Rolls-Royce Ghost “Numero Uno” by Deutsche Manufaktur for Sale...

The new Ghost EX200 may be billed as the “baby” Rolls-Royce but that doesn’t mean it can’t be kicked up a notch. The first super-tuned version of the new luxury mobile, dubbed the “Numero Uno” from German exotic tweaker Deutsche Manufaktur is now listed for sale on JamesList for the tidy sum of €450,000. The styling package “merges aggression and luxury using the precision quality of Deutsche’s technology”. Call it the Ghost in the Machine.

OVERVIEW

Deutsche Manufaktur now introduces the NUMERO UNO styling package, which is intended as a design enhancement for the upcoming Rolls Royce Ghost EX200. It targets customers who want something a little more exclusive from an automobile that spells passion even in its original state. The NUMERO UNO styling package merges aggression and luxury using the precision quality of Deutsche's technology. The highly engineered exterior catches eyes while the hand stitched interior leaves a feeling of indulgence.

AERODYNAMIC STYLING PACKAGE

* Front Spoiler
* Front Light Shades
* Rear Boot Lid Spoiler
* Extended Front Grill


TECHNICAL PACKAGE

* Sport Exhausts
* Sport Springs


TINTED SMART GLASS PACKAGE

* Intelligent Glass
* Dampens automatically upon pressing a button
* Returns to transparency upon pressing again


RIM PACKAGE

* 9x20 Front Pair & 12x20" Rear Pair
* Fully forged wheels
* Diamond polished


Choose your design from one of our options

* Y-Star wheel design
* Black Fireball design
* Lightning Speed design


Should you have special wishes for a tailored design, please talk to us. We can incorporate any name or logo into rims that are uniquely made for you.


INTERIOR

When it comes to the interior it is suffice to say that that DEUTSCHE MANUFAKTUR works according to its customers dreams. No matter if maple wood, carbon fibre or Alcantara, never before, wood looked as racy as in this combination!

If you want it even more individual, DEUTSCHE will leave nothing to imagination concerning the interior. You can choose the finest materials in sporty coloured leather combinations for seats, door covers and the dashboard. Furthermore we offer steering wheel and carbon fibre trim equipment like the 3-part set of aluminium pedals and brake handle.
via:jameslist

Fresh spy pictures For 2010 Mercedes R-Class Facelift

A new front bumper, headlights, LED daytime running lights, bonnet and redesigned side mirrors are featured. Upgrades to the back end include LED lights, a new bumper and different tailpipes.


More camouflage pieces seem to be coming off the Mercedes-Benz R-Class facelift as evidenced by these fresh spy pictures. Very little is left to the imagination and it's quite clear that Mercedes have made the front end to resemble current models in the brand's stable.


There should be engine modifications and additions as well, including tried and tested BlueEfficiency and BlueTec motors. We might even see a hybrid model sharing its basic powertrain architecture with the S 400 Hybrid. It's also probable that the interior will receive its own facelift to include gadgets like the new COMAND system with Split Screen technology and Night View Assist.


Expect the new R-Class to debut at 2010 North American Auto Show in Detroit after which it will sell as a 2011 model.
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Further signs of gradual recovery in the South African vehicle market

2nd December 2009

During November 2009 a total of 22 929 new passenger cars were sold in South Africa. Total new passenger car sales in November decreased by -6.7 percent when compared to October 2009, but were 4.6 percent up on November 2008.

This is the first time since January 2007 that the monthly total new car market has been larger that the corresponding month of the previous year. The January to November 2009 new passenger car market recorded sales of -22.5 percent below the same period for 2008.

“New passenger car sales in November continued the more positive trend of the past number of months. However, the car rental industry purchases in November were largely responsible for this growth. Sales recorded in the consumer retail segment remain muted. The new passenger car sales cycle does, however, appear to have bottomed out and is currently beginning to reflect some slow growth,” said Mike Glendinning, Director of Sales and Marketing at VW of SA.

“From a VW of SA perspective, the new 6th generation Golf, with sales consistently over 500 units per month, vindicates its SA Car of the Year finalist status,” continued Glendinning.

