DEARBORN, Mich., August 31, 2006 – Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) announced today it has begun the process of exploring strategic options for Aston Martin, with particular emphasis on a potential sale of all or a portion of the unit.

“As part of our ongoing strategic review, we have determined that Aston Martin may be an attractive opportunity to raise capital and generate value,” said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Bill Ford. “Aston Martin Lagonda has flourished under Ford ownership, which is why we believe it is prudent to consider a sale of all or part of this prized brand. Since Aston Martin’s dealer network, product architecture and size are distinctly different from other Ford brands, it is the most logical and capital-smart divestiture choice. The objective of any sale would be to position Aston Martin within a structure and resource base sufficient to allow it to reach its full potential, while enabling Ford to efficiently raise capital for its other brands.”

Mr. Ford added, “Regarding our other Premier Automotive Group brands, we’ve made no decisions, as our review of strategic alternatives continues. However, we continue to be encouraged by Jaguar’s progress and by the strength and consumer appeal of the Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo product lineups.”

The company said there can be no assurance that the decision to explore strategic options for Aston Martin will result in any transaction, which would be subject to Board approval. Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures and distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 300,000 employees and more than 100 plants worldwide, the company’s core and affiliated automotive brands include Aston Martin, Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercury and Volvo. Its automotive-related services include Ford Motor Credit Company.

Click To View Larger Image

Bentley announced today that the Arnage will receive a handful of substantial improvements for the 2007 model year. Perhaps most important is the Arnage T’s powerplant. Bentley’s 6.75-liter turbo V8 giant now develops 500hp, and is mated to a new six-speed ZF-built automatic transmission to get that power to the rear wheels more efficiently. The Arnage R and RL models are rated at 450hp, up from 400hp last year.

The 2007 Model Year Arnage also benefits from safety, interior and design improvements. Every Arnage now has a Tire Pressure Monitoring System, rSAP Bluetooth integrated telephone system and improved driver ergonomics as standard. Additionally, new wheel, exterior paint colors and interior trim options are available, as well as an optional retractable ‘Flying B’ hood emblem.

View the complete list of 2007 Arnage upgrades after the jump

Read the rest of this entry »

Click To View Larger Image

Chrysler Sebring sedan offers more than ever before in mid-size segment

“The 2007 Chrysler Sebring represents the next phase of the Chrysler brand’s passenger car renaissance,” said Rooney. “The Sebring builds on the winning formula that began with the award-winning Chrysler 300 in the large car segment. This formula combines stunning design with interior craftsmanship, high-levels of safety and reliability, exhilarating performance and excellent fuel efficiency (30+ mpg), all at a surprisingly affordable price. Sebring also features many class-leading technologies not available in the mid-size segment.”

With a starting MSRP of $18,995 (including a $675 destination charge), the Chrysler Sebring sedan features a fuel-efficient 2.4-liter World Engine that produces 173 horsepower (129kW) and 166 lb.-ft. (225 N-m) of torque coupled with a four-speed automatic transmission. (Estimated EPA Fuel Economy MPG 24 city/32 highway).

Read the rest of this entry »

Click To View Larger Image

If you look for these photos under “Latest Releases” on Audi’s press server, you won’t find them. In fact, we had to do a bit of digging to come across these first shots of the new Audi TT S-Line edition. There isn’t an accompanying press release with these photos, nor is there much detail as to what exactly this new S-Line package consists of…but there are some obvious styling changes inside and out. Most obvious of these changes are the huge new air inlets in the front fascia that look like those found on the rest of the Audi S and RS models. The rear valance has a carbon fiber look to it, although we’re not sure if it is made entirely of real carbon fiber. On the inside, the TT S-Line has the flat bottomed steering wheel much like the one found in the Eurospec RS4.

Being that the previous generation TT S-Line had the 3.2 liter engine in it, we can’t help but wonder if the same goes for this new generation. We’ll post more details as we get them.

Click To View Larger Image

Volkswagen has revealed its Iroc sports car concept at a special event in Berlin this evening. The Iroc marks the return of the Scirocco, Volkswagen’s iconic sports coupé, which made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show 33 years ago.

Even in colour, with its Viper Green metallic paint, the Iroc harks back to the Scirocco, where this exact shade was available in the 1976 model range. The Iroc has distinctive dimensions, with a very long roof and steeply sloping rear, which not only gives it an aggressive and sporting appearance, it also liberates space in the back for two adults plus luggage.

Read the rest of this entry »

Click To View Larger Image

The base Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the all-new 2007 Dodge Nitro is $19,885, which includes $660 for destination. Dodge Nitro arrives in showrooms this October.

Nitro comes loaded with performance, space, functionality, flexibility, and safety. With a fold-flat first-row passenger seat and fold-flat second-row seats, Nitro offers a variety of loading options. Nitro also offers the segment’s only LOAD ‘N GO™ cargo floor, which holds up to 400 pounds and slides 18 inches rearward for easy loading and unloading. Optional features include heated leather seats, a DVD-based navigation system, and a cutting-edge entertainment system that stores up to 2,500 songs. Standard safety features include electronic stability program (ESP), anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic roll mitigation and side-curtain air bags.

“The five-passenger Nitro will appeal to customers seeking distinctive style and sporty performance combined with passenger- and cargo-carrying flexibility,” said Loveless. “Dodge Nitro offers many features not found in a typical mid-size SUV, including a choice of two V-6 engines, 20-inch chromed-clad aluminum wheels and tires, and a performance suspension.”

