Torres ends Spain's long wait for glory

Spain became European champions for the second time after Fernando Torres's first-half goal in Vienna proved enough to defeat Germany in the final of UEFA EURO 2008™.

History an inspiration

Spain had won their only previous piece of silverware in this competition in 1964 and had not been beyond the quarter-finals of any tournament in 24 years, yet Luis Aragonés's men chose to use that history as an inspiration rather than a burden. After a strong start from Germany, seeking a fourth title themselves, Spain were the more dangerous side throughout an entertaining final at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion although it took just one goal – in the 33rd minute, courtesy of Torres's pace, perseverance and unerring finish – to end their long wait.

Ballack boost

Germany received a significant boost before kick-off with captain Michael Ballack included despite a much-publicised calf problem, and, perhaps buoyed by that news, Joachim Löw's team settled quickly. Much had been made of the contrast in style between the sides yet in the opening exchanges it was Germany whose passing looked crisper, Miroslav Klose and Thomas Hitzlsperger failing to make the most of glimpses of goal. Meanwhile Spain, shorn of four-goal leading scorer David Villa due to a thigh injury, struggled to find their feet in a new 4-5-1 formation in which Cesc Fàbregas was rewarded for a fine semi-final display with a starting place.

Instinctive stop

As an indicator of the pattern of the match, however, Germany's bright beginning proved misleading. Spain soon worked their way into the contest, with Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann – becoming, at 38, the oldest player to appear in a UEFA European Championship final – forced into action for the first time in the 14th minute. Although his instinctive save came when his own defender, Christoph Metzelder, inadvertently deflected Andrés Iniesta's cross towards his own goal, Xavi Hernández's fine through pass had unpicked the Germany defence and showed the Spanish were finding their feet.

Torres on target

Right-back Sergio Ramos was then allowed to cut inside and deliver a deep cross, Torres peeling away from Per Mertesacker to create space for the header only for the right-hand post to come to Lehmann's rescue. The warning signs were there for Germany, yet they failed to heed them and duly fell behind three minutes past the half-hour. Again Xavi was the architect, playing a pass in behind the Germany back line towards Torres, who outmuscled a hesitant Philipp Lahm and clipped the ball over the diving Lehmann and just inside the far post. David Silva then volleyed over Iniesta's cross when given time and space inside the area as Spain threatened to increase their lead.

Spain openings

Spain had more openings in the early stages of the second half, Lehmann getting the merest of touches to Xavi's low shot before Ramos nearly guided in Silva's drive from the resulting corner. Yet a hint of the threat Germany still posed arrived on the hour, substitute Marcell Jansen and Bastian Schweinsteiger combining for Ballack to shoot centimetres wide. Klose then deflected a Schweinsteiger effort past the post and, in response to Germany's renewed menace, Spain coach Aragonés promptly introduced Xabi Alonso and Santi Cazorla in place of Fàbregas and Silva. The switches reinvigorated Spain instantly, Lehmann making smart stops from Ramos and Iniesta while Torsten Frings blocked another Iniesta effort on the line.
CelebrationsAs the final moved into the last 20 minutes, Spain had had seven shots on goal to Germany's one, but with the Mannschaft having turned virtually one in two of their attempts on target into goals en route to the final, that would have been scant consolation to Aragonés and his side. In the event, however, it was Spain who continued to carve out chances as the match reached its conclusion, Marcos Senna narrowly failing to apply the finishing touch to an unselfish header from substitute Daniel Güiza – but the celebrations would not be delayed much longer.

Xavi emerges as EURO's top man

Spain midfielder Xavi Hernández has been named as the Castrol Player of the Tournament for UEFA EURO 2008™ after his stirring displays aided his nation to the title.

Tecnhicians' approval
The 28-year-old FC Barcelona player played in five games at the finals and scored once as Spain earned their first major international success since beating the Soviet Union in the final of the 1964 UEFA European Championship. His ability to dictate the pace of the game from midfield brought him to the attention of the UEFA Technical Team who decide upon the Castrol Player of the Tournament, taking into account votes from the public. UEFA Technical Directoir Andy Roxburgh said: "We chose him because we think he epitomises the Spanish style of play. He was extremely influential in the whole possession, passing, penetrating kind of game that Spain played."

Growing reputation
The 1-0 final victory in Vienna marked Xavi's 63rd cap for Spain since making his debut – along with team-mate Carles Puyol – in a game against the Netherlands on 15 November 2000. He had been an unused squad player with Spain at UEFA EURO 2004™ in Portugal but was a first-team regular by the time of the 2006 FIFA World Cup finals in Germany, and showed maturity and no small amount of brilliance in Austria and Switzerland.

GM and Ford merger was discussed

A merger of U.S. automakers General Motors and Ford Motor was discussed, but shot down at a recent management meeting at GM, according to an article in the July 7 edition of Business Week.

The idea was floated by a senior GM executive, but set aside as such a deal could be a huge distraction and double many of the numerous problems that both companies are facing, said the report, citing someone familiar with the discussion.

However, such a deal would have some merit, as merging the massive overheads of both companies could save billions and their combined cash hoard of $50 billion could help them weather the downturn in automotive sales, the article said.

Court bans German sales of China-built SUV

A court has banned German sales of an SUV made by Chinese automaker Shuanghuan .
The court in Munich ruled that Shuanghuan's CEO infringes BMW's design rights. BMW claims the CEO closely resembles its X5 premium SUV. It started legal proceedings last September to stop CEO sales in Germany.

Shuanghuan's German importer China Automobile Deutschland denied that the CEO infringes BMW's design rights.

Managing Director Karl Schloessl told Automotive News Europe that although the CEO was a different car from the X5, it was possible that some elements of its design could resemble other cars on the market. "Even when you look at some BMWs and some Audis, there are similarities,"
he said.

Schloessl said that he planned to appeal against the court ruling.

"It is a one-sided judgment, but of course it was made in Munich. It's a BMW city," he said.
Shuanghuan spokesman Zhang Rui said the carmaker could not comment because it has not yet been notified about the ruling.

Ferrari unveils new Maranello assembly lines

Ferrari's historic Maranello, Italy, complex has long held a certain mystique for fans of the Prancing Horse. But mindful of the realities of modern manufacturing, the automaker has been focusing on upgrading its facilities and on Wednesday unveiled two new buildings designed to improve production.

At a ceremony, Ferrari executives showed off new assembly lines with workstations that reduce worker movement. The building is lined with large windows that offer a view of the 1960s factory built by Enzo Ferrari.

The company has spent 198 million euros since the late 1990s to improve its facilities, including completely revamping the car-production area, where work began late last year. The assembly facility was designed by Jean Nouvel, a noted French architect who won one of the industry's top awards, the Pritzker Architecture Prize, this year.

Ferrari also unveiled a new restaurant for workers in the "Ferrari Village." The impressive structure features a soaring glass overhang and is surrounded by a square for staffers to relax.
Meanwhile, in product news, the company revealed more details about its much-anticipated new GT-style convertible, the California. Most interesting is that the car will have a "launch control" button that will shoot it from 0 to 62 mph in less than four seconds. The technology is borrowed from Ferrari's racing division and allows maximum torque while preventing the wheels from slipping.

Versace to design Lamborghini bags, interiors

Versace has agreed to design the interior of a limited edition Lamborghini car and its accompanying accessories like gloves and bags in the latest collaboration between the two luxury brands. The Italian fashion house will design the interior of the Murcielago LP640 Roadster, a joint statement said on Monday at Milan's fashion week for men.

The cars, whose interiors will be fitted with black and white leather, will be made on demand so the number to be produced has yet to be determined, a Lamborghini spokeswoman said. The accessories, which also include trolleys and suitcases, will go on sale in Versace and Lamborghini stores by November.

Versace began collaborating with Lamborghini about two years ago. It designed the interior of a limited edition Murcielago coupe and later worked on another Lamborghini car that went up for auction at a charity event.

Working with Versace is part of the luxury sports car maker's strategy to raise its profile and make money through the franchising of its brand.

Although it is based in Sant'Agata Bolognese, Lamborghini is owned by Audi, a unit of Volkswagen of Germany

Pininfarina Car Pays Homage To Rolls-Royce

Pininfarina's third model designed and built for a collector will be a Rolls-Royce.

