2009 Mazda3 four-door to be unveiled in LA

This November's Los Angeles Auto Show is shaping up to be Mecca for enthusiasts. The 2010 Ford Mustang is due to be revealed in the City of Angels, Volkswagen will supposedly unveil a mid-engine roadster to rival the Elise and it's been all but officially confirmed by Nissan that the 370Z is on its way – two of them, no less.

So with all that rear-wheel-drive hotness on display, the redesigned Mazda3 sedan might have to struggle for attention. Then again, it might not. As suspected, spied and rendered, the next Mazda3 will be taking cues from the recently released Mazda6, including flared wheel arches, swept back headlamps and a gaping air dam. The illustration above (courtesy of AutoCar) is yet another derivation of a reoccurring theme we've seen before, and with the same C1 Ford Focus chassis, the 2010 Mazda3 will have the looks to back up its performance.

As for engines, European consumers will get a choice of gasoline powerplants ranging from 1.4- to 2.0-liters, along with 1.6- and 2.2-liter oilburners. In the U.S., we can expect engines ranging from 2.0- to 2.5-liters, while the Mazdaspeed version is expected to be packing the turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder from the Focus ST. The five-door will debut at the Bologna Motor Show in December, and sales are expected to begin in Europe and North America early next year.

Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart priced at $26,490

Mitsubishi has just released pricing on the all-new 2009 Lancer Ralliart and for $26,490, you can get behind the wheel of the turbocharged, all-wheel-drive Evo Lite. Equipped with the same 4B11T/C as the Evolution X, the Ralliart is putting out 237 hp through a modified version of the Evo IX's AWD system. That includes an Active Center Differential, along with front and rear mechanical LSDs and settings for Tarmac, Gravel and Snow. Active Stability Control is part of the package, as is Traction Control, but unfortunately, Ralliartists have to make due without the Active Yaw Control equipped on its big brother.

The optional Recaro Sport Package will set you back an additional $2,750, and includes front Recaro buckets, HID headlamps, a 650-watt Rockford Fosgate sound system with a six month subscription to Sirius Satellite Radio.

Owner ships Lambo from Qatar to London (and back) for oil change

A wealthy Arab man, thought to be a Sheikh, recently had his black and gold Lamborghini LP640 flown 3,250 miles to London via Qatar Airways and trucked to a certified UK Lamborghini dealership last Friday for a fluid change, which cost him a paltry £3,552 compared to the £20,000 round-trip flight. That's a grand total of £23,552 ($46,644 USD) for a friggin' oil change.

Environmentalists are obviously not pleased with the owner's wanton display of conspicuous consumption. Airport workers at Heathrow also blasted the owner's excess after watching the car get the royal treatment on the runway. One commented, "This car doesn't have a carbon footprint - more of a crater," and another pointed out that it would've been much cheaper to just fly certified Lamborghini technicians to Qatar to do the service.

This type of behavior begs the question of how far one's personal choice extends in the face of the greater good. We're told the Earth is dying beneath our feet and it's all our fault, so should a Sheikh be allowed to ship his car around the world for an oil change while the rest of us stick compact flourescent light bulbs in our lamps and wait in line to buy a Prius? Perhaps the only act that could be more environmentally egregious than this is if he just threw out his exotic and bought a new one every 3,000 miles.

[Source: The Sun]

2009 Ford Ka officially revealed

We're less than a day away from the official unveiling of the 2009 Ford Ka, but as is often the case, more cracks are appearing in the dam. This latest leakage comes courtesy of AM-Online, with two new images showing the Ka's new rear end and, more importantly, the interior.

Ford's "Kinetic" cues carry over to the Ka, with a slanted stance, large C-pillar and miniscule spoiler below the rear window. The interior has undergone a thorough update, including a new three-spoke steering wheel with brushed aluminum accents that tie into the door handles and curvaceous center stack. The new IP is a subtle blend of simplicity and functionality, with a high-mounted shifter similar to that found on the EP3 Civic Si, along with two-tone thrones that match the turquoise hue of the exterior.

Earlier reports suggest that motivation will be provided by a choice of three powerplants – a 1.4-liter or 1.6-liter gasoline engine or a 1.6-liter TDCi diesel – and a ST variant will likely follow, powered by a turbocharged 1.4-liter.

