Happy New Year!

Slot Car News is entering the fourth year of publication. Since the site went live in May 2006 there have been 1695 posts and over 812,000 page views. Thanks to everyone who has contributed to this website and especially for those that check in from time to time here. Happy New Year!
Thanks!
Dave Kennedy
Publisher, Slot Car News

GM ups incentives: zero percent financing for up to 60 months

General Motors is celebrating GMAC's decision to loosen credit restrictions by increasing incentives on many remaining 2008 models. Effective immediately, the General is offering 0% APR for 60 months on the 2008 Chevy TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy, and the entire Saab lineup. All GMT900 full-size SUVs and every member of the 2008 Cadillac lineup also gets a big-time incentive boost, with 1.9% financing available for 60 months. The rock-bottom deals come in addition to cash incentives of up to $4,250. GM is also offering financing as low as 3.9% on select 2009 models, including the well-received Cadillac CTS. Hit the jump to see GM's official list of available financing specials.

[Source: GM]

PRESS RELEASE:

GM Announces Significant New Loan Financing As Low As 0% APR for Up To 60 Months

DETROIT – GM today announced new reduced rate financing as low as 0% APR for up to 60 months on select new cars and trucks. The reduced rate financing is available to qualified buyers today through January 5, 2009 on many 2008 and select 2009MY vehicles (see list below). Of note, many of the vehicles listed below have stackable bonus cash and/or dealer cash ranging from $500 to $4,250.

"We're very excited to offer this reduced rate financing through GMAC to encourage our customers to get back into the game," said Mark LaNeve, vice president, GM North America Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing. "This enables even more qualified customers to finance through GMAC at their local GM dealership, and provides additional financing capacity with conventional and reduced rate APRs for our dealers to make sales. With GM's Financing That Fits, and the Red Tag Sale now underway that offers supplier pricing, customers have an opportunity to get a variety of extremely attractive offers through the end of the year."

2008MY vehicles and offers for qualified buyers:

* 0% APR for up to 60 months on '08 Chevrolet TrailBlazer; GMC Envoy; and Saab 9-3, 9-5, 9-7X
* 0.9% APR for up to 60 months on '08 Buick Lucerne
* 1.9% APR for up to 60 months on '08 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL; Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban and Avalanche; Cadillac CTS, SRX, Escalade, DTS, STS and XLR
* 2.9% APR for up to 60 months on '08 Buick Lacrosse; HUMMER H2 and H3
* 3.9% APR for up to 60 months on '08 Chevrolet Equinox, Colorado Ext and Crew cab and Light Duty Silverado; Pontiac Torrent; GMC Canyon Ext and Crew cab, and Light Duty Sierra
* 4.9% APR for up to 60 months on '08 Saturn Astra and Sky; Pontiac Solstice; Chevrolet Corvette and Heavy Duty Silverado; and Heavy Duty GMC Sierra


2009MY vehicles and offers for qualified buyers:

* 3.9% APR for up to 60 months on '09 Chevrolet Cobalt; Pontiac G5; and Cadillac CTS
* 4.9% APR for up to 60 months on '09 Pontiac G6; Chevrolet Malibu, Light Duty Silverado and HHR; Saturn Aura; and Light Duty GMC Sierra
* 5.9% APR for up to 60 months on '09 Chevrolet Avalanche and Heavy Duty Silverado; and Heavy Duty GMC Sierra

GM reports 10,000 Camaro pre-orders

Back in October, General Motors reported that it had already received some 6,000 advance orders for its new fifth-gen Camaro. Despite the fact that the first car has yet to be delivered to a paying customer (that's scheduled to take place in February, with the first one selling at the upcoming Barret-Jackson auction next month), pre-orders are not slowing down, with GM now reporting a total of 10,000.

According to the automaker, 84 percent of the first 6,000 requests were for V8 models, but GM is now suggesting that a larger percentage of its latest orders are for V6 models. Sounds like those jonesing for a new V8-powered muscle car were the first ones turning in their order forms. Now that those initial buyers have all reserved their Camaros, the model mix may be getting closer to what The General had expected in the first place.

Hopefully, GM and supplier Cadence, LLC get their disagreements worked out in time and these initial pre-orders can be filled in a timely manner. The last thing GM needs right now is a botched launch of its revived pony car, especially since GM has been promoting the new Camaro hardcore for the last few years.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

2010 Kia Soul starting at $13,995

A little birdie sent us a memo addressed to Kia dealers outlining the prices and specifications for the 2010 Kia Soul, due to hit dealers this April. The base model, equipped with the 122 hp, 1.6-liter inline-four and mated to a five-speed manual gearbox will be sold at an introductory price of $13,995 (including destination charge), and includes six airbags, ABS, ESC, air conditioning, power windows and door locks, an AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with three months of free Sirius satellite radio, along with USB and auxiliary inputs. For the money, the plain-old Soul is a stonkin' good deal and could cause first-gen Scion xB owners to avoid a repeat trip to the ToMoCo dealer.

The Soul + gets a bump in displacement and output, with a 142 hp 2.0-liter four, 16-inch wheels, rear disc brakes, tinted glass, body matched door handles, power mirrors, Bluetooth integration, keyless entry and cruise control. The Soul + will start at $14,950 with a five-speed manual and rise to $15,900 when equipped with the four-speed automatic.

Both the Soul! and Soul sport get the same 2.0-liter mill, but benefit from 18-inch rollers, fog lamps, an upgraded stereo, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and metal interior trim. The Soul! can be equipped with a sunroof and sand/black seats, while the sport model gets unique front and rear fascias, side sills, rear spoiler, a "sport-tuned" suspension, red/black interior scheme and metal pedals. Both models start at $16,950 with a manual or $17,900 with the four-speed auto 'box.

Kia claims that the Soul will have "the most comprehensive list of accessories ever developed for Kia vehicle" ranging from body kits, to wheels, to interior lighting packages and performance upgrades. We're looking forward to getting behind the wheel to see if the Soul can pick up where the second-gen. xB went astray.

GMAC opens up financing after $5 billion fed loan

GMAC is officially opening up lending to buyers with credit scores of 621 or higher after a $5 billion investment from the federal government. A credit score of 621 is considered by some lenders to be the Mendoza line that separates good borrowers from the subprime. The financing arm of General Motors, which is majority owned by Chrysler's sugar daddy, Cerberus Capital Management, had been crippling the automaker's ability to sell cars and trucks after declaring in October only customers with credit scores of 700 or better would be lent to. The money that's greasing the gears here comes from the $700 billion Troubled Asset Relief Program and is separate from the $13.4 billion that GM received from the government to avoid bankruptcy. The investment by the fed should allow GM to sell more vehicles than it has during a dismal fourth quarter that's seen sales drop by 40% or more.

The government also gave GM an additional $1 billion to participate in a rights offering at GMAC connected to its reorganization as a bank holding company. And GMAC also announced that it raised enough capital in a debt swap to satisfy federal requirements. Executive compensation was also cut, as a pool of bonus funds was reduced 40% versus 2007 levels. Thanks for the tip, Jack!

