A Christmas Message From man 4 car

All of us at Car Articles would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas. We hope you enjoy the festive season and are safe, secure and sensible should you need to take to the road. As you may have noticed, we’ve been on a break for a couple of days.
When service resumes in the usual fashion, you’ll find that 2009 is going to be a bumper year. You’ll see the same news, reviews and features bolstered by interviews, one-off specials and much much more. Here’s to a great new year and the announcement of the Car Articles Car of the Year 2009!

Tata To Save Jaguar Land Rover (For The Time Being)

Tata Motors is to inject Jaguar Land Rover with crucial funds in order to keep the company afloat, say new reports. A cash sum from Tata would give the government some further time to decide on whether (and indeed how) to proceed should they be underwriting the company.
The car manufacturer has asked the government for financial support (a payment is likely to help keep the company going) and it has been backed by unions who say that the car industry as a whole could well need more help.
The UK carmaking industry employs around 800,000 people, many of whom may feel their jobs are at risk at the moment. Perhaps the greatest risk comes from a factory going under – once one goes, others may fall and it’s very unlikely that they then start back up. In we really need to try and save the UK car industry, even at a cost to the tax payer in the short term.
Ultimately, if we do nothing at this stage, we risk being in a much weaker position when the economy eventually does recover, which it will. When? Who knows, but for the time being, the number of employees above is simply too high a figure for the government to ignore.

Used Car Buying Advice For The Moment

The economy is in a mess. Car sales are down massively. A range of dealers are shutting down and worse still, manufacturers are actually seeing problems and laying off staff. However, if you’re in the market to buy, you’re in a good position (always an upside eh?).
Buying a nearly new car at the moment can net you savings of more than £6,000 or more. Naturally, this is something you’d want to look into. You’ll find the biggest savings on nearly new cars that have low mileage and are fairly common – with savings less apparent on higher spec models (for instance, I still haven’t found my Astra VXR for less than £10k).
Buying a car remains, for most of us at least, a purchase that takes months to save and prepare for. At the moment, though fuel has come down in price, smaller cars are still performing well due to the credit crunch. This means you can save quite a lot by aiming for something with a bigger engine (or even more performance) as long as you don’t do too many miles.

The Nissan GT-R - Improved For Europe

As you can see from the image above, the Nissan GT-R is an absolutely staggering beast. Huge amounts of power, a reasonable price point (for all the technology) and a hand built engine. It’s one very special car indeed. Nissan though have decided to make it better for Europe Engine power increase – up to 485PS (+5PS)Dunlop SP Sport 600 DSST tyres confirmed as standard fit‘Storm White’ (Pearl) replaces original pearl white exterior colourGun Metal RAYS Alloy wheels now fitted to GT-R and Premium editionsBlack RAYS alloy wheels for Black EditionPrice now increased for all new orders (from 8 December 2008)
As production of the European specification Nissan GT-R begins in its Tochigi plant in Japan this month, a raft of small but significant changes have been made to the car as part of its kaizen – continuous improvement – philosophy
The GT-R’s hand-built 3.8-litre V6 twin-turbo engine has gained 5PS thanks to some fine tuning of its electronics, taking power output to 485PS, while torque remains unchanged at 588Nm. Additionally, Dunlop SP Sport 600 DSST tyres will be fitted as standard
The tyre was developed specifically for the GT-R and it combines grip and durability, as demonstrated during its ‘time-attack’ lap of the Nurburgring, which yielded a time of 7 minutes 29 seconds. And, just to improve the ride performance even further a modification has been carried out to the suspension spring rate settings.
Another update sees the introduction of the Gun Metal grey coloured Rays seven-spoke alloy wheel design for the standard and Premium Edition GT-Rs, while the Black Edition will be fitted with the same design but, appropriately, in black. Additionally, customers can now choose a new pearl white called ‘Storm’ as an exterior colour – an eye-catching, deep white replacing the original pearl white which had a slightly darker shade. For customers ordering now, the price of the GT-R will start from £56,795 on the road with an increase of £1300 for the Premium Edition (£58,095) and another £1300 for the Black Edition (£59,395). This represents an increase of 3.8 percent. Deliveries of the GT-R will begin in April through a network of Nissan High Performance Centres, where customers will have contact with highly-trained staff who share their enthusiasm for the GT-R’s unique blend of accessible performance, striking design and state-of-the-art technology.
To date, Nissan has taken in excess of 2500 customer orders in Europe with 1200 coming from the UK. Any new customer orders should expect delivery in mid 2010.

