BMW ALPINA B3 S BITURBO

Innovative, turbo-charged automobiles have always played a central role in ALPINA’s more than 45-year history as a manufacturer – the 1989 BMW ALPINA B10 Bi-Turbo is an excellent example, having achieved true cult status.

In 2008 the BMW ALPINA B3 Bi-Turbo rekindled this tradition, combining Bi-Turbo charging with the compact dimensions of the BMW 3 Series.

The new BMW ALPINA B3 S Bi-Turbo couples improved performance and torque with reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions - it is the logical result of continuous engineering development at the highest level. The B3 S Bi-Turbo builds upon the highly-praised traits of its predecessor and presents itself as one of the most harmonious and multi-faceted sports cars in its segment. Whether Saloon, Coupé, Touring or Convertible, whether rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive – the B3 S Bi-Turbo marries explosive performance with a high level of comfort and everyday usability, addressing the needs of an unusually broad target group of automotive connoisseurs!

Clever and Athletic

Agile, powerful athletes graced with endurance. The B3 S Bi-Turbo’s exceptional powerplant yields 294kW (400hp) at 6000rpm with a maximum torque of 540Nm (397lbs-ft) at 4500rpm. The sporting engine revs cleanly up to 7000rpm, yet offers massive thrust across a wide powerband – 400Nm (294lbs-ft) of torque is already available from just 1300rpm, all the way to 6000 rpm. Rarely has sporty, dynamic and economic driving been so enjoyable.

Prerequisite for this level of performance is the outstanding BMW 3.0-litre straight-six cylinder petrol engine with 2nd-generation direct injection (centrally located injectors) combined with Bi-turbo charging. Permanent development and years of testing allow ALPINA engineers to extract high levels of output from this engine by utilising all the possibilities modern direct injection offers.

The air intake and air filter system have been optimised in terms of pressure loss, with the exhaust system optimised in terms of back pressure – both steps effectively making air-intake and exhaust-gas flows more efficient. In combination with high-strength MAHLE pistons, a maximum boost of 1.2 bar with a compression ratio of 9.4:1 can be achieved. The result is a class-leading specific output of 98kW (133hp) per litre. A high-performance cooling system with an additional cooling radiator helps maintain optimum operating temperatures, even in extreme driving situations.

Offers More, Demands Less

Exceptional efficiency – more performance, better economy. Despite superior performance, the new BMW ALPINA B3 S Bi-Turbo retains its class leading fuel economy figures: just 9.7 l/100km (29.1 mpg) and 224-225 g/km CO2 in the combined EU test cycle and achieving EU5 Emission Standard (figures for all-wheel drive please see technical data).

The modern direct injection system enables especially efficient combustion at low throttle loads while the air flow and mapping optimisations improve realworld driving fuel economy by over 5%. The new B3 S Bi-Turbo shows once more, that innovative technology and dedicated engineering allow modern highperformance automobiles to achieve remarkable fuel economy.

Intelligent Performance

The B3 S Bi-Turbo’s charm lies in its V8-like performance drawn from a lighter, much more frugal 3.0-litre straight-six with aluminium block and Bi-Turbo charging. This performance can be called up effortlessly and almost anywhere in the rev range. The 0-62mph sprint is a breeze and is over in just 4.7 seconds.

Both the Saloon and Coupé can achieve a top speed of 300km/h (186mph).

The ALPINA SWITCH-TRONIC offers up shifting characteristics for every taste and situation. While the automatic mode shifts gently and comfortably, the transmission reveals its true sporting qualities in manual mode: using the shift buttons on the back of the steering wheel, the driver can up-shift in just a few hundred milliseconds with no perceptible loss in power. Sporty drivers especially appreciate the blip of the throttle which synchronises revs on manual downshifts, meaning nothing unsettles the balance of the car when using the whole rev range. Efficiency and driving pleasure are beautifully united in the B3 S Bi-Turbo. Due to the massive torque, use of top gear on the autobahn is sufficient for almost all driving situations, and also exceedingly thrifty.