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd, Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty]

"Happy New Year" in Different Languages

Guys, in a few days we will meet year 2009.

"Happy New Year" in Different Languages

Afgani: Saale Nao Mubbarak
Afrikaans: Gelukkige nuwe jaar
Albanian: Gezuar Vitin e Ri
Armenian: Snorhavor Nor Tari
Arabic: Antum salimoun
Assyrian: Sheta Brikhta
Azeri: Yeni Iliniz Mubarek!
Bengali: Shuvo Nabo Barsho
Bulgarian: Chestita Nova Godina
Cambodian: Soursdey Chhnam Tmei
Catalan: FELIÇ ANY NOU
Chinese: Xin Nian Kuai Le
Corsican Language: Pace e Salute
Croatian: Sretna Nova godina!
Cymraeg (Welsh): Blwyddyn Newydd Dda
Czechoslovakia: Scastny Novy Rok
Denish: Godt Nytår
Dhivehi: Ufaaveri Aa Aharakah Edhen
Dutch: GELUKKIG NIEUWJAAR!
Eskimo: Kiortame pivdluaritlo
Esperanto: Felican Novan Jaron
Estonians: Head uut aastat!
Finnish: Onnellista Uutta Vuotta
French: Bonne Annee
Gaelic: Bliadhna mhath ur
Galician [NorthWestern Spain]: Bo Nadal e Feliz Aninovo
German: Prosit Neujahr
Greek: Kenourios Chronos
Gujarati: Nutan Varshbhinandan
Hawaiian: Hauoli Makahiki Hou
Hebrew: L'Shannah Tovah
Hindi: Naye Varsha Ki Shubhkamanyen
Hong kong: (Cantonese) Sun Leen Fai Lok
Hungarian: Boldog Ooy Ayvet
Indonesian: Selamat Tahun Baru
Iranian: Saleh now mobarak
Iraqi: Sanah Jadidah
Irish: Bliain nua fe mhaise dhuit
Italian: Felice anno nuovo
Japan: Akimashite Omedetto Gozaimasu
Kabyle: Asegwas Amegaz
Kannada: Hosa Varushadha Shubhashayagalu
Kisii: SOMWAKA OMOYIA OMUYA
Khmer: Sua Sdei tfnam tmei
Korea: Saehae Bock Mani ba deu sei yo!
Kurdish: NEWROZ PIROZBE
Lithuanian: Laimingu Naujuju Metu
Laotian: Sabai dee pee mai
Macedonian: Srekjna Nova Godina
Malay: Selamat Tahun Baru
Marathi : Nveen Varshachy Shubhechcha
Malayalam : Puthuvatsara Aashamsakal
Maltese: Is-Sena t- Tajba
Nepal: Nawa Barsha ko Shuvakamana
Norwegian: Godt Nyttår
Papua New Guinea: Nupela yia i go long yu
Pampango (Philippines): Masaganang Bayung Banua
Persian: Saleh now ra tabrik migouyam
Philippines: Manigong Bagong Taon
Polish: Szczesliwego Nowego Roku
Portuguese: Feliz Ano Novo
Punjabi: Nave sal di mubarak
Romanian AN NOU FERICIT
Russian: S Novim Godom
Samoa: Manuia le Tausaga Fou
Serbo-Croatian: Sretna nova godina
Sindhi: Nayou Saal Mubbarak Hoje
Singhalese: Subha Aluth Awrudhak Vewa
Siraiki: Nawan Saal Shala Mubarak Theevay
Slovak: A stastlivy Novy Rok
Slovenian: sreèno novo leto
Somali: Iyo Sanad Cusub Oo Fiican!
Spanish: Feliz Ano ~Nuevo
Swahili: Heri Za Mwaka Mpyaº
Swedish: GOTT NYTT ÅR! /Gott nytt år!
Sudanese: Warsa Enggal
Tamil: Eniya Puthandu Nalvazhthukkal
Telugu: Noothana samvatsara shubhakankshalu
Thai: Sawadee Pee Mai
Turkish: Yeni Yiliniz Kutlu Olsun
Ukrainian: Shchastlyvoho Novoho Roku
Urdu: Naya Saal Mubbarak Ho
Uzbek: Yangi Yil Bilan
Vietnamese: Chuc Mung Tan Nien
Welsh : Blwyddyn Newydd Dda!

Honda WTCC's - gallery of photos

See a gallery of photos of the SCX Honda WTCC's at this link.

Lotec updating Sirius supercar?

The Lotec Sirius has been around since the early 2000s after former Group C2 champion Kurt Lotterschmid vowed to create a supercar capable of taking on the best from Italy and beyond. The original car was motivated by a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V12 supplied by Mercedes-Benz and put out between 850 and 1,200 hp depending on the spec. After a few hard years and several production delays, Lotec plans to release an updated Sirius in 2009 and has previewed the new supercar in a series of renderings.

Power output is likely to be down from the previous model due to the V12's lack of availability, but the tubular steel frame and carbon fiber body will remain, allowing the Sirius 2.0 to tip the scales at just over 3,000 pounds, despite being equipped with power steering and air conditioning. Performance should be on par with the outgoing model, with a claimed 0-62 mph sprint of 3.8 seconds, the run to 120 done in under eight seconds and a supposed top speed of 242 mph. Considering the difficulties Lotec has faced in the past, we doubt we'll see the new Sirius on a stand at any international show, but we can hope for an appearance in Geneva.

[Source: Autoweek.nl via MotorAuthority]

Honda Zest gets extra Spark

Honda apparently decided that its home-market Zest Sports wasn't zesty enough. Away it went to the plastic surgeon for a freshened look with more flavor. The result is the Zest Spark. Instead of basically carrying over the base Zest's vanilla look up front, the Spark gets a new fascia with a V-shaped grille/lights combo hovering above the car's big, flat bumper. 660cc NA and turbo kei-spec engines reside underhood. Inside, it's basic kei car stuff, with seating for five four that can be arranged in an optimal date night configuration. Yeah it's small, but it's practical, see?


[Source: Honda via NihonCar]

Ferrari FXX

Ferrari FXX slot car photos at this link on SCXWorldWide.com.

BMW X6 by Hamann

The BMX X6 is a tricky vehicle to classify. In photos, it can look like a hot-hatch on steroids. Up close, you see the SUV in the vehicle. It's dimensions are even larger than the X5 and the only thing that cramps its cargo room to make it less than the X5 is the sloping hatch - a styling cue that makes the X6 unique and hard to pin down.

Of course, the term-du-jour is Crossover, which is what Hamann-Motorsports uses to describe the X6. But their treatment is a little more adventurous than that. Hamann boosts the X6's 3.5i gasoline/petrol version from 306 to 360 hp and the 3.5d (diesel) from 286 hp to 320 hp. Cranking power is also considerably elevated by 140 Nm to 540 Nm in the 3.5i and taken to a massive 660 Nm in the 3.5d from a previous 580 Nm.