car news - Vauxhall Hit By The Credit Crunch

In what appears to be another car manufacturer being hit by the credit crunch, Vauxhall is offering its workforce a chance to take a sabbatical on 30% pay. This sabbatical can last up to nine months, and presumably is a way to cut costs without actually having to cut any jobs for the time being.
General Motors (the owner of Vauxhall) approached unions at the Ellesmere Port plat in Cheshire with the plan. The scheme would see staff away from work from January until September 2009 – whilst the bank balance and industry is continually assessed (with improvements hopefully quite early in the year in the marketplace).
Of course, this is one way in which to avoid any sort of compulsory redundancy, though is reliant on some staff members seeing this offer as a good one. If uptake is good, there’s a possibility that the other plants owned and operated by General Motors may well follow suit in these turbulent times.
Car sales in the UK have fallen on average by 37% compared with the same time last year, meaning business is very slow indeed for many showrooms. This is, in turn, is causing problems for car manufacturers, who simply aren’t seeing demand for new cars like they did even last year.

High Quality and Residuals Make the Volkswagen Transporter a Double Winner

The Volkswagen Transporter van has been described as ‘head and shoulders’ above its rivals by the judges who chose it as the Best Medium Van in the inaugural Fleet Van Awards 2008, while the latest issue of Commercial Motor magazine has named the VW Transporter winner of a Medium Van group test against five rival vehicles, with particular praise for its quality and fuel economy.
‘In such a tough category, the winner had to have a supremely strong offering. But there was no doubt in the judges’ minds that one van stood head and shoulders above the rest, with superb build quality, road manners and residual values – the Volkswagen Transporter,’ said the judges of the Fleet Van Awards 2008.
The unsuccessful vehicles in the category compared against the VW Transporter included the Ford Transit, Vauxhall Vivaro, Mercedes-Benz Vito and Citroën Dispatch.
‘In these difficult economic times, this award is a great help to van buyers,’ said Simon Elliott, Director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. ‘Choosing a van is not just about the purchase price, but also its quality, durability and competitive whole-life costs. Buying a Volkswagen van also includes the reassuring back-up of a dedicated Van Centre network and fully trained, professional staff,’ he continued.
In its group test of medium vans, Commercial Motor magazine praised the Volkswagen Transporter T30 TDI PD 130 PS, saying: ‘It comes as no surprise that its main strength is in the quality of its construction and design – something the manufacturer is noted for – and this is evident not just in the overall build, but in the way everything works together. The interior was the highest scoring in the group. And on fuel economy it also comes top.’
The Volkswagen Transporter range offers load volumes from 5.8 m³ to 9.3 m³, payloads from 802 kg to 1,282 kg, short and long wheelbase models, low, medium or high roof and four diesel engines from 84 PS to 174 PS. Basic retail prices start from £14,480 (excluding VAT) with vehicle contract hire or finance lease currently available from £205 a month with three years free servicing. It is the best-selling Volkswagen van in the UK and most of Europe, and one of the most popular vans ever with over 10 million produced since 1950.

Fancy Being The New Owner Of Honda F1?

