AutoWeek Daily Drive — Friday, January 30, 2009

HOME   |   LATEST NEWS   |   VEHICLE REVIEWS   |   RACING   |   SUBSCRIBE   |   CLASSIFIEDS Friday, January 30, 2009 Aston Martin Rapide... Production version of Aston Martin Rapide sedan revealed The 180-mph super-sedan that Aston Martin will pitch against the Porsche Panamera has been revealed for the first time. This is the first official image of the Aston Martin Rapide, downloaded from the final version of the car's computer design drawings. First seen at the 2006 Detroit auto show, the production Rapide is nearly identical to the 196.9-inch-long concept. It uses a long-... McLaren P11 supercar spied in the snow In this rare instance, a divorce seems to be benefiting everyone--including supercar fans. The Mercedes-McLaren hookup that spawned the SLR is unwinding this year, and for the second time this week, we've received shots of what the one of the companies is doing next. In this case, it's McLaren's ... Mitsubishi confirms Lancer Sportback for the States In the wake of its rumored U.S. arrival, Mitsubishi is officially confirming the addition of the Lancer Sportback to its North American product portfolio. Already available in Europe and serving as the basis for Mitsubishi's Dakar racer, the five-door Lancer is unique from the C-pillar back, with a ... NEWS BRAKE: Friday, Jan. 30, 2009 In today's News Brake: Aston Martin unveils the new Rapide; we get a look at the McLaren P11 supercar; and the green flag may drop in the IndyCar Series without Bobby Rahal's team this year ... But Wait, There's More!... Updated Mazda MX-5 to roll out at Chicago show Following its world debut last October at the Paris motor show, Mazda's 2009 MX-5 roadster will have its North American rollout party at the Chicago auto show. In celebration of 20 years of MX-5 production, the freshened model will be displayed alongside a collection of previous-generation... Ford and Shelby pair up on GT 'R Model' Ford and Shelby collaborating on a Mustang isn't news, it's the norm. But when they're doing something they haven't done in more than 40 years, and the price tops $100,000, it must be something special. In 1965, 37 Shelby GT350 "R Models" were tearing it up at autocross tracks across the country.... Porsche Cayman moves closer to 911--for less money How's this for an ad slogan? "Porsche 911 Carrera: A $15,400 back seat for really small people." Indeed, the new mid-engine Porsche Cayman S coupe is so good it makes the rear-engine 911 Carrera 2 almost superfluous, unless you actually need the parcel space that passes for the 911's rear seat.... You May Have Missed... DOWNSHIFT: Rapid change in Washington In this Downshfit, the rapid change of pace in Washington--with moves ranging from a new look at states setting emissions limits to the economic stimulus package--is talking fodder for senior editor for news Bob Gritzinger and interactive editor Dale Jewett. Oh, and it looks like there's a beefy... Gulf One Z06 tops $1 million at auction An icon of 1960s racing, the Gulf One Corvette Z06 racer, was in familiar position last weekend at the Mecum Auction--first. The 1963 car sold for $1.05 million at the Kissimmee, Fla., event--doubling the price of a 1962 Mercedes 300 SL, which went for $525,000, not including the buyer's... Mitsubishi Evolution, Subaru STI moved to Touring Car group Following sweeping technical-regulation changes to the 2009 Touring Car category in the Speed World Challenge series, SCCA Pro Racing announced the reassignment of two models to the class. The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (both the VIII and IX) and the Subaru Impreza STI move from the higher-powered ... CLICK HERE TO UNSUBSCRIBE from the AutoWeek Daily Drive E-mail or to sign up for other AutoWeek e-mail products. IMPORTANT: Please add AutoWeek.com to your E-mail Address Book to ensure you will continue to receive our newsletters. Please DO NOT reply to this e-mail. You will not receive a reply if you use this e-mail address. Crain Communications, 1155 Gratiot Ave. Detroit, MI 48207.

