Max Auto Updates - 30/06/2009

JE Design Scirocco TDI



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German-based tuner JE Design has released a new range of styling and performance accessories for the Volkswagen Scirocco.

Under the hood, JE Design equips the standard 2.0-liter TDI engine with a revised ECU module which boosts the engine's performance from 103 kW to 133 kW and 400 Nm of torque. Performance stats include a 0-100 km/h time of 8.4 seconds (a reduction of 0.9 seconds) and a top speed of 213 km/h (an improvement of 6 km/h). The company also offers a performance package for the 2.0-liter TDI CR, it produces 151 kW and 410 Nm of torque (up from 125 kW and 350 Nm of torque). 0-100 km/h takes 7.1 seconds (an improvement of 0.7 seconds) and the top speed is increased to 229 km/h (up from 222 km/h).

In terms of styling, JE Design offers a full body kit that features a bold front spoiler, side skirts with air inlets, and an aggressive rear skirt. Other design tweaks include gull-wing doors, a stainless steel exhaust system with two oval center mounted end pipes, and lowering springs which reduce the ride height by 30mm. The company also offers a unique set of 19-inch wheels which are available in shadow silver or graphite matt.

Max Auto Updates - 23/06/2009

Mugen Honda Civic Type-R First Pictures



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The Euro-spec Mugen Type-R uses a four-cylinder, 2.0-liter i-VTEC engine that gets a minimum 147kW. However, previous speculation has the engine generating as much as 177kW for the front-wheel drive car. Drivers take control by way of a six-speed manual gearbox.

Mugen has significantly altered the look of this car, using a carbon-fiber aero kit to punctuate the change. The new front bumper, with a front lip and blacked-out grille built-in, leads back to wider fenders with integrated air-vents. A new hood has twin-scoops on either side of a raised mid-section. Following the redesigned sideskirts to the back leads us to a custom built rear-apron, diffuser, and dual exhaust. Mugen used a gunmetal alloy wheel that matches some of the body work.

Looking at this car and the UK model side-by-side, we notice several alterations. For one, the Euro-spec model has a larger rear wing, and redesigned rear bumper with changes to the tailpipes. The front-end also appears to have some minor cosmetic changes.

If pricing matches the recently detailed UK-spec Type R, this car could cost anywhere from R455000, up to a rather steep R568800. We should find out more about the Mugen Honda Civic Type-R 3D in the near future.

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Daimler in Talks to Buy Stake in Porsche & VW



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Daimler is reportedly negotiating to purchase either a percentage of Porsche, or Volkswagen, from Porsche Automobil Holding SE, according to German website manager-magazin.de. The news outlet says Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche and Porsche chief Wendelin Wiedeking have been in talks since last May.

After Porsche purchased 51% of VW's common shares, they attempted a complete takeover of Europe's largest automaker. Porsche has about €9 billion in debt tied to the deal, leading to a limited supply of liquid cash needed to keep operations running.

The plan was to refinance the debt using Volkswagen's higher level of cash, but the economy took a dive along with the auto industry. When the plan backfired, Porsche reportedly sought financial assistance from VW in what is seen as an embarrasing turn of events for the luxury sports car manufacturer. Porsche is also in talks to sell up to 30% of their company to the Qatar Investment Authority. They have requested a bridge loan from the German government to cover the cost of operations until that deal is finalized, but reports have surfaced suggesting the government denied that request.

Enter Daimler, which is fresh off the sale of 9.1% of their company to the Abu Dhabi-backed International Petroleum Investment Company. Daimler walked away with €2 billion from that deal, with the potential for the Arab firm to increase their stake in exchange for more cash.

That access to capital could put Daimler in a position to help bailout Porsche. Reportedly, one option on the table include Daimler acquiring a percentage of Porsche in exchange for cash, but a more complicated situation may be more appealing to both sides. Porsche may be willing to sell forward contracts of Volkswagen shares to Daimler based on a future price of VW, with Daimler paying cash up front. There are many other forms of derivatives the two companies could be discussing.

Manager-magazin.de quoted a source confirming the talks, but saying "we are nowhere near close to a deal."