In yet another crisis to hit motoring in general and F1 specifically, Honda announced that it would be pulling out of the sport if a new owner wasn’t in place. Yet again, the blame is putting put squarely on the doorstep of the global financial mess that we call the world economy.
Interestingly, this will leave both Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello without cars currently – something neither of them can be relishing the prospect of given the fact that there are only a few mid-table places left.
Honda spent more than £300 million on F1 (including last year, which didn’t see any particularly amazing results to credit such spending power), without too much to show for it. This has led to a deadline of January being set – with the workers in Brackley being told to expect letters of redundancy prior to Christmas.
Once again, we’re seeing the situation where a large company is being offered for (some speculate) £1, however to actually compete then they’d need to be awash with money to the tune of £40 million. Perhaps what’s most surprising is that there’ll be only 18 cars on the grid next year – next exactly a huge number. What makes F1 worse is the, at times, difference in the performance of the cars.
Max Mosley – President of the FIA – has encouraged F1 teams to find cost cutting measures. This is sensible for two reasons. The first is that globally, it’s probably better to tighten purse strings, whatever you may be involved in (especially when it happens to be one of the most expensive, if not the most expensive, sports in the world). Secondly, it highlights that even this world of glitz, glamour, fast cars and ladies can all come tumbling down.
Ultimately, I’d love to see Honda competing again, but if that’s not going to happen any time in the next couple of seasons, perhaps we can hope for an independent team that will be able to challenge for the top spot? Now that’s something I’d like to see

Drivers – Save £5 Billion – But Be A Boring Driver

British motorists could save more than £250 per year – by changing their driving style to something that’s a little more greener (rather than honing around aggressively, one could say). So-called ‘better’ drivers can slash their fuel consumption by 15 percent, according to the energy saving truste The Trust is offering a £15 one hour course aimed at business drivers. Naturally, driving a little less enthusiastically also reduces emissions, as the engine gets worked less hard than otherwise. I’ve already covered the tips, so I won’t do it again. What I will say though is how much do you enjoy driving?
For me, it’s worth extra cash sometimes to drop a little bit of a heavier right foot. In fact, it makes me a little sick and tired of the current obsession with miles per gallon. I’d go so far as to say that I’d almost certainly never drive a diesel – unless it happens to be an Audi R8 V12 TDI.
Naturally, there’s a caveat here. The caveat is, rather than being concerned over money or emissions – consider the weather at the moment. You’d have to be rather mad to put the pedal to the metal at the moment, given how treacherous conditions are out there. I rectified a small skid on the way home myself…
Of course, if you are interest in being a ‘Galactic Miler’ or whatever they call them, then watch out for the Car Articles Green Car of the Year. Here’s a tip. It won’t be a bloody Prius! It’ll be a ‘proper’ car that won’t have mad airs and graces but will provide a good drive and a good MPG rating.

Aston Martin Cuts 600 Jobs

In yet another blow to the British car industry, Aston Martin has announced that it is to cut 600 jobs – half of which are actually full time posts. The luxury car maker, who employs around 1,800 people, blamed the downturn (who isn’t) on the loss of the roles.
Naturally, our thoughts go out to the workers who have unfortunately lost their jobs at a particularly hard time of year. Perhaps tellingly, Aston Martin sold only 110 cars in October this year, compared to the same month last year when they managed 164 sales.
I hate to say it – as I have huge respect for the man – but there’s just something a little hollow about the words that Dr Ulrich Bez spoke in response to this crisis of a third of the workforce being laid off. Particularly, his statement of “the Aston Martin brand is the strongest it has ever been”. I just feel that would stick in the throat of some of the workers who’ll be leaving the factory for the last time.
To be honest, I’m actually surprised that Aston Martin has had sales problems – it’s not really like the super rich (footballers etc) will really have been affected too badly by the credit crunch or the government’s advice to businesses of not giving employees pay rises that are higher than inflation.
We can all only hope that the British car industry picks up shortly – as this isn’t any good for any of us.

