Monday 21 May 2012

Marchionne: A Chrysler-Lancia Merger Could Happen This Year

08:59

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Marchionne: A Chrysler-Lancia Merger Could Happen This Year

The marriage between Chrysler and Lancia may come sooner than later. An Autocar interview with Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne says the two brands could merge their lineups by the end of this year.

"In Europe, Lancia is an undersized, underdeveloped brand, with nothing bigger than the Delta. Chrysler, which has a true global reach, has nothing smaller. Put them together and you have a full lineup," Marchionne said. "We could see the two converge as early as the end of the year."

Marchionne's statements nearly confirm reports of such platform dating to last October.
The first example of such a merger could be the Chrysler-branded Delta that was on hand at the Detroit auto show.
While details were nonexistent -- the concept didn't even have a name the hatchback provided a pleasant example of how the Fiat's products could appear stateside.
We've also heard that Lancia could receive a luxury vehicle underpinned by the next-generation Chrysler 300C

08:57

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Chrysler May Abandon Sebring Nameplate

In an attempt to break away from its pre-bankruptcy form, Chrysler is possibly dropping the Sebring name for its revised midsize sedan, which is due late next year.

Chrysler is planning to significantly revamp its lineup in the near future, and is promising nine significantly upgraded vehicles -- Chrysler calls them "new" -- by the end of this year. The Sebring is one of those cars on the block. Apart from ditching most of the features found on the current car, CEO Sergio Marchionne suggests the new car may even ditch the Sebring nameplate.

“You’ll see a completely different animal,” said Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Fiat and Chrysler Group, speaking about the Sebring replacement scheduled to go on sale in the fourth quarter this year. “Actually, we were having a discussion about what name this animal should have. The jury’s still out.”

While details about the upgraded Sebring are rather scarce, Marchionne says the changes will be significant. The most significant changes will come in the interior, where hard plastics currently abound. The new interior should look more like the new Ram trucks’ interior, with numerous leather appointments.

08:56

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Allow us, if you will, to play paparazzo for a moment and show you what may be an up-and-coming movie star. Photos of what appear to be a convertible version of the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray (or Centennial) concept recently appeared online, and we wouldn't be surprised if the car is destined for a career in Hollywood.

You may have seen the coupe version of the Stingray in person at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show, but there’s a better chance you saw it on the silver screen. GM’s Corvette Centennial concept was tapped by director Michael Bay for Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen, his 2009 sequel to Transformers.

So, then, what is this? We’ve no idea, other than the fact that someone (GM designers? Bay himself? Robotic alien creatures?) in the Southern California area managed to transform the striking coupe design into an angular roadster. Apart from the stubby wrap-around windshield and the waterfall decklid, we note a few other striking differences between this and the original Stingray concept design:

-a new hood, with two intake nostrils flanking a hood bulge that gives us flashbacks of the C3 ZL1 prototype

-new wheels, which adopt a new five-spoke pattern with deeply offset rims

-deeper front intakes, which appear to house fog/running lamps of some kind in their upper corners. These lamps seem to have replaced the slender, LED lamps that ran up the leading edge of the coupe’s front fenders

The Internet is abuzz with speculation of this car’s origins -- but seeing as Bay is already at work at a Transformers 3 and the car was spotted near a major film industry hotspot, we wouldn’t be surprised to see this ‘Vette gain a supporting role in the upcoming film.

Source: Corvette Blogger, BobsBlitz

08:55

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Bugatti EB has started to manufacture the Bugatti EB 16.4 Veyron at the end of 2003, a factory located in Molsheim (France), where it was the original Bugatti factory until its first disappearance.

Bugatti EB 16.4 Veyron

The Bugatti EB 16.4 Veyron is a two-seater with carbon fiber frame covered with panels of aluminum and composite material of carbon fiber and Kevlar. It measures 4466 mm long, 1998 wide and 1206 high, is rather high, because of the air intakes above and draw attention to their route front of the biggest that there are currently.

