http://www.6autos.com/ Tue, 06 Jan 2009 13:04:23+0000 http://www.6autos.com/ en http://www.6autos.com/toyota-loses-1-7-billion-what-it-means-to-you/ http://www.6autos.com/toyota-loses-1-7-billion-what-it-means-to-you/#comments Thu, 25 Dec 2008 00:00:00+0000 6Autos.com http://www.6autos.com/toyota-loses-1-7-billion-what-it-means-to-you/

There has been a lot of news about the domestic automakers burning through billions of dollars every month, but today Toyota is announcing that it lost money for the first time in 70 years. The $1.7 billion operating loss is significant, but it’s not close to the amount that GM, Chrysler and Ford have lost over the past few years.

What it does signify is that the global car market is in dire shape and even the strongest companies will be losing money. One analyst quoted by the New York Times says it is only a matter of time before all automakers see similar results. Toyota is predicting even bigger losses through summer 2009.

Supposedly, the company is taking extreme cost-cutting measures at its Japan headquarters like unplugging electric hand dryers in bathrooms.

More significant cuts will include the suspension of operations at new plants such as the Mississippi plant that was slated to build the new Prius. Instead these plants will wait for an economic rebound.

Many production lines will reduce shifts to keep capacity closer to demand, a move that domestic automakers have already made.

Toyota traditionally doesn’t offer major cash-back incentives, but we would expect to see more deals, especially in early 2009 on most of Toyota’s models.]]> http://www.6autos.com/toyota-loses-1-7-billion-what-it-means-to-you/feed http://www.6autos.com/chryslers-nardelli-turnaround-plan-is-achievable/ http://www.6autos.com/chryslers-nardelli-turnaround-plan-is-achievable/#comments Thu, 25 Dec 2008 00:00:00+0000 6Autos.com http://www.6autos.com/chryslers-nardelli-turnaround-plan-is-achievable/ Soyoung Kim writing for Reuters reported that Chrysler LLC’s plan to return to profitability is “reasonable and achievable”, Chief Executive Bob Nardelli told the company’s employees in a memo.

Chrysler, which won a $4 billion federal rescue package last week, will continue to work with all of its stakeholders in coming weeks to achieve the “shared sacrifice” it needs to turn around its operations, Nardelli said in the Monday evening memo, a copy of which was obtained by Reuters.

The bailout funds given to Chrysler and General Motors Corp came with the condition that the automakers restructure with massive cuts in labor costs, and a two-thirds reduction in debt that involves convincing creditors to swap debt for equity.

“We have a realistic and achievable plan to turn Chrysler around and return the company to profitability,” Nardelli said in the memo.

“With the government bridge loan forthcoming, we’ll have the financial backing to implement that plan.”

Chrysler was given $4 billion from the U.S. government after having asked for $7 billion. The bailout is Chrysler’s second in 28 years.

Analysts have expressed doubt over whether Chrysler and GM can win the steep concessions it needs from bondholders and the powerful United Auto Workers union by March 31. The government has said it would call back the loans if the automakers cannot meet all the conditions and prove they are viable by the end of March.

Chrysler’s U.S. sales are down 28 percent through the end of November, below the industry’s 16 percent. Auto sales have fallen globally as consumer spending and credit dried up.

Nardelli said Chrysler has acted quickly to reduce costs and cut production to mitigate the effects of the global financial crisis.

Since 2007, the automaker has cut 32,000 jobs, taken out 1.2 million units of capacity, eliminated 12 production shifts and closed two plants.