Called Hyperion and based on the Drophead Coupe, this model is an homage to the great pre-war Rolls-Royce cars.

The Hyperion will debut at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, in Monterey, California, in mid-August.

Hyperion was the name of one of the titans in Greek mythology. Hyperion is also a moon circling the planet Saturn.

Pininfarina declined to identify the private collector who ordered the Hyperion.

In April 2006, Pininfarina unveiled the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti-based "K" built for Peter Kalikow, president of the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

In August 2006, Pininfarina debuted the Ferrari Enzo-based P4/5 model, built for former movie director James Glickenhaus.

Special orders from collectors generate significant revenue and high margins for coachbuilders, but Pininfarina always declined to elaborate on the topic.

In Web car enthusiast blogs, Glickenhaus has said he spent more than $1 million to buy a Ferrari Enzo and about $3 million to have Pininfarina convert it to the P4/5 custom unit.

VW feels pinch from raw materials

Volkswagen is stepping up efforts to cut costs in the face of rising raw materials prices but still expects to feel the pinch, Europe's biggest carmaker said today.

"From today's perspective the impact resulting from (cost-cutting) will not compensate for current market prices," a spokesman said.

VW's comments came amid a sell-off in European car sector stocks given renewed concerns over raw material prices, ongoing worries over the outlook for the U.S. economy, and the euro's strength against the dollar.

Volkswagen and other carmakers typically lock in steel prices via long-term contracts but face price increases as these contracts have to be renewed.

BMW, the world's biggest premium carmaker, reiterated that it expected the burden from higher materials costs to rise 12 percent this year versus 288 million euros ($448 million) in 2007 and 178 million the year before.

Shares in Daimler retreated on market talk -- which the company denied -- that it was lowering its 2008 guidance for higher operating profit from ongoing operations.

Daimler stock was down 4.9 percent at 12:47 CET, while Volkswagen shed 2.1 percent and BMW fell 3.7 percent.

Nokia to buy rest of Symbian, give away its software

Nokia is buying the consortium that makes the software for its phones and making it available for free to other manufacturers, in hopes of blunting the influence of competing software providers.

Nokia (NOK)said Tuesday that it is offering to buy the 52% of Britain's Symbian that it doesn't already own for about $410 million. Symbian's software is the most widely used on high-end phones.

Nokia will then establish a foundation with handset makers Sony Ericsson and Motorola and Japanese carrier NTT DoCoMo to make the software available royalty-free. They will combine their three versions of the Symbian software for advanced, data-enabled phones into one open platform.

AT&T, LG Electronics, Samsung Electronics, STMicroelectronics, Texas Instruments and Vodafone Group, will also join the foundation, Nokia said.

Nokia said that all previous owners of Symbian, except Samsung, have committed themselves to accept the offer and that it expects Samsung to join them shortly.

While more than 90% of PCs run Windows, the market for cell-phone software is much more fragmented, with a dozen competing platforms. That means software developers have a much harder time creating applications, and it raises costs for handset manufacturers and carriers that have to deal with many different systems.

In the race to set create a dominant standard for phones, the price of the software has become one differentiator. Symbian and Microsoft have been charging royalties for their software, but a leading challenger, the LiMo Foundation, will make software available for free. Google plans to give away its handset software, Android.

The foundation model addresses another concern from carriers and handset manufacturers, which don't want a single company to control the software like Microsoft does on desktops.
In giving away the software, Nokia is counting on the benefits of increased adoption to offset its upfront costs. Technology companies often donate the fruits of their research to non-profit organizations with this in mind. Last year, Nokia gave away a low-power wireless technology called Wibree to the Bluetooth consortium.

Redeye analyst Greger Johansson in Stockholm, Sweden, said Nokia's move will make Symbian a tougher competitor to the other operating systems, considering that Symbian already has 60% of the smart-phone market. Symbian software has yet to become popular in the U.S., where the smart-phone market has been dominated by Research in Motion, Palm, and manufacturers using Windows Mobile. Apple, with its iPhone, is an up-and-comer.

Nokia said it expects the acquisition to be completed during the fourth quarter of 2008 and is subject to regulatory approval.

BMW Workers Take Time Off For Soccer

BMW factories across Germany will stop Wednesday so workers can watch the country's soccer team in its European Championship semi-final game against Turkey.

Workers at BMW's plants in Leipzig, Munich, Regensburg and Dingolfing will all finish their shifts a few hours earlier so that they can get home to watch the game.

Late shifts at the plants normally end between 10 pm and midnight, but the game kicks off at 8:45 pm Central European Time. So the late shift will end at 7:00 pm Wednesday.

Michael Rebstock, a Munich-based spokesman for the automaker, said that the company wanted to find a solution so that "every employee can get home to catch the game on television."

Rebstock said that 1,700 Turkish nationals work at BMW's Munich plant, where the 3 series is built.

"Both German and Turkish workers will be so excited about the game it makes sense to stop production," Rebstock said.

Maserati Updates Quattroporte

With a new-from-the-ground-up Maserati Quattroporte not due until 2012, Maserati has facelifted the car for 2009.

The Quattroporte has Maserati's familiar 400-hp, 4.2-liter V8, while the S uses the new 4.7-liter, 425-hp V8 recently introduced on the GranTurismo S. A six-speed ZF automatic is standard with either engine.

Styling changes include a new front fascia with vertical slots � la the GranTurismo, new front and rear lights, new side mirrors and a revised interior with a new navigation system.

The '09 Quattroporte goes on sale late this year.

VW's Seat brand will launch the Exeo

Seat's new upper-medium car will be called the Exeo.

Seat, Volkswagen's Spanish brand, will launch sales of the Exeo early next year. It will be a competitor to the Ford Mondeo, Renault Laguna and Peugeot 407.

Based on an Audi A4 platform, the Exeo will be built in Seat's factory in Martorell, near Barcelona, Spain.

The Exeo will have sedan and station wagon versions
Seat says it took the name Exeo from the Latin word exire, which means to go beyond or to go further in English.

Seat said the Exeo will not replace its Toledo model.

Saab 9-3 To Be Built In Sweden

Production of the Saab 9-3 will remain in Sweden, a General Motors Europe spokesman said today.

Media reports had suggested that production of the next-generation 9-3 would move to GM Europe's Opel plant in Ruesselsheim, near Frankfurt, Germany, from Saab's Trollhattan, Sweden, factory.

To compensate for not getting the 9-3, GM Europe will add production of the Saab 9-5 and a compact car at Ruesselsheim.

"It is good news that Ruesselsheim will get an extra model, a third shift and that the 9-3 production will remain in Saab's home country," said GM Europe spokesman Joerg Schrott.

GM Europe has not named the compact car that will be built in Ruesselsheim, but company sources say it will be the Opel Astra lower-medium car.
Currently, Ruesselsheim builds the Opel Vectra and Signum. It will build the Insignia, the Vectra successor, later this year.

ZR1 costs $105,000, runs to 205 mph

General Motors said today the new Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 will carry a sticker price of $105,000, including shipping charges and gas-guzzler tax, when it goes on sale this summer. The gas-guzzler tax accounts for $1700 of the price.

There are just two options-$2,000 for chrome wheels, and a $10,000 interior package that includes leather-trimmed sports seats with the ZR1 logo, side air bags, Bose audio and a navigation system.

A General Motors spokeswoman said the short options list is by design, since Chevrolet anticipates many fans will want the base car sans the added weight. A fully optioned ZR1 will total $117,000.

But with GM planning to build just 2,000 ZR1s a year, many Chevrolet dealers are expected to ask for more than the sticker price to part with the car.

GM said the ZR1 will sprint from 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds, edging the Corvette Z06 by three tenths of a second. Stretch that drag race out to 100 mph, and the ZR1 betters its stablemate by nearly a full second, posting a tire-smoking time of 7.0 seconds.

The 6.2 liter, 638-hp LS9 V8 propels the ZR1 to a top speed of 205 mph, giving it the title of fastest Vette ever, and putting it into the rarified exhaust fumes usually emitted only by the Europeans.

Fuel economy: An EPA-estimated 14 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway.

New Fuel Cell System 'Generates Electricity with Only Water, Air'

Genepax Co Ltd explained the technologies used in its new fuel cell system "Water Energy System (WES)," which uses water as a fuel and does not emit CO2.