Treading waters with Porsche could be seen as more appealing to Daimler than the failed merger with Chrysler. Daimler had been unwilling to share technologies with the American volume car manufacturer, but would likely not run into that problem with Porsche as both firms focus on their own lower volume performance vehicles.

Media relations for Porsche denied knowledge of the negotiations, while a Daimler representative called the rumors "pure speculation." Volkswagen refused comment on the story.

Bad Chilli

Good grief... I swear it's WW3 in my stomach... the chilli from last night has started a revolt!

Max Auto Updates - 19/06/2009

Ferrari F430 by ASI



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The ASI Ferrari sports a unique body kit that consists of a new front bumper, aggressive side skirts and a bold rear bumper. Although the parts were styled to provide similar aerodynamic performance to the components they replace, the ASI pieces weigh 27kg less. To further maximize the F430's appearance, ASI also offers a sporty new exhaust system which uses "Scuderia-style" center-mounted exhaust tips.

For the Bentleys, ASI has unveiled a new high performance exhaust system that has been specially engineered to deliver a thrilling exhaust note as well as increased power. When combined with ASI's ECU tuning package, Bentley Continentals boast an insane 515kW. The company has also announced a revised suspension lowering module which is easier to use, thanks to a new installation adapter.

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VW's 1.4-liter TSI Engine of the Year



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It's a nifty little piece of work and now the International Engine of the Year Awards have recognized it. That body has bestowed upon Volkswagen's 1.4 liter TSI Twincharger it's greatest honor - Engine of the Year.

And there was more good news for the Wolfsburg-based automaker. The Twincharged 1.4 liter TSI won both the 1.0 to 1.4 liter engine category and the honor of the Green Engine of the Year, beating out the new hybrid power plants from Toyota and Honda.

Dean Slavnich, who co-chairs the awards and is editor of Engine Technology International, said of VW's 1.4 TSI Twincharger:

"It's a masterstroke of downsizing technology and a real engineering showcase. This engine will become the template for a whole new generation of high efficiency, small capacity engines in the years to come."

The 1.4 liter Twincharger is used across VW's range in models such as the Golf, Scirocco and Eos. The engine unit has also been put to work in the Seat Ibiza Cupra and will likely spread to other models of the VW Group's brands.

Other notable engines honored were Mercedes' AMG division's 6.2-liter V8, which won Performance Engine of the Year. BMW took the title for best engine in the 2.5 liter to 3.0 liter category with its 3.0 liter diesel unit. Its 4.0 liter V8 from the M3 also won the 3.0 to 4.0 liter category.

The 11th annual International Engine of the Year Award event was held at the Engine Expo 2009 in Stuttgart, Germany on the 17th of June. The panel of judges consisted of 65 automotive journalists from all over the world.

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2010 Opel Astra Interior Revealed



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What was pretty clear from the onset was that the Opel Insignia would at least inspire, if not set the tone for the next-generation of Opel cars. Evidently this has happened with the upcoming Astra's interior which the company itself says was penned with the Insignia in mind. Nothing wrong there, the Insignia has been applauded for its design, inside and out.

What gives the Astra the edge especially in its segment is the utilisation of space and some of the innovative solutions applied to enhance the experience from a passenger point of view. Designwise we see the Insignia's wing and blade motifs being applied consistently throughout the car. It comes out in places like the gooseneck-shaped door handles and on the gearshift moulding trim.

Opel did a survey among customers to find out how they utilise their interior spaces. The result showed that people generally store twenty common items (not all at once) in their cars, items like cellular phones, CDs, magazines, paper tissues, cups, bottles and even gloves. So they came up with what they call simple, but effective storage solutions. They include the centre console which can take up to nine CD cases while swallowing up two cups at the same time.

For the driver's comfort the Astra's speedometer and tachometer pods angled towards the driver. The seats can be raised by up to 65mm in height, while their fore and aft range goes up to 280mm.

The all-new Opel Astra will be shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September and begin selling at UK dealers later in the year.

