MINI released images of their new Coupe concept, what do you think?

MINI USA announced tgar they will be releasing a special edition “Rally Edition” Clubman S. Only 70 will be made with each dealer in the US getting only one car each. It will feature a unique “Rally Green” colored mirror caps and side scuttles. It will also include the following features and options:

Midnight Black (A94),

Roof in Body Color (381)

Sport Package (ZSP) – DTC (5DT)

White Turn Indicators (785)

Xenon Headlights (522)

17” Black Wheels

Roof Rails (386)

Anthracite Headliner (ZAH)

Piano Black Interior (4BD)

Automatic climate Control (534)

Leather Steering Wheel w/Multifunction

Comfort Bluetooth (6NE)

[Source: MotoringFile]

Mazda’s MX-5 Miata is no doubt the most raced car in the world and is still going strong. Mazda just released their 20th Anniversary Crystal White Pearl Mica MX-5 to celebrate the occasion. What else is on the way from the Mazda? Well they are set to release a pretty interesting new concept called the MX-5 Superlight Speedster in Frankfurt next month. Not much is known about the interesting looking speedster other than it is suppose to be lighter, have better fuel economy and handle better than the current MX-5. From the images we can see that the windshield, roof and door handles are gone making it ideal for club racers. Will Mazda actually release this concept? We sure hope so!

The Aston Martin Vantage GT4 is pure sex on wheels, while it kicks mucho ass on the track, driving it on the street may be a little difficult. Enter the Elite Aston Martin Vantage LVM/R. The makes extensive use of carbon fiber body panels and interior components to drop weight, it also features widened bespoke fenders and black central hub wheels.  No extra power is made, but it already makes enough to spank almost any other car on the street, with looks to kill to boot! Only 30 will be produced at a cost of $173,000 on top of the cost of a Vantage. Check out the press release below.

Vancouver, WA – July 29, 2009 – Final concept images have just been released for the 2010 Aston Martin LMV/R (Le Mans Vantage Racer). Only 30 of these race cars for the street will be produced for the world. Following in the footsteps of the Ferrari Scuderia and Stradale and Lamborghini Superleggera, the Elite LMV/R is lighter than the factory Vantage due to most of the body panels being made from carbon fiber. The Scuderia, Stradale and Superleggera were built for the purists who wanted a race car for the street, a more nimble version of the production street car that they were built from. These cars aren’t for everybody due to their harsher ride and loud exhaust systems. This is the company that the LMV/R will now be amongst but even more rare and special. The Superleggera’s US production was 172 cars, the Ferrari Stradale seen 1,288 examples built and the Scuderia production is supposed to top out at about 1,500 cars. Compare these production numbers to the 30 LMV/R’s that will be built and you can see how special and rare the LMV/R will truly be. To take a Vantage and turn it into an LMV/R, many components are used. Here is a list of what comes standard on the LMV/R:
Carbon fiber body kit consisting of: front bumper with screens, visible carbon canards, visible carbon front splitter, hood, fenders (2″ wider), side skirts, side skirt panels, rear quarter panel extensions (2″ wider), trunk lid with visible carbon rear wing, rear bumper with visible carbon diffuser
Matte black 20″ wheels and tires for wide body kit
Lowering springs
Big Brake kit
Sport muffler with tips
Carbon fiber engine bay kit
Full Alcantara interior
Carbon fiber interior kit
Serial numbered plaque (only 30 cars will be produced)
LMV/R matte black stripes
Installation and full repaint
All LMV/R’s will be assembled in Florida and sent to and from the dealership that sold the car within the US. All LMV/R’s will be based on 2010 Vantage’s and will be very unique. The customer will order a brand new Vantage in any color offered by Aston Martin with any options. The Vantage is then picked up and sent to Florida where the work will be performed. The exterior can be painted the factory color or a custom color at an additional charge. The interior can be assembled in any color of the customers choosing since all the surfaces will be covered in new Alcantara.