The system can generate power just by supplying water and air to the fuel and air electrodes, respectively, the company said at the press conference, which took place June 12, 2008, at the Osaka Assembly Hall.

The basic power generation mechanism of the new system is similar to that of a normal fuel cell, which uses hydrogen as a fuel. According to Genepax, the main feature of the new system is that it uses the company's membrane electrode assembly (MEA), which contains a material capable of breaking down water into hydrogen and oxygen through a chemical reaction.

Though the company did not reveal the details, it "succeeded in adopting a well-known process to produce hydrogen from water to the MEA," said Hirasawa Kiyoshi, the company's president. This process is allegedly similar to the mechanism that produces hydrogen by a reaction of metal hydride and water. But compared with the existing method, the new process is expected to produce hydrogen from water for longer time, the company said.

With the new process, the cell needs only water and air, eliminating the need for a hydrogen reformer and high-pressure hydrogen tank. Moreover, the MEA requires no special catalysts, and the required amount of rare metals such as platinum is almost the same as that of existing systems, Genepax said.

Unlike the direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC), which uses methanol as a fuel, the new system does not emit CO2. In addition, it is expected to have a longer life because catalyst degradation (poisoning) caused by CO does not occur on the fuel electrode side. As it has only been slightly more than a year since the company completed the prototype, it plans to collect more data on the product life.

At the conference, Genepax unveiled a fuel cell stack with a rated output of 120W and a fuel cell system with a rated output of 300W. In the demonstration, the 120W fuel cell stack was first supplied with water by using a dry-cell battery operated pump. After power was generated, it was operated as a passive system with the pump turned off.

This time, the voltage of the fuel cell stack was 25-30V. Because the stack is composed of 40 cells connected in series, it is expected that the output per cell is 3W or higher, the voltage is about 0.5-0.7V, and the current is about 6-7A. The power density is likely to be not less than 30mW/cm2 because the reaction area of the cell is 10 x 10 cm.

Meanwhile, the 300W fuel cell system is an active system, which supplies water and air with a pump. In the demonstration, Genepax powered the TV and the lighting equipment with a lead-acid battery charged by using the system. In addition, the 300W system was mounted in the luggage room of a compact electric vehicle "Reva" manufactured by Takeoka Mini Car Products Co Ltd, and the vehicle was actually driven by the system.

Genepax initially planned to develop a 500W system, but failed to procure the materials for MEA in time and ended up in making a 300W system.

For the future, the company intends to provide 1kw-class generation systems for use in electric vehicles and houses. Instead of driving electric vehicles with this system alone, the company expects to use it as a generator to charge the secondary battery used in electric vehicles.

Although the production cost is currently about ¥2,000,000 (US$18,522), it can be reduced to ¥500,000 or lower if Genepax succeeds in mass production. The company believes that its fuel cell system can compete with residential solar cell systems if the cost can be reduced to this level.

New Mondeo Coupé Curves Up A Treat

Can’t afford a Mercedes CLS? Ford has the ideal solution as it takes its family favourite upmarket by offering more style and luxury

Ford is taking the Mondeo to the max, with an all-new coupé version offering Mercedes CLS looks for half the price.

The forthcoming Vauxhall Insignia is set to raise the style stakes in the class, while the Volkswagen Passat CC has proved there really is demand for four-door coupés. So the time is right for the ultimate evolution of Ford’s family car to take a bow.

But the Coupé’s arrival also coincides with the blue oval’s increased European profitability. The company’s formula of good looks and strong driver appeal has been so successful on cars such as the standard Mondeo and S-MAX people carrier that confidence among bosses is currently at an all-time high.

Upcoming products such as the new Fiesta and Ka – plus the Capri (Issue 1,010) – will continue this philosophy. The Mondeo Coupé’s role is to sit at the very top of the range, as a desirable flagship. And it has some talented machinery in its sights, including the likes of the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes C-Class. The foundations have already been laid down by the latest-generation Mondeo, so the Coupé can offer an even more desirable mix of looks, driving dynamics and luxury.

As you can see from these pictures, the newcomer is a leap forward in design terms over the current car. Inspired by the Iosis concept – which previewed the Mondeo back in 2005 – it features a rakish roofline that slopes sharply over the heads of the rear passengers, plus a host of dramatic lines.

Striking details include a larger lower grille with enormous, chrome-ringed triangular air intakes. Bold extended wheelarches and muscular shoulder lines give it an athletic stance.

A full hatchback tailgate ensures practicality is a strength, while inside, the cabin will feature a spacious and luxurious four-seater layout, with twin individual chairs for rear passengers.

Up front, an evolution of the standard Mondeo’s dashboard design is expected, with hi-tech equipment including the latest touchscreen sat-nav package. This comprises programmable driver settings, and will be offered alongside Bluetooth wireless phone technology, a docking station for MP3 players and a keyless go system. Under the skin will be a mildly updated version of the Mondeo’s suspension set-up, with electronically controlled dampers giving the driver the option of Sport and Comfort modes. This will allow the Coupé to combine agile, sporty handling with excellent refinement at cruising speeds.

Engines will be sourced from the top end of the Mondeo line-up, and will include the new 175bhp 2.2-litre diesel from the Titanium X Sport model and a turbocharged 217bhp 2.5-litre petrol five-cylinder.

There is the possibility that the car will get the option of Ford’s new Powershift double-clutch gearbox, in addition to the conventional six-speed manual transmission fitted as standard. Also, there are rumours that, as with the Insignia, the Coupé will be available with a new four-wheel-drive system, as well as stop-start technology to cut CO2 emissions and boost economy. While Ford has yet to confirm the Mondeo Coupé officially, buyers can expect the car to appear in around 2011, with prices from £25,000.

Scolari Striking Out For The Summit

Eliminated Switzerland provide the final first-round opposition for Group A winners Portugal on Sunday but coach Luiz Felipe Scolari allowed himself to look beyond this assignment and admit he dreams of ending his reign as Portugal coach on a high by leading the team to the European title.

Final dream

Speaking for the first time since the announcement he would be leaving his post at the end of UEFA EURO 2008™ to become Chelsea FC manager, Scolari denied that the timing of the news had had a disruptive effect – "no" was the one-word answer – and stressed he was committed "body and soul" to success with Portugal in Austria and Switzerland. "I am completely involved to the end," he said. "I hope we can get to another final. We have only cleared the first round and have to get over two more hurdles to get to the final. I know my players and I believe in them – it would be great if we could get to the final."

Strength in reserve

With tougher tests ahead, the Brazilian said that he would rest a number of players against the co-hosts – with forward Nuno Gomes "99.9 per cent" certain to be one of them. "If we have quality on the bench we should use it in the match. The result will not affect who we play in the next round. We will do what we did in 2006 [against Mexico] – we had a mixture of players who had played and others who had not played – so they can get into a rhythm and be available to play in future matches."

Kuhn praise

Portugal won that FIFA World Cup group match 2-1 against Mexico and Scolari's counterpart Köbi Kuhn believes that whoever starts for the opposition, an "attractive match" beckons. "You can never talk about a Portugal B side," said the Switzerland coach, who believes the Portuguese, impressive winners against Turkey and the Czech Republic, can go far – "maybe even to the final". While Scolari can still hope for a triumphant farewell with Portugal, Kuhn's own dream of a prolonged challenge in his final tournament at the helm died with Wednesday's last-gasp loss to Turkey.

Swiss goal

Despite the pain of elimination, Kuhn insisted Switzerland were determined to sign off in style in front of another full house at St. Jakob-Park. "We feel the same tension we do for any match. The tournament still has 90 minutes to run for us," he said. Without a point, Switzerland are resigned to the wooden spoon in Group A but they do have one tangible goal to aim for: claiming their first win in the UEFA European Championship, having drawn two and lost six of their eight finals matches down the years.

Zuberbühler recall

With Kuhn's seven-year reign as Switzerland coach closing - Ottmar Hitzfeld is waiting in the wings – the 64-year-old admitted that, for once, his selection might be influenced by a touch of sentiment, with a recall "quite possible" for 37-year-old goalkeeper Pascal Zuberbühler among others. Kuhn, though missing Alexander Frei and Marco Streller, does have Eren Deriyok available, the young forward having recovered from a sprained ankle suffered against Turkey.

