Max Auto Updates - 16/11/2009

New GP number plates unveiled

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The plastic number plates of all Gauteng-registered vehicles will have to be replaced with aluminium plates within the next four years.

According to the Gauteng provincial government, the new number plates will cost R50 more than the current plates.

Plastic number plates cost between R50 and R70 each, but the price is not regulated.

The provincial government has been promising for two years to introduce the new plates, but nothing has happened until now.

Present series to run out

Bheki Nkosi, MEC for roads and transport, said on Wednesday in an answer to a question in the legislature that the province is compelled to intervene, as the present registration numbers (series) will run out during the World Cup next year.

He also believes the new number plates will help to reduce crime.

The province wants to hamper forgery, improve the regulation of the manufacturing of number plates, and link each individual number plate to an individual vehicle owner.

According to the new system, new registration numbers will consist of a series of two letters, two numbers and two letters, ending with the letters "GP".

The new number plates will be equipped with a 2D barcode and a passive electronic chip. Vehicle owners will be able to keep their current registration numbers, but will still need to switch to the new aluminium number plates.

According to Nkosi, the manufacturing process will start on February 1 2010 and must be finished before November 1 2013.

The transition to the new system will cost R32m.

New IT system

Musa Manganyi, a deputy director in the department managing the project, said this will be spent on research, the design of the number plates, consultation, the registration of the manufacturers and printers of the number plates, as well as a new information technology system.

Using the new IT system, the government will be able to see where and by whom each number plate has been manufactured, as well as identify the details of the vehicle and its owner.

Gauteng has given a limited number of businesses permission to make the new number plates.

Three businesses will be making the reflective material, six will manufacture the blank number plates, and 204 will print the registration numbers.

Owners of vehicles whose registration numbers start with a "B" or "C" will be the first to have to replace their number plates.

The rest will follow alphabetically.

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30km/h speed limits for Pretoria

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There's some bad news ahead for motorists who like putting pedal to the metal.

The City of Tshwane mayoral committee has started a process to introduce 30km/h or 40km/h speed restrictions in certain areas.

The zones are being considered for areas such as schools, tertiary institutions, densely populated residential areas such as Sunnyside, hospitals, taxi ranks, the new Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) stops, and also at sports facilities such as Loftus Versfeld.

City of Tshwane spokesperson Dikeledi Phiri says the project will be launched once the municipality has the necessary funds available.

The project is part of the metro council's plan to ease the traffic flow in the city.

The mayoral committee claims the decision is in line with international trends, and says it wants to make a contribution to halving the number of road deaths in Africa by 2014.

The national road safety strategy of 2006 and the world report on road accidents of 2004, suggest 30km/h speed limits for such areas, the city said.

Trial run

Phiri says Tshwane will start by indentifying two areas where 30km/h limits will be applied on a trial basis. She says an existing project, where this particular limit is already in place in Sibelius Street in Lukasrand, will be used as an initial case study.

The law will be enforced in the same way as in the case of the normal 60km/h limit.

The layout of the road signs is yet to be finalised, but local experts will be used to ensure that the 30km/h signs are clearly visible and easily understandable.

Karen Meyer, DA spokesperson for community safety, said that while the party welcomes the project, one can't help but wonder if it will have any meaningful consequences.

"In an ideal world it would probably work, but in Pretoria, law enforcement is everything but ideal. Motorists are not allowed to speak on cellphones while they're driving, but 90% of them still do so. It this not a similar type of useless legislation?"

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Materia Turbo finally here



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Daihatsu’s Materia is one of the most unique-looking cars currently on sale locally.

Although the styling (with its proportionally small glasshouse surfaces) polarises some, to others it possesses a disarmingly loveable mini hotrod vibe.

So it was with great expectation that Daihatsu South Africa showed off its DRD Materia at JIMS in October last year.

Beyond alloy wheels and a substantial sound system, the car on Daihatsu’s display stand boasted a 110kW version of the 1.5l engine. This signaled Daihatsu was close to finally marketing a car in the hot hatch fold again.

Now, six months later than anticipated and more than a year after the Materia DRD was shown at JIMS, Diahatsu's Materia Turbo is finally on sale.

It looks set to shake up the junior hot hatch segment too, boasting more power than either Toyota's Yaris TS or Renault's Twingo RS.

Daihatsu hot hatch heritage?

Although most hot hatch enthusiasts easily gloss over the fact, Daihatsu actually has quite a heritage with regards to producing very quick little hatchbacks.

Locally, the turbocharged YRV automatics were giant-killers between 2004 and 2006.

Sporting a kerb mass of only 890kg and powered by a 95kW 1.3l engine, these little Daihatsu YRVs left a significant void in the company’s local product portfolio when they were discontinued three years ago.

Fortunately the limited edition Daihatsu Materia Turbo will now fill that void.

Hottest hatch in the junior batch?

Although the car now offered on sale is significantly late (it was supposed to go on sale in April) the key hot hatch certified credentials (boosted power and boy-racer looks) are dutifully present.

Although Materia Turbo's forced induction has been geared down from 0.6bar of boost to only 0.4, performance numbers remain quite similar to the JIMS showcar.

To this end the severely undersquare Materia 1.5l engine (running a stroke bias of 91.8mm to a bore of only 72mm) still produces 110kW, at an engine speed 750r/min higher than the JIMS car.

Peak rotational force is five units less than promised in October last year, factoring out to 190Nm at 4 800r/min. Daihatsu claims a 0-100km/h sprint time of 8.9 sec and an electronically limited top speed of 200km/h.

To ensure the performance package is as symmetrical as possible in terms of dynamics, Materia turbo features a 30mm ride height reduction courtesy of Eibach lowering springs at all four wheel corners.

Curiously ABS brakes and a limited-slip front differential are optional extras...

In mitigation, the car does run special performance bias brake fluid graded with a higher boiling point, which should ensure the middle pedal's performance remains true even after severe use on track days.

Plenty of boy-racer styling trinkets

Aesthetically the Materia turbo features a rear roof spoiler, tinted windows and of course there’s an air-intake scoop cut out of the bonnet surfacing to ensure that YRV heritage is continued.

Daihatsu’s hot hatch rolls 17-inch alloy wheels, shod with 205/40 rubber.

Customers have option on either a five-spoke anthracite or rather ridiculous 12-spoke carbon-black with red pinstripe mag design.

The current consignment of Materia Turbos is limited to only 40 units, retailing at R219 900 each.

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Porsche SE Posts 4.4 Billion Euro Loss

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Porsche Automobil Holding SE has reported a pre-tax loss of €4.4 billion ($6.6 billion) for its 2008-2009 fiscal year.

Porsche Automobil Holding SE is the parent company of Porsche AG, the luxury automaker. Porsche SE's losses mostly stem from its failed bid to take over Volkswagen AG.

Porsche SE had been buying up VW stock over the last couple of years by borrowing cash in an attempted take-over of its much larger rival. But Porsche SE's gamble for a hostile purchase of Volkswagen AG backfired when it found itself overextended debt-wise as the credit markets hit a crisis in the financial meltdown of late 2008. Porsche SE was then forced to merge with VW this past summer.

