Obama's New Cadillac Limo Officially Unveiled

President-Elect Barack Obama's getting a new Cadillac Limousine in time for his inauguration on January 20th. Here are the first official photos. The new limo’s a rolling symbol of the President’s power and GM’s marketing.

While the new Cadillac One may look like a stretched Cadillac DTS, it’s in fact based on the gigantic GMC Topkick truck platform. Security tech likely includes five-inch thick bulletproof glass, ultra high strength ceramic armor and cellphone jammers, but the Secret Service is putting the kibosh on official details for security reasons. One tech item they are talking about are the LED spotlights that’ll illuminate the fender-mounted flags at night.

The press release follows:

2009 NAIAS Preview: Audi Sportback concept

Audi will unveil the Sportback concept show car at the 2009 North American International Automobile Show.
With systematic refinements to the brand’s characteristic design elements, the five-door model offers a glimpse at the Audi's future design vocabulary. With its pronounced coupé-like silhouette and large rear hatch, the 4.95 m long (16.24 ft), 1.93 m wide (6.33 ft) and only 1.40 m high (4.59 ft) vehicle is boldly progressive for the luxury class. The technology of the Audi Sportback concept is markedly futuristic. Power is provided by the world’s cleanest diesel technology: the 3.0-liter V6 TDI clean diesel almost completely eliminates nitrogen oxides. This engine already meets the emissions limits of all 50 U.S. states and the EU6 standard scheduled to take effect in 2014. And numerous measures to ensure top efficiency mean that the Audi Sportback concept is expected to achieve impressive fuel consumption figures of 5.9 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers (39.87 US mpg).

Source: Audi

Mercedes Mounts Dodge Neon, We Giggle

This forcible humping of a Mercedes and Neon resulted when a woman was trying to perform a three-point turn. Looks to us like the Mercedes was trying to pull off the coveted Eiffel Tower instead.

A woman in the UK decided instead of gently pressing the brake pedal, she jammed down on the accelerator while attempting a three-point turn, causing her Mercedes to mount the front end of a little Neon. The owner of the car was awoken by a loud crashing sound and rushed out to make sure that the driver was okay. It turned out it was his neighbor's wife, so they all had a laugh over some tea and crumpets - all so British, wouldn't you say?

All involved did not feel so jolly as the house was reported saying that it was not happy with the unexpected mounting and therefore would not complete the necessary steps to complete the Eiffel Tower maneuver. The Neon was heard mumbling "Hi!" Another steamy shot of the car-on-car duo below.

We're big fans of crazy drivers and we've provided another great attempt at parking below.

[via dailymail.uk, YouTube]

Audi A4 is Germany’s most successful premium model in 2008

The latest vehicle registration numbers verify that the Audi A4 is Germany’s most successful premium automobile. No other model in the premium segment surpassed the 98,714 A4 models registered last year. The Audi A6 also topped its segment with 45,304 registrations. The second generation of the Audi TT design icon was registered 10,630 times in Germany – making it the most successful sports car in Germany in 2008.
AUDI AG was able to expand its market share on the domestic German market to 8.1 percent – an increase of 0.8 percent. In Western Europe, Audi boosted its market share by 0.4 points to 4.8 percent: No other premium brand succeeded in strengthening its market position this significantly.

“Audi is presently experiencing stronger growth than any other premium brand in the region – and thanks to new models we will maintain this dynamism,” says Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG. “In a difficult market environment, we want to further expand our market share in Germany and Western Europe.”

The Audi A4 is presently undergoing further upgrading: The top versions of the model line – the S4 Sedan and Avant – are now arriving in Europe’s showrooms. The new A4 Avant was just launched in April 2008. In addition to the fleet award from Auto-Flotte magazine, Audi’s best-selling model has already won countless accolades and has beaten the competition in all relevant comparison tests.

The product improvement of the A6 was launched in September 2008. Also the winner of the fleet award in its class, today the A6 is Germany’s most successful business sedan.

