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With a V8 M Turbo engine of 550 HP, BMW X6 M will become the most powerful 4WD when it goes on sale for the bavarian Crossover.


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The already fancy-looking Lancer Evo X has just received a new tuning kit, this time coming straight from Japan from the Ings tuning company. At first sight, the whole tuning kit consists of a front bumper and a Z-Power Wing but it actually brings more parts improving the appearance of the car. The tuner installed Ings Sports wheels with Bridgestone tires and Endless Suspension plus an enhanced braking system said to bring a bit more braking force to the new Evo.

Highlights

• Ings tunes Mitsubishi's Lancer Evo X
• The Japanese tuner installs new bodykit
• Bridgestone tires and Ings Sport wheels also installed

Unfortunately, there are only a few details available for the time being as the official website of the tuner only mentions the aforementioned tuning parts. However, the Japanese tuner says the kit will become available in the first months of 2009, despite the fact that preorders are already available on various retailers on the Internet.

Mitsubishi's newest Lancer Evolution saw daylight in 2005 under the form of a concept car displayed at the 39th edition of the Tokyo Motor Show. Codenamed Concept X, the prototype was upgraded and showcased in 2007 at the North American International Auto Show, this time using the Prototype-X name. Lancer Evolution X entered production in Autumn 2007 with the first models delivered in October 2007 in Japan.

In terms of technical specifications, the car comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that produces at least 275 horsepower (the top output varies by market). It comes with a choice of two transmission systems, namely a 6-speed twin-clutch gearbox and a 5-speed manual unit, with Mitsubishi claiming the manual version is mostly chosen for racing purposes. All models, including Japanese and North American variants, come in several packages offering more or less advanced equipment levels.

Source - Autoevolution

The next two weeks will be decisive for Europe’s beleaguered carmakers as they appeal to Brussels for support in the face of tumbling demand and scarce credit.

The carmakers have requested a €40bn ($51bn, £34bn) soft-loan package from the European Investment Bank, the EU’s long-term lending institution. The issue was discussed by the EIB’s board of directors on Tuesday, according to people close to the institution.

EDITOR’S CHOICE
Detroit’s executives go cap in hand for $25bn - Nov-19Analysis: Detroit spinners? - Nov-18In depth: Detroit in distress - Nov-19Doubts over €1bn Opel guarantee plan - Nov-19UK carmakers ask for aid as sales drop - Nov-19In depth: Auto crunch - Nov-18The EIB, which already lends about €2bn a year to carmakers, plans to produce a proposal before a December 2 meeting of European finance ministers.

Ivan Hodac, head of ACEA, the European Automobile Manufacturers Association, said: “It is not a bail-out. It is a soft loan to invest in more fuel-efficient technologies.”

Carmakers also hope that the European commission may encourage member states to adopt “scrapping” incentives, in which car owners would be offered tax breaks for turning in older vehicles to buy new ones.

The hope is that such a programme will stir demand after car sales in western Europe fell 15.5 per cent last month. Mr Hodac argued that it would also help to put more fuel-efficient cars on the road at a time when Europe is trying to curb carbon emissions.

Separately, senior EU officials made clear their concern over possible US state aid to the car industry, asserting that one option might be to complain to the World Trade Organisation if this was felt to be unfair. A key consideration could be the extent to which non-US carmakers were entitled to participate in the plan.

José Manuel Barroso, president of the European Commission, said on Friday the package was being analysed.

In terms of the EU’s own assistance to the car industry, this would have to comply with the bloc’s state aid guidelines, EU officials responsible for competition policy said. These started from the principle that governments should not be allowed to distort competition. They also acknowledged that there were certain circumstances in which state aid might be necessary, officials said.

“Neelie Kroes, EU competition commissioner, said: R&D aid, innovation aid, environmental aid ... this is the type of government support that looks to see where our entrepreneurs need help and what government can do to help them.”

Source - Financial Times

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The Swedish car brand has just announced that the 2009 Saab 9-5 Griffin Edition will make its debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit this January.
"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.

The model will be available in four-door Sedan as well as a five-door SportCombi model. All versions will feature Saab's signature 2.3 liter, 260 horsepower (194 kW) four-cylinder engine that can be matched to a five-speed manual gearbox or to an automatic one.

Exterior styling of the 9-5 Griffin shows influence from the recently revised Saab family, like the use of matte chrome in the front grill and the frames around the xenon lamps. The sedan model will feature a small spoiler on the trunk lid, while the SportCombi model will have a roof spoiler and rails in matte chrome finish.

The car will ride on 17 inch alloy wheels. The special edition Saab 9-5 Griffin will be 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.


The limited edition Saab is expected to arrive in the showrooms in January 2009, with prices starting at $42,775 for the sedan and $44,045 for the SportCombi model. Since the model comes with tons of standard features, the only options consist of metallic paint, ventilated seats and navigation system.

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