AutoWeek Daily Drive — Thursday, January 29, 2009

HOME   |   LATEST NEWS   |   VEHICLE REVIEWS   |   RACING   |   SUBSCRIBE   |   CLASSIFIEDS Thursday, January 29, 2009 Bobby Rahal says he doesn't have a primary sponsor or driver lined up for his IndyCar team.... Rahal Letterman Racing could skip '09 IndyCar season Bobby Rahal said he is on the verge of being out of Indy-car racing for the first time since 1981. Rahal confirmed to AutoWeek that his team, based in Hilliard, Ohio, is close to pulling the plug on an effort for the IndyCar Series season. The Indy Racing League's first test is scheduled for next month at Homestead-Miami Speedway in Florida, and Rahal said it is a must-attend event if... Mini Crossman prototype goes out for winter fun Remember Mini's Crossover concept from the Paris motor show last fall? Well, here's a look at a disguised prototype for the road-going version. Reports are that this new Mini model, likely to be named Crossman, will make its debut this fall at the Frankfurt motor show and reach U.S. showrooms... 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 to bow at Geneva motor show It perhaps is the ultimate 911, and now it's getting even better. Porsche will unveil an updated 911 GT3 at the Geneva motor show on March 3 with engine and chassis refinements that bolster its gripping performance. It goes on sale in the fall as a 2010 model with a sticker of $113,150,... NEWS BRAKE: Thursday, Jan. 29, 2009 In today's News Brake: Porsche preps a new version of the track-ready 911 GT3; there's a big tax credit available on the Ford Fusion hybrid, if you hurry; and the Audi stand at the Geneva motor show is starting to get pretty crowded ... But Wait, There's More!... Ford burns through $5.5 billion in 4th quarter as losses mount Ford Motor Co., the only U.S. automaker operating without federal loans, burned through $5.5 billion in cash during the final three months of 2008 as losses mounted. Ford finished the year with cash reserves of $13.4 billion. The company said it is drawing down $10.1 billion in available credit... You May Have Missed... PERFORMANCE PROFILE: Hummer H3T Alpha The H3T Alpha isn't short on capability. Ride along on our test drive.... CLICK HERE TO UNSUBSCRIBE from the AutoWeek Daily Drive E-mail or to sign up for other AutoWeek e-mail products. IMPORTANT: Please add AutoWeek.com to your E-mail Address Book to ensure you will continue to receive our newsletters. Please DO NOT reply to this e-mail. You will not receive a reply if you use this e-mail address. Crain Communications, 1155 Gratiot Ave. Detroit, MI 48207.

ALERT: Rahal Letterman Racing could skip 2009 IndyCar season

HOME   |   LATEST NEWS   |   VEHICLE REVIEWS   |   RACING   |   SUBSCRIBE   |   CLASSIFIEDS Thursday, January 29, 2009 Bobby Rahal says he doesn't have a primary sponsor or driver lined up for his IndyCar team. (LAT PHOTOGRAPHIC) Rahal Letterman Racing could skip '09 IndyCar season 01/29/09, 11:53 am et Bobby Rahal said he is on the verge of being out of Indy-car racing for the first time since 1981. Rahal confirmed to AutoWeek that his team, based in Hilliard, Ohio, is close to pulling the plug on an effort for the IndyCar Series season. The Indy Racing League's first test is scheduled for next month at Homestead-Miami Speedway in Florida, and Rahal said it is a must-attend event if the driver doesn't have IndyCar experience. Right now, Rahal Letterman Racing has neither a primary sponsor nor a driver, and the former is obviously critical. "You could sort of miss that first test and it might have an initial impact [on success]--it wouldn't be the end of the world--but that's if you've got a veteran like Ryan [Hunter-Reay], who drove for us last year," Rahal said. "Our cars... CLICK HERE TO UNSUBSCRIBE from the AutoWeek Daily Drive E-mail or to sign up for other AutoWeek e-mail products. IMPORTANT: Please add AutoWeek.com to your E-mail Address Book to ensure you will continue to receive our newsletters. Please DO NOT reply to this e-mail. You will not receive a reply if you use this e-mail address. Crain Communications, 1155 Gratiot Ave. Detroit, MI 48207.

AutoWeek Daily Drive — Wednesday, January 28, 2009

HOME   |   LATEST NEWS   |   VEHICLE REVIEWS   |   RACING   |   SUBSCRIBE   |   CLASSIFIEDS Wednesday, January 28, 2009 The Mercedes-Benz SLC is due to go on sale for 2011.... Mercedes-Benz SLC supercar spied on the road There is life after the SLR for Mercedes, and spy shooters have caught plastic-clad versions of the new SLC that's due for 2011. We've seen this car before, but it continues to make us lick our chops. Previous shots showed gullwings, which these prototypes appear to have, though the doors are closed. But we continue to see the long hood, low stance and big grille. In a nutshell, it looks... Natalie Neff--Garage rock I recently discovered my garage. I mean, I always knew it was there, I just never thought to utilize it for its intended purpose, at least not with any regularity. Like most Michiganders, my garage serves more as housing for an assortment of yard equipment, cast-off appliances, containers of... Nissan packages its Cube for U.S. delivery later this year Nissan's quirkily styled Cube has just been released in Japan and will be coming stateside this year. We drove the all-new model and came away impressed with the improvement Nissan made for its U.S. introduction. The angular exterior design has evolved with a slightly bigger body and cleaner,... NEWS BRAKE: Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2009 In today's News Brake: Bentley goes green, Acura rolls out a new race car, and we see spy shots of the new Mercedes supercar... But Wait, There's More!... Randy Moss Motorsports jumps to Toyota for 2009 truck series Randy Moss Motorsports announced on Wednesday that it will switch from Chevrolet to Toyota for the 2009 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season. "We are extremely excited to be joining the Toyota team this season," co-owner and NFL star Randy Moss said. "Toyota has proven year in and year out... You May Have Missed... Nissan to close Michigan design studio In a cost-cutting move, Nissan is shutting its design studio at its research-and-development complex in suburban Detroit and moving the work to its main U.S. design studio in San Diego. The design studio in Farmington Hills, Mich., opened in 2005. Nissan spent $14 million on the studio as part... GM sets price on Chevrolet Corvette Competition Sport package Chevrolet has set the sticker price for the Corvette Competition Sport packages it announced last week. Be prepared to spend $55,655 for a Corvette coupe with the 1LT trim level and the Competition Sport package. Adding the package to the Corvette Z06 with the 1LZ trim brings the bottom line... CLICK HERE TO UNSUBSCRIBE from the AutoWeek Daily Drive E-mail or to sign up for other AutoWeek e-mail products. IMPORTANT: Please add AutoWeek.com to your E-mail Address Book to ensure you will continue to receive our newsletters. Please DO NOT reply to this e-mail. You will not receive a reply if you use this e-mail address. Crain Communications, 1155 Gratiot Ave. Detroit, MI 48207.