BMW updates M models for 2009

BMW's lineup of M-fortified vehicles now numbers nine, which is the largest it's ever been in the sub-brand's 30-year history. Munich has tweaked the lineup for 2009, and while nothing groundbreaking has been added, the additions and changes are worth noting. For instance, the BMW M3 Sedan gets a new rear end that sports updated taillights with two LED light clusters, and the entire M3 line gets some minor interior tweaks, new colors and crash-active headrests. The M5 and M6 soldier on with larger sideview mirrors, though BMW mentions that regenerative braking and an uncoupling air conditioner compressor – both fuel saving technologies – are right around the corner.

Of course, all M models are now offered with the latest generation of the automaker's much maligned iDrive control system. We haven't had the opportunity to sample the new version yet, so we'll refrain from making fun of its user interface for now. A new, impressively large 8.8-inch nav screen is, however, available with the optional Professional navigation system package and each system has moved from being DVD-based to storing all the info on an in-dash 80GB hard drive. This fall, BMW will also be offering ConnectedDrive, the first application of unrestricted internet access in a car, across the M lineup and iPhone integration has now been worked out, as well.

Perhaps the most significant addition is the arrival of a Competition Package for the M6 Coupe. The Competition Package includes a newly tuned performance suspension that lowers the car 12 mm up front and 10 mm in the rear, an adaptable suspension control system and double-spoke forged alloy wheels. BMW claims this will be the most athletic M6 you can buy and that there will be visual distinctions to set it apart from a standard M6. Unfortunately, BMW refrained from showing us what those visual distinctions will be.

F1 teams meet, form new association in Maranello

In the highly competitive world of Formula One racing, the only thing teams can agree on is money -- they want more of it. To that end, they've set up the new Formula One Teams Association.

Unlike the previous Formula One Constructors Association – which represented only the independent teams and came, somewhat ironically, to be dominated by Bernie Ecclestone and Max Mosley when they were team owners – the new group has the backing of all the teams (both independent and manufacturer-owned). The association was founded this week in a meeting of team representatives at Ferrari headquarters in Maranello, also including the participation of Formula One rights holders Bernie Ecclestone and Donald McKenzie. The Formula One Teams Association will represent the interests of the constructors (grand prix-speak for teams) in negotiating the final terms of the new Concorde Agreement, which determines profit sharing among the parties involved in the sport. Speaking with one voice, the teams surely hope to be able to secure a bigger share of the revenues from the grands prix. Little wonder then that Ferrari, in the short statement after the jump, called the meeting "extremely constructive".

[Source: Autosport and Ferrari, Photo: Lluis Gene/Getty]


PRESS RELEASE

F1 teams meeting at Maranello

Maranello, 29th July 2008 - All the Formula 1 teams met today in Maranello and held an extremely constructive meeting, in the presence of Bernie Ecclestone and Donald McKenzie.

The teams have subsequently agreed unanimously that they will establish the new Formula 1 Teams Association to work with the FIA and FOM to agree upon regulations and commercial conditions which will provide a framework for a strong and dynamic sport.

August Fly "Starters"

Ford Rally Car

Ford Rally Car, originally uploaded by HaHa UK.

Nissan 300ZX TwinTurbo

Nissan 300ZX TwinTurbo, originally uploaded by hotzshotz.

Aston Martin V12 Vanquish

Aston Martin V12 Vanquish "007 Die Another Day" - 2002 - James Bond Car collection, originally uploaded by MadThing picture.

2009 Subaru Impreza WRX: 265 hp, retuned suspension, STI tweaks

It's official folks. Those of you that picked up a 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX have been had. The road-going rally rocket gets an update for 2009 and with it comes a retuned 2.5-liter boxer four-pot producing 265 hp and 244 lb.-ft. of torque – a 41 hp and 18 lb.-ft. increase over the outgoing model. Power will be sent to all four wheels through a five-speed manual – the only transmission available -- with low-profile 225/45R17 summer tires replacing the 205/50R17 rubber of the 2008 model.

The suspension has been revised to include stiffer springs, uprated dampers, upper strut mounts cribbed from the STI and larger anti-roll bars fore and aft. The Aero package is no longer an option – it's standard – and includes an STI-inspired grille on both the sedan and hatch, while the five-door receives the STI's rear spoiler and underbody diffuser.