Evolution Meets Heritage

The BMW ALPINA Coupés und Convertibles based on the BMW 3 Series have always captivated the eye through their elegant, fine lines and tasteful presence. The dynamic appearance of the B3 S Bi-Turbo is in part defined by the modern and functional front spoiler. Engineered using the newest developments in aerodynamic design, the spoiler reduces lift at the front and enables optimal air flow to the high performance cooling system. The Coupé and Convertible carry a new rear valance which communicates a tasteful sporting charm through its integrated rear diffusor and two distinctive double-ended exhaust pipes, a little like the stern of powerful luxury yachts.

A fresh, evolutionary design with a clear heritage. The new ALPINA CLASSIC 19“ light-alloy wheels underline the finely-proportioned forms of the new B3 S Bi-Turbo models. Reminiscent of a turbine and with a three-dimensional sweep, each of the 20 spokes leads from the hub right to the edge of the rim, making for a very fluid and dynamic appearance even when motionless. Unique: the new design retains the hidden air valve mounted in the wheel centre, which is covered by a lockable hub cover, leaving the wheels flawless in their form and beauty.

Typically ALPINA

A warm sense of well-being thanks to fine materials, brilliant ergonomics and excellent safety.
The comprehensive level of standard equipment convinces: leather sport seats offer excellent lateral support and comfort on long journeys, the ALPINA SWITCHTRONIC leather sports steering is luxurious to the touch, the blue ALPINA instrument display provides additional information such as engine oil temperature and a digital speed indicator.

Also as standard come high levels of safety and light-footed, agile handling. Firm rear sub-frame bushings increase the ALPINA suspension’s driving precision during quick changes in direction. The secret is the ideal 50/50 front/rear weight balance coupled with a supple suspension that’s neutral, even at the limit. The light-weight ALPINA CLASSIC wheel and MICHELIN tyre combination reduce unsprung mass and conventional non-run-flat tyres support a subtle ride. Besides the standard wheel/tyre set-up with 245/40 ZR18 front and 265/40 ZR18 rear, a 19” wheel/tyre package is available as an option in either DYNAMIC or the new CLASSIC design.

PININFARINA ELECTRIC CAR FOR THE TOWNS OF THE FUTURE

It is the first prototype of the “Nido Development Programme”, a modular platform from which new types of hybrid and electric cars will be developed

To mark the celebrations of its 80th anniversary, Pininfarina unveils the Nido EV, the first running prototype of the “Nido Development Programme”, the project for an electric car conceived, designed and built entirely by the Pininfarina Style and Engineering Centre of Cambiano (Turin). The Nido EV bears witness to the skills and experience that Pininfarina has built up in the development of electric vehicles, paying particular attention to the Segment A city cars that will populate the streets of the future to make our towns more pleasant to live in.

The Nido EV is one outcome of the pioneering, far-sighted decision taken by Pininfarina three years ago, to focus on sustainable mobility, approaching it from various angles: not only the adoption of a hybrid or electric driveline, but also research focusing on reducing consumption and “wheel to wheel” emissions, the use of alternative materials that are lighter and recyclable, active and passive safety, and IT, which will have to combine the sustainable use of means of transport with intelligent traffic management.

The exterior design of the Nido EV takes up and updates the lines and volumes that won the Nido of 2004 the award for the Most Beautiful Car in the World in the Prototypes and concept cars category, the Compasso d’Oro 2008 and a place in the temple of modern art, the MoMA of New York. On the other hand, the interiors of this first Nido EV project are still those of a technical prototype, with no attempt at stylistic research.

The Nido EV is a veritable laboratory designed both to explore the electrification of a small city car and to develop a modular floorpan. The body structure of this first prototype is a tubular steel frame, while the final version will have an aluminium space frame. The structure was designed to adapt to four different, completely electric or hybrid vehicles: 2-seater, 2+2, pickup and light van.