“These and other difficult but necessary actions have positioned Chrysler to begin 2009 as a leaner, more efficient and focused organization characterized by fewer layers of management with broader spans of control,” Nardelli said.]]> http://www.6autos.com/chryslers-nardelli-turnaround-plan-is-achievable/feed http://www.6autos.com/hero-honda-launches-faclifted-variants-of-glamour-glamour-fi-and-electric-start-cd-deluxe/ http://www.6autos.com/hero-honda-launches-faclifted-variants-of-glamour-glamour-fi-and-electric-start-cd-deluxe/#comments Wed, 24 Dec 2008 00:00:00+0000 6Autos.com http://www.6autos.com/hero-honda-launches-faclifted-variants-of-glamour-glamour-fi-and-electric-start-cd-deluxe/
variants of Glamour will be available between Rs 45,800 and Rs 47,700 (ex-showroom Delhi) and the Glamour FI variants will be priced between Rs 51,450 and Rs 55,450 (ex-showroom Delhi). Hero Honda has also launched electric / self start variant of CD Deluxe. The 100 cc bike CD Deluxe will also be seeing a new version as we have introduced self start option,” he said adding the bike will be available in four trim levels priced between Rs 33,700 and Rs 36,900. “This has been a difficult year for the two-wheeler industry but we have been able to beat the industry trend and keep sales momentum going. The three new bikes are an extension of what we have been doing to keep the market interest alive,” Hero Honda Motors Sr Vice-President Anil Dua said.]]> http://www.6autos.com/hero-honda-launches-faclifted-variants-of-glamour-glamour-fi-and-electric-start-cd-deluxe/feed http://www.6autos.com/volkswagen-passat-crdi/ http://www.6autos.com/volkswagen-passat-crdi/#comments Wed, 24 Dec 2008 00:00:00+0000 6Autos.com http://www.6autos.com/volkswagen-passat-crdi/
Volkswagen Passat CC

Volkswagen plans to launch Passat CC in India early 2009. The passat CC would be priced around Rs35 lakh]]> http://www.6autos.com/volkswagen-passat-crdi/feed http://www.6autos.com/2009-audi-tts-roadster-first-impressions-top-10-auto-news-today-20081224/ http://www.6autos.com/2009-audi-tts-roadster-first-impressions-top-10-auto-news-today-20081224/#comments Tue, 23 Dec 2008 14:56:10+0000 6Autos.com http://www.6autos.com/2009-audi-tts-roadster-first-impressions-top-10-auto-news-today-20081224/ TOP 10 - 2010 Porsche Cayenne S Transsyberia - Mongol Horde



A rally-racing Cayenne? Porsche factory driver Carles Celma is making a convincing argument for it, a twenty-foot rooster tail of shredded earth spewing from the rear tires as he power-slides down a straightaway.

[ Source : automobilemag ]

TOP 9 - 2009 Nissan Maxima



The Nissan Maxima is good entry-level luxury sports sedan. The problem is there are plenty of better, less expensive ones.

[ Source : businessweek ]

TOP 8 - Stolen car crashes into Buhach Road mini mart



A woman is in jail after police say she drove a stolen car into the wall of a convenience store on Tuesday, injuring one person.

[ Source : mercedsunstar ]

TOP 7 - Mercedes-Benz Delivers 1,500,000 E-Class Models Worldwide



There's only two days left 'til Christmas ladies and gentlemen, which means if you haven't gotten your gift shopping done, time is running out. Speaking of Christmas, here at eMercedesBenz we're cutting back on our hours a bit through the end of the week.

[ Source : emercedesbenz ]

TOP 6 - Hertz Sues Kia Motors for US$129 Million



Bloomberg reported on Monday that Hertz Global Holdings Inc., the second-largest U.S.

[ Source : chosun ]

TOP 5 - Ford Fusion Hybrid Is Rated at 41 M.P.G.



Official fuel-economy ratings from the Environmental Protection Agency are in for the new 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, and Ford says it is “America’s most fuel-efficient midsize car with a certified 41 m.p.g rating in the city and 36 m.p.g. on the highway.”

[ Source : wheels ]

TOP 4 - REPORT Fiat plans Smart, Toyota iQ competitor



Fiat is rumored to be working on an all-new brand to launch small, inexpensive cars into the Western Europe, with two of the three proposed models being based on vehicles from emerging markets.

[ Source : autoblog ]

TOP 3 - Ferrari to be first to reveal 2009 car



Ferrari looks set to be the first team to unveil its 2009 car, according to reports in the Italian press.

[ Source : motorauthority ]

TOP 2 - BMW North America Prepares for a Price Hike



As the auto industry prepares to turn its back on a year it would rather forget -- November sales alone were the worst in half a century -- BMW of North America is getting ready to raise prices.

[ Source : adage ]

TOP 1 - 2009 Audi TTS Roadster First Impressions



The TT, which got a major redesign for the 2008 model year, is in direct competition with the Porsche Boxster and Cayman, the BMW Z4, M Coupé and Roadster models as well as the Mercedes-Benz SLK.