In a press release announcing the loss, Porsche SE also reported that its car division, Porsche AG, "remains the world's most profitable automaker," with a profit margin in the double-digits.

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BMW 335i Cabriolet with 266kW by ATT Autotechnik



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ATT Autotechnik believe the current BMW 3 Series Convertible is the best ever. The tuner therefore embarked on a mission to make it even better. Starting with a stock 3.0-litre twin turbo 335i Convertible power was increased from the standard 225kW and 400Nm of torque to 254kW and 481Nm in power level I. This is achieved through an additional controller.

Power level II also makes use of a stainless steel sport exhaust system to deliver 266kW and 536Nm, 14kW more than the previous-generation M3 E46.

Wheels fitted are ATT TEC LeMans 20" measuring 8,5x20" and 10x20" front and rear while tyres are Michelin Pilot Sport 2 size 245/30 ZR20 and 285/25 ZR20 respectively.

Accessories included are M3 louvers, mounting accessories and LED indicators. The interior can also be customised to suit individual tastes.

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World's ultimate low profile tyre



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Wheels and tyres. Not only do they keep you rolling along, they’re a vital factor in the style coefficient of any car.

The general rule of thumb amongst enthusiasts is to wrap the lowest profile rubber attainable on the most generously sized wheel rims available.

However wide of the original engineering specification said tyre/wheel combination goes is of no consequence.

Despite the unintended consequences of appalling ride quality, a voluminous increase in road-noise intrusion and inevitable compromises to geared performance, if it looks good, it looks good - period.

SEMA madness

During the recent SEMA show in Las Vegas the most renowned wheel and tyre manufacturers showcased their latest and greatest wares.

At a show as elaborately themed as SEMA one expects to see some outlandish wheel and rubber combinations, yet nobody could quite prepare attendees for what was showcased at the Nexen stand.

Nexen, a rather low-key South Korean tyre manufacturer (Koreas oldest too), wrapped a tyre of such cartoonish dimensions around a 24-inch alloy wheel, it truly beggared belief.

The tyre in question was the company’s 15-series product. Sound rather inconsequential, until you take in the sequence of numbers running along the sidewall – 365/15R24…

Factor in the 365mm tread width (we can hardly imagine traction being an issue) and 24-inch diameter and that 15 profile number renders as being simply astonishing.

In a world where one winces at the possible ride quality characteristics of 35 profile tyres on 20-inch wheels, the Nexen 365/15R24s must be the most masochistic road tyres, well, ever.

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GM to repay $6.7billion government loan

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General Motors (GM) will announce on Monday it plans to start repaying a $6.7bn loan to the US Treasury by year-end due to modest operating improvements, a source knowledgeable about the situation said.

GM, due to unveil its first post-bankruptcy earnings report on Monday, will begin making $1bn quarterly installments on the loan on Dec. 31. At the same time, the carmaker also will start repaying a $1.4bn loan to Canada at a rate of $200m per quarter.

GM was not required to make any payments on the US loan before it matured in July 2015, but better-than-expected vehicle sales will let it start repayments much sooner than expected.

"The reason GM is in a position to do that is that they have seen performance that has been modestly ahead of what the expectation was when GM went into bankruptcy and emerged from bankruptcy," said the person, who was not authorized to speak publicly about the repayment plan.

GM vehicle sales fell off less than expected during its government-supported bankruptcy in June and July, which lasted only about 39 days. Sales since then, aided partly by government "cash for clunkers" incentives, have performed ahead of plan.

Early exit

As a result, GM has not been forced to burn through some $16bn in taxpayer cash provided to the company when it emerged from bankruptcy. The source said GM has used only about $3bn of these funds, which are contained in a restricted escrow account that cannot be accessed without Treasury approval.

GM will make its loan payments from the escrow account, the source said, adding that the arrangement resulted from discussions between the Obama administration's auto task force and the GM board.

"It is consistent with the U.S. government's focus on exiting the position as early as practicable," the source said.

The government stepped in to bail out both GM and Chrysler Group to save a key portion of the US manufacturing sector from collapse amid the recession.

The $6.7bn in senior debt is only a small portion of the more than $50bn in taxpayer funds provided to GM. Much of this was converted to a nearly 61 percent equity stake, making the Treasury GM's largest shareholder. Treasury officials have said they hope to sell shares in a GM initial public offering in the next year.

The source said this would not happen in the first half of the year, so the repayment plan would let GM reduce the loan by at least $3bn "before any plausible IPO."

The repayment schedule also could be altered to accommodate IPO plans or accelerated payments, should conditions warrant.

But the source cautioned that GM's condition was only modestly better than expected and it was not yet ready to repay the full loan amount.

"While there are modest improvements which were important and put them in the position to do this, they are at the very beginning of a difficult restructuring and are not in any way out of the woods," the source said.

Brake Cooler Ducts Bought and Fitted

Decided it was time to start with some of the items for my December plan... so ordered a set of Courtenay Sport Brake Cooling Ducts from Precision Race Technologies and fitted them today.

Max Auto Updates - 12/11/2009

GM European CEO Resigns After Opel Reversal



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The fallout from GM's decision to keep Opel has claimed the job of Carl-Peter Forster, the company's chief executive of European operations.

While details are limited, it appears Forster and GM management clashed over the much-mangled deal to sell Opel to a joint-venture lead by Magna International. As you may recall, GM was going to sell a 55 percent stake in Opel but later decided the company was "vital to the success of General Motors."

According to GM President and CEO Fritz Henderson, "The Opel brand has made tremendous progress under Carl-Peter's tenure and leadership over the past several years. We thank him for his significant accomplishments and wish him only the best in the future."

For the time being, Forster is expected to be replaced by Nick Reilly (GM's executive vice president of international operations). Eventually, GM's Vice Chairman, Bob Lutz, could be tapped to fill in as interim chairman of the Opel supervisory board.

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Onyx Concept Enhances Range Rover Sport



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When we last checked in with tuner firm, Concept802, they had just finished work on their Platinum S widebody upgrade kit for the Range Rover Sport. Following changes in the company's structure, Concept802 is now Onyx Concept, and they have added a few new features to go with the conversion.

In additon to the widebody conversion, Onyx has added to the mix their 14-piece interior panel kit, A&D pillars, front grill and side vents all made from 100% solid carbon fiber, not overlay or laminated parts. Onyx has added a suspension lowering system, Onyx branded TPM 22-inch wheels available in a range of offsets to suit the widebody and standard cars, and perforated buffalo hide diamond stitched leather with a range of contrasting colors. Although no details were given, Onyx also offers power upgrades for diesel and petrol models.