On the outside, Hamann offers the option of 23-inch rims, in need of 315/25R23 tires. Oh, and the price tag for just the four wheels is 9,385 euros. Yes, this is an audacious tuner that also messes with the BMW sound with a four-pipe exhaust system that gives the X6 a more grounded sound.

The tuning kit also comes with a collection of spoilers and skirts and the interior gets a once-over with special carbon-fiber materials too. But Hamann is a performance tuner and this X6 definitely puts on a show.

Honda F1 SOLD! to a man named Slim

According to La Stampa, Honda F1 has a buyer: Mexican telecom billionaire Carlos Slim Helu. Reports claim he paid the single dollar Honda was asking. He trumped Force India F1 owner Vijay Mallya, who was suspected to want the Honda team only for its tech know-how, and Prodrive's Dave Richards.

When Honda announced its immediate departure from F1 on December 4, it gave the outfit 27 days to find a bona fide buyer who would make a credible 3-year commitment to run the team. If the team did find such a purchaser, Honda said it would assist with finances and technical support. Carlos Slim has the finances and the experience: he is reportedly the second richest man in the world, and his companies are already involved in motorsport.

If the transaction proves to be true, and assuming the team gets funded properly, it will mean a few good things for the 2009 F1 season: it will add another privateer team to the grid, it will let Ross Brawn continue creating the team he's been dying to lead since he was at Ferrari, and it will return the name "Senna" to the grid. Bruno, Ayrton Senna's nephew, is sponsored by Embratel, a subsidiary of Slim's Telmex company, and will certainly replace Rubens Barrichello as the one flying the Brazilian flag.

[Source: La Stampa via My Automovil]

2010 Toyota Prius teaser... now with Blue Man Group

Now it begins to make sense: The previous performance art video teasers for the 2010 Prius were made up largely of edited shots from this teaser, with the Blue Man Group restored to its place. This one doesn't make any more or less sense than the previous videos, and there isn't much more to see, but it does offer a couple of chuckles. We would love to see how far you get with that eyedropper, though. Follow the jump to check out the video and see what we mean.

Rolls-Royce does another special edition Phantom, this time in Sapphire

The bespoke department at Rolls-Royce has come up with another special edition Phantom to go along with the already released Phantom Pearl, Phantom Silver, and Phantom Tungsten. This one is the Phantom Sapphire, and unlike its rarefied stablemates, it gets built on the long wheelbase spaceframe.

The Milori Sapphire exterior wraps itself around two options of interior treatment: navy blue leather with seashell highlights, or seashell leather with navy blue highlights, and each is finished off with walnut burr veneer inlaid with a diamond-pattern. For those in the back enjoying themselves, a cool box below the rear seats will chill two bottles of bubbly in an aluminum billet receptacle. When it is time to imbibe, the parcel shelf hides hand-engraved crystal tumblers, and time is kept with a Rolls-Royce clock set with a diamond-shaped sapphire. And for the driver – who should never be left out of events like this – a Conway Stewart fountain pen set and solid silver key fobs that come in a lacquered, walnut veneer box. The price: No object. Thanks for the tip, James!

[Source: Sybarites]

Reiter Engineering builds Gallardo GT3 for the street

Turning road cars into race cars and then back into road cars seems to be Reiter Engineering's new specialty. The factory-supported Lamborghini race team, which also recently built a street-legal variant of their Murcielago R-GT that competes in the FIA GT1 and European Le Mans Series, is now offering a road version of their Gallardo GT3 racecar. Based off the standard Gallardo with the 5.0L V10, the "Strada" features carbon fiber bodywork including fenders that have been widened 60mm, a new front fascia with "shark" style air ducts, side skirts and a large carbon fiber wing at the rear. A single large center-mounted exhaust system reduces weight by nine kg and added an extra ten horsepower, while new three-piece alloy wheels are wrapped with ultra sticky Michelin Pilot Sport 2 rubber. The interior stays relatively stock, although the stock seats have been replaced with leather-covered racing units. While we wouldn't say the result is subtle, it's definitely one of the cleaner designs we've seen.

[Source: Reiter Engineering]

Goodwood video... drifting, classic style!

New Testors Saleen and Viper models

The "Easy Press Fit " of our Quick Build Models means there is no glue involved. All the fun of modeling with none of the mess. Build a model in less than 15 minutes. Spend more time customizing your masterpiece with decals, paint brushes, and non- toxic- water wash-up acrylic paints all included! Rad Rides of the Road includes TWO 1:32 scale models---the Dodge Viper GTS-R and the Saleen S7, 6 bottles of acrylic paints, 3 different sized paint brushes, decals and a mixing tray. Order Now!

* 1:32 scale
* 15-30 pieces
* Assembles in 15 minutes or less

USD$ 22.99

Audi R15?

Photos today of what might be the Audi R15 that will try to do battle with the Peugeot 908HDi at LeMans this year.

Christmas day

Not slot car related but a favorite song of mine. All the best to all the nearly 800,000 slotters around the world who look in from time to time on Slot Car News.

From YouTube:
From the award-winning documentary, "Playing For Change: Peace Through Music", comes the first of many "songs around the world" being released independently. Featured is a cover of the Ben E. King classic by musicians around the world adding their part to the song as it travelled the globe. This and other songs such as "One Love" will be released as digital downloads soon; followed by the film soundtrack and DVD early next year.

Sign up at www.playingforchange.com for updates and exclusive content available only to those who...

Join the Movement to help build schools, connect students, and inspire communities in need through music

Spy Shots: Peugeot 3008

The 2010 Peugeot 3008 has been spotted in France wearing a scant amount of camouflage, and unless Peugeot is deceiving us, it looks just like the Prologue HyMotion4 Concept from the Paris Motor Show. Updating the sheetmetal of the 4007, this crossover Pug gets a much smoother grille treatment and a combination of lines and curves out back suitable for a display at MOMA. The interior isn't revolutionary, but it's expected to offer seating for five or seven and looks like it will hold up to consumers cross-shopping the Nissan Qashqai and VW Tiguan. Four-cylinder turbocharged engines are predicted to be sized at 1.6-liters, burning either gas or oil and driving two wheels at launch, with a four-wheel-drive variant offered down the line. Thanks for the tip, Jackob!

[Source: Autokrata]

New VW Golf commercial goes Matrix

DDB London, the ad firm that gave VW the singing dog commercial – and took home an award for its work – is back in the ring with a spot for the new Golf. Taking a little bit of Matrix, a little bit of Bourne, and even a spin kick move from Transporter 3, a VW designer has to battle his way to the very end to prove a point. As usual, it's pretty nifty and worth a watch. And after that, if you're looking for something completely different, you should check out this VW ad that presents an entirely new take on Toy Story. Check 'em both out after the jump.