Impreza obsessives that ran out to buy a 2008 model might be miffed, but Subaru had to make adjustments to keep the WRX competitive, particularly with the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart becoming a serious contender in the turbo'd sedan segment.

Mercedes-Benz to cut output by 40K plus

After announcing that its plant in Alabama would be slashing production of its slow-selling SUVs, Mercedes-Benz has decided to cut overall output by more than 40,000 units over the next four months. While the slowdown of SUV sales are anything but surprising, even the top-of-the-line S-Class sedan has been hit with a downturn of sales. Reportedly, the German plant in Untertürkheim will also be reducing its output of V6 and V8 engines.

In order to remain profitable in these tough times, three-pointed-star prices are expected to rise and the brand's smaller models are being considered for the U.S. We'd imagine that Dr. Z and the rest of the board's future plans for Mercedes-Benz, which includes a switch to boosted engines, hybrids and electric cars, can't come soon enough. We also wouldn't be a bit surprised to see an even larger shift to diesel power from the German automaker.

Shocking! See F1 mechanic getting zapped by KERS system

Anybody who wants to know why Formula 1 teams are reconsidering using the Kinetic Energy Recovery System, or KERS need only watch the video embedded after the jump. So far, there have been two incidents of KERS failures, the first requiring the U.K. Red Bull team to make a call to the local Fire Department and the second, as seen in the video, sending a BMW mechanic to the ground. The KERS system recovers energy that would be lost to braking so that it can be reused on the next straightaway. We aren't in the business of finding enjoyment from the suffering of others, but since the mechanic was basically unharmed, let this be a reminder that high voltage hurts.

GM employees to get sneak peek at production Volt

Pending white collar cuts and dismal sales data have resulted in morale problems at General Motors. That's going to put a damper on the Detroit automaker's centennial celebration, so the General plans on showing employees a near-production-ready Chevy Volt to give workers hope. The (hopefully) game-changing extended range electric vehicle will be shown internally around the September 16th centennial, and employees who see the Volt will, of course, have to check their cameras and phones at the door. That doesn't mean the public won't soon get an eyeful of the car, as GM sources report that it'll be shown in production trim at this year's LA or Detroit Auto Show. Don't forget also that it's also been rumored that Volt could show up in Paris in October.

GM has 200 engineers and 50 designers working long hours to make the ER-EV happen by its late 2010 production target, and there are another 400 people working on components. GM is also constructing a new 530,000 sq-ft facility to build the Volt's 1.4L engine and working on getting incentives for the planned construction.

Tata may resurrect Daimler

Although Daimler is the name of Mercedes-Benz’s corporate parent, it is also a prestigious English car brand. Tata acquired the rights to this brand when it bought Jaguar. At one time Daimler made its own separate cars, but for the last forty years, Jaguar has mainly used the Daimler name for ultra-low volume premium versions of the XJ cars and aristocratic limousines. Now Tata may use this name to give Jaguar it own ultra-premium brand in the same way Mercedes has Maybach or BMW has Rolls-Royce.

The quick history of the brand is that at the end of the 19th century, a British company acquired the local rights to sell engines developed by German engineer Gottlieb Daimler, under his name. British Daimlers became competitive in racing and the preferred transportation for British royalty. By 1960 it was acquired by Jaguar, and British Motor Company acquired Jaguar a few years later. Since then Daimler has lived on mainly as a company that sells thinly re-badged Jaguars at a premium price. Meanwhile, Gottlieb Daimler’s own company, over a succession of merges, became the present-day Daimler AG, the parental conglomerate of Mercedes as well as other vehicle manufactures. As an interesting note, when DaimlerChrysler divested Chrysler and wanted to call the company only Daimler, they had to get permission from Ford who acquired rights to the name when it bought Jaguar.

Aston Martin DB9 to get Caparo brakes

It's been a while since we heard anything about the Caparo T1 supercar. One of the most extreme applications of the "F1 for the road" theme, the project originally began independently under the name Freestream before being acquired by component manufacturer Caparo as a rolling demonstration of the latest in automotive technology. Part of that tech is now finding its way into another British sportscar: the Aston Martin DB9.



