ABT TT Roadster

Before the first preliminary designs were published, it was clear that the leading Audi tuner Abt Sportsline planned to cause a sensation with the new Audi TT, as the first TT is one of the favourite cars of the Kempten-based company with a long tradition. And this is due to the fact that the race version of the Sports Coupe 2002 won a lot of DTM (German Touring Car Series) races.

Therefore it is only logical that, after the extravagant TT-Sport and TT-R, also the TT Roadster, which is already exquisitely beautiful as serial car, gets a special treatment in the Allgaeu: the designer from Abt Sportsline developed car body parts with which the open-roof TT becomes more danymical. Thus, the front skirt with its grid element emphasizes the area around the fog lights and the single-frame grill. The brawny laterally attached parts underline the design of the convertible and create a unit with the striking rear section of the car. There the rear skirt inset and the rear wing, providing additional down force, are the central elements. Also the 4-pipe rear muffler, which perfectly harmonizes with the rear skirt inset and its integrated rear diffuser, belongs to the distinctive rear view of the Abt TT Roadster.

The TT Roadster from Abt is an absolutely successful open-roof sportscar, a design masterpiece for ambitious pilots. Therefore, Abt Sportsline offers a number of power upgrade packages. The highlight of the product range is - similar to the Coupé - the TT-R with the VR6 3.2 K. The supercharger aggregate provides 355 hp (262 kW) and accelerates the car in about 5 sec. from standstill to 100 km/h. But also the other versions are extremely sporty. No matter if VR6 3.2 or 2.0 T-FSI engine, an Abt TT Roadster is always fast. For the favoured 2 liters Turbo FSI, Abt offers a power upgrade from 240 hp (177 kW) with special iS technology, sparing purse and environment, up to powerful 300 hp (221 kW). Matching to the always enormous propulsion of the TT Roadster: Abt suspension kit. For more security in ticklish situations cares the Abt sports brake system with its huge disc diameters of 380x34 millimeters.

To perfectly round off the dynamical and powerful appearance of the TT Roadster, Abt recommends the wheels AR 19 and SP1 in the size 19 inch, as well as the one inch bigger wheel AR20.

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Hot new 300 hp 135i resurrects spirit of original M3

BMW continues to deny it harbors any concrete plan to build an M version of its entry level 1 Series. But, as disappointing as that might sound to dyed-in-the-wool enthusiasts, it appears the German car maker might not need one after all. Not if the spectacular specification of the range topping version of the new US bound 1 Series coupe is anything to go by.

The 1 Series will debut at September’s Frankfurt motor show with North Amercian sales planned to kick off in October. BMW’s latest model looks to have all the relevant performance ground covered as it seeks resurrect the driving spirit of the original M3 in a distinctive new two door version of its strong selling 1 Series.

We’ll get two versions, a 128i and 135i. A 3.0-liter, inline 6 powers the 128i, producing 230 hp and 200 lb ft The 135i is the headliner, however, fitted with BMW’s potent twin turbocharged 3.0-liter in-line six. With 300 hp at 5800rpm (a figure which endows it with over 100 hp per liter in long standing M tradition) channeled to the rear wheels via a standard six-speed manual gearbox and 3.08:1 final drive, the 135i establishes a level of performance just one rung below that of the new fourth-generation M3.BMW says its latest two door will hit 62 mph from standstill in just 5.3 seconds and extend all the way to an electronically limited 155mph, placing the 135i on a par with the substantially more expensive Porsche Cayman S for outright acceleration. The in-gear times are impressive too; the 50-75 mph split is just 5.0sec in 4th gear.

As promising as the 135i’s performance is, it is the driving experience that will ultimately decide if it is to assume the celebrated role as the spiritual successor to the first-generation M3. The chassis hardware is familiar; the 1 Series coupe shares the same rear-wheel drive platform and aluminum intensive suspension set-up as its more familiar hatchback sibling, although it has been tuned for a more sporting drive.It uses a MacPherson strut (front) and a five-link (rear) arrangement in combination with speed sensitive electro-hydraulic steering, the latter coming with BMW’s optional Active Steer system. Wheels are standard 18-inch items, 7.5-inch wide up front and 8.5-inch at the rear and shod with 215/40 and 245/35 profile tires.