[Source: Guardian]

Despite downturn, Toyota re-commits to F1

Toyota has reiterated its commitment to F1, in spite of its first annual operating loss since 1938. Said Toyota CEO Katsuake Watanabe of Toyota's F1 budget, still the largest in F1 at $445 million, "To keep it up at the current level is extremely difficult." Yet even with the loss, the global economic mess, the belt-tightening on the corporate side, and the fact that Toyota hasn't won a race in seven years, a Toyota spokesperson said, "We don't have anything to add to the statement we made on 5 December [committing to F1 after Honda's pullout -- Ed.] because the financial results don't change anything for us in the ­formula one team. Our situation has not changed." The FIA has suggested that next year's cost cutting measures will save teams 33% over their 2008 budgets. On top of that, Toyota is conducting its own cost cutting study to see what it can do over and above that. We have a feeling 2009 won't see Toyota on top of the big spenders list again.

[Source: The Guardian | Image: Clive Mason/Getty]

Sneak Peak at 2010 Cadillac SRX

We're technically embargoed from telling you anything about the new 2010 SRX, but that hasn't stopped Cadillac from releasing a teaser video on YouTube of the new wreath and crest CUV sliding around in the snow. Set to replace the current SRX that didn't sell well despite being a perfectly competent machine, the new SRX will debut next month at the Detroit Auto Show as the latest model to continue Cadillac's resurgence as a brand that actually matters in the marketplace. The new SRX promises to be much more appealing to the mainstream, especially if you like drifting on frozen lakes, and really, who doesn't?

Lamborghini running strong with record sales and profit in 2008

The current economic conditions may be wreaking havoc on the Detroit Three, along iwth Toyota and Honda, but Lamborghini is apparently impervious to the global financial crisis. The House of the Raging Bull posted record sales and profit records for the fourth straight year and has followed through on its promise to introduce a new model every year during that time period. The company has no intentions of reducing funding for R&D, and plans to expand its global presence and dealer network throughout the next year. Here at Autoblog, we're all for Lamborghini's continued success, especially if they continue to let us drive their new models.

[Source: Lamborghini]

PRESS RELEASE:

Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. will deliver another record year's results in 2008. Official sales figures will be communicated on the occasion of Lamborghini´s appearance at the Detroit Motor Show in January 2009.

Even as a low volume luxury car manufacturer, Automobili Lamborghini is not unaffected by the present downturn in economic activities in the wake of the global financial crisis. However, the company is in a favourable strategic position due to its identity as a luxury brand of longstanding tradition. One of its core brand values is exclusivity, which is maintained through tight management of volumes and a strict policy of maintaining a strong forward order bank. This exclusivity is of essential relevance to both dealers and customers and is pivotal for the appeal of the brand.

Lamborghini has the most attractive product line-up in the company´s 45 year history. With at least one new product launched every year, and the continued development of the dealer network to maximise market penetration, Automobili Lamborghini has produced a year on year record performance in terms of turnover, profit and volumes for the last four years, together with a rare double digit profit margin. The company´s development marks one of the most respected company turn-around programmes in the automotive and luxury industries.

Long before 2009, the company took decisive steps to address potential market volatility. Production flexibility is made possible by cooperative concepts developed with the union representatives. Besides flexible working hours, it provides the opportunity to create training and qualification programmes during work hours. There will be no layoffs, but an extension of the Christmas holiday for eight days has been confirmed.

Lamborghini will not divert from its long-term strategy. Investment into R&D will not be reduced, and there will be ongoing expansion of its brand presence on a world-wide scale, with more new products and further expansion of its dealer network. The company will continue its strategy of announcing at least one new product each year. The latest examples of this are the new Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 Coupe for which deliveries commenced summer 2008, and the Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder unveiled in November 2008 with market launch in spring 2009. Lamborghini continues its stated objectives of becoming the most profitable supersportscar manufacturer, the most attractive employer and the most attractive brand in its market.

BMW announces pricing for 2009 7 Series, raises prices on everything else

The latest iteration of BMW's all-singing, all-dancing plutocrat limo will roll out the door starting at $81,125. That sum will get buyers the 2009 750i (including $825 for destination charges), but those who are looking for a bit more legroom in back will have to pay $85,025 for the 750Li. Production for these models began last month, but don't expect to see them on the forecourts of your local BMW Center until later this spring.

The rest of the BMW lineup is also getting a nudge on pricing, with the average MSRP climbing by 0.7 percent. All pricing increases are effective January 1, 2009; so if you're planning on gifting yourself a M5 or X6 for the holidays, make sure you do so before New Year's.

[Source: BMW]

PRESS RELEASE

BMW ANNOUNCES JANUARY 2009 PRICE ADJUSTMENT
12/22/2008

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – December 22, 2008...BMW of North America, LLC announced today an average price increase of 0.7 percent for BMW vehicles sold in the U.S. effective January 1, 2009. This action is driven by the ongoing structural and economical changes in the market place. It will ensure revenue generation for the company's U.S. operations and help to protect the quality of business.

Pricing for the new Advanced Diesel vehicles remain unchanged. The all new 335d and X5 xDrive35d were launched recently and have begun arriving at BMW Centers this month.

In addition, BMW announced pricing for the new 2009 7 Series that debuted recently at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. The base price for the 750i is $81,125 and the 750Li is 85,025 (including $825 for destination and handling). Both models began production in November and will arrive at BMW Centers in the spring.

See attached for new BMW pricing for model year 2009 vehicles.

BMW Group in America

BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and the Rolls-Royce brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, an industrial design firm in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group's global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all Z4 models, X5 Sports Activity Vehicles and X6 Sports Activity Coupes. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 338 BMW passenger car centers, 335 BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 142 BMW motorcycle retailers, 82 MINI passenger car dealers, and 30 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group's sales headquarters for North, Central and South America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

Hyundai Elantra Touring priced from $18,495

Sold as the i30 elsewhere in the world, the new Hyundai Elanta Touring five-door compact will arrive soon on our shores with a base price of $18,495, which includes a $695 delivery charge. That price will put a base model Elantra Touring in your garage with a five-speed manual transmission topped with a B&M shifter. Like all Hyundais, the list of standard equipment that comes with the Elantra Touring is long and includes items like air conditioning, remote keyless entry, steering wheel-mounted cruise control and audio controls, an eight-way adjustable driver's seat, a cooled glove box and 172-Watt AM/FM/XM Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 audio system with USB and auxiliary input jacks. It also comes with Electronic Stability Control as standard equipment, which is nice to see at this price point. In fact, the only option is a Premium-Sport package that adds a power sunroof, heated front seats and 17-inch alloy wheels with P215/45VR17 tires. A maxxed out Elantra Touring with a four-speed automatic and the Premium-Sport package will go for $20,795, which is not a bad price to pay for a fun and practical five-door compact that can swallow 65.3 cubic feet of stuff with its rear seats folded and return 31 mpg on highway. Whether or not buyers in a bruised and battered economy will agree remains to be seen.