With the Audi TTS, the top version of the TT line, Audi introduced the first S model in this class. The Audi TT TDI debuted as the first production sports car powered by a diesel engine.

Source: Audi AG

First 2010 Ford Shelby GT500, SVT Raptor to Join First Camaro at Barrett-Jackson

Despite the dire state of the automotive industry, automakers, collectors and celebrities are donating a record 14 vehicles to the 38th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction held January 11-18, 2009 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Proceeds from the donated vehicles will go directly to a variety of charities. Highlighted in the bunch are the first retail production 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 (whose First Look can be seen here) and 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor. Joining the Fords will be the first 2010 Chevrolet Camaro, which had already been announced as going on the block.

General Motors' contribution will benefit the American Heart Association and comes complete with certified VIN No. 100001. Added to the package is the lucky Camaro buyer's option to spec out the car to their exact wishes once the sale is finalized.

The pair of firsts from Ford -- the 540-HP Shelby GT500 and Baja-tested F-150 SVT Raptor -- will come with equal prestige and are slated to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Also among the lot of donated rides are a 1970 Plymouth Superbird by YearOne, a 2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo NASCAR driven by Tony Stewart, a 2008 Ford Mustang GT Roush P-51A, and a 1957 Ford Thunderbird.

Source: Barrett-Jackson

Rumormill: Nissan GT-R-based sedan and SUV in the works, LF-A on track, Supra planning comeback

InsideLine's correspondent in Japan says that despite the global economic crisis that has caused the demise of the Acura NSX, there are plenty of good things on the way from Japan's top automakers.

Adding fuel to the rumormill fire, Peter Lyon reports that Nissan is hard at work developing two models based off the Nissan GT-R: the oft-rumored four-door Infiniti and a Porsche Cayenne-fighting SUV, a vehicle that has already been denied by Nissan. Naturally, he doesn't disclose his sources, nor does he go into detail about the automakers efforts, but both models are expected to be released sometime in 2011.

The rumored demise of the Lexus LF-A is also open to debate – yet again – and according to Lyon's logic, after Toyota made the decision to continue its Formula One campaign, the automaker "still wants to bring its first true supercar to market." The V10-powered luxo-coupe is supposedly 12 to 18 months off and pricing is expected to retail for close to $340,000.

Two other vehicles on the chopping block that Lyon says have been spared are the Honda S2000 replacement, which could debut in late 2011 or early 2012, as well as Toyota's plans to bring back the Supra with V6 power in 2011. The all-new Subaru Legacy which debuted in Detroit is also slated to arrive in production form this May, with sales beginning sometime in the fall.

We are not entirely convinced that any of these projects are sure things, so until we get confirmation from the individual automakers, we'll remain comfortably numb to the news.

[Source: InsideLine]

Making Canada a Better Place: Ontario Jumps on EV Infrastructure Band Wagon

Ontario, Canada, is the latest to jump on the Better Place electric wagon. The California-based project aims to eliminate gasoline dependence and emissions by establishing a network of battery exchange stations for electric vehicles. Israel, Denmark, Australia, California and Hawaii have already pledged support to the idea.

That idea is to create a network that supports emissions-free transportation. Better Place attempts to accomplish this by powering its network with renewable sources of energy. Under the planned system, subscribers could charge vehicles at home or at the office. During a longer drive, the depleted batteries would be exchanged with new, charged ones at service stations. As of now, the project utilizes electric versions of the Nissan Rogues and Renault Megane.

In Canada, Better Place will partner with Bullfrog Power to charge the Ontario infrastructure and Macquarie Group to devise a network roll out. Although launched just two years ago, Better Place claims it will start activating networks country-by-country by 2010.