Despite the crowded engine bay and all the auxiliary plumbing brought on by the twin turbochargers, BMW claims a 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution. To keep its reserves in check, there are all number of electronic driving aids but unlike true M cars, the 135i does without a trick variable differential like that seen in the M3.

Stylistically, the 1 Series coupe adheres closely to the 1 Series hatchback with heavy convex and concave surfacing along with unusual shut line architecture and sharp detailing. While they share the same 104-inch wheelbase, the coupe’s longer rear overhang sees its length extend five inches over that of the hatchback.

BMW 635d Coupe

Featuring highly attractive modifications to their characteristic design, interiors further refined in many details and boasting new color highlights, as well as innovations in drive technology and driver assistance and safety systems, the new BMW 6 Series Coupe offers a greater thrill and more style than ever before.

Indeed, through their looks and style, combined with cutting-edge technology, the model is authentic representation of the classic Grand Touring automobile featuring modern highlights together with classic qualities.

Brilliant performance is delivered by the eight-cylinder powerplant in the BMW 635d Coupe. Developing 360 bhp from an engine capacity of 4.8 liters, this power unit allows truly dynamic performance combined with incomparable smoothness and refinement.

The new six-speed Sport Automatic transmission is tailored perfectly to the character of the BMW 6 Series, combining comfortable cruising with the option at any time to use the full power and muscle of the engine for all-out acceleration and driving dynamics.

The BMW 6 Series stands for a heritage of no less than 70 years dedicated to the thrill of mobility and success in motorsport. Cars such as the BMW 327/328 Coupe, the BMW 3200 CS, the BMW 3.0 CSi and the first generation of the BMW 6 Series to this day represent the unique combination of elegance and competition-oriented sportiness so characteristic of BMW.

Clearly Dynamic: New Highlights in Exterior Design

The 6 Series now makes an even more powerful and striking stance on the road. The strong lines extending all the way from the A-pillars along the entire engine compartment lid to the BMW kidney grille form a dynamic arrow further emphasized by the powerfully chiseled bars in the lower air intake.

The air intake itself is even wider than on the former model and borders at the bottom on a new contour edge significantly highlighting the wide track of the car. The newly designed directional indicators, in turn, featuring LED light units with a crystalline effect, provide an even more distinctive signal than before.

Through their striking contours, the headlights give the front end of the BMW 6 Series a clear, focused look, with new light technology adding further brilliance. The standard bi-xenon dual round headlights are covered by a layer of clear glass at the surface, their corona rings now offering BMW’s typical daytime driving light function.

In the process of modifying the rear of the car, BMW’s designers have harmoniously continued and enhanced the concept of ongoing lines extending around the entire vehicle. The section of the luggage compartment lid beneath the spoiler lip is even more concave in design than before, rising up less steeply to provide not only a more dynamic look, but also more distinctive light/shade contrasts, making the entire rear look even lower and more dynamic.

Unparalleled Supremacy: The Eight-cylinder in the BMW 6 Series

Once again, the eight-cylinder power unit in the new BMW 6 Series marks the pinnacle in superior power and performance. The 4.8-liter engine develops maximum output of 360 bhp at an engine speed of 6,300 rpm, with peak torque of 360 lb-ft at 3,400 rpm.

Engine power on the new BMW 635d is transmitted to the rear wheels in standard trim by a six-speed manual gearbox. Optionally available, at no charge, is BMW's newly developed six-speed Sport Automatic transmission, combining supreme comfort with extremely fast reaction and gearshift times in genuine Grand Touring style. Further advantages are the direct connection of the automatic transmission to the engine and, as a result, dynamic conversion of engine power into driving pleasure and performance.

The driver controls the Sport Automatic by means of an electronic gear selector lever, moving the lever briefly to the left from position D in order to activate the manual gearshift mode. This allows the driver to shift gears manually in sequential mode either via the gear selector lever or by means of paddles on the steering wheel.

The comprehensive range of multi-faceted features helps to give the BMW 6 Series its truly authentic and unique identity. Indeed, the new BMW 6 Series Coupe belong to the small group of cars fulfilling the greatest demands in every respect and setting new benchmarks everywhere.