Bugatti EB 16.4 Veyron

The Bugatti EB 16.4 Veyron has a 16-cylinder engine in 'W' (two banks of eight-cylinder V-close) in central rear longitudinal position. Its engine capacity is 7993 cc, took four turbochargers, two intercooler, 64 valves and direct injection. It has four-wheel-drive and a seven-speed semi-automatic with sequential control by means of cams located behind the steering wheel.

Bugatti EB 16.4 Veyron

The Bugatti EB 16.4 Veyron has only provided the data from 0 to 300 km / h: less than 14 s. The maximum speed is 406 km / h. Until now, and not counting the competition, there has been no model for building more or less regular who has reached such benefits.

2008 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport

Bugatti EB 16.4 Veyron

It has a spoiler that deploys automatically when the Bugatti EB 16.4 Veyron reaches a certain speed; the movement of this aileron is to deploy upward and backward, 20 cm in each direction. To get high-speed aerodynamic support, especially at the rear axle, the floor of the Bugatti EB 16.4 Veyron has a certain form of inverted wing and the rear is a diffuser, which facilitates the flow of air under the Bugatti EB 16.4 Veyron.

2008 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Interior

Bugatti EB 16.4 Veyron

W16 maintains the configuration of prototypes earlier, but with the V-90. It measures 710 mm in length and 767 mm in width, that is, is something bigger than the early prototypes. Another major change to the initial W18 and W16 engine is that it is an engine pressure. Its engine capacity is 7993 cc, has four turbochargers, two intercooler and direct injection. It has cylinder heads with four valves per cylinder and continuously variable distribution. The compression ratio is 9.0 to 1.

Bugatti EB 16.4 Veyron

1001 Da HP (736 KW) of maximum power at 6,000 rpm, is much in relation to its cylinder (125 hp / l), which indicates that Bugatti has some intention of giving a "sporty" to the engine. In fact, a rated maximum speed is 1171 Nm, 94 per cent of maximum torque.

Bugatti EB 16.4 Veyron

The maximum torque is 1250 Nm, between 2,200 and 5,500 rpm. That the actual average pressure reaches a very large (1964 kPa) indicates that this engine not only draws strength from having lots of engine capacity or many turbochargers; to a normal level would also be an engine with great force. There are few engines that give so much strength relative to its engine capacity (of the Aston Martin DB7 and, above all, the Mitsubishi Carisma Evo VII).

Bugatti EB 16.4 Veyron

Will be joined to a new seven-speed automatic, which has the structure of a manual, with an automatic clutch. The driver can manually change with sequential controls on the steering wheel, with each change is done automatically in 0.2 seconds.

Bugatti EB 16.4 Veyron

The 18.3 Chiron had been designed by Giugiaro in Ital Design, had the manufactured chassis in carbon fiber, traction to all four wheels and an unpublished 18-aspirated engine cylinders in a W 60th, with 72 valves, direct injection, 6255 cc, 555 HP at 6,000 rpm and 650 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. Despite such figures, was an engine very compact and had a weight of 315 kilograms.

Bugatti EB 16.4 Veyron

Only a few months later, in the Hall of Tokyo (December 1999), showcasing the Bugatti again be the point of care with the Bugatti EB 16.4 Veyron. The new prototype was an evolution of 18.3 Chiron and was designed by the Volkswagen Design Center, led by Harmut Warkuss. The 18.4 Veyron took the name of Pierre Veyron, the French pilot who was proclaimed winner in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1939 behind the wheel of a Bugatti 57. This model had the same 555 bhp W18 engine that carried the 18.3 Chiron.

Bugatti EB 16.4 Veyron

The next evolution was presented at the Salon de Paris (September 2000). The new prototype was called Bugatti Bugatti EB 16.4 Veyron, received little touches of design and a new W16 engine with 8006 cc, a compression ratio high (10,75:1), 630 hp at 6,000 rpm and 760 Nm at 4,000 rpm.