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Qatar soon to have 25% stake in Porsche



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Porsche's financial nightmare may soon be over, as the country of Qatar is in talks to take a 25% stake in the troubled automaker.

An agreement between Porsche and the Qatar government prevents either party from disclosing details, but Qatar's prime minister, Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem al-Thani, said negotiations are continuing.

As we have previously reported, Porsche has accumulated a massive 9 billion euro ($12.5 billion) debt in their failed attempt to takeover Volkswagen. With the takeover off the table, Porsche has attempted to merge with VW but their debt has proved to be a major sticking point.

Despite the would-be marriage, Volkswagen has distanced themselves from the issue by stating they stand "behind (Porsche's) talks with an investor" and "Qatar ... will only be dealt with by Porsche."

Max Auto Updates - 17/06/2009

Mugen to release the REAL Civic Type R



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According to a recent report, Honda is preparing to unveil a high performance Mugen Civic Type R.

Although details are still limited, CAR is reporting that the new Civic will feature a 2.0-liter VTEC four-cylinder engine with at least 177kW. The new hot hatch is also expected to boast a sports suspension, gripper tires, an aggressive carbon fiber body kit, and a racing-inspired interior with no rear seats.

Potential owners will also be offered a variety of performance and personalization options which will allow them to custom tailor their car.

Expected to be launched later this fall, the new Mugen Civic Type R will be priced from R462300-R530200. A tad steep considering that the 221kW Ford Focus RS costs R340600 while the Renault Mégane R26.R starts at R318100.

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ABT extracts 412 KillerWatts from Audi Q7 V12 TDI



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In announcing the factory Q7 V12 TDI Audi was really announcing the most powerful mass-production turbo diesel SUV in the world. It makes a useful 368kW and an astounding 1,000Nm of torque between 1,750rpm and 3,250rpm. For ABT this was just the beginning as it went about creating this AS7 SUV.

Taking the same engine and tweaking it a little further, ABT came out with figures of 412kW and 1,200Nm of torque. All the ponies are available from as low as 3,750rpm. Trucks are used to this kind of power and twisting force but passenger vehicles? Quite unusual.

To drive all four wheels - quattro is of course standard - is a 6-speed Tiptronic gearbox. The tuner says this powertrain fusion leaves a 5.3 second time on the stopwatch when it comes to the 0 - 100km/h dash and the 2.6 tonne SUV doesn't stop until the speedo reads 258km/h.

A collection of alloy wheels up to size 22-inch can be added as part of the accessories to be sold with the AS7.

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Possible Agreement Between GM and Koenigsegg



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After the February announcement that General Motors was planning on dumping Saab, the American parent appears to have come to terms with a suitor. supercar manufacturer Koenigsegg has agreed to take on the Swedish brand.

Both parties have signed a memorandum of understanding, with anticipation of the deal closing by the end of September. Terms of the deal include $600 million in financing provided by the European Investment Bank, and secured by the Swedish government.

Saab operations will continue in full, thanks to funding from both Koenigsegg and GM. Because of this, Saab intends to continue with the launch of "several new products that are in the final stages of development." In addition to GM continuing to provide platforms for the time being, Saab plans on building the next generation Saab 9-5 in Trollhättan, Sweden. The new 9-5 is due for a Frankfurt introduction later this year. The larger 9-5 should be about six inches longer, with a wide variety of powerful engines, all-wheel drive, and LED taillights.

What is uncertain is if these future plans include bringing the Koenigsegg Quant electric concept closer towards production. Koenigsegg is believed to be excited about the 500 kilometer-range vehicle's potential, especially considering its reported recharge time of 20 minutes.

The supercar manufacturer also plans to ramp up Saab production to 150,000 units per year by 2011, up from 20,000. That reason alone could have been enough to win the backing of the Swedish government, as jobs that could have been at risk now have a better chance of being safeguarded, provided the outcome of Saab's in-court reorganization.

With this sale moving forward, Koenigsegg will be keen to avoid mistakes made by other manufacturers in the past. The merger between Daimler and Chrysler saw the combination of a performance vehicle automaker with a volume seller. Significant problems arose when the German car company showed strong reluctance at sharing technology with their high-volume American counterpart.