[Source: Hyundai]

edo competition and Audigier combine for limited edition designer Lambo

What happens when you combine a flamboyant Italian supercar with celebrity fashion designer Christian Audigier? You get... this. German tuner edo competition has teamed up with the clothing icon for a limited run of Murcielagos that feature custom design themes chosen by each customer. This ensures that each car is a one-off while simulaneously proving -- yet again -- that taste and income are mutually exclusive.

On the positive side, the Lambo's been fitted with a completely new exhaust system along with more aggressive camshafts, upgraded cylinder heads, and a high-flow air filter that bumps output above the 700-hp mark. A new single disc clutch helps transmit the power to all four wheels, although edo also offers a conversion to rear wheel drive that shaves off nearly 90 pounds. Pricing gets a cue from the designer clothing industry, coming in at just over $690,000, nearly double the MSRP of a standard LP640.

PRESS RELEASE:

In cooperation with internationally acclaimed designer Christian Audigier, edo competition has pulled out all the stops to create the fastest Lamborghini ever made.

The limited edition edo LP 710, of which only five will be produced, is a vehicle engineered to the highest standards, combined with Christian Audigier's unusual themes and unparalleled sense of color.

For those wishing to follow in the footsteps of international celebrities, there's no way around Christian Audigier. With his luxury clothing label he is setting new standards in the fashion world, exemplified by the sparkling skull and pirate themes adorning his designer pieces. However, Christian Audigier's creativity is not limited to fashion; it also translates to the world of automotive design, as evidenced by this latest cooperative effort.

Thanks to his inexhaustible imaginativeness, the matte black outer skin of the edo LP 710 has been completely restyled. However, it doesn't end there! The redesigned interior is an impressive sight as well. Carrying the creative theme inside, the seats, door panels and center console have been upgraded using his exquisite designs.

Carrying out the elaborate airbrush work to bring Christian Audigier's ideas to life is none other than Marcus Pfeil, of Pfeildesign in Austria. It's only fitting that the work being carried out on these unique vehicles is done exclusively by an artist with a worldwide reputation in the custom painting scene.

All five Haute-Couture Lamborghinis are custom made for each customer. The themes typical of Audigier's design underline the edo LP 710's proud pedigree. Every wish of the client can be accommodated during production. Customers have the opportunity to personalize their vehicles by choosing from a wide range of themes, lending an individual touch to Christian Audigier's work. Thus it is ensured that prospective owners do not just get the world's fastest Lamborghini, but also a completely unique design. In addition, each vehicle will be personally signed by the US-based star designer!

The base car, a Lamborghini Murciélago LP 640, is completely disassembled. The modifications to the engine, aerodynamics, wheels, tires, exhaust system and interior are made to measure at edo competition within a three month time frame.

Along with the purchase of the vehicle, the customer gets the opportunity to drive his Lamborghini LP 710 at the limit, either at the high speed oval in Papenburg, Germany or at Nardo, Italy. Upon request, our test driver and pro racer Patrick Simon will coach the proud owner at the race track. Undoubtedly a memorable experience at speeds of over 360 km/h (224 mph)!

Specifications:
Engine: 6.5 liter V12
Output: 710 hp and 700 Nm (516 ft-lb)
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h (0 – 62 mph): 3.2 seconds
0 – 200 km/h (0 – 124 mph): under 10 seconds!
Top speed: >360 km/h (>224 mph)
Net price: 495.000 EUR

Power increase
The increase in power was achieved through the use of new exhaust headers, new high flow catalytic converters, new mufflers, a new exhaust tip, new performance camshafts, modified cylinder heads and new high flow air filters.
The engine controls are reprogrammed to make ideal use of the individual modifications.

Aerodynamics
This powerful package is brought to perfection with optimized aerodynamics which enhances the stability of the mighty bull and bestows the car with an even more dynamic elegance. A newly developed and beautifully shaped rear wing with an adjustable lip completes the aerodynamics package.

Wheels/tires
A high-speed wheel and tire combination: 19 inch light alloy wheel set with special Continental high-speed tires: 225/35 ZR 19 Continental V-max in the front and 325/30 ZR 19 Continental V-max in the rear.

High performance exhaust system
A marvelous sound emanates from the edo competition stainless steel high performance exhaust system which includes a new exhaust tip. A new butterfly-valve control system – remote-controlled on request – is available, too. The more aggressive rear view is a great side-effect.

Drivetrain/clutch
edo competition has developed a new single disc clutch. Additionally the 4-wheel drive arrangement is turned into a 2-wheel drive setup. The LP 710 /2 is delivered with rear wheel drive. Weight savings of 40 kg (88 lb) and more agile handling are the result of this conversion.

All modifications are carried out exclusively at edo competition Motorsport GmbH in Ahlen.

Christmas cards

Spirit 936's compared

Napaslot is showing a number of photos showing the differences between the older short tail 936 and the new long tail 936. See all the photos at this link.

Slot MiniAuto No.51-SCX MotoGP's, Carrera R8, Slot It F40

New Difalco Design 30 band controller

Racers, I wanted you to be the first to know that we have a new controller design!

The 4 attachments above show the information on our latest controller design for 1/24,H.O. and 1/32 Homeset controllers and modules. The one PDF file (not great quality) shows the front circuit board layout. All this info and pictures should be on our website very soon! Upgrade kits for your older Difalco Controller will be ready in a week. Controllers and modules will be ready shortly after that.


"E"MOTION 3 HD30 DESIGN OVERVIEW:

*30 bands will give scale racers more control.

*Optional plug in Network Resistor PCB will still allow racers to tune each band of the controller. We consider this feature more important then higher band count with no ability to tune each band!

* Compatibility with all older designs. Upgrade to new technology!

SERVICE WORK: Yes, we will be doing upgrade work! You can purchase the upgrade kit direct from us or your local raceway and do the installation yourself. You can also send us your controller and we will install and do a complete tune up. The tune up includes cleaning all contacts, new oilites if needed and complete adjustment so you controller feels like new.

SERVICE COST: upgrade service will be $94 which will include an all new HD30 PCB, labor and return shipping in the 48 states. If you have a very old 10 band or a 15 band with a range switch design you may need to have the sensitivity rheostat upgraded to a 50 ohm. Contact Jim by email before you send in controller for work for a time estimate and any special options like a mush button ($15 installed price). We will also be offering ball bearings at a installed price of $20. We have a special installation process that keeps the ball bearings from moving around in the trigger!

UPGRADE KIT: You can purchase our upgrade kit and do the work yourself (it is pretty simple) direct from us or your local raceway or mail order source. Please include $5 shipping when ordering direct from Difalco Design.

THANK YOU FOR BEING A DIFALCO DESIGN CUSTOMER! I am celebrating 40 years in slot racing in 2009 as a racer and manufacturer and I want to thank everyone I have met or talked to for their support over the years.

Jim Difalco
Difalco Design

Difalco Design New Products

Difalco Design HD30 controllers, modules and upgrade PCB.

New Hi Definition 30 band wiper design.