Bugatti EB 16.4 Veyron

The angle between the two blocs VR8 was 72 ° and the width of the block of 690 mm. He had four valves per cylinder and direct injection. The dry-sump lubrication era and the ability of oil is 15 liters. Bearing four camshafts in the head and operated chain variable distribution, which allows 85% of full torque from 1500 rpm.

Bugatti EB 16.4 Veyron

In March 2001, during the Geneva Motor Show, Bugatti presented another new development of the Bugatti EB 16.4 Veyron, and announced its intention to begin selling it after 2003 with a new W16 engine that, unlike their predecessors atmospheric, with four turbochargers, an engine capacity of 7993 cc and 1001 no less than HP and 1,250 Nm of torque.

Bugatti EB 16.4 Veyron

During the 2001 Frankfurt Motor Show, the latest evolution of what appears will be the final Bugatti EB 16.4 Veyron, has received design changes of the body, mainly affecting the aerodynamics and its varied slightly dimensions. Its W16 engine also has minor tinkering with the configuration of the covers of butt and orientation of the four turbochargers, although they have not changed their values of power and torque.

Bugatti EB 16.4 Veyron

The interior continues to dominate the scalp, and the center console is done with a few pieces of aluminum to the dashboard reminiscent of the old Bugatti competition. As in the first 18.3 Chiron, the engine is started by a button located at the center console, next to the gear lever, but now the change can be done through some controls located behind the wheel and drive your gearbox seven gears.

08:24

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It’s no secret that Saab is hard at work on plans to reintroduce its 92, but it’ll need some help to before the car can be produced. The automaker is preparing to enter into talks with BMW to do just that.

Instead of developing a costly platform from scratch, Saab is in talks with BMW to source underpinnings for the car. Saab is reportedly eyeing Mini’s architecture to underpin the new 92. Saab CEO Victor Muller wants the brand’s new model to closely resemble the teardrop shape of the original car, which was dropped from the Saab lineup in 1956.

According to the report, Saab is also looking into sourcing engines and transmissions from Mini. Mini currently offers 1.6-liter naturally aspirated and turbocharged inline four-cylinder engines here in the States, and 1.4-liter gasoline and 1.6-liter diesel I-4 powerplants are available also. Transmission choices are limited to six-speed manual and automatic gearboxes.

With Saab trying to regain market share, this would be a great move for the marque, but the 92 would be a direct competitor of the Mini Cooper. Although producing components in larger quantities would be beneficial to lower costs, we’re not sure it’s a great idea for Mini to bolster its own competition.

Would it be a good move for Mini to help Saab, or would it cannibalize its own sales?

Source: Reuters and automobilemag

08:23

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The BMW 1-Series M Coupe is pretty fast on paper. Reaching the 60 mph (96 km/h) mark in just 4.7 seconds is no small feat, but nowadays, it seems that performance cars need to have a respectable “Ring” time under there belt to command respect. Now, a forum member of the 1Addicts fan site who calls himself "SteveD" claims that the Ring time for the 335-horsepower strong M model is 8 minutes and 12 seconds.
If true (and according to the Nürburgring lap times list posted on Wikipedia), this means the entry-level M model is 10 seconds faster than the E46 M3, on par with the E86 Z4 M Coupe, but 7 seconds slower than the E92 M3 .
Of course, just because something is posted on a forum, doesn’t necessarily make it true. However, it seems that “SteveD” is none other than Steve Davies, a UK journalist who writes for Skiddmark. When asked where did he received the info, "SteveD" wrote “directly from BMW when we filmed the car”.
And indeed, Skiddmark does feature a piece about the 1-Series M Coupe and it contains the information posted on 1addicts. Still, we’re going to take this one with a grain of salt until we have the official confirmation.
You can see how the 1 Series M Coupe's alleged 'Ring lap time compares with other models from BMW and other makers in the list below.