AutoWeek Daily Drive — Tuesday, January 27, 2009

HOME   |   LATEST NEWS   |   VEHICLE REVIEWS   |   RACING   |   SUBSCRIBE   |   CLASSIFIEDS Tuesday, January 27, 2009 The Cadillac XLR-V... Cadillac XLR canceled after '09 The Cadillac XLR is nearing the end, and the 2009 model year will be its last lap. "We've set in motion the kind of build-out of the car," spokesman David Caldwell confirmed to AutoWeek. General Motors is taking final orders now, and the last XLRs will be built this spring after a six-year run. The XLR is built on the Chevrolet Corvette platform but uses Cadillac's premium... Redesigned Volkswagen Polo expected to debut at Geneva motor show Volkswagen is on a mission to triple its U.S. sales to 800,000 units by the end of the decade. Hitting that goal will depend on expanding VW's U.S. lineup. We know that VW's new plant in Chattanooga, Tenn., will build a sedan that's going to be a bit larger than the Jetta. But VW also is adding... Nissan 370Z convertible likely to break cover at New York auto show The drop-top version of the Nissan 370Z likely will bow at the New York auto show. The convertible follows the coupe version, launched at the end of December. The open-air 370Z would arrive for the 2010 model year. Stay tuned for more details on unique specs for the convertible. The coupe is... NEWS BRAKE: Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2009 In today's News Brake: Opel gets amped up for its version of the Chevrolet Volt; you'll have to cross the Honda S2000 and Cadillac XLR off your shopping list after this year; and we get a look at the redesigned Volkswagen Polo ... But Wait, There's More!... New Aston Martin/Lola prototype to contest 24 Hours of Le Mans All-new bodywork with input from Aston Martin chief stylist Marek Reichman will distinguish the car with which the British manufacturer will bid for a win at this year's 24 Hours of Le Mans. The new Gulf-liveried LMP1 prototype builds on the experience of Prodrive's 2008 sports-car campaign... Sprint Car star Lou Blaney dies Sprint Car and Modified racing legend Lou Blaney, father of NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Dave Blaney, died on Jan. 25. He was 69. Blaney, of Harford, Ohio, piled up more than 600 wins and more championships than he could count in Sprint Cars and Modifieds during a career that ultimately earned him a ... Fiat chief tours Chrysler headquarters Fiat S.p.A. CEO Sergio Marchionne and a team of Fiat senior executives visited Chrysler LLC headquarters in Auburn Hills, Mich., on Saturday morning, according to a letter to Chrysler employees from CEO Bob Nardelli. The Fiat team visited a display of vehicles in Chrysler's design dome and met... You May Have Missed... Honda S2000 sports car gone after '09 model year Honda confirmed on Monday that the S2000 sports car is done after the 2009 model year. The two-seater was launched in 1999 as a 2000 model and is a favorite of enthusiasts who enjoy its slick manual transmission and tight chassis. The club racer-inspired trim, the S2000 CR, was added for the... Acura reveals details of new ALMS LMP1 prototype Acura finally rolled out its much-anticipated LMP1-class American Le Mans Series prototype during preseason testing at Sebring International Raceway in Florida on Monday, providing a first look at the ARX-02a that de Ferran Motorsports and Patron Highcroft Racing will campaign in 2009. Acura's... DOWNSHIFT: A chat with ALMS team owner/driver Gil de Ferran Race car driver and team owner Gil de Ferran talks with motorsports editor Mac Morrison about the upcoming American Le Mans Series season and the new Acura ARX-02a the team will campaign in the LMP1 class.... Opel to show range-extending hybrid at Geneva motor show Opel, General Motors' European unit, will unveil its vehicle that uses the range-extending powertrain first shown in the Chevrolet Volt, at the Geneva motor show in March. On Monday, Opel said that the car will be named Ampera. The Ampera will have four seats and five doors. Opel released a... Julian Rendell--Jaguar XE would be sporty, not super In the lightning-fast world of Internet communications, it's amazing how loosely sourced news stories zoom across continents and oceans with little scrutiny. And so it is with the "news" that Jaguar is poised to launch an aluminum supercar in the mold of the early-'90s XJ220, a story sourced... CLICK HERE TO UNSUBSCRIBE from the AutoWeek Daily Drive E-mail or to sign up for other AutoWeek e-mail products. IMPORTANT: Please add AutoWeek.com to your E-mail Address Book to ensure you will continue to receive our newsletters. Please DO NOT reply to this e-mail. You will not receive a reply if you use this e-mail address. Crain Communications, 1155 Gratiot Ave. Detroit, MI 48207.