Reports now indicate that Aston Martin will be upgrading the brakes on its V12 sportscar with units developed for the Caparo T1. In the place of the 355mm front discs currently employed will be a set of 378mm discs, gripped by four-pot calipers each machined from a solid piece of cast aluminum. The new stoppers, developed by the 18-man team at Caparo AP Braking, promise to deliver a 24% reduction in fade while reducing peak temperatures by 18% in return for 30% less pedal force required. Interesting that Aston Martin decided to outsource a new set of brakes for the DB9 instead of adopting the carbon-ceramic units from the top-of-the-line DBS.

Ferrari game in ps3

942791_20080115_screen002, originally uploaded by josephinecps.

Ferrari F430 Spider

Ferrari F430 Spider, originally uploaded by skyliner42.

Car Craft Autoshow Weekend

CarCraft Autoshow Weekend 2008_080727_2561, originally uploaded by thenip73.

Mercedes Benz, quite the most expensive one in HDR

Mercedes Benz, quite the most expensive one in HDR, originally uploaded by Flavio@Basle.CH.

430 Scuderia Michael Schumacher

430 Scuderia Michael Schumacher. test driver of ferrari 



Even in racing retirement, Michael Schumacher still has one of the best careers in the world, currently completing the track

2009 Ferrari California

Welcome with Ferrari California. Position the song of Eagles, because the cover was finally released from the newest caracolante offer of horse 'of S, and it 's what you 'd you wait until it is -- another powerful, expensive, and ultra-exclusive offer of Maranello.

Not, California isn 't Ferrari moins-cher in the tradition of Dino -- the manufacturer of cars stiffened with these comparisons during months now, shouting with all with range of voice that their newer model not to be cheap. Indeed, one expects that California, a machine of before-engine with a hardtop yielding out of aluminium, is more expensive than the F430 spider, which sells with the detail with approximately $210.000.

But mission of California 'of S is slightly different that other Ferraris; the model all-nine is aimed more one purchaser before whom cannot have considered Ferrari, one which wants high efficiency and the high luxury at end.

For this purpose, California comprises small back seats and space of luggage which makes echo the large philosophy of tourism of the 612 Scaglietti. It 's obtained more late in navigation, the communications, and the options of entertainment. And the top yielding was optimized in order not to disturb to the top of these $500 cuts.

Not, the didn of Ferrari 't forgets the execution. The power for California comes in the form of 4.3L V-8, which is based on the mill of F430, but with technology from direct injection. The power in horses is evaluated by Ferrari with 460 @ 7500 t/mn. The engine is joined to the new transmission of Ferrari 'of duel-clutch seven-speed of S -- the application of beginning of the new gear box. Gone up to the back, transmission of duel-clutch will be probably faster and smoothing tool that high-speed the F1 unit existing, and will make it possible Ferrari to compete with Porsche 'gear box of S new Dopplekupplung which beginning on the 2009 911. According to evaluations, 0-62 M/H concerns inside four seconds above, and when you must stop, Brembos carbon out of ceramics of standard-equipment will slow down California downwards but quickly.

Other interesting developments on California include a suspension of back of multilink instead of an installation of double-fork, and in addition to the aluminium roof, the major part of the body is also wrought in metal, using the same techniques of construction as F430 and 599 GTB.

Model external of California 'of S, parked by Pininfarina, naturally, is immediately recognizable like Ferrari. But him 's also distinctive beside Maranello 'of S of other offers. The car seems rounder with far and run that Ferraris recent. The apparent device is in advance the air intake designed in the cap, a selection of heritage no doubt originating in traditional Ferrari 250GT California. A fold in front of character starts with the version of passage on side of triple-hearing (smaller, replaced that found on the moose California) and above the handle of door, flattening outside above the aft wheels. The piled up exhaust ports dominate the left side and right of the back of the car, and the lid of trunk comprises a lip in front of spoiler.

Ferrari promises more groups of California throughout the summer bringing first world of car to 's with the Motor-show of Paris in September. The stay granted to motortrend.com as cover gives off the new car slowly

Ferrari 2008

Ferrari is now present on 52 markets in the whole world and exports almost 90% of the cars which it builds.� The imports of the European motor vehicles belongs to Pty of the motor vehicles of Ateco Ltd, Autralasie 'principal importer independent of car of S, and is responsible for Ferrari in Australia and Zealand News.� Imports of the European motor vehicles is invested in providing a superlative experiment of service to the customers and property which matches the single driving satisfaction which is found only behind the wheel of Ferrari.� The devoted service personalized for customers of Ferrari is supported by the support and the equipment of important distributor.