Of the deal, Saab Managing Director Jan Åke Jonsson said, "Today's announcement is great news for Saab's current and future customers, dealers, suppliers and employees around the globe."

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Porsche Cayenne with Vodka



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A Moscow tuning studio has come up with this.

Status Design has released this picture of their re-imagining of the Porsche Cayenne. They call it the body-whale, although, it looks more like some kind of stylish vacuum cleaner or another design-happy home appliance.

The term body-whale is obviously meant to invoke some kind of marine-animal sense of sleekness and power but the design doesn't really seem to match that. The front end actually looks a little like a Peugeot, with a few extra levels to the four-tiered grille. And what about that grille? It looks like a Venetian blind.

The Russian tuning studio tells us the body kit is made out of high-quality plastic and carbon. Which hints at the notion that this thing will actually be made some day.

The good news is, though, that as of now, it's still only a rendering that is due to be published this fall.

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Lorinser Tackles Lexus LS460



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Tuners at the German firm Lorinser are best known for their work on the Mercedes-Benz lineup. The company has pretty much hit every modern Mercedes, from A to SLK, including the Viano. Two years ago, they ventured a little further out, giving a nice bit of work to the Smart Cars.

Now the company has set their sites on their first ever Asian adaptation. Meet the Lorinser Lexus LS 460, with a new aerokit meant to give the big, five-meter long car "elegant bodywark that exudes confidence."

Engineers first subtly attacked the front fascia with a new spoiler that incorporates new, round foglights. The front bumper also appears to be a bit more squared off, giving the car a more stately appearance. Side sill changes are substantial, but not aggressive, and warn onlookers that the car has some power under its hood.

Modifications at the back are a bit more noticeable, although Lorinser kept the 460's rear light cluster intact. A rear wing has been added on to the boot, and a new apron has been installed. These show more sporty characteristics, as the apron incorporates an air inlet, race-inspired grill, and quad-tipped dual exhaust. The package is rounded off with custom made light-alloys.

Despite making all of these changes, the Lorinser Lexus LS 460 has a relatively unchanged 0-100 km/h time of 5.7 seconds. Power comes from a 4.6-liter V8 engine that produces 280kW. Although not yet on their website, the Lorinser LS 460 should be available from the company in no time.

Max Auto Updates - 14/06/2009

eXtreme Auto Show



http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=25&CntID=752

This year's show was basically the same as last.

Not much of the new, same load of the old, but still worth a visit.

Enjoy the photos.

Max Auto Updates - 11/06/2009

9ff introduces new BT2 with 625kW



http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=749

German tuners 9ff have released a new tuning package for the Porsche GT2, advancing on their previous design. The new 9ff BT2 (bi-turbo 2) gives the driver access to a ridiculous amount of power: 625kW, and a maximum 920 Nm of torque.

Perhaps this will send American tuning company Switzer Performance back to the drawing board. That company released an 588kW GT2 package just a few days ago.

Although no details yet on engine modifications the BT2's numbers will get the Porsche fanboys salivating. All that power gets the car from a standstill to 100 km/h in just 3.0 seconds. 200 km/h can be achieved in 8.7 seconds, while getting to 300 km/h takes 18.5 seconds. Eventually, the car will hit its massive top speed of 386 km/h.

If you want something that is even quicker, 9ff has you covered. The company is willing to modify the gearing to increase acceleration, while decreasing the car's top speed.

Seen here honoring in its Gulf Livery glory, the car uses lightweight alloys and carbon fiber body panels to keep weight to a minimum. New body panels include a hood, doors, and roof, all custom built for the project, and all using the original mounting points. The company claims that the new Aero kit provides an additional 70 kg of downforce at the front, and 90 kilos more at the rear.

Those of you wanting to buy the new 9ff BT2 will have to fork over R3.22 million. This amounts to R1.08 million over the starting price for a GT2 direct from Porsche.

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Chrysler Fiat Deal Now Cleared by Supreme Court



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In a two-page, unsigned order, the court wrote that the Indiana pension funds had not given the court substantial cause to extend the delay further.