AutoWeek Daily Drive — Monday, January 26, 2009

HOME   |   LATEST NEWS   |   VEHICLE REVIEWS   |   RACING   |   SUBSCRIBE   |   CLASSIFIEDS Monday, January 26, 2009 The Honda S2000 is done after the '09 model year.... Honda S2000 sports car gone after '09 model year Honda confirmed on Monday that the S2000 sports car is done after the 2009 model year. The two-seater was launched in 1999 as a 2000 model and is a favorite of enthusiasts who enjoy its slick manual transmission and tight chassis. The club racer-inspired trim, the S2000 CR, was added for the 2008 model year. More than 110,000 units have been sold over the past decade, including 65,000 in... Everything old is new again, and chrome-plated, at the Roadster Show Harry Willett's "Sports Car Influenced" Hot Rod took top honors at the 60th Grand National Roadster Show on Sunday, beating out a typically strong field of 14 cars at one of, if not the most prestigious car shows in the country. The Roadster Show, held for its first many decades in Oakland,... Future Porsche Boxster prototype spied being tested on the road We can all agree that there's never too much voyeurism when it comes to Porsche. Today, spy shooters nabbed the next Boxster. We expect the new Boxster to get evolutionary changes, nothing drastic. But they will dress up a design that's about 12 years old. Looking closely--or maybe you don't ... Another Donohue claims victory in the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona Forty years after his world-famous father, Mark, won the race, David Donohue earned his own spot in motorsports history by holding off NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Juan Pablo Montoya for the overall victory on Sunday in the 47th annual Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona. The margin of victory: 0.167 second.... NEWS BRAKE: Monday, Jan. 26, 2009 In today's News Brake: Another Donohue takes the checkered flag at the 24-hour race in Daytona; a pair of rear-drive cars take it on the chin; and we grab a look at the next-generation Porsche Boxster ... But Wait, There's More!... Fiat plans seven vehicles for U.S.: From mid-sized to micro, Chrysler can plug holes Chrysler LLC and Fiat S.p.A. will bring seven new vehicles to North America under their alliance--four with Chrysler brands and three as Fiats or Alfa Romeos. The vehicles will be built at Chrysler plants in North America and sold through select Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep dealerships, according to ... Vehicles connect at Michigan International Speedway The Michigan Department of Transportation and Michigan International Speedway have joined forces to help in the development of a connected-vehicle system. In the future, it will help cars communicate with each other on the road to avoid crashes and increase safety. The speedway, located in... GM delays CTS coupe launch until summer 2010 One of Cadillac's most anticipated models is being delayed one year. The 2010 CTS coupe had been scheduled to go into production this summer. Instead, the car will go into production during the summer of 2010. "We made a few changes to the overall portfolio," said Joanne Krell, a GM... Mitsubishi bringing i MiEV Sport Air concept to Geneva Mitsubishi will show another iteration of its sporty micro-size electric car with the debut of the i MiEV Sport Air concept at the Geneva motor show in March. Building on the i MiEV Sport, which we first saw at the Tokyo motor show in 2007, Mitsubishi adds a clear removable roof and slight... Daytona 500 set to to have a full field A preliminary and very unofficial Daytona 500 entry lists shows 54 teams, virtually assuring a full field for NASCAR's Feb. 15 season-opening Sprint Cup race at Daytona International Speedway. Fourteen of the 54 entries can safely be called one-offs. They include James Hylton, Brad Keselowski,... CLICK HERE TO UNSUBSCRIBE from the AutoWeek Daily Drive E-mail or to sign up for other AutoWeek e-mail products. IMPORTANT: Please add AutoWeek.com to your E-mail Address Book to ensure you will continue to receive our newsletters. Please DO NOT reply to this e-mail. You will not receive a reply if you use this e-mail address. Crain Communications, 1155 Gratiot Ave. Detroit, MI 48207.