2010 Acura NSX will be priced around $160,000

The Acura NSX is two years away from its official launch, but we can already imagine how it look like, and more than that what engine will get and what price will have.

Inside Line reports the car will have a price somewhere around $160,000, right on top of its rivals: Aston Martin V8 Vantage, Maserati Gran Turismo and Jaguar XKR.

The NSX will get a 5.5-liter V10 generating upwards of 600 horsepower and 433 pound-feet of torque. At low speed the V10 deactivates five cylinders to save fuel and lower emissions. The V10 is bolted to a quick-shifting six-speed dual-clutch transmission driving the rear wheels, while a revised version of Honda’s Super Handling AWD system generates the car’s prodigious grip levels, enabling such a quick ’Ring lap time.

Ford Ka leaks out ahead of Paris

The first image of the redesigned Ford Ka has leaked out ahead of its official debut in Paris this October, and as expected, the new microcar takes all the right cues from Ford's European design language. The headlamps, front fascia and accent lines all ape the new Fiesta to good effect, and with a platform shared by the Fiat Panda/500, the new Ka should still be an engaging means of puttering around town.

Engine choices will initially be limited to two gasoline powerplants (a 1.4- and 1.6-liter), along with a 1.6-liter TDCi oilburner. Further down the line, expect the Ka ST to receive the Fiat 500 Abarth's turbocharged 1.4-liter engine, some suspension tweaks and a redesigned front clip.

Sales will begin in Europe early next year and expect the Ka to make a cameo in the new Bond flick, Quantum of Solace.

Buick Enclave gets passport for sale in China

In addition to getting the coolest Buicks which are not available in America, individuals in China are about to get the best vehicle that Buick has to offer in the States. In a deal which was initially inked ten months ago, the attractive Enclave CUV, built at GM's Lansing Delta Township assembly plant, is headed for China. The U.S. assembled 'utes will make their way by means of Shanghai GM. The exportation of the Enclave to China is only surprising in that it took so long for the General to get the model there in the first place. After all, Buick sells more vehicles in China than anywhere else in the world, with the nation consuming over half of all Buicks worldwide. We can only hope that Shanghai GM returns the favor and sends some of its best designs our way... and soon.

Avant Slot Rollcentre Team Pescarolo

Avant Slot has released the new Pescarolo livery - Rollcentre Team - , ref 50204.

New Super Tires (R) Offering for Monogram Vintage NASCAR's

A new Super Tires (R) offering for Monogram Vintage NASCAR's will be available from Slot Car Corner beginning Thursday, July 31st. The Super Tires part number is 1700. The 1700 is .310" wide with an outer diameter (o.d.) of .825" which is slightly larger than the stock tires. Orders can be placed now by visiting the Slot Car Corner website.

Maserati in motorsports

#27 Maserati, originally uploaded by caliroadracer.

2008 Ferrari Festival

2008 Ferrari Festival, originally uploaded by f1design.

FERRARI TUNED

FERRARI TUNED, originally uploaded by Karpix.

Apa kelebihan dan kekurangan Honda CS1

+ Menggunakan mesin sonic / CBR125 yg sudah teruji
+ Pendingin cair, kompresi bisa dibuat tinggi, sehingga tenaga besar. mesin tegak, tidak seprti bebek honda yg lain yg tidur
+ Karakteristik overbore yaitu bore lebih besar dari stroke (58 x 47mm) sehingga mampu bermain di rpm tinggi dan tenaga menjadi lebih besar. karena ini tenaga puncak CS1 diklaim sedikit lebih besar dari MX (52 x 58mm) yng lebih canggih dan lebih besar kapasitasnya
+ Menggunakan double disc brake
+ Gayanya unik, sporty, campuran sport &bebek, belum ada yng sama

- Mesin lebih sederhana, Hanya menggunakan mesin SOHC, bandingkan dengan satriaFU yg pake DOHC. katup cuma 2 bandingkan dengan MX yng pake 4 katup
- Tenaga puncak 12,6HP, sedikit lebih tinggi dari MX yg 11,4HP tapi masih kalah jauh sama satria FU yng 16,5HP
- Lebih boros bahkan dibanding MX yng kapasitas lebih besar,
- Harus pake pertamax, makin tambah boros pengeluaran
- Bobotnya berat 114kg, mungkin ini motor bebek dengan bobot yng paling berat
- Tampang aneh (menurut gue, tapi ini masalah selera)
- Harganya overpriced banget. jauh lebih mahal dari jupi mx bahkan dari satriaFU yg lebih canggih. tapi namanya honda, biar mahal tetep laku.