Chrysler, Fiat, and the U.S. Department of Justice all filed briefs with the High Court asking the court to reject the case. Although Fiat has the right to walk away from the deal if it is not finalized by June 15, the Italian automaker had said it was committed to the buyout.

Over the weekend, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg issued a temporary halt to the sale, presumably to allow the court more time to investigate the situation raised by the Indiana funds. Directors of those funds believed their firms were getting shortchanged by the government-backed deal, authorizing the buyout of the secured Chrysler debt held by the funds. As the deal stands, the funds would get less than $0.30 for every dollar of debt they hold. This makes their $42.5 million investment worth just $12.3 million. The funds were also frustrated that the deal prioritized unsecured creditors above the secured ones, believing this violated previous agreements.

However, the funds only represented about 8% of Chrysler's debt. Those firms holding the remaining $6.86 billion in debt accepted the deal.

Chrysler released a statement after hearing about the ruling, saying, "The transaction is expected to close very shortly ... enabling the previously announced global strategic alliance, forming a vibrant new car company, to proceed."

Emerging from 40 days in bankruptcy court will be a new company, called Chrysler Group LLC. The new automaker will be managed by Fiat S.p.A., which will own 20% of the company. For the time being, a health care fund owned by the United Auto Workers will own 68%, with the American government taking eight percent. The remaining two percent will be held by the Canadian government. If Fiat makes early progress both in financial and manufacturing targets, the Italian group can raise their stake to 35%.

One of these targets is the development and release of a 40 mpg petrol vehicle. If Chrysler Group LLC repays their U.S. government loans on time, Fiat can take a 51% stake in the American automaker.

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Caractere styling kit for Audi A5 Cabrio



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After unveiling their sexy body kit for the Audi A5/S5 coupe last year, Caractere has decided to offer a similar series of styling accessories for the new A5/S5 Cabrio.

The most noticeable change is an aggressive front bumper which features massive air intakes and integrated fog lights. Out back, the sporty styling theme continues as Caractere offers a bold rear diffuser with optional tailpipe exhaust tips. The company also markets their unique CW1 wheels which are available in 19" and 20" sizes.

Although pricing information wasn't released, the styling accessories are currently on sale.

Max Auto Updates - 10/06/2009

Chrysler Fiat deal blocked by Supreme Court



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The United States Supreme Court has approved a temporary halt to the sale of Chrysler assets to Italian-owned Fiat S.p.A. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg ruled for the court, without stating the length of the delay.

Several Indiana pension funds and construction firms opposed the sale, and took the case to the High Court. Under the current deal, the funds would only receive a small portion of the money owed them by Chrysler. The U.S. Apellate Court in New York had set a 4pm Sunday deadline for Supreme Court intervention.

At the deadline Justice Ginsburg wrote that the asset sales "are stayed pending further order." She did not state when the case would be revisited. Supreme Court rules allow Judge Ginsburg to either issue her own ruling on the appeal, or take the matter to the entire Court.

Experts believe the decision is meant to give the court more time to determine the merits of the case. Insiders fear that a lengthy delay will kill the deal.

Although Fiat is allowed to abandon the deal if it is not finalized by June 15, the Italian firm said that was unlikely to happen. A spokesman told French newswire AFP, "Fiat is committed [to the Chrysler deal] even after June 15."

If approved in its current form, Chrysler LLC will be dissolved. A new company, Chrysler Group LLC, would emerge, with Fiat owning 20 percent. The United Auto Workers health care fund would take 68 percent, while the American and Canadian governments would take eight and two percent, respectively. By hitting certain financial targets, Fiat could quickly increase their stake to 35 percent. Should Fiat pay back Chrysler's TARP loans on time, they can raise their end to 51%.

Current Chrysler LLC owner Cerberus will not have ownership in the new company.

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Senner Tuning creates Audi A5 Black and White



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Engineers first attacked the cars aerodynamics and weight by installing a carbon fiber spoiler apron with matching side-mirror housings. Carbon fiber is also used on a new rear bumper, one of many alterations at the back. Also found is a new rear spoiler and lip, new LED taillights, and a customized stainless steel quad-exhaust. Total cost of these mods: R38400.