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BMW 650i Convertible

650i Convertible: Newly Updated Styling, Interior Refinements and New Luxury Options


Featuring highly attractive modifications to their characteristic design, interiors further refined in many details and boasting new color highlights, as well as innovations in drive technology and driver assistance and safety systems, the new BMW 6 Series Convertible offers a greater thrill and more style than ever before.

Style and sport are indeed inherent characteristics of the BMW 6 Series: a dynamic Luxury Convertible enabling the driver and passengers to enjoy the wind rushing by in an incomparable manner. The history of dynamic driving pleasure with nothing but the sky above was originally introduced in the BMW 327 Convertible, the BMW 335 Convertible, and the BMW 503 Convertible, all of them milestones in technology and design, with a strong and lasting impact on the ongoing development of the brand and its products.

Powerful and Full of Presence from Every Perspective

The BMW 6 Series boasts powerful innovations characteristic of the brand and its leadership over the competition not merely through its power unit. For in design and style, the 6 Series Convertible offer a level of quality only the development process applied by the BMW Group is able to achieve.

Offering the pinnacle of supreme power and performance, the new BMW 6 Series again comes with an eight-cylinder right at the top of its range: Developing maximum output of 270 kW/367 hp at an engine speed of 6,300 rpm and maximum torque of 490 Newton-metres/361 lb-ft at 3,400 rpm, the 4.8-litre in the BMW 650i Coupé and the BMW 650i Convertible ensures the highest standard of motoring in style.

This ultra-modern aluminium power unit comes complete with BMW’s throttle-free VALVETRONIC valve management, double-VANOS variable camshaft control on both the intake and exhaust side, as well an intake manifold switching to two different positions.

Benefiting from these highlights in technology, newly tuned engine management, and a wide range of high-tech features serving to reduce fuel consumption, the eight-cylinder offers not only supreme smoothness and refinement, an immediate response and a “beefy” torque curve, but also a high standard of economy with fuel-efficient lean-burn operation throughout a wide load range including higher engine speeds, thus ensuring a significant reduction of fuel consumption also in everyday traffic.

The new BMW 650i Coupé accelerates to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds, and completing the same exercise in 5.5 seconds, the Convertible also offers the dynamic performance of a thoroughbred sports car. Electronic engine management limits the top speed of both models to 250 km/h or 155 mph.

Average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is 11.7 litres/100 kilometres on the Coupé and 12.6 litres/100 km on the Convertible (equal to 24.1 and, respectively, 22.4 mpg imp). On the road, this means a reduction in fuel consumption versus the former models by up to 5 per cent, a clear sign of further progress in the spirit of BMW EfficientDynamics also in this performance class.

Innovative: straight-six power unit with High Precision Injection.

The 3.0-litre power unit with its composite magnesium/aluminium crankcase in the BMW 630i represents the latest state of the art in six-cylinder engine technology. The most important innovation in this context is BMW’s High Precision Injection, second-generation direct gasoline injection allowing fuel-efficient lean-burn operation throughout a wide load range including high engine speeds and therefore reducing fuel consumption significantly also in everyday traffic.

This progress is provided by innovative piezo-injectors arranged between the valves and injecting fuel directly to the area around the spark plug. Together with numerous other technologies serving to reduce fuel consumption, direct fuel injection in the lean-burn mode is part of BMW EfficientDynamics, BMW’s cutting-edge development strategy offering results and improvements now being implemented step-by-step in all of BMW’s model series.

Standing out as the currently most advanced six-cylinder, this superior power unit develops maximum output of 200 kW/272 hp in the new BMW 630i Coupé and the BMW 630i Convertible, that is 10 kW/14hp more than in the former engine with conventional fuel supply and engine management. Maximum torque, in turn, is 320 Newton-metres or 236 lb-ft. On the road, this means acceleration to 100 km/h in the Coupé within 6.2 seconds, and acceleration to 100 km/h in the BMW 630i Convertible in 6.7 seconds. Again, top speed on both models is limited electronically to 250 km/h or 155 mph.