Source: Better Place

Barrett-Jackson 2009: The Corvettes

Corvettes have always been well represented at Barrett-Jackson, and with GM's Heritage Collection added to the list, there are plenty of interesting 'Vettes set to cross the auction block. Among the collection is a one-off 1997 Corvette Tiger Shark concept, a 1989 Corvette Snake Skinner that sold for $176,000 on Wednesday, and the very first ZR-1 built for 1992. If that particular ZR-1 doesn't suit your fancy, there are a few others available including a 1990 coupe and 1993 anniversary model, although they each have to be purchased with a corresponding 2009 model. Some other notable offerings include a C5 chassis display, a 750-horsepower Lingenfelter Corvette, and a beautiful 1967 coupe with a modern Z06 motor and transmission. Browse through the high-res gallery below and pick out your favorite. Note that the gallery is not a full list of the Corvettes at the auction, but does represent some of the better examples.

BMW F 800 GS wins Best Trailie Bike of the Year

It was another successful evening for BMW Motorrad UK at this year’s Motor Cycle News (MCN) Awards, as Europe’s largest and most successful motorcycle manufacturer scooped a brace of honours. The BMW F 800 GS won Best Trailie Bike of the Year while the marque also received a ‘Special Commendation’ in the Accessories category for its Lowered Suspension Option, available on almost a third of its motorcycle range.
The awards, which took place at the Carole Nash International Motorcycle and Scooter Show at the NEC in Birmingham, are widely considered to be the most prestigious awards for the motorcycle industry, recognising success in all areas of motorcycling.

The all-new all-terrain F 800 GS completely lives up to its illustrious GS (Gelande Strasse) heritage, all at a very affordable price. This recent addition to the BMW range has surpassed the expectations of even the most demanding enduro riders and, not surprisingly, has quickly caught the public’s imagination.The awards, which took place at the Carole Nash International Motorcycle and Scooter Show at the NEC in Birmingham, are widely considered to be the most prestigious awards for the motorcycle industry, recognising success in all areas of motorcycling.

The all-new all-terrain F 800 GS completely lives up to its illustrious GS (Gelande Strasse) heritage, all at a very affordable price. This recent addition to the BMW range has surpassed the expectations of even the most demanding enduro riders and, not surprisingly, has quickly caught the public’s imagination.

Chrysler "Driving America" With 0% Financing, following $1.5 Billion Loan

Chrysler Financial is back in action following the approval of $1.5 billion in Federal loans, sourced from the $700 billion financial bailout. To celebrate, the automaker is beginning a new 0% financing promotion for up to 60 months starting tomorrow. The incentive will be available on 2008 and 2009 models in hopes that it will spark more showroom traffic to help offset a dismal December.

"Dealers told us after December that not having Chrysler Financial cost us 20 to 25 percent sales," said Steven Landry, executive vice president for North American sales and service, to Automotive News. "We could see a significant lift."

Chrysler will publicize the promotion with a "Driving America" campaign that starts next week, though it should be noted that leasing a new Dodge or Chrysler through Chrysler Financial is still off the table.

Although the conditions of the financing offer vary by vehicle, here are the vehicles included:

• Chrysler Town & Country
• Chrysler 300
• Chrysler 300C
• Jeep Grand Cherokee
• Jeep Commander
• Jeep Wrangler
• Dodge Grand Caravan
• Dodge Charger
• Dodge Magnum
• Dodge Challenger
• Dodge Ram (regular and Heavy Duty)

Don't expect this to be the last low-interest loan promotion from Chrysler in the near future. The $1.5 billion is just a transitional loan until the Federal Reserve starts a "far larger consumer-lending program," according to Automotive News.

Barrett-Jackson 2009: 1951 Willys Jeep

Before this 1951 Willys Jeep went on the auction block, we thought it was little more than a curiosity among the more prestigious and rare hardware lining the halls at Barrett-Jackson. Apparently, we were wrong. The little ex-military GP vehicle sold for a staggering $104,500 after all was said and done, and it's certainly a fine example of the genre, with its period-specific detailing and high-quality frame-off restoration. Perhaps it sold so well because of the show that the vehicle put on as it was being driven on stage, with its siren startling those in attendance just a few minutes before its propane and oxygen powered "gun" caused a few hearts to skip a beat.