AutoWeek Daily Drive — Friday, January 23, 2009

HOME   |   LATEST NEWS   |   VEHICLE REVIEWS   |   RACING   |   SUBSCRIBE   |   CLASSIFIEDS Friday, January 23, 2009 David Donohue is on the pole at the Rolex 24 at Daytona.... David Donohue on pole for Rolex 24 at Daytona David Donohue edged Timo Bernhard by 0.001 second Thursday to capture the pole position for the 47th Rolex 24 at Daytona, breaking the Daytona Prototype track record in the process. Donohue turned in a lap of 1 minute, 40.540 seconds (127.472 mph) in the No. 58 Brumos Riley-Porsche that he will share with Darren Law, Buddy Rice and Antonio Garcia. The race will start at 3:30 p.m. Saturday.... Jaguar supercar reportedly in the works The true British supercar is alive and well--maybe. British car magazine AutoExpress is reporting that Jaguar is hard at work on an all-aluminum, 503-hp speedster possibly called the XE. This would be Jaguar's halo car for sure, and it would source its engine from the supercharged 5.0-... NEWS BRAKE: Friday, January 23, 2008 In today's News Brake: A new Jaguar supercar is rumored, another California electric car, and more E-class spy shots ... But Wait, There's More!... Privateer Audi R10s to race in Le Mans Series in Europe A private German team will fly the Audi flag in the Le Mans Series in Europe this year. Ex-Formula One team boss Colin Kolles, whose TME Futurecom team has fielded privateer Audi A4s in the German DTM touring-car series since 2006, will run a pair of last year's R10 turbodiesels in the five-race ... Enjoy the Show: Download Detroit 2009 tour now It's not too late to visit the Detroit auto show, which runs through Sunday, Jan. 25. If you're going in person, don't forget to download the AutoWeek editors' audio tour of the show for your mobile device. If Detroit is not in your weekend plans, you can still take a virtual tour, using the... Roush to offer more F-series propane models Hybrids, diesels and electric drivetrains are today's rage when it comes to green propulsion, but Roush Performance takes a path less traveled for its line of F-series trucks with propane injection. Since 2007, the company best known for modifying Ford Mustangs has offered propane F-150s, but... Sports-car stalwart TRG Motorsports to take on Daytona 500 TRG Motorsports--known best for its sports-car successes, including wins at the Rolex 24 at Daytona and the 24 Hours of Le Mans--will field an entry in the 51st running of NASCAR's Daytona 500. TRG is no stranger to stock-car racing, having won in the Camping World Truck Series last year.... Aptera rolls out first preproduction electric model A California company rolled out a preproduction version of its first electric vehicle this week, the 2e, that it claims will get the equivalent of 200 mpg. The company is Aptera, and it says its diminutive 2e could revolutionize commuting. It's a two-seat, aerodynamic spaceship-looking electric... You May Have Missed... We get a glimpse of hot rod heaven at Grand National Roadster Show The Grand National Roadster Show is turning 60. It seems like only yesterday that it was 50. It does not seem like yesterday that it was just starting out--60 years is a long time. It is now the longest-running indoor rod show in the world, for whatever that's worth. We remember the 50th, when we... Update: Wood Bros. reduce 2009 schedule, new Ford engine to debut, more The Wood brothers have been part of NASCAR since 1950, second only to the Petty family in longevity. Glen and Leonard Wood led the organization until the mid-'80s, when Glen's sons, Eddie and Len, took over. The family-owned, Ford-based organization from Virginia has run the full Sprint Cup... CLICK HERE TO UNSUBSCRIBE from the AutoWeek Daily Drive E-mail or to sign up for other AutoWeek e-mail products. IMPORTANT: Please add AutoWeek.com to your E-mail Address Book to ensure you will continue to receive our newsletters. Please DO NOT reply to this e-mail. You will not receive a reply if you use this e-mail address. Crain Communications, 1155 Gratiot Ave. Detroit, MI 48207.

AutoWeek Daily Drive — Thursday, January 22, 2009

HOME   |   LATEST NEWS   |   VEHICLE REVIEWS   |   RACING   |   SUBSCRIBE   |   CLASSIFIEDS Thursday, January 22, 2009 The next-gen Porsche 911 is spied in the snow. And it's the cabrio version.... Porsche 911 spied in the snow The next-generation Porsche 911 is proving to be an alluring target for spy shooters, who have caught coupe and cabriolet versions undergoing snow testing in the dead of night. Chatter is that this new 911, known internally as the 998, will roll out in late 2011 as a 2012 model--which could set it up for a debut at the 2011 Frankfurt motor show. The all-black prototypes look similar to what ... Mercedes E-class cabriolet spied in crimson Our fascination with the future Mercedes-Benz E-class continues. Last week, we got a glimpse of the E-class coupe during testing, and now spy shooters have nabbed an even choicer game: the cabriolet. It's a double dip. We have shots of the standard-issue gray prototypes, but we've also... Wood Brothers Racing reduces 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup participation The Wood brothers have been part of NASCAR since 1950, second only to the Petty family in on-track longevity. The family-owned, Ford-based organization from Virginia has run the full Sprint Cup schedule since the mid-'80s with (among others) Kyle Petty, Ricky Rudd, Dale Jarrett, Elliott Sadler, Ken ... NEWS BRAKE: Thursday, Jan. 22, 2009 In today's News Brake: We get a look at the next-generation Porsche 911; sorry, Australia, no Cadillacs for you; and Chrysler and Fiat aren't wasting any time looking over their vehicle lineups ... But Wait, There's More!... PERFORMANCE PROFILE: Audi A4 Ride along as we put Audi's A4 sedan through its paces.... You May Have Missed... NASCAR notebook: Competition tough as ever, Gibbs says All the gloom-and-doom talk of short fields and watered-down competition doesn't strike J.D. Gibbs as very realistic. As co-owner (with his father) of Joe Gibbs Racing, the former college football player at William and Mary expects competition to be as strong as last year, when short fields and... DOWNSHIFT: Team Penske driver Ryan Briscoe Team Penske IndyCar Series driver Ryan Briscoe stops in to talk to motorsports editor Mac Morrison about his new teammate, the 2009 season and his diverse career.... CLICK HERE TO UNSUBSCRIBE from the AutoWeek Daily Drive E-mail or to sign up for other AutoWeek e-mail products. IMPORTANT: Please add AutoWeek.com to your E-mail Address Book to ensure you will continue to receive our newsletters. Please DO NOT reply to this e-mail. You will not receive a reply if you use this e-mail address. Crain Communications, 1155 Gratiot Ave. Detroit, MI 48207.