[ Source : auto123 ]
]]> http://www.6autos.com/2009-audi-tts-roadster-first-impressions-top-10-auto-news-today-20081224/feed http://www.6autos.com/crazy-alternative-modified-cars/ http://www.6autos.com/crazy-alternative-modified-cars/#comments Tue, 23 Dec 2008 14:56:05+0000 6Autos.com http://www.6autos.com/crazy-alternative-modified-cars/ Crazy Alternative Modified Cars, Very coooooooooooooooooool!















]]> http://www.6autos.com/crazy-alternative-modified-cars/feed http://www.6autos.com/beautiful-christmas-break-2008/ http://www.6autos.com/beautiful-christmas-break-2008/#comments Tue, 06 Jan 2009 05:53:02+0000 6Autos.com http://www.6autos.com/beautiful-christmas-break-2008/

All visitors to the pitlane, I wish a great Christmas.
Thanks for your loyalty, it makes the blog fun and keeps me to continue with the peg.

Merry X-Mas, Euer Indigo0815]]> http://www.6autos.com/beautiful-christmas-break-2008/feed http://www.6autos.com/http-www-automobilo-net-2008-12-bmw-z4-will-be-shown-in-january-at-html/ http://www.6autos.com/http-www-automobilo-net-2008-12-bmw-z4-will-be-shown-in-january-at-html/#comments Tue, 23 Dec 2008 19:48:03+0000 6Autos.com http://www.6autos.com/http-www-automobilo-net-2008-12-bmw-z4-will-be-shown-in-january-at-html/ http://www.6autos.com/http-www-automobilo-net-2008-12-bmw-z4-will-be-shown-in-january-at-html/feed http://www.6autos.com/lamborghinis-end-of-year-statement/ http://www.6autos.com/lamborghinis-end-of-year-statement/#comments Wed, 24 Dec 2008 00:00:00+0000 6Autos.com http://www.6autos.com/lamborghinis-end-of-year-statement/ Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. will deliver another record year’s results in 2008. Official sales figures will be communicated on the occasion of Lamborghini´s appearance at the Detroit Motor Show in January 2009.

Even as a low volume luxury car manufacturer, Automobili Lamborghini is not unaffected by the present downturn in economic activities in the wake of the global financial crisis. However, the company is in a favourable strategic position due to its identity as a luxury brand of longstanding tradition. One of its core brand values is exclusivity, which is maintained through tight management of volumes and a strict policy of maintaining a strong forward order bank. This exclusivity is of essential relevance to both dealers and customers and is pivotal for the appeal of the brand.

Lamborghini has the most attractive product line-up in the company´s 45 year history. With at least one new product launched every year, and the continued development of the dealer network to maximise market penetration, Automobili Lamborghini has produced a year on year record performance in terms of turnover, profit and volumes for the last four years, together with a rare double digit profit margin. The company´s development marks one of the most respected company turn-around programmes in the automotive and luxury industries.

Long before 2009, the company took decisive steps to address potential market volatility. Production flexibility is made possible by cooperative concepts developed with the union representatives. Besides flexible working hours, it provides the opportunity to create training and qualification programmes during work hours. There will be no layoffs, but an extension of the Christmas holiday for eight days has been confirmed.

Lamborghini will not divert from its long-term strategy. Investment into R&D will not be reduced, and there will be ongoing expansion of its brand presence on a world-wide scale, with more new products and further expansion of its dealer network. The company will continue its strategy of announcing at least one new product each year. The latest examples of this are the new Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 Coupe for which deliveries commenced summer 2008, and the Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder unveiled in November 2008 with market launch in spring 2009. Lamborghini continues its stated objectives of becoming the most profitable supersportscar manufacturer, the most attractive employer and the most attractive brand in its market.]]> http://www.6autos.com/lamborghinis-end-of-year-statement/feed http://www.6autos.com/2009-saab-9-5-griffin-edition/ http://www.6autos.com/2009-saab-9-5-griffin-edition/#comments Wed, 24 Dec 2008 00:00:00+0000 6Autos.com http://www.6autos.com/2009-saab-9-5-griffin-edition/ Now its time to make cars you can be proud of, not just cars celebrating airplanes. Until then, Saab’s big unveil for the Detroit Auto Show will be the 9-5 Griffin Edition, named after Saab’s new Gripen fighter aircraft.