Brit Gas Flier Blasts In

Beira delivers Porsche pace, but runs on eco-friendly LPG

A new British open-top sports car claims to have Porsche’s 911 firmly in its sights.
Called the Breckland Beira, it has a 400bhp V8 and sprints from 0-60mph in less than five seconds – but can run on green Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG).
Designed and built in Norfolk, under the rakish steel and composite body beats an all-American heart. It’s based on the Pontiac Solstice chassis, while the 6.0-litre LS2 engine is lifted from the Chevrolet Corvette. Inside, buyers can customise the cabin to their own specification, and a 30GB multimedia sat-nav is standard, as is Bluetooth and iPod connectivity. Company bosses say the two-seater will cost around £55,000 when it goes on sale in November.

Fiesta ST 500

Special ST to hit the showrooms

A limited run special Fiesta ST has been announced by Ford. Called the ST 500, conveniently in this case, because only 500 are being made, this special will be identified by unique 'U'-shaped stripes (echoing the livery of the classic Escort RS2000 of the 1980s) and matching side livery. Completing the changes will be 17in 11-spoke black alloys, red brake callipers and carbon fibre pattern interior trim. The interior also features a Sony audio system and ebony leather heated seats.Prices start at £15,000.

New Ford Ka Spotted!

Blue oval city car put through paces - being readied for Paris show debut.

Ford's new baby has taken its first steps! Following our exclusive pictures in Issue 1,014, which revealed the look of the all-new Ka, Auto Express can now bring you spy shots of the model on the road. Wearing only minimal disguise, the second-generation Ka is easily identified by its curvy profile and wheel-at-each-corner stance. And from the rear, the distinctive vertical tailgate and large light units are clear to see.

Underneath the skin lies platform architecture from the Fiat 500. The engine range – comprising 63bhp 1.2-litre and 100bhp 1.4-litre petrols, plus a 1.3-litre Multijet diesel – is also shared with the Italian model.

However, while the two cars have a lot in common, Ford will aim to ensure the Ka is still the best to drive in its class.

Refinement will be greatly improved, and so will the quality and style of the cabin. It will get a host of brightly coloured soft-touch plastics and a design that takes its cues from the new Fiesta. The gearlever sits higher in the centre console, while radio and climate control switches are mounted within easy reach. The finished Ka will debut at October’s Paris Motor Show, with UK sales starting before the end of the year.

We’ve also spied the first prototype of the Fiesta saloon (above), which was revealed in China last year. Aimed at the US, Russia and Far Eastern markets, it’s unlikely to go on sale in Europe, where the three and five-door hatchback range will be available.

iPhone Hype Begins Again

Get ready for iPhone-mania 2.0.

On July 11, Apple will launch a zippier version of the iPhone starting at $199 with a two-year AT&T contract, down from $399. It will have built-in GPS for traffic directions, run on a speedy "3G" wireless network from partner AT&T and offer corporate e-mail support.

"Sales will explode," says Van Baker, an analyst at Gartner.

The iPhone — a combination phone/iPod and Internet device — first began selling last June. "As we arrive at the iPhone's first birthday, we're going to take it to the next level," Apple CEO Steve Jobs said Monday.

The $199 model can hold 8 gigabytes of music, photos and other media. A $299, 16 GB is available in a new color, white.

AT&T will be the exclusive U.S. distributor for another four years. One significant change: With the 3G version, AT&T said Apple will no longer receive a portion of monthly service revenue.

Instead, AT&T will fork out a substantial subsidy to help keep the price low. AT&T is hoping to drive mobile data usage and draw new subscribers.

While the subsidy — which telecom analysts peg in the $200 range — initially will put pressure on AT&T's profit margins, it could help push the iconic iPhone into the mainstream.

Jobs told USA TODAY that current iPhone customers can buy a new one and have their old plan morphed into a new two-year arrangement.

"This is a very positive move for AT&T, and it will gain share from Sprint and Verizon," analyst Tim Horan of Oppenheimer wrote in a note to clients.

While the iPhone has been a critical and consumer hit, Internet speed has been a chief complaint. The new phone uses faster networks that will dramatically improve mobile Web surfing.

Apple said it has sold 6 million iPhones. Tech analysts think it will meet its goal of 10 million by the end of the year. Over the next several months, Apple will roll out official sales in 70 countries, up from six.

In July, the company will launch the iPhone App Store on iPhones and the iPod Touch (like the iPhone, without the phone). It lets users easily download applications.

Getting such access to Apple customers "is phenomenal," says Andrew Erlichson, CEO of photo-sharing site Phanfare, which introduced an iPhone application Monday. "Power is shifting from the wireless carriers to the handset manufacturers."

Apple also introduced a new version of its $99-a-year .Mac backup service. Now called MobileMe, it automatically updates e-mails, contacts and other personal data across a computer and iPhone.

UEFA Supports Dutch Goal Decision

UEFA has emphasised that the goal scored by Netherlands striker Ruud van Nistelrooy in last night's UEFA EURO 2008™ match against Italy in Berne was valid, and that referee Peter Fröjdfeldt acted correctly in awarding it.

Not offside

UEFA General Secretary David Taylor was reacting to claims from some quarters that Van Nistelrooy was standing in an offside position when he scored the first of the Netherlands' goals in their 3-0 win. "I would like to take the opportunity to explain and emphasise that the goal was correctly awarded by the referee team," he said. "I think there's a lack of understanding among the general football public, and I think it's understandable because this was an unusual situation. The player was not offside, because, in addition to the Italian goalkeeper, there was another Italian player in front of the goalscorer. Even though that other Italian player at the time had actually fallen off the pitch, his position was still relevant for the purposes of the offside law."

Still involved

The starting point, said Mr Taylor, is the Laws of the Game – Law 11 – which deal with offside, whereby a player is in an offside position if he is nearer to his opponents' goalline than both the ball and the second-last opponent. "There need to be two defenders involved," the UEFA General Secretary said. "If you think back to the situation, the first is the goalkeeper, and the second is the defender who, because of his momentum, actually had left the field of play. But this defender was still deemed to be part of the game. Therefore he is taken into consideration as one of the last two opponents. As a result, Ruud van Nistelrooy was not nearer to the opponents' goal than the second-last defender and, therefore, could not be in an offside position.

Rare incident

"This is a widely-known interpretation of the offside law among referees that is not generally known by the wider football public," he continued. "Incidents like this are very unusual – although I'm informed that there was an incident like this about a month ago in a Swiss Super League match between FC Sion and FC Basel 1893. [It was] initially suggested that this [goal] was a mistake by the referee in terms of the offside law – the commentator later apologised publicly, as he didn't realise that this was the correct application of the law."
Law appliedMr Taylor concluded: "So let's be clear – the referees' team applied the law in the correct manner. If we did not have this interpretation of the player being off the pitch then what could happen is that the defending team could use the tactic of stepping off the pitch deliberately to play players offside, and that clearly is unacceptable. The most simple and practical interpretation of the law in this instance is the one that is adopted by referees throughout the world – that is that unless you have permission from the referee to be off the pitch, you are deemed to be on it and deemed to be part of the game. That is why the Italian defender, even though his momentum had taken him off the pitch, was still deemed to be part of the game, and therefore the attacking player put the ball into the net, and it was a valid goal. The law in this place was applied absolutely correctly."

Inflation Crisis Undermines Asian Governments

SPIRALLING prices for food and fuel have claimed their first political casualties in Malaysia and Pakistan, and threaten other Asian governments forced to impose subsidy cuts even as elections loom.

Malaysia's ruling coalition suffered its worst polls setback in half a century in March, as voters registered their fury over the government's inability to rein in the rising cost of living.
And when President Pervez Musharraf's party was trounced in Pakistan's February elections, high food prices and shortages of flour and oil were seen as more influential than the nation's political traumas.

New fuel price hikes have triggered protests and strikes in Malaysia and India in recent days, and Indonesia has seen a series of demonstrations in several cities.
'In any country that has elections coming up within the next two years, inflation and how the government wrestles with the problem will be important,' said Mr Robert Broadfoot of the Political and Economic Risk Consultancy.

'So therefore we're talking about India, the situation in Malaysia is still not finished yet, in Indonesia you've got elections next year, and the Philippines in 2010,' said the Hong Kong-based analyst.