Carlsson Aigner CK65 RS Blanchimont S-Class Pics

Carlsson Aigner CK65 RS Blanchimont S-Class Pics and Review

Have a quick glance in this new Carlsson Aigner CK65 RS Blanchimont which is based on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. This is the second vehicle that has been built in cooperation with Etienne Leather, the first being the Aigner CK65 Eau Rouge that was spotted at the Frankfurt Motor Show last year. For the Blanchimont, Carlsson has installed enough items to use the car as a home office – custom leather upholstery, a Concert Hall infotainment system with surround sound, DVD system with three television monitors, hinged tables behind the front seats for laptops, and a wireless router that creates a personal hot spot inside the car. Oh yeah, the Blanchimont also features a 700-horsepower V12 and can reach 60 mph in under four seconds. Read more of the review HERE.



Here are the high-res pictures of the all new Carlsson Aigner CK65 RS from Front
Angle View to its high-end Interior. Click the pictures to see it's actual size.

CLR X650 BMW X6 by Lumma

Tuning companies are catching on to the all powerful teaser image, and German tuner, Lumma Design, have issued theirs - with the controversial BMW X6 model. Love it or hate it, the BMW X6 Coupe Crossover is an interesting car and Lumma's CLR X650 is no different – yet in a different character.

With a beefy front bumper fascia, which contains no less than 6 air vent openings, the entire kit gets a dash of aggression with side skirts and quarter panel leg vents plus revised mirrors, however, the added attitude comes from the 40mm suspension drop with the 23-inch arch filling black dished wheels.

As one of the first tuning companies to put together a dramatic styling kit for the X6, the CLR X650 takes the whole X6 hatchback coupe vibe and molds it

Audi insider claims V10 R8 will beat ZR1 around the 'Ring

Them's fightin' words, but when we're talking about a V10-powered version of the Audi R8, you'd better be taking them seriously. According to an Audi insider as reported by Auto Motor und Sport in Sweden, the more powerful R8 will set a new lap record for a production car at the Nurburgring. That would mean coming in under the 7:26 lap time claimed by the Corvette ZR1 (and taken by the Pagani Zonda F), and faster than the Nissan GT-R's 7:29, but the big question remains whether it could out-gun the GT-R V-Spec's purported 7:25.

The R8 V10 – with whatever name it will adopt – is expected to make its production-guise debut at the Paris Motor Show this coming October. That'll make for some delicious eye-candy, but the real treat will be to see how the German supercar holds up against the Americans and the Japanese on the 'Ring.

GM offering buyouts and bonuses to HUMMER dealers

Taking heed of lessons learned when it shed the Oldsmobile brand, General Motors is quietly negotiating with HUMMER dealers to prevent lawsuits if the brand is sold or extinguished. Even though confidentiality agreements have been signed, HUMMER dealers are reporting heavy discussions with GM to buy back stores and compensate owners. GM has even paid second- and third-quarter bonuses (averaging six figures) in advance. June delivered gloom to HUMMER as the brand's sales fell 59.3 percent (to just 2,072 units) as near $5-per-gallon fuel prices began flowing through pumps. If that weren't bad enough, the rugged off-road brand was hit with another mass exodus of sales on GM's announcement that HUMMER might be sold. With sales falling, experienced dealership staff leaving, and fuel prices still up in the air, GM's Jeep-fighting brand has literally fallen off the road.

Schumacher totals Ferrari prototype at Nurburgring

Reports from the world of motorsport indicate that Michael Schumacher has totaled a new Ferrari prototype at the nefarious Nurburgring Nordschleiffe. According to the reports, Ferrari had rented out the track for the day when the team's former champion took out the test mule based on the 430 Scuderia that Schumacher himself helped develop. Just days after taking laps around Fiorano in the new California and presenting it to dealers in Maranello, Schumacher reportedly went off the damp track at over 250 km/h (155 mph) at the high-speed Schwedenkruz corner and hit a guard rail, severely damaging the car and forcing the test crew to switch to a second vehicle. Sources suggested that Schumacher had his son Mick riding shotgun at the time of the crash, however alternative reports suggest that factory test driver Raffaele DeSimone was driving, with Schumacher riding shotgun.