For the near future, Onyx is working on their Platinum V conversion for the Range Rover Vogue. They were kind enough to provide a few renderings of the package. This new edition is expected to include a redesigned bodykit constructed mainly out of carbon fiber. The renderings show alterations to the front bumper, when compared to Platinum S. Gone will be the traditional fog lights in favor of LED strips. A carbon fibre grille matches the blacked-out double-spoke TPM custom wheels. Their renderings also appears to include redesigned rear bumper, dual exhaust instead of quad, and a new rear diffuser also made from carbon fiber.

Onyx Concept plans to make the Platinum V kit available for older Vogue Range Rovers, as well as the 2010 model year. The set-up should hit the market in mid-December, with delivery to their dealers in the Russian Federation, UAE, UK, and US.

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2011 Volvo S60 First Photos Revealed



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Just under a year ago Volvo released the first images of the S60 Concept car before its debut at the 2009 North American International Auto Show. Signaling an imminent reveal, a few teaser articles filtered through recently, and finally today we have these official pictures of the luxury sedan.

"The all-new Volvo S60 is sculpted to move you," says Stephen Odell, President and CEO of Volvo Cars. "It looks and drives like no other Volvo before and the car's technology will help you to be safer and more confident behind the wheel."

One of the car's biggest selling points is called the Pedestrian Detection system which as the name implies, can detect pedestrians and apply brakes automatically should the driver fail to do so in time.

"Our aim for 2020 is that no-one should be killed or seriously injured in a Volvo," said Volvo Senior Safety Advisor Thomas Broberg previously regarding the brand's overall safety strategy.

Nothing was said about engines but it can be safely assumed that turbocharging will still play a significant role. Plug-in hybrid vehicles have also been testing.

The all-new S60 will be publically unveiled at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show followed by the start of production in the summer.

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VW-Porsche Overtakes Toyota as World's No. 1




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VW-Porsche has overtaken Toyota as the world's largest automaker, but the stay at the number one spot may be very temporary.

Volkswagen Group, having merged with Porsche, has had an output this year of 4.4 million units, while Toyota has produced 4 million vehicles since January 2009.

According to auto industry analysts IHS Global Insight, Volkswagen benefited from programs in Germany, the UK and China meant to spur car sales, while Toyota put the brakes on heavily during the automotive crisis that hit the industry late last year and early in 2009 and cut production substantially, slashing it almost in half from 2.1 million units to 1.1 million.

But Toyota is likely not about to cede its title for too long. After the collapse of GM, Toyota became the world's largest automaker, producing 9.24 million units in 2008. It is expected to only make about 7 million for 2009. But the Japanese automaker has a production capacity to manufacture about 10 million vehicles a year, far more than VW-Porsche. It is quite likely that once the crisis has passed, Toyota will once again be number one.

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LUMMA CLS 730 RS Released with G-POWER 537kW Kit



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A German tuning/design company has just released a new performance tuning package for the BMW M5 E60. Winterlingen-based Lumma Design has been working with the engineers at G-Power on an upgrade kit to the M-badged version of the 5-series.

The result is a car that uses all 537kW horsepower of a bi-compressor V10 to reach a maximum speed of over 367 km/h. The 700Nm of torque helps the car go 0-100 km/h time in 4.2 seconds, reaching 200 km/h in just ten seconds. 300 km/h is achieved in 29.5 seconds.

The companies claim this is the "most powerful engine" ever seen on a "road-legal BMW." It is certainly a huge development over Lumma's CLR 500 RS released in 2007. That car saw a "paltry" 412kW.

Certainly, these figures require non-stock brakes. Lumma Design's own six-piston front, four-piston rear caliper brakes are used along with drilled 405mm discs. Ultralight, three-piece forged 10x21 and 12Jx21 wheels at the nose and tail look great on the 45mm lowered car.

The design package includes carbon fiber boot and bonnet, and the material is also used for the door handles, entrance sills, fenders, and mirror caps. Designers also replaced the exhaust system. Inside, carbon fiber, leather, and suede is used gratuitously. Hopefully, the color scheme chosen inside is customizable, as something more subtle than the contrasting red, white, dark grey would probably feel more appropriate.

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Lotus's Seven Year Product Plan Key Details Emerge



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The Lotus Esprit replacement has apparently been given the green light. The last official Esprit came off the production line in 2004. As in previous years, brand owners Proton, plan to elevate the Lotus name with the likes of Ferrari and Porsche, and a new Esprit is the key.

As a company focused on lightweight sports cars, the British marque is said to be aiming at a power-to-weight ratio of between 205kW and 242kW per tonne which is comparable with some big German products. The car would be a third model tier with the four-cylinder Elise/ Exige and Europa as the first tier and the Evora V6 as the second tier, according to Autocar.

Another encouraging development happening at Hethel is the promotion of the new Versatile Vehicle Architecture (VVA), a platform engineered to suit almost any vehicle type, from sedan to SUV and anything in between. Although rumours claim Lotus is working on hybrid and electric projects for outside entities, there is no indication of in-house alternative powertrains. It is however trying to sell VVA to other small automakers as a strong but cost-effective niche solution.

2012 is the anticipated year for the launch of the tier three supercar, which will most likely not be called Esprit.

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Wheelsandmore Aston Martin DB9 Volante



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German tuner Wheelsandmore has some ideas of its own for the Aston Martin DB9 convertible.

First up is a performance upgrade for the 6.0 liter V12 engine with 350 kW and 600 Nm of torque that comes with the production version. Wheelsandmore boosts that by 44 kW while adding 68 Nm of torque too. They've done so by tinkering with the ECU and adding a stainless-steel sport exhaust system with 200-cell sport catalysts and noise-volume valve control.

Suspension-lowering is part of the package with the DB9 sitting 25 mm lower.

The DB9 also gets a new body kit made of polyurethane along with side skirts, front and rear aprons and a rear lid spoiler. The convertible gets fitted with Kahn RS-V 20-inch wheels with Dunlop Sport Maxx performance tires - 255/35/20 for the front 9.0x20 rims and 285/30/20 for the 11.0×20 rear rims.

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New TechArt Performance Kit for Facelifted Porsche



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As Porsche models evolve, so do the the tuners who enhance them. TechArt has added a new performance kit for the newly facelifted and uprated 997 S and 997 4S all-wheel drive model.

Identified as Power kit TA 097/S1, components include the "Racing" flap-controlled exhaust system as well as new ECU software for a slight boost in power output up to 26 kW in the upper rpm range for a new total of 309 kW.

The exhaust system includes two stainless steel racing headers with sports catalytic converters, rear muffler with exhaust flap, an exhaust flap control unit and twin oval tailpipes in high-gloss or black chrome. The exhaust flap control unit allows for standard noise volume or unrestricted race car sound from the exhaust system.

As previously seen, TechArt offers the TÜV-certified Aerokit I for the 997. Wind tunnel tested, the kit provides increased downforce over the axels via a front spoiler, side skirts, roof spoiler and adjustable rear wing. Decorative trimmings include side mirrors, headlamp surrounds and rear diffuser.

The Power kit TA 097/S1 is available with immediate effect.

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Ferrari's blown future?



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Forced induction Ferraris have always been something of an oddity.