Suzuki launch new XC range

Suzuki GB is offering a refreshing alternative for Hare and Hounds and Cross-Country riders this winter, with the introduction of the two-stroke RM XC range.Available in 125 and 250 versions, the new XC models are derived from the hugely popular and established RM range, boasting everything a Hare and Hounds or Cross-Country rider needs, featuring a larger capacity fuel tank, hand guards, O-ring chain and a Relentless Fast Eddy replica graphics kit.

Talking about the introduction of these models was Suzuki GB's George Cheeseman, who commented, "This element of the sport is not only a growing area, but also a discipline that is close to many of us at Suzuki. We appreciate the demand for bikes that are more focussed for this sport, while recognising that many riders do not require full-spec enduro bikes with the additional registration and road fund costs. With the XC range, we are able to offer a proven machine that is a focussed but cost effective alternative to the usual choices."

Available from all authorised off-road Suzuki dealers, with just a £200 increase in retail price over the standard models, the RM125XC has a recommended retail price of £3920 and the 250XC will be £4210 inc VAT.

The RM125 and 250XC models will be used by Relentless Suzuki Enduro rider, Paul Edmondson (Fast Eddy), at various events in the forthcoming season.

Source: Suzuki

Collection of Corvette ZR-1s (and ZR1s) to Cross the Block at Barrett-Jackson

The Corvette ZR-1 and ZR1 are rare cars, but you wouldn't know it looking at this year's line-up at the annual Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, AZ. 12 Classic ZR-1s and two brand-new ZR1s have crossed or are preparing to cross the block at the collector car auction.

As of this writing, seven vintage ZR-1s have already crossed the block, going for $25,300 to $176,000. Of them, four were privately owned (Lot #s 91, 353, 644.1 and 760), low-mile originals, the best of which was a red 1990 model with only 2,500 miles on the clock that went for $66,000. The other three came from GM's Heritage Collection, which the company is selling off both to raise cash and save money on storing the massive number of vehicles in its collection. The first was the 1990 Active Suspension Prototype (Lot #82), the first car on which GM experimented with an early form of active suspension. It sold for $150,700. Later, one of the 83 1989 model ZR-1s that GM built for press fleets and car shows but never released to the public sold for $110,000 (Lot #96).

The star of the early ZR-1s at the auction is the 1989 "Snake Skinner" car that John Heinricy and company built to demonstrate the Corvette's supremacy (Lot #396.1). It features a special 475-hp LT5 DOHC V-8 built by Mercury Marine for the project and is just one of 83 models made in 1989. The white "Snake Skinner," so-named for its domination of Mustang Cobras and Dodge Vipers, sold for $176,000.

Later tonight, two more Corvettes will cross the block, this time being sold together. They are a brand-new 2009 ZR1 in limited production Cyber Gray and a 1993 40th Anniversary ZR-1, number 250 of only 448 built. The maroon car hails from the year that the ZR-1's power was upgraded from a stout 375 hp to an impressive 405 hp. Since they're being sold as a package deal (Lot #s 1021 and 1021.1), expect them to fetch a hefty premium.

The fun won't end with the work week, either. On Saturday, the last four ZR-1s and the other ZR1 cross the block. Of them, two are privately owned (Lot #s1261 and1344.2), with one holding the distinction of being the first ZR-1 off the assembly line for the 1992 model year. Another ZR-1 is another of the 83 press cars built in 1989 and never released to the public (Lot #1230.4). The final two are being sold as another package deal by a dealer. One is a red 1990 model -- the first year for the ZR-1 - with only 310 miles on the clock and the other is a brand-new yellow 2009 ZR1 (Lot #s 1332 and 1332.1). Again, expect this duo to be the big seller for the day.

The 2009 Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction is just about two-thirds over now and will wrap up on Sunday. All of the cars sold so far and awaiting their turn are available for viewing at Barrett-Jackson's website.