AutoWeek Daily Drive — Wednesday, January 21, 2009

HOME   |   LATEST NEWS   |   VEHICLE REVIEWS   |   RACING   |   SUBSCRIBE   |   CLASSIFIEDS Wednesday, January 21, 2009 To watch the Rolex 24 at Daytona, including the Ganassi team, shown, here's the TV schedule: SATURDAY, JAN.... Penske ramps up effort to thwart Ganassi four-peat at Rolex 24 The motorsports battle between Roger Penske and Chip Ganassi is familiar and intense. But while most fights between the racing giants occur in the stock-car and open-wheel ranks, the front lines have moved to sports-car competition. Penske will enter a Daytona Prototype full-time in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series this season, joining a series in which Ganassi returns as the defending... NEWS BRAKE: Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2009 In today's News Brake: It's official, General Motors is the No. 2 automaker in the world; look for Danica and Audi during this year's Super Bowl; and Ford announces a dual-clutch transmission for its new small cars ... But Wait, There's More!... Dyson Racing's 2009 ALMS driver lineup unchanged from last year The debut of Dyson Racing's two new Mazda-powered Lola B09/86 coupes at the 12 Hours of Sebring on March 21 will feature all four of last year's American Le Mans Series drivers. Chris Dyson and Guy Smith will pair in the No. 16 BP Dyson Racing Mazda, and Butch Leitzinger and Marino Franchitti will... Ford announces new dual-clutch transmission Looking to wring as much fuel economy as possible out of its upcoming new small cars--we're talking the Fiesta and the Focus here--Ford will equip them with a new six-speed, dry-plate, dual-clutch transmission, called PowerShift. The dual-clutch unit acts like an automatic transmission, handling ... MG name stands proud again at Longbridge The company that runs the remnants of former UK automaker MG Rover has dropped a reference to its Chinese parent from its name. NAC MG UK has changed its name to MG Motor UK to emphasize the MG name, a company spokesman said. Nanjing Automobile Company or NAC bought MG Rover's assets in July... GM's Henderson: Future rests on Chevy, Cadillac, Buick and GMC General Motors will go to market with four core brands in the future: Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC. Pontiac will be shrunk "significantly," a senior GM executive told the Automotive News World Congress. GM COO Fritz Henderson said that GM is conducting a strategic review of its... Toyota passes General Motors in global sales After 77 years, General Motors' reign as the world's largest automaker is over. GM announced global sales of 8.356 million in 2008 this morning--placing it second behind Toyota's tally of 8.972 million units. The Detroit automaker had recorded the most sales in the world every year since 1931,... Chrysler, Fiat destined to share technology--eventually Chrysler LLC and Fiat S.p.A. have little in the way of engine and transmission technology that can be transplanted into each other's vehicles, analysts say--at least not right away. Still, the two companies, which announced an alliance on Tuesday, are seen as destined to share components and... You May Have Missed... DOWNSHIFT: Chrysler-Fiat--a good deal? The big news of the day--not the presidential inauguration--is Fiat taking a 35-percent stake in Chrysler to form an alliance. Is this the lifeline Chrysler needs? Will we see Fiats and Alfas back on U.S. roads? Dale Jewett and Wes Raynal talk about the deal.... NASCAR notebook: Bobby Labonte speaks about new job Former Cup Series champion Bobby Labonte said that he and team owner Chip Ganassi were at 90 percent agreement to make a deal for Labonte to drive Chevrolets for the new Earnhardt Ganassi Racing team. Instead, Labonte will drive Ask.com-sponsored Fords for Hall of Fame Racing thorough its new... IndyCar Series announces 2009 testing policy IndyCar Series teams will be permitted six private test days in 2009, with limitations on the numbers of miles and sets of tires allowed based on the number of full-time cars the team fields. Teams can earn additional test days by providing opportunities to Firestone Indy Lights drivers. Each... CLICK HERE TO UNSUBSCRIBE from the AutoWeek Daily Drive E-mail or to sign up for other AutoWeek e-mail products. IMPORTANT: Please add AutoWeek.com to your E-mail Address Book to ensure you will continue to receive our newsletters. Please DO NOT reply to this e-mail. You will not receive a reply if you use this e-mail address. Crain Communications, 1155 Gratiot Ave. Detroit, MI 48207.