So if it was built to celebrate a fast and maneuverable aircraft, then the car must have engine and suspension upgrades, right? WRONG. The 9-5 Griffen comes with the standard 260 hp 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine from the regular car. It’s a fine engine, but its no jet fighter.

Instead the 9-5 Griffen goes for luxury add-ons such as a matte chrome for the front grille, unique 17-inch alloy wheels, and rear spoilers for the sedan and wagon. The interior gets high-gloss interior trim (isn’t that something GM has been trying to stop doing?) as well as some special stitching.

If this gets you excited, then grab $42,775 for the sedan ($44,045 for the wagon), and head on down to your Saab dealer this January. The line forms wherever you’re standing.

Press release:

In the luxurious 9-5 Griffin Edition, making its premiere at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit this January, Saab offers levels of premium standard equipment that are unprecedented in the 62-year history of the Swedish car brand.

As underlined by its U.S. advertising tagline, “Born From Jets,” Saab’s illustrious aircraft heritage is part of its design philosophy that runs throughout its range of automobiles. With the vigor of its turbocharged engine and agile road manners, the Saab 9-5 Griffin Edition resonates with its aircraft namesake, the Gripen (Swedish for Griffin) – the first of the new generation of multi-role combat aircraft to enter into active service, developed by Saab Aircraft AB in Sweden.

“With the 9-5 Griffin Edition, Saab reaches a new altitude in terms of premium standard equipment and value,” said Steve Shannon, executive director, marketing and product, Saab Automobile USA.

Available in four-door Sedan as well as five-door SportCombi models, all versions feature Saab’s signature 2.3L, 260-horsepower (194 kW) four-cylinder engine and can be matched to five-speed manual or automatic transmissions without extra charge.

The exterior of the 9-5 Griffin shows influences from the recently updated Saab 9-3 family, such as the use of matte chrome for the front grill, as well as the frames around the Xenon headlamps. The Sedan has a rear spoiler on the trunk lid, while the SportCombi can be recognized by its roof spoiler and roof rails in matte chrome finish.

Unique five-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels, plus Griffin badges on the front fenders adorn both body styles. In addition to Polar White, this special edition Saab 9-5 is available in six metallic colors, including Jet Black, Snow Silver, Nocturne Blue, Pepper Green, plus the new Carbon Grey and Glass Grey.

On the inside, every 9-5 Griffin shines with high-gloss interior trim, floor mats with grey piping, as well as the use of accent color stitching on the steering wheel, shift lever and handbrake. This premium stitching also applies to the Aero-inspired leather-appointed sport seats. They are available in two two-tone variations: black with parchment inserts and parchment with black inserts. Additional standard equipment includes a rear parking assist system, plus heated outside mirrors that are not only power-adjustable and foldable, but also auto-dimming.

Expected to start arriving in Saab dealer showrooms in January 2009, the 9-5 Griffin will be priced starting at U.S. $42,775 for the Sedan and $ 44,045 for the versatile and stylish SportCombi (prices include destination charges). In addition to the rich standard equipment, including an automatic transmission, the only options for the 9-5 Griffin are metallic paint, ventilated seats and a navigation system.
topspeed.com]]> http://www.6autos.com/2009-saab-9-5-griffin-edition/feed http://www.6autos.com/nissan-nv200-offers-best-in-class-cargo-efficiency/ http://www.6autos.com/nissan-nv200-offers-best-in-class-cargo-efficiency/#comments Wed, 24 Dec 2008 00:00:00+0000 6Autos.com http://www.6autos.com/nissan-nv200-offers-best-in-class-cargo-efficiency/

Nissan Motor Co. Ltd, announced today that its all-new NV200 compact van will offer best in class cargo efficiency when it goes on sale in 2009. Nissan’s engineers have made it possible to combine large cargo space (NV200 will offer the possibility to load up to 4.1 cubic metres) with the exterior dimensions of a compact segment van.

The NV200 will also offer the possibility to maximise cargo space utility. The smart cargo floor layout allows accommodation of a standard Europallet between the rear wheel arches.