New 20-inch ASA GT1 alloy wheels were also mounted. The wheels are available in either Shiny Silver or Matte Black, with the possibility of a separate color ring trim near the wheels' edge. Choices for the rim lip include orange, white, red, and silver. Measuring 9x20 in front, 10.5x20 in back, the wheels are wrapped in Vredestein ultra Sessanta XL tires. The company mounted a Bilstein B16 PSS10 fully adjustable coilover suspension to enhance the handling capabilities. These changes cost just under R52300.

Track wheels are also available for an additional R2900.

Senner Tuning also retuned the engine to make it more powerful and performance-driven. The 3.0-liter TDI now produces 221kW and a maximum 600 Nm of torque. Speed is electronically limited to 280 km/h. When combined with the new sport air filter, the cost of the under-the-hood modifications is R18800.

Last, designers looked at the car's interior, and decided some further changes needed to be made. They used silver-lined carbon fiber to surround the ashtray cover, center console, and both the front and rear door panels. Total price for this is R19300. The company charges an additional R4500 to trim out the instrument cluster.

All in all, the car does look pretty hot with all these changes. But for over R133000, maybe mix-and-matching only select modifications is a better decision than getting the full package.

Max Auto Updates - 09/06/2009

Switzer releases 588kW tuning package for GT2



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American based tuner Switzer Performance is becoming a familiar name in the game. Their new Porsche GT2-based package puts out a hefty 588kW and it achieves this running on 93 Octane. Imagine its fury on 102 Octane racing fuel!

"We were very happy to hit our target numbers," says the main man Tym Switzer. "Of course, but the best part is that the car is still so manageable on the street, at this power level. It is an everyday hyper-performing exotic, and I can't wait to get it out on the track and see how it performs in the hands of a pro driver."

Switzer says this is a truly bolt-on system because the Porsche factory DME has been kept in tact. In fact all the hardware installed is still managed by the stock ECU but running Switzer-specific DME software calibrations.

The Garret GT30R-based turbochargers have been upgraded. They compress massive amounts of air and generate plenty of heat which is cooled using custom Switzer intercoolers. The engine gets its air from larger injectors and custom intake airlets. One of the tuner's proudest pieces is the exhaust system which has been upgraded to handle all this extra power.

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VW Golf GTD launched in Germany



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Volkswagen is touting the new Golf GTD, launched in Germany today, as the GTI of diesels. That's because the GTD is based on the petrol GTI but with one fundamental difference: the engine. The car uses a 2.0-litre direct injection common rail turbo diesel motor good for 125kW at 4,200rpm. While this may not exactly match the GTI's 155kW the GTD excels where most diesel-heads expect it to and that is in torque delivery. Peak pulling force is 350Nm made between 1,750rpm and 2,500rpm.

Performance is said to rival that of more powerful petrol-driven cars. The 0 - 100km/h sprint takes place in 8.1 seconds and top speed is 220km/h. When fitted with the standard 6-speed manual transmission the GTD returns a fuel economy figure of 5.3 litres per 100km which goes with a C02 figure of 139g/km. The quick-changing DGS version has a claimed fuel economy of 5.6 litres per 100km, equating to C02 emissions of 147g/km. Theoretically then the GTD can travel for over 1,000km on a single tank of diesel from its 55 litre tank.

The car's sporting intentions are clear even from a visual point of view. GTI-inspired bits include the chrome horizontal stripes on the front grille, standard fog lights and twin chrome tailpipes. The chassis has been lowered by 15mm and 17-inch wheels with 225 section tyres.

Inside the GTD features sports seats similar to those in the GTI but feature the same "Jacky" fabric pattern with a light grey colour diamond stripe pattern instead of a red like in the GTI. A three-spoke leather steering wheel is featured. Other equipment includes an RCD 210 radio system, automatic climate control, ESP with countersteer assist and VW's ParkPilot system.