The Nido EV, a small city car (marginally larger than a Smart), has 2 seats and a permanent magneto rear engine. The “Nido Development Programme” also envisages the development of two more, slightly larger versions: the first will be a hybrid with an endothermic engine positioned at the front and an electrical engine at the rear; the second will be electric with a front engine. In both cases, the position of the engine makes it possible to increase roominess to seat 4, and to improve weight distribution. The Nido EV prototype is powered by a Zebra Z5 Ni-NaCl battery, which guarantees very high levels of safety and reliability. When fully charged, it has a range of 140 km and a top speed of 120 km/h (limited electronically), and accelerates 0-60 km/h in 6.7 seconds. The environmental compatibility of the Zebra Z5 battery is enhanced by the total absence of harmful or polluting chemical substances and the fact that it is 100% recyclable at the end of its life, in fact the batteries are recycled in the foundry and used to produce stainless steel. The prototype is also equipped with “green” tyres, developed by Pirelli paying particular attention to safety, environmental sustainability and saving.

Where climate control is concerned, the “Nido Development Programme” will use an AC electrical compressor and a high voltage electric heater making it possible to implement automatic control strategies which will help to reduce consumption in most conditions. The Programme will also cover research into solutions and light-weight components with a high mechanical/electrical efficiency, and energy saving solutions (batteries with outstanding charging performance) and braking systems specifically for hybrid/electrical applications.

Pininfarina aims to become the benchmark in Italy, and further afield, for sustainable mobility, just as it has been a global benchmark for style for the last 80 years, always investing in research and development programmes to tackle problems as they emerge in the motor industry rapidly and methodically.

During the energy crisis of the 1970s, for example, the industry concentrated on aerodynamics and alternative sources of energy to reduce petrol consumption. Pininfarina replied by developing the CNR Energetica 1 prototype, with ideal aerodynamic bodywork. Those years also produced the Ecos, the first electric car developed by Pininfarina, underlining that it was on the cutting edge in an area that the motor industry had only begun to reassess recently. In the 1980s, Pininfarina research into the application of light materials resulted in the Audi Quartz and Lancia Hit prototypes, which explored the use of new and lighter metallic and compound materials. The 1990s brought greater understanding of environmental problems, more research in the field of recyclable materials and ergonomics, and a more efficient concept of how to “package” the vehicle. Pininfarina offered new solutions with the Ethos macro-project, a family of 3 cars with an aluminium chassis, recyclable resin bodywork and an innovative combustion engine with reduced emissions, building up to the Ethos 3EV in 1995, another zero emissions car. More recently, Pininfarina has focused its research on hybrid vehicles, with the Eta Beta and Metrocubo projects, two small cars with modular cabins that also tackle the problems of driving in town and on medium hauls. Then, in 2004, Pininfarina returned to the issue of safety, which it had touched on with the Sigma, Alfa Romeo P33 and Sigma Grand Prix prototypes, and in 2008 it proposed the Sintesi, a futuristic concept car powered by 4 fuel cells (one per wheel).

Today, with the new global crisis and the need to curb emissions and consumption, the opportunities offered by zero emissions urban mobility have grown significantly: the world is increasingly aware of the environment, and Pininfarina was the first industrial company in Italy, and one of the first in Europe, to propose a project for a 100% electric car, the BlueCar, developed jointly with the Bolloré company. Today, when all the large carmakers view the electric car as an opportunity, Pininfarina takes another step forward, promoting a new philosophy that incorporates the choice of individual and collective electric transport in the context of a new lifestyle that everyone should adopt in order to increase energy saving, and protect the planet. This is why sustainable mobility has become one of the pillars underpinning the Group’s activities. And it is also why the new Nido EV project is now being launched, in parallel with the BlueCar.