“The NV200 is a key product for the future success of the Nissan LCV business,” said Andy Palmer, Corporate Vice President of Nissan’s LCV Business Unit. “It will allow us to enter key markets with an innovative proposition based on customers’ unmet needs. The NV200 creates a new segment in the small van sector,” added Palmer.

The NV200 will be launched in Japan in the first half of 2009 and in Europe in the second half of that year. Launches in China and other markets will follow.

To ensure a successful launch of the NV200 and other future products, Nissan’s Light Commercial Vehicle Business Unit (LCV BU) has reinforced its sales, service and aftersales operations.

Under its Pro-Shop strategy, Nissan has created centres across its global network that offer LCV customers a full range of sales and aftersales services. In Japan, Nissan has prepared over 230 outlets for the sales and service of light commercial vehicles. In Europe the light commercial vehicle network now includes over 570 outlets. A Pro-Shop includes specialised sales persons and dedicated workshop and aftersales personnel that understand the unique needs of professional vehicle owners and operators.]]> http://www.6autos.com/nissan-nv200-offers-best-in-class-cargo-efficiency/feed http://www.6autos.com/hyundai-unveils-new-fuel-efficient-6-speed-automatic-transmission/ http://www.6autos.com/hyundai-unveils-new-fuel-efficient-6-speed-automatic-transmission/#comments Wed, 24 Dec 2008 00:00:00+0000 6Autos.com http://www.6autos.com/hyundai-unveils-new-fuel-efficient-6-speed-automatic-transmission/ Hyundai has completed development of its new 6-speed automatic transmission that it says will boost fuel-economy by 12.2 percent on some vehicles while using 62 fewer parts than its 5-speed.

“The strength of our design is its completely unique layout, which makes it smaller, more compact and lighter than any other six-speed on the market today,” said Hong-Min Kim, the project manager of the transaxle at Hyundai R&D Centre. Kim said that the new design is so unique and so advanced that Hyundai has applied for nearly 300 patents related to the new technology.

Hyundai will first apply the new 6-speed automatic transmission to the new Hyundai Grandeur (known as the Azera on the stateside) that will be equipped with a 3.3L V6. It will allow the mid-size sedan to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 7.8 seconds.

Thew new 6-speed will go into production later this month with a total of five-variants planned. Hyundai said that a total of 16 different Hyundai models will get the transmission including the redesigned Santa Fe that will arrive in late 2009.]]> http://www.6autos.com/hyundai-unveils-new-fuel-efficient-6-speed-automatic-transmission/feed http://www.6autos.com/shelby-claim-upgraded-ssc-ultimate-aero-will-go-270mph/ http://www.6autos.com/shelby-claim-upgraded-ssc-ultimate-aero-will-go-270mph/#comments Wed, 24 Dec 2008 00:00:00+0000 6Autos.com http://www.6autos.com/shelby-claim-upgraded-ssc-ultimate-aero-will-go-270mph/

Still, Shelby Supercars likes to live up to its name. Here they’ve taken the Ultimate Aero and boosted its boogie by about 15 percent to an astonishing 1287 horsepower (947 kW).

The main factor in the power and performance upgrade is a new aluminum cast engine block, designed in-house, that lightens the load and improves oil flow with its sounder structural integrity.

Also, the Ultimate Aero gets new side intakes with carbon fiber louvers able that draw in about 20 percent more air for much improved cooling. Still, you wonder how this car doesn’t just melt before your eyes with that kind of power and friction bursting beneath its frame.

There’s a redesigned nose for better aerodynamic flow and a carbon fiber rear spoiler system, the AeroBrakeTM, which deploys upward by 8 inches (20 cm) as you step on the brake pedal for quicker deceleration.

The interior gets a do-over too. A redesigned dash and a cabin outlined by carbon fiber accents are part of the upgrade. They throw in an Azentek PC base info-tainment system too.

No price details available.
Press Release:

SHELBY SUPERCARS UNVEILS NEWLY REFINED 2009 ULTIMATE AERO, 15% HORSEPOWER INCREASE.