A New Van Centre In Glasgow

A new, state of the art Verve Van Centre in Glasgow was officially opened last week by Stephan Schaller, CEO of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. The new verve van centere , which represents a financial investment of £3m and is expected to create 20 new jobs, is a bespoke building in a new location at Glasgow Business Park in Baillieston, Glasgow. It replaces the previous Verve Van Centre which had outgrown its premises in Rutherglen, Glasgow.
The new building will enhance Verve’s customer service and experience with more servicing facilities, thanks to its larger ten vehicle workshop equipped with the latest testing and diagnostic equipment and fully trained staff. There is also a spacious showroom to demonstrate the award-winning Volkswagen range of vans including the Caddy vans and Transporter vans, people carriers and even the California camper van, plus a range of Volkswagen Assured Used vans. Verve is also proud to offer its customers courtesy vehicles if their vehicle is off the road, and will shortly be introducing the flexible option of Volkswagen Van Rental.
‘At Verve, we understand that to keep a business moving, our customers’ commercial vehicles need to keep moving too, so we look forward to enhancing our customer service by offering more facilities together with a warm welcome from our staff at our new location,’ said Charlie Adair, Managing Director of Verve who founded the business almost exactly ten years ago, on 4 December 1998, and has seen sales of commercial vehicles increase from 64 in his first year to 650 in 2007.
‘Verve is an innovative and enthusiastic business. We believe in making things happen, not sitting about waiting for things to happen, so we are quick to adopt best practice in the industry, such as the Verve Apprentice Academy to develop the best Volkswagen-trained technicians,’ he continued.
Stephan Schaller, CEO of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles said: ‘It is an honour to be here with my colleague Harald Schomburg, board member for sales and marketing. At the moment, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is number one in Europe with a total market share of 16 per cent, but this is only possible with a strong dealer network, fighting lowering business confidence with customer orientation every day.’
He added: ‘I must congratulate Charlie Adair on the brand-new facilities and for investing for the future during hard economic times; expanding from the old building to this impressive, new stand alone Van Centre, located in a regenerated area of Glasgow.
What I think is most remarkable is that you have created 20 new jobs in this customer orientated building to improve your business and to make your customers satisfied by meeting their demands. That’s the right spirit to sell our modern commercial vehicle range and to keep them on the road to success.’

audi q7

This Audi Q7 diesel is a monster, monster vehicle with more power than almost anything else on the road – but perhaps the most impressive thing is the fact that this power is channelled through a 7 seater 4×4 body! In fact, it’s the most powerful 4×4 in the world.
It’s the only passenger car available that comes with a 12 cylinder diesel engine – and engine that’s apparently closely related to the same powerplant used in the Le Mans R10 TDi sports car that was unleashed by Audi and driven by Allan McNish.
Performance is of course staggering, with the 500bhp engine tearing the car to 60 in only 5.5 seconds. There’s also the (limited) top speed of 155 miles per hour – one does have to wonder what it would be capable of with this removed, but then bear in mind the sheer size of the thing…
Fuel consumption is what you’d expect, with around 20mpg. Stopping power is good thanks to the massive brakes that are fitted as standard, but then come on, with all that weight matched to all that power, you’d need something serious to slow you down.
The Q7 is certainly one for those who need a fast Chelsea tractor – could you see yourself driving such an expensive vehicle (only slightly shy of £100,000) with a sign of any mud whatsoever on the bodywork? I didn’t think so.
Standard spec includes the usual leather, heated seats, sat-nav, Bose stereo etc etc. The list is quite good, but then again, it’s not exactly cheap. The suspension is adaptive so you should have difficulty making this big beast fall over, whilst the ground clearance is actually surprisingly good.

مدرب العراق السابق مستعد لدفع 100 ألف دولار لشراء حذاء القي على بوش

عمان 15 ديسمبر كانون الأول (خدمة رويترز الرياضية العربية) - أعلن عدنان حمد المدرب السابق لمنتخب العراق لكرة القدم وفريق الفيصلي الاردني المقيم حاليا في الاردن استعداده لدفع 100 الف دولار ثمنا لحذاء القاه صحفي عراقي صوب الرئيس الأمريكي جورج بوش في بغداد أمس الأحد.
وقال حمد لرويترز اليوم الاثنين "مستعد لدفع مبلغ 100 الف دولار ثمنا لهذا الحذاء."
واضاف "الصحفي العراقي منتظر الزيدي أعاد الكرامة للعراقيين والعرب."
وكان الزيدي (29 عاما) القى حذاءه على بوش خلال مؤتمر صحفي مشترك مع رئيس الوزراء العراقي نوري المالكي واصفا تصرفه بأنه قبلة وداع من الشعب العراقي للرئيس الامريكي الذي سيترك منصبه في مطلع العام المقبل كما نعت بوش "بالكلب".
ووصف المدرب العراقي الحذاء بانه "حذاء الكرامة".
وقال حمد "العراقيون ذاقوا الويل من جورج بوش الذي دمر بلادهم وقتل أولادهم وهذا رد طبيعي على تصرفاته حيالهم."
ويعد حمد (47 عاما) من ابرز المدربين العراقيين وتولى تدريب منتخب بلاده أكثر من مرة كان اخرها هذا العام في التصفيات المؤهلة لنهائيات كأس العالم 2010