Average fuel consumption of the BMW 630i in the EU test cycle is just 7.9 litres/100 kilometres on the Coupé and 8.3 litres/100 km on the Convertible, equal to 35.8 and, respectively, 34.0 mpg imp. This is an improvement of up to 15 per cent over the former models, which already boasted a very high standard of fuel efficiency.


Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go

Active Cruise Control with its Stop & Go function offers the driver better support and greater assistance at the wheel than ever before. This innovative system now available as an option in the new BMW 6 Series – on models with automatic transmission – features automatic distance control, allowing the driver to comfortably cruise along the highway or on a country road as well as in stop-and-go traffic at very low speeds, while constantly maintaining an appropriate distance to the vehicle ahead.

BMW Night Vision

BMW Night Vision, available as an option, offers a higher level of safety when driving at night. The “heart” of this unique system is a thermal imaging camera able to detect people, animals and objects emitting heat at a distance of up to almost 1,000 feet down the road, then transmitting a high-contrast image to the central Control Display also used by the navigation system.

Leather Upholstery with SunReflective Technology

One of the particular highlights offered by the BMW 6 Series Convertible is the use of a newly developed type of leather for the seat upholstery and interior panels. In this case, so-called “cool pigments” are integrated into the material in a process referred to as SunReflective Technology, reflecting infra-red radiation in the sunlight. This very effectively reduces undue overheating of the seat surfaces when the car is open, providing a difference in temperature compared with conventional leather of up to 36 °F in the case of dark colors.

The new BMW 6 Series Convertible belongs to the small group of cars fulfilling the greatest demands in every respect and setting new benchmarks everywhere. Given the sheer magnitude of its qualities, the model stands out clearly in its respective segment.

The whole collection of BMW650i Convervible pictures can be downloaded at the sidebar or here

Audi Nothelle TT

Nothelle, a renowned German tuner, unveiled a very impressive TT with 520 bhp under the bonnet. Nothelle used experience gained in the world of motorsports for this achievement.

Design, Sport Exhaust System

The TT features a three-piece front spoiler as well as front apron air intakes (Double Frames). The Nothelle side sill elements give the Audi TT a much sturdier profile, building up a sort of lateral muscle mass look. In back, a rear apron in special Nothelle design comes with complete, perfectly integrated end pipes extending from the silencer - which is offered by Nothelle in combination with the rear apron - guaranteeing a super spine-tingling sound with very distinctive rear view. Perfect to the completion of the rear, Nothelle provides a 3-part rear spoiler providing extra downforce and particularly at higher speeds, a better stabilization effect. Additionally, Nothelle offers a roof spoiler.

Sport Suspension System

Because reduction to the center of gravity results in better agility, Nothelle offers a set of sport springs. This brings the car closer to asphalt by about an inch. The high-end solution in Nothelle program is a coilover suspension with integrated adjustable compression and rebound settings. The driver can choose from three different shock absorbing levels. The suspension strut housing is made of high value stainless steel, with anodized suspension plates and gaskets of Teflon. The material provides for long-lasting life and offers something for the eye as well.

Major Performance Increase

In order to match the muscular look, Nothelle also took care of the engine department. The German specialists help the series 2.0 TFSI engine with four different power programs. From a simple chip tuning (adding 40 bhp, 55 lb-ft) through to a complete rebuild (adding 130 bhp, 96 lb-ft). If you want more, Nothelle has something big in store for you. They have attached two turbochargers to a 3.2 V6 engine. This increases the performance up to 520 bhp and 469 lb-ft and the top speed to about 190 mph, turning the TT from the underdog to a Porsche-killer. The conversion is available for manually shifted versions as well as for TT’s with DSG transmission (direct shift gearbox). The conversion, of course, includes a reinforced clutch and a specially adapted gear transmission ratio. Because on one hand the sheer power should be transmitted without causing damage, and on the other hand it should enable a full gallop of the 520 ponies.

Wheels and Tires

The superior, distinctive and modern design of the "NOVEDRA IX" is immediately noticeable, due to its complete self-containment. The nine spokes (hence "IX") consists of a broad basic design in which a slender ridge runs into the rim flange. The sporty dynamics of this perfectly-shaped masterpiece makes every vehicle look fast even while when just standing still. These are offered in 20-inch for the Audi TT by Nothelle.