Three models are available: Dodge Nitro SXT, Dodge Nitro SLT and Dodge Nitro R/T. Standard on the Dodge Nitro SXT and Dodge Nitro SLT is a 3.7-liter SOHC V-6 engine which generates 210 horsepower (157 kW) at 5,200 rpm and 235 lb.-ft. (319 N•m) of torque at 4,000 rpm. The Dodge Nitro R/T features a new 4.0-liter V-6 engine that delivers 255 horsepower (190 kW) at 6,000 rpm and 265 lb.-ft. (359 N•m) of torque at 4,200 rpm. Standard on the Dodge Nitro R/T and optional on the SLT are a new performance suspension, 20-inch tires and chromed-clad aluminum wheels.

Read the rest of this entry »

Click To View Larger Image

IRVINE, Calif. – Adding a new dimension to the Mazda MX-5 without diminishing its driving joy is no mean feat. The MX-5 Miata reinvented the lightweight, fun-to-drive, two-seat category in 1989, and has since become the world’s best-selling two-seat roadster. For 2007, Mazda’s iconic MX-5 will again set a new standard for the segment with the introduction of a Power Retractable Hard Top (PRHT). And with pricing beginning at only $24,350 (MSRP, not including tax, license and destination and handling fees), it provides drivers with year-round comfort and security as well as the joy of an open-top roadster at a truly affordable price.

Read the rest of this entry »

Click To View Larger Image

MINI has released details of the all-new MINI Cooper and Cooper S today. Both models feature a completely new body design, a new modern interior, and new high-performance engines.

Although the overall external design of the new Cooper may look like it’s predecessor at first glance, MINI says that every body panel is different from the previous generation’s. Under the hood, the new Cooper features new engines, including a 1.6-liter four-cylinder that produces 120 horsepower (UK). The MINI Cooper S features an intercooled and turbocharged version of the same 1.6-liter engine, and produces 175 horsepower. MINI claims a 0-62 time of 7.1 seconds, and a top speed of 140 miles per hour.

Full MINI UK Press Release After The Jump.

Read the rest of this entry »

Click To View Larger Image

Ford debuted the “all-new” 2007 Ford Shelby GT this past weekend via their first installment in their web based documentary, “Bold Moves: The Future of Ford”. We’re not quite sure why they call this all-new, since it’s basically a warmed over Mustang GT with a few parts out of their own catalog thrown in. Nevertheless, people will buy up as many as Ford can produce.

Yes, the new Shelby GT does have an upgraded suspension over the current Mustang GT. Developed by Ford Racing’s engineers, the Ford Racing Handling Pack includes stiffer dampers, and a thicker front sway bar. Overall ride height has been dropped by an inch-and-a-half to reduce body roll. All these upgraded suspension components have been powder coated and painted in Ford Racing Blue. Woop-ti-freaking-doo! Under the hood, a front strut-tower brace has been added to strengthen the chassis.

Ford Racing has also equipped the Shelby GT with the Ford Racing Power Pack, which increases horsepower from the 4.6-liter V-8 to 325-horsepower from 300. Torque has been increased to 330 pound-feet, up from 320 pound-feet. This power increase comes from a 90 millimeter cold-air intake, as well as new engine management software. The exhaust has been equipped with a new X-pipe crossover for better flow of exhaust gasses. To make use of this extra power, Ford has equipped the Shelby GT with a shorter rear-axle ratio, and a Hurst short-throw shifter for manual models.

The Shelby GT is pretty much identical on the exterior to the Hertz Shelby GT-H, with the exception of the stripes. The only two colors available are black with silver racing stripes, and “Performance White” with silver racing stripes. The front of the Shelby GT features a front fascia that is unique to the Shelby GT and GT-H. The brushed-aluminum grille is also new to the Shelby GT, as is the new hood scoop. Shelby has also added scoops just before the rear wheel arches. No word on if these are functional, but we suspect they are purely aesthetic. The styling is topped off with Shelby badging on the trunk lid. To individualize each car, the Shelby GT features a plate of authenticity on the dashboard, as well as under the hood.

No word on price yet, but we expect the Shelby GT to come in anywhere from $5500 - $6500 more than a nicely equipped Mustang GT. Of course, we could be totally wrong here. The bottom line is that this is more of an appearance package with some fancy bolt-ons from the Ford Racing catalog. If you wanted to build this car out of your current Mustang GT, you probably could with ease. The model designation might be all-new, but the car definitely isn’t. We REALLY hope this isn’t all Ford has up their sleeves in their “Way Forward.”

Our friends at Jalopnik have posted the video on YouTube.com. Check it out at after the jump.

Read the rest of this entry »

Click To View Larger Image

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. – Dear sports car fans: General Motors heard you loud and clear.

GM Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner announced today that GM will build an all-new version of the Chevrolet Camaro sport coupe based on the award-winning concept that stole the spotlight at the North American International Auto Show and has ignited the passion of car enthusiasts around the world ever since – even spurring consumers to start petition drives and send in certified checks in hopes of placing early deposits.

“The overwhelmingly enthusiastic response to the Camaro Concept continues to remind me of the uniquely iconic place our products can have in customers’ hearts,” Wagoner said. “Camaro is much more than a car; it symbolizes America’s spirit and its love affair with the automobile.”

The all-new Camaro will begin with early production versions at the end of 2008 and will go on sale in the first quarter of 2009. “The new Camaro will be almost identical to the concept, a thoroughly modern interpretation of the 1969 model, considered by many to be the best design of the car’s first generation,” said Ed Welburn, GM’s global vice president of design, who owns a 1969 Camaro SS. The front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sport coupe will feature an independent rear suspension, and will be offered in a variety of models with the choice of manual and automatic transmissions and V-6 and V-8 engines.

Read the rest of this entry »