After holding the “World’s Fastest Production Car” title for the past year, the Shelby SuperCars’ Ultimate Aero is receiving several refinements for the 2009 model year. The SSC engineering team equipped the 2009 Ultimate Aero with a 15% increase in horsepower, a revamped front fascia design, and an array of important interior upgrades. The most substantial change is an SSC-designed, 1-piece billet aluminum engine block. A milestone for the limited-production automobile manufacturer, the new block improves structural integrity and oiling capabilities allowing SSC to boost the power output to 1287 horsepower while improving durability.

Armed with the more powerful new engine, the ‘09 Ultimate Aero will be able to reach world-record speeds of 270 MPH, raising the benchmark for supercars and pushing the limits of current production car technology. In order to accommodate the ‘09 Ultimate Aero’s unique fuel system requirements, SSC turned to American company Aeromotive to develop a flawless system. The aggressive nose is redesigned with enhanced aerodynamics to accommodate the 2009 Ultimate Aero’s higher top speed, and carbon fiber louvers on the side intakes draw in an additional 20% of air into the radiators for improved cooling. The improvement in overall performance will widen the already sizeable gap between the Ultimate Aero and its competitors. The ‘09 Ultimate Aero also introduces the AeroBrakeTM a rear spoiler system that deploys under braking situations. Finished in carbon fiber, the rear spoilers actuate up an additional 8″ when the brake pedal is depressed. The speed of the spoiler actuation is set by the amount of brake pedal pressure. The complete AeroBrakeTM system can be disabled by the push of a button, for town driving or situations where braking and downforce assistance are not necessary.

Rounding out the ‘09 Ultimate Aero’s improvements is a revamped interior. A redesigned dash prominently displays sleek, exposed carbon fiber dash halves and inset air vents. Carbon fiber accents run along the doorsills, surround the new gauge cluster, and continue onto a revised steering column, which includes an analog speedometer and tachometer with a sequential shift light integrated into the tachometer needle. The new center console incorporates a digital temperature control unit and tire pressure monitor along with an Azentek PC base Infotainment unit. The revolutionary Azentek unit offers all the capabilities of a PC and processes SSC’s onboard diagnostic software.







worldcarfans.com]]> http://www.6autos.com/shelby-claim-upgraded-ssc-ultimate-aero-will-go-270mph/feed http://www.6autos.com/audi-hikes-prices-on-2009-a6-and-s6-top-10-auto-news-today-20081223/ http://www.6autos.com/audi-hikes-prices-on-2009-a6-and-s6-top-10-auto-news-today-20081223/#comments Tue, 23 Dec 2008 03:34:10+0000 6Autos.com http://www.6autos.com/audi-hikes-prices-on-2009-a6-and-s6-top-10-auto-news-today-20081223/ TOP 10 - Porsche racing: Serious business



Porsche has always raced in a unique way. Under the company's model, motorsports is not just about winning but also about selling cars--whether the 906 in the '60s, 934s in the '70s, 962s in the '80s, 911 GT2s in the '90s or GT3 RSRs and RS Spyders in the present decade.

[ Source : autoweek ]

TOP 9 - Nissan operation 'a great opportunity'



Pittsburgh businessman David Scaife has expanded his car sales activities in the region, recently taking over operations of a Nissan dealership near Johnstown in Cambria County.

[ Source : pittsburghlive ]

TOP 8 - New crash tests -- Small cars take a bashing for science



The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has just released the findings of its latest set of crash tests.

[ Source : latimes ]

TOP 7 - 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK350



In 1998, Mercedes-Benz introduced the first luxury sport utility vehicle, the ML320. A decade later, it has hit for the circuit with the 2010 GLK350, which becomes the fourth SUV in the lineup.

[ Source : jsonline ]

TOP 6 - Kia's plans to build SUVs still on track



While General Motors and Chrysler will receive billions in federal aid to avoid collapse, and Toyota is tabling plans to produce the Prius hybrid in Mississippi, Kia Motors remains on track to build a sport utility vehicle in Georgia.

[ Source : ajc ]

TOP 5 - Ford Errant Forecast Hits Investors Missing Profits



In one of his first acts after joining Ford Motor Co. as chief executive officer in September 2006, Alan R. Mulally set up weekly meetings with his Asian- Pacific, European, and North and South American regional bosses - - people who rarely gathered in the fragmented company.

[ Source : bloomberg ]

TOP 4 - Fiat settles SEC case for over $10 million



Italian automobile and truck maker Fiat SpA agreed to pay more than $10 million to settle allegations of kickbacks linked to the sale of goods to Iraq under the U.N.