2010 Renault Megane Coupe-Cabriolet (CC)

Renault announced that after the launch of the GT models, the New Megane lineup will be joined by the Coupe Cabriolet version in the UK. Orders for the New Megane Coupe Cabriolet will be taken starting June 4. The showroom launch is set for July 9. The Megane CC, which is priced from £21,595 on-the-road, will be offered in two trim levels — Dynamique TomTom and GT. The car will come in a range of six engines (three petrol and three diesel) and transmission combinations, two of which are intended exclusively for the flagship GT versions.

New Opel/Vauxhall Zafira

These are the latest spy pictures to have come out of the new Vauxhall/Opel Zafira. To be launched in 2012, the Zafira actually doesn’t have Meriva’s Innovative FlexDoor system.

Meriva’s rear-hinged doors are practical and very distinctive but the carmaker believes that the engineering difficulties of fitting the same layout on a seven-seater are too much. The new Vauxhall Zafira is expected to be more grown-up and refined than its predecessors. Due to the success of its competitors, Vauxhall is forced to shape the Zafira into something that’s similar. Knives, side blade, grille and wing-shaped headlights round out the features. For its interior, the company is influenced by the upcoming Vauxhall Astra. Notably, Vauxhall’s mission is to move its MPV up a class, into Ford S-Max territory.

Rumor: Bmw ‘Z’ Spyder Stradale in the works

BMW “Z” Spyder Stradale – the name it’s not new to fans of the Bavarian company as the car was originally put forward back in 2005 when Norbert Reithofer took the reigns of the BMW Group.

The car meant to be a highly emotive dream project but it appears that it was killed by the financial crisis. The so-called Spyder Stradale promises to be a successor to the Z8 and will feature an aluminum structure, an animalistic front end with signature indicators as well as state-of-the-art technology and EfficientDynamics will be one of them. This means that the car will feature stop-start technology, brake energy regeneration and will be capable to offer an impressive fuel consumption, for a sports car. Another interesting feature of the car will be the so-called active aerodynamics, which means that a movable front spoiler will be able to move in direction of airflow. The rear of the vehicle will gave a pop-up aerodynamic aid in order to obtain extra downforce for improve stability. The technology from this car will be borrowed from 5-, 6- and 7-Series. A concept version of the car is expected to debut this year at the Frankfurt Motor Show but a production version of the car would not arrive until 2014!

Le Mans debut with one-off 2011 Corvette Z06

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of when Corvette’s first appeared at Le Mans 24 Hours race, Chevrolet will make a one-off special 2011 Corvette Z06.

It’s easy to spot the car with its number plaque VIN 0001 and its white and blue paint scheme of the 1960 Corvette, which was the winner in its class at the race that took place 50 years ago. Prepare your checkbooks as this anniversary Corvette will be up for grabs later this year. The buyer is required to pay the $85,000 sticker price as well as donate 300,000 to the National Corvette Museum. He or she gets the special edition Z06, along with a Z07 performance package, which is a CFZ black carbon fiber package including some features from the ZR1. Watch out for the unique element on this special edition Z06 – the side view mirrors that would have the Cyber Gray rather than the Black that’s offered on the Carbon edition. The car is first seen in the ALMS race at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, only a week before the Corvette racing team proceeds to France to participate in the 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 12 to 13, 2010. At Laguna Seca, visitors can expect to see the special Corvette Legends of Le Mans display. Drivers Dick Thompson and Dick Guldstrand will be appearing.

Nissan Justifies

As part of Nissan Motor Co.’s strategy to be the top seller of electric vehicles, it is lowering the prices for its Leaf hatchback in the US, when compared with Japan and Europe.

The price difference is due to variations in the value of local taxes and incentives but Nissan asserts that it will make money in all markets in the long run. Earlier this week, Nissan said that the Leaf, which is powered by a lithium-ion battery pack, will be priced at about $37,000 in Europe after incentives. Meanwhile, it is priced at $32,780 in the US before incentives. In Japan, it has a base price of more than $40,000. Tom Smith, Nissan’s chief marketing manager for European electric auto sales, cited the variations in import fees, taxes and incentives as the reason for the inconsistencies. In a phone interview from Nissan’s headquarters in Yokohama, Japan, Smith said that there is a “significant difference” in the US and Europe prices when they’re converted. But that they’re priced at exactly the same level in both markets when Europe’s tax and import duty (4x than that in the US) are excluded. Nissan’s Chief Executive Officer Carlos Ghosn aims to lead sales of rechargeable vehicles, which is predicted to consist of about 10% of global auto demand by 2020. The Leaf will go on sale in Japan and the US this year and in Europe next year.