Maranello’s engine builders have always prided themselves on generating outlandish output numbers the old fashion way – with impeccable engineering and operational tolerances.

As the emission regulation clouds move in over the headquarters of performance car manufacturers across Europe, even Ferrari has been forced to reconsider its position on forced-induction.

Fanning the hopes

Turbocharging appears to be the only way forward - reconciling the need for stupendous power and acceptable emission levels.

To this end patent drawings leaked earlier this year, detailing a Ferrari dual-stage turbocharging system. It’s not as if Ferrari has no experience with turbocharging either.

During the particularly ludicrous 1980s F1 turbo-era, racetrack technology morphed into powering two of Ferrari’s most desirable cars ever – the F40 and 288 GTO – with twin-turbo V8 engines.

The reason Maranello has never bought into the turbo concept is the staggered throttle response of most turbocharged engines. Turbo lag, no matter how negligible, is simply intolerable to Ferrari.

After assessing the patent sketch and hearing Ferrari’s engine chief Jean-Jacques admit to European reporters its turbo program has been ratified, we’re pretty sure a contemporary twin-turbo Ferrari is within the very near future.

Twin-turbo with direct-injection?

The patent sketch set-up places two turbochargers in the V-split between the two banks of four-cylinders.

Considering Ferrari’s introduction of turbocharger friendly direct-injection on the California range, the engineering foundation for a switch to forced induction is undoubtedly present.

Ferrari’s turbo technology should closely shadow Porsche’s current variable-vane turbos, which provide the golden mean of producing power from low engine speeds right through to the engine’s operational peak.

One technical intervention Ferrari will not be adopting is the Fiat MultiAir variable valve system, which has massive benefits with regards to efficiency and subsequently, emission reduction.

Ferrari believes the MultiAir system’s benefits are negated at the very high engine speeds its road car engines operate at.

In other technical news regarding Maranello’s products Ferrari’s dual-clutch transmission, which is currently restricted only to V8 configuration cars, has been found suitable for deployment with the company’s V12 powered cars too.

It should effortlessly engage and disengaged gears at speeds of up to 10 000r/min. Then again, future turbocharged Ferraris would probably operate at peak engine speeds far below that threshold.

Max Auto Updates - 11/11/2009

'GM must pay for failed Opel deal'



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German Chancellor Angela Merkel called Tuesday on US car giant General Motors to foot the bill for restructuring its troubled European subsidiary Opel after it decided to keep the unit rather than sell it.

In her first comments on Opel since GM's abrupt about-turn last week, Merkel said she "regretted enormously" the decision not to sell to Berlin's preferred consortium, which threw the future of Germany's 25 000 Opel workers into doubt.

"Any solution (for Opel) will only succeed if GM bears the majority of the restructuring costs with its own means," she said.

"This also means that GM needs to pay back its bridging loans," she added, referring to the 1.5-billion-euro (2.25-billion-dollar) loan Berlin granted to keep the company afloat.

"Workable concept"

"We are expecting General Motors quickly to provide a workable concept that will give Opel ... and its German plant the chance of a good future," said the chancellor, who has invested huge amounts of political capital in Opel's fate.

General Motors' shock decision to pull out of a planned sale to Canadian car maker Magna and Russia's Sberbank sparked fury in Germany and prompted workers across Europe to down tools and hit the streets in protest.

GM says it will have to eliminate around 10,000 positions to keep Opel and British sister firm Vauxhall running, slightly fewer than Magna said it would cut, but German unions fear jobs cuts will hurt them more than under Magna's management.

A report in Tuesday's Sueddeutsche Zeitung cited US ratings agency Moody's as saying that General Motors will need more than five billion euros to turn around Opel, rather than the three billion GM has mentioned before.

Max Auto Updates - 10/11/2009

Rieju unveils new RS3



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Rieju has unveiled the replacement for their RS2 range of small capacity sports bikes at the EICMA 2009 International Motorcycle Show in Milan.

Rieju has developed this completely new “ground up design” working in collaboration with two of Europe’s leading motorcycle design and development companies, ArianeTech Ingeniería and Xenophya Design.

An evolution of the original RS concept, the new RS3 combines sport bike technology with comfort and versatility aimed squarely at the youth market, with styling that has taken obvious cues from Honda’s CBR600RR.

Established in 1934 the Rieju brand has a long European heritage and has evolved to become a major small capacity motorcycle producer with over 17% market share of all 50cc geared motorcycles sales in Europe and over 27% market share in Spain.

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GM CEO charms Opel workers



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General Motors chief executive Fritz Henderson was due in Germany on Monday to start talks aimed at soothing workers' tempers over the carmaker's plan to reorganise European arm Opel on its own.

GM plunged Opel into turmoil last week by reversing its plan to sell the business to a Russian-backed consortium led by Canada's Magna a deal that Henderson backed but that many in Detroit opposed given a nascent market recovery.

The U-turn torpedoed months of difficult negotiations and infuriated German political leaders and Opel staff.

Emotions are running high among the 25 000 workers in Germany who had feverishly hoped Magna would take control of Opel, which they believe GM had long neglected in favour of the Chevrolet brand.

GM has no "credibility or faith"

Opel's top labour leader, Klaus Franz, told Reuters that he wanted Detroit to grant the same degree of autonomy to the European carmaker it would have received under Magna as a precondition for talks on any staff and wage cuts.

"GM does not enjoy any credibility or faith in the eyes of the public or the government, so they now have to consider whether they now want to seek confrontation or cooperation by finding a common solution," Franz said on Sunday.

Henderson, who was due to speak to management and staff in the Ruesselsheim headquarters of Opel on Monday, was expected to bring along Nick Reilly, the Briton in charge of restructuring Opel until ex-GM Europe boss Carl-Peter Forster is replaced.

In Opel staff's eyes Reilly comes to the job with heavy baggage.

As head of GM's international operations based in Shanghai, he chairs rival GM unit Daewoo, which many in Germany believe has grown in Europe at Opel's expense by exporting cheap Korean-made Chevys.

He once served as chairman of Opel's British sister brand Vauxhall, where he announced in 2000 that GM would end car production at its Luton plant.

Candidates wanted

Opel staff want GM to rebuild trust by committing to long-term investments for new models and powertrains, developing a concrete plan to market Opels outside of Europe and Russia, and installing a European boss who understand what car buyers here want and can lobby successfully for it back in Detroit.

More visible than any other Opel or GM manager in the past six months, Franz enjoys the support of German workers and holds considerable sway with the rest of Opel's European workforce.

"Magna wanted to develop a mini car below the Agila, two further niche models, two new engines, a double-clutch transmission and an expansion of engineering R&D," labour leader Franz told a demonstration in Ruesselsheim last week.

"GM's plan foresaw no cabrio, a reduction in the product range, slashing the development budget, and transferring powertrain technology to the V8 specialists in the USA," he said, referring to the hulking engines that find little popularity in the European market dominated by small cars.