Prices start at R312400 for the 6-speed manual and R333500 for the DSG version. The five-door will cost an extra R8700 over the three-door prices.

Max Auto Updates - 08/06/2009

ABT updates AS3 to cater for new A3 facelift



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ABT has released a tuning kit for the facelift Audi A3. The tuner calls it AS3 and it's more than just a cosmetic surgery. Getting into the exterior detail first we see that ABT has modified a few components such as the front grille, the bonnet, the fenders and the front bumpers. Even the front LED lights have changed shape form the standard bulbs.

The rest of the bodywork is made up of new side skirts, a front spoiler insert, fender inserts and a rear apron. ABT's recognisable four tailpipe unit gives the cars more presence. ABT AR or BR alloy wheels measuring 18 or 19-inch are recommended for the AS3. The suspension has been lowered by 35mm to improve handling and agility.

For power ABT extracted even more juice out of the standard units in order to match looks with performance. So the baseline 1.4 TSI which normally comes in at 92kW has been increased to 118kW. Audi produces a standard 118kW 1.4 TSI as well but that has been bumped up to 154kW. The 2.0-litre petrol gets the most boost from what is comparatively a pedestrian 147kW to 177kW.

On the diesel side the 2.0 TDI is puffed up to either 125kW or 140kW depending on where in the power band it starts in its normal life. ABT says fuel consumption and engine reliability have not been affected by these power increases.

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Max Auto Updates - 02/06/2009

Chrysler sale to Fiat approved



http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=743

Fiat still retains the right to cancel the deal until June 15.

Chrysler's dire condition was made obvious by Judge Gonzalez, who wrote, "The only other alternative is the immediate liquidation of the company." Gonzalez' opinion was not only in favor of the sale, but also in favor of a tax arrangement related to the Daimler sale of Chrysler to private-equity firm Cerberus Capital Management. Gonzalez also ruled against a challenge to the use of TARP bailout funds for the purpose of restructuring automakers.

When Chrysler LLC exits bankruptcy as the Chrysler Group LLC, the company will have a new set of owners. Fiat will take 20 percent, with the possibility of a short-term increase to 35 percent if specific financial and manufacturing goals are met. One of these is the development of a new 40 mpg petrol vehicle. In time, Fiat could take up to 51 percent if the TARP loas are paid back on time.

Of this, Judge Gonzalez wrote, "The whole enterprise may be worth more than the sum of its parts because of the synergy between Chrysler, which provides its network of dealerships, its production of larger cars, and Fiat, which provides the smaller car technology, and the access to certain international markets."

In the meantime, the health-care fund of the United Auto Workers will get a 55 percent share of the firm, with the American government getting 8 percent. As part of the plan, the American government pledged an additional $6 billion infusion to the new company. Canada will take on 2 percent of the firm. Current Chrysler owner Cerberus will have been wedged out entirely. In defense of this, Judge Gonzalez said, "Indeed, because of the overriding concern of the U.S. and Canadian governments to protect the public interest, the terms of the Fiat Transaction present an opportunity that the marketplace alone could not offer, and that certainly exceeds the liquidation value."

By ruling in favor of a Chrysler sale, Judge Gonzalez has cleared the way for Chrysler to exit bankruptcy protection as soon as today. The judge will still hear objections brought by representatives of the nearly 800 Chrysler dealerships the company wishes to close. In addition to the dealerships, several Indiana pension funds also object to the sale. They were offered a mere $0.29 for every dollar's worth of their Chrysler secured debt. That deal was offered by the government to take possession of nearly $7 billion in debt.

The pensioners are expected to file an appeal in U.S. District Court to halt the deal.

Max Auto Updates - 01/06/2009

GM to File for Bankruptcy



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General Motors will file bankruptcy papers today. This is according to an official close to the situation. The action is expected to take between 60 and 90 days, which is considerably longer than the 28 days taken by Chrysler LLC's bankruptcy filing process.

The good news though is that the Obama administration will pump an extra US$30 billion into GM to add to the US$19.4 billion it has already spent as part of a sweetener to bondholders. Under a new restructured GM the bondholders would get 10 percent of equity with warrants to buy an extra 15 percent. A report says at least 35 percent of them will approve the restructuring plan under which all this would happen.