صور حادث رمى بوش بالحذاء

when an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at Mr. Bush’s head and denounced him on live television as a “dog”

BAGHDAD — President Bush made a valedictory visit on Sunday to Iraq, the country that will largely define his legacy, but the trip will more likely be remembered for the unscripted moment when an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at Mr. Bush’s head and denounced him on live television as a “dog” who had delivered death and sorrow here from nearly six years of war.

صحفي عراقي يرمي بوش بالحذاء ويصفه بأنه كلب

بغداد (رويترز) - نعت صحفي عراقي الرئيس الامريكي الزائر جورج بوش بأنه "كلب" باللغة العربية وألقى حذاءه عليه خلال مؤتمر صحفي في بغداد.
وقفز مسؤولون أمنيون عراقيون وضباط أمريكيون متخفون على الرجل وجروه الى خارج الغرفة وهو يقاوم ويصرخ فيما كان بوش يجري مؤتمر صحفيا مع رئيس الوزراء العراقي نوري المالكي.
وأخطأ الحذاء هدفه بنحو 4.5 متر. وطاش أحد الاحذية فوق رأس بو

ش وأصاب جدارا خلفه فيما كان يقف المالكي بجانبه. وابتسم بوش بامتعاض فيما بدا المالكي متوترا.
ولدى سؤاله عن الحادث بعد ذلك قلل بوش من شأنه وقال "لم أشعر بأدنى تهديد."
واعتذر صحفيون عراقيون اخرون نيابة عن زميلهم الذي كان صحفيا تلفزيونيا.
ووصل بوش الى بغداد في وقت سابق يوم الاحد في رحلة وداع قبل أن يغادر منصبه في يناير كانون الثاني. وقادت الولايات المتحدة غزوا في عام 2003 للاطاحة بصدام حسين مما أثار أعمال عنف دامية راح ضحيتها عشرات الالاف من العراقيين .

هذا ولم يصب الحذاء الرئيس الامريكى وانما اصاب العلم الامريكى بطريقة غير طبيعية

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2008 Hummer H3 X Concept

The Hummer H3 X Alpha is a stylish and capable vehicle straight from the factory, but the H3 X Concept takes style and exclusivity to the next level. Production equipment includes bright roof crossbows; chrome fuel filler door, assist steps and brush guard; body-colour grille and spare tyre cover; 18-inch wheels and embroidered seat headrests.

The H3 X Concept builds on those features with the following:

- New 18-inch wheels with unique finish
- All-terrain 35-inch-tall tyres
- Black chrome finish on exterior chrome components
- Body-colour rear bumper extensions
- Clear turn signal and side repeater lenses

The exterior is painted a distinctive Canyon Metallic colour from PPG that is complemented brilliantly by the black chrome details and 18-inch wheels. The interior features black leather trim on the seats, console armrest, door armrests and shift knob that is accented with orange stitching. It also features custom mats with orange piping and a headrest DVD entertainment system that is available from Hummer Accessories.

Powering the H3 X Concept is the Alpha model's 5.3L V8 engine that delivers 300 horsepower (224 kW) and 320 lb-ft of torque (434 Nm). It is partnered with a four-speed automatic transmission and enables great off-road driving control and a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds (2,721 kg) – enough to haul a trailer packed with a weekend's worth of dirt bikes, camping gear and more.

Technical Specifications
Engine: 5.3 litre V8
Aspiration: Natural
Maximum Power: 224 kW (300 hp)
Maximum Torque: 434 Nm (320 lb-ft)
Transmission: Four-speed automatic

2009 Mazda RX-8

Launched in 2003, the Mazda RX-8 hit the global market with a serious bang. The RX-8 has won more than 50 global awards since its release including 2003 RJC Car of the Year in Japan Australia's Wheels magazine's Car of the Year for 2003, 2003 International Engine of the Year, 2004 Singapore Car of the Year, the 2004 U.S. Best Sports Car and UK Car of the Year 2004. It was also named on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 2004, 2005, and 2006. All together, Mazda has sold nearly 167,000 RX-8s around the world.