Model T Ford

The early cars were built in back yards and barns, with more wood than steel. There were no guarantees or repair facilities and buyers were left to their own devices to keep them on the road. They were a significant investment that only the well-to-do could afford but they were far from luxurious. The engines had to be started with a crank that frequently kicked back and could easily break your arm. It took two strong arms to turn the steering wheel. There were no doors, or heaters or windshield wipers. And when headlights were finally added they had to be lit with a match. In addition, gasoline was not always easy to find and the lack of roads coupled with crude tire technology resulted in all to frequent flats.

However, it was an exciting time for inventors and entrepreneurs and names like Ford, Daimler, Chrysler, DeSoto, Dodge, Studebaker, Olds and Hudson became household names.

Up until 1920, when the average worker earned less than $1500 a year, automobiles were hand made - one at a time - and could cost $3,000, $6,000 and even $10,000 dollars. Then Henry Ford revolutionized the industry by creating the assembly line and pre-manufactured, replaceable parts. It was the beginning of the Industrial Revolution.

The Model T Ford sold for less than $300, putting it within reach of millions of people, and the automobile industry was born. The affordable automobile became a national sensation and more cars begat more roads, more gas stations and drive-in restaurants and movies. Taking the family for a Sunday drive replaced an afternoon walk in the park. More roads meant people could go further quicker and the suburbs were born.

Henry Ford started the frenzy but it took the likes of Alfred P. Sloan to perpetuate it from year to year with the Chevrolet and ´planned obsolescence´. Henry sold millions of black Model T Fords while men like Sloan saw the value of enticing people with new gadgets. Annual offerings of handy accessories, such as the electric starter, headlights, synchromesh transmissions and trunks kept the industry alive and customers drooling for more.

The beginning years were wild and exciting as manufacturers, employees and customers pushed and shoved for their wants and rights. Plants produced pollution without regard; employees went on strike and formed unions; and the customer ruled - developing an insatiable appetite for more and more and more. But it was a new road of opportunity, filled with potholes and perils, leading to setbacks and heartbreak. The first obstacles came with World War I, leading to the Vintage Car Era, then came the Great Depression and World War II, leading to the Classic Car Era.

Ferrari 599 GTO

Michelin announced that the limited edition Ferrari 599 GTO (Gran Turismo Omologato) model will feature new Michelin super sport tires specially designed for this model. Michelin is set to produce 2,396 tires for the 599 units of the sports car.

Michelin collaborated with Ferrari in the production of these tires in only 18 months. In a statement, Michelin revealed their aim to enable the Ferrari 599 GTO “to achieve its full performance potential by delivering optimal track handling and superior safety.” The tire will have sizes 285/30 ZR 20 for the front and 315/35 ZR 20 for the rear. The front tire has a weight of 10 kilograms while the rear weighs 15 kilograms. This stands for a weight reduction of up to 10% when compared to other tires of similar dimensions. Three different compounds are seen on the tire tread. There is a track-type compound on the outer shoulder to endure the extreme pressure of circuit driving. Then there’s a compound at the center of the tread designed to provide superior performance at very high speeds. The third is an inner shoulder compound developed in combination with the tire construction to optimize the amount of rubber in contact with the road for secure road-holding.

2010 Audi RS6

The current AUDI RS6 already boasts an impressive engine performance but an enhanced version from Reifen Koch will likely impress any fan out there. This vehicle can be driven legally on the road but it’s very capable of entering a race.