Source: Barrett-Jackson

BMW 320d Winter Concept with 199HP by Miranda-Series

German tuner Miranda-Series has introduced a new winter sport package for the pre-facelift BMW 320d. Starting off from the bimmer's 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine, Miranda-Series has optimized the car's ECU raising output by 22HP to 199HP. Other improvements include the Eibach Pro-Street-S coilover suspension and the Stop-Tech brakes with 6-piston brake calipers and 355x32mm slotted discs.

The modified 320d now rides on new, black colored, 19-inch alloy wheels that are wrapped in winter sports Dunlop tires available in two sizes, 235/35-19 and 265/30-19. The winter sport package is completed with a set of front passenger Recaro bucket seats. Even though the modifications are relatively subtle, there's nothing subtle about the price for the complete package as it has been set at €13,544 -approximately $17,720 with today's exchange rates.

Honda to Shut Down UK Swindon Plant until June!

Matters are going from worse to bad for the workers at Honda's Swindon plant as, in addition to halting production in February and March, the Japanese automaker has extended the temporary shutdown of its U.K. factory for the months of April and May. "The global financial situation has continued to affect consumer confidence in the car market," Honda of the UK Manufacturing (HUM) said in a statement on Friday. The announcement from Honda was met with dismay by Unite, the UK's largest union.

"This latest, additional shutdown underlines the urgent need for state assistance for our car industry," said Derek Simpson, joint general secretary for Unite. "With demand for Honda's products collapsed and a plunge in this year's production figures, one of our leading plants must stand idle for four months."

"Now, the Honda workforce is facing a 50 percent cut in wages, and are frightened for their jobs and futures. They, along with the rest of the car and components industry, desperately need to see some form of lifeline being thrown to the sector from the Government. We also need immediate financial support for workers, such as those at Honda, who must take a cut in pay in order to keep their jobs," added Simpson.

Yamaha’s sharp looking XJ6 arrives at Yamaha dealers

Yamaha are delighted to announce the arrival of the XJ6, contender for the middle-weight crown! This all-new Yamaha will entice new customers and experienced riders alike, attracted by its clean and contempory lines, complemented by its strong 600 cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke inline 4-cylinder engine, with all-new internals.
The XJ6 is available now in limited quantities initially at authorised Yamaha dealers, priced at £4499.00 (*not including road fund and first registration fee).

This naked all-rounder delivers a really easy riding experience together with strong all-round performance. A newly designed easy-action clutch makes for smooth gear shifting and the stylish 4-1 exhaust and compact midship muffler give this new 600 a seriously sporty image. The combination of a lightweight tubular diamond-type frame together with 41mm front forks and an efficient Monocross rear suspension system ensure agile handling performance, whether cruising down the motorway or riding spiritedly down your favourite country lane. A low seat height enhances overall controllability at low speeds and an ABS version is available as an option which attracts a retail price* of £4849.00. This version will follow.

Barrett-Jackson 2009: 1982 Pontiac Trans Am K.I.T.T. replica

Well, what do you know? K.I.T.T. was a big hit here at Barrett-Jackson today. We'd never have guessed that there would be enough fans (with money) of the original Knight Rider series here at the auction to drive bidding all the way to $40,000 (add another $4K in fees), but indeed there were. This isn't actually one of the original cars that was used by the Hoff in the '80s, but bits and pieces of it were in fact used in the craptastic new version that our own Mr. Núñez so lovingly mocks each and every week in his hilarious live blog. Not all is lost, though, for fans of the real K.I.T.T., as this is a fully functioning replica, complete with the trademark flashing front strobe lights and two working monitors inside. Plus, how many of your friends have talking cars that are signed by George Barris? None. Perhaps it was worth the dough after all.

Thread of the Day: What Changes Would You Make to a Current Production Car?