Speculation has also begun about who will replace GM Europe chief Carl-Peter Forster, who is leaving after criticising the board for reversing its decision to sell Opel. A source at GM said that candidates for the job include Magna's chief operating officer Herbert Demel.

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BMW SA price fixing charges stick



http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=997

The Competition Commission has applied to the Competition Tribunal to amend part of its complaint referral against BMW South Africa, the Tribunal said on Monday.

The Commission had withdrawn its allegations that BMW contravened Section 5(1) and 8(c) of the Competition Act, the Tribunal said in a statement.

However, the Commission's allegation - that BMW contravened Section 5(2) by maintaining minimum resale prices (price fixing) - remained, the tribunal said.

"The Commission has not given reasons for its application to amend the complaint. This is an unopposed application," the Tribunal said.

The Commission had received a complaint against BMW from complainant Fourier Holdings, a former franchised dealer of BMW.

"The Commission investigated the complaint and determined that prohibited practices had occurred and referred the matter to the Tribunal," the Tribunal said.

"Abused dominance"

In its complaint referral the Commission had alleged that BMW had contravened Section 5(1) of the Act by assigning exclusive territorial areas in which franchised dealers were not permitted to deal.

The Commission also alleged that BMW had contravened Section 8(c) of the Act in that the car manufacturer had abused its dominance by hindering the third to fourteenth respondents (franchised dealers) including the complainant Fourier Holdings from expanding into and competing in territorial areas assigned.

"On the other hand BMW permitted its retail outlet to deal in all territories, including those assigned to their franchised dealers."

The Commission further alleged that BMW had contravened Section 8 (c) by refusing to supply Fourier Holdings with the relevant range of products ie, BMW parts and motorcycles.

"As a result of the amendment the complaint will be reduced to an allegation that BMW, in contravention of Section 5(2) of the Act, maintained minimum resale prices (price-fixing)."

The Commission alleged that BMW maintained minimum resale prices in relation to the products (i.e. BMW parts and motorcycles) that it franchised, and that it would not allow franchised dealers to offer discounts to customers from the prices determined by it, that it also monitored compliance with the set prices, and threatened sanctions for those who did not comply with set prices.

Max Auto Updates - 06/11/2009

'Leaner' Chrysler promised



http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=990

Chrysler's new Italian chief said Wednesday the American icon is a leaner, more focused automaker well on its way to achieving long-term profitability and regaining its sense of style.

Wearing his signature rumpled sweater, Sergio Marchionne led a team of executives through an eight-hour-long presentation of the automaker's five year plan, some five months after Chrysler emerged from bankruptcy protection.

"What you're witnessing is the beginning of a genuine transformation," Marchionne told reporters and analysts gathered in Chrysler's design dome at its Auburn Hills, Michigan headquarters.

"It's comprehensive, it's ambitious and it's serious."

Chrysler said it expects to break even next year, reach profitability in 2011 and repay 7.4 billion dollars in loans from the US and Canadian governments by 2014.

Key to the transformation is an intense alliance with Fiat, which obtained a 20% stake in Chrysler in exchange for sharing its technology and charismatic chief executive.

More than half of Chrysler's vehicles - including its Jeeps - will be built on Fiat platforms and Chrysler expects to cut out 2.9 billion dollars in purchasing costs over the next five years.

Update weak lineup

The automaker is going to invest 23 billion dollars to update its weak product lineup by eliminating some underperforming models, introducing new ones - including Fiat's popular 500 minicar - and refreshing 75% of its US vehicle lineup by 2010.

Chrysler has ambitious plans for regaining lost market share in its home market and also plans to work with Fiat to expand aggressively overseas.

It hopes to more than double its sales from 1.3 million vehicles in 2009 to 2.8 million vehicles in 2014.

Marchionne refuted recent reports that Chrysler is burning through the four-billion-dollar cash endowment it received upon exiting bankruptcy protection in June.

"The new Chrysler is being extremely parsimonious, i.e. cheap," Marchionne said, adding that Chrysler has substantially reduced its fixed costs and increased its cash position to roughly 5.7 billion dollars at the end of September.

Marchionne has taken the helm of a company wracked by years of turmoil and he acknowledged that its product offerings has suffered from neglect.

Chrysler underwent a painful divorce from Germany's Daimler in 2007 and its new owners - private equity group Cerberus - took the helm as auto sales were beginning to tumble.

Keeping afloat

The company shuttered plants and shed tens of thousands of workers, but the painful restructuring was insufficient to keep the company afloat during one of the worst economic downturns in decades.

Chrysler sought billions in government loans to keep the lights on while it restructured ahead of an April 30 bankruptcy filing, after losing 8.9 billion dollars last year.

Its US sales - which were down 30% in October even as its rivals posted gains - remain down 39% for the year to date. And with US auto sales expected to remain at historically low levels for at least another year, competition will be fierce.

But the cost-cutting moves and the trauma of bankruptcy have provided Chrysler with the instinct and a low cost structure to survive just about anything, Marchionne said.

"Survivors are a different breed of people," he told reporters.

"People who have lived through traumatic experiences where death may have been an option end up living their life differently."

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Porsche Boxster Spyder Revealed



http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=991

Porsche has released the first images and details about the 2010 Boxster Spyder.

Described as the "...purist form of the Porsche sports car - light, powerful, consistently open, and very efficient", the Spyder is powered by a 3.4-liter six-cylinder engine that produces 235kW (7kW more than the Boxster S). Backed up by the optional PDK (Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe) transmission, the Spyder accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds before topping out at 267 km/h - with the roof down. If that isn't impressive enough, the roadster consumes just 9.3L/100km in the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC).

To further maximize the Spyder's sporting prowess, Porsche put the car on a diet (it only weighs 1,275 kg which makes it the lightest model in the Porsche lineup), lowered the center of gravity, and added an all-new sports suspension.

In terms of styling, the car features a unique soft top, extra-low side windows, and two rear deck lid bulges which are meant to resemble the ones used on the Carrera GT. Other design touches include modified front and rear bumpers, 10-spoke alloy wheels, and revised air intakes. Inside, the roadster boasts an exclusive interior with sport seats, 'Boxster Spyder' branded scuff plates, and a body-color center console.

Set to debut at the Los Angeles Motor Show, the Boxster Spyder will go on sale in February 2010.

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Chrysler Outlines 5 Year Fiat Based Product Plan



http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=992

Chrysler has outlined their five-year product plan during a lengthy press conference at the automaker's Technology Center in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

The plan has multiple phases and the first results will be seen in 2010, when a number of underperforming vehicles are given an emergency facelift. Key recipients include the Chrysler Sebring sedan, the Jeep Patriot, the Jeep Compass, the Jeep Wrangler, the Dodge Avenger and the Dodge Journey.

While facelifts will be huge in 2010, the company will also launch new versions of the Chrysler 300, the Jeep Grand Cherokee (which arrives in May), the Dodge Charger, and a new full-size Dodge SUV (likely a Durango replacement, based on the redesigned Jeep Grand Cherokee).

During 2011, the Wrangler will receive a new interior and various other upgrades.