Ford is no stranger to special edition Mustangs, from anniversary editions to Bullitt Mustang. Ford recently built a one-off Mustang for an Experimental Aircraft Association fundraiser. It is not the first time Ford created a special edition Mustang for the EAA, they built a supercharged Mustang for them last year as well. The new Mustang is themed after vintage WWII war birds like the infamous P-51 Mustang and called the AV-X10 “Dearborn Doll.” Using a 2010 Mustang GT with a glass roof as the base, it has a 4.6-liter V8 engine with a Ford Racing supercharger laying down 550 ponies. Also included is a short throw shifter, Handling Pack that includes improved dampers, stiffer springs as well as sway bars. A FR500S exhaust lets you know this war bird inspired beauty is packing some serious power. On the outside the WWII themed Mustang has Shelby GT500 wheels, custom satin silver paint and a yellow “nose cone” as well as period correct “Dearborn Doll” pinup art on the front fenders.

The new AV-X10 “Dearborn Boll” Mustang will be debuted the 2009 Experimental Aircraft Association’s ‘Gathering of Eagles’ fundraiser going on between July 27 to August 2nd. Check it out over at MustangBlog.com. Do you know your Ford Mustang History? Check out AmericanMuscle.com and our information page.

It is pretty rare to hear about a recall from a auto maker like BMW, but it happens. BMW recently recalled their 1 and 3 series vehicles because of issues with the crimp connectors that can cause airbags to not properly deploy. 2009 BMW X5 and X6 crossovers are being recalled as well because of rear brake discs that do not properly meet specifications. In some cases it can cause the rear disc brakes to break and fail, which is a very serious issue. Check out the NHTSA bulletin below for more info on the BMW recalls.

NHTSA BULLETIN

Vehicle Make / Model: BMW / 1 SERIES, BMW / 3 SERIES
Model Year(s): 2008

Manufacturer: BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC
Mfr’s Report Date: JUL 01, 2009
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V257000
Component: AIR BAGS: FRONTAL

Summary:
BMW IS RECALLING MY 2008 1-SERIES AND 3- SERIES PASSENGER CARS. INCORRECT CRIMP CONNECTORS MAY HAVE BEEN USED ON THE SIDE AIR BAG AND BELT TENSIONER WIRING. AS A RESULT SUFFICIENT CONTACT BETWEEN THE CRIMP CONNECTORS AND THE CORRESPONDING PLUG MAY NOT OCCUR WHICH COULD LEAD TO AN INCREASE IN THE ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE OF THAT CONNECTION.

Consequence:
IF THAT HAPPENED, IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE FOR THE SIDE AIR BAG AND/OR THE SAFETY BELT TENSIONER NOT TO DEPLOY AND WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PROPERLY PROTECT AN OCCUPANT, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES.

Remedy:
THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET PROVIDED THE AGENCY WITH A REMEDY OR NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

Notes:
OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .

Vehicle Make / Model: BMW / X5, BMW / X6
Model Year(s): 2009

Manufacturer: BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC
Mfr’s Report Date: JUN 25, 2009
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V255000
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC

Summary:
BMW IS RECALLING MY 2009 X5 AND X6 VEHICLES. THE REAR BRAKE DISCS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED ACCORDING TO SPECIFICATIONS. AS A RESULT, A REDUCTION IN BRAKING PERFORMANCE AT THE AFFECTED REAR WHEEL COULD OCCUR.

Consequence:
IN AN EXTREME CASE, THE AFFECTED REAR BRAKE DISC COULD BREAK RESULTING IN A LOSS OF BRAKING AT THAT WHEEL INCREASING STOPPING DISTANCES AND THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy:
THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET PROVIDED THE AGENCY WITH A REMEDY OR NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

Notes:
OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .

The new 2010 BMW Z4 is scheduled to be released on December 15 but images of the new BMW roadster have already been leaked online. These images show a much more smoother Z4 that seem to clean away the Bangle lines and panels. The sexy wide rear arches definitely give the 2010 Z4 a meaner look more worthy of the Z4 name. The rear tail lights and rear end look pretty similar to other models in the BMW line as well. The new Z4 roadster is said to be powered by a naturally aspirated or turbo 3.0L in-line six engine. A hard top convertible is expected for 2009 as well as a soft-top later down the road. This new BMW Z4 definitely has the looks and the muscle to make it a great successor to the current aging Z4.

THE BMW X1 CONFIRMED FOR UNITED STATES IN 2011

Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey – July 1, 2009 … It was confirmed today that the BMW X1 is planned to debut in the United States in calendar year 2011. The X1 has been conceived with the flexibility to offer traditional rear-wheel drive and xDrive all-wheel drive configurations, as well as a wide variety of gasoline and diesel powertrain choices. In light of rapidly evolving US market demands, fuel prices, and regulatory standards, elements of the X1’s US launch plan, including engine and drivetrain configurations, will be forthcoming closer to the time of launch.

The BMW X1 will debut in Europe this fall with a choice of four engines – one gasoline and three diesels – and will be available in rear-wheel drive and xDrive all-wheel drive configurations. The X1 will set new benchmarks in the premium compact segment for efficiency, comfort, utility, and of course driving dynamics. Achieving up to 5.2 L/100km (45.2 miles per US gallon) on the European test cycle, the BMW Advanced Diesel-powered X1 sDrive18d will provide remarkable fuel efficiency while still achieving a top speed of 200km/h (124mph). Each drivetrain choice for the X1 will showcase the latest results of BMW’s EfficientDynamics engineering strategy, which is focused to reduce emissions and consumption while enhancing the performance expected of any BMW.

Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) announced pricing for the all-new 2009 Nissan NISMO 370Z™, which goes on sale today at Nissan retailers nationwide. The new, second-generation NISMO Z® continues the tradition of the original, offering unique performance and design attributes that true sports car enthusiasts are looking for – including a functional aerodynamic body design, 18 additional horsepower and a special sport-tuned suspension.

The 2009 Nissan NISMO 370Z™, which is equipped with a 350-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 and close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission with SynchroRev Match, has a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price* (MSRP) of US $39,130. Only three accessories are available on this well equipped vehicle – NISMO carpeted floor mats, illuminated kick plates and a carpeted trunk mat.

“The new NISMO Z® is a tuner and Z® enthusiast’s dream – straight from the factory,” said Pat Steiner, Director, Specialty Vehicles, Nissan Division, NNA. “With its dramatic exterior, custom interior, sport-tuned performance and under $40,000 price, this new NISMO Z® is possibly the best ‘bang-for-the-buck’ sports car available today.”

About the 2009 NISMO 370Z™
The NISMO 370Z™ was developed by Nissan’s Specialty Vehicles Group in conjunction with Autech Japan, Nissan’s longstanding conversion partner. The NISMO Z®’s standard 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine with Variable Valve Event and Lift Control (VVEL) develops 350 horsepower and 276 lb-ft of torque (versus the standard 370Z Coupe’s 332 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque), thanks in part to an exclusive free flow dual exhaust system, muffler tuning and an optimized Engine Control Module.

As expected of a true performance machine, the NISMO 370Z™ is offered with only one transmission – a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission with standard SynchroRev Match-the world’s first synchronized downshift rev matching manual transmission introduced earlier this year on 370Z Coupe (which simulates perfectly matched heel-toe-like downshifting).

The NISMO 370Z™ also features a refined 4-wheel independent suspension, a reinforced strut tower brace for enhanced body rigidity and a pair of performance body dampers to manage road-input vibrations and help contribute to the NISMO 370Z™’s stability and performance feel. The NISMO-tuned suspension includes specially tuned springs, shock absorbers and stabilizer bars. Wider, unique 5-spoke 19-inch RAYS forged aluminum-alloy wheels are mounted with Yokohama ADVAN Sport Y-rated high-performance tires. Nissan Sport Brakes and a Viscous Limited-Slip Differential are also standard on the NISMO 370Z™.