The RS6 had its software optimized and it also got a sport air cleaner and a sport exhaust system. From 580 hp, the modified RS6 now is capable of delivering 700 hp. The maximum torque is at 790 Nm (standard version delivers 650 Nm) and the top speed is claimed to be about 330 km/h or 205 mph. Aside from improving its performance, this vehicle also gets some cosmetic tweaks. It received a Schmidt wheel set with a 22-inch wheel/tire combination. Buyers may also opt for the Schmidt Revolution CC LINE light alloy wheels with polished external bed that measures not less than 10×22 inch. These fill out the wheel housings with high speed tires that are sized 265/30 22. This vehicle also gets the AUDI carbon high speed brake assembly. You may also want to check the Avus Performance RS6 or the RS6 by APS Sportec!

2010 Acura TL A-Spec

Acura announced today its brand new 2010 TL A-Spec, a new limited edition vehicle featuring the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) but also the TL SH-AWD Technology Package trim with either 6-speed manual transmission or 5-speed automatic transmission.

What does this new edition include? According to Acura, the car comes with some unique features such as 19-inch alloy wheels with special summer performance tires, a full aero kit skirt pack (front, side and rear skirts), a midnight chrome grille and rear piece and ‘A-Spec’ badge and ‘A-Spec’ floor mats. The new car will carry a price tag of $51,290 (MSRP) and… will be available only in Canada!

Next-generation Audi A4

For carmakers to be able to cope with tightening fuel economy requirements, they won’t only have to produce a few electric vehicles and hybrids. They would also have to lower the curb weight in their volume sellers.

Autoblog reports that Audi will remove about 300 pounds out of the next-generation Audi A4, which will arrive in 2015. The existing A4 sedan weighs from 3,500-3,700 pounds, depending on whether all-wheel drive is used. But for a so-called compact sedan, it’s still quite big. AB says that the savings won’t have to come from a huge increase in the use of high-strength (high-tensile) steel. As costs decrease, Audi is expected to use relatively exotic materials such as carbon fiber.

Nissan expects growth in emerging markets

Profits of Nissan Motor Co. will only get a modest boost this year as it sees growth in emerging markets and as it prepares to launch new models, including its Micra subcompact. Other Japanese carmakers have also given cautious forecasts for this year. Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co. (No. 1 and No. 2, respectively) have reaped benefits from their lead in fuel-efficient hybrid models in mature markets. Nissan, on the other hand, has expanded quicker in China where drivers still favor cheap, conventional cars. In 2009, Nissan’s sales rose by 45% in China, the world’s largest auto market – easily earning the distinction of being the best performer among Japanese automakers.

2010 BMW M3 GTS high-performance sports car

BMW M GmbH will soon debut the BMW M3 GTS on the racetrack as well as on the road. This car, which is based on the M3 coupe, is equipped with a 4,361 cc V8 engine that was designed exclusively for the BMW M3.

This engine boasts a power output of up to 331 kW/450 bhp and 440 Nm. The car is able to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and can hit a top speed of 305 km/h. The BMW M3 GTS is painted a bright orange with matt black exterior components, including the BMW kidney grille and roof trims. Meanwhile, the side gill elements are made of dark anodized chrome. The BMW M3 GTS is lowered by 16 mm at the front and 12 mm at the rear. BMW modified the stability control function DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), as well as the ABS and the M Dynamic Mode (MDM). Being offered as standard is a roll bar fitted behind the B-pillars and mixed tires on matt black, 19-inch M light alloy wheels featuring a Y-spoke design. The BMW M3 GTS is set to be launched in Germany in July 2010. The model is priced from 136,800 euros.

Next-generation Mazda RX-7

As you may know already, Mazda is currently working hard on the RX-7 successor that will run using petrol or diesel while offering an improved fuel consumption compared with current RX-8.