In 2012, the Dodge Caliber will be put out to pasture. It will be replaced by new compact sedan given to Chrysler and Dodge.

For 2013, Chrysler gets a Fiat B platform-based small car, a Sebring replacement, and a new mid-sized crossover. Jeep will launch a small SUV based on the Fiat Panda, while the Patriot and Liberty will be replaced by Fiat-based SUVs. Dodge gets a Fiat-based small car and an Avenger replacement.

In 2014, Chrysler and Dodge will launch new versions of the Town & Country and Grand Caravan minivans.

The newly created Ram brand (aka Dodge Trucks), will kill the Dakota pickup in 2011 (could be replaced by a car-based vehicle) and launch new Fiat-based commercial vans in 2012.

According to the Fiat overlords, Chrysler will have projected $5 billion operating profit (by 2014) thanks to the sale of 2 million vehicles per year (up from 950,000). While it sounds like everything Chrysler designed will be killed, only 56 percent of Chrysler's vehicles will be based on Fiat platforms by 2014.

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AVUS Performance Audi A4 Avant Black Arrow



http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=993

AVUS Performance has unveiled a new tuning program for the Audi A4 Avant.

This particular model, dubbed the Black Arrow, features gloss black 21-inch wheels and a coilover suspension. The company also offers 19- and 20-inch wheels, LED taillights, and several matt wraps (black, white, etc).

Power comes from a 2.7-liter TDI engine, which is outfitted with a stage 1 performance ECU. Thanks to the electronic wizardry, the engine produces 172kW and 485Nm of torque instead of 142kW and 400Nm of torque.

If you don't have an A4 2.7 TDI, AVUS also offers performance upgrades for the 3.0 TDI and all other turbocharged engines.

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Autodelta 159 J4 3.2 C and Brera S 3.2 Compressore



http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=994

The leading bespoke design and tuning house for Alfa Romeo, Autodelta, continues a tradition of new model presentations at this year's MPH - the Prestige and Performance Show hosted by BBC's Top Gear's infamous threesome - with the launch of two new 'ground-breaking' products.

The first, a new package that aims to push the oft-touted Italian notion of 'gran turismo' to a performance-upgraded 159 saloon, this time to the 3.2-litre V6 version a year after the 2.2-litre model was first re-worked. The second, an Autodelta Brera, responds to customer demand following Prodrive's recent power output upgrade and weight loss program on the Brera S and completes the package with more wide-ranging performance modifications.

Autodelta's 'flamboyant' 159 - the J4 3.2 C - has been re-tuned for optimal driver orientation but also for the very greatest in coseted comfort and bespoke Autodelta luxury. The J4 3.2 C packs a 259kW 3.2 V6 engine and is combined with upgrades to the chassis, electronics, brakes, and suspension - all adjusted after intensive R&D for the V6 version from the sporting but smooth-riding 2.2 C.

Building on Prodrive efforts to reduce weight by 100 kilos and now boasting Autodelta's established supercharged and intercooled 259kW V6, the Brera S 3.2 'Compressore' places greater focus on the driver, turning the Brera S into a true high-performance sportscar. A bespoke Limited Slip Differential improves traction in addition to in-gear acceleration gains from Prodrive's switch from four-wheel to front-wheel-drive. At the request of clients, Autodelta have swapped Prodrive's more track-suitable suspension for a custom Autodelta Sportline suspension, optimised to balance track capability with everyday comfort.

Max Auto Updates - 05/11/2009

New car sales slumps slows

http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=986

South Africa's total industry new vehicle sales fell by 12.5% year-on-year in October, showing another contraction but at a slower rate of decline, adding to signs the economy may be pulling out of recession.

The auto industry, one of the biggest in the country's manufacturing sector and a key employer, has been in decline for more than two years, knocked by soft domestic demand, but recent data suggests the worst of the cycle now be in the past.

The central bank and Treasury predict Africa's biggest economy will emerge from its first recession in 17 years in the final quarter of this year, led by an expected rebound in factory output and in response to a series of interest rates cuts.

"Overall, the latest domestic sales figures reinforced the view that the industry was at an early stage in emerging from the extremely severe recession in the automotive market which had started mid-2006," the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers (NAAMSA) said in a statement on Tuesday.

Bolstered by fleet sales

Naamsa said total industry sales dropped to 36 082 units in October, with passenger car sales beginning to recover, supported by a seasonally strong sales to car rental companies.

When stripping out sales from Associated Motor Holdings and Amalgamated Automobile Distributors - which report separately - sales fell by 16.9% to 31 622 units compared with October last year.

The numbers show another improvement from the previous month and the rate of contraction was the slowest in more than a year - well down on the more than 40% decline of earlier this year.

Passenger car sales were down only 3.7% year-on-year, although sales of commercial vehicles remained soft, reflecting lower corporate investment.

Exports, badly hit by a global downturn that slashed demand, were 25.4% lower compared with October last year at 20 948 vehicles but surged 49.9% from September's sales.

"The better performance suggested that a recovery in demand in a number of export markets was under way, probably on the back of demand stimulation packages and fiscal support measures," Naamsa said.

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Why drive when you can fly...

http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=987

The government of Kazakhstan, an ex-Soviet country the size of Western Europe with an average weekly wage of $114, has urged its citizens to make more use of small planes to replace the "anachronism" of long car journeys.

Deputy Prime Minister Umirzak Shukeyev Tuesday announced new laws to cut the paperwork required for flights on private planes, some of which are "no more expensive than a jeep."

"Come to any African country and they have a small runway, they take a small plane when they need to, start it like a car and go shopping to a neighbouring village," Shukeyev told a government meeting.

"Driving a car to travel 1 000 kilometres is a total anachronism," he said.

Shukeyev did not say if the laws aimed to encourage Kazakhs to set up businesses with small planes to ferry passengers around or if the government's aim was to encourage individual purchases of light aircraft.

Most of Kazakhstan's 16 million citizens, whose average wage is around $455 per month, are used to long car and rail journeys, such as the 2 000-mile trip between main business hub Almaty and capital Astana.

But a small elite, many with close ties to the government and the oil business, use helicopters and private planes to traverse the country's vast steppe.

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GM Board Decides to Keep Opel



http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=988

In a surprise move, GM's board of directors has decided to keep Opel. While details are scarce, the board believes Opel and Vauxhall are vital to the success of General Motors.

As you may recall, a 55% share of Opel was put up for sale shortly after GM went into bankruptcy. After months of review, GM announced Opel would be sold to a joint-venture lead by Magna International.

The decision to keep Opel likely caused a few curse words to spill out in Berlin, as the government had promised to provide 4.5 billion euros ($6.58 billion) worth of funding to Magna. According to a government spokesman, Ulrich Wilhelm, "The government regrets the decision of the General Motors board to restructure Opel itself and to keep it in the group." Several officials are now demanding that GM repay 1.5 billion euros ($2.2 billion) in bridge financing provided by German state banks.