For 2009, Mazda will further the evolution of the four-door, four-seater sports coupe, giving RX-8 a refreshed exterior and interior design, enhanced performance and a new R3 sport package for the ultimate driving enthusiast.

Unchanged is the core of the RX-8 – a high-powered, lightweight and perfectly balanced machine powered by the world-renowned twin-rotor RENESIS rotary engine.

"Dating back to the Cosmo Sport released in 1967, every sports car ever developed by Mazda has had the same fundamental mission – to provide car lovers with a vehicle that's fun-to-drive, exciting to look at and easy to own," said Tetsu Nakazawa, Mazda North American Operations' RX-8 vehicle line manager. "The 2009 RX-8 embodies that mission, conveying the unique and distinctive Mazda brand DNA to the fullest."

To enhance the highly successful RX-8, Mazda engineers focused on innovation in three key areas for the 2009 RX-8: styling, performance and packaging. "The enhancements made to RX-8's exterior, interior, packaging and performance takes it to a whole new level of visual and driving excitement," remarked Nakazawa.

Technical Specifications
Engine: 1.3 litre twin-rotor rotary
Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
Maximum Power: 232 hp (173 kW)
Transmission: six speed manual
Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive

2009 Hummer H3T Alpha

Hummer is bringing its unmistakable style and unmatched capability to the truck market with the 2009 H3T. It is based on the architecture of the popular H3, but features a five-passenger crew cab and a separate five-foot-long (1.5 metres) bed.

The H3T is bigger than a midsize truck and smaller than a full-size truck, creating its own niche in the market. It also is infused with the attributes expected of a Hummer, including exceptional off-road capability and a premium interior that is as functional as it is comfortable.

"With its unique size and Hummer traits, the H3T is ideal for the customer who works hard and plays harder," said Martin Walsh, Hummer general manager. "It offers the combination of truck versatility and Hummer off-road prowess that delivers customers to the trail in style."

In addition to its segment-defying size, the H3T also stands apart from other trucks with its signature Hummer off-road capability. It is the only midsize truck to come standard with full-time four-wheel drive, 32-inch tyres and functional skid shields. It also is the only midsize truck to offer front and rear locking differentials, as well as 33-inch tyres. The V8-powered H3T Alpha can tow up to 5,900 pounds (2,676 kg).

The H3T is offered in four trim levels, including five-cylinder models and the popular, V8-powered H3T Alpha edition. Production is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2008 at GM's Shreveport, La., assembly plant, with vehicles arriving at Hummer dealerships shortly thereafter. Hummer will sell the H3T in North America, Europe and the Middle East.

2009 BMW M3 ALMS Race Car

BMW presented the racing version of the new BMW M3 at the Chicago Auto Show. Powered by a 485 bhp eight cylinder engine, this impressive race car has been designed to compete in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) beginning in 2009. The car is based on the fourth generation of the BMW M3, the high-performance sports car produced by BMW M GmbH. BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen says: "With the sporting genes of the production BMW M3 being clearly evident, developing a racing version of the car was the next logical step. The fact that the road-going vehicle is fitted with a V8 engine as standard provided us with an ideal base. However, the BMW M3 is more than a race car, it has achieved legendary status amongst race fans across the globe. I am convinced that this unique story of the BMW M3 racing cars will now be expanded upon by the addition of further chapters." BMW's 2009 entry into the American Le Mans Series will be driven by a partnership between BMW of North America, LLC and Rahal Letterman Racing, co-owned by US motorsport legend Bobby Rahal. "We are very pleased to be returning to the American Le Mans Series with our latest generation BMW M3," states Tom Purves, Chairman and CEO, BMW of North America. "Sports car racing has been part of BMW of North America's history practically from day one. Just two weeks after the company was incorporated in March 1975, a BMW CSL won the Twelve Hours of Sebring. We are confident that the fourth generation M3 will continue the legacy of its two predecessors which combined to win six manufacturer's championships over nine seasons in US sports car racing. As it has been in the past we believe the ALMS is the ideal venue to showcase the potential of the newest BMW M3." Echoing that sentiment Bobby Rahal adds, "BMW has an illustrious racing heritage. Rahal Letterman Racing is eagerly anticipating, not only becoming part of that heritage, but helping to enhance it. Our dedication to this project will be without equal and we look forward to racing at the front of the grid with BMW in the years to come." Martin Birkmann, Motorsports Manager, BMW of North America, adds: "We are very excited to announce our return to the American Le Mans Series with the 4th generation M3 at the same time as the road car hits the BMW showrooms. We are also excited about our partnership with Rahal Letterman Racing. The ALMS offers racing where we can compete against the finest and most renowned automotive brands from Europe and the US. Motorsport is deeply ingrained in the BMW DNA and we are pleased to partner with an organization which shares that same heritage. Rahal Letterman Racing is the perfect partner to be behind the wheel of our new BMW M3 racing effort." Technical Specifications Engine: 4.0 litre V8 Aspiration: Naturally aspirated Maximum Power: 485 hp (362 kW) Maximum Torque: 368 lb-ft (498 Nm) Transmission: Six-speed sequential racing transmission Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive

