly crowned champ was commanding on the open market.

The announcement will undoubtedly be greeted enthusiastically by British racing fans, placing two British drivers behind the wheel of an entirely British team - and the first pairing of two British World Champions since 1968 when Graham Hill and Jim Clark drove for Lotus. Less so for the newly-christened Mercedes Grand Prix team, which is losing both the drivers that brought Brawn GP the championship.

The move also leaves Heikki Kovalainen without a ride and further confirms fellow Finn Kimi Raikkonen's lucrative sabbatical. But now that Button's future is settled and McLaren has confirmed its drivers, the rest of the grid should fall into place shortly, so stay tuned. Details in the press release after the jump.

[Source: McLaren | Image: Paul Gilham/Getty]

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