Regardless, CEO Fritz Henderson stated "GM will soon present its restructuring plan to Germany and other governments and hopes for its favorable consideration. This was deemed to be the most stable and least costly approach for securing Opel/Vauxhall's long-term future." This likely means GM will be lobbying the German government for some of the money promised to Magna.

While Opel had been a critical partner for the ill-fated Saturn brand, GM is now positioning the company as a key player for Chevrolet and Buick. The upcoming Buick Regal and next-generation Chevrolet Malibu will be heavily based on the Opel Insignia, not to mention the recently nixed Vue-ick was basically a rebadged Opel Antara.

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MR Car Design Black Rocco with 272kW



http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=989

MR Car Design has unveiled a heavily modified Volkswagen Scirocco, dubbed the Black Rocco.

Boasting an aggressive appearance, the car features a Rieger body kit (which consists of a front apron, side skirts, and rear valance with faux diffuser), a matte black paint scheme, and 20-inch 'Emotion' wheels with Hankook S1 EVO high performance tires.

Power comes from a 2.0-liter TSI engine that has been outfitted with a revised ECU, a downpipe, and a MR Car Design stage 3 turbo kit. Connected to a four tailpipe exhaust system, the engine produces 272kW and 519Nm of torque. Other performance tweaks include a limited slip differential, a Stoptech braking system (with 4-pistons calipers grabbing onto slotted discs that measure 355x32 mm), and V3-coilovers from KW Automotive.

Max Auto Updates - 04/11/2009

Chrysler to leave SA?



http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=985

Fiat SpA's plans for Chrysler will scrap the US carmaker's long-held plans for its brands outside North America with the exception of Jeep, people with direct knowledge of the plan said.

Fiat chief executive Sergio Marchionne is set to brief analysts and reporters on Wednesday on plans that the Italian automaker has been developing for Chrysler after taking management control as part of a restructuring arranged and funded by the Obama administration.

A Chrysler spokeswoman declined to comment on the pending product announcements. "It will be comprehensive," the Chrysler spokeswoman said of the briefing scheduled to include Marchionne and Chrysler chairman Bob Kidder.

The centerpiece of the five-hour presentation by Fiat and Chrysler executives will focus on plans to bring new fuel-efficient models to the US market using Fiat-developed engine technology, according to the sources, who asked not to be named ahead of the formal announcement.

That will include plans to introduce Fiat's fuel-saving MultiAir engine technology to Chrysler vehicles, the sources said.

Fiat was given a 20% stake in Chrysler by the US Treasury's autos task force in exchange for bringing more advanced vehicle technology to the US automaker as part of an effort to allow it to meet tough new US fuel economy standards.

Other elements of the Fiat plans for Chrysler will reflect a recognition that the automaker cannot be made viable with only minor changes to its past strategy for its three brands, Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge, the sources said.

Jeep plans

As part of the wholesale shake-up under Fiat, Jeep will remain an international brand because of the strong name recognition it commands, the people said.

Fiat plans to develop the Jeep brand and beef up marketing for its iconic SUVs in emerging markets such as Brazil, one of the sources said.

Chrysler's pickup truck line-up has been rebadged as Ram, leaving its Dodge brand as a niche offering.

One of the elements of this week's product plans will be discussion of bringing an electric car to the Dodge brand, one of those with knowledge of the plans said.

The Chrysler brand will be integrated into Fiat's own Lancia brand with shared vehicle platforms. As part of that effort, an attempt to build Chrysler up as a separate brand outside North America will be abandoned, the sources said.

Chrysler strategy reversal

That would mark a reversal of strategy for Chrysler that began under its ownership by Daimler AG. In recent years, Chrysler has drawn about 90% of its sales from North America, making it more vulnerable than its larger rivals to the steep, four-year decline in the US car market.

Fiat is not expected to announce plans to spare Chrysler plants already scheduled to close, the sources said.

That would represent a setback for the United Auto Workers union, which owns 55% of Chrysler through its health- care trust fund. The UAW has been lobbying Fiat to keep a Chrysler assembly plant near Detroit and an engine plant in Wisconsin running.

Marchionne has repeatedly said the industry needs to reduce capacity to cope with lower demand.

Other elements of Fiat's plans for Chrysler point to the ways that the Italian automaker has found to reduce shared costs, the sources said.

Shared platforms

In one of those cost-saving measures, Fiat will take over development of the rear-wheel-drive platform that would have provided the underpinnings for a new Chrysler 300C, the sources said.

By taking over the new version of the platform known internally in Chrysler as the "LX," Fiat will be able to save several hundred million dollars by scrapping its own parallel development effort, one of the sources said.

The new shared platform will be used for the Lancia Thesis model, the sources said, which will broaden the Italian brand's product range.

Fiat's Alfa Romeo brand will also take a Chrysler SUV platform, the sources said.

Chrysler's US sales have dropped 40% through September, compared with a 27% decline in the overall market.

Unlike General Motors Co, which emerged from its own US government-funded bankruptcy after Chrysler, Fiat has been largely silent until now about its plans for revamping Chrysler's aging and truck-heavy vehicle line-up.

Under Chrysler's former owner Cerberus Capital Management, the automaker had suspended much of its vehicle development work to conserve cash.

Max Auto Updates - 03/11/2009

Mercedes SLS Panamericana Body Package Announced



http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=983

Texan Tuner Arturo Alonso, and his Gullwing-America team, have come up with a cool new project, and gave us an exclusive first look at the renderings. The 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS Panamericana makes the SLS look more like the classic Gullwing 300SL.

This is not the first time Alonso has harkened back to the past. GW America previously designed a much-liked updated version of the Gullwing with a 272kW, 5.5-liter V8 engine.

Like their last project, the SLS Panamericana features hybrid body panels. This time around, the company chose aluminum and carbon fiber as the two materials for the seven different body parts, as well as chrome detailing. We would have liked to have seen some chrome accenting on the front grille, like their previous project. Replacing the LED daytime lights for something more unique could also be a interesting touch.

Nonetheless, the SLS Panamericana is a very good looking car, especially with the pearl white, red stripes, and red brakes. Racing stripes and exterior color can be customized on request. Xenon headlights were used, as well as custom five-point star wheels. The wheels measure 19-inches up front, and 20-inches in back.

Although the interior was mostly unchanged, plaid, contrasting Alcantara inserts were placed in the seats. The Panamericana logo is also emblazoned on new, lit aluminum door sills.

Alonso tells WCF that the 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS Panamericana package is scheduled for development in Germany as soon as they receive a delivery of OEM parts. Pricing and availability will be announced in the near future.

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Citi Golf bows out

http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=984

After 25 years of production, Volkswagen South Africa (VWSA) is retiring its iconic budget hatchback Citi Golf.

The Citi is a South Africa-only model and over its lifetime more than 377 000 units found owners. Together with sales of the first Golf model (the A1) on which the Citi is based, more than 517 000 vehicles have been produced on the same platform in Uitenhage since 1978.

