Toyota on the other hand is doing a lot better. Surely they have problems as well, but they still have enough cash for stormy days.
Looks like they have enough cash and resources as they are introducing a new hybrid technology: a natural gas hybrid.
Nov 29, 2008
Toyota introduces CNG Camry Hybrid Concept at the Los Angeles Auto Show
It is desperate times for GM and Ford. GM even canceled the plans to unveil the new Buick LaCrosse and the production version of the Cadillac CTS Coupe at this years Los Angeles Auto Show. GM also canceled their press conference.
Maserati GranTurismo MC Corse Concept
esterday we noticed that Maserati has something new coming when they had placed a message on their web site: “We are going to surprise you”.
We are not sure is this the surprise they were thinking of, but it surely is interesting as they have released first images and details of the GranTurismo MC Corse Concept.
GranTurismo MC Corse Concept is based on the 430 hp GranTurismo S. The engine has been upgraded with a new air intake system, competition-spec catalytic converters, revised airflow and a center-exit exhaust. Power increase compared to the GranTurismo S is 20 hp, boosting the total output to 450 hp.
Maserati Smashes Nürburgring Lap Record
It’s the kind of discussion that often crops up when car guys get together – which is the fastest? If money was no object, what supercar would you go for?
Well, on lucky person – with the aid of a support team and a professional driver – set out to answer the question, by seeing which of five supercars would be the quickest around the legendary ‘Green Hell’, the Nürburgring Nordschleife.
In the new Porsche Museum the final preparations are made for the opening on Saturday 31 January 2009. 
The 5,600 square meters of exhibition space are supported on just three so-called cores of reinforced concrete – hence just seeming to hover in space. Inside the building the majority of approximately 80 exhibits are already in place.
Volkswagen Scirocco by Rieger Tuning
We are not the biggest fan of Lambo doors(unless it is a Lamborghini), but this Volkswagen Scirocco by Rieger Tuning is one of the hottest aftermarket Scirocco’s we have seen.
Tuning package includes lambo doors, side skirts, rear roof spoiler, new front and rear bumpers, quad exhaust pipes, new lower springs and 3-style wheels either in 19-inch or 20-inch size.
SMS 570 & 570X Challenger new details and base price announced
Steve Saleen and his company SMS are well on the way to production with the first vehicle in the line of Signature Series ultra-high performance vehicles. 
The SMS 570 Challenger will be the first vehicle with a host of aesthetic and functional innovations including the patented SMS Red Butterfly Induction™ hood and a full compliment of SMS ultra-high performance components including: drivetrain, suspension, aerodynamics, tires, wheels and interior.
SEMA preview: Dodge Challenger SRT10 Concept
The Challenger has been on sale for a while now and different tuners have already worked on it. The meanest one we have seen is the Hennessey tune SRT600 Turbo. Now Dodge will bring the Viper powered Challenger to this year’s SEMA. 
Power for the 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT10 Concept comes from the Dodge Viper 8.4-liter, all-aluminum V-10 engine with 600 horsepower and 560 lb. ft. of torque.
SEMA 2008: Dodge Challenger Convertible with 560 hp
As Dodge for some unknown reasons doesn’t offer a convertible version of the Challenger it is still possible to get one. 
Florida based company Coach Builders Ltd. is known for its convertible conversions of four door sedans such as Chrysler 300C and Cadillac CTS. Their latest work is a customized soft-top Dodge Challenger SRT8 with a Vortech supercharger that boosts the 6.1-liter Hemi power output to 560 hp.
Challenger SRT8 Convertible rides lower thanks to a KW coil-over suspension kit and massive 22-inch Foose alloy wheels.
Nov 28, 2008
First videos of Porsche’s four-door Panamera Gran Turismo
Today Porsche released two videos as well, which we have embedded below. 
Joining the 911, Boxster and Cayman sports cars as well as the sporty SUV Cayenne, the Panamera is Porsche’s fourth model series.
The Panamera will be making its world debut in spring 2009 and the first models will be at dealers worldwide in late summer of next year.
BMW develops a multifunctional car key
BMW Group Research and Technology has developed a prototype for a multifunctional car key which enables cashless payment and personalised vehicle access. “As part of our research project we first integrated a security chip into the key casing, which communicates across short distances by radio with a card reader,” says Hans-Jörg Vögel, project manager at BMW Group Forschung und Technik. 
In future the key could also be used for other transport systems. Indeed, electronic tickets for bus, train and air travel could all be stored on the chip. The credit card function in the security chip allows electronic payments to be carried out quickly, securely and conveniently from the prototype key.
Carlsson introduces RS-design kit for the S-Class
Carlsson, the Merzig-based automobile manufacturer specialised in refining Mercedes Benz models, impresses with a new high-quality RS-design kit for the S-class in either real carbon, a material which is mainly used in the Formula 1 or in polyurethane (PU). 
The exclusive overall package gives the S-class long version (internal production name V221) an even more sportive and unforgettable appearance.
Mazda Kaan wins Los Angeles Auto Show Design Challenge
The Mazda Kaan has won the Design Challenge at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show.The 2025 futuristi race car was designed at Mazda North American Operations by a team led by Jacques Flynn and Carlos Salaff. 
The Los Angeles Auto Show has awarded the Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) design team top honors for the Mazda KAAN - the company’s rendition of a 2025 race car.
Essen 2008: MTM Scirocco R
Just in time for the Essen Motor Show, MTM introduces the MTM Scirocco R with its specially developed tuning components. 
The program for the VW Scirocco includes three different performance enhancements: 245, 250 or 272 horsepower, a MTM Clubsport running gear, a 4-pipe exhaust system with rear skirt attachment, a 8-piston MTM Brembo brakes and also exclusive, sportive ”bimoto“ rims.
Essen 2008: Opel Insignia by STEINMETZ
First company that presented the styling package for the all-new Opel Insignia was Irmscher. Now German tuner STEINMATZ has released first images of their tuning package for the Insignia. 
Tuning package for the Insignia includes 20-inch ST7 alloy wheels that come either in white or black, new front grille, new front spoiler and new exhaust pipes. More details will be introduced end of this week at the Essen Motor Show.
Mercedes Benz GLK 280
All GLK versions are equipped with 4MATIC all-wheel drive system, with a power distribution ratio of 45:55. 4MATIC works together with the latest electronic control systems so you can feel safe on the road and off the road.
The top of the line GLK is equipped with a 272 hp 3.5-liter V6, that takes the car from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in just 6.2 seconds.
Our test car was a GLK 280 which had the “Sport interior” and Sport exterior” package.
LSE Coupe: three-door Range Rover Sport by LSE Design
LSE Coupe comes with LED running lights, custom panels and bumpers. In addition to all the digital goodies passengers can take a good look at the outdoors via the Sport Coupe’s full-length panoramic glass.
Engineers have also worked on the engine and thanks to hardware and software upgrades LSE Coupe has more than 500 bhp. Customers can choose either 20-, 22- or 24-inch wheels for their custom built LSE Coupe. Behind these massive wheels you can find either Brembos, vented steel discs or carbon ceramics. It’s up to your wallet!
Financial times maybe hard, but this car should go fast as only 200 units will be built, out if which only 50 will make it to the States. Prices start at $250,000. For more information contact
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