Nothelle makes available no less than 4 different surface finishes. For variations "silver", "white", and "black" the spokes and rim flange are polished. Trendy again particularly for white vehicles is the white finish really standing out with an individualized look.

The variation "NOVEDRA IX brillant" features an elaborate, high-polished finish available by Nothelle through special ball-polishing techniques and high-polished clearcoat. Through these processes, the wheel not only receives its own individual non-imitable look, but possesses increased durability as well. The sealing of the surface occurs through a transparent baked-on lacquer finishing process.

The attractive wheels are made available from Nothelle as a set with tires in sizes 255/30 R20, contributed by their technology partners Hankook and Continental.

Ferrari makes special Scaglietti

Ferrari, celebrating its 60th anniversary, is making a special edition 612 Scaglietti called Sessanta ('sixty', of course).

This limited-run model - just 60 will be made - has 19" forged aluminium wheels, a modified 'F1' gearbox, black chrome exhaust tips, a starter and manettino 'power' button mounted into the steering wheel, unique instruments, an uprated Bose sound system with TV and rear-view cameras, bespoke leather upholstery and, most spectacularly, a sunroof with electrochromatic glass, as seen on the Superamerica.

There's a choice of just two two-tone paint finishes, dark grey Grigio Scuro and burgundy Rubino Micalizzato, with a subtle side stripe and black side panels and underbody.




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Dodge Caliber Rally Car.. um..

Lamborghini Edo Competition Murcielago LP640

The rest of the high res pictures are uploaded at picture gallery in sidebar on the right.Or you can download it here.


The renowned German tuner Edo Competition modified the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 in the field of driving dynamics, aerodynamic components, interior and sound.

Aerodynamics is extremely important for a super sports car, especially if you move it on the limit. In order to get more output on the rear axle, Edo Competition offers a rear wing with adjustable lip.

A unique sound is generated by Edo Competition high-flow muffler with stainless steel exhaust tips. A new exhaust butterfly valve control on request with remote control will also be available. Thus, the sportive rear view is an outstanding side-effect.

Engine tuning includes new electronics, specially-adjusted mufflers and special high-flow air filters. These components add 23 bhp to an already high-performance engine.

Particular customer requests give each Lamborghini a personal touch, e.g. it is possible to carry out different interior or multimedia tunings.

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Toyota goes Valvematic

Toyota has announced new engine valve technology that can boost power output by 'at least 10%' yet improve fuel efficiency by 5-10% and cut carbon dioxide emissions.

The Valvematic system combines the current VVT-I variable-valve timing system, which controls the opening and closing of intake valves, with additional fine-tuned control of the intake valve lift volume and the amount of air taken in.

Toyota will fit Valvematic in its next-generation 2.0-litre petrol engine 'being introduced in the near future', and promises to 'completely revamp its petrol engine and transmission line-up by 2010'.

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Porsche to stay strictly Porsche

Porsche won't let its controlling stake in VW lead to a blurring of the boundaries between the companies, according to Porsche's production director, Michael Macht.

'Although there has been a lot of talk in recent weeks on Porsche's stake in Volkswagen, we can assure you that Porsche will always remain Porsche, for this is a maxim we will definitely leave untouched,' he said at the launch of the 911 Turbo Cabriolet.

The details will be spelt out at an extraordinary general meeting in Stuttgart next Tuesday, when a new corporate holding structure will be established. Porsche Automobil Holding SE will oversee the various businesses, including the one making Porsche cars, Dr Ing hc F Porsche AG, which will 'continue to work just as consistently and with the same clear focus as before, maintaining its ongoing path of success in the market' according to Macht.

Porsche's phenomenal business success shows no signs of abating. In the 12 months ending on 31 July, Porsche will have sold more than 36,000 911s worldwide - its best ever year for its core model. Porsche sales for 2006-07 are expected to at least match the previous year's total of more than 96,000.

The order books for the Cayenne MkII are full. Macht said that the original Cayenne - Porsche's first non-sports car - helped establish it in new markets.

'In young markets such as China, Russia, the Middle East and now also India, particularly the Cayenne arouses great enthusiasm in and for Porsche, giving our sales figures double- and even triple-digit growth rates. Now we are consistently continuing this successful development with the four-door Panamera, which will once again significantly expand and broaden our worldwide customer base.'