“The Audi Brand sold 812 units into the premium segment last month, thereby recording its second most successful month in 2009,” said Glendinning.

“The export of the all New Polo to Right Hand Drive markets around the world is now gaining momentum, with 6 927 units exported in November. We look forward to bringing New Polo to the South African market early in 2010,” said Glendinning.

Returning to the state of the market in South Africa, Glendinning remains cautiously optimistic.

Source: Volkswagen

SUZUKI ANNOUNCES "KIZASHI TEST DRIVE CHALLENGE"

BREA, Calif. (Dec. 3, 2009) – On the heels of the 2010 Kizashi's (pronounced "Kee-Zah-Shee") arrival in U.S. dealer showrooms this December, American Suzuki Motor Corp. has announced a nationwide promotion offering prospective sport sedan buyers a $100 for adding the all-new Kizashi to their consideration lists. The "Kizashi Test Drive Challenge" incentive program, which kicked off Dec. 2, 2009, and runs through January 31, 2010, is expected to build consumer interest and drive early sales for Suzuki's all-new sport sedan.


To become eligible, consumers considering an Audi A4 or Acura TSX must first test drive a 2010 Kizashi from a Suzuki retailer and complete the "Kizashi Test Drive Challenge" registration form. Buyers who still decided to purchase either a 2010 Audi A4 2.0T or 2010 Acura TSX (four-cylinder model) within 10 days of their comparison test drive of the all-new Kizashi will receive a $100 check or stored value debit card*.

"The Kizashi was designed and engineered to offer a premium driving experience consistent with the near-luxury sport sedan segment," said Koichi Suzuki, executive vice president of American Suzuki Automotive Operations. "With styling, performance characteristics, luxury features and a new advanced All-Wheel-Drive system on par with the Audi A4 and Acura TSX, we're excited to extend this unique offer to consumers across the country, providing potential sport sedan buyers another reason to consider the all-new Kizashi-at a substantial savings. We're definitely putting Kizashi's premium without the premium moniker to the test."


For more details about the "Kizashi Test Drive Challenge," or to locate the nearest Suzuki dealer, please visit www.suzukiauto.com. Suzuki also will display an informational kiosk at its 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show exhibit (S-202), Dec. 4-13, 2009.

*Award payment type depends on individual State Sweepstakes rules
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LA Auto Show: Mazda 2Evil and Active2 Surf & Snow Special Concept

Mazda 2Evil Special Concept

This concept is inspired by the weekend track car but one that can function equally well as an urban commuter. The body has been modified to show a more aggressive front spoiler and a deeper side rocker for improved aerodynamics and lower overall stance. A strong lower diffuser is added to enhance the rear proportion and more emphasis is placed on the exhaust tip. The rear upper spoiler was redesigned for both additional downforce and a race appearance. The dynamic MAZDA2 body is finished in Ceramic Grey metallic with subtle motorsports inspired graphics. The graphics are finished off with the historic number 55, a tribute to the 1991 Le Mans-winning Mazda 787B race car. Wheels, mirrors and other details are accented in Spirited Green. To top it off, the performance and stance are enhanced with 17" wheels, 215/45/17 Yokahama Advan tires, lowered coil-over suspension provided by H&R and Magna performance exhaust.


The Mazda Active2 Surf & Snow Special Concepts

The Active2 Surf exterior showcases a more aggressive front bumper and rocker. Adding to the sport theme, 17" wheels with 215/45/17 Yokahama Tires and H&R coil over suspension were applied. The sheet metal is finished in Spirited Green and detailed with Active2 graphics. These subtle effects are displayed on the hood and driver-side fender. The graphics are finished in graphite and white, with matching wheels and mirrors. To support the overall concept, the Active2 Surf has been set up with a Thule roof rack system and a matching carbon fiber surfboard.