[ Source : reuters ]

TOP 3 - Ferrari sharpens up its team



Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro knows that it lost the Drivers' World Championship this year, despite having a faster car than rival McLaren at most races.

[ Source : grandprix ]

TOP 2 - DStyle aerokit for the BMW Z4 Coupe and Roadster



With BMW’s new 2010 Z4 just around the corner, this latest kit for the current-generation E85 Coupe and Roadster from Germany’s DStyle may be one of the last of its kind for this particular model.

[ Source : motorauthority ]

TOP 1 - Audi Hikes Prices on 2009 A6 and S6



Audi has increased prices on the upgraded versions of its 2009 Audi S6 and Audi A6. The 2009 Audi S6 will start at $76,725, including an $825 destination charge, when it arrives in showrooms in January.

[ Source : edmunds ]
]]> http://www.6autos.com/audi-hikes-prices-on-2009-a6-and-s6-top-10-auto-news-today-20081223/feed http://www.6autos.com/design-of-the-future-honda-motorcycle-concept-release-v4/ http://www.6autos.com/design-of-the-future-honda-motorcycle-concept-release-v4/#comments Tue, 23 Dec 2008 03:34:05+0000 6Autos.com http://www.6autos.com/design-of-the-future-honda-motorcycle-concept-release-v4/ Honda motorcycles, open a new movement, but also of its design elements into volume production of vehicles , This adopt the concept of the motorcycle is a V4 engine, the engine will be further modified to have better performance and fuel efficiency.













]]> http://www.6autos.com/design-of-the-future-honda-motorcycle-concept-release-v4/feed http://www.6autos.com/yamaha-fz-16-pips-apache-rtr-hunk-and-cbz-xtreme/ http://www.6autos.com/yamaha-fz-16-pips-apache-rtr-hunk-and-cbz-xtreme/#comments Tue, 23 Dec 2008 00:00:00+0000 6Autos.com http://www.6autos.com/yamaha-fz-16-pips-apache-rtr-hunk-and-cbz-xtreme/ http://www.6autos.com/yamaha-fz-16-pips-apache-rtr-hunk-and-cbz-xtreme/feed http://www.6autos.com/korea-s-ssangyoung-out-of-money-can-t-pay-employees/ http://www.6autos.com/korea-s-ssangyoung-out-of-money-can-t-pay-employees/#comments Tue, 23 Dec 2008 00:00:00+0000 6Autos.com http://www.6autos.com/korea-s-ssangyoung-out-of-money-can-t-pay-employees/ Chrysler and General Motors are hopefully that a recent government aid package will be enough to stave off bankruptcy, but things are looking much bleaker for Korea’s Ssangyoung Motors. The small automaker announced late last week that it is no longer able to pay employees.

Ssangyoung has experienced an even bigger drop off in sales than most automakers, leaving Ssangyoung’s piggy bank virtually empty. “The company is expected to post a deficit of more than W100 billion (about $76.7 million) this year alone,” the company said in a letter to employees. “Due to lack of operating funds for December, it is impossible for the company to pay salaries any longer.”

Ssangyoung has asked its parent company – China’s Shanghai Automotive Industry — for emergency funds, but to no avail. Apparently Shanghai Automotive is upset that Ssangyoung’s in-house union called for the firing of several Chinese executives, prompting the automaker to turn down Ssanyoung’s request, despite the company’s 51.3 percent stake in the Korean automaker, according to Chosun.

Ssangyoung has drastically reduced its operations over the past few months, including the shuttering of several plants. Ssangyoung’s dealership network has shrunk from 237 in early 2008 to just 180 now, resulting in a sales drop of 63 percent last year. In all, the jobs of 8,000 workers hang in the balance, with the future uncertain for Ssangyoung.]]> http://www.6autos.com/korea-s-ssangyoung-out-of-money-can-t-pay-employees/feed http://www.6autos.com/2009-audi-a6-s6-u-s-pricing-announced-us/ http://www.6autos.com/2009-audi-a6-s6-u-s-pricing-announced-us/#comments Tue, 23 Dec 2008 00:00:00+0000 6Autos.com http://www.6autos.com/2009-audi-a6-s6-u-s-pricing-announced-us/

Audi’s updated 2009 A6 rolls into dealerships in January with appearance tweaks and a new supercharged V-6 for the new year. Pricing will increase an average of $3,700 versus 2008 models, starting at $45,100 for a front-wheel-drive 3.2 sedan, not including an $825 destination charge.

