While none of the lap timings set at the German Nurburgring racetrack are officially sanctioned, small-time carmaker Gumpert claims that their new Gumpert Apollo Sport has set a new lap record for a road-legal production car at the track, timed and reported by German magazine Sport-Auto.
Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group, has become the fourth largest auto manufacturer in the world. Based on figures from the Automotive News Data Centre, the Korean carmaker has overtaken Ford, which saw its sales fall by more than 30% in 2009.
A wild horse collided with a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution rally car, causing the animal to be catapulted 9 metres into the air, during the Argentine Rally in South America. Driver Federico Villagra slammed his rally car straight into the horse, which was seriously injured and had to be put down. Two other horses narrowly avoided striking the car. The crash did not injure the driver, but the incident cost him 30 seconds during the race.
Two years after showing off the 308 RCZ concept car at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, Peugeot will present the production Peugeot RCZ coupé at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. Also debuting alongside the RCZ are the RCZ hybrid concept, the 3008 hybrid concept, the all-new 5008 minivan, and low-emission versions of existing models, namely the 207 ’99g’, 107 ‘106g’, 308 ‘120g’, 407 ‘129g’ and 3008 ‘130g.’
Kia has launched a new “premium” compact crossover hatchback-MPV called the Kia Venga, which will go on sale in Europe later this year.
Spyker Cars, Dutch manufacturer of exclusive, handcrafted sports cars since 2000, has introduced the first prototype of the Spyder version of its all-new sports car, the Spyker C8 Aileron. The Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder was unveiled at the 59th Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance show in the United States.
Bentley Motors unveiled their all-new 2011 Mulsanne flagship luxury sedan at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance in Monterey, California. Although the aging Arnage ends production this year, Bentley vehemently denies that the Mulsanne is a direct replacement, but “will be positioned at the pinnacle of the ultra-luxury segment.”
Infiniti showed off images of the next-generation 2011 Infiniti M luxury sedan at the 59th Annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance show in the United States. This is actually the third generation of Infiniti’s M, though it has only been on sale in the GCC for the last few years in its second-generation form.
While owners of vintage Porsche racecars gathered at the 2009 Monterey classic car event in the United States, Porsche and Qatar Holding LLC signed an agreement in Germany whereby the Qatari government will acquire 10% of Porsche shares.
The distinguished Nick Alexander Woodie Collection was auctioned off this August, at the 2009 Monterey classic car event in the United States, achieving in excess of $7 million in total sales. It is a good opportunity to witness the popular wood-panel trim sported by various cars are the time.