The Panamera will go on sale in 2009, with a show debut likely in 2008. A rival for the Maserati Quattroporte, Aston Martin's new Rapide - also due in 2009 - and BMW's planned CS, it will be powered by a front-mounted V8 engine, with a choice of rear- or four-wheel drive.

Development work on the Panamera is in full swing at Porsche's Leipzig factory - where the Cayenne is also built - which has recently been extended in a €150m project to create a Panamera production hall, training workshop and logistics centre.

Full-frontal performance:Our spies say that there will be a choice of three engines: an entry-level 300bhp 3.5 V6 (a Volkswagen-derived unit) and an all-new direct-injection eight-cylinder in normally-aspirated (350bhp) and twin-turbo (560bhp) forms. The Carrera GT's 700bhp V10 has also been suggested for an ultra-exclusive top-end version. All engines are to be mounted up front, though positioned as far back as possible to try and maintain a perfect weight distribution and balance.

Ferrari Dino Concept

Ferrari Dino Concept design is the modernized version of the successful Ferrari Dino produced by Ferrari.

"The goal was to create a car that feels stylish, modern, dynamic and organic while staying true to the original design language of the Ferrari Dino and Ferrari brand in general."

The main characteristic of the Dino Concept design is the way it looks similar to the original Dino. With very round styling elements around the wheelbases and its cockpit, it looks retro and modern at the same time. With the right proportions combined, the car looks very dynamic and stylish. It stays true to its original with the design of the rear and the front being rounded and avoiding the hard edges as much as possible. Also the rear window opening is a striking feature originating from the original Ferrari Dino. The air intakes scoops however are very different compared to the original Dino, they look very organic and visually add a very organic feel to the car.

Porsche 9ff 911 Turbo TRC 91

What is it? It has 910 bhp and 672 lb-ft, takes only 3.10 seconds from 0 to 62 mph and offers a top speed of 243 mph, made possible by the modified double-clutch gearbox that goes with it. In the form of a convertible, with unbelievable 780 bhp resulting in 237 mph, it holds the absolute world record since October 2006.

A Supercar, Polished Up

Right, it must be a Porsche. But not just an ordinary one, no, it is the new Porsche 911 Turbo TRC 91 created by Nardo God 9ff. The artists from Dortmund turned the already extremely sporty bolide into one of the fastest and most powerful street-legal sports cars around the globe.

The supercar's 3.6-liter biturbo boxer' engine was modified in great detail. Not only two special turbochargers increase the performance, but also the sport air filter, larger injctors, modified cylinder heads and a stainless steel exhaust system with special manifolds as well as high-performance catalysts, and, finally, an extensive increase in engine displacement resulting in 4.0 liters. All modifications are perfectly harmonized by means of the reprogrammed engine control unit.

More Air for Everything

Thanks to the modified racing front grill, the engine is provided with more air while the brake cooling has been improved by - discrete - additional air intakes. A boot lid made of carbon allows a maximum weight reduction to 2865 lbs. Optimum performance is brought to perfection through revised aerodynamics enhancing the powerful Porsche's driving stability while creating an atmosphere of even more dynamic elegance. The monstrous inner workings, however, do not reveal themselves that easily to a layperson. The experts at 9ff confined themselves to a slightly lower front apron and elegant 20-inch wheels with a larger braking system.

New and shapely front spoilers, side skirts and redesigned rear wings add to the aerodynamic kit while the elegant and aerodynamically enhanced exterior mirrors are the crowning glory of the whole.

To sum it up, the 9ff Turbo TRC 91 was made for those among us who are real gentlemen - it is a decent horsepower werewolf.

GM's New 4.5L V-8 Duramax Turbo Diesel

High-efficiency V-8 scheduled for pickup trucks under 8,600 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight and HUMMER H2. Low emissions, high performance and excellent fuel economy. Expected to deliver class-leading torque, power and refinement. General Motors Corp. will introduce a new, state-of-the-art 4.5L V-8 Duramax turbo-diesel that improves engine fuel efficiency by 25 percent, reduces CO2 emissions by 13 percent and cuts particulates and NOx emissions by at least 90 percent for North American light duty trucks and the HUMMER H2 built after 2009.