No car is perfect for every type of buyer. Some prefer performance over luxury, comfort over styling, brand image over gas savings.... you get the point; the list could go on forever. That being said, designers and engineers aim to please the greatest number of consumers with the least amount of controversy in order to garner the most dealership sales. Since not everyone looks for the same features in a particular model, what kind of changes would you make to an existing -- otherwise perfectly fine -- model in order to suit your needs and desires? We're not talking about putting a 500-plus hp GM Performance crate motor in an Aveo or boosting your Dodge Viper's power to 1000-hp through a fantasy Mopar twin-turbo kit. We're looking for practical, more sensible options/improvements the factory could have offered its variety of buyers. As an example, TOTD author atvman says he would have preferred a 2010 Ford Mustang GT500 with an all-aluminum 5.4L V-8 instead of the cast iron 5.4L unit. An updated independent rear suspension in place of the antiquated, yet useful for some, live rear axle would be great as well, atvman explains. Other examples included a 2010 Jaguar XK with all-wheel-drive and a lighter, more performance tuned 135i (which is rumored to already be in the works).

Nostalgically Trimmed 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic on Sale from $34,005

As if the new 2009 Challenger isn't already the embodiment of retro design, Dodge has launched a new version of the coupe called "Classic" that adds more nostalgic flavor to the reborn muscle car. Based on the Challenger R/T with Chrysler's 5.7-liter V8 Hemi that delivers 376HP when paired to a six-speed manual and 372HP with an automatic transmission, the Classic is available for order now with a starting price of $34,005 which includes a $725 destination fee.

So what's so special about the Challenger R/T Classic? Well, on the outside it sports heritage-inspired dual-wide body-side R/T stripes, 'Challenger' fender badging in classic script, 20-inch polished-chrome heritage alloy wheels with all-season performance tires, classic egg-crate grille with a heritage 'R/T' badge, body-color rear spoiler and a chromed fuel-filler door.

Buyers will be able to choose from a palette of six colors: Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl, Bright Silver Metallic, Stone White and three Dodge heritage colors-HEMI(R) Orange, TorRed and B5 Blue.

From London to Timbuktu... via Parajet SkyCar?

You know that saying, "From here to Timbuktu?" Apparently the people at Parajet do, and the 'here' in this case will be London. You see, the British flying car maker decided to use that phrase quite literally to show the world that their paragliding dune buggy can actually, well, fly. They've launched an expedition that will take them from London to Timbuktu, driving where they have roads available, and flying wherever they don't.

We first told you about the Parajet Skycar journey in November but now the adventure has officially launched. A Parajet Skycar took off from London, and the plan is to fly over France, Spain, Morocco and the Sahara, then – God-willing – arrive in the Malian capital of Timbuktu sometime in February. When we saw the Parajet Skycar at the Goodwood Festival of Speed last summer, we learned that it makes use of a biofuel-powered Yamaha motorcycle engine to power either the rear wheels when ground-bound, or an airboat-type caged propeller when taking flight.

It needs just 200 meters of runway and has a cruising speed of (just) 68 miles-per-hour at 3,000 feet, but the Skycar can reportedly reach altitudes of 15,000 feet. Thankfully, parachutes are included. When driving, the car has a top speed of 108 mph and a range of 240 miles. We'll try to keep you posted about their progress, but check out the iMOTORTV clip we found of the Parajet Skycar in action, after the jump.

[Source: The Telegraph]

Toyota 2000GT Replica Based on Nissan 240Z with GT-R Engine

At last weekend's Tokyo Salon 2009, Mr. Makoto Kobayash and his company Road Star Garage from Aichi, Japan, launched their latest Toyota 2000GT replica, this time based on the 1970's Datsun Fairlady Z S30 - known in most markets as the 240Z and later as 260Z and 280Z. Whereas the original 1965 Toyota 2000GT used a 2.0-liter, naturally aspirated, straight six producing around 150HP, Road Star Garage fitted the replica with a Nissan Skyline GT-R derived and NISMO prepped, twin-turbocharged RB26 N1 six-cylinder unit.

The Japanese firm hasn't published any performance or output figures, but understandably, this replica holds a mighty punch under its hood. As some might remember, Road Star Garage also produces a Toyota 2000GT convertible based on the underpinnings of the Mazda MX-5 / Miata - see here.

Carscoop thanks Mr. Makoto Kobayash for the Tokyo Show Photos

Link: Road Star Garage