Some are not happy with the new offer. A group called the Main Street Bondholders said in a statement: "The U.S. government appears to overtly favour the UAW members over America's seniors and retirees..."

The massive US$30 billion loan would be converted into equity and GM would only have to repay US$8 billion of it. The majority of the rest would stay with the government as equity. The state's stake in the company as a result would be 72.5 percent. However, should the UAW trust fund and bondholders exercise their warrants this portion would be reduced to 55 percent. GM will likely become a private entity for up to 18 months after which its shares would be publicly traded again.

Meanwhile GM Europe insists that despite reports to the contrary, the two bidders who want the Opel/ Vauxhall business are committed to keeping the Vauxhall manufacturing facility in the UK going. The two bidders are Fiat of Italy and Magna of Canada.

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2010 Audi TT RS



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After years of spy activity and speculation preceding the official unveiling of the Audi TT RS, the stage was set for a firecracker announcement at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. And so it happened: Audi took the covers off the two-door coupe and roadster. We have a bit more detail on the potent twins, including pricing.

The TT RS range is blessed with Audi's new 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo engine with FSI direct petrol injection. It makes maximum power of 250kW and peak torque of 450Nm between a wide band of 1,600rpm and 5,300rpm. This power and torque is sent through to all four wheels via Audi's quattro permanent AWD.

Performance, according to Audi, confirms the TT RS as the fastest in its class. The Coupe fires off the line to 100km/h in 4.6 seconds while the Roadster does it in 4.7 seconds. Top speed is limited to 250km/h in both cars but can be increased to 280km/h if requested. The hard top weighs in at 1,450kg while the Roadster is 60kg dearer because of all the extra equipment needed to operate the canvass roof.

Average fuel consumption is 9.2 litres per 100km for the Coupe and 9.5 litres per 100km for the Roadster.

The standard wheel size is 18-inch with 245/40 tyres but customers can specify the bigger 19s or 20s for their baby. A standard sports suspension lowers the car by 10 milimetres while the optional magnetic ride adaptive damping system offers Comfort and Sport characteristics. The rear features a diffuser and a stationary spoiler. There is an optional one that retracts and extends.

The interior is laid out in leather and Alcantara. It also features heated sports seats, brushed aluminium inlays and a flat-bottomed multifunction sports steering wheel.

The TT RS Coupe will be priced at R624600 and the Roadster at R656400 when they are launched this European summer.

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Magna to Acquire Opel



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A deal to rescue Opel looks to have been finalized just hours before the company's parent, General Motors, files for bankruptcy protection. The deal will hand control of German automaker Opel and British automaker Vauxhall to Canadian autoparts giant Magna International.

The last step needed to complete the deal was securing a bridge loan of over $2.1 billion to cover short-term operating costs. Germany's national government will pony up half of the short-term loan, while the German states of Thuringia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Hesse, and North Rhine-Westphalia will combine for the other half. The last two states mentioned approved their portion of the loan yesterday, while all four states play home to Opel facilities.

After all the discussions were concluded, Juergen Ruettgers, governor of North Rhine-Westphalia, said, "The time of uncerntainty is over. ... The main components of Opel's future remain in Europe."

Russia's largest bank, Sberbank, backed Magna's ownership bid in exchange for 35% of the automakers. Magna keeps a 20% stake, giving the team a majority holding. GM will keep 35%, with Opel employees getting the remaining 10%.

All four German Opel factories will remain open, under deal terms. However, nearly 2,600 will likely lose their jobs in Germany, part of roughly 8,000 European job cuts. Much to the dismay of U.K. officials, Magna has been quiet on their plans for Vauxhall, and the 5,000 British workers based in two plants there.

The two automakers also operate in Belgium, Hungary, Poland, and Spain. As recently as 2006, Opel had also been using a facility in Portugal.

Roland Koch, governor of Hesse, spoke optimistically of the deal, saying, "We've decided that there is to be a new European company."

"I think that for Opel and its employees, it is an unbelievable chance."