By Csaba Daradics

Nurburgring Lap Times as Posted on Wikipedia:
• E46 M3 CSL - 7:50
• E90/E92 M3 - 8:05
• E63 M6 - 8:09
• 1 series M coupe - 8:12
• Z4 M-Coupe - 8:12
• E60 M5 - 8:13
• Alpina B3 Biturbo - 8:14
• Z4 M-Roadster - 8:15
• Alpina Roadster S (Z4) - 8:15
• E46 M3 - 8:22
• 335i E92 Coupe - 8:26
Other Models Compared:
• 911 Carrera S PDK (997.5) - 7:50
• Audi R8 4.2 - 8:04
• Cayman S - 8:04 (by Walter Röhrl)
• Audi RS4 - 8:09
• Audi TT-RS - 8:09
• BMW 1 series M coupe - 8:12
• Aston Martin V8 Vantage - 8:13
• Mercedes C63 AMG PP - 8:13
• Corvette C6 - 8:15
• Cayman S - 8:16 (Sport Auto)
• Porsche Boxter S (987.5) - 8:18
• Lexus IS-F - 8:18
• 2010 VW Golf R - 8:23
• Audi S5 (2007) - 8:26
• Audi TT-S (2008) - 8:29

Source: Skiddmark , Via: 1Addicts

08:22

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As a founder of the segment SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle), BMW presented in Paris in 2008 a new world in the segment of premium compact cars a Concept Car BMW X range, the BMW X1 Concept.

BMW X1 Concept

The extraordinary potential offered by new vehicle category BMW dreaming now allows "small", almost confirming the lines of BMW X1 to come. Built on the platform of the 1 Series, and it follows the forms of Coupу, the X1 wants to retrace the path that led to the success of BMW X6, and offering the typical combination of driving pleasure and high functionality. For the first time these features were transferred to a car in the segment of premium compact cars.

BMW X1 Concept

In presenting this new BMW X1 Concept, the House of Monaco meets the requirements of a modern target that is suited to a car to drive every day to an active lifestyle and a fun driving ever again, like all other BMW models in the range "X".

BMW X1 Concept

The success story of the models of the BMW X range has again provided the inspiration for the development of innovative vehicle concepts. The BMW BMW X1 Concept exudes the charm of mobility agile, versatile and safe even on the dirt, made in a new automotive category.

BMW X1 Concept

The design of the Concept car is clearly the merits of the model. The BMW X1 Concept is a symbol of agility and versatility both in terms of driving characteristics and universality of use.

BMW X1 Concept

The style of a model range of BMW X was combined with the slender and elegant proportions. The BMW X1 Concept comes with its own well designed within the family of BMW models in the range X. The front incisor form that accentuates the width indicates the robust and athletic coach. An element of protection in contrasting color emphasizes the width of the carriageway.

BMW X1 Concept

With the aesthetic cog in a central position, the short distance between the front axle and the steering wheel and slightly squared shape of the wheel, the BMW X1 Concept reveals its affinity with other BMW models in the range X.

BMW X1 Concept

Characteristic tail lights with rear L powered LED unit by emitting a light uniform. The slightly slanted rear window gives the BMW X1 Concept sports an inspiration, with the horizontal lines that highlight its width.

BMW X1 Concept

The overall success of the market and the high appeal of the models of the BMW X range is not only the result of precise and target-oriented concept car, but also of the characteristics typical of the BMW brand in the automotive category. The charm of a range of BMW X is always associated with a premium quality that does not descend to compromise.

BMW X1 Concept

The relationship between driving performance and fuel consumption models of the BMW X range reach values which would normally leave behind the comparable models of competition.