Although no official word has been given, it would seem that Schumacher escaped the incident uninjured, rendering the outcome of his shunt on "the Green Hell" better than that of his predecessor Niki Lauda, who nearly did in a fiery crash on the track some 32 years ago. As to what the prototype was being used to develop, however, is up to speculation: it could be the successor to the F430 or a new supercar to replace the discontinued Enzo.

2009 Porsche 911 Targa

As part of the update to the 911 line, Porsche introduced the new 911 Targa last weekend. The Targa first appeared in 1967 as a removable roof panel designed in response to concerns that the tightening U.S. safety restrictions would ban convertibles. But today, with a full convertible version of the 911 available, the Targa has evolved into a large sliding sunroof. As with the previous generation Targa, the 2009 model will feature a large glass roof that can electronically slide behind the rear-window.

This fall it will be available as 911 Targa 4 and the 911 Targa 4S. As with the other updated 911s, the Targa models will receive the updated range of engines. The “basic“ version is now powered by a 3.6-liter flat-six developing maximum output of 345 bhp and giving the car a top speed of 176 mph. The power unit featured in the 911 Targa 4S displaces 3.8 liters, developing maximum output of 385 bhp and accelerating this outstanding sports car to a top speed of 184 mph.

Mercedes-Benz A and B class considered for 2011 launch in U.S

Like almost every automaker, Mercedes-Benz is feeling the pinch of high gas prices and an economic slow-down in the States. Daimler AG expects M-B's sales in the U.S. to fall in the second half of the year and in order to keep things in the black, vehicle prices in the U.S. are going to rise.

To counter the shift in demand from larger, thirstier vehicles to smaller, thriftier rides, Mercedes is reconsidering its previous decision not to offer its next generation compact and sub-compact vehicles in the U.S. Mercedes originally planned to bring the B class over, but the weak dollar caused the automaker to hold off. With the entrance of the 1-series, the forthcoming X1 and small crossovers from Audi on the way, Mercedes is looking to bring it front-wheel-drive A and B class vehicles to U.S. consumers that might be open to a compact vehicle from a luxury automaker.

The A class hatch was recently revealed and the B class got a facelift earlier this year, however, both models will have to undergo some revisions to be ready for sales in the U.S. With more derivatives on the way, including 230 hp, turbo'd two-liters and a B class possibly sharing the C's underpinnings (similar to the 1 series using the 3 series' platform), don't expect either model to hit U.S. shores before 2011.

More Fly July releases

WaM modified Audi R8

WaM modified Audi R8 2, originally uploaded by TechAutoCareers.

Chevrolet Camaro

Chevrolet Camaro, originally uploaded by AdamT200.

GT-r PIR - Time Attack

GT-r @ PIR - Time Attack!, originally uploaded by mhiran1.

TVR T350c

TVR T350c, originally uploaded by muddy_defender.

Gumpert Apollo takes on America, foiled by speed bump

The first Gumpert Apollo on American soil was brought out for its big debut Saturday, only to make more of an impression than intended. That impression was not only left on showgoers, but also on the speed bump leading into the parking lot. With roughly 4 millimeters of ground clearance it was easy to see this coming. The driver had brought the car from the sole U.S. distributor to show it off at a weekend cruise. He somehow failed to recognize that the speed bump was in fact approximately half the height of the low-slung supercar and after inexplicably getting the front air dam over the hump, found himself stuck.

The car came down and gently ground to a halt. It teetered a bit as it crept along the driveway, producing a grinding noise that had all of the witnesses cringing. As the carbon undertray was polished along its midsection, it became apparent that the rear tires might not make it over too. The driver stopped as the rears lifted just enough to take away traction. After a few moments of contemplation, he had the passenger get out and the lower payload gave the suspension just the right amount of lift to get the job done. Afterwards, there was much rejoicing in supercarland. A follow-up note from the dealer told us that there was thankfully no damage to the car from this incident. We recommend that anyone considering buying one of these 2400 lb, 750 hp monsters consider waiting for the "softer" model the company has pitched. Hopefully it will have an adjustable suspension.

July "Fly Premium" releases