AutoWeek Daily Drive — Tuesday, January 20, 2009

HOME   |   LATEST NEWS   |   VEHICLE REVIEWS   |   RACING   |   SUBSCRIBE   |   CLASSIFIEDS Tuesday, January 20, 2009 Fiat taking 35% stake in Chrysler Fiat S.p.A. and Chrysler LLC confirmed today that the Italian company intends to acquire an initial 35 percent stake in the U.S. carmaker. In a joint statement, Fiat, Chrysler and Chrysler's majority shareholder Cerberus Capital Management L.P, said they have signed "a non-binding term sheet to establish a global strategic alliance." The pact "would provide Chrysler with access to... Nissan GT-R factory race-car undergoes testing, GT1 racing return possible Nissan's long-awaited return to international sports-car racing is edging closer with the news that a race version of its GT-R supercar is up and running. The Japanese manufacturer, whose last major sports-car program outside of the Japan-based Super GT series came at Le Mans in 1999, shook... NEWS BRAKE: Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009 In today's News Brake: Chrysler finds a partner in Fiat; the founding family is back on top at Toyota; and Mini is bringing a more fuel-efficient version of the Clubman to the Geneva motor show ... But Wait, There's More!... Brickyard offers more behind-the-scenes tours this year The Brickyard is turning 100 this year, and racing fans have reason to celebrate: Indianapolis Motor Speedway is offering unprecedented access for fans who want to get a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into race day. This year, grounds tours will be held on 68 days--a record for the speedway.... Akio Toyoda named Toyota president amid global crisis Akio Toyoda, scion of Toyota Motor Corp.'s founding family and now its next president, will bring a U.S. perspective to the automaker as it battles falling sales and an unprecedented financial crisis. Toyoda, 52, will succeed current President Katsuaki Watanabe in June, the company said Tuesday, ... Chevy Corvette gets Competition Sports package Chevrolet is offering a special options package this spring to Corvette buyers who want to wring just a bit more performance out of their cars--or take it onto the track--without having to step all the way up to the ZR1. The Competition Sport Package will be available on the '09 Corvette Coupe... Dale Earnhardt Jr. to advise Internet racing simulator iRacing Dale Earnhardt Jr. is joining the competition committee of Internet racing simulator iRacing, it was announced Monday. The NASCAR star will offer input and help shape the direction of iRacing, and it formalizes an agreement that goes back several years. Earnhardt was one of the simulator's... Drag racer Shawn Langdon turning NHRA pro for Lucas Oil team Two-time and reigning Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series world champion Shawn Langdon, 26, will trade in his Super Comp dragster for an 8,000-hp Top Fuel ride in 2009 and beyond. Pending the successful completion of the crossover licensing requirements, Langdon plans to run the entire 2009 Full Throttle... Dreyer & Reinbold Racing signs Mike Conway to drive in IndyCar Series Dreyer & Reinbold Racing announced today that British driver Mike Conway will drive full-time for the team during the 2009 IndyCar Series season. The 25-year old rookie has spent the majority of his career in various European formulae. Most recently, he completed his second season driving in the ... Ecclestone: Formula One teams should receive less money Brace yourself for another war of words between Formula One commercial boss Bernie Ecclestone and F1 manufacturers after Ecclestone told London's Financial Times that he is poised to pay teams less money, despite recent calls from the Formula One Teams Association (FOTA) for a bigger slice... NASCAR notebook: Sponsor strangeness, Petty name official Verizon Wireless recently completed its purchase of Alltel, one of its major rivals. But because of NASCAR licensing and branding rules, Penske Racing can't simply transfer sponsorship of its No. 12 Dodge Charger from Alltel to Verizon Wireless. NASCAR's cozy relationship with Sprint is the reason... New BMW Sauber Formula One car hits the track in Valencia BMW Sauber became the sixth Formula One team to unveil its 2009 contender when the F1.09 took to the track in Valencia, Spain, early on Tuesday morning. Robert Kubica gave the car its first laps in what was a low-key launch event, typical of what all the teams are doing this year. The team will... You May Have Missed... Formula One must be in North America, Renault F1 boss Flavio Briatore says Renault Formula One boss Flavio Briatore says that the sport must to return to North America after the Canadian Grand Prix dropped off the 2009 calendar. With Indianapolis also missing after the last event in 2007, Bernie Ecclestone is looking for an alternative venue. "This is something we want ... Mercedes SLR tuned to 777 hp by Renntech The SLR McLaren supercar has been quite a canvass for tuners--and even Mercedes itself. And though the end is near for the SLR, it won't fade quietly into car history. Florida tuner Renntech is creating perhaps the ultimate version of the SLR, boosting horsepower to the delightfully... Money woes may keep Converj from market General Motors' tight finances may hold the automaker back from building a production version of the Cadillac Converj concept car. GM revealed the coupe, which would use the same technology as the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid, last week at the auto show here. GM designed the Converj so the... CLICK HERE TO UNSUBSCRIBE from the AutoWeek Daily Drive E-mail or to sign up for other AutoWeek e-mail products. IMPORTANT: Please add AutoWeek.com to your E-mail Address Book to ensure you will continue to receive our newsletters. Please DO NOT reply to this e-mail. You will not receive a reply if you use this e-mail address. 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AutoWeek Daily Drive — Monday, January 19, 2009