Apparently, its new two-stroke 16X engine which will be found on the RX-7 successor will be designed in order to rectify the shortcomings of Mazda’s most recent rotary powerplant and this include high oil consumption. The new engine will develop around 300 hp and will be capable to push the car from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in under 5 seconds, and this without having the same fuel consumption as the Bugatti Veyron. According to Japanese sources, the current Mazda RX-8 is still as strong as it’s ever been in the United States, and this demand is the main reason the Japanese manufacturer is building a successor. If it weren’t the demand from the U.S., the project would have been shelved, same sources confirmed!

Mercedes-Benz sales rose

Daimler AG’s Mercedes-Benz brand posted a 15.3% increase in sales to 93,100 units in April. This is the third German luxury carmaker to state that the demand continued to grow in the last month. In a statement, Joachim Schmidt, head of sales and marketing for Daimler’s passenger car business, revealed that he considers this to be a “great start” for the company to start the second quarter. Schmidt also said that incoming orders have had major increases due to the rise in demand in China and the US as well as the “great success of the E- and S-Class.” Still, Mercedes lags behind its rivals, BMW AG and Audi AG, in global sales through April by about 20,000 units each.

Toyota forecast profit

As Toyota Motor Corp. recovers from the daunting recalls in North America, it predicts that profit will increase by 48% this fiscal year.

Aside from expecting a recovery in North America (its biggest market), the company also forecasts that sales will increase in Japan as well as in other parts of Asia. In a statement, Toyota said that for the fiscal year that ended last March, net income may rise to 310 billion yen ($3.35 billion) from 209 billion yen a year earlier. In April, its US sales increased by 24% as incentives raised the demand for its Corolla and Prius models and offset the impact of recalls of over 8 million vehicles worldwide for flaws linked to unintended acceleration. Toyota also forecasts that its North American sales will rise by 1.5% this fiscal year to 2.13 million vehicles. When it comes to Toyota’s earnings for this year, “North America is the only market that matters,” according to Gentoku Kiyokawa, a fund manager in Tokyo at Fortis Investments, which bought Toyota shares last February. He added that based on the latest sales figures, the recalls aren’t causing much of a problem. As sales in the car industry fell 21% to 10.4 million units (its lowest since 1982), Toyota’s US sales fell by 20% in 2009. Soon after the company launched discounts and other incentives across its lineup, sales in the US increased by 41% in March.

new smaller models within three years

Within the next three years, Infiniti will add three new smaller models to its range — an Audi A3 rival, an entry-level SUV and an electric hatch based on the Nissan Leaf. The A3 rival is slated to become its volume seller in Europe. It will be spun off the next front-drive Mercedes A-class platform as part of the tie-up between Renault/Nissan and Daimler. This platform could also produce the small SUV, according to some Infiniti sources. Yet another source says that the Nissan Leaf-based electric hatchback will be confirmed “in the very near future.” Nissan wants to have an electric Infiniti based on the Leaf to get a higher rate of return on its huge investment to develop the Leaf’s platform and battery technology.

Porsche Tequipment accessories for the 911

Porsche revealed today the new Tequipment accessories line for the 911 range. Tequipment includes new accessories such as the 19-inch Fuchs wheels, a replica of the well-known wheels very popular in the ‘60s, ‘70s and 80’s, which can be mounted on all the 911 versions, including the latest Turbo and Turbo S. The wheels are priced at € 5,569 or €5,866 for the cars featuring the tire pressure monitoring system. Another good news is the new conversion kit available for the cars fitted with the dual-clutch PDK gearbox, because Porsche now offers metal paddles available for the moment only for the 911 Turbo. This kit includes a new split-spoke steering wheel and paddles and costs €940. The Porsche 911 range also receives the new Aerokit Cup body kit, inspired by the GT3 and consists of a new front bumper, new side sills, a new rear bumper and a new big rear wing in order to improve the handling at high speeds. The Aerokit Cup comes with a price tag of €4,968. For the Targa and Cabrio models, Porsche offers a new Aerokit for €2,368.

Lexus LFA Nurburgring

Lexus announced today that it will offer LFA customers a limited edition Nurburgring Package. For those who don’t know, the package adds an extra 10 hp to the powerful 4.8-liter V10 engine, which means that car will have a total of 562 hp.