Stepping up to Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive models gives you the new supercharged V-6, making 300 hp and 310 pounds-feet of torque. Called the 3.0T, pricing is set at $50,100 for the 3.0T sedan and $53,310 for the 3.0T Avant wagon. A full pricing breakdown, including the 4.2-liter V-8 sedan and a high-performance V-10-powered S6 are below.

Three trim levels are offered for 2009, including Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige, so now base A6 owners can feel special calling their entry level A6 the “Premium” trim. Standard equipment includes a sunroof, Bluetooth, heated front seats on Quattro models and iPod connectivity.

Fuel-economy numbers for the new supercharged V-6 have also been announced: the 3.0T is rated at 18/26 mpg city/highway, or 21 mpg combined. This bests the BMW 535i xDrive’s ($53,000) combined mileage by 1 mpg, and the AWD Mercedes-Benz E350 ($53,200) by 3 mpg.

* Audi A6 3.2 sedan Premium — $45,100
* Audi A6 3.0T Quattro sedan Premium — $50,100
* Audi A6 3.0T Quattro Avant Premium — $53,310
* Audi A6 4.2 Quattro sedan — $60,950
* Audi S6 Quattro sedan — $75,900]]> http://www.6autos.com/2009-audi-a6-s6-u-s-pricing-announced-us/feed http://www.6autos.com/toyota-to-unveil-ev-concept-at-detroit-show/ http://www.6autos.com/toyota-to-unveil-ev-concept-at-detroit-show/#comments Tue, 23 Dec 2008 00:00:00+0000 6Autos.com http://www.6autos.com/toyota-to-unveil-ev-concept-at-detroit-show/

Toyota has already become synonymous with the whole green movement thanks to its revolutionary Prius hybrid, but the Japanese automaker will take another step down the eco-friendly path with a new concept vehicle at next month’s Detroit Auto Show.

Toyota’s press release was rather brief – two lines to be exact – but the short message did reveal the company is planning the world debut of “a battery electric vehicle concept” at the 2009 North American International Auto Show.

Other than that short snippet — and a teaser shot of the car’s badge — no other details were given. Your guess is as good as our as to what form the concept will take, but one thing is for sure – we’ll bring you all the details and live shots straight from the show floor next month.]]> http://www.6autos.com/toyota-to-unveil-ev-concept-at-detroit-show/feed http://www.6autos.com/2010-jaguar-xj-rendering/ http://www.6autos.com/2010-jaguar-xj-rendering/#comments Tue, 23 Dec 2008 00:00:00+0000 6Autos.com http://www.6autos.com/2010-jaguar-xj-rendering/

Jaguar has found its new styling directing with the XF. That’s why when the 2010 XJ breaks cover, don’t be surprised if the big brother is taking some major cues from the smaller sibling. Taking that idea to the extreme is the rendered photo above. Starting with an XF, this shot uses the coupe-within-a-sedan look and gives it a less sloping C-pillar to give the car better rear headroom. The whole body is a little more sedate than the XF, possibly suggesting the bigger cat wants to be a little subtler.

When the official specs are announced, we expect engine choices to be variations of the new 5.0-liter V8 that will range from 400 to 500 hp. There is also expected to be a diesel version that will not make it to the U.S. Just like the XF, where it used its predecessor car as a chassis base, the 2010 XJ will likely carryover the current car’s aluminum chassis.

Now all we can do is hope that Jaguar can stay on task with this car. The new XJ is currently scheduled for 2010. But as projects are being canceled from major manufacturers because of slowing sales, small luxury carmakers like Jaguar have seen their showroom numbers trickle to almost nothing. Although Jaguar still has the large corporate parent Tata behind it, its plant is currently at idle. The unions in England are asking the government for aid to safeguard manufacturing jobs at the car factories. All of this does not add up to a large investment in a new luxury car anytime soon.]]> http://www.6autos.com/2010-jaguar-xj-rendering/feed