“E”MOTION3 FEATURES

* 30 band high definition design gives excellent control for scale type or wing car racing.
* Miniature plug in resistor network circuit board allows one controller to be tuned for any scale from a 16d Nascar to 1/24 Eurosport to the fastest 1/24 wing car to 1/32 homeset or H.O. car.
* Conversion modules for Parma Turbo frames or our D.I.Y. Frame kit offer a low cost alternative.
* Design is compatible with all older Difalco 10 and 15 band designs so racers can buy just the PCB (printed circuit board) and upgrade their controller very inexpensively (see page 2).

1/24 HD30 CONTROLLERS

DD250-HD30: The same overall construction as our current controllers. Economy brake rheostat gives great control for scale cars at a great price. Comes standard with a 148 ohm HD30 network (medium response) installed which is best for 16d and G12 motors. Positive polarity (easily converted to neg. polarity). $252

DD251-HD30: Upgraded Pro brake rheostat with new 3 ohm resistance for wider range for scale racing. Full power relay. Comes standard with 148 ohm HD30 network (medium response) installed which is best suited for 16d and G12 motors. Positive polarity (easily converted to neg. polarity). $318

DD252-HD30: Upgraded Pro brake rheostat with new 3 ohm resistance for wider range for scale racing. Full power relay. Comes standard with 148 ohm HD30 network (medium response) installed which is best suited for 16d and G12 motors. Comes with dual polarity. $342

1/24 HD30 MODULES

These electronic modules are an inexpensive way to convert your Parma turbo controller to a full function electronic controller. Save about $120 compared to our complete factory model. Text with drawings included for assembly. The kits can also be mounted on our DD242 D.I.Y. Frame and wire kit ($32) so you can build our factory controller from scratch. We also have available 4 other module kits priced from $89 to $154.

DD253-HD30: Conversion module with economy rheostat. Standard 148 ohm network. An inexpensive way to get our 30 band design! $124

DD254-HD30: Conversion module with 3 ohm pro rheostat. Standard 148 ohm network. $162


1/24 HD30 RESISTOR NETWORKS

Miniature plug in circuit board allows racer to change the overall band resistance to best suit the type of motor being used. The higher the listed ohms the slower the band response and the lower the listed ohms the faster the band
response. The standard networks are soldered and ready to install and have the same value resistance per band. The custom networks have miniature sockets and various values of resistors that can be mixed and matched to get the desired band response. All controllers and modules come standard with a 148 ohm network.
(As a comparison our 15 band Fanatic controllers have 150 ohms of total resistance)

(Note: the network resistance shown, 180 ohms for example, is the resistance needed to control our transistor circuit and should not be confused with the ohms rating on a typical Parma type resistor)

DD255: Standard Resistor Network. 180 ohm, slower response for flat track scale racing. $17

DD256: Standard Resistor Network. 113 ohm, faster response for 16d, G12, G15 and G20 motors. $17

DD257: Standard Resistor Network. 78 ohm, very fast response for G15, G20, G27 and G7 type motors. $17

DD258: Custom Resistor Network. Slow response. 33 each of 3 different value resistances let you customize response for scale racing. 136,162 and 192 ohms of total resistance if the same value is used per band. You can also mix and match resistors to best suit your track and driving style. $25

DD259: Custom Resistor Network. Faster response. 33 each of 3 different value resistances let you customize response for higher speed tracks and motors. 87,113 and 136 ohms of total resistance if the same value is used per band or you can mix and match response to best suit your track and driving style. $25

DD260: Custom Resistor Network. Very Fast response. 33 each of 3 different value resistances for customized response for high power G15,G20, G27 and G7 motors. 64,87 and 113 ohms of total resistance if the same value is used per band. You can also mix and match to best suit your track and driving style. $25

*Resistor networks for 1/32 and H.O. racing are also available. Please check website.


1/24 HD30 UPGRADE PCB

UPGRADE YOUR OLDER CONTROLLER OR MODULE KIT!

DD261: HD30 Upgrade PCB: Convert your 10 or 15 band Pro Plus or Fanatic controller to our new 30 band high definition design. You get the HD30 circuit board with a standard 148 ohm network board installed. Simply unsolder a few wires and remove the old PCB. Transfer the original brake and sensitivity rheostats over to the new HD30 board. Now bolt the PCB to the frame and solder a few wires to their correct positions. Simple instructions included. $56

1/24 FANATIC UPGRADE PCB

DD243: Fanatic Upgrade PCB: Convert your 10 band Pro Plus or Fanatic controller to our 15 band Fanatic module. Pots are already soldered to our 15 band Fanatic board. Our 15 band Fanatic circuit board gives you the convenience of instantly adjustable sensitivity on each controller band. 150 ohm total resistance gives you a wider range then the standard 113 ohms on our Pro Plus controllers. Simple instructions included. $39

DD244: Fanatic Upgrade Pots. Kit includes 15) 10 ohm Fanatic pots to convert your 15 band Pro plus controller to a Fanatic model. Unsolder and remove the individual resistors and solder the new Fanatic pots in place. $22

DD245: Fanatic Upgrade Pots. Kit includes 15) 20 ohm Fanatic pots to convert your 15 band Pro plus controller to a Fanatic model. 20 ohm pots give a very slow response for 1/24 scale racing and will also run H.O. and 1/32 Homeset type cars. Unsolder and remove the individual resistors and solder the new Fanatic pots in place. $22

H.O. HD30 CONTROLLERS

DD521-HD30: The same overall construction as our current controllers. 100 ohm brake rheostat. Comes standard with a 290 ohm resistor network. Brake/coast switch and dual polarity. $258

DD531-HD30: All the features of the DD521 with our adjustable choke rheostat installed. $288


H.O. HD30 UPGRADE PCB

DD553: HD30 Upgrade PCB: (This upgrade kit is for any model without a choke) Convert your DD515 or DD525 10 or 15 band Pro Plus or Fanatic H.O. controller to our new 30 band high definition design. You get the HD30 circuit board with a standard 290 ohm resistor network board installed. Simply unsolder a few wires and remove the old PCB. Transfer the original brake and sensitivity rheostats over to the new HD30 board. Now bolt the PCB to the frame and solder a few wires to their correct positions. Simple instructions included. $56

DD554: HD30 Upgrade PCB: (This upgrade kit is for any model with a choke) Convert your DD520 or DD530 10 or 15 band Pro Plus or Fanatic H.O. controller to our new 30 band high definition design. You get the HD30 circuit board with a standard 290 ohm resistor network board installed. Simply unsolder a few wires and remove the old PCB. Transfer the original brake and sensitivity rheostats over to the new HD30 board. Now bolt the PCB to the frame and solder a few wires to their correct positions. Simple instructions included. $56

DD555: Fanatic Upgrade Pots. Kit includes 15) 20 ohm Fanatic pots to convert your 15 band Pro plus controller to
a Fanatic model. Adjustable pots allow you to tune each band for total control of your band sensitivity. Unsolder and remove the individual resistors and solder the new Fanatic pots in place. $22