With these numbers, the car can sprint from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 3.7 seconds while the top speed achieved is 202 mph (325 km/h). The gear-shift time has been reduced by 0.05 seconds to only 0.15 seconds for even faster gear changes. Limited to just 50 units, the Nurburgring Package will include a sport-tuned suspension, exclusive black mesh-type wheels and dedicated high-grip tires for better handling but also a larger front spoiler and fixed rear wing for improved high speed down force. Lexus will offer the package in four exterior colors, whitest white, orange, black and matte black as well as three interior colors, black, red, and violet. All models will come with a carbon fiber door trim and carbon fiber center console. Price of the package: $70,000 (MSRP) while the matte black will carry an additional cost of $20,000. For the folks who don’t know, the standard LFA comes with a price tag of $375,000 (MSRP).

Audi A1

Audi AG is confident that orders for the new A1 subcompact would surpass the 50,000 units that it had planned to make this year. Volkswagen AG’s premium brand said that the A1 is designed to appeal to rich young people, a target group that could revitalize the image of the brand. It could also be a way to build loyalty as its consumers buy more luxurious models. In a statement, Peter Schwarzenbauer, Audi’s head of sales and marketing, said that the high demand could lead to orders exceeding the production capacity this year.

2010 Lancia Delta Hard Black

Pricing details for Lancia’s Delta Hard Black special edition have been announced. Order books are now open across Europe for this bespoke edition. The model, which will be dressed in a black matte paint, features black & chrome mirror caps, twin chromed exhaust and 18-inch alloy rims (which can be ordered in the “Hard Black” color as an option). For its interior, the car gets a Starlite black leather/Alcantara finish. Advanced features are also featured in this car. These include an auto adaptive suspension system, dual zone automatic climate control and the Blue & Me system.

BMW sales rose 15 percent

April sales for BMW increased by 15%, attributed in part to the appeal that the top-end 7-series sedan and Z4 roadster has on consumers. BMW, which makes the BMW brand as well as the Mini and Rolls-Royce models, has sold 116,391 cars and sport-utility vehicles in April compared with 101,591 the prior year. In a statement, BMW disclosed that four-month deliveries rose by 14% to 432,037. Chief Ian Robertson said that BMW’s confidence stems from sales that the revamped 5-series sedan and the new four-door Mini Countryman car are expected to achieve.

2010 BMW 5-Series

Hamann gives the 2010 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo a complete tuning kit. This package has both technical and visual modifications. Notably, major changes were made under the hood, raising the 530 diesel model’s output from 245 hp and 540 Nm of torque to 275 hp and 620 Nm of torque. Hamann did this by reprogramming the Motronic engine management system. The exterior of the 5-Series GT was enhanced with a front bumper add-on, a set of redesigned side skirts and a new rear apron, which incorporates four Hamann mufflers. These are made of stainless steel and feature a diameter of 90 mm. The 530d, 535i and 550i models, including air suspension versions, have gotten a suspension lowering kit that sharpens its appearance as well as improves the car’s handling. Hamann also offers a set of ANNIVERSARY EVO 22 inch rims, which are covered in high performance tires (265/30 for the front axle and 295/25 for the rear one). For its interior, the vehicle features aluminum pedals and footrest as well as Hamann-branded black floor mats.

Lexus F Sport Performance packages

If you are one of those folks who wanted to upgrade its Lexus, then it is you lucky day as the Japanese manufacturer announced a special offering on select F Sport accessories. The promotional pricing will include the IS sport sedan, IS convertible coupe and GS 350 rear-wheel-drive (RWD) luxury sport sedan. The offer includes the F Sport suspension kit which will be offered at a price of $1,450 (MSRP) representing a savings of $549. For those who don’t know, the F Sport suspension kit includes lowering springs that reduce ride height approximately one-inch in the front and rear as well as a rear chassis member brace for better cornering and enhanced chassis stiffness under aggressive driving conditions.