The Citi will be replaced by an as yet unnamed entry-level product in the first quarter of 2010 However, VWSA MD David Powels said given the German manufacturer's global model line-up, the new vehicle would inevitably be priced higher than the R87 000 the Citi is retailing at. The original Citi cost R6 700 at launch.

VW Brazil produces two cheap vehicles, the Gol and the Fox (VWSA briefly produced a CitiGolf with a boot called the Fox), which could be destined for these shores. The last Citi rolled off assembly line on August 21 and, with 90% local content, was a true SA original.

VWSA is busy with a major retooling of its Uitenhage plant to cater for two model line-ups. Powels said the decision to halt production was not due to a lack of consumer demand. However, a lack of economies of scale and rising costs meant the CitiGolf was becoming commercially unviable.

Consumer expectations with regard to vehicle sophistication also played a role - the Golf A1 platform was unable to adapt fully to latest safety features, emissions standards and design.

No instant success

The CitiGolf wasn't an instant success. When the more expensive Golf II replaced the A1 in 1984, VWSA had to come up with a way of continuing its presence in the entry-level segment.

It initially came up with an Econo Golf, a cheap model based on the A1. VWSA execs at the time realised at the time that Econo was drab (especially dressed up in Kalahari Beige), unimaginative and wouldn't sell.

It was up to a group of young advertisers and designers to come up with something fresh and new that would appeal to a younger set of buyers.

The new Citi concept was presented to the VW board at headquarters by the then-VWSA chief Peter Searle. What came as a surprise to local executives, the radical project was given the nod by the conservative German car maker.

In 1984 the Dutch painter Piet Mondrean was the inspiration for red, blue and yellow models to hit showrooms. They proved to be a great success - despite management's predictions of a maximum 300 units per month and a projected lifespan of three years.

One of those working on the first Citigolf was designer clothing retailer Jenni Button, who also designed the clothes used in the ad campaigns for the first model.

VWSA said a limited edition of 1 000 units called the Mk1 will go on sale at R113 000 to mark the exit of the brand. One of these will be displayed permanently at Volkswagen's headquarters in Wolfsburg, Germany.

Max Auto Updates - 02/11/2009

Petrol price remains unchanged

http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=979

The retail prices of 93 and 95 octane petrol will remain unchanged on Wednesday, the energy department announced on Friday.

In Gauteng a litre of 95 ULP petrol will still cost 765c.

Diesel prices will increase, with 0.05% sulphur up 10 cents a litre and 0.005% sulphur up eight cents per litre.

Wholesale paraffin increases by 14 cents and illuminating paraffin by 19 cents per litre.

During the period under review, the average international product prices of petrol, diesel and illuminating Paraffin increased, noted the department.

The average rand/dollar exchange rate for the period October 2 to October 29 was 7.4988, lower when than the 7.5764 during the previous period.

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Range Rover Sport by Prestige



http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=980

The Prestige S kit for the Range Rover Sport converts this premium SUV's styling to a more muscled-out look and includes a variety of optics/aerodynamic cues to do the trick.

The new front bumper comes with air intakes and fog lights while the extended wheel arches give the Range Rover Sport a wider stance. Air intakes are also present on the new rear door paneling.

Door panels also extend downward to create a side skirt effect as well as give the Range Rover Sport the appearance of a lowered ride height, but the tuning here is limited to the bodywork.

The rear bumper is also lowered and made to hold the exhaust pipes and comes with a towing mount cover.

Additonal options to be had include LED headlights, side wing and bonnet vents, radiator grill, and spoilers for the rear.

For the inside are a series of bespoke-themed leather finishes and other detailing.

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Ford Focus RS Tuned by Wolf Racing



http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=981

German Ford specialist Wolf Racing has turned a stock Focus RS into a mean beast with extra racing abilities. The standard car already produces some cracking figures; 224kW and 440Nm of torque. Wolf engineers upped these for the Wolf RS 360 to 265kW and 559Nm at 3,100rpm respectively.

The car's multi-disc differential lock gives it greater traction when accelerating and braking even as it remains front-wheel-drive. The suspension can be lowered by some 30mm while the coilover suspension also helps improve road holding.

Light alloy 18-inch and 19-inch wheels cut in various finishes like matt black are available off the buyer's menu. Alternatively a 20-inch option can be taken.

As for the look, customers have a choice of red, orange, charcoal and other colour strips while the interior options include aluminium pedals and foot rests.

The car will appear at the 2009 Essen Motor Show which takes place from 28th November.

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Wheelsandmore Lamborghini Gallardo LP620



http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=982

Here's another variation on the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4. This one, called the YarroW, is from German tuner Wheelsandmore.

First up, power on this Lambo is amped up to 456kW and 785Nm of torque. Wheelsandmore achieves this increase by means of ECU tampering, a carbon airbox and a stainless steel exhaust system with valve control.

The YarroW also comes with a beefed-up brake system to match those extra horses. 8-piston calipers are fitted at the front and 6-piston ones for the rear wheels, with 14.96 and 14.17-inch discs at front and back, respectively.

20-inch wheels are also part of the tuning kit, wrapped in 235/30/20 Dunlop Sport Maxx tires at the front (for the 8.5 x 20" rims) and 305/25/20 at the back (11.5 x 20"). The 3-piece forged rims are lightweight and come in various color and surface configurations.

The suspension gets a special coilover installed that goes up to 1.77 inches by hydraulic lift.

Carbon parts added to the exterior include a rear diffuser, frontflap and side mirrors. Carbon finish is also part of the interior redecorating.

Max Auto Updates - 30/10/2009

Bad driver? Blame your genes

http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=978

No need to curse that bad driver weaving in and out of the lane in front of you - he cannot help it, US researchers reported on Wednesday.

They found that people with a particular gene variant performed more than 20% worse on a driving test than people with a different DNA sequence.

The study may explain why there are so many bad drivers out there - about 30% of Americans have the variant, the team at the University of California Irvine found.

"These people make more errors from the get-go, and they forget more of what they learned after time away," Dr. Steven Cramer, who led the study published in the journal Cerebral Cortex, said in a statement.

Cramer and his team tested 29 people - 22 without the gene variant and seven who had it - asking them to drive 15 laps on a simulator and then repeat the task a week later.

To their surprise, they found that those with the mutant gene did worse, consistently.

The gene controls a protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which affects memory.

The team was not really looking for insights into driving but chose the driving test because it uses common skills.

"I'd be curious to know the genetics of people who get into car crashes," Cramer said. "I wonder if the accident rate is higher for drivers with the variant."

Some of my latest Paintball WANTS!

Here's some items I seriously plan to collect for my Paintball Collection/Kits

A nice BT TM-7 with some extra goodies (maybe even a rip-clip)



A nice BT TM-15 with some extra goodies (again the rip-clip comes to mind)



A nice Tippmann X7 Phenom with LOTS AND LOTS of goodies

http://www.tippmann.com/emea/product_guide/markerDetails.aspx?category=X7Phenom

Definitely the X36 upgrade kits and also the SL8 Custom Kit from Scenario Arms (Droooool)