Malaysia's government was forced to impose a hugely unpopular 41 per cent price hike last week, after being faced with a cost of US$17 billion (S$23.2 billion) - a third of the national budget - to underwrite some of Asia's cheapest fuel.

In a situation mirrored across the region, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had to choose between cutting subsidies the nation can ill afford, and shoring up his ever-dwindling popularity.

Coverage of Pakistan's elections focused on the assassination of former premier Benazir Bhutto, but as the vote approached there were long queues outside stores and flour dispensaries, and fist fights over supplies.

Ms Bhutto's Pakistan People's Party and the party of ex-prime minister Nawaz Sharif won the polls and promised a solution to growing economic problems - although food prices have continued to rise.

Ms Bridget Welsh, a South-east Asian expert from Johns Hopkins University, said even when oppositions cannot offer a viable alternative, inflation is an avenue for a protest vote against flawed governments.

That threat encourages administrations to adopt short-term policies to appease voters, instead of introducing painful but necessary reforms.

'Now with inflation being really significant, you have a situation where they're going to the polls and their decision-making space will be much more narrow,' Ms Welsh said.

'I think it's going to become more important than it has been in Southeast Asia's history since the 1970s, in part because so many of the governments rely on economic performance for legitimacy.'

In India the Congress party-led coalition is desperate to tame inflation, which is headed for peaks not seen in a decade, as it braces for a voter backlash in national elections by May 2009.
The latest fuel price hike triggered protests and strikes in several states, and calls for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to resign.

Congress has already suffered a string of state poll defeats, in which rising prices were a key factor, having impacted particularly hard on India's hundreds of millions of poor whose support is vital.

The government is fearful of the so-called 'onion factor' which says that if dietary staples become too costly for India's poor, politicians are in trouble.

Mr Broadfoot said the issue of rising prices is extremely difficult for governments to handle as the problem is the result of complex underlying problems in fast-developing economies.

'It's not the inflation rate per se, you've got that broader context of the slower-growing pie, slower-growing incomes, subsidies not working, and other problems not being addressed,' he said.

Subsidies and intervention measures cause their own problems, including in Malaysia where suppressed prices of cooking oil produced severe shortages and panic-buying, he said.

In Indonesia, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has taken a major political risk by slashing fuel subsidies despite the widespread protests and fears of price-driven unrest ahead of elections next year.

The price hike of an average 28.7 per cent was seen as essential as the forecast subsidy bill for 2008 tripled, but helped push May inflation to 10.38 per cent - in double digits for the first time in nearly two years.

The Philippines is not scheduled to hold national elections until 2010 presidential polls, but President Gloria Arroyo says she is keeping a 'laser focus' on soaring rice prices, which helped inflation reach 9.6 per cent in May.

The nation is one of the world's top importers of grain and the military and police are helping avoid food riots by ensuring poor neighbourhoods get adequate supplies at state-subsidised prices that are half the market rate.

Inileev Admits Lack Of Edge

TASHKENT – Uzbekistan coach Rauf Inileev admitted that his side may have lacked a cutting edge against Singapore on Saturday following their big win against the Lions earlier in the week.

The Uzbeks become the first team to reach the final round of the Asian World Cup qualifiers thanks to substitute Alexander Geynrikh, who scored the only goal of the game 10 minutes from time. But their 1-0 win at the MHSK Stadium was a far cry from the 7-3 victory they recorded in Singapore six days earlier.

“I was worried before tonight’s game because we scored seven goals in our first match and I thought that the players might underestimate how strong the Singapore team are,” said Inileev.

“I’m sure that our opponents did not deserve to suffer such a big defeat and it’s always difficult to play with team which you beat easily just one week ago as you lose some motivation and concentration.

“It was tough match and we were lucky to win this time.

“Singapore played attacking football in the first match but they totally changed their tactics today and played a defensive game which made them very difficult to break down.

“But Alexander Geynrikh proved he worth coming on as a substitute. I’m happy that he became our hero in this match and scored the crucial goal.”

Singapore coach Raddy Avramovic admitted that his team had learnt their lesson from their heavy defeat earlier in the week.

“We learned enough from our last match,” said the Serbian.

“We analyzed all aspects of Uzbekistan’s team play and we realized that it is very dangerous to play open football against them.

“We paid strong attention to our defence but unfortunately, they broke through and we lost again.

“I do not believe that Lebanon can beat Saudi Arabia and I believe that we may have missed our chance of qualifying. However, we will continue to battle in our upcoming games.”

Hamilton In A Class Of His Own In Montreal Qualifying

Not even a flying Robert Kubica and a track that was breaking up in places could stop Lewis Hamilton in Montreal on Saturday afternoon, as he planted his McLaren on pole position for the Canadian Grand Prix.

BMW Sauber’s Kubica had actually taken provisional pole away from him with a lap of 1m 18.498s compared to 1m 18.886s when Hamilton began his final run, but even though there were marbles in Turns Two, Seven and 10, the Briton somehow found another six-tenths of a second to put pole beyond reach with 1m 17.886s. He described himself as extremely comfortable with the car.

Neither of the Ferraris really got going in qualifying, as Hamilton dominated every session. In the end, Kimi Raikkonen placed his third with 1m 18.735s, but an unhappy Felipe Massa was only sixth on 1m 19.048s. In between them came Fernando Alonso with 1m 18.746s, but the Spaniard may again be using the light first-run strategy that Renault employed in Spain. Behind him, Nico Rosberg placed his Williams fifth, with a strong 1m 18.844s best.

Heikki Kovalainen was seventh in the second McLaren, with 1m 19.089s, leaving Nick Heidfeld eighth on 1m 19.633s for BMW Sauber and Rubens Barrichello ninth for Honda on 1m 20.848s.

Mark Webber will start 10th, but did not run in Q3 after spinning his Red Bull exiting slippery Turn Seven and damaging the right front suspension at the end of Q2.

That session saw Timo Glock out-qualify Toyota team mate Jarno Trulli for the first time, with 1m 18.031s to the Italian’s 1m 18.327s. Trulli had two spins, and will start 14th. Separating the TF108s are Kazuki Nakajima, who lapped his Williams in 1m 18.062s and David Coulthard with 1m 18.238s for Red Bull.

Sebastien Bourdais was 16th overall on 1m 18.916s for Toro Rosso, but was the fastest runner to be eliminated in Q1 and will start at the back after needing his gearbox changed this morning. Team mate Sebastian Vettel will be with him. He didn’t run at all in qualifying as his STR3 needs a new monocoque after his crash this morning.

The Force Indias of Adrian Sutil and Giancarlo Fisichella will thus start 16th and 17th on 1m 19.108s and 1m 19.165s respectively. Jenson Button was 19th overall and will start 18th, his troubled Honda recording only 1m 23.565s thanks to gearbox problems.

The track surface is already occupying everyone ahead of a race in which safety cars are also expected to play a crucial role, such is the unforgiving nature of the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve’s walls.

Free Entry till 30 June 2008.

The Army Museum of Singapore is being readied to mark the 40th anniversary of National Service in Singapore. It will help preserve the heritage of the Singapore Army and also honour the contributions of the soldiers. "I gave my photographs for the 30 years of NS. It is in book form. This time around the army museum came to see me and since I had additional items, thought it would be useful for the army museum," said LTC (Retired) Ee Cheng Huat, and 1967 batch enlistee. The museum is meant to be a tribute to Singaporeans who have served or are serving National Service. Minister for Defence, Teo Chee Hean, officiating at the groundbreaking ceremony, said the Army Museum of Singapore will be a tribute to those who have shouldered the responsibility of defending Singapore. "National Service will feature prominently in the Army Museum. National Servicemen form the backbone of the SAF. They are a central feature in the Army's history. NS is an integral part of the lives of Singaporeans, a rite of passage for our men," said Mr Teo. The Army Museum of Singapore will be housed in a new three-storey building near the SAFTI Military Institute and Singapore Discovery Centre in Jurong. The museum's facade will resemble rock-like structures, and exhibits in six galleries will showcase the development of the Army, from past to present. These include a mock-up of a soldier's bunk, multi-media shows and displays of army equipment complemented by the sounds and smells of battle. It is hoped some 40,000 to 50,000 visitors will walk through its doors every year.