HOME   |   LATEST NEWS   |   VEHICLE REVIEWS   |   RACING   |   SUBSCRIBE   |   CLASSIFIEDS Monday, January 19, 2009 Fiat, Chrysler in partnership talks Fiat Group is negotiating with Chrysler LLC to form a strategic partnership that could include a Fiat equity stake in the ailing U.S. carmaker. The pact would help Chrysler speed and strengthen its restructuring plan. According to people familiar with the matter in Europe and Detroit, Fiat could give Chrysler access to its mini, small and mid-sized car platforms, engines and transmissions.... No sign of global auto meltdown at Tokyo Auto Salon With more than 600 cars on display and a record number of exhibitors, nothing at the 2009 Tokyo Auto Salon tuner show hinted at the global economic downturn. As always, there was a great mix of styles, from hard-core, 1,000-hp, supertuned machinery to weird customized scooter tricycles. Auto... Renault and Williams unveil new Formula One cars in Portugal Renault and Williams F1 are the latest teams to unveil their 2009 Formula One cars, on Monday morning just before the start of a general test at the new Algarve Motor Park in Portugal. In both cases, the cars were simply pushed into the pit lane for the benefit of photographers, before being... NEWS BRAKE: Monday, Jan. 19, 2009 In today's News Brake: GM cleans out the Heritage fleet garage at the auction in Scottsdale; VW wins the Dakar rally; and GM isn't sure it has the money to turn the Cadillac Converj concept into a production hybrid coupe ... But Wait, There's More!... Chrysler PT Cruiser hits the end of the road this summer One of the original retro cars, the Chrysler PT Cruiser, is getting the ax. Production ends this summer, Chrysler president Tom Lasorda confirmed last week. With its sinister styling that drew comparisons to 1930s gangster rides, the PT Cruiser was a hit when it was launched in 2000. It was ... IndyCar notebook: Volkswagen could join series; Indy 500 practice reduced Honda vs. Volkswagen? Ulrich Baretzky, Audi Sport's head of engine technology, told Racecar Engineering magazine that his company is interested in joining the IndyCar Series in 2011, and it appears Volkswagen will be the brand that enters the action. Honda already declared its intention... Nigel Mansell's son, Leo, to contest LeMans Series Leo Mansell will emulate his famous father by racing a Ferrari this season. Mansell, 24, will drive a Ferrari F430 GT in the Le Mans Series in Europe for Britian-based Team Modena, 20 years after father Nigel started his two-year stint with the Ferrari Formula One team. Nigel Mansell will assist ... Toyota uses cash offers in bid to get rolling Coming off a sharp sales decline in December, Toyota Division is trying to lure buyers into showrooms with new cash offers for customers and dealers. Even the Prius is getting support, after having been excluded from the brand's lavish incentive program in the last quarter of 2008. Toyota put... You May Have Missed... Money woes may keep Converj from market General Motors' tight finances may hold the automaker back from building a production version of the Cadillac Converj concept car. GM revealed the coupe, which would use the same technology as the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid, last week at the auto show here. GM designed the Converj so the... Volkswagen wins Dakar Rally, prepares for WRC entry Volkswagen boss Kris Nissen hailed Giniel de Villiers's win of the Dakar Rally as "historic" after the South African became the first man to win the Dakar in a diesel car, during the first time the event took place outside of Africa. De Villiers was followed home by his teammate, American Mark... Weekend in Scottsdale: We go to five auctions in 24 hours--one of them three times--so you won't have to On Saturday we went to Barrett-Jackson and RM, and we saw that it was good. Not as good as recent record years, but still, it hadn't fallen off a cliff. Everyone showed up and there were more than enough cars to go around, but transaction prices were down from last year, in general. That's good ... Sold! GM heritage cars GM heritage sold! Anyone with a paddle could have bid on a small piece of General Motors heritage last week at the Barrett-Jackson collector car auction in Scottsdale, Ariz. More than 200 cars from GM's Heritage Fleet went on the block in what GM called normal housekeeping. Note that's the... Sammy Swindell wins Chili Bowl Nationals for fifth time Sammy Swindell won his record fifth Chili Bowl Nationals on Saturday, 11 years since his last triumph at Tulsa (Okla.) Expo Raceway. Swindell completed a perfect week in the 23rd annual event by winning the Race of Champions on Tuesday and his first heat, qualifying race and main event on... CLICK HERE TO UNSUBSCRIBE from the AutoWeek Daily Drive E-mail or to sign up for other AutoWeek e-mail products. IMPORTANT: Please add AutoWeek.com to your E-mail Address Book to ensure you will continue to receive our newsletters. Please DO NOT reply to this e-mail. You will not receive a reply if you use this e-mail address. Crain Communications, 1155 Gratiot Ave. Detroit, MI 48207.