The premium V-8 diesel is expected to deliver class-leading torque, power and refinement while maintaining a significant fuel efficiency advantage over comparable-output gasoline engines.

The new dual-overhead cam, four-valve V-8 diesel engine will fit within the same space of a small-block V-8 gasoline engine. This compact size is made possible by using integral cylinder head exhaust manifolds, integral cam cover intake manifolds and a narrow block.

"This new GM light duty diesel is expected to become a favorite among customers who require excellent towing ability and fuel efficiency," said Tom Stephens, group vice president, GM Global Powertrain and Quality. "It will meet the stringent 2010 emissions standards, and it will be compliant in all 50 states, making it one of the cleanest diesel vehicles ever produced."

Environmental benefits of the new engine include a 13-percent reduction in CO2 versus gasoline engines, and at least a 90-percent reduction in particulates and NOx compared to diesel vehicles today. This will be GM's first engine to use a selective catalytic reduction NOx aftertreatment system with a diesel particulate filter to help achieve the Tier 2 Bin 5 and LEV 2 emissions standards.

Technical highlights of the engine include aluminum cylinder heads with integrated manifolding; a variable-vane turbocharger with intercooling; a Compacted Graphite Iron (CGI) block for a stronger and lighter engine base (compared to lower-strength aluminum or heavier grey cast iron); and fracture-split main bearing caps and connecting rods for a precise fit. An electronically controlled, ultra-high-pressure, common-rail fuel system is used, which has the ability to inject fuel five times per combustion event to control noise and emissions.

"This new V-8 is not only a clean diesel meeting the toughest emissions requirements in North America, it also delivers an effortless performance feel because of its high torque across the speed range," said Charlie Freese, executive director of GM Powertrain Diesel Engineering. "It is also significantly quieter than other diesels on the road today, with noise and vibration performance approaching gasoline V-8 levels."

Freese said the new V-8's compact size enables it to fit in the envelope of a gasoline small-block engine, which provides GM the flexibility to introduce this engine in a wide variety of vehicle applications should there be future market demand.

The premium V-8 diesel engine is expected to deliver class-leading refinement, horsepower and torque and fulfill multiple vehicle applications with ratings in excess of 310 horsepower and 520 lb-ft of torque.

GM (Opel, Saab, Vauxhall and GMDAT ) currently offers 17 diesel engine variants in 45 vehicle lines around the world. GM sells more than one million diesel engines annually, with products that offer a range of choices from the 1.3L four-cylinder diesel engine sold in the Opel Agila and Corsa, up to the 6.6L V-8 Duramax diesel sold in full-size vans, heavy duty pickups and medium duty trucks in the U.S.

GM first introduced the Duramax diesel 6.6L V-8 in the U.S. in the 2001 model year and since then, customer enthusiasm for this heavy duty diesel has been outstanding. In fact, GM's heavy duty pickup truck market share has jumped nearly tenfold in the six years that Duramax engines have been offered.

General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world's largest automaker, has been the annual global industry sales leader for 76 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 280,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 33 countries. In 2006, nearly 9.1 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn and Vauxhall. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.

Audi R8 TDI could be coming in 2009

Audi demonstrated clearly last year that a diesel-powered race car could take on defeat gas-powered cars at the 24 Hours of LeMans and in the ALMS and they are preparing to fend off a new diesel challenger from Peugeot later this month in France. The Audi R8 sports car that debuted in production earlier this year was inspired by Audi's original LeMans car and now looks set for an update based on the latest endurance racer.

A diesel powered version of the R8 may hit the street as soon as 2009, according to Car and Driver. Although the R10 inspired 5.9L V-12 that was shown in the Q7 V-12 at the Detroit Auto Show might seem the obvious choice, it may well be too large and to heavy for the R8 engine bay. The 4.2L V-8 TDI available now in the European Q7 gives up some power but gains 77 percent in torque compared to the gas engine currently used in the R8 and could increase fuel economy by over twenty percent. Whether or not the R8 TDI ever makes it US shores will probably depend on fuel prices and how well the other new Audi diesels are received over the next two years.