Free entry for all visitors till 30th June 2008

Peranakan Show And Tell

Museums are much more than about items on display these days. They are about the stories behind the things as well.
Take the $12-million boutique Peranakan Museum, which opens next Saturday in what was once the Tao Nan School in Armenian Street. Work on it started just over two years ago.
The world's most comprehensive collection of Straits Chinese, or Peranakan artefacts, it contains more than 1,200 items showcasing this unique South-east Asian culture.
The Peranakan community began with early Chinese immigrants in Malacca, Penang and Java adopting local customs and marrying local Malay women.
Peranakans, famed for sarong kebayas (embroidered blouse-and-batik ensembles), kuehs (cakes) and feisty matriarchs (bibiks), began to live a blend of Malay and Chinese lifestyles peppered with British and Dutch influences. The items on show reflect these influences and range from intricately beaded shoes to a grand wedding bed. Also on display is the largest Peranakan beadwork tablecloth, created using one million beads.
The treasures are often all the more precious for their 'True Blue' individual histories.
That is something Dr Kenson Kwok, 58, director of the Asian Civilisations Museum which is developing and operating the Peranakan Museum project, can attest to.
About 10 years ago when a visitor from Penang walked into his office asking for him, Dr Kwok almost turned her away.


'She said her mother had all these Nonya things which she wanted to give to the museum,' he says.
He adds with a laugh that he was not convinced and did not take her seriously at first.
At that time, the Asian Civilisations Museum had only a small section devoted to the Straits Chinese past.
But the woman was persistent and urged him to fly to Penang to take a look at some of the work.
'I got permission from my boss, flew down to Penang and the minute I saw the kamcheng, or covered container which the Peranakans used to store and serve food, water or pickles, I knew we had something special,' he says.
'It was so precious that I hand-carried it back to Singapore. It weighs more than 5kg and I had it on my lap all through.'
Today, the kamcheng, which dates back to the late 19th century and is worth over $100,000, occupies pride of place in the Food and Feasting Gallery of the Peranakan Museum - one of 10 themed galleries housed in the building.
These are spread over a floor area of 4,000 sq m with a display space of 1,500 sq m.
Also in the Food and Feasting gallery is a set of eight dining chairs with English-style carving which would have been done by Chinese craftsmen, and which Dr Kwok found in a junk shop toilet. 'We managed to find a full set and they were in pretty good condition,' he says.
However, the museum is not just about viewing displays, but having hands-on involvement as well. Some exhibits include interactive components. These include touchable displays at a Peranakan kitchen, wedding and beading activities and a multimedia activity where children can dress up in Peranakan costume electronically.
The museum wants to engage people of all ages.


Says curator Randall Ee, 33: 'We want people to live through those times.'
The museum's galleries range from one devoted to weddings to others that cover the process of growing up, religious beliefs, food and feasting, conversations and public life.
Visitors will get an insight into a traditional Peranakan wedding - an elaborate 12-day affair filled with rituals and ceremonies - and also of the chiu thau ceremony, a rite of purification and initiation into adulthood, for example.
A display featuring a grand wedding bed also has an interesting story behind it.
Bed where 7 babies were born
Ee explains: 'The wedding bed was donated by Mrs Quah Hong Chiam, who was a typical Nonya from Penang. The bed was a wedding gift from her father. What's interesting about it is that Mrs Quah gave birth to seven out of her 11 children on this bed. The Quah family was from Penang, but relocated to Singapore. Despite the long journey, Mrs Quah would go back to Penang to give birth on this bed.'
Other displays include splendid Peranakan-style furniture, embroidery works and bridal jewellery.
As Peranakan culture is closely associated with food, there is also a room that relives the entire dining experience through an extensive display of tableware and cutlery.
There are also two shops at the entrance of the museum selling Peranakan-themed merchandise like tea-sets, beaded shoes and handmade apparel and accessories.
The museum site itself is steeped in Peranakan history.
Dr Kwok, referring to the fact that the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) was housed on the site for a while, notes: 'We started here in 1997. And call it providential, but prominent Peranakans played a key role in setting up the Tao Nan School building, which is what this was before it became the museum. One of them was the late Indonesian Peranakan tycoon, Sugar King Oei Tiong Ham, who donated $10,000 towards this land purchase.'
Things Peranakan certainly seem to be in flavour right now. A three-storey terrace Baba House at 157 Neil Road that was built in the 1860s is being restored and turned into a haven of Peranakan heritage by the National University of Singapore. It is due to open in July.
Commenting on the 'Baba' boom, Associate Professor John Miksic, 61, from the National University of Singapore's South-east Studies Institute, says: 'I am very glad we are going to have a museum dedicated to the Peranakans again. In the past we have seen it in several forms, on Emerald Hill as part of the ACM, but now there is a comprehensive collection.
'The idea of a hybrid culture which has a deep historical identity will appeal to not just Singaporeans but other visitors, too.'

Goodwood Festival Of Speed

Hamilton heads up the list for the 200 Goodwood Festival of Speed

With just over a month to go until the 2008 Festival of Speed (11-13 July), the organisers at Goodwood have confirmed what promises to be a spectacular line-up. Over 80 of the greatest motoring racing names past and present will be present at the world’s largest celebration of motoring culture, with more big name drivers and riders expected to appear in the final run-up to the weekend. All racing spheres are catered for. Confirmed drivers will include current Formula One stars Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button and Sebastian Bourdais, as well as WRC works drivers Petter Solberg, Chris Atkinson, Matthew Wilson and Mikko Hirvonen. Current two-wheeled heroes in action will include WSB Championship contenders Troy Corser, Yukio Kagayama and Carlos Checa, plus BSB title challengers Leon Haslam and Michael Rutter.Famous names from motor racing’s past in attendance at Goodwood will include Sir Stirling Moss, Jackie Stewart, Carl Fogarty, Juha Kankkunen, Mick Doohan, Bobby Unser and John Watson. An added theme of this year’s event is the focus on the 50th anniversary of the hugely popular BTCC race series. Stars doing a run up the famous hill include Tom Chilton, Andy Rouse, Anthony Reid, John Cleland Win Percy, John Rhodes and Frank Gardner. For ticket sales and a full summary of the drivers and riders visit www.goodwood.co.uk/fos/

Ronaldo Points Way Forward For Scolari

Luiz Felipe Scolari may be going into Portugal's UEFA EURO 2008™ campaign without many of the figureheads who served him so well four years ago, but in Cristiano Ronaldo, he insists he has a worthy talisman to take a new golden generation forward.

Faith

Speaking to euro2008.com, Portugal coach Scolari stated his belief in the Manchester United FC player's ability to carry his scintillating form into UEFA EURO 2008™, and to assume the responsibility of being a leader in the team. "He is a young player who has been on a spectacular journey so far in his life," said the Brazilian. "Today he is one of the main reference points for our team."

Inevitable

Scolari said that like former talisman Luís Figo, it was natural Ronaldo would develop leadership skills. "One day he could well be the sole captain of the Portuguese national team," Scolari said. "For now he is part of a group of five team captains, with some of the older players in the group. But he has the stature to do it. Whoever the captain was, whether it was Fernando Couto or whoever else, he [Ronaldo] has already assumed positions of responsibility. A team captain is formed naturally. Figo didn't need to wear the armband either. He imposed his presence with the quality he has."

Great future

Ronaldo's development, according to Scolari, is in tune with the changes in the Portugal side as a whole since UEFA EURO 2004™. Though many feared the end of the much-discussed golden generation would weaken Portugal, Scolari always had faith in the talent coming through. "We have great players with excellent qualities, who have great futures ahead of them," he said. "I don't know for sure if we will, but we will probably have players who can form another golden generation."

Repeat performance

The 59-year-old admitted the experience of the likes of Figo, Rui Costa and Pauleta would be missed, but he believes his current side's youthfulness could be an advantage as they look to improve on Portugal's run to the final four years ago. "What we have today is a group who still have great technical quality but less experience than the players of four years ago. [The younger players] are privileged from a physical perspective. If we have confidence in ourselves I'm sure we can reach another final in this competition."

Goalscoring options

Nor is the Portugal coach worried about goalscoring being a problem, despite the retirement of all-time top scorer Pauleta. "We have quality. In fact, we have probably four of the best ten wingers in the world," said Scolari who believes the likes of Simão, Nani and Ricardo Quaresma can be key in taking Portugal out of Group A and beyond. "We have the quality to go all the way to the final, and to win the final, because we have players in all sectors of the pitch who can score goals."