1/32 HD30 CONTROLLERS

DD302-HD30: The same construction as our current 1/32 controllers. 25 ohm brake. Comes standard with a 290 ohm resistor network. Super lightweight 1.25” x 1” x 3/4” heatsink. Upgraded with heavier 10 ga. main wires. $224

1/32 HD30 UPGRADE PCB

DD553: HD30 Upgrade PCB: Convert your DD300 or DD301 15 band 1/32 controller to our new 30 band high
definition design. You get the HD30 circuit board with a standard 290 ohm resistor network board installed. Simply unsolder a few wires and remove the old PCB. Transfer the original brake and sensitivity rheostats over to the new HD30 board. Now bolt the PCB to the frame and solder a few wires to their correct positions. Simple instructions
included. $56


H.O. & 1/32 HD30 RESISTOR NETWORKS

Miniature plug in circuit board allows racer to change the overall band resistance to best suit the type of motor being used. The higher the listed ohms the slower the band response and the lower the listed ohms the faster the band
response. The standard networks are soldered and ready to install and have the same value resistance per band. The custom networks have miniature sockets and various values of resistors that can be mixed and matched to get the desired band response. All H.O. and 1/32 controllers come standard with a 290 ohm network. (As a comparison our 15 band Fanatic controllers have 300 ohms of total resistance)

(Note: the network resistance, 290 ohms for example, is the resistance needed to control our
transistor circuit and should not be confused with the ohms rating on a typical Parma type resistor)

At this time we have not decided on the values and number of Standard and Custom
Resistor Networks we will be offering. These parts and information should be available by mid January.

A pair of Flying Lizards for 2009

Finally some good racing news to report:

Flying Lizard Motorsports, the 2008 American Le Mans Series GT2 team champions, announced today its 2009 racing program. The Sonoma, California-based team will field two 2009 911 GT3 RSR Porsches in the GT2 class -- the No. 45 and No. 44 -- for the complete 2009 ALMS season.

Joerg Bergmeister (Germany) will return to Flying Lizard in 2009 for his third consecutive season to defend his and the team's 2008 championships. He will be joined in the No. 45 by Patrick Long (USA). In the No. 44, Seth Neiman (USA) will return with co-drivers Darren Law (USA) and Johannes van Overbeek (USA).

2009 will be the third season that Bergmeister and Long have competed together as a team. Two of the top Porsche drivers in the world, together they won back to back ALMS GT2 championships in 2005 and 2006, a total of eight ALMS GT2 races, and won in GT2 at the 2004 24 Heures du Mans (with Sascha Maassen). Bergmeister and Long are again both Porsche Works drivers for the 2009 season. For complete driver biographies, see www.lizardms.com.

Flying Lizard team management for 2009 includes: Seth Neiman, team principal; Tommy Sadler, crew chief and co-technical director; Craig Watkins, chief engineer; Stefan Pfeiffer engineer, No. 45 Porsche and co-technical director; Thomas Blam, chief strategist; Eric Ingraham, team manager and No. 44 Porsche strategist; Jennifer Hart, team marketing; and Paul Pillitteri, team merchandising.

Neiman looks forward to a competitive season: "Flying Lizard is excited and energized to be back with the series for our sixth consecutive year. Our goal this year is to defend our team and drivers' championships. Everything we've done since the day after celebrating at Laguna Seca has been focused on that goal. With 2009 likely to be a step up from the already intense competition of last season, it is going to be a very tough and challenging effort. The fans should be in for a real treat."

Flying Lizard expects to receive its two new 2009 Porsche 911 GT3 RSRs in early January and plans to attend the American Le Mans Series Winter Test in Sebring, Florida in late January. Flying Lizard will announce additional program details in early 2009.

For more on the team, see www.lizardms.com.

Mansory builds mysterious Bugatti Veyron Vincero

We're convinced the Bugatti Veyron has to have the highest ratio of variants per total production -- Ford Mustang included. There's the Sang Noir, a first and second version of the Hermes, Pur Sang, Grand Sport, and now the Vincero built by Mansory. Not much is known about the car since no information is listed on the Swiss tuner's web site, but United Arab Emirates exotic car dealer Prestige Cars has posted the car for sale, listing it as one of three built. Looking at the photos, the Vincero features a carbon fiber hood and engine cover, new black wheels, and an interior that has been reupholstered in black and white with carbon fiber trim. It's not everyone's taste, but we definitely wouldn't kick it out of the garage.

[Source: Prestige Cars via Autogetspot]

BMW uses 2010 Z4 as art car

Normally the models in BMW's art car line -- sixteen and counting -- get their body panels splashed up with designs by the who's who of the art world. BMW has decided to switch up the concept for a commercial for the new Z4; instead of the car being the canvas, the Z4 paints a canvas. Guided by modern artist Robin Rhode and a team of technicians, the Z4 is rigged up with machines that spray paint from the wheels, with everything captured on film by director Jake Scott, Ridley's son. The tire prints in all kinds of hues are laid down on an enormous white canvas, and the result is called "An Expression of Joy."

PRESS RELEASE

MULGRAVE, Australia – December 19, 2008: Imagine a canvas nearly as large as a football field. On it bold, swirling shapes in primary colors like red, yellow and blue. As the eye uncovers the rhythm of the lines, curves, circles and color splotches, something else is revealed: these forms must have been created by tire treads! A work of art like no other, created by an artist like no other – the new BMW Z4 Roadster.

Over the years BMW has offered great contemporary artists the chance to express themselves on the surfaces of a variety of the marque´s sports cars. However, the art performance created by the young South-African Robin Rhode daringly moves beyond the concept behind the BMW Art Car Collection. Here the car is no longer just a stunning model, but itself executing artist. "This work is an expression of painting in action – my hope is to communicate the power and thrill inherent in the creation of art", says Rhode. "For me, the use of an untraditional paintbrush like a high performance car is a great way to investigate the relationship between emotion, technology and industrial creativity." The development of the picture, this process of formation itself is as important as the completed oeuvre. For this reason the Z4 performance is suggestively titled "An Expression of Joy".

The powerful and vibrant images created by the treads on the huge canvas appear dynamic and spontaneous, as if created out of the whim of the moment. Yet each movement had been painstakingly planned to the last detail and was the result of an immense technical effort. Unlike the legendary "action paintings" created by Jackson Pollock nothing was left to chance. As an artist working at the cutting edge of performing and fine arts, Robin Rhode is an experienced planner and capable of organizing and directing a large technical staff, but with "An Expression of Joy" even he broke new ground. This in every respect extraordinary work of art that was to emerge in the huge Downey Studios of Los Angeles offered another equally challenging aspect. During the creation of the painting, prize-winning young director Jake Scott intended to film the complete performance for the TV campaign accompanying the new Z4 Roadster´s launch in 2009.