The Active2 Snow exterior showcases a more aggressive front bumper and rocker. Adding to the sport theme, 17" wheels with 215/45/17 Yokahama Tires and H&R coil over suspension were applied. The sheet metal is finished in Frozen White and detailed with Active2 graphics. These subtle effects are displayed on the hood and driver-side fender. The graphics are finished in graphite and Spirited Green, with matching wheels and mirrors. To support the overall concept, the Active2 Snow has been set up with a Thule roof rack system and matching snowboards.
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Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR 1:33 Edition

To celebrate the final production year of the current generation Dodge Viper SRT10, Dodge plans to deliver a vehicle lineup like no other since the introduction of the iconic American sports car in 1992.

At the heart of the 2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 remains the venerable 8.4-liter (510 cu. in.) V-10 engine that produces 600 (450 kW) horsepower and 560 lb.-ft. (760 Nm) of torque. Benchmark performance numbers, including 0-60 mph in less than 4 seconds, quarter-mile time in the mid 11-second range and 0-100-0 mph in 11 seconds flat, and a top speed of 202 mph, continue to prove how the serious, race-inspired, street-legal two-seater performs without apology.

Body style offerings remain unchanged with the availability of Roadster and Coupe models along with the ACR (American Club Racer) package. Approximately 500 vehicles will be built for the 2010 model year.


The Viper SRT10 channels its power through a ZF Sachs twin-disc clutch that reduces rotating inertia by 18 percent, reduces clutch-pedal effort and improves engagement feel. Transferring power to the rear wheels is a heavy-duty six-speed manual transmission.

Stopping power is another carefully developed part of the Viper SRT10 equation, with 14-inch brake rotors gripped by Brembo 44/40 dual-opposing piston calipers in the front and Brembo 42/38 dual-opposing calipers in the rear. This system results in world-class braking performance of 60-0 mph in less than 100 feet.

Interior color options for 2010 include: standard black, two-tone black and red with red accent stitching, two-tone black and blue with blue accent stitching, two-tone black and medium slate grey with medium slate grey accent stitching and the two-tone black and natural tan with premium tan Nappa leather seats, tan center console, lower instrument panel and door panels introduced for the 2009 model year. On the Roadster model, the black and tan package includes a matching tan cloth convertible top.

With the introduction of two new exterior colors-Toxic Orange Pearl Coat and Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat-Dodge Viper SRT10 is now available in 12 different colors - the most regularly available choices in one model year. And with six stripe options in the new wider configuration, five different interior color combinations, four different wheel choices and three available interior bezels; the 2010 Viper SRT10 will be available in more than 7,600 combinations-the most for any one model year-significantly adding to the exclusivity of each car like never before.

New across the Viper lineup is a shorter fifth gear ratio (changing from 0.74 to 0.80) for improved high-speed acceleration and higher straightaway speeds. Acceleration from 0-200 mph has improved by 14 seconds. This improvement is a direct result of the Chrysler Group LLC Street and Racing Technology team's experience at the 12.9-mile Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit in Germany where during the lap-record run in 2008, it was found that a revised gear ratio would have resulted in higher top gear acceleration and a quicker lap time.


The Viper SRT10 channels its power through a ZF Sachs twin-disc clutch that reduces rotating inertia by 18 percent, reduces clutch-pedal effort and improves engagement feel. Transferring power to the rear wheels is a heavy-duty six-speed manual transmission.

Stopping power is another carefully developed part of the Viper SRT10 equation, with 14-inch brake rotors gripped by Brembo 44/40 dual-opposing piston calipers in the front and Brembo 42/38 dual-opposing calipers in the rear. This system results in world-class braking performance of 60-0 mph in less than 100 feet.

Interior color options for 2010 include: standard black, two-tone black and red with red accent stitching, two-tone black and blue with blue accent stitching, two-tone black and medium slate grey with medium slate grey accent stitching and the two-tone black and natural tan with premium tan Nappa leather seats, tan center console, lower instrument panel and door panels introduced for the 2009 model year. On the Roadster model, the black and tan package includes a matching tan cloth convertible top.


The Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR receives a new short-throw shifter in 2010 for enhanced driver experience and better performance. The rear wing profile and end plates are redesigned to further optimize the vehicle aerodynamics and improve rear yaw downforce. These changes combined with the new fifth gear ratio result in an increased top speed of 4 mph (to 184 mph for the ACR model).

The enhanced four-wheel independent suspension features high-performance aluminum control arms and knuckles, KW suspension with two-way adjustable competition coil-over shock absorbers with remote reservoirs.

The aerodynamic package features a carbon fiber "fanged" splitter in front and adjustable carbon-fiber wing with seven-position stanchions that allow up to an amazing 1,000 lbs. of downforce at 150 mph. Lightweight wheels, two-piece slotted StopTech brake rotors and Michelin PS Cup tires round out the Dodge Viper ACR package.


Numerous special, limited-edition models are planned for the 2010 model year, including the Dodge Viper ACR 1:33 Edition, which will pay tribute to the new production car lap record set on Nov. 24 at Laguna Seca raceway. The unique two-tone Black Clear Coat/Red Clear Coat exterior color scheme on this model is the opposite form of the original Viper ACR. Interior highlights include piano black console bezels with red gauge highlights complemented with red accent stitching in the seats. Only 33 cars will be produced as 1:33 Edition Viper ACR models.

The 2010 Vooodoo-edition Viper ACR will feature an all Black Clear Coat exterior with a Graphite Driver's Stripe outlined in red. Only 10 cars will be produced with the unique striping on both the exterior, as well as on the steering wheel.
Source:Dodge

LA Auto Show: Honda Personal-Neo Urban Transport Concept

The Honda Personal-Neo Urban Transport (P-NUT) design study model demonstrates a futuristic concept for an ultra-compact and sophisticated city coupe, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Conceived around a small "footprint" for maximum convenience in tight urban settings, the packaging concept integrates a center driving position configuration and a rear powertrain layout. The exterior styling leverages crisp angles with dynamic flowing lines that originate from the front of the vehicle and span outward toward the rear. The end result is a sleek and aggressive exterior that also allows for a spacious and open interior with excellent visibility.


"A new generation is discovering the benefits of living in urban centers that provide convenient access to business, entertainment and social opportunities," said Dave Marek, director of advanced design for Honda R&D Americas, Inc. "The Personal-Neo Urban Transport concept explores the packaging and design potential for a vehicle conceived exclusively around the city lifestyle."

The exterior styling is intended to capture a future direction for premium sophistication while balancing the need for maximum interior space and an aerodynamic appearance. The interior layout, in conjunction with the rear powertrain design, contributes prominently to the exterior's overall shape.


The layout of the interior space, with its center driving position flanked by two rear seats, provides generous legroom for all occupants, roughly the equivalent of a mid-sized sedan in a vehicle that has an exterior footprint similar to a micro car. Interior functionality is increased by rear seating areas that fold up and out of the way to increase storage capacity. The windshield serves as a heads-up display for the navigation system and the back-up camera.

The modular rear engine bay, depicted on the exterior by blue composite material, is designed to accommodate a wide variety of potential propulsion technologies including a conventional small displacement internal combustion engine, a hybrid gasoline-electric powertrain, or a battery-electric powertrain.


"The objective of the exterior and interior designers was to explore the potential for a new type of small-segment-category vehicle that overcomes many of the objections for existing micro-car designs," said Marek. "While the Honda P-NUT concept introduces function-oriented concepts, it also shows that small cars don't have to compromise on style or amenities."

The Advanced Design Studio of Honda R&D Americas, Inc. in Los Angeles developed the P-NUT design study model. Honda R&D Americas began its operations in California in 1975 with local market research activities and has steadily grown its capabilities over the past 33 years to include all aspects of new vehicle research, design and development. Recent Honda-brand efforts include trend-setting products such as the Pilot, Ridgeline, Element, Civic Coupe and Civic Si Coupe.


Specifications

Size class: Ultra-compact
Layout: Rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Passengers: 3
Length: 3,400 mm
Width: 1,750 mm
Height: 1,439 mm
Powertrain: Internal-combustion engine, hybrid-electric or battery-electric
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