BMW X1 Concept

The Concept Car suggests what could be the characteristics of a model of the BMW X range in the segment of premium compact cars. Its design indicates the belonging to the family of BMW X range At the same time, the stylistic emphasize the formal language typical of all BMW. The study describes the goal of offering in the segment of premium compact cars, the highest level of driving fun and efficiency, versatility and functionality, as well as safety, comfort and quality. All these attributes were considered in the BMW X1 Concept in order to provide for the production of a series of car within a year.

BMW X1 Concept

Each model of the BMW X range locked in design and driving characteristics of the unmistakable DNA of its automotive category, offering an interpretation of individual typical of the brand and the concept car, so as to ensure a real transfer of brand values and characteristics of a model of the BMW X range in all market segments. This criterion is also satisfied by the BMW X1 Concept.

BMW X1 Concept

Despite the smaller body compared to the models BMW X6, BMW X5 and BMW X3, the study identified is applicable in any context as a model range of BMW X. At the same time, the final design has provided the stylistic accents typical of a BMW that take into account the special needs of the segment of premium compact cars and which transmit impulses in the perception of new cars in this class.

BMW X1 Concept

With a length of 4457 mm external study measuring 108 millimeters less than the BMW X3. The passage of the BMW X1 Concept is 2760 mm.

BMW X1 Concept

Thanks to its proportions and the pattern configuration of four doors and large rear hatch, the study offers a generous feeling of spaciousness. The purity of the forms leave guess a feature adapted to drive every day.

BMW X1 Concept

The BMW X1 Concept combines these qualities with characteristic elegance Sofi ette rifle that the status of a car premium. These features transform the BMW X1 Concept into a trendsetter for a modern urban mobility and progressive.

BMW X1 Concept

The typical style of the mark accentuate the unique charm of the car. The double-kidney BMW mounted vertically, double headlights cut up, the big wheel and slightly squared, the black ribbon that wraps around the lower section of the body, in the strong rib failure, as well as the horizontal lines of the tail indicate clearly identified as the Concept Car BMW model range X.

BMW X1 Concept

The front end of BMW X1 Concept expresses the strength of a model of the BMW X range into a new interpretation.

BMW X1 Concept

The cut applied to dry the top section of typical dual round headlamps gives the BMW Concept Car at a glance particularly intense and focused. This effect is accentuated by a horizontal cover painted in black along the top edge of the headlights.

BMW X1 Concept

Another innovative Stilema is the frame of three-dimensional headlights. This element of design used in the BMW X1 Concept, which is also reflected in the rear and the graphics side of the crystals, draws attention to the highly technical nature of the units and the lighting design in glass. The fog lights have been mounted, as in models of the BMW X range, at both ends above the air intake.

BMW X1 Concept

Moreover, the robust character of BMW X1 Concept is highlighted by a security device. This indicates that the fitness to drive on dirt is embellished elegant silver paint. The front section of the component serves as both protections from the lower edge of the air..

BMW X1 Concept

In view of the profi recognize both the unmistakable proportions of the BMW X1 Concept that the new interpretation of the style of a model ranges of BMW X. The silhouette of the five-door compact is unusually slender, so as to spread the impression of sportiness and agility. Also, the hatchback of the BMW X1 Conceptfollows the shape of a coupe.

BMW X1 Concept

Equally characteristic is the cog in a central position also aesthetically indicates that in all models of the BMW X range balanced interaction between the front wheels and rear wheels in the transmission of power.

BMW X1 Concept

The BMW X1 Concept this interaction is also underlined by a strip mounted along the bottom edge of the plastic coating which extends along the entire side put spar varnished silver.

BMW X1 Concept

Like the front module, the tail of the BMW X1 Concept is equipped with a protection painted silver. The rear section of the broad protection element creates also a chromatic contrast that accentuates the width of the car.

BMW X1 Concept

In the configuration pattern of rear lights have been combined, the typical BMW design and innovative technology. The lighting units have an L shape also clearly recognizable in the design at night. In addition, the design is dominated by night-an innovative technique. The light is very intense and homogeneous and provides power consumption much lower than that of traditional light bulbs.