But how was the palette of colors actually applied to the tires? How was the BMW Z4 harnessed to Robin Rhode´s specific concept? And how was Jake Scott able to transform this dynamic act of creation into an equally fascinating film? These questions reflect how many demanding aspects needed to be dealt with in order to create a performance blending high tech and artistic vision. Obviously, in the beginning was an idea. The idea was to present the innovative next generation of the BMW Z4 in a totally unusual location. "One source of inspiration was the seminal work of Gerhard Richter´s series of paintings 'Red, Yellow, Blue' made in 1973 for the company headquarters in Munich, Germany", Rhode explains. Another reference point were the experimental optic animations from the 1920´s and German Expressionist Film. "The tracks left by the tires combine the two-dimensional plane of the picture with the three-dimensional space of the actual driving experience."

The artist began by sketches, using black finger paints on paper to draw an outline of the general shapes and rhythms. Then Robin Rhode created the visual equivalent of a storyboard with the exact details of each driving sequence and the specific color used. Of course, the driver received a copy of the storyboard that he was able to prop up in the cockpit. Since it was nearly impossible to follow the development of the emerging tracks, given the sheer size of the pictoral dimensions, Rhode also furnished a miniature of "An Expression of Joy" complete with two models of the car in order to simulate driving maneuvers in advance of the actual "paint drive".

The art performance was a challenge for the driver as well as driving the MINI for the movie "Italian Job". Accustomed to taking high performance cars to their limit on test tracks, here he needed to follow the exacting choreography established by Rhode. Which meant executing the same moves back and forth several times if the artist wasn´t satisfied by the specific color intensity, and yet keeping the tracks of the treads perfectly aligned each time. Each of the colors was individually applied through remote-controlled nozzles mounted near the axles of the roadster. To avoid an accidental mix of the colors due to residue in the treads, new sets of tires were constantly being rolled in and carefully exchanged, a feat of logistics in itself. From time to time a sock-clad Robin Rhode literally stepped into the picture to pour on more color, where necessary adding generous drips. An alluring aspect accidentally created by this motorized paint brush were the sprays and splotches of color highlighting the wheel casings of the Z4, resulting in visual traces and echoes of the dynamics of the composition. The monumental canvas itself was composed of individual segments that had been attached together to create a surface measuring 100´ by 200´ and thus allowing the driving and painting process to be sequenced in quadrants. This solution also benefits all future storing and moving of the artwork. Segments of the spectacular giant picture will be on the road in 2009, first to be shown at the Detroit Motor Show.

Robin Rhode and his team executed the project in 12 hours. That was also the time frame essentially allotted to director Jake Scott and his crew in which to shoot the Z4´s chromatic driving movements. The challenge was that each segment of his film for the BMW campaign needed to be "just right" the first time around. The usual number of takes just would not possible for this kind of recording. Scott, who is just wrapping up his first feature-length film, has won numerous prizes for music videos and commercials. The cinematographer was able to draw on his experience documenting rock concerts in order to deal with the singular character of this particular live performance. The dynamic undertaking of a car painting was captured with 45 simultaneous camera angles. So, while Robin Rhode was watching the color choreography unfurl, Jake Scott kept a critical eye on all the many screens monitoring the camera movements. "It is always a gift for a filmmaker to watch an artist of any discipline work", Scott recounts. "It is creation at its core and I have been privileged to observe musicians, actors and now a significant, young artist. I am excited to showcase the rarely seen link between art and technology in action."

The huge space of the studio and the giant dimensions of the lowered tub in which the canvas had been spread out, offered exciting vantage points for the placement of the cameras. At the same time it also meant coordinating two highly complex and diverse projects – the actual art performance and the shooting of a TV commercial – down to the last second. But despite this double challenge demanding concentration and precision timing the atmosphere surrounding all the teams involved was relaxed.

Certainly, Dennis Hopper seemed impressed by the easy, professional low-key air of the project. The enigmatic movie star was there on assignment from "Vanity Fair" to take pictures of "An Expression of Joy" as a work of art in progress. The former "Easy Rider" not only shares a passion for wheels, but is considered to be one of the truly serious, important art collectors of Hollywood.

Robin Rhode
The artist, who was born in 1976 in Cape Town and now lives in Berlin, has made a name for himself in the past few years on account of his distinctive artistic work. His oeuvre centres on performances that have evolved from his experiences as a highschool student growing in the Johannesburg suburbs, supplemented culture (sports, music, and fashion) that he likes to mingle with the process of "making art". In 2001, Rhode was nominated for South Africa's FNB Vita Art Prize. He has been included in several group exhibitions, including Dislocation. Image. Identity. South Africa, Centro Cultural de Maria, O'Porto, Portugal (2002); Shelf Life, Gasworks Gallery, London, England (2001); and Juncture, The Granary, Cape Town, and Studio Voltaire, London (2001). His solo exhibitions include Fresh: Robin Rhode at South Africa National Gallery, Cape Town (2000).

Jake Scott
The Englishman Jake Scott, born 1965, has been directing commercials and music videos for over 15 years, during which time he has accumulated stellar recognition in his field such as numerous MTV awards, a Grammy Nomination, an Emmy and the Grand Prix at Cannes. His clients include renowned brands like Adidas, American Express, AOL, Coca Cola and JP Morgan. The list of artists he has worked with also reads like a Who´s Who of the music industry: REM, U2, Smashing Pumpkins and George Michaels. Jake Scott who ist the son of famous director Sir Ridley Scott ("Alien", "Blade Runner", "Gladiator") has just completed work on his second feature-length film, "Welcome to the Riley´s" with "Sopranos" star James Gandolfini.

Audi Prices A6/S6 starting at $45,100/$75,900

Audi's upgraded A6 and S6 are scheduled to hit US dealerships in January, and the four-ringed midsize sedan has new pricing to match its upgraded powertrains. The A6 3.2 premium stars at $45,100, a price bump of over $2,000 over the 2008 model. The newest member of the A6 family, which comes with a 300 hp supercharged 3.0L V6 and standard quattro AWD, starts at $53,310. That's $3,000 less than the starting price of the previous generation 4.2L V8, which packed more punch at 350 hp, but the 3.0T fights back with more low-end grunt and far better fuel economy. It manages 26/21, while the outgoing V8 averages 23 on the highway and 16 around town. The 3.0T will also hit 60 in 5.9 seconds, so it's no slouch on the track.

The top-level S6 prices out at $75,900, or $3,500 more than the outgoing model. The S6 will carry-over the 435 hp 5.2L V10 powerplant, which definitely isn't a bad thing. Given the unfavorable exchange rate between the euro and dollar, we're not surprised to see prices go up on the A6 3.2 and S6 models. It's nice to see an actual price decrease from the 3.0T versus its V8-powered predecessor, with vastly improved efficiency to boot.

Mercedes SLR Stirling Moss

Mercedes SLR Stirling Moss, originally uploaded by jarapet.

New MRRC controllers and Ninco Mosler

Bantuslot is showing new MRRC controllers and a new Ninco Mosler.