Along with its standout performance, the new NISMO Z® stands out from the crowd with its dramatic performance-oriented exterior and interior styling. The functional and fully integrated aerodynamic body modifications include an extended nose with a canard design at each corner for improved downforce and a fully integrated chin spoiler. Special side sills and a unique rear fascia help manage airflow under the vehicle, while the functional rear spoiler also increases downforce.

The interior includes NISMO logo seats with black and red fabric and red stitching, a NISMO tachometer, a smooth leather-wrapped steering wheel with red parallel stitching, a smooth leather-wrapped shift knob and aluminum trimmed pedals. A serialized plaque of authenticity is also matched to each NISMO Z®, identifying its unique serial and model year designation.

Most of the automobile companies out there are in a world of hurt in this economy all except a few, one of them is MINI. The BMW brand never expected their newly designed MINI Coopers to sell as well as they did when they first came to the United States back in 2002, since then they’ve had record sales. MINI is slated to open 17 new dealerships around the US in urban areas where MINI has little or no presence. That brings the total number of MINI dealerships to an even 100 which MINI hopes to outsell their record 54,077 in 2008. MINI expects to have new dealerships open within the next 18 months in the following cities: Birmingham, Alabama; Pensacola, Florida; Alexandria, Virginia; Austin, Texas; Seattle, Washington; Fort Myers, Florida; El Paso, Texas; Ontario, California; Louisville, Kentucky; Raleigh, North Carolina; Knoxville, Tennessee; Loveland, Colorado; Madison, Wisconsin; Mount Laurel, New Jersey; Allentown, Pennsylvania; San Diego, California and Tempe, Arizona.

MINI USA TO EXPAND U.S. DEALERSHIPS BY 20 PERCENT TO SUPPORT DOUBLE DIGIT SALES GROWTH TARGETS

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – June 22, 2009… MINI USA has confirmed its intention to expand its 83-strong American dealer network by 20 percent during the next 18 months to a total of 100 outlets across the country.

Most of the additional 17 MINI dealerships will be located in cities or areas that will be new markets for the brand.

Speaking at a New York City meeting, MINI USA Vice President Jim McDowell revealed: “Starting in 2011, our aim is to raise MINI sales by a ‘double-digit’ percentage compared with last year’s total of 54,077 cars delivered and this will correspond with a substantial expansion of our network coverage.

“We are celebrating a major landmark for MINI this year, its 50th Birthday, and we are pleased to announce plans for another significant milestone for the brand – the development of our national dealer network to 100 outlets,” he added.

“We are pleased to be in a position to dramatically increase our U.S. dealerships. I have often said that the world is becoming more MINI every day, and I believe that that sentiment is true, now more than ever, as consumer tastes shift decidedly to cars that offer tremendous value. Our cars are not only fuel efficient, and offer great value, but they also provide a fun and dynamic motoring experience and are packed with personality.”

The first of the new dealers to become operational this year will be MINI of Birmingham in Birmingham, Alabama. Speaking of the dealership’s appointment to the MINI USA network, General Manager Mark Gerloff said: “I am delighted to be given the opportunity to represent such a stylish and iconic brand in Alabama, and be given the opportunity to bring the unique attributes and heritage of MINI to our customers.”

In addition to Birmingham, Alabama, MINI will open dealerships in the following cities: Pensacola, Florida; Alexandria, Virginia; Austin, Texas; Seattle, Washington; Fort Myers, Florida; El Paso, Texas; Ontario, California; Louisville, Kentucky; Raleigh, North Carolina; Knoxville, Tennessee; Loveland, Colorado; Madison, Wisconsin; Mount Laurel, New Jersey; Allentown, Pennsylvania; San Diego, California and Tempe, Arizona.

Industry sales in the US this year have recorded a 37 percent decline through May, but MINI continues to outperform its competition and its market share continues to increase despite a sales decline over 2008.