bmw 2008

2 new Honda hybrid vehicles in 2009

What Honda's next hybrid won't look like?

By mid-2009 Honda plans to begin selling its new economy hybrid, which will cost less than the Civic hybrid. Earlier reports indicated the vehicle might be a hybrid version of the Honda Fit, but now it appears the vehicle might be more like Honda's Remix concept.

In addition, Honda is also planning a sports coupe, but it will not look like the one pictured above - previewed at the Geneva Auto show. Instead, the new hybrid coupe is also supposed to be influenced by the Remix.

Perhaps, much like Toyota's plans for the Prius, will Honda make multiple derivatives of the same basic hybrid - two derivatives of a new, unique hybrid? Regardless, Honda is planning to produce 200,000 of these new hybrid cars - a significant uptick in Honda's hybrid vehicle production.

Porsche: What's new for 2009 - - and beyond

Updates include new headlights, LED taillights, and an updated entertainment/navigation system with a larger touch-screen monitor, iPod adapter, and optional Bluetooth phone compatibility. Carrera and Targa models get new engines with direct fuel injection; displacement is unchanged but the engines produce more power. The 6-speed Tiptronic automatic is replaced by the 7-speed PDK (Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe), Porsche's first twin-clutch transmission. All-wheel-drive Carrera and Targa models get the electronically-controlled center differential from the 911 Turbo.

2009 Honda Fit Sport

The V6 engine has been re-rated to 271 horsepower (from 268), with torque ratings of 254 lb-ft for automatic cars and 251 lb-ft for manuals (both up from 248). Actual engine output hasn't changed, but Honda says the original 2008 figures, taken from pre-production engines, were too low. Other than that, the Accord is unchanged.

CIVIC: (photo) The front fascia has been redesigned and the taillights now have clear turn-signal lenses with amber bulbs. A new DX-VP model (sedan only) adds air conditioning and a CD player to the base-model DX for an extra $750. The LX-S adds alloy wheels, "sport-trimmed" seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, trunk spoiler and a chrome exhaust pipe tip for an extra $600 over the mid-line LX. New standard equipment for various Civic models includes a three-spoke steering wheel (all models), electronic stability control (EX-L, Hybrid), USB audio jack (EX, EX-L, Si, Hybrid), fog lights (Si), and new alloy wheels (EX, EX-L, Si). The optional navigation system now includes Bluetooth phone connectivity, and Hybrid models can be had with an optional ($1,200) leather package similar to the one introduced on the 2008 Civic EX-L.

Smart: What's new for 2009

Few changes as Smart settles in to America

Fire-truck red and metallic gray join the Smart Fortwo's color palette; other than that, the two-seat microcar is unchanged from last year's model.

Scion cars: What's coming in 2009

: The tC Spec package has been discontinued, but the tC is otherwise unchanged.

XB: The xB was all new for 2008, and receives no major changes for 2009 save a new paint color.