Mazda Extends RX-8 Warranty

Mazda North American Operations will extend the warranty on the rotary engine for the RX-8 sports car to eight years and 100,000 miles. The warranty takes effect on the 2009 model. It also is retroactive for the 2004-08 model years.
The warranty covers the rotary engine core, rotary housing and internal parts, and the internal seals and gaskets, according to a letter sent to dealers obtained by RX8club.com.
RX-8 owners who have repaired their engines in the period covered by the extended warranty can make a claim for reimbursement, the letter states.
While the rotary engine is smooth in its power delivery, owners have complained that it also is prone to coolant seal failures and sudden power drop-offs. Initial reaction from owners to the extended warranty was favorable.

Porsche Detailed New 911 Carrera Info

Two days after the current 911 received J.D. Power and Associates' 2008 initial quality crown, Porsche disclosed details on the updated 2009 model coming in September.

Four new 911 Carrera versions will feature more powerful engines that for the first time get direct fuel injection. The 2009 911 also gets Porsche's new seven-speed double-clutch gearbox.
Porsche will boost the price of the new 911 by $2,100 for the entry Carrera Coupe, to $76,460, including shipping. The costliest Carrera, the S Cabriolet, increases by $2,700 to $97,660.
Other numbers, according to Porsche:
• A 911 Carrera with the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the Porsche-Doppelkupplung, or PDK, will sprint from 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Its 3.6-liter engine makes 345 horsepower, 20 hp more than the current model.
• A 911 Carrera S with the PDK will make the 0-60 mph run in 4.3 seconds -- 0.2 seconds faster than the car equipped with the six-speed manual, Porsche says.
• The car's 3.8-liter engine makes 385 hp, up 30 hp from the current model. Porsche says the 911 Carrera S now has a top speed of 188 mph.
There are other changes to the 911: light-emitting diodes for the daytime driving lights; larger air intakes in the front bumper; and a dual-arm design on the door-mounted rear view mirrors. Inside, there's a new version of the audio control system with a touch screen, Bluetooth technology, and USB and digital music player connections.

Toyota May Bolster Truck Plant With Camrys

Toyota is considering a plan to add production of its strong-selling Camry to its under-utilized pickup, SUV and minivan plant in Princeton, Ind., a supplier source says.
Mike Goss, spokesman for Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, declined to confirm the plan. But he added, "We are looking at a lot of things to balance production."
The Camry, which sold 51,291 units in May, is assembled in Georgetown, Ky., and also at a dedicated assembly line at Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. in Lafayette, Ind.
Falling sales of the Tundra full-sized pickup has cut production at Toyota's two-shift Princeton plant. Built at two U.S. plants, the Tundra declined 31.5 percent in May. Princeton also assembles the Toyota Sienna minivan and the Toyota Sequoia full-sized SUV.

Oil Prices Reach $139.12!

Oil and gasoline prices are exploding, again.

Crude oil could reach $150 by the Fourth of July, Morgan Stanley analyst Ole Slorer wrote in a research note on Friday, June 6. Crude oil prices surged more than $11 on Friday to $139.12 a barrel, setting another record. Prices closed the day at $138.54, up $10.75.
Oil could continue to spike because Asia is "taking an unprecedented share" of Middle East exports, Slorer wrote. Oil also rose after an Israeli minister said an attack on Iran may be necessary, according to Bloomberg News.
The latest record breaks a previous high set on May 22 before the Memorial Day driving season began.
Gasoline prices have set records of their own, although it will be at least another week before the national average of regular unleaded gasoline eclipses $4.
As of today, regular unleaded gasoline averaged $3.98 across the country, up 37 cents from a month ago. Midgrade went up 39 cents to $4.23 a gallon. Premium averaged $4.38, up 40 cents from a month ago.
Diesel averages fell to $4.76 a gallon, down 3 cents from a new high that was set last week. The price of diesel is still up 52 cents from a month ago, according to AAA, of Heathrow, Fla.
E85 was priced at $3.29, which is up 12.2 cents from last month. The adjusted price of E85 averaged $4.33 a gallon, up 16 cents from a month ago. The price of E85 is adjusted to reflect the fuel's lower energy content compared with gasoline.
AAA's Daily Fuel Gauge Report provides national average fuel prices based on data from as many as 85,000 filling stations nationwide.
Drivers in Kailua Kona, Hawaii, are seeing the highest pump prices in the United States at $4.74 a gallon, a 15 cent increase from a nationwide high it set two weeks ago. Virginia Beach, Va., has the lowest gasoline prices in the nation at $3.59 a gallon, according to www.GasPriceWatch.com. The Web site relies on volunteers to report gasoline prices nationwide.

Heavy Rains Pound Hong Kong

Heavy rains unleashed flooding and landslides early Saturday in Hong Kong, shutting down roads and air traffic throughout the territory, officials said.
Rescuers were searching for two people believed trapped after a roadside store that collapsed in torrential rains in the New Territories suburb, authorities said.
"The heavy rainfall has loosened the mud. There's a chance of further landslides. It makes the operation more difficult," fire commander Tam Yiu-kei said.
Flooding disrupted traffic at Hong Kong International Airport, with a highway to the airport covered in muddy water. Several cars were trapped on the highway, Hong Kong Cable TV footage showed.
More than 150 flights were delayed, and one inbound flight was canceled, authorities said.

The storm, fueled by a trough of low pressure over the South China Sea, caused almost 40 landslides and 125 floods across the territory, government spokeswoman Suzanne Lee said.
Nearly 12 inches of rain fell Saturday morning, according to the Hong Kong Observatory, which issued rainstorm and landslide warnings.
Hong Kong's rainy season usually takes place between April and September.

FUEL PRICE HIKE!

Protest by DAP over rise in fuel prices

Led by DAP parliamentarians, they started gathering about 11.15am before marching 200 metres along the road, carrying a banner denouncing the increase in fuel prices. About 20 police personnel, including members from the Light Strike Force, were on standby. Speaking to reporters after the march, Member of Parliament for Cheras, Tan Kok Wai urged the government to review the price hike. He warned that there would be more street protests and possibly civil unrest, if they failed to do so. He said there would be demonstrations in Ampang and Kampung Baru tomorrow.Other DAP MPs present were Dr Tan Seng Giaw (Kepong), Lim Lip Eng (Segambut), Fong Kui Lun (Bukit Bintang) and Teresa Kok (Seputeh), and Teratai assemblyman Janice Lee.Kok also condemned the government's move to scrap the subsidies to RapidKL. "There will be an increase in bus fares as a result. Again, the people will have to bear the financial burden," she said.In Sungai Petani, police warned the public to stay away from any street demonstrations to protest the increase in fuel price.Kuala Muda district police chief Assistant Commissioner Hashim Ali said the police had not received any application to hold any gathering.It was reported in Harakah Daily's official website that Kedah Pas Youth chief Musoddak Ahmad planned to hold a gathering here today to protest the fuel hike.Musoddak was quoted as saying the gathering would be held after Friday prayers at Masjid Sultan Muzaffar Shah here. He also said those taking part would participate in a walk from the mosque to the Clock Tower here.

Robben Ready To Fly Again

In the Netherlands' UEFA EURO 2008™ warm-up matches, one player has caught the eye more than any other – winger Arjen Robben.

Sparking to life
The 24-year-old has been fast and direct, displaying a willingness to dribble past opponents whenever possible. Robben, who won the Primera División with Real Madrid CF alongside Wesley Sneijder and Ruud van Nistelrooy, returned to Oranje action in style against Denmark on 29 May. He set up Van Nistelrooy's opener in that 1-1 draw, then scored his ninth goal in 33 internationals against Wales four days later. It was form recalling his youthful best, before the injuries that limited him to 12 league starts in his first season with Real Madrid.

Happy return
"I feel very strong and fit now," the former FC Groningen, PSV Eindhoven and Chelsea FC flier told euro2008.com. "I have been out of international football because of injuries for far too long. I am delighted to be back with the squad after more than six months." Robben's previous outing for Marco van Basten's team had been the UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifier against Slovenia on 17 October. He attributes his recovery to a tip from former FC Twente coach Fred Rutten, who contacted Robben's father to recommend an osteopath from his own playing days. "He worked with me for some time and unlocked certain parts of my back, and that has been a big help," said the wide man.