BMW X1 Concept

Even the paint of the bodywork of the BMW X1 Concept enhances the innovative, modern and at the same time elegant. The new Meridiangold metallic tint emphasizes the personality and dynamics of young Concept Car.

08:20

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After orchestrating the design and installation of some pretty far-out Bang & Olufsen sound systems into vehicles like the R8, A8, and Q7, you'd think Audi's sound engineers would be perfectly content. Not so. In fact, in pursuit of the perfect sound, some engineers within the company have created their dream sound system, which involves stuffing 62 speakers into a Q7.

The venture, dubbed the Audi Sound Project, is the pet project of infotainment development engineer Peter Gleim. His goal -- to focus on wave field synthesis -- sounds like a scientist's fantasy, but is actually quite impressive. The object is to recreate a sound wave with several sources (i.e. speakers) placed closely together. Each speaker is controlled separately, so the signal can be delayed and staggered, allowing the listener to hear an exact reproduction of the original sound. Better yet, the sound is produced in an identical fashion for each seating position.

"We can simulate any wave front," Gleim said in a release. "With stereo, we can generate a sound as if the two speakers were located far outside the car. We can also add any desired spatial impression computationally -- not as a sound effect, but as a mathematically precise simulation."

Gleim's team managed to cram all 62 speakers, baffles, and amplifiers into the Q7, but its interior looks anything but normal. The ASP system includes five tweeters, five subwoofers, and 52 midrange speakers, all connected to a large power amplifier. Speakers are integrated into the dashboard, pillars, door panels -- virtually anywhere engineers could find space. Three separate PCs are needed to control both the amplifier and the entire speaker array.

"Our goal was to show what is technically feasible; to explore the limits," said Denis Credé, head of Audi's sound development. "What we are learning will be integrated into the sound systems of tomorrow. It's like with racing: A lot of what is first tried out on the race tracks of this world later shows up in modified in production vehicles. The Audi Sound Concept project is like racing for sound systems."

We imagine both packaging and cost are two major hurdles in pushing the ASC into production. On that later note, adding the 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen system in an A8 or Q7 adds roughly $6300. We suspect that figure would grow exponentially for a 62-speaker system.
We're fans of excellent sound systems, but aren't always convinced they're worth the investment. What say you -- when shopping for a car, is the sound system an important component, or do you skip that option box?

Source: Audi

08:19

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Audi and Xbox to Host Forza 3 Tournament in New York City

Want to watch the 2010 24 Hours of Le Mans, but can't make your way to France? Perhaps the AXF 24 Challenge -- a party co-hosted by Audi and Microsoft's Xbox team -- is the second-best way to view the classic enduro.

The event celebrates the Le Mans race and serves as a venue for a digital race challenge. Audi's currently asking gamers to fire up Forza Motorsports 3, pilot a digital 2009 Audi R15 TDI race car around the Circuit de la Sarthe, and submit their best lap times. Those with three best times will be invited to the Audi Forum in New York City on June 12, where they'll compete head-to-head in a four-hour Forza-based endurance race. The winner will receive a one-day program with the R8 at Audi's Driving Experience school in Sonoma, California.

Want to watch the cyber-race in person? Audi's opened the event -- which includes a live feed of the Le Mans race, food, door prizes, and Forza 3 game kiosks-- to those over the age of 21. The festivities will be held from 1-5 p.m., and Audi suggests you preregister.

Source: Audi, Forza

08:18

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Audi's Stronghold in China Threatened by BMW, Mercedes-Benz

For the last 20 years, Audi has been top dog in the Chinese luxury auto market. Now its reign could be threatened as BMW and Mercedes-Benz begin to gain traction in the emerging market.

"Mercedes and BMW have more up side than Audi in emerging markets, so it will be difficult for Audi to achieve its target," London-based automotive analyst Arndt Ellinghorst told Automotive News.