'On the right track'
The collective picture, as well as the personal, gives Robben hope for the Netherlands' Group C tests to come. "We have put in some good performances, we have shown good things and we have improved where necessary, so we are on the right track," he said. "But whether that will be enough, we will only find out during the group stage." The Oranje's first game is against world champions Italy in Berne on Monday, before meetings with France on 13 June and Romania four days later. "Obviously Italy are a very strong footballing nation and, as a team, they are always very well-organised," the winger continued. "But they are not the only strong side at EURO and everyone is here to win it."

Cannavaro sympathy
For all his desire for Dutch success, Robben takes no pleasure in the misfortune of Italy captain and Real Madrid team-mate Fabio Cannavaro – ruled out of the tournament this week with an ankle injury. "I did not find that good news at all," he said. "It is very sad as I know what it means to miss out on things through injury. But Italy have enough quality to replace him, they can cope. The match against Italy is going to be about the small details, which in the end will decide who will win. It will not be easy for either side."

Citroen Facelifts C2 And C3 Ranges

Citroen puts the C2 and C3 line-ups under the knife and offers more equipment too

There’s a shake-up on the cards at Citroen this summer! The C2 city car and C3 supermini line-ups are being updated with sportier looks, a fresh choice of upgraded trims, new equipment and new body colours across the board. The entire C2 hot-hatch range has been given a sporty facelift and trim levels reduced to include just Vibe, Rhythm, VTR and VTS models. The revamped VTS will concentrate on economy, returning 64.2 mpg and will include a new filter system that virtually eliminates particle emissions, plus there’s also Stop-Start technology available with the Rhythm.The C3 supermini range welcomes a 92bhp 1.6HDi diesel engine for the Rhythm along with reduced CO2 emission levels of 118g/km to match its new superior performance. The Vibe and Exclusive complete the line-up, both with a host of interior upgrades. The soft-top C3 Pluriel line-up has been reduced to the Code and Cote d’Azur – the latter getting a new 1.4-litre, 70bhp HDi diesel motor and a mild makeover, as well as increased equipment levels. All models will be going on sale this summer with prices starting from £8,795 for the C2, £9,695 for the C3 and £13,295 for the Pluriel.

Renault Laguna Coupe

Renault's flagship coupé enjoys a trip around Monaco after its glamorous unveiling

Following on from our official pictures last week, these images show Renault's Laguna Coupé in action on the streets of Monaco after its unveiling at the 61st Cannes Film Festival in France.
Due to go on sale in the UK in November, it will battle for sales with the TT and new Volkswagen Scirocco. But the Coupé hasn’t lost any of the head-turning looks that made the original concept such a crowd-puller at the Frankfurt Motor Show last September. It gets a sleek profile and a smooth nose, and is daring and desirable, with shades of Aston Martin’s V8 Vantage from the rear.At the front, the slim headlights stretch back into the bonnet. They’re accompanied by two neat foglamps, while a broad grille dominates the bumper. In profile, the Coupé shows off a steeply raked roofline and small windows, which give it a chunky yet athletic stance. At the rear, there are narrow LED tail-lights and a distinctive lip to the bootlid.Measuring 4.6 metres long, 1.4m high and 1.83m wide, the Laguna Coupé is similar in size to the BMW 3-Series, albeit slightly narrower. And as well as that model, the TT and Scirocco, Renault hopes the car will tempt buyers away from the Mazda RX-8, Peugeot 407 Coupé and forthcoming Hyundai two-door.The show car’s scissor doors have been dropped in favour of conventional items, and the interior isn’t quite as dramatic, but the Laguna still features a classy driving environment. It’s effectively an upmarket version of the cabin design seen in the Laguna hatchback, so it’s clearly laid out and finished to a high standard.In the back, the Coupé’s 2+2 layout means there is some space for passengers, while up front, the driving position is lower than in the hatch to provide a sportier feel. Expect generous standard equipment, including climate control, keyless starting, Blue-tooth phone connectivity and the latest satellite navigation systems.As for the driving experience, Renault will be keen to build on the reputation it gained when developing hot hatches such as the Renaultsport Clio and Mégane. So expect agile handling, plenty of involvement and a fine ride. Flagship versions of the car will be available with the same Active Drive four-wheel-steering system as the GT-spec Laguna hatchback.Engines are also set to be shared with the five-door model, so buyers can choose from a 168bhp 2.0-litre turbo-charged petrol unit or a 2.0-litre dCi diesel in 128bhp and 148bhp guises. However, Renault has brought in two powerful new V6 engines for top-of-the-range models.The first is a 3.5-litre petrol unit derived from that used in partner firm Nissan’s 350Z. It boasts 240bhp and 330Nm of torque. There will also be a 3.0-litre V6 diesel delivering 235bhp and 450Nm of torque.Both are linked to automatic gearboxes, and will be capable of propelling the car from 0-60mph in less than seven seconds. Prices have yet to be confirmed, but the Laguna Coupé will cost more than the equivalent hatchback. So entry-level versions are set to start at around £22,000 when they arrive in UK dealers in November.

BMW M1 Set For Green Light

German giant is gearing up to take on the Audi R8 and Porsche 911

German giant BMW is poised to hit the road with its stunning M1 supercar. Sources within the company claim that bosses are ready to give the green light to a production version of the recently unveiled M1 Hommage concept. The mid-engined newcomer will rival the Audi R8 and Porsche’s next-generation 911, which is due to hit showrooms in 2011.A range of hi-tech new engines will be fitted under the rakish bodywork, with entry-level cars getting a development of the brand’s 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six. Buy-ers looking for more performance may be able to choose the 4.0-litre V8 from the M3, with the model possibly badged M1 CSL. Diesel and hydrogen fuelled variants could also appear. If, as expected, the car gets the go-ahead, the first production models will hit showrooms in 2013.

Renault Takes Wraps Off Ultimate Megane

Renaultsport bid farewell to Megane in style with this storming hot hatchback

The Megane is going out with a bang! A new model is due in early 2010, so the firm's Renaultsport division is preparing a fitting send-off for the current car. The R26.R Ultima Edition has a 2.0-litre turbo engine with 255bhp and 335Nm of torque - up from the 230bhp and 310Nm of the standard R26.
The new car keeps the limited slip diff and Brembo brakes, but 60kg has been shed with the removal of the rear seats, plus the addition of lighter 18-inch alloys, polycarbonate windows and a carbon fibre roof. Track fans can also fit a titanium exhaust and grippier tyres. The Ultima debuts at October's Paris Motor Show.

New Porsche 911

The legendary rear-engined sportscar has gone under the knife - and Auto Express has all the details.

Evolution rather than revolution - that’s always been Porsche’s approach with its legendary 911. And the latest facelifted version of the famous rear-engined sportscar is no different.
These are the first official pictures of the new Carrera and Carrera S and, as you can see, you’ll need to be looking closely to spot the changes.
At the front both models get a subtly reprofiled front bumper and grille, while revised headlamps, indicators and tail lights get LED bulbs.
But the big news is under the skin. For the first time ever, the German firm is offering a rapid-shifting dual clutch gearbox as an option.
Called PDK (Porsche Doppler Kupplings), the seven-speed unit is a development of a system first used 20 years ago in the brand’s Le Mans racers. Using either the gearlever or paddles mounted on the redesigned steering wheel, drivers can now change ratios around 60 percent faster than with the old Tiptronic semi-auto set up.
To make the most of the new transmission, engineers at the company have upped the power on the car’s trademark flat-six motor. A range of tweaks, including the addition of direct injection, mean that the output from the Carrera’s 3.6-litre motor increases by 20bhp to 345bhp, while the 3.8-litre S is boosted to 385bhp, which is a 30bhp rise.
Performance is blistering, the Carrera and higher-powered S hitting 0-62mph in 4.7 and 4.5 seconds respectively.
Best of all, the revisions also mean fuel consumption is reduced by around 12 percent across the range.
Both the coupe and the convertible versions of the Carrera models benefit from the upgrades, while the faster Turbo, GT3 and GT2 remain in the line-up unchanged.
Expect to see the first examples hit UK showrooms later this year, with prices starting at £63,070 and rising to £77,650.