As the world's single largest automotive market, Chinese customers are increasingly important to BMW and Mercedes. As a result, both have crafted vehicles specifically aimed at the Chinese market. Tomorrow at the Beijing auto show, BMW will unveil an extended 5 Series, while Mercedes is set to debut its new longer E Class. The reasoning for extended wheelbases is that the wealthier Chinese population is typically chauffeured.

Earlier this month, Audi posted its first quarter sales figures. With a strong start to 2010, Audi was able to secure the second place spot in global luxury sales, bumping Mercedes down to third. The Ingolstadt based automaker hasn't fared so well in China lately. Over that last 6 years, Audi's market share has slipped from 66 percent down to 46 percent. BMW has climbed from 16 to 23 percent, while Mercedes more than doubled its share, from 7 to 16 percent.

Audi had 159,000 deliveries in 2009, but has a goal to sell 200,000 this year. On track for that target, it sold 51,449 in the first quarter this year. Last year BMW sold 90,500 vehicles, but is on track to surpass that mark, with 34,179 sold through March. Mercedes sold 24,100 vehicles in the first quarter of 2010, and should meet its 100,000 sales goal. BMW is investing $749 million in a new Chinese factory to double capacity to 100,000 units annually. Mercedes already has a 100,000 unit production capacity in China.

"The potential of the Chinese market remains enormous, and our targets are correspondingly ambitious," Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche said last week.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription required)

08:17

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Dartz, the Latvian tuner specialists are up at it again with their latest artwork, and what’s the canvas? Yes, you are right it’s the Audi R8 hiding under the checkered skin that resembles the look of a chess board in black and purple colors. Dartz call it their Chess R8 and it definitely more than meets the eye. Nothing was left un-checkered right from the Audi logo, side panels, bumpers or the front grills. Maybe game developers can take a cue from this and add custom full bodied checkered modifications in their future titles.

08:17

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We all know that Audi’s A1 lineup has already reached to A8 and fans are desperately waiting for A9 to appear. Well, little more wait for the vehicle to see in the clear light of the day as Audi is already planning on an A9. The four-door sedan will be placed above current A8 and will be the most luxurious as well as costliest model Audi has ever offered. Audi A9 is expected to have a 3.0 TFSI engine with around 300HP for the base version, whereas the top model will get a V8 with 500hp. Future Audi A9 will be built on the Volkswagen’s new modular building block (MSB) platform that will be used for different models from Audi, Porsche, Bentley, and Lamborghini.
Coming to the exterior and interior of A9, the luxury car will have the design cues from latest Audi models including A7 Sportback. Interiors will be one of the most impressing factors. The interior is to feature highest quality material, leather, wood insertions, Alcantara and will be equipped with most advanced technologies as per the year 2015.
A9 is to take Audi’s design language to a new level altogether and is aimed at high-end luxury market. The vehicle is targeted at other brands in the category like Aston Martin Rapide, Porsche Panamera Turbo, or even the future Lamborghini sedan. It will go on sale sometimes in 2015 with an expected price tag of $140,0000, reports Topspeed.
daniel garcias a9 concepta

08:15

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There are few concept cars that seem promising to fit well in the near future. However, the one pictured above give clear insight into what shape cars can take in future. Conceptualized by John Stephen Baltazar , the Astrum Meera Concept Car is the perfect embodiment of future tech and design. The concept flaunts several distinctive features that play cardinal role in safety, sustainability and practical design.
The features include Astrum Meera’s exhaust with built-in sensors to track the level of CO2 emission and alert driver when it goes beyond normal range, wheel rims that work though magnetic levitation and help make car not only lighter but faster. Also, there are unique side mirrors that remain hidden when car is parked and rolls out once engine is started. The mirrors also have built in camera system that allows the driver to see outside while sitting in without opening windows in rain or turning your head around.
astrum meera concept car